Highland Park IL Real Estate Market Update The Highland Park IL Real Estate Market continued to be active in July. Overall, the sales price of homes  are  less than they were  in 2009. In July of 2010 the Average Sales Price in Highland Park was $487,750.00 a 23% decline from July of 2009 when the Average Sales Price was $634,122.00.  Although prices have declined (to adjust to the market) we have seen some positive trends.  The Average Market Time in July was 127 days which is a significant decrease from June which was 176 days.  The Selling Price vs. the Original Listing Price shows how much the seller is willing to come off of their List Price. In July of 2010 we saw an increase compared to June of 2010 in Sales Price vs. Original List Price - the average in July it was 90.9% compar... 08/05/2010

Yes, it's that time of year - Highland Park IL is having it's Sidewalk Sale this  weekend. Highland Park's Sidewalk Sale is a known tradition which is sponsored by the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce.  The sale racks will be out from 9am-5pm from July 22-24.  If you are looking for something to do this weekend then check out the Sidewalk Sale throughout Highland Park's Downtown Area.  Clothes, shoes, stationary, toys, furniture, jewelry - you want it they got it!!!  There are great deals for everyone to enjoy.   In addition to the regular retailers within town other vendors have their specials featured on every sidewalk throughout town. It's a great time to stock up on things you need or with gifts to give!  Not interested in shopping? How about grabbing a quick bite at one  of the f... 07/22/2010

Highland Park IL Real Estate Market Update. Real Estate in  Highland Park IL  continues to increase compared to last year's numbers. The month of June 2010 in Highland Park IL was quite strong.  The Median Sales price for closed homes in Highland Park IL increased by 30% compared to the same time last year - Median Sales Price in June 2010 was $508,000 vs $390,750 in June of 2009.  In June of 2010 there were 41 closed properties vs. 28 in June of 2009. There are many wonderful opportunities for buyer's who are  in the market place.  Overall inventory of homes has had a small decline but there is still plenty of great investments for buyers in Highland Park IL and other surrounding North Shore Suburbs.  With conventional interest rates of 4.5% it's a great time to get off of the fence.  ... 07/07/2010

Getting A Low ball Offer Off Of The Ground in Highland Park IL It's no secret that this is a buyers' market, but what does that mean for sellers?  As an active REALTOR in Highland Park IL and other surrounding North Shore Suburbs I prepare my sellers that they may get a low ball offer. Getting a low ball offer can happen at anytime -  your home may be  fresh on the market or on the market for several  months.   If you've had your home on the market for months and have already reduced the price you may be asking yourself how low you can go.  Low ball offers used to be unusual but now they are an everyday reality, with prospective buyers coming in well below the list price with a list of demands.  It can be frustrating and too many sellers take it personally.  Remember that it's business,... 07/06/2010

Highland Park Illinois July 4th Celebration & Fireworks.  This year's theme is:  "Salute to the Troops: Honoring the Women and Men of the United States Military." July 4th in Highland Park IL  is a 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 10:45 on Sunday 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 11:00  featuring local businesses, floats, marching bands, dign... 07/03/2010

Highland Park IL is filled with fun activities all weekend.  It does not matter if you are young or old, athletic or not athletic, adventurous or not adventurous - but what I do know is that this weekend in Highland Park IL there are many fun activities for all. Below is the line up of weekend activities in Highland Park: 1. Highland Park Festival of Fine Arts - June 26-27 - 10:00-6:00 pm.              This is the 13th Annual Fine Arts Festival in Highland Park.  This is  an outdoor event that  will take place on Sheridan Road between Central Avenue and Elm Place.  This event is sponsored by the Art Center of Highland Park Over 100 Artists and vendors will be present to show and sell their work.  This is an event that I look forward to every year and enjoy very much. 2.  Firecracker 4 -... 06/25/2010

     Here is an article I saw on NYTimes.com today, discussing how over-demanding buyers are contributing to the slow down of the housing market by taking advantage of some sellers' very difficult situations.  Are buyers simply being smart, and leveraging this market to get the best deal they can, or are they exploiting sellers in unfortunate positions? Are you seeing deals dying because sellers decide that buyers are just asking for too much? I'd love to hear your thoughts!     Housing Market Slows as Buyers Get Picky By DAVID STREITFELD Published: June 16, 2010 Before the recession, people simply looked for a house to buy. Later they got squeamish just thinking about buying. Now they are on a quest for perfection at the perfect price. Multimedia Graphic Still Depressed   Exacting buye... 06/18/2010

                                   Enjoy Thursday evenings in downtown Highland Park IL for a free outdoor concert for  the remainder of the Summer. Summer concerts in Highland Park IL take place in Port Clinton, 600 Central Avenue, every Thursday evening.  The outdoor concerts have been a long time tradition in Highland Park IL.  This is a fun activity for all age age groups.  Enjoy a blizzard or ice cream cone from Dairy Queen or your favorite coffee drink from Starbucks. Below is a list of the 2010 Thursday Night Summer Series:   June 17 - Maxwell Street Klezmer  Band June 24 - Soda July 1 -  Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band July 8 - Highland Park Pops July 15 - Maryann and the Professors July 22 - R-Gang August 5 - Breeze August 12 - Tzofim Friendship Caravan August 19 - Bopolo... 06/16/2010

NORTH SHORE HALF MARATHON RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN HIGHLAND PARK Highland Park, Illinois – The City of Highland Park and the Downtown Alliance are excited to welcome race participants to the 32nd Annual Misericordia Heart of Mercy North Shore Half-Marathon and 5k Charity Run on Sunday, June 13, 2010.The half-marathon and 5k, sponsored by Running Away Multisport (RAM Racing), are scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m. and 7:15 a.m., respectively, and conclude by 1:00 p.m. Both races will run concurrent with each other. This runner-friendly event is anticipated to attract approximately 5,000 participants.  Last year on of several of my clients participated in this event and one came in first place during this event.  This is a a great event for  beginner  and advanced runners.  Both routes will begin... 06/13/2010

    Many sellers are under the assumption that their agent will be present at their home's showings.  However, this is not common practice everywhere. In the northern suburbs of Chicago, where I live and sell real estate, agents that accompany their listings' showings are more the exception than the rule - infact, when I show a listing to an agent from the city, they are always pleasantly surprised and note that it's a rare occurence among suburban agents (at least in my geographical area). Perhaps some agents are so busy they don't have the time to do it, or maybe they just feel it's not necessary. When I started as a new agent last year, this wasn't something I thought twice about. I made the committment  to accompany my listings' showings - at least as often as possible.  I mean, isn... 06/07/2010

The Farmer's Market  officially opens on June 16th in the Ravinia Neighborhood in Highland Park Illinois. The Ravinia Farmer's Market will be open on Wednesdays from 7:00am to 1:00pm. It is open every Wednesday from June 16 to October 27.  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.  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 ch... 06/07/2010

So many people are curious about Real Estate market trends. The information below gives a very clear picture of Real Estate in Highland Park Illinois.  Please keep in mind that every home differs from another. If you are thinking about buying or selling let's connect. 06/04/2010

As a REALTOR  in Highland Park Illinois  I am often asked ..... "How is the Real Estate  Market?"  Obviously, my clients ask me this question but I am also asked this question by friends, family and/or acquaintances. I am asked this question at the grocery store, while I am walking my dog, at school functions, as a spectator at a sporting event, cocktail party- anywhere and everywhere. The Highland Park IL Real Estate Market is quite lively and filled with great opportunities in all price points. Current interest rates are low -  30 year conventional fixed is at  4.875%.  With the gorgeous weather and flowers in full bloom it's a wonderful time to consider a move! Below is a snapshot of the Highland Park Real Estate Market: There are 314 Single Family homes for sale in Highland Park IL ... 05/28/2010

Looking for Fun?  Pool Opens this Weekend! Hidden Creek AquaPark (1220 Fredrickson) opens this Saturday, May 29.   HoursMemorial Day: Monday May 31 Open Swim: 10:00-7:00pmMay 29-June 11Lap SwimmingMonday-Friday, 5:30-10:00am, 6 lanesSaturday-Sunday, 6:00-10:00am, 6 lanesOpen SwimMonday-Thursday, 4:00-8:00pm, 1 laneFriday, 4:00-7:00pm, 1 laneSaturday-Sunday, 10:00-7:00pm, 1 laneFamily SwimFriday, 6:00-7:00am, 1 laneSunday, 10:00-1:00pm, 1 lane   Membership FeesClick here to learn more.   Daily Admission Fees$7/resident $12/nonresident Free/Children ages 3 & younger   Twilight Rate (5:00pm-close) $3/resident $6/nonresident Free/Children ages 3 & younger What a fun weekend to be had by the entire family.   Bring your own snacks and lunch or enjoy snacks and lunch from the concessions prov... 05/27/2010

Arts and Crafts and Prairie Style Architecture  in Highland Park IL   The Arts and Crafts movement started in Great Britain in the mid-1800s, led by central figure William Morris.  His decorative interior design objects would be a natural fit in many homes throughout the North Shore, which comes as no surprise.  In the United States, the Arts and Crafts Movement found its greatest expression in American Craftsman style architecture, which left a major mark on many North Shore homes and communities.  The Arts and Crafts Society started in Chicago in 1897 at the famous Hull House.  There are several Craftsman homes throughout Highland Park IL including 2419 St. Johns Avenue and 381 Orchard Lane.   Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School of Architecture was an offshoot of American Arts and Cra... 05/13/2010

Selling Your Home in Highland Park, IL - A Good Picture is Worth a 1000 Words. As a full time Highland Park,IL REALTOR, I know  that I can offer you many different strategies on how to sell your home for the most money in the least amount time. I strongly feel  that pictures are key in marketing a home.  A buyer needs to have a picture painted of your home and often times words are not enough. It's the photos -- and good photos -- that gets a potential buyer in your home, and when your home is initially marketed the seller only has one chance to make a first impression.   A good picture is worth a 1000 words, no pictures on a new listing or a bad picture on the other hand may result in the consumer skipping over your home in their internet search and you not selling your home.  Accordin... 05/08/2010

There are many Homes for Sale in Highland Park Illinois in various price points, condition and location.  Currently, there are a total of 317 Single Family Homes for Sale in Highland Park Illinois. The least expensive Home for Sale is a two bedroom one bath home that is being marketed as a short sale and "in need of work/or a tear-down."  The most expensive Home for Sale is a six bedroom 4.2 baths home on a private lane. Between these two wide ranges of Homes for Sale is  a wide array of homes available for sale and viewing. A very popular price range for many buyers who are looking for a home in Highland Park Illinois  is between 500k-700k.  There are 63 Homes for Sale in Highland Park between $500,000 - $700,000.  Bedroom counts in this price range are 3 -7 bedrooms and bathrooms rang... 04/23/2010

Ravinia Festival is located in Highland Park Illinois.  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 S... 04/17/2010

Highland Park Illinois Spring Clean -Up Program is soon approaching. Veolia Environmental Waste Services will be conducting their annual Spring Clean-Up Program for the City of Highland Park on four consecutive Saturdays, beginning May 1 and ending May 22.  This is a wonderful opportunity for Highland Park Residents  to declutter and get rid of JUNK.  Every year it amazes me how much "stuff" we accumulate to put out at the curb.  As a REALTOR in Highland Park - I think that this annual Spring Clean-Up Program is fabulous for those who are selling a home and for those who  have bought a home.   If you are thinking about moving it is a great time to get rid of all of the things that you have kept throughout the years that you no longer need.  For the buyers who have just moved in - get ri... 04/14/2010

Last week I was picking up a gift at Borders on Central Avenue, in vibrant downtown Highland Park,  when I came across Highland Park: Settlement To The 1920s.  The book, part of Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series, is a great little volume on the early history of my home turf, Highland Park Illinois.  The author is Julia Johnas, a librarian at the Highland Park Public Library who runs our local history archive and serves as a liaison to the City of Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission.   As a REALTOR in Highland Park Illinois, this book blew my mind!  I know this town like the back of my hand, it is amazing to see how it has evolved and grown since it was purchased by 10 men in 1867 for $39,198.70.  I learned that Deerfield Road was the first east-west road from High... 04/08/2010