Noah Levy

486 Beech Highland Park IL - Sunday Open House- January 15, 2012 from 1:00-3:00pm.  This exceptional home exudes warmth & charm along with all of today’s amenities.  The bright, sun filled property sits on a lush and deep professionally landscaped lot.

The home has hardwood floors throughout.  The handsome Living Room has a wood burning fireplace, built-in bookcases and crown molding.  Adjacent is the Library featuring floor to ceiling built-in bookcases.  Separate formal Dining Room with French doors leading to updated kitchen.

The newly configured Kitchen features stainless appliances, granite countertops, new cabinetry and a breakfast bar.  The Family Room is situated off the Kitchen with a wall of windows and a built in planning desk.

The Master Suite boasts a bonus room which can be used as an office or nursery, a tandem room and two organized closets.  The fabulous Master Bath features steam shower and two double sinks.  There are two additional spacious bedrooms with organized closets which share a hall bath.

The lower level has a recreation room, full bath, laundry room and ample storage.

This wonderful home is nestled on a quiet tree-lined street and is adjacent to a park. Location is a 10- near town, Ravinia Park, schools, Lake Michigan and train.  For more interior pictures check out:  www.486beech.info

Can’t make it to the open house?  Contact me and I’ll be happy to show you the house and tell you about other listings I have coming on the market.

The above article, 486 Beech Highland Park IL - Sunday Open House- January 15,2012 from 1:00-3:00pm, was written by Noah Levy -  A REALTOR assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs.

Budgeting For New Home Expenses

I've seen it happen with rookies and seasoned home owners alike - buyers determine their budget, get approved for a mortgage, factor in taxes and purchase a home, only to get sticker shock on some big ticket items. There are great real estate deals right now in Highland Park and all over the North Shore, but prospective buyers still need to approach the costs of home ownership with eyes wide open. Here are some of the major expenses that buyers often overlook when budgeting for a home purchase.

Window Treatments - Great natural light is a huge selling point, but those gorgeous windows need to be dressed for light blocking and privacy. Window treatments for standard windows are available at all price points, but most windows are custom sizes. It's not uncommon to spend hundreds on a single window, and higher end textiles and hardware can easily go into the thousands. Even capable seamstresses who make their own curtains will have considerable costs associated with expenses. Look around online or visit a home decor shop to get a sense of pricing.

Landscaping - As we move into the winter months this can be particularly tricky. Soon yards will be blanketed with snow and buyers may not know what lies beneath. Clients of mine moved to Highland Park from the city; when we negotiated the deal in late winter it just looked like their new home had some grass and a few plants, but by the time they moved in spring it was obvious that they had an elaborate garden that required professional care. They love their spectacular yard, but not the annual landscaping bill that's equivalent to an additional mortgage payment. In-ground lawn sprinklers require maintenance and annual turn-on and shut-off service by a professional. A heavily wooded lot may require scheduled care by an arborist.

Snow Removal - One thing I can guarantee any buyer on the North Shore is that they will get snow. Plan on hiring a service or purchasing equipment to DIY.

Recurring Service Visits - Good maintenance is the best way to protect your home investment and enjoy it without any surprise repairs. Plan on bi-annual service calls for HVAC maintenance and routine checks of the sump pump and battery back-up system. Many home owners find that a service plan is the most cost-effective solution, and I encourage my clients to support local businesses like Ravinia Plumbing and Heating of Highland Park and American Weathermakers of Northbrook. This area has abundant natural beauty, but the downside to that can be unwelcome critters. Be sure to budget for pest control.

These are just a few of the basics, and specifics will vary with each home. Sometimes a home's biggest selling points can require extra service and care. Pools require maintenance, specialized equipment and chemicals, natural stone needs to be carefully maintained and periodically resealed, and fireplaces need regular cleanings and inspection. Buyers who think about these costs up front won't get caught off-guard.

The above article, Budgeting For New Home Expenses, was written by Noah Levy - A REALTOR assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs along Chicago's North Shore.

Home for Sale Highland Park Illinois.  Great location, lots of space and many updates!

Asking price : $459,000.00

844 Judson Avenue - an amazing residence  in the heart of Ravinia. This wonderful home will have an open house this Sunday October 23, 2011 from 2:00 - 4:00pm. 

Just Listed - Luxury Lakefront Home in Glencoe IL

Enjoy luxury lakefront living with stunning views of Lake Michigan; no detail has been overlooked and no expense spared. This custom built four-story stone residence features an unparalleled level of sophistication, one-of-a-kind layout and incredible flow.  Savor panoramic water views from every room and the outdoor spaces.  Visitors will marvel at the quality construction and the exquisite lakefront views from the moment they set foot on the property.

The entire home is bathed in amazing light from massive picture windows.  A state of the art radiant heating system warms the floors with 28 zones in all. The home offers smart house technology from a surround sound system to a sophisticated Bosch security system with four exterior security cameras.

The massive living room and banquet size dining room are perfect for entertaining.  A gourmet kitchen with sunny breakfast room is outfitted with professional grade appliances including a six-burner Viking range, two Viking ovens with warming drawer and a Sub-Zero refrigerator.  Granite and stone flooring opens to a blue stone outdoor patio.  A beautiful bar is equipped with an additional full kitchen including a wine refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, icemaker and cooktop.  Like the kitchen, the bar opens onto a blue stone patio with steps leading down to the beach.

The expansive master suite is a retreat unto itself, with a fireplace and picturesque large windows with a private balcony overlooking Lake Michigan.  The master bath is nothing short of incredible with two sinks, a jacuzzi tub, separate oversized steam shower and heated floors.  The other four bedrooms each have a full private bath.

Additional indoor features include but are not limited to: an elevator to whisk you to four levels, large family room to enjoy movies on extra large screen, an awesome indoor swimming pool, hot tub, spa room with sauna and steam, two laundry rooms and an exercise room.

The resort-style outdoor spaces are nothing short of phenomenal, complete with blue stone patios, tiered balconies, a huge deck and 109 feet of sandy private beach. You and your guests can pull up to the sandy beach from jet-ski, powerboat and other fun water toys.  A must see for the most discriminating buyer who craves stellar views and incomparable access to the water.

This Amazing home is being offered at $5,800,000.00

The above post, Just Listed- Luxury Lakefront Home in Glencoe IL, was written by Noah Levy - REALTOR assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs along Chicago's North Shore and listing agent for this incredible home.

Feeling Like I Was on House Hunters

I got a call last week from a friend (who I have also helped out with real estate in the past) asking me if I had time to send some listings to her in laws.  I got the specifics of what they were looking for and sent them six listings to consider.  They picked two listing which they wanted to see.

On Tuesday we went to go look at both properties.  After we looked at both properties I asked them how they wanted to proceed.  They said let's go to your office and write an offer on property #2.

We sat down and wrote the offer - a very strong one I might add. Cash and closing in three weeks. Presented the offer to the selling agent and within two hours we had a deal!

Listening to your clients needs in so important.  Don't send them every listing within a price bracket - only listings that meet their needs. It's our job to know the inventory and be able to talk about listings prior to going out to show them.

I always get such a chuckle from the show House Hunters - is it really possible to view just a few places and pick one? Indeed it is!

Now if every transaction was just this easy!

The above article, Feeling Like I Was on House Hunters, was written by Noah Levy - A REALTOR assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate along Chicago's North Shore Suburbs.

Spring Market is Here - It's a Great Time to Start Your Search!  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home along Chicago's North Shore then give me a call!

Please join me for an Open House at 1730 Winthrop in Highland Park on Sunday Febraury 20  1:00-3:00.

Are you currently renting a home and considering  your first home purchase? The following: Top Ten Tips For Buying Your First Home is a great guide to follow.

If you are considering buying a home in Highland Park IL, Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Kenilworth and surrounding North Shore Suburbs give me a call 312.203.2416.  It's important to work with a REALTOR who works full-time, knows the inventory, communities and schools.

Open House Sunday January 30 ~ 692 Bluff Glencoe IL 60022

Are you looking for an incredible home in Glencoe IL?  Stop by and view 692 Bluff this Sunday between 1:00-3:00pm.

This spectacular four bedroom home with three full and two half half baths has been  entirely renovated, reconfigured & seamlessly expanded in 2005. Feels and looks like new construction-with high end finishes & details both inside & out. Wonderful wraparound Porch;Chef's Kitchen; Family Room w/ fireplace opens to Sun Room; Amazing Master Suite w/fireplace & balcony; Lush landscaped yard- More! Not to be missed! 692bluff.info

Highland Park IL ~ Open House ~ 1730 Winthrop Road Highland Park ~ Sunday January 16 1:00-3:00

1730 Winthrop Road  ~ Highland Park ~ Picture Perfect ~ A wonderful place to call home!  Fabulous 4 bedroom 2.1 bath home with amazing updates: new cabinets, stainless appliances and zodiac countertops, and all bathrooms are new. Noteworthy details include gleaming hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and large family room. Huge fenced yard boasts fruit trees, perennials and two brick patios.