Noah Levy: August 2010

The Highland Park IL Port Clinton Art Festival is Here August 28-29.  The Port Clinton Art Festival is definitely one of my favorite outdoor events that take place in Highland Park IL every year.  For its  27th year the Port Clinton Art Festival  will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m- 6p.m with over 250 artists displaying their unique fine art for sale in Port Clinton Square and along the sidewalks of downtown Highland Park.

Oil or water color paintings, Ceramics, Jewelry, glass pieces - whatever you may in have mind will sure to be displayed among the many artists who will have their work displayed for sale  in Highland Park this weekend.  The artists participating come in for this event from all over the country, many who return to Highland Park year after year for this event.  The Port Clinton Art Festival was founded and is produced by Highland Park's Amdur Productions and to my understanding was recently ranked the fifth best art show in the country.

For families with children be sure to look for the tent where your  kids can enjoy fun activities and let their artistic abilities explode.  Also make sure your kids stop by the car, donated by Fields Volvo of Highland Park, where they will be encouraged to paint on the actual car! What fun!!!

In addition to the Port Clinton Art Festival the fourth annual Taste of Highland Park will take place this weekend - beginning Friday evening through 6pm on Sunday. Participating local restaurants  will feature their delicious creations on Central Avenue between 1st and 2nd Street.  On a personal note, our dear friend Jeff Shapiro, who soon will be opening a new spot in Highland Park  Real Urban Barbacue, will be one of the participants at the Taste of Highland Park this weekend - stop by the Real Urban Barbecue booth for a mouth watering mini pulled pork sandwich. You'll be glad you did!

Don't miss this fun filled weekend event taking place in Highland Park IL this weekend.  Admission and parking is free.  I know I can't wait!!!

p.s When you are in town this weekend be sure to check out how our new Coldwell Banker office is coming along, on the corner of Laurel & Second Street, which is scheduled to open in late September.

The above article, Highland Park IL Port Clinton Art Festival is Here August 28-29, was written by Noah Levy - a REALTOR  serving buyers and sellers along Chicago's North Shore with their Real Estate needs.

A Heartwarming Experience - Finding A Short Term Rental For A Family

I was in my office turning in some paper work when a phone call came in and I was asked if I could take the call.  I was trying to get to my next appointment but decided to quickly get the call. On the other end was a woman whose husband had just been stationed at Great Lakes with the Military. Housing was not available for them for several months - could I help them find a six months rental? 

I can count on one hand how many times I have rented a property as  most of my transactions are sales.  Once in a while I will assist one of my clients with a rental. This woman on the end of the line seemed very sincere and in need of a place to rent - she explained to me that they were staying at a hotel as one of kids was already enrolled in school in the area.

There were few rentals to choose from based on their needs - but there was something about the woman on the other end of the line  that made me really want to help her.  We met at one home and she brought one of  her children  who has special needs - a beautiful child who is not able to speak but has so much love pouring out!!!  I was really taken by her and  was determined to assist this family.

We looked at a single family home that did not work and then I decided to take her to a complex that I knew of where some of my clients have stayed in temporarily.  We were able to secure a short term rental and the best part within their budget!!!!!  The woman was so thankful and with her kinds words said "You have blessed my family by finding us a home to stay in while we wait for our home in Ft. Sheridan." This lovely family will be moving in on September 1st.

This heartwarming experience has really made me realize that I truly LOVE what I do - to me Real Estate is  about helping a client - with a buy, a sale and occasionally with a rental.  My goal is to have a client who will remember me as someone who was able to assist them with their Real Estate needs - whatever their needs may be!!!! 

The above article, A Heartwarming Experience - Finding A Short Term Rental For A Family, was written by Noah Levy a REALTOR assisting  buyers and sellers (and occasionally renters) along Chicago's North Shore with their Real Estate needs.

Open House Sunday August 15 at 256 Sumac Road in Highland Park IL 60035

Looking for a new home on Chicago's North Shore?  Stop by 256 Sumac Road in Highland Park IL on Sunday between 1:00 - 3:00 and view this fabulous home.

This classic Colonial exudes warmth & charm along with all of today's amenities. The bright, sun-filled property sits on a lush & deep professionally landscaped lot.

The main floor features a handsome Living Room with wood burning fireplace, crown molding & hardwood floors. Adjacent is the Family Room featuring built-ins, hardwood floors & views of the gorgeous backyard. Separate formal Dining Room wows with crown molding, built-ins & hardwood floors. The newly reconfigured Kitchen has stainless appliances, granite countertops, an island, new cabinetry & ceramic tile. The 1st floor is completed with a Powder Room.

The 2nd floor has 4 bedrooms. The large Master Suite boasts a sitting area/office (also ideal for use as a nursery), a spacious Master Bedroom with walls of windows, an enormous organized closet/dressing area & a private Master Bath. There are 3 other large bedrooms & 2 full baths on the 2nd floor.

The 3rd floor finished Attic is equipped with a half bath. A great space for a play area, office or overnight guests.

The lower level has a home movie theater, rec room, laundry room & abundant storage.

The breathtaking manicured & fenced backyard has a shaded patio & a wooden playset. This house is waiting for its new owners to make themselves at home.

Improvements made by current owner:
* Windows
* Roof
* Kitchen

* Master Bathroom
* Master closet/dressing room
* Finished attic - dormered & added 1/2 bath
* New Powder Room
* Updated Hall Baths
* Recessed lighting throughout house
* Theater Room
* Finished Recreation Room
* Most mechanicals replaced in last six years

The above article, Open House Sunday August 15 at 256 Sumac Road in Highland Park IL 60035, was written by Noah Levy - a REALTOR serving buyers and sellers along Chicago's North Shore with their Real Estate needs.

You may live in Highland Park IL or another surrounding North Shore Suburb or for that matter anywhere and be feeling that the only way to get out of your home is to have your home marketed as a short sale.  The following post, Short Sale - I'm so embarrassed- help me please, by Susan Goulding is something that many homeowners are encountering across the county. If you are in this situation and live in Highland Park and/or other  surrounding North Shore Suburbs and need to discuss marketing your home as a Short Sale then contact me - I can help.

Mahoney Plumbing is an amazing source for consumers in need of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling who live in Chicago's North Shore Suburbs.  Recently, our hot water heater burst - not a pleasant surprise to wake up to. I had contacted several plumbers and only Mahoney was able to switch things around so they could take care of our needs and replace our hot water heater promptly. As a REALTOR on Chicago's North Shore I know that the way I treat my clients goes a long way. Not only did Mahoney Plumbing come through for us they also recognize the importance of keeping in touch with their clients and have now added me to their newsletter which has some good tips. Take a look below  and keep them in mind for your future needs - you'll be glad you did!!!

Proudly Serving the North Shore Since 1960

Call 847.432.0320

	Broken Glass Clean Up
Next time you break a glass in your sink, don’t stick your hand down there to collect the glass, use a marshmallow and tongs.  Simply hold a big marshmallow with tongs and gently apply pressure within the drain.  The marshmallow will collect the broken glass for you.
	Two-In-One Toilet Seat for Potty Training
Surprise your friends and family with this unique baby shower gift – a toilet seat that has an embedded potty training seat it in. No more clunky plastic training seats, the NextStep® Built-In Potty Seat™ makes potty training better for toddlers and parents. The durable wood, two-in-one toilet seat accommodates both adult and child users equally eliminating clutter. The seat's design features a built-in potty seat that recesses into the seat cover where it is secured magnetically when not in use. Get yours for just $59.00! Email Peg@MahoneyPlumbing.com to order today!         The above article, Mahoney Plumbing Cooling and Heating Serving Chicago's North Shore Suburbs, was written by Noah Levy - A REALTOR serving buyers & Sellers on Chicago's North shore.

Highland Park IL Real Estate Market Update

The Highland Park IL Real Estate Market continued to be active in July. Overall, the sales price of homes  are  less than they were  in 2009. In July of 2010 the Average Sales Price in Highland Park was $487,750.00 a 23% decline from July of 2009 when the Average Sales Price was $634,122.00.  Although prices have declined (to adjust to the market) we have seen some positive trends.  The Average Market Time in July was 127 days which is a significant decrease from June which was 176 days.  The Selling Price vs. the Original Listing Price shows how much the seller is willing to come off of their List Price. In July of 2010 we saw an increase compared to June of 2010 in Sales Price vs. Original List Price - the average in July it was 90.9% compared to 83% in June. 

Below are additional monthly  statistics for Highland Park for your review.   Keep in mind that every property is unique. If you want additional information regarding the sale of your home or buying one  let's talk.

Fun places to take your dog during the hot summer months in Highland Park IL and other surrounding North Shore Suburbs. It's been a hot and humid summer and while our dog really enjoys the outdoors she does not love the heat.  During these hot humid days a walk does not really do it for her but going to the dog beach is quite a treat for her.

The Dog Beach in Highland Park IL is located at Moraine Beach - 2501 Sheridan Road.  The beach area for the dogs is fully fenced  and the dogs can run around leash free, swim in the water and play with their dog owner or other dogs.  There is a permit which is required for the park available to Highland Park residents as well as non- residents.There is an area to clean off your dog before they jump back into your car.

Prairie Wolf Dog Exercise Area is another favorite spot for our pooch.  The entrance and parking area are located on Waukegan Road (Route 43) south of Old Mill Road and north of Half Day Road (Route 22) in Lake Forest.  This is an incredible site -  44 acres, fully fenced, of open land for your dog to run through, a swimming pond and enclosed training areas.  There are drinking areas for the dogs as well as showers to hose them off.  A permit is required - annual or daily permits are available. Annual permits can be purchased on line  or may be purchased by phone -(847) 367-6640.   The daily permits can be purchased at a self-pay station located in the parking lot.

Gillson Park Dog Beach is located in Wilmette - entrance is at Sheridan Road and Michigan Avenue. The Dog Beach Area is at the South end of Gillson Park.  Like the Highland Park Dog Beach the  area is fenced and it is a fun spot for your pup to enjoy. Permits are also required at Gillson Park and are available to both Wilmette residents and non-residents.

If your dog does not enjoy getting wet and is just looking to socialize with other dogs check out Highland Park Golf Learning Center Dog Park - 2205 Skokie Valley in Highland Park or Jaycee Memorial Park - 1050 Wilmot Avenue in Deerfield.

Wherever you decide to take your pooch they will have fun, get wild and crash when they get home. Enjoy!

The above article, Fun Places To Take Your Dog During The Hot Summer Months  in Highland Park IL  and Other Surrounding North Shore Suburbs, was written by Noah Levy - a REALTOR assisting buyers and  sellers on Chicago's North Shore.