Noah Levy: Illinois

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.

                                    Botanic Gardens in Glencoe hosts Spooky Pooch Parade.  The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of my favorite North Shore destinations, but I always wish that I could bring my dog to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This Saturday, October 29 is her lucky day, because for two hours, the garden will be open to dogs for the annual Spooky Pooch Parade. Bring fido and the whole family for an afternoon of fun including a dog costume contest, nonprofits sharing info and local pet shops selling the latest in canine chic. Costume contest prizes include a subscription to FIDO Friendly magazine, gift certificates to Carriage Hill Kennels, Sugar's Paw House and North Shore Pet Chef, a photography package from Sutton Studios, Planet Dog leashes and hats and tennis balls (the greatest thing ever, as far as my silly rescue pup is concerned).

Bring your pup, enjoy the changing foliage and crisp fall air, and take in all of the natural beauty of the North Shore.  While you're in the neighborhood, check out my listing on Judson, it's the single best deal on the Shore right now in the heart of Ravinia. It's a beautiful area year round, but Fall in Highland Park takes my breath away every single year, without fail.

Happy Halloween! 

The above article, Botanic Gardens in Glencoe hosts Spooky Pooch Parade, was written by Noah Levy - A REALTOR assisting buyers and sellers 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. 

                                                                The Great Pumpkin Fest is Back in Highwood Illinois.   It's that time of year - leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping and many homes are being decorated for Halloween. The festivities begin today October 19 through Saturday October October 22, 2011.  The residents of Highwood  are are excited to break a record on October 22,2011 as they attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Record for the most Jack-O-Lanterns lit in one location.  In addition, the city Of Highwood and Keene, New Hampshire  have decided to compete against one another -  Go Highwood!!!

The goal which Highwood IL has set is to have 32,000 jack-o-laterns lit up on October 22, 2011 and to break the current world's record which was set in Boston MA in 2006 where 30,128 pumpkins were lit.  Last year Highwood IL hosted a successful Jack-O-Lantern wall- drawing record crowds.   A total of 26,287  jack-o-lanterns were lit and the event was great fun for all.  This year the city of Highwood IL  has added many family fun events to kick off the challenge and hopes to break the current Guinness World Record along with beating the town of Keene, New Hampshire.  Highwood will be hosting a four day Great Pumpkin Fest beginning on Wednesday October 19, 2011thru Saturday October 22, 2011.

The line-up for the Great Pumpkin Fest is quite awesome this year.  Including many fun activities for all age groups.  For more information and various events check out http://www.highwoodpumpkinfest.com.

Highwood is an adjoining town to Highland Park  it  featuring  many wonderful restaurants and during the summer months it hosts an amazing evening farmer's market.  Families who live in Highwood attend Highland Park Schools - District 112 and District 113.

Don't miss the fun - Highwood IL is calling all pumpkin carvers from near or far to participate in this fun and record breaking event. Just think you could be a part of a history!

The above article, Great Pumpkin Fest is Back in Highwood Illinois, was written by Noah Levy - A REALTOR  assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs along Chicago's North Shore Suburbs.

Highland Park Real Estate Market Update.  Being a Real Estate Broker along Chicago's North Shore it seems to me that everyone is always asking me how the market is doing. Is it because they are thinking about buying or selling, need to sell or just plain curious.  Because I never know exactly the reason for this question - I give an overall picture of how the market is doing.

Well, in Highland Park IL the property sales have increased as well as the median sales price. During the month of August property sales were 35 compared to 23 in August of 2010 - this is an INCREASE OF 52% when comparing August 2011 vs. August 2010.  The median sales price in August also increased - in August 2011 median sales price was $482,000 vs. $450,000 in August 2010.

The market action report below details the city of Highland Park Illinois. Curious how the other North Shore suburbs are trending? Just ask me.

Port Clinton Art Festival is this Weekend (August 27-28) in Highland Park IL.  The Port Clinton Art Festival is definitely one of my favorite outdoor events that take place in Highland Park IL every year.  For its  28th year the Port Clinton Art Festival  will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m- 6p.m with over 260 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 and even as far as Canada and Israel. Many of the artists 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 ranked as one of the best art shows in the country.

In addition to the Port Clinton Art Festival the Fifth 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.  You'll be sure to find something to fill your taste-buds and quench your thirst.

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!!!

The above article, Port Clinton Art Festival is this Weekend (August 27-28) in Highland Park IL, was written by Noah Levy - a REALTOR  serving buyers and sellers along Chicago's North Shore with their Real Estate needs.

MARKET ACTION REPORT		June 2011
City: Highland Park
Property Type: Single Family Home, Townhome, Condo | Price $0.00 to $99,999,000.00

* LM=Last Month / L3M=Last 3 Months / PYM=Same Month Prior Year / LY=Last Year / YTD = Year-to-date

Highland Park Illinois July 4th  2011 Fireworks and Happenings.  

Every July 4th in Highland Park IL  the city and Park District of Highland Park plan a  fabulous  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 9:30 on Monday 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 10:00  featuring local businesses, floats, marching bands, dignitaries and entertainers will follow the Children and Pet Parade.   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 11:00 to 2:00pm.  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 6:00 p.m. at Wolters Field, 1080 Park Avenue West.   The festivities will start off with the Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands followed by the fireworks display. The bands will compete against one another fort the Championship.  The fireworks, which will be shot off from the Highland Park Country Club at 9:00 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.

Don't feel like heading to Wolters field?  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 10:45 p.m.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July ~ Enjoy!

The Highland Park Farmer's Market  in the Ravinia Neighborhood in Highland Park Illinois is back. The Ravinia Farmer's Market is open on Wednesdays from 7:00am to 1:00pm. every   There is nothing better than home grown tomatoes, fresh strawberries and blueberries.

 The Farmer's Market features farmer's and organic food growers. The Ravinia Farmer's Market is set up adjacent to Jens Jensen Park along Dean Avenue off of Roger Williams.  While visiting the Ravinia Farmer's Market, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and treat from Java Love located at  723 Saint Johns Avenue.  Another hot spot in Ravinia is Baker Boys, located at 733 Saint Johns- amazing cupcakes - a sweet spot for all ages.  If you are in the mood for an actual meal enjoy lunch outdoors at Abigail's located at 493 Roger Williams - the lunch menu is sure to satisfy both adults and children.  With the park adjacent to the Farmer's Market you can also picnic with a friend or your kids after purchasing fresh items at the market.

Once you stop over at Ravinia's Farmer's Market you'll be hooked - I know that I look forward to it opening every year. Enjoy!!

And.... If you can't maket it to the Farmer's market during the day -  How about Checking out Highwood's market on Wednesday evening or Glencoe's farmer's market on Saturday morning. There is nothing like fresh produce, baked goods and fresh flowers!!!!

The above article,The Highland Park  Farmer's Market in the Ravinia Neighborhood in Highland Park Illinois is back,  was written by Noah Levy- Highland Park REALTOR.

Ravinia  Festival  Highland Park IL - some great concerts during the 2011 season.

Ravinia is a wonderful outdoor park where you can enjoy live concerts with family and friends.  The Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor musical festival in North America and it is known world-wide for its first class programs.  It is a rich part of the cultural heritage of Highland Park Illinois and one of our greatest local treasures.  Ravinia dates back to 1904, when it was opened in its first incarnation as an amusement park designed to attract visitors from the nearby rail line.  During the great depression the grounds were shuttered for five years until community businessmen formed the non-profit Ravinia Festival Association to bring music to Highland Park Illinois.  In 1936 Ravinia became the summer home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which remains the crown jewel of the Festival's annual program.  

Summer in Highland Park Illinois ist he Ravinia Festival.  There is a strong commitment to community outreach and education  that enriches life for locals and visitors alike.  The Reach*Teach*Play Education Programs  reflect the festival's mission and contributions.  Enjoy many concerts throughout the summer by either buying Pavilion Tickets or grab a blanket and a picnic basket and buy Lawn Tickets. 

Tickets are available for sale and there are quite a few great shows lined up for this summer.  I personally can't wait to get tickets to several concerts. Steely Dan, Bo Dean's and Go Go's/B-52's are a few that I hope to see.

Click here  for the full Ravinia Festival 2011 schedule.  Other things to check out on the Ravinia Festival website is special values like the Classical Grass Pass  for classical lovers, the Kraft Kids Concert 10-Punch Lawn Pass and the free lawn passes for college and High School students.  

See you at the Festival!

The above article.Ravinia Festival some great concerts during the 2011 season, was written by Noah Levy -  an active  REALTOR  assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs.