An article in Politico Magazine has touted Evanston as a city that does not need cars. Everything is here and transportation of the four wheel type is not necessary. In the last 10 years Evanston defiantly has changed into a thriving city that is attracting many people with different needs.Politico says, at first glance, downtown Evanston, Illinois, doesn’t look revolutionary—just another a gentrifying urban core with the obligatory Whole Foods, the local organic sustainable restaurants serving $14 cocktails, the towering new, high-end luxury apartments filled with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The booming downtown feels increasingly hip; this summer it was featured as a “Surfacing” destination in the New York Times Travel Section. “I have everything here,” says Jo... 10/26/2015

Today we are taking a look at the Evanston IL Real Estate scene through October 14 2015. We see some interesting activity. There are 28.9% more closed sales in all types of properties yet 9.9% less new listings. The Real Estate sales is still occurring but there are fewer new listings and still a seller's market. In single family homes in the month of September of 2015 Evanston IL saw 57 new homes listed but in the same time exactly one year ago there were 67 houses listed. However data from the multiple listing service shows that there was a 39.7% gain in sales of single family homes, 46 properties in September of 2015 and 33 in September of 2014.At this time there are 141 single family homes for sale in Evanston IL and 66 homes under contract. In the last 30 days Evanston has had 37 h... 10/23/2015

This morning at about 7:30 I walked to the beach and took a few photos. The night before had been very stormy and today the sun is poking through. I always feel attracted to Lake Michigan and love taking a few photos. I hope everyone in this world has a peaceful day and enjoys life. 10/21/2015

We will be holding an open house today at 1508 Dewey Evanston IL 60201 between 1:00 and 3:00 PM.  This is an extremely comfortable home with lots of updates! A sitting room greets you upon entering this lovely, spaciously designed split-level with new recessed LED lighting with dimmer for the perfect ambiance. The new open kitchen with high-end SS Bosch appliances and tons of storage space is a dream to cook in. Upstairs you’ll find 4 large bedrooms and ample closet space. The master bedroom has 2 closets and a private full bath. The finished lower level is well lit with many large windows and offers a great space to play and entertain (wet-bar!). A bonus room with half bath is perfect for overnight guests or live-in help. New windows and insulation make for a cozy and efficient home. S... 10/18/2015

When buying a home you have control on where you want to live but you have no control on who will live next door to you.Here are some examples of Neighbors you might run up against.  Remember Mr Wilson and Dennis the Menace. Kids in the neigborhood are good to have when you have children yourself except when the kid next door is like Dennis. You could end up with a neighbor like Archie Bunker. OH Boy is all I can say if you get someone like him as your neighbor. If you get Glady's as your neighbor then keep your windows and blinds closed as she will be watching every move you make. Finally you could get Alice and Ralph as neighbors. Of course you will have to listen to this blubber head make noise all the time but you couldnt find a more a more loyal and loving couple to live next door ... 10/17/2015

Evanston IL Real Estate through September has seen an upswing especially in the single family home statistics. Currently there are 137 houses for sale and 70 under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days 41 houses have sold. A look at condominiums shows 219 properties for sale and 92 under contract and waiting to sell. In the last 30 days we have seen 53 condos close. Not quite as busy as in the Spring but there is still an opportunity to purchase a property or sell your home if necessary.Evanston has seen a lot of growth in recent years, recently the city has had a few rental complexes spring up but not any new condominium complexes. The rental buildings are luxury with many amenities and fairly expensive. Some of the 3 bedroom and 2 plus den units are well over the $3,000 a... 10/16/2015

Evanston IL will be selling their firewood starting Saturday November 7. It has been my experience that this goes fast and if you want a pretty good local deal I suggest putting this on the calender. Here is some information provided by the city of Evanston and a link to the Evanston Firewood sale.The City of Evanston's annual firewood sale will take place on all four Saturdays of November, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2310 Oakton St., between the former Recycling Center and the Evanston Animal Shelter. Only cash and checks will be accepted as payment. Employees will be available to help load firewood into customers' cars; wood cannot be delivered. Prices are: • (4’x4’x1.5’) x 2: $150 • 4’x4’x1.5’: $80 • 2’x4’x1.5’: $50 • 1’x4’x1.5’: $30 For more information, please call/text 847-448-4311.... 10/15/2015

Evanston IL in the Downtown area is Zip Code 60201 which has many condominiums. The condos have become quite desirable over the last few years as Evanston has become built up. Northwestern University has expanded and many new condo developments were constructed and this helped to make the downtown of Evanston very popular. You can live a life free of an automobile if you choose, everything is within walking distance. The public transportation situation is very accessible with the "EL" and the Metra taking you to downtown Chicago in about 20 minutes and all points in between. It has become its own little city.A great resource for downtown Evanston Condos is Evanston Best. This site features some of the popular condos in downtown Evanston. Also click 60201 Condos and you will have access ... 10/14/2015

Today we are taking at look at 60203 zip code also known as Skevanston. The 60203 Zip code of Evanston appears to a part of Skokie IL but is actually Evanston. People can get excellent value in Real Estate in 60203 because you get slightly lower taxes that lean toward Skokie's yet the services of Evanston including the Evanston Township High School or ETHS which is very desirable. Often when trying to find a good bang for the buck I will point my buyer clients to Skevanston.Currently there are 17 single family homes for sale in Skevanston and 9 properties under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days we have seen only one single family home close in 60203. Regarding condos, there is currently 3 properties for sale and 3 condos under contract and waiting to close. The Septembe... 10/10/2015

1508 Dewey Evanston IL 60201 $25K Price ReductionYou read that right! This recently remodeled 4 bedroom split level home is now $475,000. I sold this fine home to the family a little over two years ago and now a great job opportunity has caused them to move after putting over $50K into a remodel on this fine home. This property is very close to downtown Evanston.You should call Noah Seidenberg Realtor and take a tour todayColdwell Banker Evanston(800) 858-7917 10/09/2015

By Art Wilson, RealtorEvanston's September Property sales were 104, up 25.3% from 83 in September of 2014 and -16.8% lower than the 125 sales last month. September 2015 sales were at their highest level compared to September of 2014 and 2013. September YTD sales of 889 are running 16.4% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 764. The Median Sales Price in September was $342,000, up 6.9% from $320,000 in September of 2014 and up 21.3% from $282,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in September was $401,072, down -0.7% from $403,930 in September of 2014 and up 6.9% from $375,278 last month. September 2015 ASP was at a mid range compared to September of 2014 and 2013. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of September was 352, down -6.1% from 375 last month and dow... 10/08/2015

September sales for Evanston IL Real Estate were up 9.4% over 2014 at 1,104 properties sold as compared to 1,009 in the prior year. The sales are still quite strong. In single family homes there are currently 199 properties for sale and 68 houses under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days we have seen 48 single family houses close. In the condominium scene there are currently 213 properties available in Evanston IL and 93 under contract and waiting to close. In the last 30 days we have seen 51 condos close.This all indicates a strong real estate market for Evanston IL. There is a great selection of property inventory for home and condo buyers and a great opportunity to sell if you want to move on or just upgrade your living situation. Typically we see a slow down at this t... 10/06/2015

Northwestern campus has been extended into the lake via landfill. I did some research & discovered how this all came about. By the 1950s, future expansion of Northwestern was stopped: lack of space. The university was faced with 3 choices: 1. Move west across Sheridan road into residential neighborhoods, tearing down beautiful homes. 2. Build an "asphalt campus", crowding new buildings by getting rid of the green spaces east of Sheridan Rd. 3. Extend eastward into Lake Michigan. The decision was made to fill in the Lake. They purchased 74 acres; cost about $5.2 million. From the state they bought 152 acres of "submerged lake land at a cost of $100 per acre." I wonder what the price would be in today's money? Only one issue occurred. The sand for the lake fill was to come from dredging o... 10/03/2015

Yesterday we had a fantastic turnout at the Evanston IL Petal Bright at the Northwestern Weber Arch giving away bike lights and getting bicycles registered with the Evanston Police department. I was a volunteer in the Evanston Ambassador program and really enjoyed being out, talking to folks and encouraging bike safety. I personally feel that many riders do not respect autos and follow safety rules so this was special to me. Also I know that somehow we have to get along with the people using pedal power for their transportation so that motivated me.There were hundreds of people attending this event which caused a huge line. It took us over two hours to get it under control. A nice cool fall day and great to be out. 10/02/2015

New on the market today is 1508 Dewey Evanston IL 60201 listed by Listing Agent Noah Seidenberg. A 4 bedroom 2 and half bath split level home and offered for $499,000.The current owners love this house but must move for a new job. During the last two years major renovations have included: kitchen cabinets, granite counter tops, high end SS Bosch appliances and state of the art windows. The newly insulated crawlspace and attic make the house cozy warm in the winter and at the same time keep it very cool in the summer; heat and AC bills dropped dramatically. The newly installed AC/DC backup sump pump guarantees the well-aerated crawlspace stays dry at all times. New LED recessed lighting with dimmer in the kitchen and living room ensure that you have the proper ambiance. Generously sized ... 09/28/2015

Today, Sunday September 27 at the Evanston IL Whole Foods was the scene of the 3rd annual Police Vs Firefighters BBQ. All proceeds go to Charity and it was a blast. We were there to check it out. You pay only $7 bucks and get a BBQ sandwich made by the Evanston Police and then one cooked up by the loyal Evanston IL Firefighters and voting takes place. It is exciting and soon we will know who created the best BBQ this year?We will let you know who the winners are as soon as all the votes are counted. Thanks for stopping by!  09/27/2015

Today we visited the American Craft Exposition which comes around once a year at around the same time. Considered the best art show of the year, I always enjoy going. This year did not disappoint. We view some wonderful work and enjoyed ourselves. This is the first year it was not in Evanston at Northwestern University, it was at the Chicago Botanic Garden due to construction at NU. Please enjoy a few photos with me.Check out Mom trying some custom furniture   09/26/2015

813 Hinman 2 Evanston IL 60202 Closed SaleFriday we closed on 813 Hinman #2 a 3 bedroom 2 bath beautiful vintage condo in one of the nicest areas of Evanston IL for $375,000. My buyer client, a first time buyer couple were very happy and excited to be the proud owner of this nice condo. I could tell by their smiles that this was a special moment.If you are considering a purchase in Evanston IL give is a call at Coldwell Banker Evanston.Understanding your Expectations and Exceeding themColdwell Banker Evanston(800) 858-7917 09/26/2015

Today, September 24th 2015 our whole office was treated to a day at the race track with a huge buffet at Mike Ditka's restaurant and so much fun being together with our office. The weather was perfect! It was 70 degrees, sunny and we had so much fun making $2 bets even though I lost. Thanks to Chris Stephens and Coldwell Banker. Words cannot do justice, please enjoy these photos with me.Coldwell Banker EvanstonSummer is not showing any signs of fadingWhat a great time was had by all  09/24/2015

319 Dodge Evanston IL 60202 Pending Sale319 Dodge Evanston a 3 bedroom 2 bath Ranch house is now a pending sale and under contract. Last week we lowered the price to $250k and shortly afterwards people starting showing interest. This estate sale is now in the attorney review period and had a Radon test today.If you have property in Evanston IL and are considering a sale, give us a call at (800) 858-7917. We can answer any questions you may haveWe can prepare a comparative market analysis to determine the value of your home. We have a marketing plan that will give your house or condo the exposure needed to get is sold. Want to find out more? Check out Coldwell Banker Evanston,Understandings your Expectations and Exceeding themColdwell Banker Evanston(800) 858-7917 09/22/2015