What is the Private Listing Network in Winnetka & the North Shore TWO THINGS HAPPENED IN REAL ESTATEIn 2018, our Northern Illinois Multiple Listing Service (MRED) introduced the “Private Listing Network” (PLN) to real estate agents.  Then, in November 2019, the National Association of Realtors banned the use of “pocket listings.”  The ban has been challenged but stands for now.  WHAT IS A POCKET LISTING?First, what is a pocket listing and why is it problematic? A pocket listing (sometimes called an exempt listing) is an agreement between the home seller and real estate agent (more specifically, the brokerage) that the house will not be listed on the  Multiple Listing Service (MLS,) but rather sold behind the scenes. There are multiple reasons sellers might not want their homes publicly ... 09/21/2022

See What Sold in Your North Shore Village in August 2022Inventory came down some more in August in Winnetka, Wilmette, and Glencoe, but stayed stable in Kenilworth and Northfield. Homes that sold in August did not have as many homes selling "over list price" but they were very close. Some of the stats don't always make a lot of sense. The market was on fire in 2021, yet homes are going under contract much faster this August than in August of 2021. The lack of inventory is clearly still having an effect on the market. As an example, 29 homes are currently for sale at this time in Winnetka. Last August, there were 49 and that was considered low. Wilmette currently has 34 homes for sale, and last year it was double with 69 homes for sale. WINNETKASee all Winnetka homes and condos that sold... 09/07/2022

Hubbard Woods Winnetka Real Estate in August 2022Hubbard Woods had just 2 new listings in August, which is 2 less than July. Five homes closed compared to 12 in July. And the median price of homes rose from $1.5M in June to $1.515M in July, to $1,660M in August.   HUBBARD WOODS 2 NEW LISTINGS - AUGUST 1485 Scott - $1,199,000 (under contract) 921 Fisher - $2,999,000   HUBBARD WOODS 2 NEW PRIVATE LISTINGS - AUGUST  1153 Asbury - $660,000 (under contract) 814 Boal Pkwy.$3,150,000   HUBBARD WOODS 5 SOLD HOMES - AUGUST 1330 AsburyList price: $1,625,000Sold price: $1,700,000Days on market: 4 838 LocustList price: $1,595,000Sold price: $1,765,000Days on market: 6 681 WaldenList price: $1,899,000Sold price: $1,800,000Days on market: 20 940 Private LnList price: $4,250,000Sold price: $3,900,000 ... 09/01/2022

What's Ahead for Winnetka & North Shore Real Estate?There are so many differing opinions about where the real estate market is headed. This is what I know and what I've gleaned from the real estate sources I follow. After having a super hot market for almost two years, change is definitely in the air. We see it locally with three markers: price reductions contracts falling apart longer days on market Inventory is still historically low but slowly, very slowly, creeping up. Conversely, mortgage rates have risen since June, and fallen again. It's a concern for some buyers who have decided to wait it out on the sidelines.This slowdown does not mean that we're in a depreciation phase - but rather a deceleration phase. Some real estate insiders think the market will pick up later this year a... 08/09/2022

Here is What Sold in Your North Shore Village in July 2022Nationally, changes are happening a bit faster than here on the North Shore. These changes include price reductions, increased market times, and contracts falling through. In other words, the usual.In spite of these changes starting to occur here, the numbers from July 2022 were very strong. Of course, these statistics are lagging indicators since they went under contract several months ago. Inventory is up in all villages from the previous month (which I have indicated, below) and this is good for buyers looking in our area. The median price has also risen across the North Shore.  WINNETKAClick here to see all Winnetka homes that sold in July 2022Homes for sale: 37 (29 last month) Private network homes for sale: 5Median price ye... 08/03/2022

Hubbard Woods Winnetka Real Estate in July 2022July's real estate statistics reflect sales dating from February to July, with six sales in April. For the most part, these numbers are lagging and don't reflect the changes we're seeing in the real estate market. Just four new homes came on the market last month with 12 closed homes. Of those 12 sales, 2 sold for less than listing price, 4 sold at list price, and 6 sold for over list price. The median price of a Hubbard Woods home has risen 59% since 2021. I checked the number twice it's so incredible. I think we've peaked as mortgage rates and reality are settling in.  4 NEW HUBBARD WOODS LISTINGS IN JULY 2022 1381 Asbury - $1,345,000 1240 Tower - $1,468,000 1016 Westmoor - $2,599,000 1330 Westmoor - $4,795,000   12 CLOSED HUBBARD WOODS L... 08/02/2022

Where to Find the Cheapest Gas in Winnetka and the North Shore Gas prices! Whatever can be done? There's no place to escape to - it's expensive everywhere.I drive a lot - it's an occupational hazard.  But what about you - have you tried to cut back by walking or biking (okay for a few summer months) or combining errands (good for those that can remember things and are organized.)I'm usually on fumes when I pull into whatever station is nearest - and they're all too expensive right now in Winnetka and Wilmette, or even Glenview and Northbrook. So here's a little help for your starved wallets - Gas Buddy - a good site to just plug in your zip code and be directed to the cheapest local gas prices in the area. There are other sites like this one but what I like about Gas Buddy is that ther... 07/22/2022

Wilmette IL Condos for Sale at 1616 Sheridan Road1616 Sheridan Road is a condo building located on the lakefront in the area known as No Man's Land. It is conveniently located right across the street from shopping, restaurants, medical, and dental offices.The building was built in 1961 and has 10 stories and 83 units. They range in size from 1-bedroom up to 3-bedroom and are always on one level (no stairs.)  1616 Sheridan is one of the few buildings along the lake to allow a few rentals.The building does not have a doorman and residents use key fobs to enter the building.  Most do this through the garage, entering within a secure area of the building. There is an on-site manager, garage man, and maintenance staff.The amenities include an outdoor pool, private beach, guest suite, party r... 07/19/2022

Winnetka North Shore Condo Report Jan-June 2022Condo and townhouse sales have been robust in the North Shore villages of Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Northfield, Glenview, and Evanston.Evanston has the highest inventory and thus the largest number of sales. Conversely, Glencoe doesn't have the condo inventory of other towns but what they do have sold quickly and for slightly over the asking price. Going back to 2019 (chart below) it's interesting to see that while sales are generally lower, the median price ranges back and forth from higher to lower. The one constant is that the average market time was higher and the list-to-sell ratio was lower in 2019. Note that in 2019, Glencoe condo sales were dismal. They had long market times and sold for much less than the list price. And a compl... 07/11/2022

See What Sold in Your North Shore Village in June 2022 WINNETKAClick here to see all Winnetka homes that sold in June 2022Homes for sale: 36 ($650,000 to $16,000,000)Private network homes for sale: 9Median price year-to-date: $1,500,000Current supply of inventory: 1.4 monthsSee all Winnetka homes for saleSee all Winnetka condos for sale WILMETTEClick here to see all Wilmette homes that sold in June 2022Homes for sale: 40 ($385,000 to $3,200,000)Private network homes for sale: 8Median price year-to-date: $895,000Current supply of inventory: 1.1 monthsSee all Wilmette homes for saleSee all Wilmette condos for sale  KENILWORTHClick here to see all Kenilworth homes sold in June 2022Homes for sale: 11 ($900,000 to $14,000,000)Private network homes for sale: 3Median price year-to-date: $2,100... 07/07/2022

The Hubbard Woods real estate market still isn't "balanced," if there is such a thing in home inventory nowadays. This past June, 8 homes closed in; last June the number was an incredible 19. Would our number be higher now if there was more inventory? I think so.Look at the median price over the past three Junes:June 2022 - $1,500,000June 2021 -  $1,305,000June 2020 - $965,000That's a 55% increase in the median price over 3 years. Below you'll see that most (not all) homes are still closing at higher than the list price. A year ago almost all of the 19 homes sold below list price and still had long market times. 6 NEW LISTINGS IN HUBBARD WOODS JUNE 2022 941 Tower  $1,089,000under contract 260 Woodlawn $1,100,000 1305 Asbury $1,100,000 1291 Forest Glen $1,599,000under contract 812 Hibbar... 07/06/2022

 Winnetka and North Shore Dog Beaches You don't have to have a dog that loves the water - or even one that chases balls and sticks. Winnetka and North Shore dog beaches are open for all dogs that want to cool off and socialize. And do something different than laze around the backyard on a hot day.The dog beaches require pets to be up-to-date on vaccinations and there are rules that must be followed, which are outlined on the websites (listed below.)  Along the North Shore, there are four easily accessible dog beaches.Winnetka -  Centennial Park BeachLocated on Sheridan Road just south of Elder (Elder Beach for humans is next door.)  The cost for residents is $35 for one dog and $15 for additional dogs.  Non-resident fees are much higher at $170.00 for one dog.  The Winnetka dog beach ha... 06/23/2022

Have you driven by the Mallinckrodt building on Ridge Road near Lake Avenue and wondered what they are like inside? Does it feel like the former convent it once was or the school it was converted to?The answer is yes . . . and no!  This beautiful Renaissance building has retained some of the stunning features of its past, both inside the converted condos and outside. But beyond that, the nun's rooms and classrooms are long gone in favor of quality built units with all the modern amenities.Mallinckrodt sits on a stunning 14-acre park in a residential section of Wilmette, near transportation and shopping.  There was much discussion about how to develop the complex when the Village of Wilmette purchased it, finally deciding to keep the building and convert it into condos for active seniors... 06/21/2022

Hedge Row Condos in Winnetka ILThe Hedge Row Condos in Winnetka were built in 1997 and are comprised of two buildings (360 and 380 Green Bay Road)  with 20 units in each building. They are conveniently located at the corner of Willow and Green Bay Roads and are within walking distance to downtown Winnetka and the train station.  Another plus is that Hedge Row allows pets.  Hedge Row offers 2 and 3-bedroom units with 2 plus bathrooms.  Heated, underground parking is available and small pets are allowed. These condos have good-sized rooms and some of the first-floor units open to the back and have a patio while the upper floors have large balconies.  Hedge Row is considered a luxury development but prices vary widely. Recent comps show sales from $430,000 to $1,130,000.  Search for condos... 06/16/2022

Homes for sale in Schaumburg, Illinois - June 14, 2022There are currently 234 homes for sale in Schaumburg, IL with an average list price of $350,069. Below is a recap of each subdivision in Schaumburg that has homes currently for sale. The subdivisions are listed in order from most listings to least.Homes for sale in Schaumburg, IL without a subdivision listed.There are currently 83 homes for sale in Schaumburg without a subdivision listed. The homes range from 0-5 bedrooms with a price range of $115,000 - $2,295,000. The properties currently available in were built between 1957 and 2021.Homes for sale in Weathersfield Schaumburg, ILThere are currently 14 homes for sale in Weathersfield Schaumburg, IL. The homes range from 3-5 bedrooms with a price range of $265,000 - $729,000. The pr... 06/14/2022

 Hubbard Woods Winnetka Real Estate in May 2022 While there were 11 homes sold in May in Hubbard Woods, there were only 4 new listings (compared to 11 last month.) Just a blip I think as there have been many new homes listed throughout Winnetka in the past few days.   13 SOLD HUBBARD WOODS HOMES IN MAY   796 Green BayList price: $490,000Sold price: $425,000Days on market: 166   1249 ScottList price: $998,000Sold price: $1,137,500Days on market: 5 1433 ScottList price: $1,000,000Sold price: $1,185,000Days on market: 4 1311 AsburyList price: $1,075,000Sold price: $1,352,000Days on market: 6 1139 AsburyList price: $1,175,000Sold price: $1,385,000Days on market: 5 1330 WestmoorList price: $1,348,000Sold price: $1,470,000Days on market: 5 864 BurrList price: $1,265,000Sold price: $1,485,000D... 06/09/2022

What Sold in Your Winnetka and North Shore VillageMay 2022 May was a big month for sales in Winnetka, Wilmette, and Glencoe where there was an average 41% increase in total home sales over April. The current supply of inventory went down slightly in each village as well. The median price-to-date went up in Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, and down slightly in Wilmette and Northfield.  WINNETKAClick here to see all Winnetka homes that sold in May 2022Homes for sale: 39 ($650,000 to $16,000,000)Median price year-to-date: $1,470,000Current supply of inventory: 1.4 monthsSee all Winnetka homes for saleSee all Winnetka condos for sale WILMETTEClick here to see all Wilmette homes that sold inHomes for sale: 47 ($469,000 to $5,495,000)Median price year-to-date: $860,000Current supply of inventor... 06/07/2022

 Where to Play Public Golf on the North Shore Public Courses Winnetka Golf Club1300 Oak. St847-501-2050   The Winnetka Golf Club has both a 9- and 1-hole course plus a putting green, driving range, pro shop, and snack bar Wilmette Golf Club3900 Fairway,Wilmette847-256-9777   Pro shop, restaurant, driving range, putting green, and lessons are available. Canal Shores1030 Central St Wilmette845-475-9173   18-hole executive course located in east Wilmette on the border with Evanston Glencoe Golf Club621 Westley Rd,Glencoe847-835-0250    An 18-hole golf course managed by the Village of Glencoe    Sunset Valley Golf Club 1390 Sunset Rd., Highland Park847-432-7140     Recently redesigned, this park district course is getting lots of positive reviews. It's won 3 awards since opening in 2019. Th... 05/28/2022

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) published an article this week titled: "Existing-Home Sales Slip 2.7% in March."It does, of course, cover the national real estate scene. So there are inherently many facts that don't apply to Winnetka and the North Shore. One of the biggest is the title itself since the North Shore villages of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, and Northfield (as a whole) saw sales dip by 21%!Of course home sales have dipped - there are so few of them to buy! The good news - for sellers - is that the median price rose by 31%. Another way to see the rise in home prices is by total volume.   Units Sold Total Dollar Volume 2021 367 $405,272,628 2022 291 $425,648,021 You can see that while many more homes sold in 2021, the dollar volume was higher in 2022 fo... 05/10/2022

The statistics below reflect the lag in sales - these homes went under contract in January through March. Interest rates have now popped over 5% for 30% conventional loans.In Winnetka, Wilmette, and Glencoe, the number of under-contract homes is at least double what is available for sale. It's anyone's guess (and there have been many) how this will ultimately affect the real estate market.We real estate agents are here to help you. If you want to sell but are worried that you won't be able to buy, that's where a good real estate comes in. If you want to move to a specific area and have something in mind, let me know and I'll see what I can do. Everyday, homes are selling that were never listed!  Here is what sold in your village in April:   WINNETKA Click here to see all Winnetka homes ... 05/05/2022