Winnetka's Annual Sidewalk Sale is this weekend, Friday and Saturday, July 18-19.  As part of that event, the Village of Winnetka hosts a great big block party for all!   Let Loose on Lincoln will be held on Saturday from 2pm to 10:30pm on the portion of Lincoln Avenue south of Elm St. Here are the details:     07/16/2014

The numbers are in for the first 6 months of 2014 home sales.  Winnetka home sales have shown the strain of low inventory when compared to sales in 2013. I believe the crunch has lessened but the spring market was busy yet challenging for buyers of Winnetka homes.   January-June 2014 Winnetka Home Sales  (2013 numbers in RED) Sold homes:  93  (119) Average list price:  $1,600,000  ($1,369,000) Average sold price:  $1,493,000 ($1,277,000) Ratio of list to sell price:  93%  (93%) Average days on market:  142  (100) Winnetka saw an approximately 25% drop in the number of total home sales, however, prices went up by 15% during the first six months.  This strongly indicates a seller's market and a palpable lack of inventory. Ironically, days on market increased in 2014 but the list-to-sale p... 07/07/2014

Winnetka IL Real Estate Market on the Rise The Winnetka Real Estate Market is really on the rise these days, in June of 2014 the average price for a single family home is $1,208,500 and in January of 2011 it was at $1,085,000. This is substantial jump in prices. New construction is on the rise and Winnetka Il is becoming a very popular place to purchase a home these days.  Average Market time in January of 2011 was 213 days, today in June of 2014 it is to 110 days quite a bit faster time frame to sell your home in the past 3.5 years. Winnetka is really coming back and that is wonderful news for such a great community with so much to offer. Great schools in the New Trier district, many parks and beaches and easy access to public transportation via multiple Metra stops to get you to down ... 07/06/2014

Flowers are a lovely gift but there are some fun alternatives.  Next time, consider "Candy Bouquet" a creative and colorful gift that will delight the recipient. Candy bouquets do indeed have candy "flowers" instead of real flowers and never wilt or die.   The Candy Bouquet business in the Winnetka and North Shore area is handled by Carla Solar who expertly assembles and delivers the bouquests to your clients or friends.   Carla grew up in Wilmette and currently resides in Buffalo Grove with her husband and two daughters.   She always knew she wanted to be in business for herself and she carefully researched various franchises and settled upon Candy Bouquet.  She spent some time learning the business model and offically opened in 2005, and has been working out of her home office ever si... 06/30/2014

UPDATED 2019  Winnetka and the North Shore are all about tradition.  We love our Fourth of July Parade and the annual sidewalk sale smack in the middle of July.  We even sport a McDonald's without the golden arches.  So you might think that finding a modern or contemporary home in Winnetka would be impossible.  Well, it's not impossible - there are, in fact, a few.    Read more . . .       While you're here, please see ALL WINNETKA HOMES FOR SALE   Sign up to get monthly North Shore real estate news delivered to your inbox.It's free, we'll never sell your info, and you can opt-out at any time.Enter your email address at: North Shore Newsletter Margaret Goss is a full-time real estate broker since 1998 working in the North Shore communities of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Nor... 06/26/2014

1249 Cherry Street, Winnetka, IL 60093 This utterly charming English-style stone house is ideally located on one of Winnetka's favorite tree streets. You'll love entertaining in the spacious living room with its wood-beamed ceiling and vintage fireplace. On warm summer evenings move the party out to the large screen porch overlooking the backyard, just off the wood-paneled den. The kitchen, with its separate breakfast room, offers plenty of space to create your dream kitchen. A first floor bedroom and full bath is perfect for out of town visitors. Click here to see additional photos of 1249 Cherry Street Upstairs is a large master bedroom plus two family bedrooms and bath. The two-level attic offers not only great storage but the potential to create additional living space. The huge lo... 06/24/2014

Winnetka IL Real Estate The Winnetka Real Estate Market is really booming. in 2013, 246 single family homes were sold which is the highest number since 2003 ten years prior with 263 single family homes sold that year. In 2014 the sales continue to be strong. Winnetka offers fantastic value and is one of the favorite Chicago North Shore Villages for families. If you are interested to see for yourself what is available you can click the Winnetka Real Estate link. Recently we have seen new construction which was not happening in quite a few years. Some of the older homes are being expanded to include modern conveniences such as Central AC and open floor plans. It is a beautiful community with so much to offer.  Winnetka offers 3 swimming beaches at Elder Lane Beach, Maple Street Beach, and... 06/16/2014

UPDATED 2019 Winnetka, Illinois (zip 60093) has the most luxury homes for sale in the North Shore.  Winnetka is located on Lake Michigan, has three public beaches, excellent schools, and an easy commute to downtown Chicago.  Excellent dining and shopping is found right in town and nearby.  I am defining 'Luxury" as those homes priced over $2,000,000. Some homes falling in this price range might be older homes in need of work, but the majority will be new construction or remodeled homes.If the home is older, it's probably located on a larger lot while newer construction will have less land. The most expensive homes are located east of Sheridan Road along the lakefront.Winnetka Luxury Homes for Sale.  Our For Sale property information is a direct feed from the MLS and is updated several t... 06/16/2014

  Winnetka's own mini-Ravinia!  Come early and bring your chairs, blankets, food and drink and enjoy music from the gazebo in Hubbard Woods Park.   The Winnetka/Northfield Chamber of Commerce will host a farmer's market along the east edge of the park so plan on purchasing some fresh fruits, vegetables, and other treats. Wednesdays in the Woods 2014 Schedule - all concerts are from 7:00 to 8:30 pm June 11 - Basement Jacks June 18 - Hillbilly Rockstars June 25 - Spoken Four July 9 - New Invaders July 16 - Class of 68 July 23 - 3rd Sunday String Band July 30 - Saturday June Band    06/10/2014

By Art Wilson, Realtor   Winnetka's May Property sales were 28, down -22.2% from 36 in May of 2013 and 55.6% higher than the 18 sales last month. May 2014 sales were at their lowest level compared to May of 2013 and 2012. May YTD sales of 76 are running -2.6% behind last year's year-to-date sales of 78.  The Median Sales Price in May was $1,292,500, up 2.0% from $1,267,625 in May of 2013 and up 43.2% from $902,500 last month. The Average Sales Price in May was $1,459,121, up 17.5% from $1,242,047 in May of 2013 and up 11.9% from $1,303,806 last month. May 2014 ASP was at highest level compared to May of 2013 and 2012.  The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of May was 155, up 18.3% from 131 last month and up 24.0% from 125 in May of last year. May 2014 Inventory was at... 06/10/2014

Yes, it's that time again when the staid and lovely Winnetka Village Green transforms itself (with the help of volunteers) into "the funnest place ever" as my son said 25 years ago after his first experience.  This year marks the 69th year of this wonderful Winnetka tradition. The Winnetka Children's Fair is organized and hosted by the Winnetka Community Nursery school along with hundreds of volunteers.  This year's dates are: Friday, June 6 - 10am to 5pm Saturday, June 7 - 10am to 2:30pm. The weather is predicted to be lovely - in the low to mid 70s with a chance of rain late Saturday after the fair is over. Tickets can be purchased for all rides, games, and shows.  Located at the Winnetka Village Green, corner of Elm and Maple Streets.   06/05/2014

Winnetka IL Real Estate 60093 May 2014 is the subject of today's report. Currently in Winnetka there are 145 single family homes for sale and 63 under contract and waiting to close very soon. In the last 5 months 66 houses have closed and are sold. In the condominium scene there currently 7 properties for sale and 8 under contract and waiting to close. In the last 5 months 7 condos have closed and are sold. If you are interested to see the inventory of property in Winnetka that is for sale or has closed you can feel free to click this Winnetka Real Estate link and see for yourself. You can browse any area of Chicago Land too. In Winnetka  the average sales price today is $1,43340 and the percent of original list price received is 92.7% with a average market time of 155 days. Closed sale... 05/26/2014

By Art Wilson, Realtor  Winnetka's April Property sales were 18, up 20.0% from 15 in April of 2013 and 38.5% higher than the 13 sales last month. April 2014 sales were at their highest level compared to April of 2013 and 2012. April YTD sales of 48 are running 14.3% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 42. The Median Sales Price in April was $902,500, down -1.0% from $912,000 in April of 2013 and up 4.5% from $864,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in April was $1,303,806, up 31.6% from $990,533 in April of 2013 and up 5.9% from $1,230,654 last month. April 2014 ASP was at highest level compared to April of 2013 and 2012. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of April was 131, up 7.4% from 122 last month and up 0.8% from 130 in April of last year. April 2014... 05/18/2014

The Chimneys, Winnetka, Illinois About The Chimneys The Chimneys is a condominium complex built in 1928. The Chimneys is located in Winnetka on Hill Terrace and Green Bay Road north of Winnetka Avenue. Average taxes in The Chimneys $4,596 Average association fees in The Chimneys $344 ($344 - $344) Average home size in The Chimneys 0 ft2 Average lot size in The Chimneys 0.00 acres Average year built in The Chimneys 1928 Homes for sale in The Chimneys Address Beds Baths Built Price 160 Green Bay Rd. #F 2 1.0 1928 $349,000 Sales Summary for The Chimneys  (Apr 28, 2013 - Apr 28, 2014) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 167 $427,000 $391,167 91.6% Recent home sales in The Chimneys Address Beds Baths Sold 549 Hill Terrace #303 3 2.0 $389,000 547 Hill Ter. #3... 04/27/2014

It's that time of year again and I'm already seeing eager spring cleaners putting their junk out on the parkways.   The Village of Winnetka will pick up your junk (considered treasures by some who drive the neighborhoods looking for worthwhile objects) for free.  Here's the schedule: Monday, April 28 - north of Tower Road Tuesday, April 29 - Tower Road south to Pine Street Wednesday, April 30 - Pine Street south to Willow Road Thursday, May 1 - south of Willow Road Please place your items out the night before or before 7 am the morning of the pickup.  If you're late, the Village will not come back.  However, if they are picking up earlier than stated, they will return the day of the scheduled pickup. Banned items:  electronics, construction materials or debris, yard waste, logs, dirt, s... 04/26/2014

We are now going into the 2nd quarter of a strong seller's market in the North Shore towns of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe,Northfield, Glenview, and Northbrook.  Here are how the numbers look for sold prices comparing the first quarters of 2013 and 2014.       Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth Glencoe, Northfield Average Sold Price Glenview & Northbrook Average Sold Price 1st Quarter 2013 $868,785  $500,200  1st Quarter 2014 $937,425  $570,600    In the first column, the average sold price of single-family homes in Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, and Northfield rose by 7.3% and in Glenview and Northbrook the price rose by 12%! In addition, the average number of days to sell a house decreased by almost 2 weeks.  There is a lack of inventory, but it's most severe in the p... 04/24/2014

It's not easy to find a Winnetka condo for sale with this much space.  With four bedrooms and five bathrooms, this 3500 sq. ft 1-level condo has plenty of space for family and guests.   Located steps from the Winnetka Metra train station, Starbucks, Grand Foods, restaurants, shopping and the Green Bay Trail, you won't find a place with a better location.   This bright and  roomy condo has two balconies facing west, plus a living room, dining room, and family room. In-unit laundry and two heated indoor parking spots. Beautifully maintained outdoor pool for summer fun! 04/21/2014

By Art Wilson, Realtor Winnetka's March Property sales were 12, down -14.3% from 14 in March of 2013 and 20.0% higher than the 10 sales last month. March 2014 sales were at their lowest level compared to March of 2013 and 2012. March YTD sales of 29 are running 7.4% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 27. The Median Sales Price in March was $824,500, up 10.3% from $747,500 in March of 2013 and down -11.1% from $927,500 last month. The Average Sales Price in March was $1,066,542, up 28.7% from $828,464 in March of 2013 and up 16.1% from $918,900 last month. March 2014 ASP was at a mid range compared to March of 2013 and 2012. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of March was 117, up 9.3% from 107 last month and down -1.7% from 119 in March of last year. March 20... 04/03/2014

There are 15 houses open on Sunday, March 30 in Winnetka, IL.  The weather might even be cooperative! Winnetka Open Houses 283 Ridge Road  1-3 pm  $659,999 (home is under contract) 91 High Street  12-2 pm  $$899,000 1216 Willow Road  2-4 pm  $909,000 1040 Elm Street 1-3 pm  $919,000 373 Sunset Road   1-3 pm  $949,000 1250 Hill Road   12-1 pm  $998,000 1124 Merrill Street 12-2 pm  $1,245,000 1443 Asbury Street  2:15 - 4:15 pm  $1,249,000 645 Hill Road 12-2 pm  $1,345,000 (home is under contract) 270 Locust Road  1-3 pm  $1,500,000 1123 Chatfield Road 1-3 pm  $1,699,000 630 Maple Street  1-3 pm  $1,770,000 654 Pine Street  $2,445,000 1065 Fisher Lane  1-3 pm  $2,599,000 1334 Trapp Lane 12-3 pm - rental for $12,000/month       03/29/2014

Chicago's North Shore villages of Winnetka, Northfield, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glenview, and Glencoe have traditionally kicked off their real estate season as early as January.  Potential sellers have waited for the end-of-year holiday season to end before listing their homes.   Springtime brings a hop to your step!  There is daylight savings time, warmer weather, and little green shoots pushing through the ground. Who wouldn't want to be out looking a new houses after months of cabin fever. Sellers, meantime, can use the early cold months to get their house ready for market. This is the time to organize, clean up, and even start packing. Painting, repairs, and staging can be done while the inevitable snow falls. Sellers who list in the Spring are generally looking for a summer close - p... 03/28/2014