Are You in the Right House? Questions to Ask Yourself this Fall2019-North Shore Real Estate

Here on Chicago’s North Shore – Compass Real Estate; we are seeing a steady volume of homes for the 2019 market at amazing price points, with enticing rates. The variables have created an influx of ready buyers and sellers prepared to list. So the question presents itself to both groups…Are you in the right house?

Below are five indicators that a particular home you’re viewing might be “The One” – the property on which you’ll want to place an offer or know to look for during a search:

You lose interest in seeing any other homes.  When you find “The One,” continuing the house hunt planned for months, even years, starts to seem silly, like a waste of energy for some buyers or sellers. Sometimes your intuition just calls out, and you know when you’ve found the perfect North Shore property.

Almost instantly, you feel possessive about it. Not only can the winning home bring a smile to a buyer’s face, that immediate need to start the buying process or work on the offer paperwork may be the sign. If you walk through a place and leave wondering how quickly you can get your offer in, how much you’d offer to beat someone else out, or what you can do to lock it down quickly, it might be “The One.”

You start to envision your own, furniture, decor, daily activities or remodeling choices in/to the home.  They say that the best staging helps prospective buyers envision their own idealized lives taking place in the staged home.  But whether or not a property is staged, if you find your mind’s eye Photoshopping a given property to insert your own living style and favorite wall hangings into place in the dining room, and your daily meditation process in the all-season room  –– it’s possible that the home you’re in could be “The One”.

You start to rationalize obvious flaws.  Train tracks 10 feet from the bedroom window? Next door neighbor, that runs a pigeon-sitting service? Okay – an awful exaggeration. But if you find yourself viewing a home with traits that you would normally deem undesirable or as deal-killers, yet you like the place so much that you instinctively compile a mental list of reasons those traits seem minimal, you might have found “The One.”

The bathroom and kitchen are appealing.  Generally speaking, other people’s kitchens and bathrooms may hold gross-out potential.  There’s just something about what goes on in those rooms that seems exceptionally intimate and even unsanitary.  So, if you happen to find yourself falling in love with a home’s slate shower floor or swooning over the pot-filler over the stove and the built-in cookbook stand on the countertop, that’s a sign that you’re falling head over heels with a North Shore home that might just be “The One.”

We can help find the house “The One” property that will make all your North Shore real estate dreams come true.  Visit our Compass Real Estate North Shore office, located at 851 Spruce St, Winnetka, IL 60093.  Let Zack and I show you why Chicago’s North Suburban area is a source to find “The One”. More info HERE

15 Life-Changing Summer Storage Ideas for the Kitchen in 2019 – Chicago North Shore

The 2019 summer continues with award-winning top tier real estate service, high ranking, top producing, optimally performing results; all done with a personalized approach at making North Shore real estate dreams a reality. Look to Gloria Matlin and partner/son Zack Matlin for seasoned experience that spans 25+ years, and a broad grasp of Northern Shore real estate trends within communities such as Glencoe, Winnetka, Wilmette, Northbrook, and Highland Park and Chicago. Her home base office can be found at the coveted Coldwell Banker Residential real estate office of Glencoe, Illinois-640 Vernon Avenue, 60022.

If you’re lacking on kitchen storage space but aren’t feeling a huge reno, it’s time to trick out the cabinets, drawers, and island with a few space-saving ideas. Rethink the little nooks and niches and you’ll have counter space for days. No demo day required! See the demo HERE

 

 

Sarah Sitar Remodeling and Interior Design

If you’ve perused Pinterest lately in search of kitchen storage ideas, you know there are thousands of space-saving tricks floating around. Here are 15 of our favorite ideas (we’re filing them away for any future kitchen remodels). Read more

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Your Homes’ Honey-Do List for July 2019

This summer-2019, let top producing, high ranking, optimally performing real estate professionals, guide you through the sought after North Shore area of Chicago. Gloria Matlin and partner Zack Matlin have been assisting with North

Shore real estate dreams for over 25 years. They pride themselves on being consummate professionals with a stellar reputation for thorough, sincere, friendly, and tenacious service. Located in the award-winning Coldwell Banker residential real estate office of Glencoe Illinois – 640 Vernon Avenue, 60022. more information HERE and HERE

Contact Info:

• Address: 640 Vernon, Glencoe, IL 60022
• Website: gloriamatlin.com
• Phone: 847-951-4040
• Email: gloriamatlin@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/GloriaMatlin
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Glo360Topagent?ref src=twscr%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp7%Ctwgr%5Eauthor
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/gloria-matlin-glencoe

We proudly serve Chicago, Chicago’s north suburban area including Glencoe, HighlandPark, Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Deerfield, Northfield, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Skokie, Evanston, and Glenview.

 

Tri-Valley Real Estate Buzz

With summer around the corner, the days are getting longer…and so is the honey-do list. To help you out, we’ll be featuring a “Honey-Do List” at the beginning of each month to make sure you stay ahead of those around-the-house projects.

Here is your to-do list for the month of June:

1.  Prep your guest room for summer visitors.  

Summertime means vacation time, which sometimes means you run a bed & breakfast from your spare bedroom. When creating a serene retreat for out-of-town guests, it’s all about the little touches. Stock a bookshelf with great reads, leave a water pitcher and glasses on the nightstand, and add fresh flowers to brighten up the space. An extra blanket and a set of hotel-size toiletries make any visitor feel at home. Want to make sure your house guests don’t extend their stay? Start enlisting their help on the chores on your…

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Thinking of Selling in Summer-2019? Top 5 Musts Before Listing: North Shore Real Estate

North Shore real estate is well within the 2019 spring buying and selling season, but summer will be here before you know it! Are you ready?  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 top producing, high ranking  Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office located at 640 Vernon Ave in Glencoe, Illinois-60022; is home base for Gloria Matlin and partner/son Zack Matlin. Their office has been a top producing, sound 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!

Top 4 Spring 2019 Prep Tips Before Listing: North Shore Real Estate

Chicago North Shore real estate is settling into the 2019 spring buying and selling season.  North Shore Realtors may often advise clients of four 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.

 

Now for April 2019-The North Shore-Chicago Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office located at 640 Vernon Ave in Glencoe, Illinois-60022; is home  to Gloria Matlin and partner Zack Matlin. 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 this elite team 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!

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

There is always something that can be improved upon. Now in 2018…When you spend a little time in your Chicago 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 at the start of a new year, 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

With sustained top producing, high ranking, client focused results, Gloria Matlin looks forward to making 2018 even better! Over 25 years of devoted service, and now partnering with son Zack Matlin, this team is sure to make Chicago North Shore real estate dreams come true once again.

 

13 Things To Avoid When Selling This Spring 2017

The time is NOW…The Chicago North Shore Real Estate market is off to a HOT, spring 2017 start! Feel free to RE for questions on this and similar North Shore real estate topics. Let Gloria Matlin and partner Zack Matlin, seasoned North Shore real estate professionals with 25+ years be your top producing, top performing, and high ranking Realtor guides this season. Stop into the Glencoe residential real estate office-Coldwell Banker-640-Vernon Avenue, 60022; for optimal service.

See the latest trends in the video summary provided below (Click Image to View):

Market Watch – Chicago North Shore (Click Image to View)

 

http://vs-portal.sundaysky.com/coldwellbanker/coldwellbanker_Glencoe_residential/

 

Sibcy Cline Blog

When preparing your home to sell, you need to spend time and effort to get your home staged and updated to appeal to buyers. You want your home to stand out and shine among all other homes for sale.

Here are 13 mistakes to avoid when listing your home ready to sell:

1. Clinging to Clutter 
We know you love your stuff. It has meaning to you. Buyers, however, will not appreciate your things. Clutter makes it difficult for buyers to imagine their things in your home. You need to either throw things away, sell them or store items away offsite while your home is on the market.

2. Not Upping Your Homes Value with Updates
We are not talking about tackling major home projects, but updates such as a new backsplash in the kitchen, replacing faucets or light fixtures or simply repainting a room or two can add more appeal to your home.

3. You Have Blocked Light and…

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Spring into a Grand Estate, Custom Home or English Manor – North Shore Real Estate

Spring is a great time to sell and buy a home…buyers often can move in better weather, have months to fix up the house before the cold sets in, and can start kids off with a preview of a new school as well as get them settled before the next school year begins.

Keep in mind, those advantages also mean that spring can be a competitive time to house-hunt. It’s important to be prepared: Know what you want, how much you can spend, and be ready to move quickly when you find the home you want. Below are a few samples of breathtaking property recently listed for sale on Chicago’s sought after North Shore:

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Below is an Outstanding New Custom Residence-Premier Location Across From Village Green Park, Beach, Shops and Transportation. Exquisite Finishes Throughout With A Versatile Floor Plan:

Click image to VIEW TOUR

 

Below is an Exquisite English manor. Elegant in design and craftsmanship throughout. Carefully chosen amenities bring the “old world” charm to a new level of luxury:

Click image to VIEW TOUR

For a detailed list of properties currently for sale click HERE. For more information on buying and selling in the spring season click HERE.

Look to Gloria Matlin and fellow team member Zack Matlin for all things real estate on Chicago’s North Shore. Gloria has been a top producing, high performing, client focused resource for over 25+ years. Make this spring “Glo” with award winning service and attention.

Spring into Summer with an Elegant English Manor-Kenilworth Real Estate

The carefully chosen amenities bring the “old world” charm to a new level of luxury!  This Exquisite East Kenilworth, Illinois English manor has elegant design and craftsmanship throughout. A Generous living room with French Doors that lead to a music room. The Stunning gourmet kitchen with separate breakfast room, or Sumptuous master suite on 2^nd level, in addition a Magnificent private terraced back yard with 2 separate blue-stone patios, as well as a three car heated garage. Click the image below for additional details:

Presenting 74 Tudor Place in Kenilworth (Click the image for details)

Real Estate Outcomes October2014: Chicago’s North Shore

Prices

Monthly Market Update (Click to Play)

Confirmation of Late autumn ongoing North Shore Chicago progress…The Median Sales Price in October was up 15.1% from price-points in October of 2013 and up 5.7% from last month. The Average Sales Price in October was up 14.6% from market action reporting in October of 2013 and up 10.5% from last month. October 2014 ASP was at highest level compared to October of 2013 and 2012.

Selling Price vs Listing Price

The Selling Price vs Listing Price reveals the average amount that North Shore Sellers are agreeing to come down from their list price. The lower the ratio is below 100% the more of a Buyer’s market exists, a ratio at or above 100% indicates more of a Seller’s market. The October 2014 Selling Price vs List Price of 95.6% was up from 95.3% last month and down from 95.8% in October of last year.

Property Sales

Chicago North Shore October Property sales were down -4.4% compared to market action reporting in October of 2013 and -5.7% lower than sales last month. October 2014 sales were at a mid-level compared to October of 2013 and 2012. October YTD sales totals are running -11.5% behind last year’s year-to-date sales final market outcomes.

Inventory & MSI

The Total Inventory of North Shore Properties available for sale as of October was down -7.6% from last month and up 15.2% from totals in October of last year. October 2014 Inventory was at a mid-range compared to October of 2013 and 2012.

A comparatively lower MSI is more beneficial for sellers while a higher MSI is better for buyers. The October 2014 MSI of 5.3 months was at a mid-range compared with October of 2013 and 2012.

Inventory / New Listings / Sales

The summary North Shore-Chicago view of the market combines monthly inventory of North Shore Properties for sale along with New Listings and Sales. The graph shows the basic annual seasonality of the market as well as the relationship between these items. The number of New North Shore Listings in October 2014 was down -24.6% from final totals reported last month and up 10.2% from final figures recorded in October of last year.

A steadfast, top producing, Chicago-North Shore real estate resource for over 25 years, Gloria Matlin is known as the consummate professional. Clients praise her and provide ongoing feedback on her sense of staying ahead of market outcomes, an extensive top performing background in marketing, invaluable North Shore community insight, and a high-ranking client focused desire to make North Shore real estate dreams a reality. Visit Gloria Matlin HERE and HERE to review testimonials and for an online introduction; or simply stop by her exceptional residential real estate office-Coldwell Banker, 640 Vernon Avenue in Glencoe, Illinois, 60022.