3 Key Elements for Creating Your Ideal Outdoor Living Space in Evanston!

Evanston Real Estate is hot right now for a number of reasons.  It’s big city feel within a close knit community, historic properties, its setting along the lake, vivid downtown lifestyle, excellent schools, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants are what draw people to visit and live in this lively city.  Consequently, homes in Evanston tend to move quickly off the market. If you own one of these lovely homes or condos, you already realize your properties worth.  But what if you wanted to take it to the next level?

Although August is quickly closing in on us, it’s still summer and we still have warm months ahead.  So, why not take advantage of the great weather and head outdoors!  Creating a welcoming outdoor living space is a huge plus when it comes to entertaining guests or just relaxing on your own with a good book and a gentle breeze.  These spaces are also an added bonus when it comes to the homes resale value as it acts as an additional room of living space!

Whether you live in one of Evanston’s historic homes, a charming mid-century home or a new, modern condo; if you have outdoor space, you can make it into your own oasis.  Below are three elements you’ll need to create the ideal open air living environment.

1.  Fire-   According to a recent national survey, landscape designer Michael Glassman, noted that the #1 request for an outdoor space is a kitchen.  While designing and installing an entire outdoor kitchen can be very costly, there are other ways to get this same feel.  Make an outdoor fire-pit, purchase a potbelly stove, or just use your charcoal grill.  On cooler fall evenings, roast marshmallows or cozy up by candlelight and a hot cup of tea.  No matter your budget or size of your outdoor space, you’ll be able to find a way to creatively incorporate fire!

2.  Water- The sound of trickling water always seems to have a calming effect.  From a simple tabletop fountain, to a pond or stream beside your patio; you can find a way to bring the essence of tranquility and quiet to your outdoor living area.  Just be sure to utilize the water you want in your space and keep out the water you don’t!  A rainy day can put a damper on your outdoor activities, but having an awning or gazebo with naturally growing vines can offer the protection you need from a passing shower. 

3.  Earth- Since this is an outdoor room, be sure to include as many earth tones and natural objects as possible in your design.  You want to maintain that outdoor feel instead of confining the space to an interior style.  Use things like rocks, branches or wooden objects to add interest.  Of course the changing seasons will be the backdrop of your outdoor room, so be sure to play off the colors and vibrancy of the season. 

Whether you’re already enjoying life in Evanston or are considering a move to this city, designing an outdoor space will be a fun project and enjoyed for years to come!  To see homes in Evanston or learn more about the Evanston Real Estate market; all you need to do is ask!  I’d be happy to meet with you or show you around this great city!
 


Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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Evanston- Summer in the City!

Summer is such a great time in Evanston with many things to see and do!  Whether you’re a current resident or are searching out Evanston homes for sale, there are ways to take advantage of great outdoor activities.

It’s easy to think that the lovely tree-lined street with large vintage Evanston homes translates into a quiet and sleepy town, but that is very far from an accurate depiction of Evanston.  This well maintained city has an active culture that is constantly growing into new avenues.  Below are just a few of the many outdoor activities and community leagues that you can take part in this summer!

- Evanston Beaches- There are five public beaches at which you can enjoy swimming or just soaking up the sun!
   - Lighthouse Beach - Central St. at Sheridan Rd.
   - Clark Street Beach - Clark St. at Sheridan Rd.
   - Dempster/Greenwood St. Beach -
   - Lee Street Beach - Lee St. and Lake Shore Blvd.
    -South Boulevard Beach - South Blvd. at the lakefront
   - Oh yes, and we can’t forget about Dog Beach – Great for your pup!  Located at Church St at the lakefront

- Evanston Sports Leagues- Find a sport that you enjoy!  No matter how old or young you are; there is something for everyone!  Visit the Evanston Recreation website for more information.
    - FAAM Youth Basketball
    - Evanston Running Club
    - Evanston Bicycle Club
    - Evanston Recreation Division Adult Softball
    - Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course
    - McGaw YMCA
    - Evanston Baseball & Softball Association
    - Evanston Small Fry Basketball
    - Evanston AYSO - American Youth Soccer Organization
    - Ridgeville Park District
    - Evanston Youth Lacrosse Association
    - Evanston Jr. Wildkit Football

- Evanston Parks- Evanston spans 300 acres and included 76 parks!  These parks are great for strolling, or your daily exercise and many other uses within the community.  Playgrounds can be found in some of the parks and are always a great summer activity for children!  Perhaps your Evanston home doesn’t have enough outdoor space for a garden.  Well, the parks department offers community gardens that can be rented out and shared with the community. For more information on the Evanston Community Gardens, visit the Evanston website.
    - James Park Gardens- South of Oakton between McCormick Blvd and Dodge Ave
    - Twiggs Canal Gardens- By the intersection of Bridge and Simpson, on the south side of North Shore Channel in Twiggs Park
    - McCormick Gardens- At McCormick Blvd and Bridge St., across the street from the Ecology Center. In addition to full and half plots, this site has 1 wheelchair-accessible raised bed.
    - Lighthouse Gardens- Off of Sheridan Road, north of the Grosse Point Lighthouse and adjacent to Noah's Playground for Everyone in Lawson Park

Evanston is just one of those towns you have to see to believe!  With such strong community interaction, great neighborhoods, immaculate Evanston homes along with outstanding restaurants and shopping; I’d invite you to come be a part of it all!  If you have any questions about Evanston real estate or are interested in viewing Evanston homes for sale- let me know!

Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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Evanston's 28th Annual Sidewalk Sale Supports Local Businesses!

Evanston IL thrives on its local businesses.  It’s these “mom and pop” shops that give Evanston its unique and down to earth vibe.  Residents, although only a short half hour drive into the city of Chicago, oftentimes choose to spend weekends or relaxed summer evenings soaking in all the Evanston community has to offer. 

To celebrate these local businesses that keep Evanston residents shopping and hanging out in their own backyard, the Central Street Business Association is hosting its 28th annual Sidewalk Sale!  This Thursday, July 15 through Saturday, July 17 the businesses located between the 1900-2100 blocks of Central Street will be highlighting their favorite goods on the sidewalk in front of their storefronts, for a fraction of the cost.  From 10am to 5pm each day, you can enjoy distinct Evanston shops including women’s boutiques, flower shops, restaurants, a favorite spice shop, bakeries (including one for your pup!), and many more!

If you’re an Evanston resident, this is the ideal opportunity for you to show your support!  You can demonstrate your appreciation for this amazing town by helping to keep our local businesses up and running!  Even if you’re not currently calling Evanston “home”, you’re welcome to join us!  We know the unique charm and personality of Evanston draws in a people from all over the Chicago area. 

Evanston IL has been my home for a long time, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!  If you have questions about this great city or are interested in buying a home in Evanston; please let me know.  My goal is to walk people through the Evanston Real Estate market each step of the while and to find them a home that fits their needs and wants!  I look forward to hearing from you!  Who knows, I may run into this weekend while shopping the sidewalk sale!

Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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Evanston Shows Off it's Beautiful Environment in the 21st Annual Evanston Garden Walk!

Evanston IL has always had a strong desire to create a clean and beautiful climate for its residents while spurring them on to be actively involved in the process.    Taking place this Sunday, July 11th is an event that highlights the scenic beauty of Evanston while bringing information to its community in the 21st Annual Evanston Garden Walk.

This yearly Evanston event is hosted by Keep Evanston Beautiful, Inc, a non-profit that promotes environmental education, recycling, litter abatement, conservation and community collaboration.  Proceeds from the Garden Walk will go towards bringing about a greater awareness to Evanston schools through environmental and recycling education, school field trips along with anti-litter projects and other education based projects.

The Evanston Garden Walk visits the seven gardens chosen for this years’ walk, amongst which is an English lady’s cottage garden, a historic waterfront home and a stunning public garden, to name a few.  This is a great way to learn more about gardening, receive inspirational ideas as well as getting the opportunity to peek in on these private gardens. 

Evanston has always been a beautiful place to live and we’re thankful for those who put their time and energy into keeping it that way!  If you want to learn more about this event, please visit the Keep Evanston Beautiful, Inc website.  If you would like more information on all that Evanston has to offer or are hoping to buy your dream home in Evanston; please let me know!  I’d love to help you with your search!
 

Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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Evanston Celebrates the 4th of July!

Evanston IL knows how to throw a party, and this 4th of July offers many options in celebrating the birth of our nation.  From a parade, games and live music to fireworks along the lakefront at night; Evanston is the place to be this Sunday!

Below is an outline of the day’s activities:

Tennis Finals
 
8:00am – 4:00pm- Ackerman Park is home to the tennis competition for the day.  For more information, contact the Evanston Tennis Association.

Playground Sports

9:00am – 12:00pm- Local schools and parks will be hosting games of hop-scotch, three-legged races and pie eating contests… to name a few!  View the Evanston schools and parks that are participating.

10:00am – 1:00pm- The Fleetwood-Jourdain Center offers relay races, double dutch, 1 on 1 basketball and refreshments

Evanston 4th of July Parade

2:00pm- Around 140 groups will show their American spirit with colorful and creative entries as they wind their way from Central Park Avenue East on Central Street to Ashland Avenue.

(Winners of the parade will be announced directly before the Twilight Concert)

Twilight Concert
 
7:30-9:00pm – The Palatine Concert Band will be back again this year playing favorite patriotic music and much more.

Evanston 4th of July Fireworks

9:15pm- Gather along Clark Street Beach for the 2010 musical fireworks extravaganza!  The fireworks can be viewed from any part of the lakefront area east of Downtown Evanston.

The city of Evanston has such a vibrant and caring community, which you can see first hand as you celebrate the 4th of July.  If you are hoping to make the move to Evanston or are just looking to make a move within Evanston; let me know!  I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have or show you around!

Happy 4th!


Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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Avoid Being Outbid- 4 Tips to Secure Your Evanston, IL Dream Home!

Imagine finding your Evanston dream home or condo and you quickly put in an offer. You wait patiently to hear back and after a few days go by, you get the news that you’ve been outbid. This can be frustrating and disheartening and you may begin to wonder if you’ll find a new property that could take its place and if you do; if this outcome will happen again.

I’ve spent years helping people find and buy their ideal place! Below are 4 tips to avoid being outbid by other buyers, because while this is a buyers’ market with a lot of Evanston properties from which to choose, competition can still be fierce.

1. Beat the Crowd- Make it clear to your agent that you want to be made aware of new Evanston listings as soon as they come on the market. This will help ensure that you are on top of the competition in seeing new homes and being able to make the first offer. You’ll also want to keep your offer deadline as tight as possible so the listing agent has less of a chance to entertain other offers.

2. Do Your Homework- Many people are not able to pay all cash for a home. However, having a letter from your lender stating how much you’re qualified for will give you a boost! Be aware that the average down payment in today’s Evanston Real Estate market is 20%. This type of preparation will help set you a part from other bids.

3. Aim High- If you’re still worried about an all-cash offer taking precedence over your bid; make sure your bid is the highest. Sellers want to get the most they can from their home and will almost always take the higher bid over an all cash one. Your agent should provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of homes in the Evanston area. This will give you a good idea of what other homes like the one you’re bidding on are selling for and will help you come up with a reasonable offer.

4. Relax- A demanding buyer can deter sellers. Last year, a survey from the California Association of Realtors concluded that three-quarters of all homes were on the market due to the sellers financial strain. Be willing to work with the sellers’ time constraints on closing dates and don’t demand help with closing costs. Being sensitive to the sellers needs can be a great way to make the seller feel good about accepting your offer.

I hope these tips have been helpful! Finding the right home can be a challenge, but once you’ve found it; make sure you can keep it. If you need help in exploring all that the Evanston Real Estate market has to offer; let me know! I’d be happy to show you around and answer your questions about Evanston. I look forward to hearing from you!

Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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Evanston Swimming Beaches Now Open!

If you don’t have travel plans for South Beach or Southern California, don’t despair!  Miles of sandy shores are now open for the season right here in Evanston.  For the sunny weekends ahead, pack the cooler and head to the lakefront for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, or just lounging on the sand.  You will need a beach token or a daily pass to enjoy the beaches, but on a hot summer day, it is well worth it!  Daily passes are available for $8 any person 12 or older, and $6 for children age 1-11. Children under 1 year of age are admitted for free!

Not a nautical pro?  Sailing and kayak lessons are available at the Dempster Street Beach.  No boat, no problem, watercraft rentals are available by the hour, or discounted bundle rates. If you’re looking to spend a lot of time out on the water, an unlimited rental pass is available for $600 for Evanston residents and $800 for non-residents.

Here is a list of the local beaches open for your pleasure:

Lighthouse Beach- Central St and Sheridan Rd

Clark Street Beach- Clark St and Sheridan Rd

Dempster/Greenwood St Beach- Greenwood St

Lee Street Beach- Lee St and Lake Shore Blvd

South Boulevard Beach- South Blvd at the lakefront

Dog Beach- Church St at the lakefront

*The Dog Beach is open from 7am to 8pm, but don’t forget to get a pass before your visit!

See you out there!

Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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