Archive for the ‘Buying North Shore Real Estate’ Category
A home for your car…
“How important is a garage for resale value?” “Should I even look at properties that do not have a garage or attached parking because it will adversely effect the resale of the property?” These are common questions that buyers as k me when searching for properties in Chicago and the North Shore.
The easy answers to these questions are;
1. “A garage is very important for resale value, especially if you are purchasing a condo because parking is often limited and the change in demographics imply that areas that are within walking distance to public transportation are going to witness a population growth. Thus, the long-term importance of a garage or, at the very least, an outdoor parking space, will increase as available street parking decreases.”
2. “Of course you should look at properties that do not have parking.”
Both of these questions can not be answered fully without considering the importance of LOCATION. Location is the most important factor in buying and reselling a home. The importance of location is also a key factor of the emotional response that a buyer has towards a property because it centers around the lifestyle that they envision themselves living. If a buyer is looking a two condos, one that is a short walk from retail and public transportation and the second is a similar condo with a parking space that is 2 miles from the nearest retail and transportation area, the buyer will most often choose to purchase the condo without parking because the location fits in perfectly with the lifestyle that he envisions himself living. If you are buying a property in Chicago or the North Shore, first choose where you want to live and then order the rest of your criteria as you see fit. Remember, that this is not only an investment, but also your home and the objective is for you to enjoy your time there.
I recently purchased a home in Evanston without garage parking, but in a great location, and the only time that I have had regrets is during the Blizzard of 2011 when I had to find and shovel my car out !
Please contact me if you are buying or selling your home in Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette, or anywhere on the North Shore.
If you bought a home in 2010…
I received an email today from Kathy O’Malley, an excellent real estate attorney who works in Chicago and the North Shore about filing for property tax exemptions. If you purchased a home in Cook County in 2010 be sure to read this.
If you are in the market for a new home in Chicago or the North Shore suburbs, please contact me.
With the NFC Championship Game just around the corner…
In honor of Sunday’s showdown between the Bears and Packers, I have linked an article from the Sun-Times to this blog about why Chicago is far superior to our lonely neighbors to the north. One difference which was not mentioned was the superiority of architecture and housing in Chicago and Chicago’s North Shore communities. Remember to contact me with any questions regarding real estate in Chicago and the North Shore Chicago suburbs. And, of course… BEARS!!!
http://www.suntimes.com/3355976-417/packers-green-bears-fans-bay.html
ets, appliances and granite counters. New roof and gutters (Sept 10′), central air, water heater, tuckpointing and painted through out. Hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, sunroom, updated baths, large tranquil backyard, finished basement with a large family room. It is located near the Metra and downtown Park Ridge.
Great value for a 2 bedroom updated condo just south of Old Town in the Gold Coast. Currently priced at $229,000, the recent kitchen renovation includes new cabinets, appliances and granite countertops. The removal of a kitchen wall was inspired by the homeowner’s desire for an open floor plan and that was wonderfully accomplished. The living area features a tiled woodburning fireplace and new laminate wood flooring. The bathroom was tastefully renovated to include neutral tile, a new vanity and sink, and a free standing glass door. Both bedrooms have been recarpeted in the past month and tasteful lighting has been added to the main living area. It is located close to retail, transportation, and Lake Michigan. The “New Orleans” inspired courtyard is in full bloom during the summer and is used as a building retreat to wine and dine. Attached garage parking is available for only $150 per month. Check out the photos and floor plan at: http://www.seetheproperty.com/presentation/panorama.php?Branded=0&order_id=57228
