What's Ahead for Winnetka & North Shore Real Estate?There are so many differing opinions about where the real estate market is headed. This is what I know and what I've gleaned from the real estate sources I follow. After having a super hot market for almost two years, change is definitely in the air. We see it locally with three markers: price reductions contracts falling apart longer days on market Inventory is still historically low but slowly, very slowly, creeping up. Conversely, mortgage rates have risen since June, and fallen again. It's a concern for some buyers who have decided to wait it out on the sidelines.This slowdown does not mean that we're in a depreciation phase - but rather a deceleration phase. Some real estate insiders think the market will pick up later this year a... 08/09/2022

Here is What Sold in Your North Shore Village in July 2022Nationally, changes are happening a bit faster than here on the North Shore. These changes include price reductions, increased market times, and contracts falling through. In other words, the usual.In spite of these changes starting to occur here, the numbers from July 2022 were very strong. Of course, these statistics are lagging indicators since they went under contract several months ago. Inventory is up in all villages from the previous month (which I have indicated, below) and this is good for buyers looking in our area. The median price has also risen across the North Shore.  WINNETKAClick here to see all Winnetka homes that sold in July 2022Homes for sale: 37 (29 last month) Private network homes for sale: 5Median price ye... 08/03/2022

Hubbard Woods Winnetka Real Estate in July 2022July's real estate statistics reflect sales dating from February to July, with six sales in April. For the most part, these numbers are lagging and don't reflect the changes we're seeing in the real estate market. Just four new homes came on the market last month with 12 closed homes. Of those 12 sales, 2 sold for less than listing price, 4 sold at list price, and 6 sold for over list price. The median price of a Hubbard Woods home has risen 59% since 2021. I checked the number twice it's so incredible. I think we've peaked as mortgage rates and reality are settling in.  4 NEW HUBBARD WOODS LISTINGS IN JULY 2022 1381 Asbury - $1,345,000 1240 Tower - $1,468,000 1016 Westmoor - $2,599,000 1330 Westmoor - $4,795,000   12 CLOSED HUBBARD WOODS L... 08/02/2022

Where to Find the Cheapest Gas in Winnetka and the North Shore Gas prices! Whatever can be done? There's no place to escape to - it's expensive everywhere.I drive a lot - it's an occupational hazard.  But what about you - have you tried to cut back by walking or biking (okay for a few summer months) or combining errands (good for those that can remember things and are organized.)I'm usually on fumes when I pull into whatever station is nearest - and they're all too expensive right now in Winnetka and Wilmette, or even Glenview and Northbrook. So here's a little help for your starved wallets - Gas Buddy - a good site to just plug in your zip code and be directed to the cheapest local gas prices in the area. There are other sites like this one but what I like about Gas Buddy is that ther... 07/22/2022

Wilmette IL Condos for Sale at 1616 Sheridan Road1616 Sheridan Road is a condo building located on the lakefront in the area known as No Man's Land. It is conveniently located right across the street from shopping, restaurants, medical, and dental offices.The building was built in 1961 and has 10 stories and 83 units. They range in size from 1-bedroom up to 3-bedroom and are always on one level (no stairs.)  1616 Sheridan is one of the few buildings along the lake to allow a few rentals.The building does not have a doorman and residents use key fobs to enter the building.  Most do this through the garage, entering within a secure area of the building. There is an on-site manager, garage man, and maintenance staff.The amenities include an outdoor pool, private beach, guest suite, party r... 07/19/2022

Plainfield IL has become one of the preferred towns to buy in when you are unable to get an accepted offer in surrounding Naperville or Oswego.  Here are the June's closed home sales for both detached and attached home sales in June.Detached - 145 in 2022 compared to 205 in 2021.Attached - 48 in 2022 compared to 46 in 2021 (An actual increase)With  the current inventory levels barely enough to cover 1 months past sales July sales should be interesting.Detached Inventory levels - 146New - 22Reactivated 3Price Changes - 22Active - 99Attached Inventory Levels - 38New - 3Reactivated - 1Price Changes - 4Active - 30Official numbers will be released in the next few weeks from MRED* 07/14/2022

Illinois' 2nd city, Aurora, is following the trend of less sales compared to 2021 with only 162 closed transactions in June 2022, compared to the 207 closed transactions in June 2021.  The attached home sales were at 81 closed transactions compare to 103 in 2021.  The increase in interest  rates and the low inventory is  slowing putting on the breaks in actual sales although prices themselves are still appreciating.  Current inventory levels (7/14/22) are at 116 for single family detached with another 61 homes available in the attached home category (condo/TH/duplex).The official numbers will be released in the next few weeks by MRED*.  Come back to see the updated  numbers. 07/14/2022

The unofficial housing stats for June 2022 for Naperville, IL follows:In the detached single family category there were 249 closed sales in June compared to 2021's 318 closed transactions.  A definite slow down in sales for June.Current inventory as of 7/14/22 stands at 241 available listings.New- 42Reactivated - 3Price Change - 14Active - 182 The attached single family category had 80 closed transactions in June, 2022 compared to 112 closed in 2021. The trend continues in the condo/TH/duplex category.Current inventory is at 54 available units broken down into:New - 11Price Changes - 4Active - 39Official stats will be released in the next couple of weeks from MRED*. 07/14/2022

Winnetka North Shore Condo Report Jan-June 2022Condo and townhouse sales have been robust in the North Shore villages of Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Northfield, Glenview, and Evanston.Evanston has the highest inventory and thus the largest number of sales. Conversely, Glencoe doesn't have the condo inventory of other towns but what they do have sold quickly and for slightly over the asking price. Going back to 2019 (chart below) it's interesting to see that while sales are generally lower, the median price ranges back and forth from higher to lower. The one constant is that the average market time was higher and the list-to-sell ratio was lower in 2019. Note that in 2019, Glencoe condo sales were dismal. They had long market times and sold for much less than the list price. And a compl... 07/11/2022

See What Sold in Your North Shore Village in June 2022 WINNETKAClick here to see all Winnetka homes that sold in June 2022Homes for sale: 36 ($650,000 to $16,000,000)Private network homes for sale: 9Median price year-to-date: $1,500,000Current supply of inventory: 1.4 monthsSee all Winnetka homes for saleSee all Winnetka condos for sale WILMETTEClick here to see all Wilmette homes that sold in June 2022Homes for sale: 40 ($385,000 to $3,200,000)Private network homes for sale: 8Median price year-to-date: $895,000Current supply of inventory: 1.1 monthsSee all Wilmette homes for saleSee all Wilmette condos for sale  KENILWORTHClick here to see all Kenilworth homes sold in June 2022Homes for sale: 11 ($900,000 to $14,000,000)Private network homes for sale: 3Median price year-to-date: $2,100... 07/07/2022

The Hubbard Woods real estate market still isn't "balanced," if there is such a thing in home inventory nowadays. This past June, 8 homes closed in; last June the number was an incredible 19. Would our number be higher now if there was more inventory? I think so.Look at the median price over the past three Junes:June 2022 - $1,500,000June 2021 -  $1,305,000June 2020 - $965,000That's a 55% increase in the median price over 3 years. Below you'll see that most (not all) homes are still closing at higher than the list price. A year ago almost all of the 19 homes sold below list price and still had long market times. 6 NEW LISTINGS IN HUBBARD WOODS JUNE 2022 941 Tower  $1,089,000under contract 260 Woodlawn $1,100,000 1305 Asbury $1,100,000 1291 Forest Glen $1,599,000under contract 812 Hibbar... 07/06/2022

Creating a planet run by the sun 2021 Impact Report Read the full report   Report Overview This is our fifth annual Impact Report highlighting our progress in creating a planet run by the sun. We are pleased to show progress from the last four years and are more optimistic than ever in a brighter future for our planet. We’re proving we can decarbonize our energy system with the technology we have today. Affordable, reliable, and clean energy solutions like home solar, battery storage and bidirectional charging capabilities are accelerating the wide-scale transformation of an outdated approach to powering our world.  We are driving the electrification of our homes and transportation by harnessing the sun to power our lives with abundance. This future will also help households better man... 07/01/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 Stage Your Home With These 5 Tips Staging is a vital tool when selling a property. The majority of buyer's agents say staging can increase offers by anywhere from 1% to 20%, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors.  On a home listed at $400,000, that could mean up to $80,000 more. Do you want to market your property better, or potentially fetch a higher sale price? Keep these staging tips in mind: 5 THINGS TO KNOW >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Homeowners: Be Prepared for These Costs First-time homebuyers are often surprised by some of the repair and maintenance expenses that come with owning a house. Here's what to know if you want to make sure you're ready for them. READ MORE   Declut... 06/29/2022

     Voting and the Flag. Today is primary election day in the great state of Illinois. It's been a pretty contentious and unending barrage of political trash ads. They started months ago and just seemed to get nastier and more personal the closer we got to June 28th.      I turned 65 years old this past week and tried to recall any election cycle from years ago that was so hard core nasty. I really can't think of any one in particular but I'm sure there have been some just as vicious and nasty.      As I stood in the voting stall, I was concerned about the future of my four grandchildren with another on the way as well as all the young people of our country. Will there even be a country anywhere close to the one we live in now or will it be torn to pieces by partisan tribal factions.  ... 06/28/2022

 Winnetka and North Shore Dog Beaches You don't have to have a dog that loves the water - or even one that chases balls and sticks. Winnetka and North Shore dog beaches are open for all dogs that want to cool off and socialize. And do something different than laze around the backyard on a hot day.The dog beaches require pets to be up-to-date on vaccinations and there are rules that must be followed, which are outlined on the websites (listed below.)  Along the North Shore, there are four easily accessible dog beaches.Winnetka -  Centennial Park BeachLocated on Sheridan Road just south of Elder (Elder Beach for humans is next door.)  The cost for residents is $35 for one dog and $15 for additional dogs.  Non-resident fees are much higher at $170.00 for one dog.  The Winnetka dog beach ha... 06/23/2022

Have you driven by the Mallinckrodt building on Ridge Road near Lake Avenue and wondered what they are like inside? Does it feel like the former convent it once was or the school it was converted to?The answer is yes . . . and no!  This beautiful Renaissance building has retained some of the stunning features of its past, both inside the converted condos and outside. But beyond that, the nun's rooms and classrooms are long gone in favor of quality built units with all the modern amenities.Mallinckrodt sits on a stunning 14-acre park in a residential section of Wilmette, near transportation and shopping.  There was much discussion about how to develop the complex when the Village of Wilmette purchased it, finally deciding to keep the building and convert it into condos for active seniors... 06/21/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 How to Pay for Your Home Improvements You’ll probably want to improve your home at some point. It might be out of necessity if you need a new roof or fence — or you might want more space or additional amenities, like an updated kitchen or a swimming pool. Whatever the reason for your projects, you’ll likely need some help paying for them. Are you planning to make some improvements around the house soon? Here are four ways to cover the costs. SEE YOUR OPTIONS >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Low- and No-Down Payment Mortgage Loans You don't need huge savings to buy a home. In fact, some mortgage loans require zero down payment. Are you trying to buy a house on a budget? One of these loan options could help. READ ... 06/21/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 Tips for Managing a Cross-Country Move With remote work so common these days, moving to your dream locale across the state, country or even the world isn’t as difficult as it once was. Still, that doesn’t mean a long-distance move will be easy. The logistics, the travel and the timeline can all be tricky to manage, and preparing for these potential challenges is key. Are you considering a big move this year? If so, follow these tips to help everything run smoothly. READ THE 5 MOVING TIPS >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   5 Tips to Help You Avoid Buyer's Remorse Buyer's remorse is common with homebuyers -- especially in a high-stakes, fast-moving market like today's. Want to ensure you make a smart move you don't ... 06/21/2022

  Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 How do you know when it's time to sell? The housing market has stayed competitive for months, and if you’re like many property owners, you’ve probably thought about selling. But is this the right time? Selling your home is a big decision, and pinpointing the perfect time to make your move can be challenging. Here are a few questions to consider if you want to explore what it would look like to put your home on the market soon. 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Lessons Learned by Losing Out on a House Are you hoping to buy a home? A lot of homebuyers tried — and failed — last year. Fortunately, they learned some lessons along the way. Here's what you can glean from their experiences. READ MORE ... 06/21/2022

  Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 Getting Started in Real Estate Investing It seems like more and more people are investing in real estate lately. Is this the right time to try it for yourself? If all goes well, investing in property can help you build wealth and generate passive income. But this endeavor requires careful planning, of course, and not everyone is able to achieve the profits they’re looking for. Are you considering venturing into the world of real estate investing? Here’s what to consider before getting started. 4 THINGS TO CONSIDER >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Tips for Boosting Your Savings in One Year Buying a house might seem like a far-off and costly pipe dream — but it's not impossible by any means. Here's how to save up... 06/21/2022