Shop Downtown Highland Park, IL! - 09/30/10 10:25 AM

Looking for a great gift idea? The city of Highland Park sells gift cards good for purchases at over 80 of Highland Park's wonderful shops and restaurants.
I love this idea! Every store, restaurant, and website known to man have their own gift card, so why shouldn't a city? It's too bad we can't pay our water bill, property taxes or parking tickets (not that I get any...)with it, but being able to use it to shop and dine is pretty good.
I like to use them as client thank yous, but they're also great for birthdays, bar or bat mitzvahs, teachers...anyone who would have … (0 comments)

Fall Maintenance, Whether You're Selling Your Home or Not! - 09/26/10 09:43 PM

Image via Wikipedia
 
Regular home maintenance is an essential component of home ownership, whether you are planning to sell your home soon, or live in it for the next 20 years.  
Keeping up on the  tasks that keep your house in tip-top shape will payoff big when you go to sell your home - buyers can tell when a home has been continuously maintained, and that translates to more dollars in your pocket. Additionally, while staying on top of things will cost you a little bit now, it could save you a  whole lot down the line, since neglect could lead to … (3 comments)

What Tomorrow's Existing Home Sales Numbers Will Mean To You... - 09/22/10 11:07 PM
 
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release the Existing Home Sales Report tomorrow, September 23. Be prepared for conflicting opinions when the news media starts announcing the findings. Like every industry report, there are nuances that can be confusing, so I hope the following information will be helpful.        
The Existing Sales Report which includes single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, is based on transaction closings of previously owned homes. There will be two different numbers reported:
The month-over-month (M-O-M) comparison and The year-over-year (Y-O-Y) comparison These reports will quantify what's happening in the marketplace on a national level, but it's important to … (0 comments)

It's Apple Picking Season! - 09/19/10 01:08 PM

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I absolutely love this time of year - there's a crispness in the air that signals the start of autumn as well as new beginnings in many areas of my life:  a new school year, the Jewish New Year, and, since both of my kids celebrate fall birthdays, a true new year begins in their lives. Apples have become symbolic of this time of year, for me at least, as it's the time when abundant crops of the fruit are available and at their best.  
Here are a few great apple picking orchards that aren't too far from the Chicago area:
Northern … (5 comments)

Open Today, 9/12 - 1341 Ferndale Ave, Highland Park, IL - 09/12/10 09:59 AM


Step inside this cozy yet spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath split level and you'll immediately feel at home! This impeccably maintained home boasts some of the most desired updates: newer windows, doors and roof  and completely renovated baths.
 
 The large living room flows right into the separate dining room, creating a perfect space for entertaining. Both rooms have hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and a wall of windows to let in light and views of the backyard.

 The bright, white eat-in kitchen has ample cabinet and counter space and a charming bay window.

All three bedrooms … (2 comments)

Is the American Dream Dead, or Just Taking a Break? - 09/10/10 10:55 PM
Is the American Dream Dead, or Just Taking a Break?
Here is a great article from the New York Times, written by Karl Case, one half of the duo who bring us the esteemed Case-Shiller Index each month - a national measure of housing prices. In his op-ed, Case points out clearly and insightfully the delicate relationship between consumer confidence, demographics and the housing market, as well as how our definitions of the "American dream" vary and may need some re-interpretation.
Op-Ed ContributorA Dream House After AllBy KARL E. CASEPublished: September 1, 2010
IF you read the coverage of the latest figures … (5 comments)

There's Still Time to Contest Your Highland Park, IL 2009 Property Assessments! - 09/03/10 10:54 AM

By now you've had time to review your Highland Park property tax assessments, which were mailed out mid-August on blue tri-fold paper this year - no more blue cards.
These assessments are based on a compilation of sales data for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Across the board, Highland Park residents saw a 5.6% decrease in their home's assessed value. This won't translate to a reduction in taxes, however, as the city still needs its revenue!
If you believe your property has been inaccurately assessed, you can contact your local assessors office. Highland Park is divided into two townships: … (1 comments)

High School Football Season is in Full Swing! - 09/02/10 10:23 AM
 
School has begun, fall is around the corner, and high school football season is here! There's no better way to spend a crisp autumn day than to support your community's football team, whether you have a current or past student, are an alumi yourself, or have future high school students.
If you didn't receive my lastest mailer with the Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School varsity football schedules, here it is!
 

 
Enjoy, and go Giants and Warriors!!
… (0 comments)

 


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