Noah Levy: January 2010

Exciting news..... i3G Software, Inc. Releases iNorthshore an iPhone/iTouch Application  for Chicago North Shore Residents and Visitors. As a resident and a Real Estate Professional of Highland Park, IL  I think that this application is worthwhile checking out - it was JUST RELEASED. I am excited to share this exciting news with everyone as the developer of this application happens to be a friend and a client who I assisted with Real Estate needs. This is a fabulous tool for a potential buyer moving from out of state or the city of Chicago who may not familiar with what a particular area of Chicago's North Shore has to offer.  iNorthshore allows users to efficiently find information about Chicago's North Shore - from Highland Park, Evanston, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Glencoe and all other surrounding Chicago North Shore Suburbs.

Here is how this awesome iNorthshore  application works: The iNorthshore iPhone/iTouch app will identify  your current location and will regularly update a list of the nearest store's  as you walk, drive or bike. You can then select a Restaurant, Grocery Store, Boutique, Health Club, Gas Station or whatever your heart's desire is and be able get store details including address, distance, phone, website and business hours. Additionally, the iNorthshore displays a complete list of stores- it has a "Select Area" feature which allows you to move a ring on a map of Chicago's North Shore and it will then provide you with what is available within that range that you selected.  iNorthshore is a useful and fun way to get around Chicago's North Shore and you will probably  discover new places you never knew about - how fun.  So Cool!!!! 

Here's what's in this version:

- Lists of over 3500 stores in Chicago's  North Shore.
- Calculates distance from current location to any store.
- Does NOT require network access (Google mapping does use network).
- User's can select a North Shore destination without typing or knowing the address.
- Provides relevant store information, address, phone, website or store hours when available.
- Select the web site address to link to the stores web site.
- Store information updates available without having to install a new version.

So if this has sparked your interest go to:
http://www.i3g.us/iNorthshore/iNorthshore.html

Highland Park Illinois - Just Listed - 2091 Windy Hill Lane                                Offered at :$1,485,000.00                                  

Just listed an exquisite updated residence:                  

Situated in a premier location at end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this stunning updated home showcases a gorgeous landscaped yard.  Boasting five bedrooms, four full baths and two half  baths, 2091 Windy Hill Lane offers sophisticated living spaces, yet remains a warm and inviting family home.  Generous in size and flooded with natural light, this residence offers gracious living space with luxury finishes and details.
  
The two story living room features a magnificent backdrop made up of floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood flooring and recessed lighting.  The formal dining room is spacious and elegant, and can easily accommodate large-scale entertaining. Features include hardwood flooring, recessed lighting, curved walls and a wall of windows. The inviting  family room features custom built-ins, a fireplace with a custom surround and hardwood flooring.  The handsome library has  a curved wall of windows and custom built-ins. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight; ceramic Italian tile flooring is complemented by beautiful cabinetry, accent lighting and granite counters.  The large island provides abundant work space and houses the Gaggeneau cooktop/ indoor grill and a warming drawer.  Additional state-of-the-art appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Dacor  five-burner cooktop  and a double Thermador oven.  A breakfast bar and large eating area complete the kitchen.  Sliding doors provide a lovely view and lead out to a large deck.  An  elegant powder room,  bedroom, a full bath and a laundry/mud room complete the first floor.  The home is wired for sound with built-in speakers and controls.

The second floor has a total of four bedrooms. The elegant master suite features a curved wall of windows and ample closets.   The spacious master bath features a large vanity with two sinks, whirlpool tub and a separate shower. There is an additional bedroom suite with a private luxurious bathroom. The two additional bedrooms share a stunning bathroom.

The finished lower level has a wonderful layout featuring a  large recreational area with a mini refrigerator, excercise room and a half bath. This big inviting space has endless possibilities - it could be a fantastic play space for little ones, an inviting hang-out for teens or a dream retreat for adults, with more than enough room for a pool table and media area.  An attached four car heated garage with epoxy floors assures that this home's new owners will come and go in incredible style and comfort.

For more pictures and a virtual tour of this incredible home: http://tours6.vht.com/CBI/T1217568/nobranding

 As a REALTOR  in Highland Park Illinois I am often asked..... "How is the Real Estate Market?"  Obviously, my clients ask me this question but I am also asked this question by friends, family and/or acquaintances. I am asked this question at the grocery store, while I am walking my dog, at school functions, as a spectator at a sporting event, cocktail party- anywhere and everywhere.

Let's call  a spade a spade - the market is not what it was in 2005- BUT  people need to sell and/or need to buy homes.  Some years we have what we call a Buyer's market and sometimes we have the opposite a Seller's market.  In the last couple of years the  price for a single family home Nationwide has gone down.  As a perspective Home Buyer or a Home Seller it is important to understand (and accept- especially seller's) what the Real Estate Market is doing. 

  Keep in mind that the KEY to selling a home in today's market is to price the property right.  An overpriced listing does not sell as quickly as a home that is priced right for the market - it only accumulates market time. The goal for a seller should be to be the BEST PRICED home within a price bracket.

Here are a few key questions and answers  of how the Real Estate Market in Highland Park IL was in  2009 compared to 2008 & 2007:

How many units have sold in Highland Park IL?  In 2009 a total of 209 units were sold compared to 240 units in 2008 and 268 units in 2007.

What is the Median Sales Price for a single family home in Highland Park IL?  The Median Sales Price for a Single Family Home has gone down.  In 2009 the Median Sales Price for a single family home was $480,000 . Comparatively in 2008 the Median Sales price was $609,000 and in 2007 it was $658,500.

What is the Average Market Time for a Single Family Home in Highland Park IL?  The Average Market Time in 2009 was 225 days compared to 228 days in 2008 and 204 days in 2007.

For a more detailed Market Evaluation of your Home in Highland Park IL - give me a call!

First Time Home Buyer tax credit and credit for repeat buyers. You snooze you lose says Highland Park IL REALTOR!

Highland Park IL REALTOR provides one more reason to buy or sell a home this spring!

$8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended and has also expanded for Repeat Buyers! As a full time REALTOR in the Highland Park, IL area, I urge you to start  looking for  a home NOW  or put your home on the market NOW. If you don't -  you may not be able to take advantage of the government's present to you. 

The Worker, Home ownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has recently extended the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence.  The bill also authorized a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified repeat home buyers.   Your home needs to be under contract by April 30th, 2010. 

I'm sure that there are so many questions you may have regarding the specifics.  So to simplify this topic  below are several links which explain this new tax law the best.

Tax Credits at a Glance

Questions and Answers about the First Time Home Buyer’s Credit

Questions and Answers about the Credit for Repeat Buyers

Take a few minutes and take a look at the above links, learn the advantages and see if YOU can take advantage of the incentives at your fingertips. Remember - time is of the essence "You Snooze You Lose." 

Prepping  your home for sale in the Highland Park IL Real Estate Market does take some work and effort on the seller's part.  As a Real Estate Professional in Highland Park Illinois I regularly field calls from sellers requesting market evaluations.  The process normally works like this:

1. De-clutter - This means everything from from get rid of piles of old magazines and junk mail that has piled up, to getting rid of old clothes that are over-stuffing your closets and old toys that your kids have outgrown.   I always tell my clients "If you don't plan on moving with it - sell it or donate!"  Craigslist and Freecycle are great websites to sell or give things away, or if you have the time and motivation you can schedule a garage sale. I have a list of area non-profits that accept donation drop-offs or will schedule a pick-up with you for oversize items. If you can't bear to part with your stuff consider renting storage space.

4. Paint a room or two for a  fresher look. I have a painter who is very reasonable and I am happy to help you select a suitable neutral shade for your space.

8. Get fresh flowers and a few plants, but keep tchockes to a minimum.

My predictions for Real Estate on Chicago's North Shore Suburbs are positive!    

I think that Real Estate on Chicago's North Shore will be good in 2010.  First and foremost, I think that anyone who is looking to sell or buy Real Estate needs to have a positive attitude.  A big smile and a chin up will yield to positive results.

I believe that pricing, for the most part, has stabilized.  There are lots of opportunities in the Real Estate Market that were not affordable to many before.  You can buy a  single family updated home in Highland Park,IL for $550,000 - $600,000.  A few years ago, that same home would have been on the market for $700,000+.  Additionally, with the government's $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyer's and the $6,500 tax credit for current home owners the market for 2010 should be strong.  This tax credit is positive not only to buyer's but also to seller's who can take advantage of the $6,500 tax credit.  Also, let's not forget the fact that mortgage rates are very attractive.

Don't just think about buying or selling your home.  Don't just sit on the sidelines and watch all the good deals come together.  It's a great time to jump into the Real Estate Market.  If you live on Chicago's North Shore and are ready to get your home on the market - call me! If you want to move to one of Chicago's North Shore Suburbs - call me!

2010 is filled with opportunities in every price point!  So go for it!!!  Here's to an awesome 2010 - Happy New Year!