Rob Gow - Real Estate and Shoreline Lifestyle: Selling Your Lake Michigan Shoreline home

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The Best Updates for Your North Shore Home

Whether you just bought or have lived in your North Shore home for years, there are certain aspects that you need to pay special attention to. Updating specific rooms doesn’t just increase the value; it will add to the atmosphere of the entire area as well.

Add a deck to your home. While many enjoy the greenery their backyard provides them, a great way to fully enjoy your miniature eden is by building a deck. Many home owners think of large wood areas with plenty of seating for guests when envisioning a deck. However, your deck doesn’t have to be oversized. Building a modest deck will provide you with ample space for seating, but will also be wonderful during North Shore summers.
Spruce up your attic or basement. These two areas of the home are often overlooked when decorating. The basement may look dark and damp, but it doesn’t have to. Without even having to spend the money to fully finish your basement, there are quick ways to turn it into a comfortable living space. Buying a cheap couch and tables will create a space for entertaining and relaxing. Many home owners rarely even visit their attic, unless it is to throw a box of old items in for storage. It is common now to see attics turned into bedrooms with just a couple renovations. Updating these spaces will add more room in your home and will make every room feel welcoming.
Landscape your yard. Adding plants and flowers to your yard will give your home a friendlier and inviting feeling. Hanging plants are great to hang from your porch or in the backyard of your North Shore home. Creating a flower or vegetable garden is another way to increase the value of your home. This is a low maintenance way to give guests a great first impression during showings.

If you have any questions regarding decorating your home, feel free to ask. Also, if you or anyone you know is interested in selling or buying North Shore real estate, contact us! We look forward to hearing from you!

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New Year, New Season for Lake Michigan Shoreline Home Sales!

Have a home to sell in 2012? You may be surprised to hear that the spring selling season begins in January! There are advantages to putting your home on the market right now – and seasonal strategies you can use. At Shoreline Property Advisors, real estate is a year-around business. Here are some reasons why winter selling could work for you:

Real estate inventories are at their lowest this time of year. Your home has less competition on the market. Less completion means not only more attention, but potentially firmer pricing.

Serious buyers may not be able to wait until spring to buy a home. Relocating professionals are often completing a move before the end of the 1^st quarter.

Buyers who have pre-approvals in hand need to act on them before they expire. Also, mortgage interest rates today are excellent, but procrastinating buyers face a risk of future rate changes.

Buyers who are watching the market may be waiting for a home just like yours!

And while we can’t bank on weather conditions, mild winters tend to encourage early activity in the real estate market. In some areas there’s still green grass on the lawn! This means the exterior photos of your home will look like early spring – no need to wait for snow melt. Procrastinating sellers “waiting for spring” could find themselves shoveling snow in March or April.

Regardless of the season, economic conditions, rather than weather conditions, influence buyers. Inclement weather may affect open houses and drive-bys, but no storm lasts forever.

There are few details to keep in mind when selling in winter. During winter months, you’ll need to keep sidewalks and driveways cleared, and salted if necessary. You’ll also want to have your home feeling warm and cozy – which could mean turning up the heat prior to showings. On dreary days, opening blinds and curtains, and turning on the lights will chase away gloom.

If you have a home to sell in the Chicago North Shore area, Evanston, the Indiana shoreline or Harbor Country, let us prepare a customized marketing strategy for you. Our team of dedicated professionals understand home buyers and know what they look for at different price levels. Contact us today for an evaluation of your home, or for any real estate questions you may have.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year,

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

6 Tips for a Successful Open House for Your Evanston Home!

Selling your home this fall in Evanston may seem daunting as the current market is leaning in the favor of buyers. However, selling your home is not impossible! Our team of Prudential Rubloff Evanston Real Estate agents on our Shoreline Property Advisors team have helped many sellers navigate their way through the home selling process in a timely and efficient manner and their efforts have been met with the greatest success!

As a seller, your first step is to find a trusted Evanston Real Estate agent as they will be your greatest resource and advocate for getting the return on investment you’re hoping for. However, we understand that sellers also want to play a role in selling their home and we are often asked what are some of the best ways they can help “sell” their home.

Besides making sure your Evanston home is in top condition and move-in ready, the open house can be a vital factor in getting your home sold. Buyers want to see the home in person so they can get a better sense of the home and how they would fit in the home. Having a stellar open house can make a great impression on buyers and will help make your home even more desirable. Below are six key things you can do to ensure a successful open house!

1. First Impressions- Believe it or not, a nice doormat or attractive porch can really set the tone for the entire open house. If there’s an old doormat, chipped paint or nothing special about the entrance to your home, buyers may feel that you don’t really care. A welcoming setting from the start will instantly let buyers know that your home is cared for and that each area of your home is well-maintained.

2. Make it Generic- It’s great to make your home personal; however your pictures, children’s art or your “to do” list on the refrigerator can be a large distraction to potential buyers. They need to be able to envision themselves in your home, so putting away those personal items will help buyers picture their life in your Evanston home.

3. Clear Counters- Look at your kitchen or bathroom counters from a outsiders viewpoint. Do you have too many appliances cluttering your kitchen counter? Clearing this space will give the appearance of more room for cooking or their own storage. If your bathroom counters are filled with perfumes, toothbrush holders, etc… take time to put them in cabinets or drawers so buyers can see the actual size of the space.

4. Set the Table- This may not seem necessary, but having your dining room table set with nice place settings add a touch of class and can help the Evanston buyer envision hosting their own dinner parties.

5. Get to the Heart- The best way to appeal to the buyers’ heart is through offering something special when they walk in the door. Whether you bake fresh cookies, have coffee or hot chocolate for them on your counter, these added touches will set your home apart. Lighting a mildly scented candle and having your home appropriately heated for the day’s weather can make your home instantly feel comfortable to the Evanston buyer.

6. Don’t Stick Around- While it may be tempting to want to hear what the potential buyers have to say, it can be awkward when the seller is present. They will feel that they can’t openly express their thoughts to the agent and will not feel as comfortable when looking throughout the home. Even if you take a walk through the neighborhood, being away from the home during an open house can make all the difference.

If your Evanston home is already listed on the Evanston Real Estate market, we hope these tips will help your next open house be your last!

Still considering selling your Evanston home this fall? Feel free to contact us! We’d enjoy the opportunity to answer any questions you have about the Evanston Real Estate market and to help you get your Evanston home sold!

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff