if you want to be successful in this business you have to be positive and handle rejection. So here is an ideas. Find an empty bottle and put notes in it every time someone does something nice or says something nice or you accomplish something . It doesn't have to be all work related like a closing.At the end of the year open the bottle and read your notes and be thankful for the year you just had. 12/20/2015

One year ago the Winter was about to become horrible in Chicago land, it hit at the end of December. There was many cold days and quite a bit of snow. This year is so different so far, today it is in the 50's. I needed to take a look back and remind myself how nice it is now. Here is a shot I took last February when it was frigid at Evanston's South Blvd Beach. How will the temps end up this Winter? 12/16/2015

Property Sales Evanston IL November Property sales were 69, up 13.1% from 61 in November of 2014 and 16.9% lower than the 83 sales last month. November 2015 sales were at their highest level compared to November of 2014 and 2013. November YTD sales of 1,044 are running 15.4% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 905.Prices The Median Sales Price in November was $294,000, up 10.9% from $265,000 in November of 2014 and up 0.5% from $292,500 last month. The Average Sales Price in November was $330,415, up 6.5% from $310,374 in November of 2014 and down 14.1% from $384,461 last month. November 2015 ASP was at the highest level compared to November of 2014 and 2013.Inventory The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of November was 296, down 15.4% from 350 last month and d... 12/16/2015

Today we are going to talk about some of the most popular downtown Evanston IL condos. The downtown of Evanston is becoming a very popular location to live. This is life without needing the use of your vehicle. If you do need to drive to work or to visit friends, every building we are going to mention has attached and heated garages included with the price of the condo. You also get a door person, swimming pool, exercise room, a deck for having a BBQ or for walking your dog and even more amenities I have not mentioned.One of the most popular buildings in downtown Evanston IL is called the Sherman Plaza located at 807 Davis. This property is at the corner of Sherman and Davis. Every condo has a washer and dryer and a wide range of floor plans. The sizes of the properties range from one t... 12/14/2015

Homes for sale in the 60201 zip code of Evanston Il include the downtown area. The end of 60201 is at Dempster street and then 60202 continues until the Chicago border at Howard street South. 60201 ends at the Wilmette border North. The 60201 zip code of Evanston also includes the Central street area of town that has become very popular in recent years and is its own unique shopping area with really interesting shops and great dining options that would make anyone happy.If you want to skip this report, click Homes for Sale in 60201 Zip Code Evanston IL. You will have direct access to the multiple listing service with live and always up to date information you can count on to be accurate.At the present time there are 48 single family homes for sale in the 60201 zip code of Evanston IL an... 12/14/2015

1 Bedroom Condos for Sale in Evanston Illinois could be a rental alternative. I have dealt with many first time buyers and in the end it was less money to purchase a property instead of continuing to rent. Why throw your money away when you can get some equity? I do not want to be pushy so I apologize but there are so many programs available and if you give me a call if you are on the fence, we will help you. Enough of that.At the present time there are 25,  1 Bedroom Condos for Sale in Evanston Illinois and 17 condos under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days 4 properties have closed and are off the market. For the month of November the average sales price of a 1 bedroom condo in Evanston Illinois has dropped 8.5% from the same time last year to $142,327. The November ave... 12/11/2015

 MOVING TO EVANSTON ILLINOIS? Thinking of Moving to Evanston, IL? UPDATED 2022Evanston, Illinois is a thriving multi-faceted city that borders the city of Chicago on its south side and sits alongside Lake Michigan.  It offers many different neighborhoods and good schools and is home to Northwestern University. There are an incredible number of cultural outlets, the restaurant scene is booming, and there are several shopping areas including a robust downtown and lower-key Central Street with many one-of-a-kind stores.  Evanston is the largest of the North Shore villages and is a great destination for those who want a vibrant and diverse lifestyle but don't want to live in Chicago.The Evanston/Skokie school district (#65) serves 7,000 students and consists of : 10 elementary schools (K-5t... 12/10/2015

2 Bedroom Condos for Sale in Evanston Illinois are probably the most popular size. Many people downsizing from a single family home will go with the 2 bedroom condo. The downtown area of Evanston IL is so popular and folks who do not want to deal with yard maintenance or snow removal in the winter are also good candidates for a 2 bedroom condo. Regardless of the reasons you have for choosing any size property that fits your needs we are here to take a look at the stats and the community.At the present time there are 89, 2 bedroom condos for sale in Evanston Illinois and 45 under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days Evanston has had 32 condos close, they are now sold and off the market. For November of 2015 the median price of a 2 bedroom condo in Evanston is $225,000 and t... 12/10/2015

 I know many people are confronted with a decision on what to do with their aging parents. Its not an easy decision to talk to a parent about their own safty and care as they age. I know from personal experience that my mom whose age I will not disclose should not be driving a car but she insists on still driving herself and being independent.But what happens to most parents and children is their will be a day when a discussion about Taking Care of them and making sure they are comfortable with this decision.Part of the discussion will be what to do about their current living condition. Do they stay at home? Do they get live in help? Do they move in with their children? Do they need assisted living or nursing care?Are they forgetful or have you noticed any early onset of dementia, altzh... 12/09/2015

3 bedroom condos for sale in Evanston Illinois is our topic of the day. 3 bedroom condos are a single family home alternative and people have less issues to deal with compared to home ownership. The downtown of Evanston IL is becoming so popular these days and we find many more condominiums available and the price is less restrictive. Property taxes are more manageable too, many of the houses in Evanston IL have taxes in the double digits, it is expensive for many folks.At the present time there are 46, 3 bedroom condos for sale in Evanston Illinois and 20 under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days we have had 10, 3 bedroom condos close, they are now off the market. The median price at this time for 3 bedroom condos in Evanston IL is $345,000 and that is down from this tim... 12/07/2015

I am excited and proud to show you the Evanston IL Fountain Square and our Holiday decorated scene. The Fountain Square is now shining with our Christmas tree and Hanukkah Menorah. I went over and took these photos Saturday morning at 7:30 AM, that is why you do not see many people walking around. The lighting ceremony was about a week ago and will stay up through the end of the year. People really enjoy Evanston's Fountain Square.The City Of Evanston's Fountain Square is really a war memorial dedicated to the citizens of Evanston IL who have served in the armed forces, sacrificed their life for this country and a memory of Evanston and America as a free country and that people have given up so much for you and I to enjoy that freedom. Fountain Square is right in the middle of downtown ... 12/06/2015

There was no meltdown it just rhymed and sounded like a catchy title to get people to view this. Sorry if you feel misled. I went to the Evanston Lakefront at South Blvd beach this morning at 7AM to take photos of the sunrise. I was unable to do so because it was so foggy and misty that you could not see the sun for a few hours. A let down but I got a few good photos anyway.All the birds were hanging out it one place fishingI zoomed in on those birds hanging out in the water but they were far awayBye bye birdie 12/05/2015

Evanston IL Celebrates its 41 year with the Nutcracker On Ice at the Robert Crown Center December 11th through the 13th. This is a fantastic show that always attracts many people and is really fun to attend. It is only $9 to see the performance and really worth it. You will walk away amazed at how well the kids put on the show and with their skating skills.I quote the City of Evanston, "The Nutcracker on Ice," Robert Crown Community Center's beloved winter ice show, will celebrate its 41st year entertaining families with four performances this holiday season. Two matinees and two evening performances of the special holiday show, performed by Robert Crown Center ice skating school students and competitive figure skaters, will be held the weekend of December 11-13, 2015. Show times are Fr... 12/03/2015

5 Bedroom Homes for sale in Evanston Illinois is a great choice for people who need some space for their family, a home office or space for friends and relatives visiting occasionally. There are so many beautiful larger Evanston IL homes, some are historic landmarks. Among the notable areas of Evanston that truly have unusual larger homes is the South East part of town from Chicago Avenue South to Sheridan Road that includes Hinman, Forest, Judson and Michigan is full of beautiful Evanston homes.The North Ridge Historic district has some very unusual and stunning properties and also the area of Northwest Evanston and North Evanston near Central Street is very sought after. Let us know if you want some advice on what areas of Evanston are the best for your needs.If you want to skip the r... 12/03/2015

4 Bedroom Homes for Sale in Evanston Illinois are a very popular choice for anyone with a family or just wanting a little extra space. Evanston IL has so many different types of houses ranging from the Queen Anne Victorian also known as the "painted Lady" to 1920's brick Colonials, Tudors and Georgians through interesting contemporary homes and now we are seeing new construction. For quite a few years there was no new building going up in Evanston but that has all changed and there are quite a few brand new builds with all the amenities available. People want attached garages with these new properties and all the modern appliances.If you just want to skip the reporting, click 4 Bedroom Homes for sale in Evanston Illinois. Also included for your searching needs is 2 bedroom condos and 3 ... 12/02/2015

Many people choose a 3 bedroom home in Evanston Illinois. It could be a condo alternative or maybe you not need a large house? Regardless Evanston IL is a great place to call home and we are taking a look at the inventory and sales of 3 bedroom homes today. At the present there are 50, 3 bedroom homes for sale in Evanston Illinois and 31 properties under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days we have had 12 homes close, they are now sold. In the condominium scene there are currently 46, 3 bedroom homes for sale in Evanston and 20 properties under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days we have had 10, 3 bedroom condos close and they are now sold.If you want to skip the report click on 3 Bedroom Homes for Sale in Evanston Illinois and you will be able to see the in... 12/01/2015

Today we are talking about homes for sale in the 60203 zip code of Evanston IL also known as the Skevanston area. It is actually Evanston IL but appears to be in Skokie. The property taxes are closer to the level of Skokie and there is often more bang for the buck price wise. You get Evanston schools and often is a great area for people looking for a great value in a wonderful town.Presently there are 24 single family homes for sale in 60203 and 8 properties under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days, 4 houses have closed in Skevanston, they are off the market. In the condo scene for 60203 we presently have only 2 properties for sale and 1 condo under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days only 1 condo has closed and is off the market.If you want to browse on y... 11/29/2015

Focus development has submitted to the city of Evanston IL an application for a planned development for a 14 story mixed use building with 287 unit with a 3,330 square foot commercial area on the ground floor. To quote the city of Evanston, "The developer (Focus Development, Inc. and CA-Ventures) has submitted an application for approval of a Planned Development to construct a 14-story mixed-use building with 287-units and a 3,330-square foot commercial space on the ground floor. The applicant is also requesting rezoning of the property from C1-Commercial to C1a-Commercial Mixed-Use district. The building would replace the existing two-story commercial building with 7-eleven convenience store and a cleaners use among others. The proposed units would include a total of 165 studio/ 1-BD u... 11/28/2015

Evanston Art Center Winter Arts & Crafts ExpoThe Evanston Art Center has started its 12th annual winter arts and crafts expo at the new location at 1717 Central Street in Evanston IL 60201. The hours are 9AM to 10PM Monday through Thursday and Friday 9AM to 6PM and weekends 9AM to 4PM. The handmade art work is amazing and one of a kind. Yesterday we went shopping and browsing and were very impressed. I want to quote the Evanston Art Center in their write up on the event.The Evanston Art Center's 12th Annual Winter Arts & Crafts EXPO features original, handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed-media and more. All proceeds from the EXPO sale will benefit EAC's ongoing exhibition, scholarship, and outreach programs. Based on enthusiastic communi... 11/26/2015

Over the years as a Realtor in Evanston IL and Chicago land I have encountered Radon tests and never have had levels high enough to cause a concern. Because of this I really did not give it much thought until recently. First a little background on Radon.Radon is a chemical element with symbol Rn and atomic number 86. It is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas, occurring naturally as a decay product of radium. This gas is the 2nd highest cause of lung cancer in America right behind tobacco use. I want to quote the EPA for a minute.EPA Radon StudiesThe EPA offers a look at what they believe to be the risks of radon at different concentrations for 1,000 people who smoked and were consistently exposed to a certain level of radon during their lifetimes.Radon Risks for Smok... 11/23/2015