Holiday-New Years Events-Last Minute Gift Ideas: Chicago’s North Shore

Your one stop guide of things to do, see and experience on the North Shore this holiday season.  Need last-minute gift ideas? We’ve got you covered.  Need things do or see with the kids/guests while on holiday vacation or through the weekend(s)?  Check out the top list below. How about a list of North Shore or Chicago New Year’s Eve celebrations….sure thing, that’s listed here too!

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS:

-Gifts for adults

-Gifts for kids or families

-Gifts for ticket events

-Down to the last second gifts

THINGS TO DO OVER THE HOLIDAYS:

-Theater

-General Area Family Fun

-Santa-Winter Activites

-Adult Activities

NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS:

-Family Friendly New Year’s

-Comedy

-New Year’s Dinner Spots

-Night Out Packages

-New Year’s Ticket Events

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST NORTH SHORE REAL ESTATE DREAMS IN 2013!!

Glencoe-North Shore Market Trends: Update Jan-February2012

The year starts off with a bang and more good news..December Illinois Home Sales Mark the Sixth Month of continual year-over-year gains . Sales in the Chicago-North Shore area up 1.3 %!

The Illinois Association of Realtors latest review shows that statewide home sales (including single family and condominiums) in December 2011 totaled 8,828 homes sold, up 14.0 percent from 7,746 home sales in December 2010. Unseasonably warmer weather, historically low mortgage rates and attractive market pricing led to a sixth straight month of increases in home sales, according to data released by the Illinois Association of REALTORS® (IAR) today.

The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Central-North Shore region was 3.94 percent in December 2011, down from 4.0 percent during the previous month, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Last year in December it averaged 4.80 percent. The mortgage rates dropped again this week ending January 20th with rates averaging 3.88 percent!

“Housing market forecasts for January, February and March 2012 for Illinois and the Chicago PMSA suggest that sales volume will be significantly higher than the same period last year, although prices will still be lower than a year ago. Until these foreclosed properties and additions expected in 2012 clear the market, sustained upward movement in prices will be unlikely,” said Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) of the University of Illinois.

More than half of Illinois counties reporting including North Shore, cook county (52 of 100) showed year-over-year home sales increases in December 2011. Forty-three (43) counties showed year-over-year median price increases. “December ended the year with an optimistic showing of North Shore buyers coming out and making decisions about investing in a home. “While the year-end numbers for 2011 were down over 2010, a positive upward trend in sales toward the end of the year is a great indicator of a strong 2012 winter and spring season for buyers and sellers, alike, looking to get off the fence,” said REALTOR® Bob Floss, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.

In the city of Chicago, December 2011 home sales (single family and condominiums) totaled 1,536, up 6.4 percent from 1,444 homes sold in December 2010. The city of Chicago average or median home sale price for December 2011 was $156,000, down 6.2 percent compared to December 2010 when it was just $166,250.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® is a voluntary trade association. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members in conjunction with the multiple listing service MLS, the Illinois Association of REALTORS® works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation that safeguards and advances the interest of real property ownership.

Find Illinois housing stats/analysis/data/reports/outcomes marking January through February of 2012 and the University of Illinois REAL forecast at www.illinoisrealtor.org/marketstats.

You may also stop by our Glencoe Coldwell Banker office for an in-depth explanation of this report or for specific reporting in a North Shore area or town.  We are located at 640 Vernon Ave in beautiful downtown Glencoe, Illinois.

 

Top 5 Winter Renovations That Pay Off Big-North Shore Real Estate Trends

There is always something that can be improved upon. When you spend a little time in your North Shore home on vacation or on the weekends, you are bound to find a improvement project or two that can keep you busy. And that’s usually what happens during the winter especially right before or after the holidays, people want their houses to look their best, and any indoor project that doesn’t require windows to be open or walls to be taken down are good ones to think about. More importantly it’s vital to think of the projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but will also get a big bang for your North Shore real estate investment buck in the long-term.

While doors and floors fit that category, be warned that any door that’s hung in the winter might be a bit of a tight fit in the summer, when humidity can expand the wood. So, be cautious of starting wood projects.

There are plenty of other home improvement projects that can keep you busy during the winter months. Here are the top 5 suggestions for high REO (return on investment) this season:

1. Install a programmable thermostat: It’s always a bit of a shock when you get that first utility bill in the colder months. If you haven’t already taken steps to save energy, an easy project, is installing a thermostat that allows you to automatically set the temperature for different times of the day. By having the heat programmed to go on when you get up in the morning, then off when you leave for the day, then back on when you arrive home, you can keep the temperature of your home constant. This type of project is an easy do-it-yourself project. It’s just a couple of low-voltage wires, so it’s really something anyone can handle, and some of them cost as low as $25. It can pay for itself in a month or two.

2. Insulate your water heater: Another way to save energy is to lower the temperature of your water heater, and insulate it. The ideal temperature is 120 degrees. It doesn’t cost you anything to turn it down, and by wrapping it in insulation, you can ensure that the water stays hot when it is not being used. You can buy insulation kits at your local North Shore-Glencoe hardware store.

3. Paint a room: This is the greatest winter project, it’s a great cure for the midwinter blues. And a $50 investment in paint can dramatically transform a room. When you are spending more time inside, you have more time to look at what needs to be refreshed. This is a quick, do-it-yourself project and a small investment can make a big difference.

4. Refinish the basement: Need a contractor for a project? Find one in the winter, contractors are slower in the winter, and one project that’s especially popular is refinishing the basement — you can often find someone to take this on. Of course, the ever-popular bathroom and kitchen remodels, are seasonless, and sometimes endless, can also be started in winter (as long as a wall doesn’t need to be knocked out).

5. Get organized: So many people resolve to get organized at the New Year and winter is a great time to actually take action on that resolution. There are so many great modular closet-organizing systems, a project like this is a great antidote to North Shore cabin fever. You can clear up the clutter in a room or a closet, and make it look like you have twice the space you did to begin with; a sure-fire way to attract potential buyers, a total sellers edge…MORE IDEAS

Last Minute Thanksgiving Planning and Things to Do-Chicago’s North Shore

Sure, it’s just a day and 1/2 away, but you still may have a little time…..

If you’re still a fence sitter, it’s time to make a decision.  This is no time to discuss North Shore real estate, market trends/reports, what properties are for sale or rent, or even the status on foreclosures/short sales. Are you eating in or going out? hosting? Children involved? Are you cooking yourself or picking up and bringing in? So many decisions to make.  Lucky for you, below is a list that can make it better. So whether you’re roasting an organic turkey, bellying up to the buffet, or simply being a gracious host for the weekend; the links below should shed some light on things to do and places to go for the holiday:

Thanksgiving Reservations
Big Jones (Chicago/Andersonville) 5-course, family-style Southern Thanksgiving dinner. $46 per person, $20 for kids under 12.
Deleece Restaurant (Chicago/Lakeview) 3-course meal with family-style shared sides, $35, kids menu $8.
Di Pescara (Northbrook) Traditional favorites with “delicious twists.” $34.95 per person, half price for the under 12 crowd.
Flatlanders (Lincolnshire) Traditional American feast with carving stations. $29 for adults, $14 for kids.
Forge Club (Vernon Hills) Thanksgiving buffet, music and magic.
Jacky’s on Prairie (Evanston) 3-course tasting menu for $42.

 LM Restaurant (Chicago/Lakeview) 4-course “gastro-bistro” menu. $45 per person.
Maggiano’s Old Orchard (Skokie) 3-course traditional Thanksgiving meal with Italian accents. $36.95 for adults, $17.95 ages 5-12.
McCormick & Schmick’s (Skokie) Traditional 3-course Thanksgiving dinner. $23.95 for adults, $7.95 for kids.
Pavilion Restaurant (Northbrook) 3-course meal with unlimited wine; live entertainment. $42 per person.
Pensiero Ristorante (Evanston) 3-course prix fixe; mix of modern Italian and traditional American dishes. $49 per person.

Things To Do

For kids of all ages: Try Dr. Suess & The Art of Invention at the Museum of Science and Industry. Adults will enjoy the trip back in time and the insight into Suess’ creativity, while younger kids will be in awe of their favorite characters up close!

For the family: They’re not laughing AT you, they’re laughing WITH you—take in an early dose of holiday madness with “Seasons Greetings” at Northlight Theatre in Skokie.
Tweens, teens and up: A theatre experience like no other this weekend, the Piccolo Theatre’s presentation of “Space Wars: The Panto!” is guaranteed to offer a sci-fi good time.
Tree Lightings: There’s something about kicking off the holiday season in the comfort of your own community, with friends and neighbors:Evanston, November 22

A shopper’s delight: Gear up for Black Friday! If that’s still not enough, try the Bucktown Bazaar, an Etsy-like experience complete with kids’ entertainment.

Everyone likes a parade: The 78th McDonalds Thanksgiving Parade kicks off at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day.

Need more Ideas?  See Makeitbetter.net

Give thanks and make it a great Holiday!

Recenly Reduced North Shore Gem: 1708 Northfield Square

During this Halloween weekend (October 29th & 30th), you may want to make time to see this immaculate 2BR/2Bath Condo with a recent price reduction..Priced for a quick sale within a great North Shore location– Northfield, Illinois. The property includes 1 car garage.  A bright unit with wonderful North Shore real estate possibilities. Sliding doors with southern exposure from Living Room and Master Bedroom. Kitchen has juliet balcony. “SOLD AS IS”.  CLICK THE PHOTO TO SEE THE VIRTUAL TOUR

Contact Gloria Matlin with Questions or to Request a Showing!

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter: North Shore Real Estate Trends

Looking for things to do this weekend?  North Shore,IL folk know, this is a “must do” before old man winter gets here…winterizing your home. So maybe after the Highwood Pumpkin Festivals, Halloween parties,  Glencoe Farmers Market, garage sales and other  fall activites, add this to the list. A handy guide is provided below that can help put you in the mood. Winterizing should be done by everyone, especially those selling real estate or thinking of putting  property on the market for sale. Prospective buyers, as well as holiday guests/visitors will notice and appreciate the extra steps taken.

While September brings the first day of fall, October -November can be the harbinger of the winter and all of its frigid pitfalls. It’s best to be prepared for the North Shore frost and snow with a few simple tasks that will prevent drafts, frosty windows and every homeowner’s nightmare: Busted pipes.

A good place to start prior to tackling problem areas in your home is a property energy audit. This will pinpoint specific places in your house where heat escapes. The U.S. Department of Energy has a do-it-yourself energy assessment, or you can hire someone to do the audit for you.

Weatherstripping:

Cold air can seep in through those little gaps between your door and the door frame, quickly reversing any effort you take to heat your home. Weatherstripping covers the sides and top of the door and a sweep fills the space between the threshold and door bottom. Hardware stores and home centers sell numerous products in metal, foam, rubber and plastic for this purpose and many can be installed in an afternoon.

Windows:

This may be another area where additional weatherstripping or caulk is needed to fill any visible gaps, though that still might not be enough remediation to prevent drafts. While windows add much needed winter light, they can let out a lot of heat — up to 12 times more than a wall if they’re single pane. Blinds can keep a little heat in, but heavier shades or curtains will minimize heat loss.

Fireplace:

Fantasizing about a cozy evening in front of the fire? Your romantic night might be cut short if your fireplace hasn’t been serviced. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys are swept at least once a year.

Furnace:

It’s also recommended that furnaces be serviced…..MORE

Glencoe Garage Sale-Visit our North Shore Office for Info!

Coldwell Banker of Glencoe, Illinois is sponsoring a village wide garage sale:

This Sunday October 23rd from  10 a.m.-4 p.m

Small unsold items will be donated to charity.

For more information or to get an area map for the event stop by the Coldwell Banker Residential real estate office located at:

640 Vernon Ave, Glencoe,IL 60532

847-835-0236

Coldwell Banker of Glencoe services North Shore‘s Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods areas

The Glencoe office has been serving as the #1 ranked office in the North Shore real estate market for over 45 years. Our highly trained, top producing full-time sales staff is proud of our strong community involvement, and our commitment to customer service is legendary. We provide timley and complete real estate market trends, reports, statistics and community/real estate news 24/7. Our Sales Associates average 15 years experience. Glencoe, a quiet and quaint town offering a lifestyle of luxury, elegance and fine homes.

MORE NORTH SHORE OFFICE INFO