In the old days we described personality types as Type A and Type B.  But today experts now have identified 16 different personality types and 26 house styles. Sellecting the right type of house for the right personality of your buyer can be quite challenging since there seems to be more house styles than personality types.The process of working with buyers has not really changed over the years. Realtors talk to their buyers and ask them probing questions about things they like to have in a home and then they start to look at homes and narrow or expand the choices as you go along.  I have attached a link that you can use with your buyer to give them a personality test that will match the perfect home for them.         01/10/2017

We just closed my buyers purchase of 1720 Oak #403 Evanston IL 60201 at The Sienna. A 2 bedroom and 2 bath condo with beautiful hardwood floors. The Sienna is located at 1720 and 1740 Oak in Evanston IL and sits right on the edge of downtown.The building is a full amenity property with an attached and heated garage below the building so getting in and out and especially with packages is a breeze. You can walk to just about everything Downtown Evanston has to offer so you might consider leaving your auto at home.The public transportation via the Metra and "EL" trains are within a 5 minute walk so life is a auto is an option only. There are so many choices of unique stories, every type of restaurant you could ever want and great choices of live entertainment to make living at the Sienna a... 01/03/2017

My property listing at 2501 Central #4E Evanston IL 60201 has just closed. A 1400 square foot 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom condo in an elevator building with a garage now has a happy new owner. Pricing and presentation helped is get this condo under contract very fast.Another issue that really helped is that Central Street is such a popular location and people love to live there. With so many great stores and great choices of restaurants, folks love this part of Evanston IL.Central Street has excellent public transportation with the Metra and "EL" trains within walking distance. We get more and more requests for property on or near Central street of Evanston IL. My office is now located at 1710 Central.If you want help finding or selling a property in or around Evanston IL consider giving u... 12/29/2016

After multiple failed attempts at winning a condo and being beat out by what we thought were over priced offers and just not getting in quick enough my buyer client is today under contract of a great property. 2033 Sherman is a desired elevator building that is steps away from Northwestern University and downtown Evanston.2033 Sherman #202 is a 2 bedroom and two bath large condo with hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and a large master bath that that has luxury written all over it. My buyer client is very happy and so am I. We worked hard at this transaction.This condo is 1200 square feet and has a private yard for the residents to use to entertain, BBQ or just sit and enjoy the sun. Timing was everything here and when the news came that the offer was accepted smiles flowed fr... 12/17/2016

670 Hinman Evanston IL 60201 is one of the nicest vintage buildings in town. Located right at Main street and Hinman the scene is thriving. People love this area. The Metra and "EL" trains are steps away and there are so many dining options as well as every type of shop you could ever want.This building built in the early 20's was the first of its kind with an underground garage. At 1,000 sq feet and with all the original details intact as well as modern features added it makes for an interesting opportunity for you to explore at only $200,000.Here is what we wrote up on our description.Rarely available rehabbed vintage condo, with heated garage, in Evanston's most cool neighborhood, in one of its coolest buildings. Spacious, quiet and sunny 1-Bedroom unit overlooks courtyard fountain, ... 12/15/2016

This year I volunteered to be on my local boards Fair Housing Committee because I think next year will be a big challenge for Realtors and we must take action to preserve the rights of all protected classes.  Realtors should all not only use th\e symbol above on all broshures, websites, or publications to the public but should also educate the public on what Fair Housing means. 12/08/2016

My first time buyer clients were thrilled to just close on the sale of 911 Maple unit 1N in Evanston IL 60202. This is a big step for them and I could see the excitement as we did the final walk through and then went to the closing.This 3 bedroom and two and a half bath condo sold for $328k. A very interesting property because it is what we call a duplex down. It was a vintage 1920s building that was totally rebuilt to the studs. Central heat and AC were installed as well as an individual hot water heater.A duplex down is when two properties are combined to make one very large condo. This property was 2200 square feet and lives like a single family house. A nice wooden stairs were put in toward the back of the condo and the construction was excellent.There is a separate in-law suite ent... 12/06/2016

By Art Wilson, RealtorEvanston's November Property sales were 66, down -5.7% from 70 in November of 2015 and -7.0% lower than the 71 sales last month. November 2016 sales were at a mid level compared to November of 2015 and 2014. November YTD sales of 1,063 are running 1.5% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 1,047. The Median Sales Price in November was $375,500, up 27.3% from $295,000 in November of 2015 and up 21.1% from $310,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in November was $454,175, up 35.0% from $336,409 in November of 2015 and up 23.4% from $368,153 last month. November 2016 ASP was at highest level compared to November of 2015 and 2014. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of November was 222, down -13.3% from 256 last month and down -30.0% from 3... 12/04/2016

Buying a Home is a HUGE INVESTMENT and so its important to understand the Cost of Home Ownership.Some of these costs are obvious like Real Estate Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, a Mortgage while others are not so obvious. These other costs are considered Hidden Costs.  When Buying a Home plan for the unexpected and put money aside for contingencies you might not be aware of like a new roof, new hot water heater or air conditioner just to name a few.The bottom line is home ownership is a responsibility and this responsibility can cost you dearly if you are not prepared. That's why the saying "Caveat Emptor" or " Buyer Beware" is so important.  We all make mistakes in life but buying a home should not be one of them. 12/02/2016

 Here is a special post for Noah Seidenberg, Associates & Friends  Robert Vegas Bob Swetz knows how much Noah likes Music, whether it's rock, jazz or classical Noah likes music.Vegas Bob knows he posted this video earlier but now with Noah's name within the title or post, and I don't get any extra points because I am at the limit for the week ... so!If you ever get the chance to visit Las Vegas Noah Vegas Bob will take you down to meet Carl Ferris and listen to him Jam ;o)Stay tuned for more videos by Vegas Bob of Carl Ferris this week ... Noah Seidenberg, Evanston Real Estate Agent - ActiveRainstaging.activerain.com/profile/noahzark Real Estate Agent @Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC ... Illinois : Cook County : Evanston : Noah Seidenberg. Ambassador 1,451,142. Noah Seidenberg, Chicagol... 11/20/2016

We now have the Evanston IL Real Estate report for November 2016. The discussion here will be comparing the last 30 days period ending November 14 to the same time frame of 2015. Evanston has really been busy and now near Thanksgiving we are seeing things slow down a bit.There are 8.3% less new listings and 17.6% less closed sales of all types of properties combined. We have a definite sellers market with 29.8% less inventory. This year has been extremely busy and we anticipate a strong Spring.Click Evanston IL Houses for sale and Evanston IL Condos for sale to see the latest inventory.Looking at the Evanston IL Real Estate single family stats, we have 6.3% less new listings with 45 this 30 day period as compared with 48 last year in the same time. Under contract houses are down 2.6% an... 11/18/2016

My first time home buyer and Northwestern Grad student client just went under contract for the purchase of 1720 Oak #403 Evanston IL 60201. A 2 bedroom and 2 bath condo at the Sienna Condo Complex.The Sienna which is two buildings located at 1720 Oak and 1740 Oak Evanston IL, 60201 is a mid-rise building with 8 stories, 60 condos and a heated garage under the properties. The innovative design is such that you drive in the parking garage from Oak street and take one of the elevators to your condo.This condo development is only a couple of blocks from the Northwestern University Campus so it is very easy to walk or take the shuttle bus to class. Residents are also steps away from public transportation using the Metra or "EL" trains and all that Downtown Evanston has to offer.Downtown Evan... 11/15/2016

I have spent all of my exercise time walking, talking and taking photos in the last few weeks. I have the commercial Precor Elliptical but I want to enjoy being outside because soon it will be cold. The colors will not be there too. So because of that I say Come on baby let the good times roll.  11/11/2016

At the Evanston Lakefront on the Northwestern University campus is an area lined with huge rocks or stone. The purpose of this I presume is to keep people off the water. It is dangerous and with undertows the authorities want beach access only on the beaches with lifeguards.There are rows of these palettes for art work and the students spend their time painting the rocks. I enjoy checking out what they come up with, next year they will all be painted with something new.Over the years I have come across some very interesting work that must have taken quite some time.American GraffitiGod grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot changeNo one has ever see God? No matter where our travels take usHappy Birthday SamTo catch a Dragonfly After all that work it is time for a nap.... 11/10/2016

By Art Wilson, RealtorEvanston's October Property sales were 70, down -17.6% from 85 in October of 2015 and -27.1% lower than the 96 sales last month. October 2016 sales were at their lowest level compared to October of 2015 and 2014. October YTD sales of 996 are running 1.9% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 977.The Median Sales Price in October was $319,750, up 9.3% from $292,500 in October of 2015 and up 13.2% from $282,500 last month. The Average Sales Price in October was $370,413, down -3.1% from $382,298 in October of 2015 and down -8.9% from $406,394 last month. October 2016 ASP was at a mid range compared to October of 2015 and 2014. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of October was 248, down -14.5% from 290 last month and down -31.5% from 362 in O... 11/10/2016

What a week we have had. With all the excitement of the World Series and the election we have all been preoccupied. I have been staying up late and working hard. So after this night is over we will know who our new president is going to be and we already know that the Chicago Cubs are world champions.So here are a few photos I took last Sunday while on a 7 mile, 3 hour walk through the Evanston IL lakefront and the Northwestern University.Peace and Love to you and your family. I hope you voted and cheers to making America a better place for everyone to live.Northwestern Campus looking SouthReflections......Northwestern Campus for a Sunday walk Evanston ILNorthwestern Campus looking East toward Lake Michigan  11/08/2016

 Five Questions to ask before you Buy a Fixer Upper?1. How Much Work is Involved? Will the home need minor repairs or major repairs. 2. How Much will it Cost? Typically minor repairs are under $30,000 while major repairs are over $30,000.3. Who will be doing the Repairs? Are you handy or will you need a Contractor.4. What is As Is Value and After Repair Value? As is Value refers to current condition and After Repair Value refers to improved value.5. Is ARV less than, equal to or greater than Market Value? You should keep ARV less than or equal to Fair Market Value. If the ARV is greater than Fair Market Value then you should expect to live in the home for awhile.          11/07/2016

Today my client, the home owner and I Noah Seidenberg listing agent closed the sale of 1111 Foster in Evanston IL 60201. This property was purchased by a team who does gut remodels of homes and then resells them improving the neighborhood.The bones of 1111 Foster were stunning. A 1905 built 6 bedroom home that had every inch made the old fashioned way, Oak hand carved trim, crown molding and window sills. Leaded glass and detail wanted by people who appreciate a vintage master piece.Turn of the century (1905) Firemen’s Park neighborhood family two and half story home for sale by fourth owner of 45 years.Location allows walk to: Firemen’s Park, CTA and Metra, Lighthouse Beach, Century Theaters, Evanston Art Center, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, North shore-Evanston Hospital, Garret Theolog... 11/04/2016

Yesterday afternoon when I got home I could not help but notice how nice it was and still is outside. We have an Indian Summer. I saw Sail Boats still out and the clouds and sky were beautiful. I walked over to Evanston's South Blvd Beach and took out my phone. Here is what I saw. Go CUBs!The Lake sounds so relaxing with the waves rolling in 10/27/2016

We just got a condo for my first time home buyer client. We all feel like they really got lucky with this deal because of the location and size of this property. These folks walk to the Metra train to avoid traffic during rush house and the Main street "EL" and Metra are less than a 5 minute walk.This condominium, 911 Maple #1N Evanston, IL 60202 is something special. It is listed at $339,900 and 2200 square feet. A building that was built in the 1920's but totally gut rehabbed recently. The developer added central air AC and heat via gas forced air, a fantastic kitchen that is modern and has great appliances and best of all:This is a duplex down condo! I have seen good and not so good jobs of doing this and the people did it right. They made really nice wood stairs in the back down to ... 10/26/2016