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Wilmette, IL Real Estate News

By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
North Shore Homes - Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, and Kenilworth Tuesday mornings mean real estate broker tours for new homes on the market in Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe and Kenilworth (Wednesdays for Northfield.)  This past Tuesday was depressing for the simple reason that I saw too many new overpriced homes in a saturated market of overpriced homes.  Month after month I write posts and present statistics that show the ratio between the list price, sell price, and days on market.   Overpriced listings will almost always sell for a large discount (check my posts  - some for as much as 60% for non-distressed properties) and take a very long time to sell. The homes that are priced to sell (perhaps even underpriced to draw volume) sell quickly and for around 95% of list price.   Why would ...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
Wilmette School District #39 and 37UPDATED 2023Do you sometimes wish you could quickly look up certain information about your children's schools? I've come across a site that is provided by the Illinois State Board of Education that has many different types of data.  I've provided links for both Wilmette School Districts  (#39/37) regarding spending, demographics, test scores, teacher-student ratio, and more.How Much Does Wilmette School District 39 Spend? The following links will give you the report card, plus additional information to the above link.Wilmette School District 39 Report Card  Wilmette School District 37 (Avoca) Report CardWilmette School District 37 (Marie Murphy) Report Card Here's the same information broken down into individual schools:Wilmette School District 39/37 S...
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By Anne West, Your Guide to Real Estate on Chicago's North Shore
(Coldwell Banker)
Ask anyone why they moved to the North Shore and they will tell you that our excellent schools were a driving factor, if not THE driving factor. And they pay a premium to live here and access those schools. Wilmette is one North Shore community with a strong tradition of academic excellence. Three of its elementary schools were awarded the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon. All six District 39 schools were ranked in Chicago Magazine’s Top 20. But on April 5th Wilmette’s commitment to academic excellence will be tested. Residents will vote on a referendum that would increase property taxes by $58.80 per $1000 paid, in order to prevent drastic spending cuts in the Wilmette schools. Here are the facts: 1. The district’s financial situation is dire. The schools have “trim...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
Wilmette District 39 - School Tax Referendum Coming Up Tax increases have always been a volatile issue and it's no different with this referendum that proposes a tax increase to raise $6,375,000 to address a $5,500,000 budget shortfall.  Affected by this referendum are all District 39 schools:   Central Elementary Harper Elementary McKenzie Elementary Romona Elementary Highcrest Middle Wilmette Junior High According to school officials, between decreased funding and  increased enrollment, the budget deficit will lead to unwelcome cuts. These would include all foreign language instruction (K-8), instrumental music (5-8), and reduced music, art and physical education (K-4).  Staff cuts would include 24% of the teaching staff, all librarians, technology staff, and teacher specialists. As a...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
5 Good Reasons to Sell Your Wilmette Home NOW Many potential sellers wait for the vaunted SPRING market to list their homes for sale - it's tradition! The weather is improving, bulbs are pushing up, and buyers will start sniffing around again.   But there are some very good reasons to get on the ball and do it now - and the reasons are particularly urgent this year.  Steve Harney, a real estate expert who specializes in negotiation and leadership training wrote yesterday "The wisdom of waiting for a spring market is another belief that is about to fall."  Here's why:        1.  Interest Rates are Going Up                   They've been climbing steadily for several months and are starting to creep over 5%.  Why does this matter to sellers?  As rates increase, then the buyer's purchasing...
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By Anne West, Your Guide to Real Estate on Chicago's North Shore
(Coldwell Banker)
The debate raging around a proposed cell tower on Centennial’s roof will come to head tonight at the Park Board meeting being held at Village Hall at 7:30 pm. The proposed nine foot cell tower being considered by the Park Board would generate $3000 per month in added revenue and would help offset operating expenses for the Park District. Residents in the area oppose the tower based on both appearance and health/safety concerns, and plan to voice their opposition at tonight’s meeting. While the FCC maintains that there is unlikely to be danger to residents from cell tower radiation, opponents say there is considerable evidence to the contrary. In a letter to the Park Board one concerned citizen provided the following rationale for opposition to the proposed tower: The FCC relies on emiss...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
Amy Dickinson Discusses Teenagers (!) at the Wilmette Theater One of the toughest jobs in the universe is parenting teenagers- neither here nor there beings that make us lose our hair and our patience.  If you're at this point in your life, help is on the way. Nationally syndicated author and help-column writer Amy Dickinson will answer your questions at the Wilmette Theater this Wednesday. Joining her will be Tom Matlack, founder of the Good Men Project to discuss parenting teenagers with understanding and patience.  Amy has had some experience with this topic - she parented five daughters! The event, titled, "Relationships 101: A Survival Guide for Parenting Teens" costs $20 which includes wine and food following the program. Tickets can be purchased by calling 312-222-3348 or by visi...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
Kenilworth Gardens Market Statistics and Absorption Rate   Kenilworth Gardens is a choice location for many different people - it's a small demarcated area with Beechwood running along its north side, Ridge Road along the east, Elmwood along the south, and Hunter on the west.  Many couples and families move here from the city finding that the smaller lots and close-in feel mimic urban living while offering a suburban lifestyle. If you are considering moving to this unique area in Wilmette, here is some valuable market information:   Total Sales Year to Date (Jan 2010-Nov 22 2010) 28 List Price to Sell Price Ratio 89% Average Days on Market 163 Absorption Rate 4 mos       The absorption rate for any particular area tells us how many months it would take to sell all the currently inventor...
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By Haris Dedic, Glenview Real Estate - Chicago North Shore
(Villager Realty 847-878-2588)
There is a movie set in Glenview, IL this week.  “Contagion,” an action-thriller directed by Oscar-winner Steven Soderbergh with Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotlliard, Jude Law and Laurence Fishburne starring. Will any of the locals be surprised by a star sighting? Few other movies filmed near by: The Weather Man (Skokie, Evanston) with Nicolas Cage and Derailed with Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston were fillmed in 2005. Mean Girls with Lindsay Lohan had one scene filmed at Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie. Surviving Christmas with Ben Affleck, Cheaper by the Dozen with Steve Martin, Shattered Glass with Heyden Christensen. Chain Reaction came out in 1996 with Keanu Reeves and was shot at a Lake Bluff estate. Home Alone  came out in 1990 and was filmed in Lake ...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
Wilmette Market Stats - Absorption Rate - Year to Date   To get a snapshot of  where Wilmette currently stands in terms of  closed sales for year-to-date October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010 here are the numbers: Total Inventory (single family homes as of today (October 19, 2010)                                  185                                                                                                                          Closed in past year                                                   289                                                                                      Average # of sales per month                                      24                                                                             Absorption Rate                                 ...
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By Anne West, Your Guide to Real Estate on Chicago's North Shore
(Coldwell Banker)
Wilmette is in for a bad case of celebrity-itis. Even those of us who spurn Us Weekly and its ilk, will not be immune to the fever when the cast and crew from a new movie descend upon the town in a couple of months. The movie is called “Contagion” and it is an action-thriller about the worldwide outbreak of a deadly disease, and the international team of doctors contracted by the CDC to deal with the epidemic. Apparently it won’t be a sensationalist sci-fi movie, but rather an examination of how different groups (media, politicians, medical community and the general public) deal with the threat of a worldwide pandemic. Director Steven Soderbergh must have liked the North Shore when he was here last time (shooting Ocean’s Twelve in Winnetka and Lake Forest), but this time he’s going to s...
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By Anne West, Your Guide to Real Estate on Chicago's North Shore
(Coldwell Banker)
If you’re an antique lover Wilmette’s Antiques Row is your destination for an afternoon of serious browsing. Although not an official name, the stretch of Ridge Rd between Lake and Wilmette Avenues has become known locally as Antiques Row because of the collection of stores clustered in those few blocks. Now we have a new one to cement the moniker. Collector’s Corner has moved in to the location at the corner of Lake and Ridge Roads, making it the northernmost stop on the Row. Here’s a rundown of the six shops: Heritage Trail Mall Antique Emporium 410 Ridge Rd. (847) 256-6208 Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00-5:30; Saturday 10:00-5:30; Sunday 12:00-5:30 Heritage Trail is the oldest antiques store on Ridge Rd. It was opened in 1993 by owners Joan and Jenny Carlson, and is now managed by daughte...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
Get Your Antiques Appraised in Wilmette at Plaza del Lago - 9/25/10 If you're a fan of Antiques Roadshow and have always wondered about the value of certain collectibles you own, you are in luck.  Tomorrow, Saturday, September 25, appraisers Gary Sohmers and Daniel Buck will be at Plaza del Lago to help North Shore residents determine the value of their antiques and collectibles.  Gary Sohmers is known as the "King of Pop Culture" and produces and hosts the syndicated radio show "Calling All Collectors."  He is also one of the appraisers of Antiques Roadshow on PBS.  Daniel Buck Soules has been in the antiques and art business for over 30 years and has conducted auctions and appraisals all across the country. There is a suggested $10 donation for each item appraised, up to five items.  ...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
Wilmette Open House - 1028 Elmwood on 9/19 from 1-3 pmCome view this "CAGE" beauty in east Wilmette on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. Great 5 bedroom home with a huge family room off the kitchen, 2 car garage, full basement.  Walk to the beach and train.  $899,000                                                                      
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By Anne West, Your Guide to Real Estate on Chicago's North Shore
(Coldwell Banker)
There is something about a tent circus that makes me nostalgic. Not that I ever went to a tent circus when I was a kid. By that time Barnum and Bailey was a three-ring extravaganza you had to drive all the way downtown to the Civic Center to see. It didn’t arrive on a train in the dead of night (at least I don’t think it did). There was no tent. And you had to drive 40 minutes and pay to park in some big underground parking garage. Not exactly small town Americana. But I did see movies about how circuses used to be in the good old days. My favorite was a Disney one called Toby Tyler about a kid who runs away from home to join the circus. He starts out with a job peddling concessions and then (somehow) manages to work his way up to being a bareback rider (within about a week of joining ...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
Real Estate Sales Transactions for Wilmette, IL - August 2010          Wilmette - 31 total closed sales 2707 Birchwood - list price $420,000, sold price $393,000, 4 days on market - 94% of list price 613 Hunter - list price $489,000, sold price $432,000, 10 days on market, 88% of list price 1002 Linden - list price $569,999, sold price $435,000, 289 days on market, 76% of list price 1704 Wilmette - list price $565,000, sold price $490,000, 96 days on market, 87% of list price 330 N. Sunset - list price $599,000, sold price $500,000, 217 days on market, 83% of list price 225 Catalpa - list price $564,000, sold price $517,500, 16 days on market, 92% of list price 2120 Washington - list price $599,900, sold price $525,000, 69 days on market, 88% of list price 2222 Schiller - list price $54...
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By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
UPDATED 2022 Wilmette, IL Homes for Sale Wilmette is more affordable than Winnetka, Kenilworth, or Glencoe. Usually, more than half of the homes are listed for under $1 million.   Wilmette is a popular place to live - it offers excellent schools, great shopping, and lots of really good restaurants. It has an immense lakefront park - Gillson Park - which has a beach, playground, tennis courts, an outdoor music arena, and lots of green space. The Wilmette Harbor (right) abuts Gillson Park on the south side. Wilmette is fairly large for a North Shore village and runs several miles west from Lake Michigan to the west of the Eden's Expressway, giving it a long narrow shape.  The least expensive homes are split levels and ranches that are in West Wilmette and the most expensive homes are foun...
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By Marla Schneider, Move with Marla
(The Marla Schneider Team)
So, it is time to sell your home.  Maybe you've been transferred, maybe you need more space (or less), maybe you want a change.  You want the home to sell quickly so you can move on, but you also want the best price in the current market.  For most people, this means attending to a few basics to make your Wilmette home stand out. You also need to think about how your house functions and how can it function beautifully over a long-time. Most of this you have heard before.  The basic tips Number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 on most lists are to   clean, organize, de-clutter, add new paint, put in new carpet, and remove personal touches like family portraits.  Other basic steps to sell your home include keeping your lawn mowed and your gardens pretty and doing simple repairs such as tacking up a gutt...
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By Anne West, Your Guide to Real Estate on Chicago's North Shore
(Coldwell Banker)
If you’re looking for a change of pace from the usual fare at Panera and Corner Bakery, then you should try Fuel Restaurant at 1222 Washington Court in Wilmette (right next to the Metra parking lot). They have some unique and creative breakfast and lunch options made from locally grown ingredients. And they are quite tasty. Ed and I stopped in for breakfast the other day and both of us ordered the Savory Strata. I got the vegetarian version with spinach and mushrooms and he ordered the one with Italian Sausage. I had never had a strata before but it was a yummy concoction made with Heavenly Hearth French bread, peppers, Crimini mushrooms, onions, low fat yogurt, Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, all topped by a garlic mushroom sauce and sun dried tomatoes. It was de-lish! Fuel opened almost ...
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By Anne West, Your Guide to Real Estate on Chicago's North Shore
(Coldwell Banker)
There are so many things to love about summer on the North Shore, but for me one of the highlights has to be the Thornwood Park Concert, right here in the Kenilworth Gardens neighborhood of Wilmette. In its sixth year, the annual concert is the brainchild of Terri and Tony Lorenz, who organized the first concert back in 2005 and have continued to be the driving force behind it. They had moved from the city and bought a house across the street from the park. And they thought, “Wow, wouldn’t this be the perfect venue for a fun neighborhood event.” And the Thornwood Park Concert was born. The performers? Local dads (and one mom) who play in rock bands (for fun). It was a big hit that first year and has increased in popularity ever since. The concert is held on a Sunday afternoon and famili...
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