Sweet Home Chicago

There are some signs that housing market is finally starting to recover. I am cautiously optimistic - the experts (and I) are not suggesting that it will come roaring back and that we will see 2006 numbers right away.  Here are some positive statistics: National Association of Realtors released t...

I am always looking for good articles and topics to generate ideas for my own blog posts.  I found this one blog post today that is very good, nothing I would change, and it perfectly reflects my opinion and approach to my real estate business: June 22 KCM Blog - Five Things by Steve Harney Thank...

Many people have heard that the real estate market is "bad" and so they are sitting on the sidelines and waiting for it to get "better" or to "recover." The real estate market is not inherently good or bad right now, it is different. The dynamics of the market have changed and savvy buyers and se...

I looked at all new construction single family homes in Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook and Glenview, for the 24 weeks ending June 1st 2008 (MLS data only).  PRICE:  the median price during the most recent 12 weeks was $1,233,000.  This is higher than it was during the prior 12 weeks at $964...

Market Watch: Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook and Glenview Illinois  Sales of existing homes (excludes new construction) in all 4 suburbs is picking up slightly.  During the 12 weeks ending June 1st, 17 single family homes sold (closed) per week, on average.  This is an increase over the pri...

The good news is that the trend I noted for both Highland Park and Northbrook is also true for Deerfield.  That is, sales in the past three months appear to be stronger than the prior three months. Here is how it breaks down... During the past 6 months 45 homes sold for under $1.2 million in Deer...

Overall sales activity in Northbrook was similar to Highland Park over the past 6 months.  Sales activity picked up during the past three months.  As in Highland Park the less expensive homes had a stronger showing, with 80 out of 87 sales in the past three month priced at less than $1,200,000 (a...

In spite of the rain, the Earth Day Festival in Highland Park was well attended. Since the crowds were less then anticipated, they didn't need my assistance as a volunteer.  I took advantage of the time (no appointments with clients, no family commitments) to check out the festival myself.I learn...

A simple analysis of MLS data shows that sales have picked up in Highland Park over the past three months versus the prior three months.   There were 121 single family homes that sold (Attorney Review/Inspection, Pending, or closed) during the past 6 months;  73 of those sales (over 60%) were fro...

On Saturday May 3rd from 11-3 is the first Highland Park Earth Festival.  There will be food, music, demonstrations, lectures, kids activities and more at the Ravinia Train Station and across the street at Jens Jensen Park.  The Festival is to raise awareness of sustainability and recycling and h...