Here is a little trivia for Christmas.                                                                    671 Lincoln Ave Winnetka, IL This 1921 Brick Georgian has 12 Rooms, 4 Bedrooms, and 3.2 baths. It is known as the "Home Alone House"  and the last sale was in 2012 for $1,585,000.I bet this house has a lot of visitors this weekend. 12/24/2015

By Art Wilson, RealtorWinnetka's November Property sales were 12, up 20.0% from 10 in November of 2014 and -7.7% lower than the 13 sales last month. November 2015 sales were at a mid level compared to November of 2014 and 2013. November YTD sales of 222 are running equal to last year's year-to-date sales of 222. The Median Sales Price in November was $695,000, down -21.2% from $882,500 in November of 2014 and down -9.2% from $765,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in November was $791,481, down -27.6% from $1,092,505 in November of 2014 and down -15.1% from $932,423 last month. November 2015 ASP was at the lowest level compared to November of 2014 and 2013. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of November was 147, down -17.4% from 178 last month and up 18.5% from... 12/14/2015

Winding down - end of year type numbers.  While home sales happen every day, some home sellers are removing their homes from the market for the holidays.  I don't think that makes sense -  the seller may miss the perfect home buyer because their house was unlisted.Here's the real estate update for Hubbard Woods in November 2015 NEW LISTINGS850 Lamson - $2,495,000A 3-bedroom, 4.2 bath home just shy of 1/2 acre.  Updated with 2 large bedrooms on the first floor.  Nice sized lot but it backs up to Tower Road.     960 Private Road - $4,275,000A high-end new construction home with 5 bedrooms and 6.2 baths on a 17,000 sq. ft. lot.  Built by Heritage (Leo Birov)      NEWLY UNDER CONTRACT1235 Scott - $1,335,000        127 Old Green Bay - $2,399,000       SOLD HOMES1520 TowerListed $799,000Sold ... 12/01/2015

 Private Lanes in Winnetka IL UPDATED 2022When you buy a home you assume that certain responsibilities will be taken care of by your village government. Some of those things might include street and curb repair, snow plowing, or other maintenance chores.What you might not be aware of is that Winnetka has a whopping 24 private roads and 4 partial ones.  If your real estate agent is not aware of this, you will be in for a surprise. There are costs involved in maintaining private lanes and homeowners must get together, plan, and implement the work involved.  Sharing snow plowing costs is generally manageable but repaving or completely laying down a new street with curbs could be costly. Sewers might also have to be replaced if not properly cleaned of tree roots and other impediments.  Stre... 11/19/2015

UPDATED 2019 Winnetka IL Social Services  I am often impressed to discover some of the services that Winnetka offers its residents.  Whether a program through the Township office (that would benefit the entire township) or the programs offered through other local organizations, they are so varied and amazing.  Some are free and others charge a small feeA short list: The New Trier Township offers the services of a medical ethicist who is available daily between the hours of 10am to 2pm.  Peggy McDonnell is available to assist residents in resolving problems dealing with health care issues.  To make an appointment with her, please call 847-609-3934 The North Shore Senior Center charges for its services only what you can pay them. Just a few examples are: escorted transportation services, ... 11/18/2015

By Art Wilson, RealtorWinnetka's October Property sales were 13, down -18.8% from 16 in October of 2014 and -23.5% lower than the 17 sales last month. October 2015 sales were at their lowest level compared to October of 2014 and 2013. October YTD sales of 210 are running -0.9% behind last year's year-to-date sales of 212. The Median Sales Price in October was $765,000, down -30.7% from $1,104,000 in October of 2014 and down -22.7% from $990,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in October was $932,423, down -27.4% from $1,284,465 in October of 2014 and down -16.0% from $1,109,559 last month. October 2015 ASP was at the lowest level compared to October of 2014 and 2013. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of October was 176, down -1.7% from 179 last month and up 21.... 11/17/2015

UPDATED 2019 6 TURNOFFS THAT SELLERS SHOULD AVOID After a property showing, home sellers love to receive feedback.  They (or their agent) appreciate the comments that help them make tweaks to their homes.  Feedback could include price, condition, location, smells, or any myriad of things that irk buyers.  Here in Winnetka and the North Shore, homes are decorated and show beautifully . . . but still.Here is a infographic that shows the six worst offenses according to buyers:  70% of respondants were turned off by dampness and the underlying worry about mold.  Finding where the water is coming from can be tricky and buyers don't want to be bothered with that.  If you are aware of any dampness on walls or ceilings, find the problem and fix it before you list your home.56% of buyers noticed... 11/16/2015

Homes are still coming on the market - and going under contract.  Don't ever let anyone tell you that this time of year is slow.  Okay, it's slower, but every day things are humming and moving in the real estate world.There were 3 new listings in Hubbard Woods in October:900 Burr Listed for $560,000.  Basically being sold for land value with a 7500 sq. ft lot.  Located between Tower and Gage.     1305 AsburyListed for $950,000Stately home built in 1963 with 4 bedrooms (although one is very small.)  Nicely updated and great curb appeal.    1228 WestmoorListed for $4,200,000This is the house we've all been driving by on our way down Westmoor to get to Hibbard.  All new construction by Leigh Gignilliat on slightly more than 1/2 acre.  But someone please get this man a good photographer.   ... 11/03/2015

WINNETKA WILMETTEKENILWORTH NORTHFIELD GLENCOE 11/02/2015

Again, we like to see what the absorption rate is because it tells us the number of months it would take to sell the currently listed homes on the market.  As a real estate agent, I want to keep track of this number because it helps me to better price your home.  When the number of months decreases, the market is heating up and your price will too.  However, the opposite is also true.Here is the current absorption rate for Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northfield, and Glencoe based on the previous 4 months worth of sales.   ABSORPTION RATE Wilmette - 4.2 months (seller's market)Kenilworth - 9 months  (buyer's market)Winnetka -   8 months (buyer's market)Northfield - 5.6 months  (balanced market)Glencoe - 7.5 months (leaning toward a buyer's market) This indicates a mixed bag of result... 10/26/2015

I am including the North Shore villages of Kenilworth, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, and Northfield in this post.  Interestinly, only two of the homes are newer (built in 2001 and 2008) and one was built in 1896!  Three are in Winnetka, one is in Kenilworth, and one is in Wilmette.  $7,495,000 on Sheridan Road in Winnetka.  Built in 2005 with breathtaking views of the lake with a 94 foot beach.  5 bedrooms and 6 1/2 bathrooms, plus office, sitting room, enclosed heated porch, exercise room, office, pool, and 2nd floor deck.   $7,750,000 on Sheridan Road in Winnetka.  This amazing estate has 10 bedrooms, 11 full baths and 3 powder rooms.  There is also an office, library, 2nd kitchen, and pool.      $8,950,000 on Essex Road in Kenilworth.  Built in 1896 and designed by historic architect ... 10/16/2015

Last year's Hubbard Woods Art Show was a great success - partly because the weather cooperated by offering up a warm and dry day.  This year might be a bit chilly but that won't dampen the fun of wandering through all the unique stores and studios in Hubbard Woods to discover new local artists.The event is sponsored by the North Shore Art League.  The concept is for 20 different stores to host an artist and to have their artwork there for display and for sale.  Each store offers refreshments including wine, cheese, crackers, sweets, etc.  The event is walkable since it's along Green Bay Road from Tower Road north to Scott Ave.  The event takes place on Friday, October 16 from 5-9pm.  There will be an after-show party open to the public at Get Dwell (1046 Gage St.)  from 8-10pm.  Here's ... 10/15/2015

UPDATED 2019 I check the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) several times a day for real estate updates in Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Northfield, and Glenview.  Every time I do, there are several homes that are being listed or have gone under contract. Today is October 9 and Halloween is looming but real estate chugs along.  Why should you list your house now?Maybe beause you have to - you've been relocated or you have decided another Chicago winter is not in your future. People must and do move almost every day of the year.  The good news is that fewer new homes are being listed right now - everyone else is waiting for the magical "Spring" market. True, there are more buyers looking in spring, but there is also more competiton to your home.  Listing your home off-season may m... 10/10/2015

By Art Wilson, RealtorWinnetka's September Property sales were 17, equal to 17 in September of 2014 and -32.0% lower than the 25 sales last month. September 2015 sales were at their lowest level compared to September of 2014 and 2013. September YTD sales of 196 are running equal to last year's year-to-date sales of 196. The Median Sales Price in September was $990,000, down -10.4% from $1,105,000 in September of 2014 and down -19.5% from $1,230,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in September was $1,109,559, down -19.4% from $1,376,265 in September of 2014 and down -30.9% from $1,606,701 last month. September 2015 ASP was at the lowest level compared to September of 2014 and 2013. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of September was 172, up 6.8% from 161 last mon... 10/07/2015

There were just five closes in September but that is to be expected - it's past the opening of school and most home closed earlier.  However, every day at this time year, homes are being listed and sold - just not at the previous pace.Here's what sold in Hubbard Woods in September:987 Asbury Courtlisted:  $825,000sold:  $800,000days on market:  77   1490 Asburylisted:  $859,000sold:  $815,000days on market:  13    840 Heather Lanelisted:  $1,675,000sold:  $837,500days on market: since May 2012   1344 Edgewoodlisted:  $1,225,000sold:  $1,050,000days on market:  186   1311 Sunviewlisted:  $1,425,000sold:  $1,140,000days on market:  48     New Listings - 8 new homes were listed on the market in September in Hubbard Woods.   925 Forest Glen -  $1,299,000A 5-bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home on the e... 10/06/2015

 The 3rd quarter typically shows lots of closings because of earlier activity in the summer and spring. Thereal estate market statistics for this period in Winnetka looks like this:  Currently, the market has:Homes for sale:  158Low price:  $282,000High price:  $12,999,999Homes under contract (with contingencies):  20Homes pending (contingencies cleared):  6Condos/Townhomes for sale:  11Winnetka has a wide spread between low and high prices, offering a broad range of options for buyers. We have much new construction to choose from (individual homes, not subdivisions) plus renovated older homes, homes needing updating, lots for sale, and move-in-ready homes.  There is also a smaller selection of condos and townhouses for sale in Winnetka.Clearly, we have a need for more condos but there ... 10/02/2015

From Realtor.com, this article shows  which states prefer dogs vs. cats as pets.  And when you view the graphic, you'll see that there's no doubt that the southern half of the country is partial to dogs while the northern half prefers cats.  Then there are all those states that can't make up their minds! Some interesting tidbits from the article: Massachusetts has the largest cat population and Arkansas is the biggest dog state. Cats outrank dogs 74 million to 70 million . . . but there are actually more dog households because cat lovers tend to have several. Would you believe that Americans spent $30 billion on our pets last year? It turns out that Illinois is partial to both animals - we're in a tie with no clear favorite.  But as owner of two dogs I can say that Winnetka and the Nort... 09/29/2015

By Art Wilson, RealtorWinnetka's August Property sales were 25, down -43.2% from 44 in August of 2014 and -13.8% lower than the 29 sales last month. August 2015 sales were at their lowest level compared to August of 2014 and 2013. August YTD sales of 179 are running equal to last year's year-to-date sales of 179.The Median Sales Price in August was $1,230,000, up 2.5% from $1,200,000 in August of 2014 and up 15.1% from $1,069,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in August was $1,606,701, up 17.2% from $1,370,381 in August of 2014 and up 29.9% from $1,237,034 last month. August 2015 ASP was at highest level compared to August of 2014 and 2013.The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of August was 161, down -9.6% from 178 last month and up 11.0% from 145 in August of las... 09/17/2015

 WINNETKA IL COMMUNITY PAGE Updated 2022Winnetka is a quintessential Midwest town located just 30 minutes north of Chicago along Lake Michigan. It is characterized by large trees, sidewalks, a house stock consisting of both older and new construction homes, and many parks and beaches.One of the major draws of Winnetka is its proximity to downtown Chicago either by Metra Rail or expressway.  There are three train stops in town making it an easy and affordable way to commute. The trains run often and are remarkably on time.  Check the Winnetka Train Schedule here.Most of the village was built before 1930 and was designed so that its residents could walk to school, shops the train, and parks.  Winnetka is noted for attractive residential neighborhoods, citizen involvement, and educational ... 09/17/2015

Condos and townhouses are a premium in the North Shore suburbs of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, and Glencoe.  Only Wilmette has a good number of condos for sale.  Many seniors who are looking to downsize and sell their family homes are moving farther west to Glenview where the Glen and other nearby subdivisions offer lots of choices.While Wilmette has a good inventory of condos for sale, many of these are located on the lake along Sheridan Road.  These buildings at Plaze del Lago offer beautiful views of the lake and are convenient to shopping across the street, but in general, have high assessments.No new condo developments are currently being planned - just two large rental buildings in Winnetka and Wilmette.  Condos and townhouses can only be built where strictly zoned for such typ... 09/15/2015