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How's the Market?

Real Estate News of Chicago's North Shore   

February, 2013  

In This Issue
Why do I need an attorney?
In the news...
Just the facts...
Highest sales in January
Protect your home from Winter Storms
Energy Impact Illinois
Massive Mansions
23 quick fixes
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Best of my Blog 
My life in real estate: Now why do I need an attorney?

May, 2010

After my selling my Lakeview apartment and before purchasing my next apartment, I was enchanted with a condo on Chestnut Street. I remember seeing it for the first time and feeling how truly lovely it was - spacious rooms and a Southern exposure, beautiful hardwood floors, and while the building itself had no parking, the one...
In the news...

"When you stand back and look at the U.S. housing marketplace at the start of 2013, what do you see?"

"Housing Recovery" Is More Complicated Than You Think

- Forbes

 

"When you're divorcing, one of the questions curious friends and family eventually ask is, 'So...are you going to keep the house?'"

- Forbes

 

"...So it seems that since 2006, our society - including both buyers and lenders - hasn't become more speculative in its attitudes toward housing. Instead, it has become more wary, and more regulated..." 

A New Housing Boom? Don't Count on It

- New York Times

   
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valentines



Greetings!

Wow -- what a strange week of weather we have had.  All time highs and today it feels like Siberia.  If you're feeling the draft inside your house, I encourage you to learn more about Energy Impact Illinois. (see below).  I'm having a session on February 15th.  If you'd like to come and hear what these folks have to say, let me know. 

January has swept by so quickly.  As I look at the market trends, there have been more sales this January, but there have also been more new listings.   I think buyers are realizing that the window may be shutting for getting that great new house at a great price and it's time to get on board.  Mortgage rates went up a little this month. 

I am optimistic that we are going to have a great Spring Market. We'll know more after the Super Bowl!

Stay warm!
 
Just the facts..

The market is starting to wake up in anticipation of the Spring Market.  Rather than providing a detailed assessment this month, I thought I would share the release that I received from the owners and executives of Prudential Rubloff, Chris Eigel and Michael Pierson.  Here's their take on "How's the Market?
 
The North Shore's Highest Sales in January

Winnetka - 660 Rosewood Avenue

Original List Price - $5,200,000

List - $3,250,000

Sale - $3,000,000 (92%)

Total Days on Market - 1311

    (Listed on and off market since 2008.)
Total Days on Market at Final List Price - 57 

Lake Forest - 343 Ahwahnee Road

Original List Price - $2,999,000

List - $2,699,000

Sale - $2,557,500 (95%)

Total Days on Market - 506

Total Days on Market at Final List Price - 232

               

Winnetka - 14 Woodley Road

Original List Price - $1,995,000

List - $1,675,000 

Sale - $1,550,000 (93%)

Total Days on Market - 97

Total Days on Market at Final List Price - 30

  

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

Lake Forest - 1

Winnetka - 1

(There are currently 169 homes for sale over $2,000,000.)

 
How to Protect Your Home and Finances From Winter Storms 
 

We came up with 12 simple strategies that can help you protect your home from some of the most common causes of winter-storm damage.

  
Learn about Energy Impact Illinois 
Energy Impact Illinois, in partnership with ComEd, Nicor Gas and other natural gas utilities, are offering instant rebates for Chicago-area homeowners of up to $1,750 to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The rebates offer homeowners an easy way to address important home maintenance, like air sealing and insulation, this fall and winter. 

If you would like to learn more about this program, let me know.  I'm having an assessment done at a client's home in a couple of weeks and I can add you to the guest list.
   
We all dream about living in huge houses with poolsgame rooms and exquisite staircases -- OK, maybe that last one is just us. But, good grief, how much space does one person (or 10 people) need? (Fifty-thousand square feet?!) If you're dying to live large -- literally -- then click through...
     
23 Quick Fixes
 

Silence squeaky stairs, remove scratches in woodwork, tighten loose-set screws, and other stuff you've been putting off.  

 

from This Old House

 

       
1230 Western
Featured Listing  - for Rent

1230 N. Western -308, Lake Forest

 
Terrific in-town rental at Crystal Point.  Over 1700 sq ft with two bedrooms, two baths, den and huge living room/dining room.  In-unit laundry.  Learn more at 1230 N. Western - 308.  

Lease Price: $2,300/month
 
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!

  

Ann 

 

R. Ann Jones,

Broker Associate 

Prudential Rubloff Properties

 

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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.