I'm sure you've heard friends or neighbors mention how they wanted to move because they wanted to be in a better school district for their kids or they didn't have kids yet but they wanted to make sure they found a home that was in a school district they wanted.  It's one of the top ten reasons people choose a certain house to buy.  But is it all Worth the trouble of excluding homes just due to the school district? Big question?   MSN has an article about whether that is, in fact, something you want to focus on that it causes you to move.  A house can cost more if it's in a highly desired school district.  So before you choose to go that route, you'll want to ask yourself these questions: How many children do I have/plan to have?How secure is my job?How long do I plan to stay in this ar... 06/25/2013

A local news source The Evanston Patch, a mostly online and not in print local any more, I believe called me yesterday. It makes me proud and is free advertising for this lad. Anyway they screwed up my quote because I did not say “Many properties are selling above that [listed] price due to the fact that the stock market has gone up in the last year.” I was asked why are so many more properties selling and I mentioned this as one reason among many. So here are my bragging rights. I am just kidding I like to help people and have been quoted in the other papers (well they are mostly not paper now) before and will always give a few minutes to talk to a reporter. I believe it is our duty and I bet someone reads it and gets my name stuck in their head. How could you not with a name like Noah... 06/19/2013

  By Art Wilson, Realtor   Evanston's May Property sales were 110, up 25.0% from 88 in May of 2012 and 1.9% higher than the 108 sales last month. May 2013 sales were at their highest level compared to May of 2012 and 2011. May YTD sales of 379 are running 36.3% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 278.   The Median Sales Price in May was $300,250, up 16.6% from $257,500 in May of 2012 and down -20.2% from $376,125 last month. The Average Sales Price in May was $392,270, up 8.2% from $362,424 in May of 2012 and down -7.9% from $425,745 last month. May 2013 ASP was at a mid range compared to May of 2012 and 2011.   The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of May was 302, down -0.3% from 303 last month and down -37.6% from 484 in May of last year. May 2013 Inventory wa... 06/05/2013

"Sorry to be so much trouble", was the tag line of the latest e-mail from my client.  She was apologizing for asking so many questions, as she tries to determine if she and her husband should pursue a property that I showed them, that's a short-sale. "Don't be sorry", I replied "home-buying is a complicated process, and the added embellishment of a short sale makes it exponentially more complicated.  That's what I'm here for.  I want you to ask whatever you'd like to help you have some comfort level with the process." I've run into this phenomenon many times... clients who feel bad, when taking up your time with showings, and questions...  And sometimes they're just being polite, but in general they feel as though they're infringing on our time.  Not at all... this is what we do for a l... 05/14/2013

 If you're having trouble selling your home or condo and want to move, you might have considered renting it out instead.  This is a great way to continue to be able to pay your mortgage and be able to sell in a few more years once the housing market turns around if you bought at a high point and can not afford to sell the property.  However, if you are a first time landlord, the process of having tenants in your home can be traumatic. It's not so hard to rent out your place to the righterson if you do it right and follow some guidelines.    1. Make it look move-in ready.  If you were living there or did have tenants in there previously, just like selling a house, the home has to be in showing condition.  Tenants are like buyers and generally move in quickly once they find something they... 05/14/2013

Commons of Evanston, Evanston, Illinois About Commons of Evanston Commons of Evanston is a condo complex built in the mid 1970's. Commons of Evanston is located in Evanston, Illinois at the corner of Forest Avenue and Main Street. Average taxes in Commons of Evanston $0 Average association fees in Commons of Evanston $0 Average home size in Commons of Evanston 0 ft2 Average lot size in Commons of Evanston 0.00 acres Average year built in Commons of Evanston 0 Homes for sale in Commons of Evanston None Sales Summary for Commons of Evanston  (May 2, 2012 - May 2, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 300 $283,983 $233,125 82.1% Recent home sales in Commons of Evanston Address Beds Baths Sold 850 Forest Ave. 2 1.1 $137,500 860 Forest Ave. #A 3 2.1 $205... 05/02/2013

What the heck is a market report, and why is everyone talking about them? Well, a market report is simple... it's a report of the conditions of the real estate market in your area... there wasn't that easy?  And the reason they're talking about them, is because consumers like them, and they push our blogs up in Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  What's Search Engine Optimization" you ask?  Well, let's just say it causes our posts to show up on the first page of a typical Google search... and that's a good thing. There is not specific "format" for a property report (or if there is, I'm not aware of one)... just get the information out there in a clean, and easy to read manner... something like this:________________________________________ Evanston, Illinois Market Report for April, 2013i... 05/02/2013

By Art Wilson, Realtor   Evanston's April Property sales were 100, up 88.7% from 53 in April of 2012 and 42.9% higher than the 70 sales last month. April 2013 sales were at their highest level compared to April of 2012 and 2011. April YTD sales of 261 are running 37.4% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 190.  The Median Sales Price in April was $376,125, up 58.0% from $238,000 in April of 2012 and up 15.0% from $326,950 last month. The Average Sales Price in April was $424,842, up 44.6% from $293,743 in April of 2012 and up 17.5% from $361,571 last month. April 2013 ASP was at highest level compared to April of 2012 and 2011. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of April was 284, up 4.4% from 272 last month and down -43.8% from 505 in April of last year. April... 05/02/2013

Sienna, Evanston, Illinois About Sienna Sienna is a condominium complex built in 2006 and 2007. Sienna is located in Evanston, Illinois on Oak Avenue just north of Church Street. Average taxes in Sienna $6,211 Average association fees in Sienna $623 ($231 - $1,359) Average home size in Sienna 1,486 ft2 Average lot size in Sienna 0.00 acres Average year built in Sienna 2006 Homes for sale in Sienna Address Beds Baths Built Price 1720 Oak Ave. #707 1 1.0 2006 $254,900 1720 Oak St. #308 1 1.0 2006 $220,000 1720 Oak Ave. #601 3 2.1 2005 $800,000 Sales Summary for Sienna  (Apr 29, 2012 - Apr 29, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 107 $203,658 $190,442 93.5% Recent home sales in Sienna Address Beds Baths Sold 1740 Oak Ave. #309 1 1.1 $179,000 1720 Oak ... 04/28/2013

Less popular features:1. Fireplaces: Numbers of fireplaces in homes have been on the decline in the past few years, one or maybe two is enough for most people. 2. Carpet: Hardwood flooring seems to be the number one request by buyers in terms of flooring.  17% of new homes contain carpet throughout the entire home.3. Living rooms: As long as there is a space for gathering, such as a family room, living rooms are being wasted or extra space, and not needed as often as they once were.4. Desks in the kitchen: Spaces like this can become cluttered too quickly.  Consumers are preferring their own office space or larger desks near the family room where they can watch their kids.5. Skylights: Only 10% of new homes built will contain skylights in the coming year.6. Updated kitchens: I was surpr... 04/28/2013

So if you are planning to refinance or purchase, you still have to worry about closing costs.  Here's some tips on saving money during this process. 1. If you're planning to refinance, contact your current mortgage lender/broker.  They already have your information so they won't need to charge you again for an application fee or an appraisal fee (if it's relatively recent.)  If you've refinanced recently, you also might be able to save on the fees for a title search.  Ask your lender about a reissue rate, which they can request for you. 2. Everything's negotiable.  If you're purchasing from a homeowner or builder, consider asking for money towards your closing costs in the price of the house.  You might be able to add $1,000 or $2,000 towards the purchase price and have them pay up to $... 04/16/2013

  Evanston's March Property sales were 69, up 35.3% from 51 in March of 2012 and 60.5% higher than the 43 sales last month. March 2013 sales were at their highest level compared to March of 2012 and 2011. March YTD sales of 160 are running 16.8% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 137.   The Median Sales Price in March was $330,000, up 8.2% from $305,000 in March of 2012 and up 46.7% from $224,900 last month. The Average Sales Price in March was $365,434, down -5.0% from $384,580 in March of 2012 and up 27.7% from $286,142 last month. March 2013 ASP was at a mid range compared to March of 2012 and 2011.   The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of March was 256, down -8.6% from 280 last month and down -50.8% from 520 in March of last year. March 2013 Inventory was... 04/03/2013

900 Chicago Avenue Condo, Evanston, Illinois About 900 Chicago Avenue Condo 900 Chicago Avenue Condo was built in 2005. 900 Chicago Avenue Condo is located in Evanston, Illinois just north of Main Street. There are a total of 77 units in the building. Average taxes in 900 Chicago Avenue Condo $4,818 Average association fees in 900 Chicago Avenue Condo $323 ($266 - $380) Average home size in 900 Chicago Avenue Condo 1,025 ft2 Average lot size in 900 Chicago Avenue Condo 0.00 acres Average year built in 900 Chicago Avenue Condo 2005 Homes for sale in 900 Chicago Avenue Condo Address Beds Baths Built Price 900 Chicago Ave. #712 1 1.0 2005 $172,500 900 Chicago Ave. #303 2 2.0 2005 $339,000 Sales Summary for 900 Chicago Avenue Condo  (Apr 1, 2012 - Apr 1, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Ma... 04/01/2013

515 Main Street, Evanston, Illinois About 515 Main Street 515 Main Street is a condo building built in 2001. 515 Main Street is located in Evanston, Illinois at the corner of Main Street and Hinman. There are 63 total units. Average taxes in 515 Main Street $4,100 Average association fees in 515 Main Street $278 ($278 - $278) Average home size in 515 Main Street 909 ft2 Average lot size in 515 Main Street 0.00 acres Average year built in 515 Main Street 2001 Homes for sale in 515 Main Street Address Beds Baths Built Price 515 Main St. #303 1 1.1 2001 $225,000 Sales Summary for 515 Main Street  (Apr 1, 2012 - Apr 1, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 156 $308,500 $280,333 90.9% Recent home sales in 515 Main Street Address Beds Baths Sold 515 Main ... 04/01/2013

445 Sherman Building, Evanston, Illinois About 445 Sherman Building 445 Sherman is a condo building built in 1960. 445 Sherman is located in Evanston, Illinois at the corner of Sherman and Oakton, east of Ridge and west of Chicago Avenue. Average taxes in 445 Sherman Building $0 Average association fees in 445 Sherman Building $0 Average home size in 445 Sherman Building 0 ft2 Average lot size in 445 Sherman Building 0.00 acres Average year built in 445 Sherman Building 0 Homes for sale in 445 Sherman Building None Sales Summary for 445 Sherman Building  (Apr 1, 2012 - Apr 1, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 4 95 $193,700 $182,350 94.1% Recent home sales in 445 Sherman Building Address Beds Baths Sold 445 Sherman Ave. 2 2.0 $94,900 445 Sherman Av... 04/01/2013

  I ♥ CPSC   That's right, I'm in love with acronym.  The CPSC is the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they're a fantastic resource for anyone concerned about safety. The CPSC website is a compendium of informative articles on safety issues.  Here are just a few... you can bookmark them for easy reference! Clothes dryer safety Crib safety Window Covering Safety Carbon Monoxide Safety Despite the CPSC's efforts, a large number of hazardous products are still in use.  Some of the more notable recalls over the last few years include circuit breakers, drywall, and dishwashers. If you're an information junkie like me, you can subscribe to the CPSC for recall updates.  What's really sad is how the same issues come up over and over again:  violations of lead paint standards in toys, vio... 03/27/2013

1939 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, Illinois About 1939 Sherman Avenue 1939 Sherman Avenue is a condo building built in 2003. 1939 Sherman Avenue is located in Evanston, Illinois north of Emerson Street and west of Sheridan Road. It is located within walking distance of Northwestern University and Lake Michigan and close to public transportation and downtown Evanston. Average taxes in 1939 Sherman Avenue $0 Average association fees in 1939 Sherman Avenue $0 Average home size in 1939 Sherman Avenue 0 ft2 Average lot size in 1939 Sherman Avenue 0.00 acres Average year built in 1939 Sherman Avenue 0 Homes for sale in 1939 Sherman Avenue None Sales Summary for 1939 Sherman Avenue  (Mar 27, 2012 - Mar 27, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 3 93 $706,333 $661... 03/27/2013

1830 Ridge Ave, Evanston, Illinois About 1830 Ridge Ave 1830 Ridge condos were built in 1998. 1830 Ridge Condos are located in Evanston, Illinois south of Emerson Street and east of Dodge Avenue. It is located close to downtown Evanston, public transportation, Northwestern University and Lake Michigan. Average taxes in 1830 Ridge Ave $0 Average association fees in 1830 Ridge Ave $0 Average home size in 1830 Ridge Ave 0 ft2 Average lot size in 1830 Ridge Ave 0.00 acres Average year built in 1830 Ridge Ave 0 Homes for sale in 1830 Ridge Ave None Sales Summary for 1830 Ridge Ave  (Mar 27, 2012 - Mar 27, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 224 $281,317 $240,500 85.5% Recent home sales in 1830 Ridge Ave Address Beds Baths Sold 1830 Ridge Ave. 2 2.0 $16... 03/27/2013

1800 Ridge, Evanston, Illinois About 1800 Ridge 1800 Ridge is a condo/loft building that was built in the mid 2010's. 1800 Ridge is located at 1800 Ridge in Evanston which is between Emerson and Church Streets. Average taxes in 1800 Ridge $21,554 Average association fees in 1800 Ridge $983 ($983 - $983) Average home size in 1800 Ridge 2,750 ft2 Average lot size in 1800 Ridge 0.00 acres Average year built in 1800 Ridge 2005 Homes for sale in 1800 Ridge Address Beds Baths Built Price 1800 Ridge Ave. #306 4 4.0 2005 $899,000 Sales Summary for 1800 Ridge  (Mar 27, 2012 - Mar 27, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 242 $543,333 $509,825 93.8% Recent home sales in 1800 Ridge Address Beds Baths Sold 1800 Ridge Ave. 1 1.0 $200,000 1800 Ridge Ave. 2 2.0 $3... 03/27/2013

1572 Maple Residence, Evanston, Illinois About 1572 Maple Residence 1572 Maple was built in 2004. Maple Residence is located in Evanston, Illinois south of Davids Street and east of Ridge Avenue. Amenities include heated parking, storage and great location - close to public transportation, Northwestern University, Lake Michigan and parks. Average taxes in 1572 Maple Residence $0 Average association fees in 1572 Maple Residence $0 Average home size in 1572 Maple Residence 0 ft2 Average lot size in 1572 Maple Residence 0.00 acres Average year built in 1572 Maple Residence 0 Homes for sale in 1572 Maple Residence None Sales Summary for 1572 Maple Residence  (Mar 27, 2012 - Mar 27, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 163 $440,000 $387,167 88.0% Recent... 03/27/2013