BUILDER WILL INCLUDE FINISHED BASEMENT at 1243 RIDGEWOOD DR, HIGHLAND PARK, IL

Ravinia Renovations has taken this home down to the studs. Most everything is NEW: kitchen, baths, drywall, insullation, mechanicals, electric, sewer, WOW, too much to name. You must see this beautiful 1918 Renovation. So much attention to detail. If home goes under contract at $549k, builder will finish basement for buyer, value $20K. Above ground sq footage: 1,650 + 676 (basement) = 2,326. Easy to show. Coach House an additional 450 sqft.
Please call me for your appointment: Pam Devendorf,Broker (847) 681-4143.

APRIL 27 -MAY 19 2013 LAKE FOREST, IL DAVID ADLER MANSION

Widely recognized as one of the top Showhouses in the country and the premier Showhouse in the Midwest, over the past 27 years this event has raised more than $2.75 million of dollars to provide medical services to Chicago’s working poor. All proceeds from the Showhouse will help to fund the Angel Harvey Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Community Health Center, located in the Logan Square community.
The early 20th-century architect David Adler was responsible for many grand estates, but perhaps none was so well executed as this Italianate mansion on the shores of Lake Michigan.
TICKETS online now:

You Have Better Ways To Spend Your Time When It Comes To Selling or Buying A Home

As a Broker with Coldwell Banker, I realize my client’s have lives to lead, families to take care of and a thousand things on your mind. That’s why I shoulder the weight of finding or selling a home.

The biggest challenge for home buyers this season is the lack of inventory, which is down 20-25%. On the rental side, inventory remains tight. Tenants are staying in properties longer waiting for their credit to rebound. The good news: conventional home sales were up 23% year-over-year from March, 2012 to 2013. Delinquent mortgages and foreclosures dropped to 9.96% in March, down from 10.98% in March 2012.

Now is the time for Spring Market and with my knowledge and experience, I can help you or someone you know to sell or buy a home.
For new clients I am offering a Home Warranty (up to $450).
I specialize in Rentals, Relocation, Home Selling, Home Buying, Short Sales and Foreclosures.
~PAM DEVENDORF/Broker, Realtor
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL HOMES
DIRECT: (847) 681-4143
Pam.Devendorf@cbexchange.com

HOW MANY HOMES WHERE SOLD ON THE NORTH SHORE, 1 ST QUARTER?

... WOW, 873!

When it comes to your most important real estate investments, trust a professional who is exceeding expectations every day. Buying, selling, Relocating or renting a property can be an overwhelming and frustrating prospect. Hiring me as your Real Estate Broker, can make the process stress free and more fulfilling. I look forward to the opportunity to serve your Real Estate needs and answer any questions you may have. I have been Certified as a Broker’s Price Opinion Resource (BPOR), Relocation (International & Domestic), Short Sale Foreclosure Resource (SFR), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and GREEN (Eco-Friendly), Rent to Own(Purchase Contract), Remodeling, NEW Construction and have experience with Foreclosure and Bankruptcy. All consultations are confidential.

I am now accepting clients and will offer a Home Warranty (up to $450) to you as a Buyer or Seller for new clients. Call me today: Pam Devendorf, Broker (847) 681-4143.
*Includes: Includes: Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Glenview/Golf, Mundelein/Ivanhoe, Vernon Hills/Indian Creek and Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

NATIONWIDE OPEN HOUSE APRIL 21, 2013

For one weekend in April REALTORS® will hold open houses in neighborhoods from coast to coast, bringing value to both buyers and sellers. The event also provides a tremendous opportunity to promote the benefits of homeownership and continue an open dialogue with consumers about the housing issues that matter most to them.
Please visit me at: 1243 RIDGEWOOD DRIVE, Highland Park, Illinois
Sunday, April 21st, 1 - 3 PM.
This is a beautiful re-model of a vintage 1918 home with Coach House.
Builder offers a flat screen TV ($1,000) if under contract by April 30th!
Visit:

CHICAGO, IL ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW STARTS APRIL 19 - 21, 2013

Do not miss this fabulous event! Celebrating 13 years, the Antiques & Garden Fair continues to offer the best in classical and contemporary garden furnishings, botanical art, and home and garden design from more than 100 exhibitors from the United States and Europe. Guests will find a variety of treasures in every price range.
The Fair will be held in the beautiful Regenstein Center. There will be tents over the Esplanade and the Rose Garden as well as vendors in Burnstein Hall, Runnells and Searle Courtyards, Nichols Hall, Joutras Gallery, and the Greenhouse Galleries.

This year, the widely anticipated event celebrates “Color in the Garden: An Artist’s View.” The theme will be interpreted in five display gardens built by local landscapers Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc.; William Heffernan Landscapes; Mariani Landscape; The Organic Gardener; and Maria Smithburg with Manfredini Landscape and Design.
New this year, shoppers may enjoy samples of organically grown wine from Bonterra Organic Vineyards.

This has always been one of my favorite events to attend. You'll find unusual items for your garden and home. Bring a friend and enjoy lunch at their delicious Cafe.
Visit:

NORTH SHORE*, IL RENTAL MARKET 1ST QUARTER 2013, 374 UNITS RENTED!

If you are considering renting a home in the near future, you should have the required paperwork completed along with a Credit Report with your current FICO score (not more than 6 months old), 2 recent paystubs and a letter from your employer before you start looking. A typical rental will want first month’s rent and one month’s security deposit. The lessee does not pay any fees to the Realtor, rather it is the home owner/Lessor which hires and pays the Brokerage firm to market their property.
Some rentals are pet friendly and will require an additional pet deposit. This amount is negotiated with the Rental Agreement and may or may not be refunded.
I recommend to my clients, treat the rental as if it was your own home and return the home to the Lessor in the condition you rented the home. The home owner/Lessor will appreciate this and will be agreeable to returning your security deposit in full. If there is damage, depending on the amount, the Lessor will keep some or all of the security deposit to pay for repairs outside of minor day to day usage.
Please call me if you are thinking about renting a home, town home or condominium. I average 12-15 rentals per year . PAM DEVENDORF, BROKER (847) 681-4143
*Includes: Deerfield, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Glenview/Golf, Mundelein/Ivanhoe, Vernon Hills/Indian Creek and Buffalo Grove, Il.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE ARTISTS: MUMFORD & SONS

Mumford & Sons are an English folk rock band. The band consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, guitar, drums, mandolin), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboards, accordion, drums), Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo, guitar, resonator guitar), and Ted Dwane (vocals, string bass, drums, guitar). Mumford & Sons were formed in December 2007, emerging out of West London.
I was recently introduced to this band by my two children. It's easy listening (yes, you can actually understand the words), and the music generally makes you feels very homey and grounded.
VISIT:

HOW’S THE RENTAL MARKET?

This is a question I receive multiple times a week. During the past several years, it has become a large factor in the Real Estate community due to short sales, foreclosures, Relocation and potential buyers not qualifying or having the down payment for a mortgage.

The 1st Quarter of 2013 which is usually a slower period for rentals, 374 properties were rented in less than six weeks. This is compared to 873 homes which were sold during the same time frame and areas. The typical rental market usually becomes busy May thru August to get children into a school district and warmer temperatures allow for an easier move.

If you are considering renting a home in the near future, you should have the required paperwork completed along with a Credit Report with your current FICO score (not more than 6 months old), 2 recent paystubs and a letter from your employer before you start looking. A typical rental will want first month’s rent and one month’s security deposit. The lessee does not pay any fees to the Realtor, rather it is the home owner/Lessor which hires and pays the Brokerage firm to market their property.
Some rentals are pet friendly and will require an additional pet deposit. This amount is negotiated with the Rental Agreement and may or may not be refunded.
I recommend to my clients, treat the rental as if it was your own home and return the home to the Lessor in the condition you rented the home. The home owner/Lessor will appreciate this and will be agreeable to returning your security deposit in full. If there is damage, depending on the amount, the Lessor will keep some or all of the security deposit to pay for repairs outside of minor day to day usage.

Please call me if you are thinking about renting a home, town home or condominium.
I average 12-15 rentals per year .
Areas: Deerfield, Riverwoods, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Glenview, Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire and Mundelein, Illinois.
Pam.Devendorf@cbexchange.com:

ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW, CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, IL APRIL 19-21

Celebrating 13 years, the Antiques & Garden Fair continues to offer the best in classical and contemporary garden furnishings, botanical art, and home and garden design from more than 100 exhibitors from the United States and Europe. Guests will find a variety of treasures in every price range.

The Fair will be held in the beautiful Regenstein Center. There will be tents over the Esplanade and the Rose Garden as well as vendors in Burnstein Hall, Runnells and Searle Courtyards, Nichols Hall, Joutras Gallery, and the Greenhouse Galleries.

This year, the widely anticipated event celebrates “Color in the Garden: An Artist’s View.” The theme will be interpreted in five display gardens built by local landscapers Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc.; William Heffernan Landscapes; Mariani Landscape; The Organic Gardener; and Maria Smithburg with Manfredini Landscape and Design.

New this year, shoppers may enjoy samples of organically grown wine from Bonterra Organic Vineyards.

This has always been one of my favorite events to attend. You'll find unusual items for your garden and home. Bring a friend and enjoy lunch at their delicious Cafe.
For more information visit:

WHAT IS A SHORT SALE FORECLOSURE REPRESENTATIVE?

The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR® certification to REALTORS® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.

According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction. REALTORS® who have earned the SFR® certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

As an advocate for homeownership, I believe that any family that loses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, there are situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their homes, and a foreclosure or a short sale results.It is extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a REALTOR® who has earned the SFR® certification for these kinds of purchases.
In Spring 2010, I was certified as a Short Sale Foreclosure Representative (SFR).

Going through a short sale is complicated. It is not all doom and gloom, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There can be a happy ending to a very stressful situation between the bank and the home owner. However, time is of the essence! Please call or e-mail me today for a private consultation. ~PAM

SHOULD YOU BUY A SHORT SALE?

When you spot a short sale home that interests you, take your hand off the mouse and step away from the computer. Before you get all excited over the prospect of buying that short sale house, pick up the phone and call me, a qualified real estate agent. We need to investigate how far the short sale process has evolved for the seller. Have they completed their paperwork? Are they motivated to negotiate an offer? Is the seller ready to move on? If the answers to these 3 important questions are yes, the next step is to view the home.
A short sale home is always sold “As IS’, meaning the condition you see the home in, is the condition you will be purchasing the home. You will have an opportunity to conduct a professional Home Inspection and if there are major repairs which are required ie: foundation or structural issues, you can cancel the contract.
Illinois taxes are one year behind the current year’s taxes. In 2013, we will be paying 2012 Real Estate taxes. Generally taxes go up and not down and during a normal real estate sale, taxes are pro-rated at 105 - 110% to adjust for the tax increase. However, banks do not want to pay any increase for property taxes so, the pro-rated tax will be at 100% up until close. You the buyer will be responsible for any tax increase.
The short sale has to be an arms length transaction. The home owner cannot have their relatives or neighbors purchase the home for them and rent it back to them. They have to move to a new home.
Be prepared to wait for a response from the lender. The bank usually has requested a BPO (Brokers Price Opinion) on the subject home from a Realtor or Appraiser. The bank already knows what price the home should sell at. They banks are not interested in low ball offers, they need to re-coup some of their money.
Most important, you the buyer should have a pre-approval letter from your lender or proof of funds if this is going to be a cash purchase. Many banks want the new buyer to occupy the home for a minimum of 12 months and have the buyer sign a statement agreeing to this condition. The only contingency which is allowed in the contract is a mortgage, no home sale.
Purchasing or Selling a Short Sale is complicated, please contact me for a confidential appointment. ~PAM

WINIFRED NEEDS A NEW OWNER (HIGHLAND PARK, IL)

Beautifully poised on a landscaped lot, this Prairie style home was originally built in 1918-1919. Ravinia Renovations, winner of Highland Park’s Historical Preservation award for 2011 has completely renovated this charming home from the ground up. Conveniently located near downtown Highland Park, Lincoln School & the Green Bay Trail, this magnificent home offers two floors of classic beauty. Highlights of the 6 room home includes: master bedroom with two built-in dressers, walk-in closet with built-in units, vaulted ceiling with horizontal bead board & period Arts & Crafts chandelier. Two additional bedrooms feature custom millwork, both offer walk-in closets. The shared family bath has a walk-in shower with easy to use temperature controls & ceiling mounted rain head, antique marble vanity with farm sink, period wall sconces & chandelier, built-in linen unit, & travertine tile floor.
Priced reasonably at $549,000.
Builder will give a $1,000 credit for a flat screen TV if under contract by April 30th!
Call Pam for you private appointment: (847) 681-4143

WHAT IS A SHORT SALE?

A real estate short sale is when a home owner can no longer afford their monthly mortgage payments and they negotiate the sale of their property with the help of a professional Realtor and a qualified buyer to purchase the home for less than what is owed on the mortgage. The Realtor, seller and their attorney present the offer to their lender asking for permission to grant the short sale. By completing a short sale, the deficiency debt is granted on the home usually with no tax implications (check local laws). Short sales have become common in the past 5 years due the down turn in the economy and the decline in home values since 2007. Another term for “short sale” is “underwater”.
Not every property qualifies as a potential short sale in a bank's eyes. A bank must agree to grant a short sale. Banks are under no obligation to approve a short sale. Banks will grant a short sale if the bank feels it is in the bank's best interest to approve the short sale. The home can also be a short sale if the accepted sales price is higher than the mortgage but not high enough to pay off all of the closing costs and commissions. Moreover, in some instances involving 2 mortgages, the sales price might be high enough to pay off the existing first mortgage yet insufficient to completely pay the balance due on the second mortgage. If there is a shortage involved to close, it is a short sale
The benefit to the bank in approving a short sale, is if the bank will make more money through the short sale than to foreclose on the home. It is estimated that banks might save 25% to 30% on foreclosure costs to grant a short sale over a foreclosure.
The primary benefit to the homeowner is loan applications do not ask questions about a short sale. You can report that you sold your home and maybe eligible for financing on a new home purchase 1-3 years after the short sale.
The down side to a foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, the loan application will ask: "Have you ever had a property foreclosed upon or given a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure during the past 7 years." If the bank sees you have had a foreclosure, your loan most likely will be denied. If you lie, you may be subject to investigation by the FBI for mortgage fraud.
If you are in a precarious hardship situation (liens pending/pre-foreclosure), with the proper guidance, I can help you navigate the short sale transaction. I have completed and have been trained as a Short Sale Foreclosure expert (SFR). I have represented sellers and buyers who have successfully completed the short sale transaction. Some banks have been offering financial assistance to their borrowers to help pay for moving costs or 1st month’s rent and security deposit.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR THE NORTH SHORE of, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

THE NORTH SHORE of, IL ~ MEDIAN SOLD PRICE UP 3.5% ~ DAYS on Market Down 3%

....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......340…..........147................... ...$140,000… ..............$62,392,026
Detached......533 ............159.......................$369,000 …..............$241,294,535
TOTAL:……873……….154………………$280,800…………..$303,686,561
2012 TOTALS: 654…….199………………$253,750…………..$225,078,026

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................374....................$1,900

Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

This Data Includes the Following Areas: Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Glenview/Golf, Mundelein/Ivanhoe, Vernon Hills/Indian Creek and Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR DEERFIELD, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

DEERFIELD, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......20.............162................... ...$127,200… ..............$3,467,900
Detached......42.............162.......................$367,000 …..............$17,061,100

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................21....................$1,900
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR BANNOCKBURN, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

BANNOCKBURN, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Detached......0…...............0.............................$0 ………...........$0

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
............................0....................$0
Note: There are only single family homes in Bannockburn.
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR RIVERWOODS, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

RIVERWOODS, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Detached......7...............86.............................$547,500 …..........$3,468,350

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
............................5....................$2,900
Note: There are only single family homes in Riverwoods.
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR HIGHLAND PARK, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

HIGHLAND PARK, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......17.............264................... ...$245,000… ..............$4,631,950
Detached......68.............196.......................$390,000 …..............$32,132,824

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................41....................$2,000
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR LAKE FOREST, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

LAKE FOREST, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......17.............306................... ...$170,000… ..............$4,455,500
Detached......48.............197.......................$802,500 …..............$47,519,000

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................31....................$2,600
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR LAKE BLUFF, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

LAKE BLUFF, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached .......5...............94................... ...$161,000… ..............$1,011,000
Detached......24.............167......................$409,000 …..............$11,410,275

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................18....................$1,945
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR LINCOLNSHIRE, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached .......7..............245.....................$279,500… ..............$2,098,500
Detached......13.............193......................$439,000 ….............$6,660,101

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................5....................$2,600
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR NORTHBROOK, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

NORTHBROOK, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......38.............106....................$204,500..............$8,676,800
Detached......73.............198.....................$446,285.............$35,812,286

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................49............$1,950
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR GLENVIEW/GOLF, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

GLENVIEW/GOLF, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......74.............143....................$183,000..............$17,583,974
Detached......79.............158.....................$425,000.............$39,588,900

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................39............$2,400
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR MUNDELEIN/IVANHOE, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

MUNDELEIN/INVANHOE, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......28.............133....................$110,000..............$3,102,107
Detached......82..............130....................$152,500.............$14,666,799

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................37............$1,600
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......58.............118....................$105,050..............$8,563,300
Detached.......37.............121....................$330,000.............$13,280,950

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................67............$1,550
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1ST QUARTER SOLD DATA FOR BUFFALO GROVE, IL ~ January 1 – March 31, 2013

BUFFALO GROVE, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......76.............128....................$91,500..............$8,800,995
Detached......60..............95....................$310,000.............$19,693,950

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.......................61............$1,900
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

1243 RIDGEWOOD, Highland Park, Il HAS $20K REDUCTION!

We have reduced the price on this Arts & Crafts style home from $589,000 to $569,000! The home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathroom, 2 car detached garage/Coach house with an additional 500 sq feet. Move-In Ready or purchase as an investment property and rent the home. Quick Close is possible. Call Pam for a personal showing: (847) 681-4143. Visit: 1243Ridgewood on YouTube.

PAM DEVENDORF CELEBRATES HER 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT COLDWELL BANKER

I celebrated my 1 year anniversary with Coldwell Banker this past April 1st, 2013.
Having been a Realtor since 2006, I am very proud to be a member of the CB family.
If you know someone who would like to become part of the CB family, I would be happy to share my experience with them.