Buying a Home in Winnetka?  Hire an Agent That Represents YOU You've been looking for homes online for months that might work for you in Winnetka or another North Shore village. Sometimes you go out on Sundays and check out a few open houses to get a better feel for the area and neighborhood.  Then Boom!  You see the perfect house for you online and can't wait to call and make an appointment, or you've walked into an open house and know you've found your new home. What happens next?  Regardless of how you found the house, you may be tempted to call the listing agent and set up an appointment with them to see the house.  After all, they are the ones who put up all the advertising or sit at the open house with their names and contact information readily available.   Don't do it!. When you... 05/17/2011

Winnetka Public Schools - "Little Learners Program" In September 2010, the Winnetka Public Schools launched a new preschool program entitled "Little Learners," in coordination with the Northern Suburban Special Education District.  The program is held at Greeley School in Winnetka and is open to 3-5 year olds. This blended class has a maximum enrollment of 14 students, of which seven spaces are for students with special needs.   The program is designed to target 50 different goals for young students in various areas of development including cognitive, language, motor development and social-emotional.  Children in the class will explore interests such as dramatic play, games, art, sand and water, music and movement, cooking, computers and outdoor activities.   The program is open to Winn... 05/15/2011

Whether you are in the market for a home for your family or looking for a place to foil burglars, the home from the 1990's movie Home Alone can be yours. On today's CBS Moneywatch blog, I give you the scoop about this iconic piece of real estate and movie history. Home Alone was ranked number one in the box office and grossed $476,684,675 worldwide. The protagonist "Kevin!" played by Macaulay Culkin, is left behind over Christmas and successfully defends the 4 bedroom, 3 bath 4,250 square foot, three-story home from burglars. The home could be yours for just $2.4 million. The home is located in Winnetka, an affluent suburb of Chicago and is just blocks from the shores of Lake Michigan. The property was built in the 1920s and features a red-brick, Georgian-style architectural design. Of ... 05/11/2011

UPDATED 2022   Is Your American Flag Ready for Retirement? I know that you are not supposed to let an American flag touch the ground and that it should be burned when it's too old and tattered for use anymore.  Did you know that it is disrespectful to fly an old faded and torn flag?  Did you know that burning them used to be easy when they were made of cloth, but nowadays many are made of nylon and burial is actually proper for those types of flags.There are some very explicit directions to follow when disposing of an old flag - just tossing it whole into a burning fire is not proper protocol.  The flag needs to be treated with dignity and respect as befitting our national symbol. It has led the way in many American battles, untold numbers have died for it, and it even is proudly situat... 05/10/2011

There are currently 21 homes under contract/pending that are priced over $2 million in Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth and Glencoe, with the high end home priced at $7,785,000.  That breaks down to 7 in Glencoe, 4 in Kenilworth, 1 in Wilmette, and 9 in Winnetka.   I think that's a tremendous rebound from a sluggish high-end market, particularly in light of the fact that there are only 25 homes under contract priced under $500,000! Check out the numbers in this chart:     The highest number of under contract homes is still under $1,000,000.  The total of under contract homes is 167 across all price ranges, which leaves 473 homes still for sale. An interesting side note is that these 167 homes wipe out the equivalent of everything for sale in Winnetka.   Not all homes close, and some of th... 05/09/2011

Winnetka Spring Town Meeting The 2011 Annual Winnetka Spring Town Meeting will be held Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Washburn School auditorium at 515 Hibbard Road.  There will be reports by the presidents of the Winnetka/Northfield library Winnetka Park District, Winnetka District 36 Board of Education Village Council. There will be a question and answer period with a microphone at the front of the auditorium, and residents only are allowed to ask questions and are limited to one. For more information, please see:  The Winnetka Caucus Council Spring Town Meeting 05/08/2011

UPDATED 2019  "Home Alone" House in Winnetka  Plucky hero, Keven McAllister (Macaulay Caulkin), hasn't set foot in this Winnetka house since 1990, but the memory of him setting off wildly inventive booby traps lives on in this Winnetka home.  On any given day, cars can be seen slowing down in front of the home to snap photos and imagine the young child left behind trying to thwart off the two home burglers, Harry and Marv.   The 14 room, four-bedroom brick home famously features the staircase that Culkin sledded down, and sits on approximately 1/2 acre, just a few blocks north from downtown Winnetka. The current homeowners purchased the home for $1,585,000 in 2012.    SEE ALL WINNETKA HOMES FOR SALE  Sign up to get monthly North Shore real estate news delivered to your inbox.It's free, ... 05/07/2011

Bargain shoppers and yard sale hounds, you will think you died and went to heaven when you come to Winnetka Congregational Church’s spring rummage sale on May 12. While there are several good sales on the North Shore, this one is the grand-daddy of all rummage sales. It raises more than $200,000 in eight hours and has had the distinction of being recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest one-day rummage sale in the world. There are 31 “departments”  at this sale, with pretty much anything you can think of: clothing (men’s, women’s, kids’), shoes, furniture, electronics, toys, tools, linens, housewares, antiques, books, etc. There are 800 volunteers who work for weeks to sort, assemble, organize and sell all of the donations they get throughout the year. Although rummage ... 05/05/2011

Closed Home Sales for April 2011 Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Northfield Winnetka - Sales were up by 7 units in April over March for a total of 16 and the list price to sell price ratio improved to 90%. Wilmette - Sales were up by 1 unit to a total of 16 with the ratio staying about the same at 90%. Kenilworth - Kenilworth posted 2 sales, down from 4 in March. Glencoe - Sales were down by just 1 unit, with a total of 14 and 82% of list price. Northfield - Five units sold, up from just two in March, but the list price ratio was down to 75%. As of today, May 3, 2011, there are 531 single family homes for sale in the five villages, 105 are under contract (still waiting to clear contingencies) and 68 are pending (contingencies have cleared.)  These numbers indicate a 10 month ab... 05/03/2011

Winnetka Annual Spring Clean-Up Week is Here May 2 - 5   Piles of junk everywhere.  Or at least piles of stuff since a lot of what Winnetkans throw out looks like it's very reusable.  In fact, the quiet streets of Winnetka are fairly busy with people driving trucks arounds looking to make some good "finds."   The village will pick-up just about anything except  yardwaste, dirt, stone, construction materials or debris, logs, liquid and paint.  Just pile your stuff on the curb and if the rehabbers and junkmen don't take it, the Village surely will.  The village website says they will pick up anything that 2 men can reasonably pick up. Here's the schedule for the Winnetka Annual Spring Clean Up: Monday, May 2 - north of Tower RoadTuesday, May 3 - Tower Road to Pine Street Wednesday, May 4 ... 05/01/2011

"Kids Against Hunger" Comes to the Winnetka Community House Today, Saturday, April 16 I volunteered (along with several hundred other people) to pack specially prepared high-protein meals bound for Nicaruaga.  The Winnetka Community House in Winnetka was the location for an assembly-line production where bags were filled with four ingredients that would feed one family for a day.   First we put in a vegetarian chicken-flavored powder, then freeze-dried vegetables, followed by a soy protein, and finally rice.  The bags were then weighed, sealed, and boxed.  Added to water, these ingredients make an extremely protein-rich nutritious meal.  Volunteers today packed 100,000 meals which are already on their way to Nicaragua. This event was hosted and coordinated by KIDS AGAINST HUNGER, a huma... 04/16/2011

Calling All Artists to Winnetka Every artist dreams of their own studio - a place full of bright natural light.  A space large enough to spread out and have several easels going at once and where it's quiet and private yet just within reach of other family members.   If you are an artist and are looking for a great home in Winnetka, this may be just for you. The artist-in-residence here built this studio ten years ago and thought of everything.  Floor to ceiling windows, skylights, and a floor made to handle spills and splashes.  Yet there is still a living room, den, and basement recreation room for others to pursue their interests. 3 Bedrooms 3 1/2 Bathrooms Landscaped yard Close to schools and transportation $689,000 04/13/2011

During the most recent 12-month period, real estate in Winnetka remained flat when compared to the prior 12-month period. For an average-priced home currently valued at $1,264,585, this works out to be a loss of around $5,592, or .4%. This bodes extremely well for selling your Winnetka home, since the suburb seems to be escaping the persistent downward trend of some nearby suburbs. In order to stay ahead of the curve, it’s still good to keep in mind the persistent weak market that’s taken market value down. Data provided by the Midwest Real Estate LLC (MRED) multiple listing service and includes properties listed and sold by various participants in the MLS. Data supplied does not reflect all market activity in the area. You never get a second chance to make a first impression When your ... 04/13/2011

Winnetka Landmark Preservation Awards Nominations Due Thursday,April 12 The deadline is near if you are planning to nominate a home for Winnetka's annual Preservation Awards.  Each year, Winnetka honors construction projects that are done in keeping with the history and character of the village.  Their are three categories: Restoration, Rehabilitation, and New Construction.   Rehabilitation The project restores the property to its original appearance using original plans and required research. The project may be a full-scale or partial restoration. An example of a partial restoration would include the replacement of an asphalt shingle roof with original roof material, or the restoration of a porch to its original condition Restoration The project is sympathetic to the building's origina... 04/12/2011

Affordable Housing in Winnetka Winnetka has gotten a lot of press lately (much of it negative) due to its decision to take up the discussion of affordable housing in the community.  Some of the discussions and comments  have been wildly off mark so it's really  important to be knowledgeable about this proposal. Tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 12, at 7:30 the Winnetka Village Council will have a study session and begin talks on this controversial subject.  The Village Council originally looked into affordable housing in 2005 when it directed the Plan Commission to further study the issue.  Focus groups were held and the conclusion suggested that "there is a quantifiabl need for affordable housing in Winnetka."  A vocal group of opposed residents is the Winnetka Home Owners Association (WH... 04/11/2011

Cook County Forest Preserves Cutting and Burning Buckthorn! Invasive Species. Kudzu. Pampas Grass. Yellow Starthistle. They are all a problem somewhere, but here in the midwest, it's Buckthorn.  I know, because my neighbor has one that overhangs my yard, and it's a big chore to clean up and get rid of new growth.For the beautiful forest preserves that wind in and around the Chicago area, Buckthorn is a major intruder choking out the native flora. The Forest Preserve District of Cook Count Volunteers works hard to maintain the forest preserves in their original state. It's a big job - fully 11% of Cook County, or 68,000 acres, are forest preserve land.  Volunteers are an integral part of this mission - from cutting and burning buckthorn, maintaining trails, and sowing native seeds.Many ... 04/09/2011

Cafe Buongiorno in Winnetka Illinois One of My Favorite Spots on Chicago's North Shore. Situated in the Laundry Building in Winnetka this small eatery serves breakfast and lunch only.  This is one of my favorite spots to meet friends or clients. Mary Jo and Themis, the owners, are always there to greet you. If you frequent there more than a few times Mary Jo will greet you by name. The service is always great and the food is that is served in made from scratch.  Terrific and creative omelets for breakfast, if you prefer  an egg white omelet just ask.  The homemade soups are divine - my favorite is the butternut squash. Great sandwiches and salads too - I suggest the Greek Salad. The last time I was there, I just picked up a of bowl of soup to go. If you are having a busy day and are loo... 04/09/2011

Looking for a Traditional Home in East Winnetka, IL? Gorgeous Space ~ Sunny and Bright ~ High Ceilings ~ Spacious Rooms ~ Updated Just Reduced - $1,365,000 This lovely traditional home located on Prospect Street is quintessential Winnetka.  The house welcomes you in - the moment you walk through the front door you feel that you have arrived home.  Come in, sit down, open the windows and catch the lake breezes during the summer.  Host family dinners in the large, beautifully appointed dining room.  Plan and cook meals in the oversized kitchen with adjoining breakfast room and planning desk.   6 Bedrooms 4 1/2 bathrooms 2-car detached garage Approximately 1/3 acre Central Cooling Hot Water/Steam Heating Backyard Deck If you are looking to purchase a beautiful home in east Winnetka, consid... 04/08/2011

March Closed Home Sales Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe & Northfield   # Sales Avg. List Price Avg. Sell Price % List to Sell Avg.Market Time Winnetka 9 $1,844,433 $1,500,000 81% 165             Wilmette 15 $824,177 $735,307 89% 205             Kenilworth 4 $2,161,000 $1,867,500 86% 217             Glencoe 15 $918,530 $789,433 86% 348             Northfield 2 $683,450 $580,000 85% 134 March showed strong sales in Wilmette and Glencoe with 15 single family homes each.  The average list:sell ratios are still on the low side with Wilmette having the best ratio at 89%.  However, even in this case, the difference between the average list to the average sell in Wilmette was almost $100,000, which is fairly substantial.   If you are trying or planning to sell your home, it is imperativ... 04/04/2011

In Winnetka, the average sales price of residential homes over the last 12 months declined $167.0, or roughly 14%. This statistic may be hard to take in, but knowing what you’re up against as a homeseller is crucial to getting your house sold. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. ~George Santayana in “Reason in Common Sense” Cut to the chase Knowing that the value of your home is trickling away every minute of every single day that it’s on the market is difficult to absorb. But it’s far far better to know now than later. By understanding the real estate market is definitely not in recovery mode, you won’t have any illusions of what it will take to sell your house.     This data was provided by the Midwest Real Estate LLC (MRED) multiple listing service and inc... 04/01/2011