Real Estate Transactions for Winnetka August 2010 Winnetka - 31 closed sales 120 Woodland - list price $339,000, sold price $323,000  10 days on market, 95% of list price 1096 Ash - list price $474,900, sold price $325,000, 299 days on market, 68% of list price 882 Pine - $530,000, sold price $482,500, 11 days on market, 91% of list price 481 Hill - list price $917,000, sold price $720,000, 58 days on market, 78.5% of list price (quick price reduction keep market time low) 44 Brier - list price $949,000, sold price $744,000, 500 days on market, 78% of list price 1175 Hamptondale - list price $1,049,500, sold price 760,000, 329 days on market, 72% of list price 196 Sheridan - list price $1,225,000, sold price $800,000, 532 days on market, 65% of list price 182 Myrtle - list price $869,00... 09/11/2010

First Annual "Skip In the Park" Event in Winnetka   In April I wrote a post about Chloe Sawma, a 9 year-old Winnetka girl who died of brain cancer (In Winnetka, a Village Prays and a Child Inspires.)  Her story was both heartrending and inspirational - her capacity for goodness at such a young age was stunning in its simplicity.  After her death, her parents formed a non-profit in her honor named "Chloe's Crew" with the purpose of raising money for school supplies, clothes and food for those in need, as well as for pediatric brain tumor research. The organization will be hosting their first event called "Skip in the Park" on Saturday, September 11 from  4:00 - 9:00 pm at Hubbard Woods Park in Winnetka.  There will be live music, food and beverages, and games and entertainment for childr... 09/10/2010

Adopt a Kitten - Noah's Ark in Winnetka, IL Look at those adorable faces - 2 little kittens and their mother are up for adoption at Noah's Ark in Winnetka.  They will be there through next week (September 17) or until they're adopted - so hurry in. This little girl is the rambunctious one - constantly on the move in the cage and playing with my fingers.  She has an interesting abnormality - 6 toes on each of her front paws (notice they look larger than normal.)  She's been named Hemingway in honor of Ernest Hemingway who had a 6-toed cat.  In fact, there are about 60 cats that are protected by his will living at the Earnest Hemingway Museum and Home in Key West, Florida.  Of these 60 cats, half are 6-toed cats (which are technically known as polydactyls, Latin for "many digits".) At the... 09/09/2010

 Lake Michigan View in Winnetka ILUpdated 2022While viewing a lakefront property in Winnetka, I snuck out on the rooftop balcony and took this beautiful photo. My clients joined me after a few minutes and we stood there just absorbing it all. Late summer in this area is ideal - mild temperatures and clear blue skies with occasional puffy clouds. Just perfect for reading or napping in one of these nice chairs.   While you're here, please see:All Winnetka homes for sale 09/08/2010

  Do It Without Watering - Xeriscaping The Art of Landscaping with Native Plants I made a huge mistake this summer - I decided not to turn on the in-ground sprinklers to save a few hundred bucks.  After whiplashing several hoses all over the yard for the past three months I realized I just couldn't get it all watered evenly.  I have to ask myself why am I trying so hard to keep that miserable patch of grass green, and why I plant plants that were ordained by nature to be grown in environs totally different from mine. So now I have the yellowest grass on the block.  As in  really dead looking.   And the perennials, ornamentals, and shrubs have withered and languished too.  I won't make that mistake twice. But there is another option - one that many people have taken on with great success... 09/07/2010

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