Home Buyers and Sellers in Today’s North Shore Real Estate Market- 3 Things to Know

Here on Chicago’s North Shore the real estate market is favorable for both buyer and seller alike. North shore agents are seeing busier open houses, quicker sales, even multiple offers.
But like houses, no two North shore sellers or buyers are exactly the same. Having a grasp of the mindset of both, can ease the North Shore real estate navigation process a bit. With the help of an experienced solidly performing North Shore Realtor, below are three scenarios sellers and buyers should be aware of in today’s market:

1. Buyers can be sellers and sellers become buyers

Often, sellers feel the same amount of stress or excitement that buyers feel because they’re somewhere in the buying process, too. Though some sellers may want to take additional time and become renters after their sale is complete, many will get back in the homeowner game soon after the sale goes through, sometimes immediately. Sellers, as would-be buyers, want to capitalize on low interest rates and home values. Getting the North Shore home sold quickly and at today’s value may be all a seller needs to make a purchase. Though it may be a “sellers’ market in some areas,” most sellers these days have a sense of empathy. They understand the buyer’s position and likely want to get out cleanly and quickly so that they, too, can buy.

2. Sellers are starting to feel relief but with caution

Even the sellers who have successfully sold are well aware of what happened in real estate markets over the past five years; news that the market is changing, and in their favor can be a welcoming incentive for all involved. They’re more hopeful than they were even six months ago. Generally speaking, however, most sellers are still feeling conservative and cautious. They’re more likely to take a bird in the hand than to risk losing a sale because of a knee jerk instant reaction.

3. Advice for both sides

Real estate is a game, in a sense, in which both sides hope to achieve their goals, which is why it always helps to understand your “opponent. Take a moment to size up who the buyer is, how they got there and why they want to buy. Don’t make assumptions. Take a step back. Put yourself in their shoes.

Sellers aren’t the same as they were around 2005, when many were driven by other goals as the market’s rise seemed endless. Don’t go into this market, which is very different from even six months ago, assuming the same rules apply. Consulting with your competent North Shore real estate professional, will put you in the right position for a successful and joyful transaction.

Gloria Matlin, a high ranking real estate performer, can be found at the North Suburban Glencoe Coldwell Banker office – 640 Vernon Ave., 60022. More information HERE

Holiday Buying and Selling Benefits: North Shore Real Estate

As with the rest of the nation, the holidays are upon us on Chicago’s North Shore. Places like Bannockburn, Deerfield, Fort Sheridan, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Wilmette, Winnetka, as well as Lake Forest; will be buzzing with good cheer, places to go, things to do, holiday events and festivals all around. But, real estate still has its place in the hustle and bustle of the season. Now may be one of the best times to buy or sell a North Shore home. The benefits, hows and whys are outlined below:

Tis’ the season for BUYERS during the holidays

Commonly there’s a wider selection of homes to choose from. A peak season for the real estate market, buyers will find there are many more beautiful homes to choose from during the fall and holiday season. There’s no better time to find your dream home! Utilize vacation time to act on your desire to research online or even visit Chicago North Suburban open houses.

Don’t forget year-end tax breaks. Buying property before years’ end yields some great benefits; including property taxes and mortgage interest, both deductible from gross income.

 For SELLERS, the season brings good things

Beautifully decorated homes are certainly more appealing to potential buyers. What is more beautiful and inviting than a North Shore home that’s elegantly decorated for the holidays? The warmth and spirit of the season makes many homes seem even more stunning during this special time of year. With that comes more exposure for your home. Many people enjoy hosting holiday parties for friends, family and co-workers. When you have a “for sale” sign in your yard, it will likely grab the attention of those who are visiting your neighbors or attending holiday parties, including  yours. Usually the serious buyer will shop for a home during the holidays. The fact is if someone is interested in your home during one of the busiest seasons of the year, chances are they are serious. If your home is priced appropriately, the likelihood is high for getting an offer!

An example of North Shore luxury at its best is presented below. The property is an exceptional East Northbrook, IL listing currently for sale. Feel free to contact Gloria Matlin for a private holiday showing!

Click the image to view:

Glencoe-North Shore Market Trends: Update October-November2012

More 2012 Progress! Chicago-North Shore Real Estate home sales increased 15.9% over previous-year performance volume in September of this year, lengthening a top run of more than a year of sales surge, according to the recent Illinois Association of REALTORS® report. In addition the data revealed the North Suburban market, along with other areas of the state had a median home price increase of 2.2 percent!

Continued North Shore real estate market stabilization has held steady for the first nine months of 2012. Prices, interest rates, and consumer confidence are further intensifying the improvements seen in North Shore communities and around other areas within the state of Illinois.

Listings in the North Shore-Barrington region decreased 11.6 percent to 840. Listings Under Contract were up 49.7 percent to 569. Inventory levels shrank 31.9 percent to 3,617 units. The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Shore-North Central region was 3.49% percent in September 2012, down from 3.60 percent seen in August 2012, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Last September in 2011 it averaged 4.09 percent. Supporting North Shore real estate data can be seen in the summary figures from the North Shore Barrington Association of Realtors and Midwest Real Estate Data LLC below (click to enlarge).

In the nine-county Chicago-North Suburban Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) including Cook and Lake, home sales (single family and condominiums) in September 2012 totaled 7,484 homes sold, up 24.0 percent from September 2011 sales of 6,035 homes. Forty-five (45) of 101 Illinois counties reporting showed year-over-year home sales increases in September 2012. See supporting real estate analysis in the figures provided below (click to enlarge).

Sales and price information is generated by Multiple Listing Service closed sales reported by 31 participating Illinois REALTOR® local boards and associations including Midwest Real Estate Data LLC data as of October 7, 2012 for the period September 1 through September 30, 2012 into November 2012. The Chicago PMSA, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, includes the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

Find Illinois housing stats, data and the University of Illinois REAL forecast atwww.illinoisrealtor.org/marketstats.

Gloria Matlin, a top ranked North Shore Chicago Realtor; is your source to review this and other market action reports/conditions.  640 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, Illinois-60022, in the heart of downtown.

Glencoe-North Shore Market Trends: Update July-August2012

Illinois-Chicago’s North Suburban real estate home sales surged 25.5 percent over previous year closed volume and closed sales, indicated by recent housing reports released by the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. More signs that the local North Shore area and state’s housing market are continuing to strengthen.

In the nine-county Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), including Chicago’s North Shore Cook County and Lake County, home sales (single family and condominiums) in July 2012 totaled 8,551 closed sales, up 29.1 percent from July 2011 sales of 6,624 homes. This was the best July performance since 2007 when 14,735 homes were sold in Illinois.

A steady momentum first seen in Jan-June of 2012 is projected to continue well into the remaining portion of this year.  Once again, low interest rates and attractive home prices sustain the North Shore real estate market, a sign of continued growth and strength. The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Central-North Shore region was 3.54 percent in July 2012, down from 3.67 percent during the previous month, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Last year it averaged 4.59 percent. Low inventory rates must be noted as a factor, as this has created a competitive aspect to the North Shore housing market. Inventory levels shrank 30.1 percent to 3,951 units in the Chicago North Shore areas. The image below shows the number of homes available for sale vs the number of homes sold. This information is provided by NSBAR-North Shore Barrington Association of Realtors and MRED-Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (click photo to enlarge):

More than half of Illinois-North Shore counties including Cook reported year-over-year home sales increases in July 2012. New Listings in the North Shore-Barrington region increased 6.3 percent to 1,075. Listings Under Contract were up 43.8 percent to 686. Prices moved higher. The Median Sales Price increased 5.0 percent. Market Times were down 7.1 percent. The supply/demand balance stabilized as Months’ Supply of Inventory was down 44.7 percent to 7.4 months (click photo to enlarge):

Sales and price information is generated by Multiple Listing Service closed sales reported by 31 participating Illinois REALTOR® local boards and associations including Midwest Real Estate Data LLC data as of August  2012 for the period July 1 through July 31, 2012. The Chicago PMSA, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, includes the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

Broker-Associate Gloria Matlin, calls the Coldwell Banker office in Glencoe, Illinois home. This top ranked, best performing, location can be found at 640 Vernon Ave within the downtown center.

My Joys in North Shore Real Estate: Glencoe Top Selling Realtor

Good North Shore real estate news goes hand in hand with spring and summer-time anticipation! Recent North Shore housing reports support that this is one of the best times in history to buy or sell. I am excited about sharing this news with new and repeat home buyers. Mortgage interest rates are at an all time low, and home prices are incredibly attractive! Those factors create positive projections well into 2012, and help to ensure my expertise in new construction and luxury residences is well utilized. I gain a tremendous amount of joy knowing that I can offer real estate services that are welcoming to both buyers and sellers. As a North Shore Realtor, as well as a member of the North Shore community, and proud mother of a New Trier School District Alum; this area shows an abundance of real estate progress in the last few months. This spring surge is typical in a cyclical housing market with activity levels running high when the weather gets even warmer. However, this year’s spring surge is strong and came earlier than last year. Home buyers appear motivated to get back in the market, this is a robust time and I sense the momentum will continue well into the summer! I encourage potential buyers, sellers, and investors to review the supporting data, it speaks volumes. 

For buyers– Keep in mind that with increased interest in the market brings competition. To increase your chances of finding your dream home in a market that may be competitive, and to decrease the odds of you losing out to another buyer:

Review new listings. Check out web sites such as REALTOR.com, Trulia, or Zillow. Browse your local newspaper’s real estate section, and drive through the neighborhood to spot For Sale signs. If you see a home you like, write down the address and your North Shore Realtor will schedule a showing.

Maintain contact with your North Shore Realtor to find out about the newest listings in your ideal area. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market — if it’s a great home, it will go pretty fast.

Overlook a buying frenzy. Just because there may be competition doesn’t mean you should just buy the first thing you see. And even though you could make your offer attractive, don’t overlook inspections or due diligence that help ensure that your dream house is sound.

Be confident and ready to make a decision. Spend a lot of time in advance deciding what are “must haves” or deal breakers, so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

For Sellers– selling a North Shore home or any home for that matter commonly requires that you have several forms, reports, mortgage documents, policies, deeds, and settlement statements all in order. A knowledgeable and experienced North Shore real estate expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. A few pre-selling tasks to note:

Notice curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand in front of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your first impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly maintained? Is the walkway clearly seen? Are pretty objects framing the entrance?

What are your thoughts on this subject?  I look forward to hearing from you!

My North Shore Coldwell Banker Residential real estate office is located in Glencoe, Illinois-640 Vernon Ave. Stop in for help or questions on buying, selling, renting or local area information/mapping.

 

Top 5 Contract Negotiation Tips-North Shore Real Estate

Spring on the North Shore seems to make it all the more profound, buying your first home is an exciting event, even for a seasoned North Shore buyer, it can be a challenging process. Some of the details can be intimidating for a first time real estate purchaser or experienced buyers may have forgotten a few key points. No need to panic, with a little preparation you’ll feel like an expert and you’ll be ready for anything!

The natural focal point of a real estate purchase contract is the selling price of the home, but the price isn’t the only factor that determines the net bottom line for both the buyer and the seller, especially in our current real estate market. Is a bargain for the buyer really a bargain if he or she is paying all the transaction costs? Is a top price for the seller really a top price if the buyer wants all the furniture to be included in the purchase price? Or what if the buyer can’t come up with the down payment or qualify for a mortgage?

Best Tip: Ask your experienced North Shore-Glencoe real estate agent to go over the standard contract with you before you receive or make a purchase offer. That way, you’ll know what to expect and be prepared to negotiate the best deal.

Before you decide to move forward, here are five other bottom-line points to consider:

1. What are the estimated transaction costs and who will pay for what? Typical costs include the brokers’ commission, a home inspection, a termite inspection, escrow or attorney’s fees, a title search, an owner’s title insurance policy, transfer taxes and recording fees. The price tags on these items can vary around the North Shore area. Who pays for what is a matter of both local custom and negotiation.

2. How much money is the buyer putting into escrow and when? A big deposit — called “earnest money” — and a substantial down payment are generally seen as a sign that the buyer is dead serious about completing the transaction. From the seller’s point of view, the more money the buyer places in escrow and the sooner the money is transferred, the better.

3. Is there a mortgage contingency and how specific is it? The mortgage escape clause is a must for buyers, unless they’re paying all cash for the home. Without this contingency, buyers could be legally obligated to purchase the home even if they can’t obtain financing. Further, an open-ended statement that says the buyer will obtain a loan “at the prevailing rate of interest” leaves the buyer completely exposed to interest rate fluctuations. A statement that says the loan must be at an interest rate “not to exceed xx percent” and on specified terms is ideal.

4. Exactly what furniture, fixtures and appliances, if any, are being sold with the property? Technically, anything that’s permanently affixed to or installed in the North Shore home is real property. Everything else is the seller’s personal property. This distinction is a narrow one and it naturally leads to a fair amount of confusion. Are built-in appliances real property or personal property? What about a shelving system? A chandelier? Window coverings? Potted plants in the yard? Sellers who intend to remove anything that’s attached to the home should have that specifically noted  in the contract. And the same goes for buyers who expect to acquire any of the furniture or other movables.

5. What happens if either side breaches the contract? Unless an unmet contingency triggers the abandonment of the contract, it’s a binding legal document. Buyers who fail to perform can lose their deposit or earnest money. Sellers who try to back out could be sued for “specific performance,” which forces the sale of the home to the buyer.

Our top performing Chicago’s north shore realtors provide legendary service and experience. Feel free to stop in our Coldwell Banker Office located at 640 Vernon Ave, Glencoe 60022. Our Glencoe realtor office has been providing outstanding real estate  knowledge for over 45 years. We look forward to assisting you.

Spring Home Buying Frenzy? North Shore Real Estate

North Shore Spring-time home buying is fast approaching. The normal North Shore Real Estate spring home buying season is typically March, April, May and June. The main reason for this timeframe is because many Chicago-North Shore residents take vacations during July and August. Spring 2012 is forecasted to be one of the best home sale seasons on record; and with mortgage interest rates at historic lows, many are paying close attention to North Shore real estate outcomes.

Be ready to jump on the North Shore home you want. Don’t be too indecisive. Don’t try to sleep on it. When you find it, make an offer. Here are other tips to help you navigate The North Shore home buying spring season:

• Get preapproved by a local North Shore lender. It could be a local bank or a local mortgage broker, but don’t try to compete with an online lender approval letter or an out-of-area mortgage lender letter. Offers that contain a local lender’s preapproval letter will probably get top billing.
• Focus on the house, not the owner. Don’t get overwhelmed on whether the home is a foreclosure, a short sale or owned by a traditional North Shore seller. Concentrate on location, location, location, and look for homes that meet your basic requirements. If a market is dominated by foreclosures and short sales, those prices will be the norm among traditional sellers.
• Hire a North Shore neighborhood specialist. All real estate is local. A real estate agent who specializes in the area where you want to buy will be a wealth of information for you. Not to mention, that agent will probably be well-known and respected among the area specialist listing realtors. Working with an agent other agents like is a plus for you.
• Be prepared to pay list. Some buyers focus on how much the seller is asking instead of on how much the home is worth. Ask your agent to show you a CMA of comparable sales to determine actual value. You can’t compare values by other homes on the market because sellers can ask whatever they want. If you are getting the home you want at a price you can afford, whether you pay $1,000 more or less makes no difference in the overall outcome.
• Give the seller something other buyers won’t. There are many terms contained in a purchase offer. Negotiation is not always all about price. You can give the seller a benefit to take your offer without actually waiving your rights. Ask your agent to make suggestions for you. It could be something as small as giving the sellers an extra day to move out.

If you are new to town, you might want to spend a few weekends before the home buying season starts and get to know the Chicago-North Shore area. Talk to people in the street and at restaurants. Visit several real estate offices and interview a few North Shore real estate agents. Use the Internet to do some research. Drive or better walk the neighborhoods you like the best at different times of the day and, if you can, on different days of the week, see if they would fit your lifestyle. If you have children, review the North Shore school districts, or research upcoming things to do or activities like North Shore summer camps and spring/summer classes for 2012.

You can also stop by our Coldwell Banker office for help, guidance and questions on buying a home, selling a home or overall North Shore market conditions.  We are located in Glencoe, Illinois 60022- 640 Vernon Ave. We look forward to assisting you. More info HERE

Real Estate Terms Every Buyer and Seller Should Know: Chicago-North Shore Real Estate

Below are definitions to be familiar with, if you are thinking of or are involved in buying or selling North Shore real estate. Or, just for your general knowledge. There are several terms, commonly used jargon, in the real estate industry that may appear to be a peculiar language all its own:

7/23 and 5/25 Mortgages Mortgages with a one-time rate adjustment after seven years and five years respectively.

3/1 5/1 7/1 and 10/1 ARMs Adjustable rate mortgages in which rate is fixed for three year five year seven year and 10-year periods respectively but may adjust annually after that.

Acceleration The right of the mortgagee (lender) to demand the immediate repayment of the mortgage loan balance upon the default of the mortgagor (borrower) or by using the right vested in the Due on Sale Clause.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) A mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically based on a pre-selected index. Also sometimes known as a renegotiable rate mortgage variable rate mortgage or Canadian rollover mortgage. 

Adjustment Date The date that the interest rate changes on an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM).

Affordability Analysis An analysis of a buyer liabilities and available funds and considers the type of mortgage you plan to use the area where you want to purchase a home and the closing costs that are likely.

Appraisal An estimate of the value of property made by a qualified professional called an “appraiser. based on an appraiser’s knowledge experience and analysis of the property.

Assessment A local tax levied against a property for a specific purpose such as a sewer or street lights.

Assumption Fee The fee paid to a lender (usually by the purchaser of real property) when an assumption takes place.

Bridge Loan A second trust that is collateralized by the borrower’s present home allowing the proceeds to be used to close on a new house before the present home is sold. Also known as “swing loan.”

Buy Down When the lender and/or the home builder subsidized the mortgage by lowering the interest rate during the first few years of the loan. While the payments are initially low they will increase when the subsidy expires. 

Conventional Loan A mortgage not insured by FHA or guaranteed by VA.

Credit Report A report documenting the credit history and current status of a borrower’s credit standing.

Credit Risk Score A credit risk score is a statistical summary of the information contained in a consumer’s credit report. The most well-known type of credit risk score is the Fair Isaac or FICO score. This form of credit scoring is a mathematical summary calculation that assigns numerical values to various pieces of information in the credit report. The overall credit risk score is highly relative in the credit underwriting process for a mortgage loan.

Debt-to-Income Ratio The ratio expressed as a percentage which results when a borrower’s monthly payment obligation on long-term debts is divided by his or her gross monthly income. See housing expenses-to-income ratio.

Deferred Interest When a mortgage is written with a monthly payment that is less than required to satisfy the note rate the unpaid interest is deferred by adding it to the loan balance. See negative amortization.

Earnest Money Money given by a buyer to a seller as part of the purchase price to bind a transaction or assure payment.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) A federal law that requires lenders and other creditors to make credit equally available without discrimination based on race color religion national origin age sex marital status or receipt of income from public assistance programs.

Equity The difference between the fair market value and current indebtedness also referred to as the owner’s interest. The value an owner has in real estate over and above the obligation against the property.

Escrow Payment The part of a mortgagor hazard insurance mortgage insurance lease payments and other items as they become due.

Fixed Rate Mortgage The mortgage interest rate will remain the same on these mortgages throughout the term of the mortgage for the original borrower.

Foreclosure A legal process by which the lender or the seller forces a sale of a mortgaged property because the borrower has not met the terms of the mortgage. Also known as a repossession of property.

Market Value The highest price that a buyer would pay and the lowest price a seller would accept on a property. Market value may be different from the price a property could actually be sold for at a given time.

Preapproval The process of determining how much money you will be eligible to borrow before you apply for a loan.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) In the event that you do not have a 20 percent down payment lenders will allow a smaller down payment – as low as 3 percent in some cases. With the smaller down payment loans however borrowers are usually required to carry private mortgage insurance. Private mortgage insurance will usually require an initial premium payment and may require an additional monthly fee depending on your loan’s structure.

Realtor® A real estate broker or an associate holding active membership in a local real estate board affiliated with the National Association of Realtors.

Survey A measurement of land prepared by a registered land surveyor showing the location of the land with reference to known points its dimensions and the location and dimensions of any buildings.

Third Party Origination When a lender uses another party to completely or partially originate process underwrite close fund or package the mortgages it plans to deliver to the secondary mortgage market.

Title A document that gives evidence of an individual’s ownership of property.

Underwriting The decision whether to make a loan to a potential home buyer based on credit employment assets and other factors and the matching of this risk to an appropriate rate and term or loan amount.

For More information on these terms as well as other mortgage terminology click HERE. Also, feel free to visit our Coldwell Banker office in Glencoe, IL 60022. 640 Vernon Ave in the heart of the downtown area. We can show you how these terms and others can impact a home for sale, rent, or for first time home buyers. Let our legendary 45 years of North Shore Real estate knowledge work for you!

 

 

 

The Importance of Home Inspections:North Shore-Glencoe Real Estate

Especially in today’s North Shore real estate market with various purchase options available and access to immediate information via the internet; before you buy or sell a home, one of the things that should be done is throughly confirming the homes status with an inspection using a licensed inspector. Buying a home is an investment, and selling real estate requires du diligence. The added expense can save thousands if not millions in the long run for both buyer and seller. Below is a list that covers the what, whys and hows when it comes to home inspections. (If  this is your first time buying a home, be sure to take note of these valuable tips):

For Sellers:

Resist the impulse to make quick, cheap repairs before an inspection. You may raise a question that produces undue concern with buyers

10 Tips to Prepare for a Home Inspection 1. Clean debris from gutters and roof 2. Caulk around windows and doors 3. Seal asphalt driveway 4. Clean HVAC filters 5. Seal basement walls 6. Clean the chimney 7. Replace burned out light bulbs 8. Have all documentation on hand for recent repairs and inspections 9. Remove firewood from contact with the house 10. Clear access to attic, crawl space, and garage.

10 Most Common Home Inspection Issues 1. Faulty wiring—open junction boxes, amperage mismatches, no wire nuts on wires. The cure: Fix junction boxes; upgrade to at least 100 amps. 2. Poor grading and drainage—spongy soil around the foundation, signs of leaking in basement. The cure: Regrade so that grounds slopes away from house for 10 feet; remove porous material around foundation. 3. Faulty gutters—clogged or bent gutters, water not channeled away from house. The cure: Preventive maintenance; gutters of adequate size, splash pans to divert run-off. 4. Basement dampness—water stains, powdery residue on walls, mold or mildew. The cure: Repair gutters to channel water away from house; apply waterproof coatings to basement. 5. Roof problems—brittle or curled shingles; broken or missing flashings. The cure: Apply new shingle, or tear off if needed (usually after three re-roofs ); replacing flashings, especially around chimneys and other protrusions. 6. Foundation flaws—cracks in foundation, sloping floors, sticking doors or windows. The cure: Fill cracks with silicon caulking or epoxy; apply waterproof coating to exterior. 7. Poor upkeep—needs repainting, worn carpeting, cracked driveway. The cure: Give the house a minor facelift. 8. Faulty plumbing—inadequate water pressure, slow drains, signs of leaks on ceilings. The cure: Clean and rout drains; reseat toilet with new wax ring, repair leaks. 9. Poor ventilation—extreme heat in attic, vapor condensation. The cure: Ensure that roof soffits are not blocked; install additional roof vents; vent bathroom and kitchen fans outside. 10. Defective heating—cracks in the heat exchanger or water tank; carbon monoxide leaks. The cure: Reseal chimney flues; replace sacrificial anode in water heater.

For Buyers:

Buyers can get extra protection and piece of mind by purchasing a home warranty insurance policy. Such policies may also be a way for sellers to protect themselves from post-sale claims by buyers for defects undetected in home inspections.

Your North Shore realtor can be a source to find a reliable and trusted inspector as well as home warranty policies.

10 Questions to Ask the Home Inspector 1. What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors or National Associaton of Home Inspectors? 2. Do you have a current license? Inspectors are not required to be licensed in every state. 3. How many inspections of properties such as this do you do each year? 4. Do you have a list of past Chicago’s north shore clients I can contact? 5. Do you carry professional errors and omission insurance? May I have a copy of the policy? 6. Do you provide any guarantees of your work? 7. What specifically will the inspection cover? 8. What type of report will I receive after the inspection? 9. How long will the inspection take and how long will it take to receive the report? 10. How much will the inspection cost?  More HOME INSPECTIONS TIPS FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS..HERE

For a list of  North Shore real estate resources, feel free to visit our Coldwell Banker Office located at 640 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, Illinois

Curb Appeal Still Rules-Top Tips for Fall Upkeep

If your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression, everyone — including potential homebuyers — will want to see what’s inside. Your home’s appearance has a psychological effect on anyone that sees it. If the exterior of the house and yard is well-maintained, people enter the home with positivity, believing the interior will measure up to the standards set outside. If the exterior looks poorly maintained, one may enter the home with a negative mindset, specifically looking for problems.
Check out these simple, low-cost improvements that you can do in a day, a week, or a month.
In a Day: Create perfect symmetry

Symmetry is not only pleasing to the eye, it’s also the simplest to arrange. Symmetrical compositions of light fixtures and front-door accents create welcoming entryways. This door is flanked by two sidelights. The black lantern-style sconces not only safely guide visitors to the door, but also coordinate with the black door and urns.

In a Day: Replace old hardware

House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior. If they’re out of date or dingy, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones.

In a Day: Dress up the front door

Your home’s front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Make a statement by giving your front door a blast of color with paint or by installing a custom wood door. Clean off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures. Your entry should also reflect the home’s interior, so choose a swag or a wreath that reflects your personal style.

In a Day: Do a mailbox makeover

Mailboxes should complement the…MORE