How's the Market - April, 2012

How's the Market?

Real Estate News of Chicago's North Shore

April, 2012

In This Issue

What does it take to get my house sold?

In the news

Just the facts...

Highest sales in March

Quick Links

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ajones@rubloff.com

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Best of my Blog
What does it take to get my house sold?
Part 4: Market Conditions
June, 2010

"I've covered the extreme importance of price, location and condition. Let's talk about the 4th most important element: Market Conditions.

Probably the number one question I get asked from people is, "How is the Market?" It's an interesting question and a lot of thought needs to go into providing the answer...."

In the News....

"The greatest hindrance to the sale of a home can be a seller who is seized by emotion.
Home sellers who allow emotions and sentimental attachments to overtake them during the sales process run the risk..."

Emotional mistakes homeowners make in the real estate market

-Scripps Howard News Service

"Housing prices are still declining, but many analysts see some signs for optimism in the housing market. The mild spring has brought buyers out earlier than usual, and real estate agents are busy."

Spring Brings Some Green Shoots In Housing Market

-NPR

"As thousands of American families prepare to sell and buy homes during the 2012 season, some 28 percent of women and 25 percent of men put more emphasis on their feelings about a home than they do on the layout, square footage, or price. In fact, the majority..."

Emotion Drives One in Four Home Sales

-Real Estate Economy Watch

Best and Worst Buys in April

- Kiplinger's Magazine

The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.

- Mark Twain

Greetings!

Can you believe this Spring? I've lived in the Chicago area my whole life and have never experienced a March like this before... my pear tree bloomed a week ago -- and that usually doesn't happen until June! My tulips are already making an appearance.

I've been grateful for these beautiful days: those of you who follow my blog know I've been unusually busy this month helping my Dad move. The experience has certainly reminded me about how much my clients have to go through when they change their residences -- it's hard work!

The big move occurred last week -- just in time for me to focus all my energies on the spring housing market. And I think the market has sprung. We're seeing lots of people at open houses. Smart buyers recognize that with home values at a 10 year low and historically low interest rates, that it's a once in lifetime moment to purchase a new home. To quote Warren Buffett, "I'd Buy Up 'A Couple Hundred Thousand' Single-Family Homes If I Could."

Hope you continue to enjoy this beautiful Spring!

Just the facts..

Spring has definitely made it's appearance this year and it feels like the spring market is well under way.

So how was the market in March?

Inventory levels went up again this month - but then that is not particularly unexpected. It is the spring market after all. People feel optimistic this year and it feels like there is...

The North Shore's Highest Sales in March

Glencoe - 77 Wentworth Avenue

Original List - $9,950,000

List - $5,700,000

Sale - $4,585,000 (80% of asking)

Total Days on Market - 909

Days on Market at Final List Price - 87

Lake Forest - 955 Lake Road

Original List - $15,950,000

List - $5,590,000

Sale - $4,100,000 (73%)

Total Days on Market - 2026

Days on Market at Final List Price - 46

Glencoe - 59 Lakewood Drive

List - $3,600,000

Sale - $3,200,000 (89%)

Total Days on Market - 1

How to Go Paperless at Home

Credit card offers, catalogs, bills, insurance forms, charity solicitations, and more show up in your mailbox daily. In addition, you have a lot of other paper you have to review and keep, including medical records, receipts, coupons, articles, and magazines. Paper has a way of piling up into insidious piles just minutes after you've sorted and filed everything away. It's maddening, and it never seems to end.

Sounds familiar, right....

Work It: Meet the New Home Office

It wasn't long ago that bringing your work home with you was considered unhealthy. Work was for the workplace, and home was where you focused on your family and friends.

Times have changed, and for many people....

Featured Listing

215 Maple Court

Lake Forest

Nestled towards the end of the cul-de-sac on one of the most desired streets in East Lake Forest, this delightful, tasteful and charming home exudes a casually elegant lifestyle. Ageless quality, meticulously renovated New England Colonial with wonderful living areas including a gorgeous sun porch; gourmet kitchen, fabulous master suite with adjoining sitting room. There is a great bedroom/bath suite on the third floor which makes for a perfect guest quarters, office, etc. The backyard is private and there is a woodland garden with a council ring and fire pit. This house has so many delightful qualities. Brand new cedar shake roof. Move right in and enjoy!

See all the details about this beautiful home...

4+BR/3.1 Baths

Price: $1,727,000

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!

Here's hoping this beautiful spring leads to a beautiful summer!

Ann

R. Ann Jones,

Broker Associate

Prudential Rubloff Properties

Lincoln Park 2520 is taking its place among Chicago's grandest buildings.
Rarely does such an idyllic location become available, so it is only fitting that this one will embrace a structure that is destined to be a landmark for decades to come.

Ask me if you'd like to learn more!

Details Make the Difference!

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