Real Estate Transactions Year-to-Date 2009 vs 2010 for Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe and Northfield, IL   With all the dire news lately - who doesn't know what's going on in real estate?  Being that ALL real estate is local and what's going on in San Bernardino doesn't have much effect on what's going on in Winnetka, we all need to use caution when considering the national news.  Now, I just pulled a report showing year-to-date sales (January 1 through September 1) for both 2010 and 2009 and I found something pretty interesting.  Sales are up in the five villages of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe and Northfield this year over last and while prices continue to decline, the slide is not that steep anymore.  Here are the numbers: 2010 Closed sales from 01/01/2010 - 09/01... 09/02/2010

In the table below lists all of the single family detached and single family attached homes currently on the market in Winnetka, IL  The data lists available homes by price range with average time on market in each range. Should you have an interest in homes in a selected price range, send me your physical characteristics requirements. I will send complete details on those homes that meet your criteria. Active Listings List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 3 321 $150,000 - $199,999 1 291 $250,000 - $299,999 7 297 $300,000 - $349,999 7 230 $400,000 - $449,999 2 120 $450,000 - $499,999 9 274 $500,000 - $549,999 6 291 $550,000 - $599,999 4 354 $600,000 - $699,999 13 184 $700,000 - $799,999 12 369 $800,000 - $899,999 16 220 $900,000 - $999,999 8 121 $1,000,000 - $... 09/01/2010

 Where to Play Golf on the North Shore UPDATED 2022  Public Courses       Winnetka Golf Club1300 Oak. St847-501-2050 The Winnetka Golf Club has both a 9- and 1-hole course plus a putting green, driving range, pro shop, and snack bar Wilmette Golf Club3900 Fairway,Wilmette847-256-9777   Pro shop, restaurant, driving range, putting green, and lessons are available. Glencoe Golf Club621 Westley Rd847-835-0250 An 18-hole golf course managed by the Village of Glencoe. Canal Shores1030 Central St Wilmette845-475-9173 18-hole executive course located in east Wilmette on the border with Evanston  The Glen Club2901 W. LakeGlenview (in the Glen)847-724-7272 This 18-hole course was designed by noted golf course architect Tom Fazio and sits in the heart of the Glen.  Sunset Valley Golf Club 1390 Su... 08/31/2010

Real Estate Sales Transactions for Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth & Glencoe for August 23-27 Winnetka - total of 8 closed sales 962 Sheridan - list price $925,000, sold price $850,000                            791 Bryant - $1,975,000/$1,125,000 1238 Westmoor - $1,569,000/$1,350,000 563 Provident - $1,425,000/$1,365,000 1171 Oakley - $1,699,999/$1,615,000 101 Thorn Tree - $2,450,000/$1,678,000 840 Tower - $3,199,000/$2,162,500 Wilmette - total of 8 closed sales 2120 Washington - list price $599,900, sold price $525,000 2019 Lake - $575,000/$525,000 2236 Elmwood - $679,000/$581,000 2232 Iroquois - $886,000/$730,000 1721 Lake - $920,000/$900,000 1126 Ashland - $1,049,000/$995,000 1522 Isabella - $1,249,000/$1,080,000 2436 Meadow - $1,399,000/$1,260,000 Kenilworth - no closed sales Glencoe... 08/30/2010

UPDATED 2020 Prairie School Architecture in Winnetka When one thinks of the Midwest, one thinks of prairies, no?  Grasses that would come up to the withers on horses making their way through the (formerly) vast prairies of Illinois.  What makes Prairie really unique to us is that it is totally indigenous, the first architectural style to not be based on a European model. It's 100% American and was revolutionized by Frank Lloyd Wright when he was getting started in Oak Park, Illinois.  Frank Lloyd Wright felt that Victorian homes were boxy and confining with their maze of smaller rooms and he envisioned low horizontal lines with open interior spaces.  Prairie houses were designed to blend in with the flat prairie landscape. They are usually built of stucco, are almost always irregular in... 08/29/2010

Real Estate Sales Transactions for Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, & Glencoe for the week of August 16-20     Winnetka - 7 Closed Sales 882 Pine - list price $530,000, sold price $482,500 (probably sold as land) 481 Hill - list price $797,000, sold price $720,000 1175 Hamptondale - list price $949,500, sold price $760,000 1158 Hamptondale - list price $1,195,000, sold price $1,100,000 509 Elder - list price $1,275,000, sold price $1,174,000 654 Pine - list price $2,450,000, sold price $1,950,000 745 Locust - list price $2,999,000, sold price $2,725,000 Wilmette - 9 closed Sales 225 Catalpa - list price $550,000, sold price $517,500 310 3rd - list price $649,000, sold price $565,000 1231 Manor - list price $649,990, sold price $628,000 4040 Bunker - list price $669,000, sold price $630,0... 08/26/2010

Real Estate Transactions for Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth & Glencoe for the week of August 9 - 13 Winnetka - 6 Sales    481 Hill - list price $917,000, sold price $720,000                                               1519 Edgewood - list price $925,000, sold price $825,000 152 Old Green Bay Road - list price $1,629,000, sold price $1,250,000 (short sale) 555 Glendale - list price $1,699,000, sold price $1,350,000 1092 Cherry - list price $1,698,000, sold price $1,500,000 140 Birch - list price $2,995,000, sold price $2,250,000 29 Indian Hill - list price $4,750,000, sold price $3,400,000   Wilmette - 7 Sales 2707 Birchwood - list price $420,000, sold price $393,000 1704 Wilmette - list price $565,000, sold price $490,000 330 N. Sunset - list price $549,000, sold price $500,000 302 La... 08/18/2010

Real Estate Sales Transactions - Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, and Glencoe For the week of August 2 - August 6   Winnetka 120 Woodland - list price $339,000, sold price $323,000, 10 days on market 44 Brier - list price $825,000, sold price $744,000, 51 days on market 182 Myrtle - list price $869,000, sold price $810,000, 320 days on market 850 Lamson - list price $899,000, sold price $899,000, 8 days on market 390 Birch - list price $1,150,000, sold price $1,000,000, 204 days on market 275 Auburn - list price $1,100,000, sold price $1,012,500, 48 days on market 292 Sheridan - list price $1,595,000, sold price $1,075,000, 384 days on market 921 Ash - list price $1,229,000, sold price $1,100,000, 59 days on market 150 Evergreen - list price $2,399,000, sold price $2,062,500, 71 days on ... 08/09/2010

New Trier High School, Winnetka, Information for Incoming Freshmen If you are new to the areas that feed into New Trier High School (Winnetka, Kenilworth, Wilmette, Glencoe, Northfield, east Glenview and southeast Northbrook) then here's the site you want to check: New Trier Student Information Center   You'll find the 2010-11 school calendar, plus information on registration, placement, and course selection.  Important phone numbers are also listed. School starts (limited day) on Monday, August 23. 08/07/2010

July Housing Sales for Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe and Northfield Home sales were dramatically lower in July than in June, with the exception of Glencoe.  There is still downward pressure on prices - foreclosures and short sales are entering the market and affecting the comps.   Winnetka - 21 closed home sales (down from 28 in June)     Average Sale Price:  $1,222,381     Average Days on Market:  183     Low Price:  $490,000     High Price:  $2,515,000 Wilmette - 30 closed home sales (down from 52 in June)     Average Sale Price:  $860,087     Average Days on Market:  179     Low Price:  $239,000     High Price:  $1,682,000 Kenilworth - 3 closed home sales  (down from 10 in June)     Average Sale Price:  $1,941,667     Average Days on Market:  410     Low Price:  $1,275,000 ... 08/03/2010

Winnetka Sidewalk Sale - Friday & Saturday, July 16-17   Winnetka's Sidewalk Sale starts this Friday and continues Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. with a little extra pizazz this year.  There will be the usual great bargains to be found in the three shopping areas as well as some New Orleans jazz music.  There will also be children's activities, a display of village trucks, food, and bargains!  Along with retailers selling clothing, jewelry, gifts, books, and sporting goods, there will also be food vendors, charity organizations, and other business services on display. What makes this year's Winnetka Sidewalk Sale different?  Well, for one, renowned  author Kathryn Stockett will be welcomed at the Winnetka Library for several events.  Kathryn Stockett wrote the immensely popular book "The H... 07/14/2010

Winnetka Open House - 1507 Tower Road from 1-3 (July 11)   Come view this well-priced 5-bedroom home in Winnetka and be WOWED.  Cute and updated, with 4 bedrooms on the second floor and a 5th on the third floor.  Family room plus sunroom on first room and beautiful, deep lot.  All brick home.  Great Winnetka value. Hubbard Woods Elementary School and New Trier High School.  Priced at $648,500.                                                                                                                                     Remember, tomorrow, July 11 from 1-3 pm ! 07/10/2010

Winnetka & Area Fourth of July Celebrations   It's that time again - fireworks, barbecues, parades, block parties and bratwurst.  For Winnetka, it's their 123rd celebration of the Fourth of July!  Weather will be fair with a high of 87 degrees and a 30% chance of thunderstorms.  There will be lots going on all day long - here's a rundown for Sunday, July 4: 1:00 - Winnetka Fourth of July Parade - starts at Elm and Glendale and proceeds along Elm Street east to the Village Green 2:00 - Events on the Winnetka Village Green - includes flag raising, national anthem, children's flag parade, and children's races 6:30 - Fourth Fest - at Duke Child's Field (corner of Hibbard and Willow) includes food and children's games.  All activities will close at 8:30 pm sharp. 9:15 - Fireworks Display - a... 07/03/2010

Growing up, my family of four lived in a three bedroom, 1 bath home - nothing strange about that, right?  Well, it wasn't then, but nowadays that thought gives people goosebumps. Homes doubled in size since the 1960s, going up to an average of about 2,422 in 2008-2009.  That is however, a 51 sq. ft decrease from previous years.  The anti-McMansion forces says that it's a reaction to greed, over consumption and isolation.  Others says it's just a result of the economy and smaller families.  People are looking for more energy efficient homes and also have less equity to roll over into a new home. Regardless of the reasons, this trend is here to stay.  A representative of the National Association of Home Builders said:  "Nine of 10 builders surveyed by NAHB this year say they’re building o... 06/21/2010

Plaza Del Lago in Wilmette - Art Show Sat & Sun (June 12-13)                         A fine art show with more than 70 artists from across the country will held in the parking lot at the historic Plaza del Lago shopping center along Lake Michigan in Wilmette.  The participating artists were chosen by jury in April and the show will offer many different types of art including painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, printmaking, digital art and sculpture.  Plaza del Lago is located at 1515 Sheridan Road in Wilmette.  Show hours: Saturday, June 12 - 10am to 6pm. Sunday - June 13 - 10am to 5pm   06/12/2010

Fun Park District Activities in Winnetka for Summer 2010   There are plenty of fun Winnetka Park District activities this summer - hop on  your bike and head to the parks or beaches to have some summer fun. Here's a list of things to do in Winnetka:   Opening Day at the Beaches - June 11, 9am to 7pm, Tower, Elder & Maple Beaches Dog Party - June 13, 2-4 pm., Centennial Beach Father's Day Continental Breakfast - June 20, 9am - 12pm, Tower Road Beach Summer Concert - June 20, 1-3 pm, Tower Road Beach Nielsen USTA Pro Tennis Championship - June 28-July 3, A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center July 4th Parade & Races on the Green - July 4, 1-3 pm, Down Elm to Village Green Fourthfest & Fireworks - July 4, 6:30-9:30 pm, Duke Child's Field Teen Beach Day - July 11, 1-3 pm, Tower Road Beach Summer Concer... 06/09/2010

Winnetka & Area Farmer's Markets - It's Summer!   Lots of things herald the beginning of summer (think grilling, going to the beach, convertibles.)   But for cooks and gardeners, the opening of the seasonal farmer's market is the most anticipated.  Some of the larger markets offer healthy selections of outdoor plants at well reduced prices, and the concept of the French Market (in Wilmette) introduces clothing, jewelry, and artwork as well.  And of course, they all have some fresh, locally grown legumes. If you live in Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe or Northfield, these farmer's markets would be the closest to you: Northfield Farmer's Market - through October 23, Saturdays from 7:30 to 12:00      Located on Happ Road directly across the street from New Trier High School West cC... 06/09/2010

Every June children from Winnetka and surrounding communities celebrate the end of school with a day at the Winnetka Children’s Fair. For two glorious days, the Village Green is transformed into a magic kingdom of sorts, with rides, games and other activities for preschoolers to preteens. The fair is held the Friday and Saturday after school lets out, this year on June 11-12. A 60 year tradition, the fair is actually a fundraiser for the Winnetka Community Nursery School. It’s run by the school’s forty-strong Board of Directors with the help of hundreds of volunteers from the community. If you live in Winnetka, have friends in Winnetka or your child attends (or has ever attended) Winnetka Community Nursery, you will be tapped for a shift as a volunteer. I got my first taste of volunteer... 06/06/2010

May Housing Stats for Winnetka, Kenilworth, Wilmette and Glencoe   Closed home sales for Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northfield, and Glencoe rose in May over April, but that makes sense.  The Federal tax credit ended April 31 - meaning that all home purchase contracts had to be written by that date but didn't have to close until the end of June. Total sales in April were 43, rising to 58 for May, with Wilmette having almost half the sales at 27.  Here's a breakdown of home sales for May: Winnetka - 15 sales with an average sell price of $1,100,135 Wilmette - 27 sales with an average sell price of $651,423 Kenilworth - 2 sales - average sell price $1,317,500 Glencoe - 13 sales - average sell price $1,016,430 Northfield - 1 sale - $1,000,000   Here's what is currently on the market fo... 06/03/2010

On a warm and muggy day, threatening to storm, hundreds of Winnetka residents gathered at the Village Green to honor those who have died in service to America.  First the parade, then the gathering to hear the band and singers sing patriotic songs.         The featured speaker was 2nd Lieutenant John Hoff, a Winnetka resident who is currently attending USAF Undergraduate Training Program, assigned to the 84th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas.The storm interrupted and the ceremony moved to Christ Church across the street.  Let's all remember this is not a day of celebration, not a day for fun and merriment, but a day honoring those who have died for our country and the freedoms we enjoy every day.                                                           ... 05/31/2010