QUICK WEEKEND PROJECT ~ WIRELESS DOOR BELL!

My philosophy to owning a home is: Make it Yours! Find items which will make your family enjoy the home as your personal sanctuary. As a Realtor, I visit many homes whose doorbell is dead, cannot locate the door bell or it is completely MIA (missing).
A favorite website of mine is: DOOR BELL FACTORY!

Once, you visit this website and it's selection and affordabilty you will want to own more than one home.
So many options for the exterior of your home! You'll be hooked!
You can choose from wired or wireless doobells. Wireless is the future! Cost per year is minimal. No electricity. Just a simple low volt battery which needs to be replaced every 6 - 12 months, available at local stores.
So, this weekend, install a new door bell and your guests will be impressed with the charm of your home.

RAVINIA MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS NOW ON SALE, HIGHLAND PARK, IL

1904, Ravinia Festival Association has been Chicago's "sound of summer," a place where you can meet up with your friends, have a wonderful time and hear some of the greatest music in the world. Ravinia offers a mix of musical guests from Classic to Rock to Country. Ravinia is an experience not to be missed. There are two seating choices: pavilion seats or lawn seats. Attendees make a night of it usually packing a picnic dinner complete with candles and table cloth. No time to cook, Ravinia has an array of restaurants from sit down to fast food. Tickets tend to sell out fast. The official Ravinia website is:

JUST LISTED: 2927 SUMMIT AVE, HIGHLAND PARK, IL

Nestled on deep landscaped lot, 2927 Summit is ready for new owners. This open floor plan offers 4 beds, master bath w/steam shower, oversized dining rm, custom built family rm w/floor to ceiling windows, wood burning fireplace, walk out basement, lower office, work out rm or nanny rm w/powder rm. In 2012, new insulation, windows, garage doors, SS fridge & dishwasher. Exterior siding & deck painted '13. Approximately 2,730 sq ft. Home Warranty.***Interior Photos Coming Soon!***
HOME UNDER CONTRACT!

TIME TO CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET & MAKE THAT WARDROBE SWITCH!

Spring has finally arrived! It took it's sweet time but now it's time to pack away those sweaters, cashmere, wool, corduroy, and bulky clothes. HOORAY!
However, if your closet is like mine, and only holds one seasons worth of clothes... get ready for the wardrobe switch. As soon as the temperatures hit the 70's, I have to dig and dig and dig for the short sleeves and shorts. This is a dreaded activity which I tend to put off due to the voluminous heaps of clothes. So, this year I approached my closet with a die hard attitude. I was going to purge my closet of any items which I had not worn within the past 2 or more years. Simplification was my goal. So last Saturday and Sunday, yes it turned out to be a 2 day process, I jumped into my closet and managed to lighten my wardrobe by donating 5 garbage bags filled to the top with neatly folded clothes. It was liberating! I have streamlined my morning by at least 10 minutes. I no longer have to sift thru clothes I did not wear, rather I go straight to my favorites.
Now it's your turn to be brave and donate your unwanted clothes. Good Luck! You will be happier with less clutter ;)

RAVINIA RENOVATIONS IS LOOKING FOR IT'S NEXT PERIOD RE-MODEL/ADDITION

AFTER:
BEFORE:

RAVINIA RENOVATIONS… “RE-PURPOSING YESTERDAY’S HOME FOR TODAY!”
Ravinia Renovations was established in 2010 with the goal to build and re-model homes to be eco-friendly with the environment and to preserve the character of local neighborhoods. Their first project was an original 1928 “Columbine” home which had been ordered from the Sears catalog and constructed on site.
They were very honored to have won Highland Park’s 2011 Historic Preservation Award for the re-model/new construction of 501 Burton Ave., Highland Park, Illinois.
Ravinia Renovations is looking for their new re-model and/or new construction of homes in the area.
A complimentary one hour consultation is available to home owners who would like to a new kitchen, bathroom, master suite, addition, finished basement, man cave, outdoor living space, whatever. Bring us your plans & we will deliver your dream, home to you!
Call Pam: (847) 681-4143

DIEGO BRINGS ME A (LIVE) MOTHERS DAY GIFT

This past Sunday, May 12th was Mothers Day. One of my Siamese Cats, Diego also known as cat/dog due to his love of the outdoors decided to bring me one his own personal gifts.
I was in the kitchen baking cookies, when I heard an odd noise. I went to see what the noise was, and there was Diego with a chipmunk in his mouth." Happy Mother's Day, Mom" Diego said.
Well, I freaked and screamed. I tried to convince Diego to drop the chipmunk thinking it was dead...good news...it was alive! OMG!
I quickly opened the front door trying to convince Diego to run back outside with the live critter.Well, Diego panicked and ran upstairs. I closed bedroom and bathroom doors, tried to leap over Diego to close the master bedroom door but, no luck. Diego is fast. He ran into our master bedroom, dropped the chipmunk and it began to run around our bedroom. For awhile Diego was engaged and chased the chipmunk but, soon lost interest.
I decided to go back down stairs and give the chipmunk some time to decompress. After awhile, I heard a squeak in the front hall closet. I opened the door and there IT was. Diego proceeded to chase the chipmunk under our couch. It was a smart little thing staying in the middle. So, I grabbed a yardstick and tried to coerce it out from under the couch.
Finally, after 2 hours in our house, Diego managed to chase it out the front door. ;).
So, Diego thank you very much for the thoughtful gift, however next time a hairball would be acceptable
P.S. I thank the neighbors for not calling the police due to my wild screaming, it ran over my foot twice!

PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHTS BY PHOEBE

"Materialistic Items Do Not Define Who You Are, You Define Who You Are."

I'M LOOKING FOR AN EMPTY NESTER BUYER or SELLER

The definition of an Empty Nester:a parent(s) whose children have grown up and moved away from home. Being an Empty Nester is the next step in your life. It is an opportunity for you to evaluate, "What's Next?" You've raised your children, you no longer need to stay in your preferred school district and you probably no longer need the big home for entertaining. With the affordable housing market and interest rates, now is a perfect time to consider selling your home and downsizing.
Downsizing is an opportunity to get rid of the clutter which has been accumulating in your life. Downsizing allows you to save more money for retirement: taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance of the home, etc. Downsizing means more location opportunities for you to consider: new city/suburb, style of home, maybe a condo or town home where the yard work and snow removal is done for you allowing you more free time.
Maybe you just cannot afford to stay in your family home anymore due to life's expenses; medical, college, job loss or pay decrease.
As a Realtor this is where I enter to help guide you to sell your home while locating your new home. If you are considering moving out of the area or to an International location,I have a network of professional Realtors, which I can match up your personality and needs to make you feel comfortable with your new destination. Please call me for you consultation today: Pam Devendorf, Broker (847) 681-4143. Illinois Realtor
As a recent Empty Nester/Down Sizer, I feel liberated & very, very happy in a smaller home!
P.S. It's great to sleep in on the weekends.

THE CHARM OF A FRONT PORCH SWING HAS RETURNED!

As a Realtor, who visits several homes, when I see a local resident, I give them a wave, smile and friendly "hello". I'm pleased to say, that the greeting is always warmly returned to me. That is why, I would like to start a campaign for PORCH SWINGS.
A porch swing will introduce you to the neighborhood. Even though we all have busy lives and are constantly using our electronic gadgets, people still like to interact socially. Installing a porch swing is relatively easy, just a few screws and bolts, hang the swing, add some comfortable, colorful pillows and you're done!
A porch swing can be a 3 season room. You can enjoy reading, a beverage, watch a movie on your computer, or just relax and enjoy the outdoors. I guarantee, your neighbors will stop and say "hi". This is a great way to form community security. E-mail me your porch swing photos and I will BLOG them ;). ~Pam Pam.Devendorf@cbexchange.com (include your location.)
A great website for porch swings is: The Porch Swing Company

COMFY DAYBED SWING:

PORCH SWING & STAND:

DOES YOUR HOUSE HAVE A NUMBER?

Of Course! But when was the last time you updated your house number? Is your house number visible to others?
Add personality to your home with some new house numbers. A very quick and inexpensive decor item.
I recommend having two sets of house numbers; the first attached to your home, the second at the end of your drive.
Your guests will be thankful they can easily identify your home.
Here a few suggestions:
Restoration Hardware offers a very nice selection of numbers 4" or 6" in different styles and color choices.
MailBox and Beyond offers a plaque for your home which can be personalized with the owner's name.
Mailbox Exchange offers a variety of products: address plaques, mailboxes and post holders.
Everything is customizable and personlized to fit your homes personality!
Who wouldn't want something personalized for their Home?
Great idea for: house warming, wedding. birthday gift, Mother's and/or Father's Day!

HAVE YOU OUT GROWN YOUR 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 PET FRIENDLY REALTOR (except snakes)
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL HOMES
DIRECT: (847) 681-4143
Pam.Devendorf@cbexchange.com

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR NORTH SHORE OF ILLINOIS*

Units DAYS on MARKET Median Sold $ APRIL 2013 Totals
Attached 156 139 $144,000 $29,413,816
Detached 274 126 $440,000 $142,192,626
TOTAL 430 131 $328,500 $171,606,442

APRIL 2012
TOTAL 285 182 $304,000 $113,677,015

RENTALS: Units Median Rental Price

184 $2,140
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.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR BUFFALO GROVE, Illinois

BUFFALO GROVE, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......33...........181.…......................$115,000... ...............$4,703,490
Detached.......33...........71….........................$290,000..….............$10,353,900

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.........................36......................$2,025
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, Illinois

VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......19............81.…......................$112,500... ...............$2,698,920
Detached.......16...........78….......................$423,000..…..............$7,180,500

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.........................30......................$1,587
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR MUNDELEIN/IVANHOE, Illinois

MUNDELEIN/INVANHOE, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......18............88.…......................$118,000... ...............$2,062,840
Detached.......21............88….......................$175,000…..............$3,937,921

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.........................25......................$1,565
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR GLENVIEW/GOLF, Illinois

GLENVIEW/GOLF, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......28............190.…......................$161,750.. ...............$6,746,550
Detached.......50........... 159….......................$472,750….............$27,620,770

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.........................18......................$2,472
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR NORTHBROOK, Illinois

NORTHBROOK, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......19.............73.…................... ...$169,900.. ..............$3,560,303
Detached.......35........... 133….......................$475,000….............$18,278,400

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
.........................23......................$2,400
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR LINCOLNSHIRE, Illinois

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ...... 2.............277.…................... ...$251,250.. ..............$502,500
Detached........7............ 400…........................$400,000….............$3,298,000

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
......................... 3......................$2,500
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR LAKE BLUFF, Illinois

LAKE BLUFF, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ...... 2.............40..…................... ...$198,000.. ..............$396,000
Detached.......18......... 156............................$522,700. ..............$9,686,700

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
......................... 9......................$1,975
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR LAKE FOREST, Illinois

LAKE FOREST, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......10.............152…................... ...$350,000.. ..............$3,471,125
Detached......35 ........... 155...........................$655,000 ..............$28,971,850

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
......................... 14......................$4,150
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR HIGHLAND PARK, Illinois

HIGHLAND PARK, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......13.............219................... ...$180,000… ..............$3,286,500
Detached......37............. 90.......................$440,000 …..............$20,123,950

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
....................... 14....................$2,150
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR DEERFIELD, Illinois

DEERFIELD, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Attached ......12.............75…................... ...$152,500.. ..............$1,985,588
Detached......19 ........... 96...........................$462,000 ..............$11,370,635

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
....................... 9....................$2,200
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR RIVERWOODS, Illinois

RIVERWOODS, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....1st Quarter Totals
Detached......2…...............120......................$427,500 ……….....$855,000

RENTALS: .....Units...... Median Rental $
...........................3....................$2,650
Note: There are only single family homes in Riverwoods.
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR BANNOCKBURN, Illinois

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.

EARLY 19TH CENTURY HOME IN DEERFIELD,IL AVAILABLE TO NEW HOME OWNER!

This one-of-a kind magnificent estate which was once an original residence to the Village of Deerfield, Il (Inc 1810).It is on the Real Estate market after being privately owned for the past several years.

This home which was originally a 19th-century orphanage, has had several additions and contains some of Europes' finest treasures; light fixtures, molding, fireplaces, etc. One can only imagine the history associated with this home and it's true beauty! The estate offers 7 bedrooms, with a private basement bedroom with it's own bath and full kitchen. The estate offers 8 full bathrooms with 2 powder rooms.
Upon entering this Estate you will be amazed at the alomost nearly all-white ballroom, and a paneled library, secluded Four Season room, stricking living and dining rooms.

The home is located on a private street in Deerfield, Ill. Deerfield Public Schools have consecutively rated in the top 5 Illinois School Districts for several years. Deerfield High School was the recipient of the Blue Ribbon Award in 2009! Deerfield, Il is located apprx 18 miles north of Chicago, 20 min from O'Hare and a 10 minute drive to Lake Michigan, 30 minutes to wisconsin.
Please call Pam Devendorf if you are interested in purchasing this home: (847) 681-4143.