How's the Market?

Real Estate News of Chicago's North Shore June, 2015

Wow -- what a month. I don't think I've ever been quite this busy before -- even in the hey day of 2005-2006, I don't remember this much activity in one month. Lots of contracts -- most held together; some didn't -- so it was never a dull moment.

That said, I think the highlight of my month had nothing to do with real estate. My sibs and I

checking out Dad's childhood home

returned to my Dad's hometown of Billings, MT over Mother's Day weekend. We saw the little bungalow, where he was raised; we re-visited Rosebud near Red Lodge -- our childhood vacation spot -- where it was snowing! Two of my nephews joined us. We all wanted to return and take a few of Dad's ashes back up to the mountains he loved so well. Despite the weather, we all had one of the most magical weekends of our lives. Best of all, it was amazing to be wireless for a few days -- reception was terrible in the mountains. I'm just grateful for my wonderful colleagues at BHHS-KR, who backed me up while I was gone. I think my clients kept them pretty busy!

In This Issue...

Just the Facts

North Shore's Highest Sales in March

Empty Nesters Reclaim the Kids' Rooms

Retired, but opting to stay in the 'burbs

10 Green Technologies

5 Best And 5 Worst Resale Value Remodels

What moms look for when buying a house

For the Garden

Just the Facts...

As we approach summer, the spring market has been stable if not stellar..

So How is the Market? Read on....

Articles of Interest

The Top-Selling Suburbs in Chicagoland

The 10 Most Competitive Housing Markets in Suburban Chicago

North Shore's Highest Sales in May

Winnetka - 191 Sheridan Road

Original List Price - $7,995,000

List Price - $6,995,000

Sales Price - $6,100,000 (87% of asking)

Days on Market - 633

Days on Market at Final List Price - 135

To see pictures and detailed information go to 191 Sheridan Road, Winnetka

Evanston - 568 Ingleside Place

Original List Price - $4,300,000

List Price - $3,995,000

Sales Price - $3,600,000 (90% of asking)

Days on Market - 277 days

Days on Market at Final List Price - 142

To see pictures and detailed information go to 568 Ingleside Place, Evanston

Winnetka - 6 Indian Hill Road

Original List Price - $3,499,000

List Price - $3,199,000

Sales Price - $3,000,000 (97% of asking)

Days on Market - 391 day

Days on Market at Final List Price - 43

To see pictures and detailed information go to 6 Indian Hill Road, Winnetka

* * * * *

There are currently 243 houses for sale on the North Shore that are priced greater than $2M. During the month of May, 10 houses closed in this price range:

Evanston - 2

Highland Park - 0

Winnetka - 4

Glencoe - 1

Lake Forest - 1

Wilmette - 0

Kenilworth - 2

Lake Bluff - 0

Source: MRED (Midwest Real Estate Data) Multiple Listing Service

Articles of Interest

Luxurious Listings - Chicago's 20 Most Expensive Listings

Winnetka the 2nd Richest City in America

Empty Nesters Reclaim the Kids' Rooms

When the kids move out, some parents are quick to reclaim childhood bedrooms and create dream spaces like yoga studios, 'snore rooms' and fantasy closets..

Retired, but opting to stay in the 'burbs

While many of their empty-nester friends have swapped suburban houses for condos downtown, Susan and Butch opted to stay in Northfield. They had owned a house on an acre of land for 32 years, and in January they moved into a newly built house 2 miles away....

10 Green Technologies That Could Help Revolutionize Our Changing Planet

In an era of drought, climate change and food shortages, environmental pioneers have joined forces to help tackle some of the world's most pressing issues through technological advancement.

Here are 10 burgeoning technologies that have the potential to help revolutionize our planet ....

5 Best And 5 Worst Resale Value Remodels

Remodels sometimes have a tendency to develop their own inertia, as decisions lead to new dilemmas, unintended consequences and surprising outcomes. In some cases, these flights of fancy are perfectly acceptable, provided the design and completed execution truly align with the vision and budget...

What moms look for when buying a house

Traditionally, when people with children have looked to buy a new home, they were more concerned with neighborhood schools, walkability and convenient shopping than with the actual layout of the home they'd be occupying.

But that is changing...

For the Garden...

It's June ... What to do in the garden:

June Checklist

Best Garden Flowers for Color All Summer

Every year, private gardens around the country open their gates to visitors during the Open Days program, sponsored by the Garden Conservancy. Inspired by England's National Garden Scheme, the program allows visitors to take self-guided tours through America's most stunning gardens, which are not usually open to the public. The Garden Conservancy saves and shares outstanding American gardens for the education and inspiration of the public.

See the schedule for our area: Chicago's North Shore, IL Open Day - Sunday, June 28

As we begin to enjoy the lazy days of summer, here's hoping the weather warms up and we can all head to the beach!

Here's hoping for a beautiful June!

Ann

Broker Associate,

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group

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Featured Listing

535 Meadowood Drive

Lake Forest

Make this gem of Meadowood your forever home! Only the second time on the market in nearly 50 years, this gorgeous brick home embodies curb appeal. Beautifully landscaped on 2/3 of acre with private exterior spaces - pool, patio, and brick wall. An amazing value - come home and enjoy!

List Price: $895,000

4BR/2.1 Baths

See the details at:

535 Meadowood Drive

In the news...

"..After faltering slightly, luxury building is again booming in the traditionally high-end parts of the country, like South Florida and the Hamptons, as the economy continues to show healthy signs, architects and designers say. But even people with more modest homes in mind are turning their desires into reality..."

As the Economy Awakens, Thoughts Turn to Dream Houses

- The New York Times

"The real estate market is in the fourth year of recovery since the 2009 mortgage crisis, rising over 30 percent since 2012, and many investors worry that it is time for a correction. Nevertheless, both historic macro-economic drivers and structural changes of the US real estate ..."

5 Reasons Why US Real Estate Should Remain Buoyant

- Forbes

"...Under the federal program, a foreigner who invests $500,000 - and in some instances, $1 million - in a project that will create at least 10 jobs can apply for a green card. It generally takes from 22 to 26 months to obtain legal residency through the program, as opposed to several years for other visa programs...."

Want a Green Card? Invest in Real Estate

- New York Times

"...Although having a million bucks isn't as impressive as it once was, it's still nothing to sneeze at.
In fact, CNBC reports that in 2013 there were 13.2 million millionaires in the United States alone.

...Well, guess what? Your suburban millionaire neighbor called...Here's a few things he shared with me but apparently doesn't want to tell you..."

19 Secrets Your Millionaire Neighbor Won't Tell You

- Money