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How's the Market?

Real Estate News of Chicago's North Shore   

August, 2012 

In This Issue
Summer Home
In the news
Just the facts...
Highest Sales in July
7 Rules of Interior Design
8 Smart Budget Curb Appeal Makeovers
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Best of My Blog
Summer Home
July, 2012
"Ah, the summer home... 

I've been lucky - both my friends and family have invested in summerhouses, and I've been able to be their guest on more than one occasion... Michigan has been a favorite haunt: Crystal Lake, White Lake, Northport Point, Munising, Hazelhurst Camp, Lakeside... I've got great friends...."
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In the News....
"The housing market has turned-at last."

The U.S. finally has moved beyond attention-grabbing predictions from housing "experts" that housing is bottoming.

The numbers are now convincing... "

Housing Passes a Milestone
-Wall Street Journal

"Chicago may be the Second City but it's No. 1 for bargain-hunting homebuyers.
Of the 50 largest metropolitan markets, the Chicago area is the top buyer's market, according to...."
Chicago the best buyer's market in U.S. 
-Chicago Tribune
 
"This is a great time to buy a home in many parts of the country. There are signs that the downward price spiral is bottoming out.   
Mortgage rates are at historic lows..."

Yea! Home Prices Hitting Bottom. Now, the Bad News.    

-Wall Street Journal 

 
"Home prices rose, just barely, in the second quarter of this year annually for the first time since 2007, according to online real estate firm Zillow. That prompted the popular site to call a "bottom" to home prices nationally. The increase was a mere..."

Home Price Bottom or Bubble?   

- CNBC 

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." 
- Russell Baker
Greetings!

Welcome back to "How's the Market?"   

It's August - can you believe it?  While it has been a hot, dry summer - I don't know that I am really ready for it to end!  I love these longer days and pretty summer evenings. 

 

I was able to spend a little time up in Michigan this month ... so many beautiful spots.  It inspired me to blog about the summer home.  

 

Hope you're enjoying these last lazy days of summer!

 
Just the facts..
How's the market? 
The market trends in the housing sector have so many signs of improvement.  We hear things everyday in the news.  The latest sign is a shortage of certain priced homes.  Personally, I felt it this last month when my clients had three offers on their home!  
 
While overall lower supply levels is a great reason to feel some tentative excitement, one needs to keep in mind that within certain towns/markets there continues to be a significant over-supply within various price ranges - particularly the high end homes.  
 

So while I'm pleased to see some glimmers of hope, we still have a ways to go before the market is completely back to normal.


So, how is the market?

 
The North Shore's Highest Sales in July, 2012
Ingleside
Evanston - 587 Ingleside Park
Original List Price - $5,250,000
List - $4,400,000
Sale - $3,800,000 (86%)
Total Days on the Market - 369
Days on Market at Final List Price - 129

Winnetka - 734 Lincoln Avenue
List - $3,775,000
Sale - $3,600,000 (95%)
Total Days on Market -323

Wilmette - 1137 Greenwood Avenue

List - $3,199,000

Sale - $2,825,000 (88%) 

Total Days on Market - 256

 

Total of 8 homes closed for over $2,000,000 during the month of July:

Evanston - 2

Winnetka - 3

Wilmette - 1

Northfield - 1

Glencoe - 1

(There are currently 206 homes for sale over $2,000,000.)

     
The 7 Rules of Interior Design
What is it that makes a beautifully decorated room? Is it expensive curtains? Or plenty of light, or original artwork?

...

The key to a beautiful home isn't spending a ton of money on pricey furniture or designer fixtures. It's about making sure everything in your space works together.

...

 

Live with it...
 
8 Smart Budget Curb Appeal Makeovers
remodel kitchen We've all been taught that it's what's on the inside that counts; but when it comes to your home, the outside is certainly just as important. A drab exterior can make you cringe every time you approach the front door, while a handsome, thoughtfully designed one can turn the experience into a true pleasure. The good news is that you don't have to spend a bundle to enjoy a happy trip up your walkway...
  
Featured Listing Encore  

209 Maple Court, Lake Forest

209 Maple

Whether looking for that family home in a wonderfully friendly neighborhood or just wanting to downsize to first floor living, this stunning and beautifully decorated home fits the bill. Nestled at the end of a premier cul-de-sac street, this house boasts gorgeous vistas from every room. There are two bedrooms (or the master and office) downstairs; three bedrooms upstairs.  Nearly an acre, the property has a generous backyard in addition to stunning ravine views. Rarely does one find a house east of Sheridan Road at this price -- an amazing value.  Three car garage and terrific storage!

 

Move right in and enjoy your new home!

  See all the details about this beautiful home...    

 

5BR/3.1 Baths  

Price:  $1,290,000

 
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!

  

Let's all enjoy these last few day of summer!

 

Ann 

 

R. Ann Jones,

Broker Associate 

Prudential Rubloff Properties

 

 
2520 Lincoln Park
 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.