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How's the Market?
Real Estate News of Chicago's North Shore                                                                                                                                       May, 2014


Welcome back to How's the Market?  

It's been a busy month -- the Spring Market has sprung and lots of cabernet colored BHHS signs have started to appear all along the North Shore.   We had our ribbon cutting ceremony; our systems have been changed to BHHS and everything is moving along.

This particular May is going to be a busy month.  I have several clients closing on properties and making moves.   My Dad turns 90 -- wow -- so my sibs and I are planning a birthday bash to mark the occasion.  

And it's the time to assess the winter damage to my house and begin scheduling the maintenance needs.  There's a good article this month about things to tackle with home maintenance in the Spring.

May is also always the month that I think about my remarkable mother ---  maybe it's Mother' Day or Memorial Day -- both days bring back special memories.  Perhaps for you as well.  

Here's hoping this month is fun, festive, and family filled.   Wishing you a beautiful May!
In This Issue
Just the Facts...

Months of InventoryFinally, even after having snow in April - I really believe that we are going to be seeing a pretty spring.  It has been a long hard winter, and I can finally feel the real estate market starting to wake up!
Highest Sales on the North Shore in April, 2014

Sheridan house
Winnetka - 381 Sheridan Road

List Price: $4,290,000
Sale Price: $3,800,000 (89% of asking)
Original List Price: $4,999,999
Days on Market: 367
Days on Market at Final List Price: 1
777 Greenleaf
Glencoe - 777 Greenleaf Avenue

List Price: $3,495,000
Sale Price: $3,000,000 (86% of asking)
Original List Price: $3,600,000
Days on Market: 134
Days on Market at Final List Price: 36

1173 tower
Winnetka - 1173 Tower Road

List Price: $2,999,000
Sale Price: $2,840,000 (95% of asking)
Original List Price: $3,775,000
Days on Market: 243
Days on Market at Final List Price: 15

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There are currently 210 North Shore homes for sale that are priced over $2M.  Five homes closed in April that were priced > $2M. 

Winnetka - 3
Glencoe - 1
Kenilworth - 1
man on roof
5 Top Home Maintenance Items To Tackle During Spring
Depending on where you live, you might be convinced that Mother Nature is playing a cruel joke on you. But wherever you live, spring is officially here and that means it's time for sprucing up the old house. Winter keeps us a bit sedentary on the home improvement side, so here are a few home maintenance items to tackle as spring puts the spring....
10 best tips for green living
Make it rain. Install a high-efficiency showerhead (look for the WaterSense label) and cut your family's water use by 2,900 gallons a year. 10 best tips for green living
the family bank
Borrow from a Family Trust
Last year, when Joe and Jacqui Polaneczky decided to make an offer on a condo in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, they didn't call a bank or credit union. Instead, they turned to the Bank of Polaneczky,  borrowing money from a ....
gardening-items.jpg
For the Garden...
The Garden Conservancy was established in 1989. In partnership with individual garden owners as well as public and private organizations, the Conservancy provides the horticultural, technical, management, and financial expertise needed to sustain these environments and ensure long-term stewardship of natural assets.  One of their programs is Open Days, where private gardens are open to the public.  Often North Shore gardens are included on the list.  Their schedule has been recently published.  Coming up:
 

Events this month at the Chicago Botanic Gardens

Some plant sales this month
May 10, 11 - Independence Grove
May 16,17 - Elawa Farm
 
As I look out my window, the sun is finally shining after this less than stellar week.  I think it's time to get outside and enjoy the day. 

Hope your May is special and sunny.

As always, if there is any way I can help you with your real estate needs or questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 

All the best, 

Ann


Ann Jones

Broker Associate, 
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group
How well do you know the 
North Shore?
Featured Listing
358 S. Basswood
Lake Forest
358 S. Basswood

Wonderful, gracious home in desirable Onwentsia Gardens. Fifth bedroom provides a private suite perfect for nanny/in-law/guest, etc. Luxury master bed/bath suite. First floor laundry; great floor plan with additional office/music room. Beautiful backyard with deck. Move right in and feel at home!

UNDER CONTRACT!
5BR/3.2Baths
 
See the details at:
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In the news...

"If the economy still feels stuck, blame the housing market.  That may not match how people in a handful of big, prosperous cities see things...  But there's another reality that is more important for the national economy. Except in a few booming markets, housing is nowhere close to pulling its economic weight.

 to your website. Links are tracked, allowing you to see which articles create the most interest for your readers."
- New York Times
 

"This spring homebuying season looks promising, despite rising interest rates and home prices.

As the weather warms up, more sellers and buyers are expected to hit the market. While homes remain affordable and this is still a good time to buy, the limited inventory of homes for sale will continue to put upward pressure on home prices..."

5 housing trends for spring
- Bankrate.com
Step of the Month

50 Simple Steps you can take to Sell Your Home 

#9 Turn on Your Lights 
During Showings
colorful-tulip-field.jpg
 "Ah, in those earliest days of love how naturally the kisses spring into life! So closely, in their profusion, do they crowd together that lovers would 
find it as hard to count the kisses exchanged in an hour as to count the flowers in a meadow in May." 
- Marcel Proust

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.
Ann Jones | 847-691-1111 | ann@rannjones.com 
778 N. Western Avenue | Lake Forest, IL 60045



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