It is really called Cultivate Urban Rain forest and Gallery. A wonderful small business on Evanston's Main Street. We visited this store Sunday early afternoon for the first time and wanted to share our experience with you and suggest you too check this interesting and cool store out.This a store owned by Louise Rosenberg who can be found at the store and answering questions about the great inventory of mostly plants, nick knacks, ceramic pieces and a nice selection of Terrariums.We never intended to go to this place today, Sunday October 23 or 2016. We were walking to the Sher-Main grill located at the intersection of Sherman and Main. A dive type diner that has been operating for over 50 years and serving excellent food and service and nothing fancy. I loved our meal. I had two eggs s... 10/23/2016

I often am reminded about the Tortoise and Hare Story during many real estate transactions.As a Realtor we work with different people who work at their own pace when buying or selling real estate.But I wish many times that they could be the Hare and make up their minds.In Real Estate who really Wins the Race. Is it the methodical slow Tortoise or the Quick to respond Hare?What are the consequences if you work to slow. As a buyer you might end up in multiple bids with other buyers. As a seller you might loose a buyer if you do not respond in a timely manner.What happens if you respond to quickly? As a buyer or seller you might have remorse about your decision.I think in Real Estate there should be a natural pace. Do not act too slowly or make decisions to quickly because in the end you w... 10/20/2016

I am not going back to far, these photos were taken Tuesday at the Evanston IL Lakefront near and on the campus of Northwestern University. It was such a fine 70 degree day and in the afternoon I went for a 90 minute walk, had a fantastic time.I feel so lucky to have a job were I can get out in the middle of the day like this if I have time. Time has been very tight lately so it makes it even better.Have a fantastic day and if you get the chance, go outside and enjoy yourself. 10/19/2016

We now have the Evanston IL Real Estate market report and we are going to talk about the last 30 days ending October 14 2016. At the end of this blog is a great piece of data that covers a wide range of Evanston Real Estate and what is happening in the local market.Looking at the stats in general, we have a 1.5% change in new listings, condos and single family homes included. For this period Evanston Real Estate shows a loss of 11.2% and 25.6% less inventory. This is a great time to list your property for sale, there is a seller's market and people are still looking to purchase property.Click Evanston IL Homes for sale and Evanston Condos for sale. This is updated on the fly and the most accurate data you will find.Talking a look at single family homes during the last 30 days we have 69... 10/19/2016

2501 Central Evanston IL, 60201 is now a pending sale. This is my property listing. A 3 bedroom and 2 bath condominium in an elevator building in one of the most popular neighborhoods in Evanston IL.  My client the homeowner is very happy to move on to the next chapter in life.The area near and on Central street in Evanston is a great place to live. You have so many choices of interesting restaurants and shopping is fantastic. You never find the run of the mill stores. Central street has antique shops, a spice store and just about anything unique you can think of.Public transportation is so easy, the Metra and "EL" trains are walking distance and life is a breeze. That is why so many people want to love in this area of North West Evanston.If you have property you want to sell or are a b... 10/18/2016

Today my seller client and our 2 flat listing closed and is sold and off the market. Under contract in 6 days this was a whirlwind sale. The property was two 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom flats with central air conditioning and a 2 car garage.The closing was uneventful and everyone involved came away very happy. The part of Madison Street in Evanston is a very quiet and mostly a residential neighborhood. The only apartment or condo buildings are 2 flats. A one way street going west in a great location.Just south of Main Street and a couple blocks West of Asbury is an area that is sought after. There is public transportation from the "EL" and Metra trains and many choices of dining and shopping. We had multiple showings and offers.After this property went under contract we continued to get calls... 10/14/2016

We just closed the sale of 713 Case Evanston IL, 60202. A 3 bedroom two and half bath bi-level home built in the late 1960's. My clients, the buyers, a family were very happy.This home is described as, "Completely renovated spacious bi-level home, on tree lined street. Large bay windows give plenty of light for large living/dining room leading to upgraded open kitchen with new stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. Home consists of 3 large bedrooms, 2.5 baths, new flooring, paint, kitchens, baths, roof, etc. The master bedroom has a small deck facing the garage and back yard. Spacious lower level for entertaining with a full bathroom. Nice yard with a 2 car garage off alley. Close to shopping, hospital, lake, restaurants, etc."Purchasing a home takes the skill and help of ... 10/13/2016

The Church Street Station at 1640 Maple Evanston IL 60201 is one of the nicest condominium developments in downtown Evanston. Built by Focus the same builders who constructed the Sherman Plaza at 807 Davis. These two buildings are top notch.I quote the Church Street Station web site because it really tells it all on what you get if you become interested in this building. "Built by Focus Development, the 17-story Church Street Station features 18 floor plans among its 103 condominiums, including soft lofts, tower homes, deluxe tower homes, and duplex penthouses. All homes feature one to three bedrooms, one to four baths, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies or terraces. The building also boasts a number of luxury high-rise amenities, including a door person, indoor pool, outdo... 10/12/2016

The Optima Towers located at 1580 Sherman Evanston IL, 60201 is a very popular condominium building. Located right in the middle of downtown at the intersection of Sherman and Davis gives the residents access to excellent public transportation via the "EL" and Metra trains. It is a less than a block walk.The Optima Towers offers one, two and three bedroom condos with a great rage or floor plans and priced in the middle of the typical downtown Evanston condo. One bedroom condos are currently selling for the between $275k and $300k. Two bedroom two bath condos have recently sold for between $300k and $500k and a few three bedroom properties have gone for between $500k and a high of $865k for a 3 bed two and half bath at 2650 square foot property sold at the end of 2015.If you decide to li... 10/11/2016

The Optima Views located at 1720 Maple in Evanston IL 60201 is one of the most popular high rise condo buildings in downtown Evanston. Located in the middle of Maple in between Church street and Clark provides an excellent location. Some people move into the Optima Views because the Century 12 CinArts Theater is right across the street. We have often had these requests and some people down sizing from a single family home love to catch a movie and then be able to walk to everything Evanston provides.People living in the Optima Views have all the amenities anyone would ever desire. You get a doorman, exercise room and a swimming pool. There is an office with management on duty so if you encounter any issues or have special requests, it is steps away.The Optima Views at 1720 Maple is a co... 10/08/2016

800 Elgin Evanston IL the Optima Horizons is one of the most popular and sought after condominium buildings in downtown Evanston. Located right on the edge of the Northwestern University campus and 5 minutes from public transportation via the Metra and "EL" trains makes this property very convenient.The Optima Horizons offers wonderful amenities that include a doorman, full sized pool, attached and heated parking garage that accepts visitors, an exercise room and party room to name a few of the great things that come with these one, two and three bedroom condos.Every owner gets an in unit Landry, balcony with a great view and a full range of floor plans. The even numbered condos face West and the odd numbered properties face East so you get a view of downtown Evanston, the NU Campus and... 10/07/2016

By Art Wilson, RealtorEvanston's September Property sales were 84, down -21.5% from 107 in September of 2015 and -36.4% lower than the 132 sales last month. September 2016 sales were at a mid level compared to September of 2015 and 2014. September YTD sales of 912 are running 2.2% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 892. The Median Sales Price in September was $270,000, down -21.5% from $344,000 in September of 2015 and down -14.4% from $315,500 last month. The Average Sales Price in September was $392,495, down -3.6% from $407,098 in September of 2015 and down -5.3% from $414,472 last month. September 2016 ASP was at the lowest level compared to September of 2015 and 2014. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of September was 269, down -1.1% from 272 last mont... 10/06/2016

Yesterday was a truly stunning day. It was about 75 degrees and and just gorgeous out. I decided to interrupt the day and take a long walk. I was not disappointed. The walk led me through the Evanston IL lakefront and the Northwestern Campus. I saw many people who had the same idea as me. I am so glad this opportunity was taken because today it is raining and on the low 60's. You cannot miss out on these chances to enjoy life and take it all in.The walk was about 6 miles and lasted about 90 minutes. I am hoping that this was not the last day that it is this nice but who knows with our weather. So let me share a bit of what I saw with you.Never Settle every day is precious. Every minute and remind yourself that constantlyAs I walked the sky became very blue and the clouds were lowThe sai... 10/06/2016

2501 Central #4E Evanston IL a 3 Bed 2 bath Condo in an elevator building has been reduced to $257k. With a little updating this 1400 square foot property would make a great home. A clean palate for you to design your kitchen and bathrooms the way you want to live.The area of Central street in North West Evanston is one of the most popular areas to live these days. A friendly neighborhood that offers unique stores and has most everything you could ever want within walking distance.Over the last few years this part of Evanston has become more and more popular. You can find many interesting single family homes in North West Evanston and also condo buildings to suit anyones needs.Public transportation via the Metra and "EL" trains are within a few blocks so you can leave your car in the he... 10/04/2016

Evanston IL is the home of the Sherman Plaza condo building. The property is located at 807 Davis Evanston IL 60201. This is the middle of downtown on the North West corner of Sherman and Davis. This property is one of the most sought after buildings in town.Sherman Plaza is a full amenity building with a 24 hour doorman, on site management, a green space deck with private access to the residents. There is also a party room and an LA Fitness located on the East side of the building so residents do not have to leave the building to get a work out.Click Condos for sale at the Sherman Plaza at 807 Davis to see the latest inventory.The building provides a parking garage and in the commercial space located on the first floor offers some interesting stores and a convince store too, People lov... 09/30/2016

This week end starting September 30th the Evanston Art and Big Fork Festival will be held in downtown Evanston. This event is always a lot of fun and features music, art and tons of good food. This is a free festival and really worth attending. I always go and intend to check it out this weekend. I may even bring my camera and capture the people enjoying the last festival before the cold weather makes us head in doors.Here is what the everfest says, "The Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival in Evanston, Illinois, celebrates local artists and the community’s culinary craftsmen. The art portion of the two-day event features aesthetically pleasing designs such as one-of-a-kind handmade furniture, paintings, sculptures and ceramics. The fare portion includes edible creations from the area's top... 09/27/2016

Quotes a few words that mean so much. It is once again time to share a few of the interesting words I have come across in the last few weeks. Enjoy your day and watch the colors start to change. I would travel only by horse, if I had the choice. Linda McCartney I never wanted to be famous. I only wanted to be great. Ray Charles The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination. Tommy Lasorda The trust of the innocent is the liar's most useful tool. Stephen King Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery. Joyce Brothers I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against. Malcolm X You can't really be strong until you see a funny side to things. Ken Kesey One forgives to the degree that one love... 09/25/2016

Today we closed the sale of 1630 Madison Evanston IL 60202 my 3 bedroom single family home listing. It had only six days on the market before it went under contract. The property had multiple offers and closed at about 8% above the asking price. The seller is very happy as is the new family who has a great home to move into and enjoy.By pricing this property correctly and creating a buzz among a market that is very active caused a huge amount of interest. In the weekend we showed this house there were over 30 showings in a 3 day period and a very quick contract and closed sale.Don't let your property sit on the market as time goes by. If you are considering a sale of a home or condo in Evanston IL you need the sales team of Coldwell Banker Evanston and Broker Noah Seidenberg. We analyze... 09/22/2016

The Evanston Real Estate September 2016 market report is out. We are going to give an explanation of market conditions and also provide a great and easy to understand report at the end that you will find useful to help you see the big picture.For the complete scene, all properties considered we have similar conditions as compared with last year at this time, new listings are up less than 1% and there is a 4.8% gain in closed sales of all types of properties. The surprise is that there is 29.9% less inventory. This is an indication of a seller's market.Click Evanston Houses for sale and Evanston Condos for sale to see the latest inventory.Looking at single family homes, the change is flat. 54 new homes for sale in the last 30 days, exactly the same situation as last year this time for th... 09/21/2016

 My listing at 1111 Foster Evanston IL 60201 is now under contract. The buyer is a builder who is going to do a rehab job on the property and will then have a real gem. Everyone involved is very happy. Here is the description on the home.Turn of the century (1905) Firemen’s Park neighborhood family two and half story home for sale by fourth owner of 45 years. Location allows walk to: Firemen’s Park, CTA and Metra, Lighthouse Beach, Century Theaters, Evanston Art Center, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Northshore-Evanston Hospital, Garret Theological Seminary, Northwestern Univ, Evanston public schools and library, downtown. Solidly built house with original oak wood trim, hardwood floors, pocket door, some original glass windows, with Lindholm installed new roof (2015 tear off; Lifetime Tra... 09/20/2016