Five Steps to Choosing the Perfect North Shore Neighborhood!

There are several beautiful neighborhoods in Chicago’s North Shore. Whether you prefer to be closer to the vibrant downtown or farther away in a quiet, family-friendly suburb, we have the resources, as North Shore real estate agents, to help you find the perfect neighborhood to fit your needs. Whether you prefer the urban-like setting of Evanston or the beachfront setting of Glencoe, our knowledge of Chicago’s neighborhoods is unmatched.

There are several factors that you should consider when choosing your North Shore neighborhood. From home pricing to the individual communities, every one of the North Shore suburbs has something unique to bring to the table. Before you go off and set your heart on just one of these many communities, take a second to consider these five things. We can almost guarantee that if you follow these five steps, you will find the perfect neighborhood in Chicago’s North Shore that will fit your needs.

• Profile your perfect neighborhood. Before you start your North Shore home search, you’re going to want to turn the magnifying glass back on yourself and know the answers to some of these questions. Do you have children? Do you want to have them, if you don’t have any? What kind of home do you want? What is the commute like from your job? Do you want to be in a historic neighborhood, or one that is more modern? What don’t you want in a neighborhood? Knowing the answers to these questions in advance will help you narrow the scope when you start searching the many communities in Chicago’s North Shore.

• Zero in on one area. Once you pick your dream North Shore neighborhood, you will want to figure out what part of that town you want to live in. Would you rather live in close proximity to the high school, or closer to the local country club? Taking the time to get to know the area you’d most be interested in living in can help your home search go much faster, and it will guarantee your happiness in the long run.

• Check out the numbers. Now that you have an area or specific city in mind, you can start learning more about the area. What are the schools like? How many parks are in the area? What is there to do around town? Any good restaurants? Believe it or not, looking at the local businesses in the area you’re interested in can give you a good idea of the overall flavor of the town. It’s a great way to see if you would “fit in” in that particular area.

• Start visiting the neighborhoods that seem like the best fit. You can do all the research in the world, but nothing will seem right until you see the area in person. Can you visualize yourself in that neighborhood, once you’re there? How are the local schools? What happens in that neighborhood during different times of the day? These are all factors to consider when you go visit the North Shore community you could potentially live in.

• Find the house you love, but can still afford. Now that you’ve chosen the neighborhood, it’s time to look at the specific streets you would want to live on, and which houses are on the market on that street. Chances are, if you love the neighborhood, you’ll find a house you’ll love too. Just know your affordability and start your search!

There you have it! This fool-proof guide to finding the perfect North Shore community for your next home will help your home search go much faster. As North Shore real estate agents, we take pride in the fact that we have helped many families find their dream home in one of the many communities Chicago has to offer. If you’re interested in buying a home on the North Shore this summer, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help you find the perfect neighborhood for you and show you all of the best North Shore homes on the market.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Chicago & North Shore Real Estate
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Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago!

Did you know that, according top Priceline.com, Chicago is considered to be the most popular Memorial Day destination? With the weather getting warmer, the clean and beautiful city of Chicago, and the friendly suburbs in Chicago’s North Shore, it’s no wonder that many people from out of town want to head here for their holiday weekend this year!

As Chicago real estate agents, we love letting our community know about all the different ways they can enjoy the vibrant metropolis and downtown area as well as the surrounding North Shore suburbs. The festivities that take place around holidays such as memorial are a large part of what makes Chicago, Evanston, and the North Shore such a wonderful place to call home. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s downtown area or the quieter, friendly, and family-oriented North Shore suburbs, you will undoubtedly find something fun to do with the whole family over holiday weekends. Our goal, as North Shore real estate agents, is to help you find the community where you fit in best, and educate you on the best ways to enjoy it!

Chicago and the surrounding North Shore suburbs offer the best of both worlds for this year’s Memorial Day weekend! Whether you want to head into the city for a vibrant and busy atmosphere or stick around one of the quieter North Shore suburbs, there will be no shortage of things to do in the Chicago area this weekend. If you are searching for a way to enjoy Chicago this Memorial Day weekend, here are a few highlights of what’s happening all over the area:

Things to Do

Go to a Cubs Game
Wrigley Field
1060 W. Addison Street, Chicago, IL

Enjoy watching the Cubs play the Astros all weekend long at home! The fun-filled and friendly environment of Wrigleyville is the perfect setting for a family outing this Memorial Day weekend, and you are bound to find scores of restaurants surrounding the area for a post-game dinner. The historic Wrigley Field is also one of the great landmarks in Chicago to go visit, so enjoying a game in the stadium is the perfect way to see it!

Go to one of Chicago’s Many Lakefront Beaches
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/beaches/

The many beachfronts surrounding Lake Michigan officially open for business this weekend! One perfect way to enjoy the holiday weekend is to pack up the family and head on down to the beach for a few hours. The best part is, admission to many of the Chicago area’s lakefront beaches is free, and the facilities are open to the public all day long! Whether it’s hot enough to go swimming or you just want to have a picnic and enjoy the lake, this is the perfect way to enjoy Memorial Day with the family.


Catch Some Live Music at Viper Alley
275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, IL

If you’re interested in spending some time in Chicago’s northern suburbs, drive out to Lincolnshire and catch some live music and the newly-opened Viper Alley! Friday night, enjoy a band that will cover some of your favorite pop and rock hits and Saturday night, go see American English, a local Beatles cover band. If you’re looking for a night out away from the kids, this performance venue is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy some music.

If you’re not currently living in the area, but have been considering buying a North Shore home this summer, let us know! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the Chicago Real Estate Market and show you some of the homes available on the market! If you’re just visiting for the holiday weekend, we hope you enjoy! Feel free to contact us with any questions about Chicago real estate and community events.

The Thomas Team
@ Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Chicago & North Shore Real Estate
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Make Your North Shore Home Irresistible to Buyers!

As North Shore real estate agents, we frequently get asked how people can make their home more interesting and hard-to-pass-up for buyers. Whether you’re selling a home in Highland Park, Evanston, Skokie, or even Chicago, there are definitely some common features that potential buyers want in a home.

Although the spring market is coming to a close, the summer months are another great time to put your North Shore home on the market. Between the nicer, warmer weather and the transition between school years, many families are looking to find their Evanston or Chicago home in the summer months. With the influx of buyers that will undoubtedly be interested in buying a home on Chicago’s North Shore, it’s important to make sure that your house stands out from the competition.

While putting your North Shore house on the market can be overwhelming, keep in mind that there are some sure-fire ways to give your home that irresistible appeal to potential buyers. You just have to be willing to put in a little work before selling.

Here are four suggestions that will make your Evanston home much more appealing to potential buyers, and they will definitely give you a leg-up on the competition.

1. Make your landscaping picture-perfect. It’s always important to make a good first impression, so having your home’s exterior just as gorgeous as the interior is important. Have a plan on what renovations you’d like to make to your home’s exterior, including paint touch-ups and landscaping. The prettier your house is on the outside, the more people will want to see it on the inside. North Shore real estate agents call this “curb appeal.”

Make sure people know where to go. Believe it or not, with all of the doors people have around their Chicago homes nowadays, it can be hard to figure out where the front door is. Create a “Welcome” sign during showings and make it clear where the buyers are supposed to go. Whether your repaint your door an inviting color, put out a visible welcome mat, or create a path directly to your home’s entrance, the key is to make the potential sellers feel welcome. Make the entrance to your home seem special, not just your average front stoop.

Pay attention to the little details. Believe it or not, buyers look for the little details when they’re looking at a home. In the overall scheme of things, it is the little things that make a house a home. Tidy up and clean your home before the showing, and make little touch-ups on any rooms or details that might need to be repainted. You want your home to look inviting, but you also want it to look as ready-to-live in as possible.

Stage your home perfectly. Believe it or not, a home looks more desirable when it is de-cluttered, depersonalized, and decorated like a model home. The reason for this is that if a buyer looks at a home and it is decorated in an incredibly personal and specific way, then they may not see themselves living there. The key is to make your home look as impersonal as possible, while still looking nice and desirable to live in. The more impersonal the decorating scheme, the more people will be able to see the potential of each space, and the more they can imagine putting their own lives into your home. A clean, but still nice, home-staging job will show the potential of every room and will still allow the buyer to implant themselves and their own belongings into your home.

If you need any assistance with getting your house ready to sell, or even just want some suggestions about how to best navigate the North Shore Real Estate market, don’t hesitate to ask us! We’d love to help you sell your Evanston, Chicago, and North Shore home as quickly as possible, with minimal stress. As Evanston and North Shore real estate agents, we have plenty of experience in helping many Chicago families sell their home!

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Chicago & North Shore Real Estate
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4 Tips for Qualifying for a North Shore Mortgage Loan!

It seems that spring is officially here to stay as we enjoy today’s summer-like weather in Chicago’s North Shore!  Those of you who currently live in one of the great North Shore cities such as Evanston, Northbrook, Skokie or even Chicago know that the Chicago North Shore area is bustling with activity all year round, but especially in the summer months.

As North Shore Real Estate agents, this is always an exciting time of year as we see the housing market constantly being updated with new homes for sale, as well as buyers who eagerly pluck these beautiful homes off the North Shore Real Estate market!  It’s great to see the housing market continually pushing towards full recovery and the active market is a sure sign it’s well on its’ way!

While it may seem a little daunting to join in the busy real estate season and attempt to compete for your ideal North Shore home, you’ll have no problem if you do some pre-work prior to beginning your house hunt.  Many of you have heard about the changes that have been made to qualifying for a home loan, and the fact that lenders have tightened the reins in order to cut down on future foreclosures.  Yet this is not a reason to get discouraged about buying a North Shore home! 

There are four key things you can do to ensure that you’ll qualify for a mortgage loan, and before you know it, you’ll be hunting for your ideal North Shore home!

1. Have the right credit score- Credit scores are moving to the forefront of being approved for a North Shore home loan.  Most lenders are expecting a credit score of 600+ even for FHA loans.  A good credit score will not only help you qualify for a home loan, but can lower your interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

2. Shop around- The interest rate is important, but there are other costs to consider such as discount points and even the type of mortgage loan. When shopping for best rates, compare various combinations of discount points and loan types. Your North Shore Real Estate agent can help you decide on the best option.

3. Know your borrowing limit- If you’re not sure how much you want to borrow, a good rule of thumb is to look at the Federal Housing Administration requirements.  FHA will limit mortgage payments at 31% of gross monthly income before taxes for most buyers.  This can help ensure that you’re not getting in too far over your head.  If we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s to play it safe in the housing market. 

4. Consider a No-Closing-Cost Loan- If you have positive equity, but are lower on cash up front, you do have an option to choose a no-closing cost loan.  This simply means that you’ll have a slightly higher rate, but the closing costs will be paid over time instead of up front.

If you have questions about any of these tips on qualifying for a home loan, or about the North Shore Real Estate market, please let us know!  We’d love to show you current homes available in Chicago’s North Shore and Chicago as well as take the time to answer your questions.  Buying a home is a large decision and you shouldn’t have to go through the process alone.  As North Shore Real Estate agents, we have years of experience and would be happy to help you each step of the way. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Chicago & North Shore Real Estate
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Enjoy Mother's Day this Weekend in Chicago's North Shore!

Living in Chicago’s North Shore means having the best of fine suburban living with the best shops, restaurants, beautiful tree-line neighborhoods, excellent schools and close proximity to the vibrant metropolis of downtown Chicago!

As North Shore Real Estate agents, we not only enjoy talking about the North Shore Real Estate market and home advice, but love helping others discover what makes Chicago’s North Shore such a great place to call “home.”  Each community in the North Shore, from Evanston, Glencoe and Highland Park to Skokie, Kenilworth and Wilmette all have unique features that make attractive to a variety of people.  Our goal is to help people find the ideal home that fits their needs and lifestyle, as well as a North Shore community that they feel is a place they can enjoy for years to come.

The North Shore offers the quiet lifestyle and charm that many residents seek, but also boasts endless activities and things to do for those who desire to be actively involved in their community.  If you are searching for something to do this weekend to celebrate Mother’s Day, the North Shore has a variety of great events and restaurants that are holding specials in honor of moms.  Below are a few of the highlights of things going on this weekend in the North Shore.

Things To Do

Evanston Symphony Orchestra: Rhapsody in Blue
 Pick-Staiger Concert Hall at Northwestern University
50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston
www.evanstonsymphony.org/

- Celebrate a "suite" Mother's Day with the ESO and Maestro Eckerling, as he debuts as pianist (while conducting) in Gershwin's ever-popular Rhapsody in Blue. This all-American season finale includes suites for full orchestra from Bernstein's Broadway musical, Howard Hanson's tuneful opera, and Copland's classic ballet featuring the Shaker melody "Simple Gifts". $30 Adult, $25 Seniors, 12 and under free..

Mother's Day Brunch at Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
www.chicagobotanic.org/

- Publications issued by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, have made a significant impact on science over the last 250 years. Many of these works are a part of the Lenhardt Library's collection, and selections will be on view. Adults $54.95/49.95; Children 3-12 yrs. $27.95/24.95; children 2 and under are free.

Mother's Day House Walk
Charles Dawes House
225 Greenwood, Evanston
www.evanstonhistorycenter.org/

- Noon - 5pm. Since its inception, Evanston History Center’s house walk has embodied the best of history and architecture. This year we bring you several private homes, including a stunning 1899 Myron Hunt home. This magnificent home was originally built as a coach house in 1892 and converted into a single-family home is 1962. Also on the walk is a fabulous 25-room house, modeled on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's home in Cambridge, MA built in 1894. The house walk includes interior viewing of all the houses on the walk. $35 in advance; $40 at the door.
 
Places to Eat

Pinstripes
1150 Willow Road, Northbrook
www.pinstripes.com/

- Mother's Day Brunch, 10am to 2pm. Carved Prime Rib, delicious seafood, chocolate fountain and delectable desserts. Adults $26, Children 6-12, $12 Children 5 and under free.

Quince at the Homestead
1625 Hinman Avenue, Evanston
www.quincerestaurant.net/

- Chef Motto's Spring 3-course brunch menu is a perfect gift priced at $35 per adult and will be served on Mother's Day from 9:30am to 2:30pm. All the little ones will be equally pleased with a $15/child 2-course menu.

Di Pescara
Northbrook Court, Northbrook
www.di-pescara.com/

- Serving Mother's Day brunch from 10am to 2pm. Adults $29.95 and Children $14.95.
We hope you’re able to get out and enjoy Chicago’s North Shore this weekend, along with celebrating Mother’s Day!  Now that the weather is warming up, those of you who have lived in the North Shore for some time are getting to take part in your favorite summer festivities and traditions. 

If you are not currently a North Shore resident, but have been considering buying a North Shore home this spring; let us know!  We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the Chicago North Shore Real Estate market and show you some of the homes currently available in the North Shore communities.  Feel free to contact us today to get started!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Chicago & North Shore Real Estate
Visit Our Website
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10 Tips to Streamline the Home Buying Process on Chicago's North Shore

Spring has officially arrived on Chicago’s North Shore and is a favorite time of year as we see the budding plants and have a fresh start after our long Chicago winter.  It’s also a great time of year for us as North Shore Real Estate agents!  The North Shore Real Estate market becomes even more vibrant with an abundance of homes budding onto the market each week and a buzz of activity with buyers and sellers.
 
As the weather warms, sellers who have been waiting for the spring season to sell are excited to finally put their home on the market.  Consequently, those hoping to buy a home in the North Shore wait until this change of weather to begin searching for their ideal North Shore home.  These savvy buyers know that they’re bound to find a home, out of the many North Shore homes that are currently available, that will fit their needs and lifestyle. 

If you have been waiting to do your house hunting, now is the ideal time to start!  You’ll want to be settled in your new North Shore home in time to get out and enjoy summer in Chicago and the North Shore!  To ensure that your home buying process runs smoothly and efficiently, we’ve gathered ten great tips that will help streamline the process.

1.  Start Your Search Online- Instead of spending your time perusing neighborhoods for open houses or for sale signs; get online to streamline your search.  There are many great homes in Chicago’s North Shore and Chicago you can view online.

2.  Get Pre-Approved- Finding the home of your dreams and then shopping for a loan is a risky move, as most home sellers won't even look at an offer that's not accompanied by a pre-approval letter.  Getting pre-approved ensures you know your exact budget and can save you from a bidding war if many are vying for the same home.

3.  Prioritize Your Housing Needs- Finding a home fast means being flexible.  The longer the list of requirements, the harder it will be to find a home.  Keep your list short and to the point.  Focus on the key elements you’re looking for and let the extras fall as they may.

4.  Look for Motivated Sellers- Again, this shouldn’t be hard to find motivated sellers in the spring since they’re well aware of the competition they’re facing as the North Shore Real Estate market is flooded with great homes in this busy season.  Don’t settle for sellers who aren’t willing to budge on a home at the top of your price range; there are too many other great North Shore homes out there that will have motivated sellers.

5.  Find a Great Agent- This may seem easy, but finding an agent that truly knows the North Shore Real Estate market and can show your properties that are right in your price range and meet your style and needs can be challenging.  Of course, we’d love to help you in your home search and know that our experience and proven success will make the home buying process an easy one.  You’ll want to do your homework and really research local agents. 

6.  Steer Clear of Short Sales- While short sales seem to be flooding the market across the country; if you’re looking for a quick buy, short sales are not the way to go.  There is a long process involved with these homes and complications are almost always in the cards.

7.  Try a Real Estate Auction- While not common, auctions make the purchasing process quick and streamlined -- in many cases, you tour the property beforehand, make your bid, and close in 30 days if you're the highest bidder.

8.  Negotiate Repairs- If an inspection reveals that the home you want to buy requires repairs, taking the responsibility off the seller can help you close the deal quicker. After obtaining estimates, ask the seller for a credit rather than asking them to complete the repairs themselves.

9.  Have Cash Ready for Closing- You don't want to be scrambling for funds at the last minute, so be prepared for this important date. A day or two before closing on your North Shore home, you'll get the final settlement statement, detailing the terms of your loan and all the closing costs. Be sure to get a certified or cashier's check made out for the total amount you owe at closing, including the down payment since you can’t use a personal check.

10.  Have a Plan B- Because not every transaction goes smoothly, be sure you have a property or two as a backup; you don’t want to have to start from scratch!

We hope these tips will be helpful as you go through the process of buying a North Shore home!  If you have any questions about the North Shore or Chicago Real Estate market; please let us know!  We’d be happy to meet with you and answer any questions you may have.  Our years of work in these markets and dedication to our clients are sure to give you the North Shore home buying experience you deserve! 

We hope to hear from you soon!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Chicago & North Shore Real Estate
Visit Our Website
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Welcome!

As North Shore Chicago Real Estate agents we understand the importance of quality.  Buyers and sellers in Chicago’s North Shore have an eye for detail and know what they can expect from homes on the North Shore Real Estate market.  It’s that same commitment to high quality with which we approach our business. 

Our goal is to not only help buyers and sellers navigate through the ever-changing real estate market, but to be a trusted resource before and after a move!  We’re excited about this new blogging endeavor as we feel this is just one more way we can reach out to our clients and those interested in using our services.   Each week we’ll be posting helpful real estate tips, home ideas and even local news and events, so you’ll want to check back for our latest updates! 

Chicago’s North Shore is a fantastic place to call home for a variety of reasons.  Those of you who currently live in the area you can attest that the great location near downtown Chicago, the variety of cultural, historical and educational attractions, great restaurants, shops and vibrant communities are just a few of the highlights of living in the North Shore. 

Whether you’re considering moving to Evanston, the North Shore or Chicago, need to sell your home, or are just looking for home tips and North Shore Real Estate information, we hope you’ll consider this as your home base for all of your real estate related needs!   Feel free to contact us anytime with any questions you have or to begin the home buying or selling process, and continue to check back each week for our latest update!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Chicago & North Shore Real Estate
Visit Our Website
View Our Listings
Contact Us