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
View Evanston Listings
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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
View Evanston Listings
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Fountain Square Art Festival in Evanston

31 years and going strong, the Evanston Fountain Square Art Festival is the oldest juried fine arts festival on the North Shore. With more than 225 artists, a jazz-centric music lineup, and plenty of activities for the children, this festival will be the place to be in Evanston the third weekend of June.

The festival will be held at the intersections of Sherman and Church streets in the heart of downtown Evanston. If ever there was a time to check out the eponymous Fountain Square, this would be it.

An eclectic mix of art, from paintings, sculptures, and woodwork, to photography, jewelry and mixed media, line the streets for six blocks. Peruse through the art while scents of delectable cuisine from local restaurants fills the air.

Note: This is not your typical "fest." When people hear Fountain Square Art Festival, they think sophistication. Lucky for you, we have your formal invitation right here.

You are cordially invited to:

Tthe 31st Annual Fountain Square Art Festival

Where: Fountain Square, Downtown Evanston, Sherman and Church Street
When: June 26-27th
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Access: $5 Donation benefits the Evanston Chamber of Commerce

The town of Evanston is truly in a class of its own. Living in Evanston means having the world at your fingertips - eclectic art, amazing food, and real culture. What more could you ask for? If you would like to take a look at Evanston Real Estate please don't hesitate to call me. You won't regret your decision.

Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
View Evanston Listings
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Avoid These Home Improvement Errors

Adding value to your home can be more than an investment in your property, these types of projects can be come a hobby, a passion, and a downright vice.  Time, consideration, care, and calculated risk taking can put you in a favorable position when your house hits the market, however, be sure to avoid the most frequent mistakes when considering home improvements.

 Everyone has their own individual taste or style, be sure your renovations and decor are neutral and easily transformable.  When a home is too taste-specific, it can be a turn-off to potential buyers that are trying to envision themselves living in the house.  If a large fountain or built-in deck furniture is not what they had in mind for the yard, the cost to remove such projects will turn buyers away.

Major projects or purchases should be reserved for "must-do" occasions.  If you are in need of a new roof because the current roof is in disrepair, replacing it will certainly add value by saving the buyer the trouble.  If you're planning to purchase a new roof to add value, pass on this.  This expense is not a major draw for home buyers unless it is really needed. 

A swimming pool may attract a lot of your neighbors, friends, and relatives during the summer, but don't expect the same unanimous appreciation from home buyers.  While everyone loves to visit a pool, not everyone wants their own!  Of course there is nothing wrong with putting in a pool for your own enjoyment,  but putting in a pool because you're hoping to fill it with eager buyers may not be the best use of your money.

Don't over-do it!  Granite countertops or a new backsplash will definitely add value to any dated kitchen, but make sure your renovations are still within reach of other comparable properties.  Home buyers like the improvements to fit the home.  Expensive material and excessive upgrading that makes a townhouse look like the Taj Mahal will definitely cause buyers to opt for the "unfinished" version that is priced significantly lower.

If you'd like to be sure you're getting a return on your investment, contact me for more information on dressing your Evanston home for a successful sale.


Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
View Evanston Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me