Margaret Goss, Winnetka Realtor Winnetka & North Shore IL Homes for Sale

Glencoe and other North Shore residents know that we have had a mild winter thus far - and that is why jumping into Lake Michigan might not seem so frightening as it normally would. Alas, a new winter storm arrived today and left about an inch of mushy white stuff.

Will this deter you from joining in Glencoe's Leap in the Lake this Saturday, February 25 at the Glencoe Beach (one of many events that Glencoe is hosting this year to celebrate their 100 year history.). Find out just how cold Lake Michigan's water really is (hey, I don't go into the water in the summer because I think it's too cold!)

After your quick dip, you will be able to go into a warming area and enjoy hot chocolate or coffee. Emergency medical personnel and divers will be on hand to assist, and all participants must sign waivers to participate.

If you are between 10 and 17 years of age, the cost to participate is $20, and over 18 is $25. Why would someone pay to literally freeze their bodies for a few minutes? It's all for a good cause - all monies will be donated to C.A.R.E., a scholarship fund for Glencoe residents in need of financial assitance. Plus, you get a cozy tee-shirt that will proclaim your bravery with the slogan "I Survived the Leap in the Lake."

And no, I won't be dipping a toe in that water, let alone my body. But I hope you do.

Glencoe Beach (east end of Park Avenue.)
Saturday, February 25
10-11am.

When you look up "real estate agency" in Google, you will find a list of real estate agencies that are in the business of helping you buy, sell, or lease real estate. That is not what I am discussing when I say "agency."

The word agency when applied to real estate in this case means how I, your real estate listing agent in Winnetka or other North Shore suburbs, define my relationship with you. In Illinois, the rules are specific and they are different in other states.

There are different types of agency whether I represent you as the seller, the buyer, or both.

As your listing agent, I am called your designated agent - I work only for you. Here is what you need to know:

• Confidential information can be shared with me - as your designated agent I am bound to confidentiality on your behalf.

• If you happen to be home during a showing (which I will otherwise explain why that is not a good idea), you should use extreme caution not to disclose any confidential information. When other agents are showing your home to their clients, they are working for their buyer clients only.

• We will discuss how appointments to show your property will be handled

• I will explain how public open houses work and the possibility that another agent from my office might sit the open house for me. Again, you should be cautious in what you say to that agent.

As your Winnetka, Wilmette, or Kenilworth listing agent, I am bound to confidentiality to protect you and your interests in the sale of your home. I will not divulge that you are getting a divorce, are taking a job out-of-state, are downsizing, or whatever information you don't want me to discuss.

As they say. "Anything you say can be used against you" and I am here to make sure that doesn't happen.

If you are thinking of moving to Winnetka or recently have, you might be interested in their upcoming open house.

The office had not been modernized in decades and now, after some expanding and updating, they are ready to show off. They have added a second conference room, utilized unused space, and increased efficiency.

You will have an opportunity to meet with the administrative team, and business office and human resources staff. Light refreshments will be served.

When: Wednesday, February 22
1:30 to 4:00 pm

Where: Winnetka School District Office
1235 Oak St., Winnetka
847-446-9600

No RSVPs are necessary - just stop by!

(Note: Parking on Oak Street is limited during school hours and traffic is heaviest during school pick-up, which starts at 3:30 pm.)

There is some definite buzzin the market these past few weeks - it is the Spring market after all and the weather has been mostly cooperative.

Today as I toured broker open houses I had two thoughts: some sellers are pricing to sell and others are still overpricing. I saw two homes today located on the same block - the larger and better one was priced almost $100,000 less than the other one . . . I guess that says it all.

Computer and Electronics Disposal in Winnetka - Update

You don't have to travel far out of Winnetka to dispose of old computers and other electronics - read my post from last year: Computer and Electronics Disposal in Winnetka.

But now there's an update to be aware of if you have continued to throw out certain items in your regular trash. The State of Illinois previously had enacted legislation that banned televisions and computer monitors from being put into Illinois landfills.

Recently, Governor Quinn and the Illinois legislature expanded the list to include: