Noah Levy: July 2010

It's been a HOT Summer and the electric bill is sky high!!!!!  I love Summertime but I also love an air conditioned home to walk into after I have enjoyed the outdoors.  Below are a few tips of how one can reduce their electric bill - even during the HOT Summer months with their air conditioner cranking - as far as I know everyone is always looking for ways to SAVE MORE  and Spend LESS.

1. Program Your Thermostat:  Set your thermostat  to raise for the times when you're not at home.  If you do not have a set schedule of when you are not at home just raise your thermostat a bit when you leave your house.

2. Unplug Appliances:  Any appliance that is not in use UNPLUG and save. A few examples of things I am guilty of keeping plugged in are a hair dryer, laptop and the coffeemaker.

3. Change Your Light bulbs:  Compact florescent bulbs use a quarter the electricity and last longer than regular bulbs. And, they're the environmentally responsible choice.

4. Install Motion Detectors on Lights:  This can be a bit costly but the savings will add up. I know that in my house we are all guilty of forgetting to turn off lights - especially my kids. I suggest just installing the motion detectors in rooms that are used by everyone in your household.

5. Check Furniture Placement:  Do you have a couch, bed or a rug that is covering your vent?? Move them and start seeing the savings.

The above article, It's Been A  HOT Summer and The Electric Bill is Sky High - Few Tips to Reduce Your Next Bill, was written by Noah Levy REALTOR in Highland Park IL.

Yes, it's that time of year - Highland Park IL is having it's Sidewalk Sale this  weekend. Highland Park's Sidewalk Sale is a known tradition which is sponsored by the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce.  The sale racks will be out from 9am-5pm from July 22-24.  If you are looking for something to do this weekend then check out the Sidewalk Sale throughout Highland Park's Downtown Area.  Clothes, shoes, stationary, toys, furniture, jewelry - you want it they got it!!!  There are great deals for everyone to enjoy.   In addition to the regular retailers within town other vendors have their specials featured on every sidewalk throughout town. It's a great time to stock up on things you need or with gifts to give!  Not interested in shopping? How about grabbing a quick bite at one  of the food kiosks or just stroll through town. You can also enjoy Highland Park's got talent which is also sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Performances will take place on Friday and Saturday in Port Clinton Square. If you want to participate you must pre-register online at chamberhp.com - prizes will be given by celebrity judges.  Kids activities such as face painters, art projects and music will be available during this annual event.  Enjoy!

The above information, It's That Time of Year Highland Park IL Sidewalk Sale This Weekend,  was written by Noah Levy a REALTOR in Highland Park, IL.

 Don't Jeopardize Your Closing!!!   You have found the most amazing house, have a signed contract, have gone through Inspection and Attorney review period and have gotten a commitment for your loan!! Congratulations.

Now you probably want to buy some new furniture or perhaps buy a second car. Simple Advise - You may want to wait until after you close - be aware of the following:

Highland Park IL Real Estate Market Update.

Real Estate in  Highland Park IL  continues to increase compared to last year's numbers. The month of June 2010 in Highland Park IL was quite strong.  The Median Sales price for closed homes in Highland Park IL increased by 30% compared to the same time last year - Median Sales Price in June 2010 was $508,000 vs $390,750 in June of 2009.  In June of 2010 there were 41 closed properties vs. 28 in June of 2009.

There are many wonderful opportunities for buyer's who are  in the market place.  Overall inventory of homes has had a small decline but there is still plenty of great investments for buyers in Highland Park IL and other surrounding North Shore Suburbs.  With conventional interest rates of 4.5% it's a great time to get off of the fence.

The above article, Highland Park IL Real Estate Market Update, was written by Noah Levy a REALTOR  assisting buyers and sellers in Highland Park IL and surrounding North Shore Suburbs.

Highland Park Illinois July 4th Celebration & Fireworks.  This year's theme is:  "Salute to the Troops: Honoring the Women and Men of the United States Military."

July 4th in Highland Park IL  is a day filled  with fun activities which is  followed by a wonderful evening featuring  an amazing display of fireworks.

The festivities for the 4th of July celebration  in Highland Park will begin at 10:45 on Sunday morning.   The Children's Bicycle and Pet Parade participants should line up on the corners of Central and St. Johns Avenues.   Everyone is invited to participate and decorating  bikes, strollers and wagons is encouraged.   Don't forget to bring your dog and feel free to dress them up! The community parade will begin at 11:00  featuring local businesses, floats, marching bands, dignitaries and entertainers will follow the Children and Pet Parade acknowledging this year's theme: Saluting the troops.  Coldwell Banker  will be a participant be sure to look for our float and  the chip clips which we will be giving away.  Both groups will head to Sunset Woods Park.

Upon arriving at Sunset Park be sure to enjoy The Park District of Highland Park's  Annual July 4th Carnival.  The carnival will be open from noon to 3:00pm.  Enjoy live music, inflatables for children, rides, petting zoo and local food vendors.  The event is free but there is a cost for games and rides - tickets can be purchased at Sunset Park.

The evening's festivities will begin  at 6:30 p.m. at Wolters Field, 1080 Park Avenue West.   The festivities will start off with the Battle of the Bands followed by the fireworks display. The bands will compete for a grand prize and a chance to be named the 2010 Champion.  The fireworks, which will be shot off from the Highland Park Country Club at 9:15 p.m., and  are easily viewed from Wolters Field.   Parking is available at Wolters, in the Highland Park Hospital's east parking lot at Midlothian and Park Avenue West, and at the Highland Park Country Club. Handicapped parking is available on the east side of Wolters Field, adjacent to the high school administration building.

Looking for a cool night out? Residents will also be able to take in the fireworks display while floating in the pools at the Hidden Creek Aqua Park, 1220 Fredrickson Place. The Park District's Float and Watch event, which costs $5 per person, runs from 8:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.