Architectural Masterpiece – 725 Greenleaf: Glencoe Real Estate

More information HERE and HERE

Ready to Sell? Top 5 Spring Prep Tips Before Listing: North Shore Real Estate

Chicago North Shore real estate is well within the spring buying and selling season.  North Shore Realtors may often advise clients of five basic principles to get your home in top “list ready” condition. Buyers and sellers alike are out right now (on-line and in-person) perusing real estate options on places like Zillow and Trulia. Using these tips can promote a competitive standing in the market and make buyers appreciate the thoughtful preparation by doing the following:

1. Clean and Organize. Eliminate any clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large pictures or photos, out-of-season clothes, non-used kitchen items, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or even the basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, flooring, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house sparkle. Having a garage sale may even be an option if time permits.

2. Go crazy on the curb appeal. Spring and summer mean getting out and enjoying the weather. It also means every detail of the outside of your home is far more noticeable.  Just put yourself in a potential buyers shoes and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly displayed? Is the address clearly visible from where you are? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrances? Is the walkway free from debris and impediments?

3. Collect needed replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn out, out dated, or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace those things, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be a helpful guide for both parties when negotiations begin.

4. Know where to find your warranties. Collect the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other appliances or equipment that will remain with the house after it’s sold.

 5. A pre-sale home inspection is Key. Be ahead of the game by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good outline of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make needed repairs before an open house begins. The inspection may also be an additional guide for contact negotiation.

The Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office located at 640 Vernon Ave in Glencoe, Illinois-60022; is home  to Gloria Matlin and other top performing North Suburban Realtors. The office has been a high performing real estate resource for the North Shore area for well over 40 years.  Stop in today to discover how they can assist with home buying, home selling, home rentals, market action reports, or just to get info on Chicago’s North Shore communities and things to do/places to go!

Stunning Chicago North Shore Open Houses-Exquisite Glencoe Real Estate History

The North Suburban area became popular with the affluent wanting to escape urban life, beginning after the Great Chicago Fire, and grew rapidly before and just after World War II. Large estates were built, along with lavish homes with well established architects. North Shore-Glencoe remains one of the most sought after and highly educated areas in the United States.

The term Chicago North Shore became common for businesses in numerous nearby inland Chicago suburbs. in the Evanston, Maine, New Trier, Niles and Northfield Townships and in southern Lake County, Illinois, it was common to name themselves “North Shore,” and for real estate and other marketers to use the term for North Shore communities as a frame of location; which caught on and became a confirmed reference to the area. More information HERE and HERE

Watch Chicago’s North Shore on PBS. See more from Geoffrey Baer Tours.

Glencoe-North Shore Market Trends: Update December-January2013

Ideal real estate news for the 2013 New Year…North Shore-Chicago Illinois home sales volume jumped 30.6% compared to previous-year levels in November!  Median prices also increased 7.7% statewide according to the Illinois Association of REALTORS® recent reporting.

The Chicago North Suburban housing market is gaining additional strength with Listings Under Contract up 73.3%, Inventory levels shrinking 36.9%, prices moving higher as the Median Sales Price increased 12.2%, and Market Times down 12.1%. Momentum has been maintained even in historically slow holiday timeframes this year. The trends point to upward figures being seen well into 2013. Although real estate analysts are keeping an eye on listing duration, and fixed rate averages. Confidence continues to soar among local and relocation buyers with the November 2012 mortgage rates at 3.33% for the North Central region. Last November it averaged 4.0%. See image below from Midwest Real Estate Data LLC and The North Shore Barrington Association of Realtors (click to enlarge):

Fifty-five (55) of 102 Illinois counties including the North Shore showed year-over-year home sales increases in November 2012. More than half (54) counties showed year-over-year median price increases including Cook, up 7.9%. See supporting real estate data in the image below. (Provided by MRED and NSBAR) 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 Dec. 7, 2012 for the period Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, 2012 reflected in December 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.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® is a voluntary trade association whose 41,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, the Illinois Association of REALTORS® works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation to safeguard and advance the interest of real property ownership.

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

Glencoe Property for Sale with Historic French Architecture Past-North Shore Real Estate

725 Greenleaf Ave in Glencoe, Illinois 60022, is the quintessential French Eclectic style, French Provincial or French Chateau, fashionable in the 1920s and 1930s. The style was utilized most often in residential architecture and emerged from an increased knowledge of French architecture and an appreciation for French culture.

American soldiers, who had served in France during World War I, returned home with a first-hand familiarity with French domestic architecture, particularly from the Normandy and Brittany regions. In addition, numerous Pacific Northwest architects who designed these homes had received training at the Ecole des Beaux Arts School, the most prestigious fine-arts school in Paris, and came back to America ready to apply what they had learned. Further fueling the popularity of the style was a number of photographic studies of modest French homes which were published both in architectural journals and popular magazines. These photos and commentary provided architects and builders with many models to draw design ideas from.

1918-1940 Sample Design:

The French Eclectic style is rectangular in plan and symmetrical in design, and is at least one-and-a-half stories in height. The main distinguishing characteristic of the style is a massive hip roof with its ridge paralleling the front of the house. The roof incorporates a second floor, which is typically lit by the addition of several dormers. Most of these dormers have segmental or hip roofs, although shed dormers can be found. Commonly, the dormers are located within the plane of the exterior wall and incorporate larger than normal windows.Exterior cladding can be of brick, stucco or clapboard.

Detailing varies from formal classically inspired door surrounds with pediments and pilasters, to a more loose English Tudor flavor with board and baton doors and round arched entry porches. Windows may be either multi-light double-hung sashes or casement style, and are often highlighted by decorative shutters. In order to expand the structure, frequently wings are added to the sides of the main block of the building and are usually subservient in size. Decorative quoins are often found at the buildings corners and near doors and windows.

Washington State Examples:

Feel free to contact Gloria Matlin for a private showing of this lovely east Glencoe property! More info HERE and HERE!

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.

Thinking of Selling? Top 5 Musts Before Listing: North Shore Real Estate

North Shore real estate is well within the spring buying and selling season.  North Shore realtors may often advise clients of five basic principles to get your home in top “list ready” condition. Buyers and sellers alike are out right now (on-line and in-person) perusing real estate options on places like Zillow and Trulia. Using these tips can promote a competitive standing in the market and make buyers appreciate the thoughtful preparation. 

1. Go crazy on the curb appeal. Spring and summer mean getting out and enjoying the weather. It also means every detail of the outside of your home is far more noticeable.  Just put yourself in a potential buyers shoes and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly displayed? Is the address clearly visible from where you are? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrances? Is the walkway free from debris and impediments?

2. Clean and Organize. Eliminate any clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large pictures or photos, out-of-season clothes, non-used kitchen items, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or even the basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, flooring, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house sparkle.

3. Collect needed replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn out, out dated, or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace those things, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be a helpful guide for both parties when negotiations begin.

4. Know where to find your warranties. Collect the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other appliances or equipment that will remain with the house after it’s sold.

 5. A pre-sale home inspection is Key. Be ahead of the game by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good outline of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make needed repairs before an open house begins. The inspection may also be an additional guide for contact negotiation.

The Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office located at 640 Vernon Ave in Glencoe, Illinois-60022; is home base for Gloria Matlin and other top Glencoe realtors. The office has been a best performing real estate resource for the North Shore community for well over 4 decades.  Stop by today to discover how we can assist with home buying, home selling, home rentals, reports, or just to get info on Chicago’s North Shore area things to do/ places to go or eat!

North Shore Real Estate-10 Ways to De-Stress Homebuying

Buying North Shore real estate should be fun, not at all stressful. If you are in the process of searching for your dream home, keep these 10 tips in mind for making the process as peaceful and enjoyable as possible.

1. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy or sell. If you find a home now, don’t second guess, wait on interest rates or the housing market — you may risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The North Shore housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price and a great home won’t stay on the market for long.
2. Find a North Shore realtor you connect with. Home buying is not only a hefty financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the real estate agent you select is both highly skilled, experienced, and a good fit with your personality.
3. No house is ever perfect–accept this fact. If it’s in the ideal Chicago-North Shore location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the boiler needs repair. Make a list of your top “must haves” and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.
4. Your home won’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get too caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room sizes, kitchen finishes, etc. — that you overlook important issues as noise level, location to conveniences, and other aspects that can have a big impact on your lifestyle.
5. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a final decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the property.
6. Choose a home first because you love it; then consider appreciation. A home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live. U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002 and are projected to continue to do so, well into the future.
7. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is certainly a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on an offer may cost you more in the long run. Negotiation is about give and take.
8. Plan for the future. Don’t procrastinate or wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, researched home insurance, or setup a schedule for your move. Also, presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved circumstances will make your bid far less attractive to sellers.
9. Don’t forget maintenance/repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself without a plan “B” or worse, let your home deteriorate.
10. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the very first time, is a big financial step. The great plus is that yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to purchase a home and what made you fall in love with your selected property in the first place.

If you need additional guidance or tips on buying a home, renting a home, North Shore homes for sale, or even to review housing market conditions for North Shore real estate, feel free to visit our office located at 640 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, Illinois 60022. Our Coldwell Banker real estate branch has been a trusted community resource for over 40 years.

Select a Realtor With These 10 Tips: North Shore-Chicago Real Estate

Sure, Realtors can facilitate a great deal, when it comes to selling or buying a North Shore home. But to help with one of the largest transactions in your life,  you should do a little homework before engaging in a business relationship for such an important purchase. An effective Realtor can assist in determining an appropriate asking price, stage a house to sell and market the property properly.

It’s recommended that sellers interested in using the help of a real estate agent or a Realtor (the proper name of an agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors) should interview at least three top agents before choosing one.

To find these potential Realtors, first ask neighbors for references, or attend open houses in your neighborhood. Strike up conversations with colleagues who have recently sold homes nearby. Once you have a list of Chicago-North Shore Realtors, set up interviews with individual agents.

Below are a 10 questions to ask before choosing a realtor:

1. How well do you know the neighborhood?
2. What are your plans for marketing my house?
3. How much do you think I should ask for this house and how do you justify that price? Can I see the data?
4. Will you be going to the closing with me or will you send an associate?
5. With whom will I communicate in the office?
6. What have you sold lately?
7. How much experience do you have?
8. What percentage of sales have closed?
9. What is the average time the homes were on the market?
10. How do you plan to market this house among your colleagues?

Look the agent up by name on the Internet, check their websites and reviews/feedback. Look for Realtors who not only give information, data, reports and statistics about their listings but also can provide valuable data about their region — both the good and the bad. You want an agent who knows their primary selling locations.

After looking on the Web, call Realtors who seem like a good fit. Recap the conversation. Do you hit it off? Do you feel like they’re trustworthy? Can you communicate well? Remember, you might be spending long hours with this individual. Having confidence in your North Shore Realtor, as well as feeling comfortable with him or her, can help you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.

Gloria Matlin’s office is located at 640 Vernon Ave in downtown Glencoe, Illinois.  Our high-ranking, top performing, Coldwell Banker Real estate office has been providing superb service for over forty years. Let us show you our level of optimal Chicago’s North Shore real estate market expertise. More information on selecting a realtor can be found HERE