August is slow time in real estate - kids are finished with camp and summer school so families head off to vacation.  And when they return, it's back-to-school time.  There are a good number of closings, but those are properties that sold earlier in the summer.  Let's see what happened in Hubbard Woods in August.New Listings 996 Chatfield - wait, not this house again!  Oh yeah, I sold it in June and the new owner has cleaned it up and done some work.  Listed for $475,000 (and for rent for $2600/month)    826 Locust - I can pretty much assure you that this house will be town down.  It's on a double lot that the agent says the Village of Winnetka has already cleared for two lots.  Someone might also built one large home instead.  Listed for $1,520,000.    Closed Homes1060 Tower Original l... 09/01/2015

Here are the closed  home sales for August 2015 for Winnetka Kenilworth, Wilmette, Northfield, Glencoe   WINNETKA WILMETTE KENILWORTH GLENCOE NORTHFIELD 09/01/2015

August is fairly quiet in real estate time for new listings - but there are a lot of closes before the start of school.  Two things jumped out at me regarding the statistics below.  One point is that days-on-market for listings is considerably lower than it used to be - with the exception of Kenilworth.  Northfield has had real estate difficulties but I attest that to the Willow Road project which is now COMPLETE!The other thing I see is that the list price to sell price ratio is at 93% for Winnetka (pretty decent) and 84% in Kenilworth (not so good.)  I saw lots of overpriced homes in the spring and in the summer the hens came home to roost with the resulting low list price to sell price ratio.August Closed Sales Report  Current Market Statistics Report Under contract = contingencies s... 09/01/2015

  Kayak and Canoe Rentals at the Skokie Lagoons Winnetka IL  UPDATED 2022Here's a fun thing to do during our hot summers - rent a kayak or canoe and drift along the Skokie Lagoons in Winnetka.  I figured if I started here, then I could progress to the lake someday and eventually to the ocean (dream on, sister!)Chicago River Canoe and Kayak (which also offers rides on the Chicago River in the city) has these crafts available for rentals throughout the summer. They have both single-person and two-person boats available plus life jackets. Friendly young employees are around to help you with basic tips and guidance on where to paddle.  Most people head out for 1-2 hours - canoes and single kayaks are $20/hour and tandem kayaks are $25/hour, both are one-hour minimums.  I've heard you can se... 08/27/2015

UPDATED 2019 I was out showing properties to a couple who were considering new construction vs. rehabbing an older home.  We looked at two homes located at either end of the same block.  One is new construction and one was built in the early 1900s. They asked me "What is the value of new construction in Winnetka?"Because of the disparity in price of those two homes, I thought it was a great question. Granted, one was a luxury new home and one wasn't, but the price differential was more than I would have thought. So I did some exploring.The new construction home sold for almost $2.2 million.The older home has been on the market for a long time and is listed just under $1.3 million.  By the time the older home sells, it will probably cost someone $1 million less than the new construction ... 08/17/2015

By Art Wilson, Realtor Winnetka's July Property sales were 28, down -6.7% from 30 in July of 2014 and -28.2% lower than the 39 sales last month. July 2015 sales were at their lowest level compared to July of 2014 and 2013. July YTD sales of 153 are running 13.3% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 135. The Median Sales Price in July was $1,084,500, down -11.2% from $1,221,500 in July of 2014 and down -13.5% from $1,253,500 last month. The Average Sales Price in July was $1,249,786, down -4.2% from $1,304,992 in July of 2014 and down -11.7% from $1,416,038 last month. July 2015 ASP was at a mid range compared to July of 2014 and 2013. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of July was 173, down -10.8% from 194 last month and up 8.8% from 159 in July of last year. ... 08/07/2015

WINNETKA - 25 sales WILMETTE - 46 sales   KENILWORTH - 7 sales NORTHFIELD - 5 sales GLENCOE - 19 sales     08/04/2015

It's the middle of summer and things are a little quiet.  Just one new listing in Hubbard Woods in July:1490 Asbury - a very nice updated home with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths.  It is under contract already!List price:  $859,000Sold price:  ?  There were 8 closed sales in the Hubbard Woods school district in July:1327 Hackberry - short of 1/2 acre, this home took about 4 months to sell which is not bad for a home located in the flood plain.List price:  $875,000Sold price:  770,000   1556 Tower - this is 4-bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home on 1/2 acre List price:  $1,235,000Sold price:  $1,069,000   811 Tower Road - located across the stree from Tower Road beach at the corner of Tower and Sheridan.  An older home with about .64 of an acre.List price:  $1,350,000Sold price:  $1,100,000     1308 For... 08/03/2015

There is a lot of discussion about plastic bags right now - the city of Chicago joins other cities in banning those thin ones that we use to bag our produce.  The Chicago Tribune published a good article on this on Friday, July 31:  "Plastic bags a headache for recyclers."While I use canvas bags to bring home my groceries, I appreciate those thin ones - I'm a dog owner.  But what else are they good for after the produce is gone.  Not much because the vast majority are tossed into the recycling bin.  Where they don't belong.As the above article states, "there's a gap in the education . . . Clean plastic bags should be returned to retailers like Wal-Mart that collect them for proper, bag-specific recycling."   Most area stores like Jewel, Mariano's, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods provide b... 08/02/2015

In today's Chicago Tribune, the author writes that homes prices across the 7-county Chicago area have risen 1.3% from April to May.  From 2014 to 2015 they have risen 2.2%.How does that compare more locally to our market here in Winnetka, Wilmette, Northfield, Kenilworth, and Glencoe? April 2015 - 58 homes sold with an average price of $1,065,492May 2015 - 69 homes sold with an average price of $1,093,188So we have also have had a small increase - slightly larger at 2.60% What about year-over-year?In the most recent one-year period of May 2014 to April 2014 - 645 houses sold with an average price of $1,095,657From May 2013 to April 2014 - 766 houses sold with an average sale price of $995,779Very interesting - homes prices rose year-over-year by 10% but total sales were down by 19%.  So... 07/29/2015

Did you know that Winnetka rolled out an interactive mapping tool for home owners and prospective buyers?   This internet mapping services allows users to access information for specific addresses and provides facts on school districts, recycling day pickups. voting districts, and taxes.   The map at the left is what it looks like online.  After you enter the address, the property pops up as yellow with a red dot (map below.)         After your property comes up, there is a "Tools" box on the left with 5 options: Measure Distance - this tool allows you to measure how far your destination is, whether it's the train, school, or running route. Measure Area - this will give you the square footage of whatever area you want to check Markup - this is a simple tool that allows users to mark up ... 07/28/2015

I am not sure that Winnetka Heights actually qualifies as a neighborhood, and most people in town don't even know that it has a name, but Winnetka Heights is a one block by three block section of Winnetka that was developed in the 1920's. Its name comes from the fact that its elevation is one of the highest in Winnetka. Its boundaries are Westmoor Rd. on the North, Pine St. on the South, Locust St. on the East and Rosewood Ave. on the West. There are two interior one-block streets: Starr and Dinsmore, both named after the first two Winnetka casualties of World War I.Originally there were thirty six 100′ x 188′ lots that were set back 50 feet from the street. Most of the homes were designed specifically for their sites by known architects of the day and were primarily Tudor, Colonial and... 07/19/2015

Let's keep our fingers crossed for good weather this weekend - it's Sidewalk Sale and Let Loose on Lincoln in Winnetka!Sidewalk SaleWinnetka's sidewalk sale will be held on Friday and Saturday, July 17-18.  As always, all three business districts in Winnetka (Hubbard Woods, East Elm, West Elm) and Northfield will be participating.  Area merchants will be setting up all along the streets in these areas with lots of good bargains for clothing, antiques, home decor, books, gifts, and much more.Sidewalk Sale will be from 9am to 5pm both days. Let Loose on Lincoln Block PartyMissed it last year?  No worries - it's back!  Come on over to Lincoln Avenue between Elm and Oak for a street fair with great music, food, and wine from noon 'til 10pm.  Food trucks, and beer and wine tents will be set ... 07/15/2015

 New on the market in Hubbard Woods:1303 Sunview is a 5-bedroom home on 1/2 acre that was listed June 17 and is under contract.  The property is located in the 100-year flood plain.  List price:  $1,150,000    1405 Scott is a classic Tudor home with many updates including a beautiful chef's kitchen.  It has 4 large family bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and is a corner lot.  List price:  $1,295,000   635 Rosewood sits on a large corner lot at Rosewood and Pine.  It's a large house with 5 bedrooms 5 full baths, and 2 powder rooms, and almost a half-acre of land.  List price:  $1,675,000    Sold in Hubbard Woods:  (11 closes this month) 996 Chatfield is an older home that a Winnetka resident bought as an investment to renovate and rent the house.  List price:  $420,000Sold price:  $390,000Days on m... 06/30/2015

The North Shore Art League is hosting their art show this year in Hubbard Woods Park in Winnetka.  The two day show will occur on Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28.Hours:Saturday:  10am to 6pmSunday:  10am to 5pmHubbard Woods Park is located at 939 Green Bay Road, right in the middle of the Hubbard Woods shopping area.  Come out and enjoy all the beautiful works of art by 57 different artists!  List of participating artists 06/26/2015

UPDATED 2019 Woodley Road in Winnetka – this exclusive, winding road has a Winnetka zip code but is actually part of unincorporated Cook County. Considered one of Winnetka’s toniest addresses, homes here are generally on lots between one and two acres, with woodsy areas between homes.People are drawn to this area because of privacy and exclusivity. It’s easy to get lost when you enter between the stone pillars announcing “Woodley Road.” The street winds around, has small dead-end turn offs, and circles back onto itself. Ultimately, the road is one large circle with one entrance on Hill Road, and two entrances from Locust Road.Luckily, there are small white signs indicating which address run down a particular off-shoot. There are no sidewalks here, so drivers must be careful and watch ou... 06/26/2015

385 Provident in Winnetka is a sunny and bright four-bedroom home that feels like . . . home.  From the appealing front porch to the expansive family room, it exudes elegance, charm, and comfort.  So much space with four large bedrooms on the 2nd floor and an additional bedroom in the lower level.  The master suite has vaulted ceilings and a large walk-in closet.  The family room has French doors that open to a large deck and deep fenced yard.  The eat-in kitchen has granite counters and stainless steel appliances, and plenty of cabinet storage space. The lower level is fully finished with an extra bedroom, full bath, and large recreation room.Plus!  - a walk-to location including elementary through junior high schools, downtown Winnetka, parks, and the train.  Move-in ready - the selle... 06/26/2015

 Here is a list of phone numbers that you might want to keep handy - some should be in your phone for easy access.  Police or Fire Emergency:  911WINNETKAWinnekta Police Department 847-501-6034Winnetka Fire Department - 847-501-6029Village of Winnetka 847-501-6000Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce  847-446-4451Winnetka Post Office 847-446-1721Winnetka Park District 847-501-2040Winnetka Public Library  847-446-7220Winnetka Public Works 847-716-3568WILMETTEWilmette Police Department 847-256-1200Wilmette Fire Department 847-251-1101Village of Wilmette 847-251-2700Wilmette Post Office  847-251-6039Wilmette Park District 847-256-6100Wilmette Public Library 847-256-5025Wilmette Chamber of Commerce 847-251-3800Wilmette Public Works 847-853-7500 KENILWORTHKenilworth Police Department 847-2... 06/24/2015

UPDATED 2019  I have written many times about my thoughts on looking for homes on Zillow or Trulia.   Listings are often long gone, sold and closed months ago.  Or foreclosures are touted as being available when they are years away from coming on market - if ever.Here's a little secret:  not all homes that are available for sale are listed publicly.  This is true in Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth or any city in Cook County.  Even throughout the country.Often called "pocket" listings, I call them "exempt" listings. These are homes that sellers are withholding from the market - they must, in fact, sign a separate form that they agree to this.Why?  There are several reasons that sellers might not want to list their house publicly.  And by publicly, I'm also talking about the Multiple Listi... 06/23/2015

Just last summer everyone was lamenting the lack of inventory of Winnetka and other North Shore homes for sale.  Buyers were plentiful and sellers were celebrating  a bidding war bonanza.This year the real estate scene is a little different . People are  asking me about all the  "for sale" signs dotting the streets. Inventory is definitely up and the question is why.Whereas Kenilworth had under 30 homes for sale a year ago, the number today is 58.  Last year Winnetka was hovering just under 100 and today it's 187.So what's going on?  Mainly it's important to understand that these inventories are more historically normal - it was abnormal to have so few homes on the market last year.  It might be more logical to ask why there were so few listings available last year.2014 was a strong sel... 06/19/2015