Noah Levy, Coldwell Banker Highland Park IL

Last Minute Valentine's Gifts to Grab in Highland Park IL. New in town? Highland Park has some amazing locally owned and operated businesses. These are some of my favorites, and they can help you look like a planner even if you're shopping in a pinch. Pick up a last minute V-Day gift at one of these beloved establishments and avoid coming home with egg on your face!

Ravinia Wine Shop - This relatively new arrival to the Roger Williams business district is well loved for its great inventory and helpful staff.

Highland Park IL REALTOR Offers Suggestions For New Year's Resolutions For Homeowners! Every year we all make personal resolutions in hopes of leading happier and healthier lives, but what about our houses? Whether you're buying, selling or staying put, resolve to make the most of your environment.

Get a handle on clutter. It's the worst. For homeowners looking to sell, it's the cause for major panic when their agent calls to schedule a showing. If you're looking to sell or buy then you will soon be moving, and packing will be a much better experience if you aren't mucking your way through clutter or potentially dragging it with you to the next place to sort. Avoid at all costs. Break your house down into zones that need to be organized and finish one zone before moving to the next. If paper is your biggest challenge consider dropping off a load with a shredding service.

Don't Defer Maintenance. A minor repair can turn into a major expense. Just think, re-caulking showers, replacing a window or getting sewer lines rodded can make the difference between a small preventative fix and an inconvenient and costly repair.

Still on the fence as to whether to stay put or make a move? If you live in Highland Park IL or surrounding North Shore suburbs give me a call or email me and let me help you evaluate.

Budgeting For New Home Expenses

I've seen it happen with rookies and seasoned home owners alike - buyers determine their budget, get approved for a mortgage, factor in taxes and purchase a home, only to get sticker shock on some big ticket items. There are great real estate deals right now in Highland Park and all over the North Shore, but prospective buyers still need to approach the costs of home ownership with eyes wide open. Here are some of the major expenses that buyers often overlook when budgeting for a home purchase.

Window Treatments - Great natural light is a huge selling point, but those gorgeous windows need to be dressed for light blocking and privacy. Window treatments for standard windows are available at all price points, but most windows are custom sizes. It's not uncommon to spend hundreds on a single window, and higher end textiles and hardware can easily go into the thousands. Even capable seamstresses who make their own curtains will have considerable costs associated with expenses. Look around online or visit a home decor shop to get a sense of pricing.

Landscaping - As we move into the winter months this can be particularly tricky. Soon yards will be blanketed with snow and buyers may not know what lies beneath. Clients of mine moved to Highland Park from the city; when we negotiated the deal in late winter it just looked like their new home had some grass and a few plants, but by the time they moved in spring it was obvious that they had an elaborate garden that required professional care. They love their spectacular yard, but not the annual landscaping bill that's equivalent to an additional mortgage payment. In-ground lawn sprinklers require maintenance and annual turn-on and shut-off service by a professional. A heavily wooded lot may require scheduled care by an arborist.

Snow Removal - One thing I can guarantee any buyer on the North Shore is that they will get snow. Plan on hiring a service or purchasing equipment to DIY.

Recurring Service Visits - Good maintenance is the best way to protect your home investment and enjoy it without any surprise repairs. Plan on bi-annual service calls for HVAC maintenance and routine checks of the sump pump and battery back-up system. Many home owners find that a service plan is the most cost-effective solution, and I encourage my clients to support local businesses like Ravinia Plumbing and Heating of Highland Park and American Weathermakers of Northbrook. This area has abundant natural beauty, but the downside to that can be unwelcome critters. Be sure to budget for pest control.

These are just a few of the basics, and specifics will vary with each home. Sometimes a home's biggest selling points can require extra service and care. Pools require maintenance, specialized equipment and chemicals, natural stone needs to be carefully maintained and periodically resealed, and fireplaces need regular cleanings and inspection. Buyers who think about these costs up front won't get caught off-guard.

The above article, Budgeting For New Home Expenses, was written by Noah Levy - A REALTOR assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs along Chicago's North Shore.

Botanic Gardens in Glencoe hosts Spooky Pooch Parade. The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of my favorite North Shore destinations, but I always wish that I could bring my dog to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This Saturday, October 29 is her lucky day, because for two hours, the garden will be open to dogs for the annual Spooky Pooch Parade. Bring fido and the whole family for an afternoon of fun including a dog costume contest, nonprofits sharing info and local pet shops selling the latest in canine chic. Costume contest prizes include a subscription to FIDO Friendly magazine, gift certificates to Carriage Hill Kennels, Sugar's Paw House and North Shore Pet Chef, a photography package from Sutton Studios, Planet Dog leashes and hats and tennis balls (the greatest thing ever, as far as my silly rescue pup is concerned).

Bring your pup, enjoy the changing foliage and crisp fall air, and take in all of the natural beauty of the North Shore. While you're in the neighborhood, check out my listing on Judson, it's the single best deal on the Shore right now in the heart of Ravinia. It's a beautiful area year round, but Fall in Highland Park takes my breath away every single year, without fail.

Happy Halloween!

The above article, Botanic Gardens in Glencoe hosts Spooky Pooch Parade, was written by Noah Levy - A REALTOR assisting buyers and sellers along Chicago's North Shore.

The Great Pumpkin Fest is Back in Highwood Illinois. It's that time of year - leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping and many homes are being decorated for Halloween. The festivities begin today October 19 through Saturday October October 22, 2011. The residents of Highwood are are excited to break a record on October 22,2011 as they attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Record for the most Jack-O-Lanterns lit in one location. In addition, the city Of Highwood and Keene, New Hampshire have decided to compete against one another - Go Highwood!!!

The goal which Highwood IL has set is to have 32,000 jack-o-laterns lit up on October 22, 2011 and to break the current world's record which was set in Boston MA in 2006 where 30,128 pumpkins were lit. Last year Highwood IL hosted a successful Jack-O-Lantern wall- drawing record crowds. A total of 26,287 jack-o-lanterns were lit and the event was great fun for all. This year the city of Highwood IL has added many family fun events to kick off the challenge and hopes to break the current Guinness World Record along with beating the town of Keene, New Hampshire. Highwood will be hosting a four day Great Pumpkin Fest beginning on Wednesday October 19, 2011thru Saturday October 22, 2011.

The line-up for the Great Pumpkin Fest is quite awesome this year. Including many fun activities for all age groups. For more information and various events check out http://www.highwoodpumpkinfest.com.

Highwood is an adjoining town to Highland Park it featuring many wonderful restaurants and during the summer months it hosts an amazing evening farmer's market. Families who live in Highwood attend Highland Park Schools - District 112 and District 113.

Don't miss the fun - Highwood IL is calling all pumpkin carvers from near or far to participate in this fun and record breaking event. Just think you could be a part of a history!

The above article, Great Pumpkin Fest is Back in Highwood Illinois, was written by Noah Levy - A REALTOR assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs along Chicago's North Shore Suburbs.