How's the Market - September, 2011

How's the Market?

Real Estate News of Chicago's North Shore

December, 2011

In This Issue

Getting a Mortgage

In the News

Just the facts...

Highest sales in November

Martha Stewart's Easy Christmas

13 Things Not to Buy

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Best of my Blog
Learning Lessons about Getting a Mortgage
May, 2011

Do you remember getting your first mortgage? I do. I was buying a condo in Lakeview around 1987. The rates were somewhere around 9%. By today's standards that may seem high, however at the time they were thought of as great. We had just gone through a period when mortgage interest rates were above 13%. While fortunately I had been able to assume the mortgage on my first condo, it meant that I didn't really understand ...

In the news....

"The new American home is taking shape.
Tough recent years are leaving their mark on home design, just as the housing-boom years sent square footage soaring and stamped a distinctive "McMansion" style on..."

Blueprint for a New American Home

- Wall Street Journal

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"Housing prices will stop sinking next spring. But recovery will be a gradual process -- too slow to help the economy much next year. Look for prices, which have fallen an average of 31% since..."

Finally, a Bottom for Home Prices

- Kiplinger's

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"Home prices and mortgage rates have fallen so far that the monthly cost of owning a home is more affordable than at any point in the past 15 years and is less expensive than renting..."

Stronger Lure for Prospective Home Buyers

- Wall Street Journal

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"Even if it works as promised, President Obama's latest effort to aid the housing market won't get at the root of the problem that housing poses for the economy...."

The Fatal Flaw of Obama's Mortgage Plan

- Kiplinger's Magazine

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.

- James M. Barrie

Greetings!

Ah December... from a real estate perspective, it's usually fairly quiet ... that said, I always find myself unusually busy during this month. Surprisingly, there are always those who are moving -- even in winter.

There are so many fun things happening on the North Shore in December. Just this weekend there is caroling at the Kenilworth Club as they light the tree; the holiday market at Elawa Farms in Lake Forest, It's a Wonderful Life in Lake Bluff, Story Time with Santa at Open Lands in Lake Forest, and the ever present Winterland Express at the Botanic Gardens!

May December be a time of happiness for you and your family as we end the year and celebrate the holidays.

Just the facts..

Can you believe it's already December? November seemed to just slip away and the holidays are upon us. This is generally a slower time for buying and selling homes on the North Shore. Although I have found that people who buy in December are generally very motivated buyers! ... So, how was the market in November?

The North Shore's Highest Sales in November

Lake Forest - 910 Green Bay

(with land parcel)

Original List - $10,498,000

List - $9,998,000

Sale - $6,390,000 (64% of asking)

Total Days on Market - 501

Days on Market at Final List Price - 98

Lake Forest - 904 Green Bay

List - $5,590,000

Sale - $5,200,000 (93% of asking)

Total Days on Market - 195

(Home was also listed in 2007-2008 for 367 days at $10,800,000.)

Kenilworth - 134 Melrose

List - $3,550,000

Sale -$3,450,000 (97% of asking price)

Total Days on Market - 1

Martha Stewart's Easiest Christmas

Christmas doesn't have to be stressful and over-the-top to be beautiful. Get inspiration and follow Martha Stewart's easiest recipes, decorating, and gift-giving ideas to have a very merry (and easy) Martha Stewart Christmas.

Martha Stewart's Easiest Christmas Ideas

13 Things Not to Buy During the Holidays

Is there a new computer, tool or bicycle on your holiday shopping list? Hold on there. While you can find many great deals during November and December, you're better off making some purchases at other times of the year. Here are 13 items that are even cheaper before or after...

Featured Listing

382 S. Basswood, Lake Forest
Basswood house

Superb executive rental in park like setting in beautiful Onwentsia Gardens. Gracious floor plan and wonderful living spaces. 1st floor paneled library as well as laundry room. Separate AuPair/Inlaw private suite; gorgeous deck and blue stone patio; finished basement.

See all the details about this stunning home...

5BR/3.1 Baths

Lease Price: $5,800

As always, if there is any way that I can assist you with your real estate needs, please don't hesitate to call or write!

Have a wonderful (and hopefully not too stressful) December!

Ann

R. Ann Jones,

Broker Associate

Prudential Rubloff Properties

Details Make the Difference!

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If your property is currently listed for sale with another broker, this is not intended to be a solicitation of that listing.