BEAUTIFUL ARBOR GATES LEAD TO YOUR BACKYARD!

Have a mundane fence entrance or back yard which needs some personality? Consider adding an Arbor or Pergola. Arbors/Pergolas, are a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area made up from vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice. This is a creative feature for your home which you can design and have custom built for you. I have an infinite love for cats, dragonflies, butterflies, flowers and hummingbirds so I would compile these features into my entrance to my garden and incorporate these designs within my garden. Send me your photos or your Pergola/Arbor to: pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

PLEASE CONSIDER RESCUING A PET!

My first rescue was when I was 11 years old. Since then, I have rescued & saved five cats from being destroyed. People deal with their unwanted pets in many unkind ways. Some people have their pet(s) euthanized (also known as putting it down or putting it to sleep). Personally this method is not ethical for any pet(s) who have no control or voice regarding their circumstances. Other people simply release their pet into the wild or otherwise abandon it, with the expectation that it will be able to take care of itself or that it will be found & adopted. More often, these pets succumb to hunger, the weather, traffic or wild animals. More responsible owners will take their pet to a shelter, or call a rescue organization, where it will be cared for properly until a home can be found. Homes cannot always be found & euthanasia is often used for the excess animals to make room for newer pets, unless the place has a no-kill policy. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the US because of a lack of homes! To me, that number is very upsetting. I am an advocate for all the cats, dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs, who cannot express their feelings or have control over what is happening to them. If you have a pet that you can no longer accommodate or afford, please DO NOT toss it out into the street. We have many shelters in the Chicago area, many are NO KILL: PAWS, Save-A-Pet, Anti-Cruelty Society, Orphans of the Storm, & many more.And PLEASE consider adopting from a shelter. Pet Friendly Realtor, ~PAM

73% OF PEOPLE BELIEVE NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME!

The Real Estate market has been pretty busy this year. In 2012 a seller could be on the market for 3 - 18 months. Now there is such a shortgage of homes, that priced right and in good condition, they go under contract within days of being listed for close to list $ with multiple offers.

2012 was definately the bottom of the market and in 2013 prices are slowly increasing by 3 - 3.5%. Interest rates will slowly be creeping up by the end of the year from 3.875% to 5%.

This affects a buyer's power by $11,000 per $300,000. So, if you are looking at a $300,000 house now by the end of the year IF interest rates rise, you will now be looking at $289,000.

5 TOP REASONS PEOPLE BUY A HOME

FINANCIAL
1. Seeing Ownership as an Investment
2. Chance to Build Equity & Credit
3. Smarter Than Paying Rent
4. Most Cost Effective Than Renting
5. Financial Security & Stability

NON-FINANCIAL
1. Belief in Home Ownership
2. Don't Want to Live in a Rental
3. Better Place for the Family
4. Ability to do What They Want
5. Pride of Ownership

ADD SOME PERSONALITY TO YOUR SWITCH PLATES!

Add some personality to your home by replacing those boring white or metal light switch plates and outlet covers with some new plate covers. I've done it to my own home and love the transformation! I removed the dated, yellowed original switch plate covers and replaced them with a polished nickel with a rope design. It adds a nice touch to the decor of my home. I recommend that you keep the same plate design with the entire home, do not mix. However, if you have a children's room with a particular theme ie: sports, Princess, bears; feel free to change the primary cover to complete the room decor. There are so many choices and websites. You can also shop your local hardware stores. Have Fun!

I DISCOVERED A "NEW BAND" ALL BY MYSELF! VAMPIRE WEEKEND!

Do not let the name of this band hold you back from down loading their album(s) or viewing them on YOU TUBE! As a lover of all types of music: Classical, Rock, Disco, Punk, Country, Opera, and a little Rap, I was very excited to hear VAMPIRE WEEKEND on the radio for the 1st time. I quickly e-mailed my two sons, Mathew & Andrew..... who, OMG, had of course, already heard of them and liked them also.
This is a band of 4 men who got together at Columbia University in NYC (2006) and started their band: VAMPIRE WEEKEND. The name itself is intriguing. The music is phenomenal! A little punk rock music intertwined with African folk rock. Ok, they could have come up with a better name than VAMPIRE WEEKEND, it was all do to those zombie/vampire movies happening in the mid-2000's. But, no matter your age, I think you'll like their style. Enjoy, ~Pam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ps6TjI7ws0

WATCH CHRIS THE NINJA ON AMERICA'S GOT TALENT TONIGHT! 6/18

Please watch America's Got Talent tonight, June 18, 2013. My son's BFF Chris the Ninja is appearing on the show with 4 additional young men. Their performance includes breaking boards and Tae Kwon Do. Super Cool! Chris is the one with glasses. P.S. They did go on to round 3 in Las Vegas but....

COLDWELL BANKER ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER

Follow Coldwell Banker on Facebbok and Twitter.

WANT A GREAT WAY TO CELEBRATE DAD'S DAY WITHOUT YOU DOING THE BBQ'ing?

Founded in 2002 by local businesses, the 6 CORNERS Association was established to contribute to the revitalization of their historic business district (est. early 1900's) in Chicago, Ill. Thinking smartly, they created the 6 CORNERS BBQ FEST to be held on...of course, Father's Day! The festival is held along Milwaukee Ave where Cicero Ave & Irving Park Roads meet to form the 6 Corners. There will be a children's area, local artisans selling their products, LIVE music and what would the Fest be without BBQ Food? Enjoy feasting on your favorite BBQ entrees. Do you prefer baby back or beef ribs? Pulled pork vs beef brisket. Turkey legs vs chicken wings? Whatever your preference bring the family to this smoke filled heaven of BBQ! Smells are free but a small donation of $5 is requested to help benefit the 6 Corners Association. Bring Dad, grandpa, or your friends to 6 Corners BBQ Fest: June 15th - 16th, 2013.
Groupon is offering a discount to those who pre-purchase their tickets. Click this link, tickets are going FAST!
YUM! http://6cornersbbqfest.com/
E-mail me your photos to: pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

ARE YOU RELOCATING TO THE CHICAGO , ILLINOIS AREA?

Chicago is a highly diversified area which has over 2.7 million residents along with it's surrounding communities which adds an additional (apprx) 3,000,000 residents. Chicago is an international hub for finance, commerce, industry, telecommunications, transportation, and several major corporate headquarters, ie: Walgreens, Illinois Tool Works, US Astellas, Kraft Foods, Boeing, OfficeMax, McDonalds just to name a few. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is the second busiest airport in the US. Chicago enjoys the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. All these factors make Chicago a viable market place for a job.
If you are considering relocating to the Chicago or surrounding north suburbs of Chicago, I can help you find your new home or rental place. I have been certified as a RELOCATION specialist since 2009. Your first time out with me as your Realtor is deemed as a "Field Trip". This is to acclimate you, your family and pets to the area which you would like to call home. Relocating to Chicago and one of her suburbs is a fantastic opportunity.
The market is HOT right now. Do Not Delay, call or e-mail: pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com...(847) 681- 4143
Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Northbrook, Glenview/Golf, Mundelein/Ivanhoe, Vernon Hills/Indian Creek, Libertyville, Lincolnshire and Buffalo Grove, Il.

AMAZING RE-HAB OF 1918 HOME IN HIGHLAND PARK, IL

Cute empty nester or 1st time buyer home. Most everything is NEW: kitchen, baths, drywall, insullation, mechanicals, electric, sewer. Must see this beautiful 1918 Renovation. So much attention to detail. Prairie style features, custom built-in cabinetry, coffered ceilings, Carrara marble tops, 2nd floor laundry, basment 650 sq ft, original barn converted to Coach House 450 sq ft. 1 Year Builders Warranty Included
Call Pam Devendorf, Broker: (847) 681-4143

HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY TO MAURICE SENDAK!

One of my childrens favorite authors is/was Maurice Sendak. Born in Brooklyn, NY on June 10th, 1928 to immigrants from Poland, Maurice would be celebrating his 85th birthday today. As a Newberry Award winner for several of his books, our family's favorite was Where the Wild Things Are and Into the Night Kitchen. I think I read each book to both my boys, Mathew and Andrew aver 100 times +.
So, Maurice from the Devendorf Family: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We Miss You!"

Bring Your 'lil Creatures to: i Viva la Fiesta at Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Il this Weekend!

School's out for the Summer and the kids are already bored! Bring them to Brookfield Zoo this weekend featuring a tast of FIESTA! Watch them encounter exotic animals, taste authentic Mexican cuisine, relax and enjoy live music from local and international artists with a vibrant and lively beat. Local artwork available for purchase while your little ones enjoy a weekend outdoors!This special event is being held June 8th - 9th and June 15th - June 16. Great fun for everyone! Send me your photos to: pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/CZS/getdoc/5e59c7b2-7f51-49a3-8b73-72e3062253d8/Viva-la-Fiesta!

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR NORTH SHORE OF ILLINOIS*

Units DAYS on MARKET Median Sold $ 1st Quarter Totals
Attached 182 122 $178,000 $41,663,763
Detached 319 137 $420,000 $155,327,511
TOTAL 501 132 $327,500 $196,991,274

2012 TOTAL 396 183 $290,000 $154,946,201

RENTALS: Units DAYS on MARKET Median Rental Price TOTAL VOLUME

176 32 $1,878 $374,593
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.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR DEERFIELD, Illinois

DEERFIELD, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached .........14 .............92...….................... ..$158,950.................$2,349,400
Detached.........38............. 140............................$474,500….............$20,581,075

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 2......................40..…………………. $2,125…………….$19,594
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR BANNOCKBURN, Illinois

BANNOCKBURN, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 - 31st Totals
Detached.......0…...............0...........................$0 ……….....$0

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

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR RIVERWOODS, Illinois

RIVERWOODS, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 - 31st Totals
Detached.......5…...............499......................$572,500 ……….....$3,310,000

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS ON MARKET…Median Rental $....TOTAL
...........................3....................31…………………..$2,725…….$5,450…..~
Note: There are only single family homes in Riverwoods.
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR HIGHLAND PARK, Illinois

HIGHLAND PARK, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached .........13..............130.….................... ..$199,000.................$3,513,000
Detached.........44............. 128............................$438,750….............$20,981,900

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 26......................31..…………………. $2,125…………….$59,010
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR LAKE FOREST, Illinois

LAKE FOREST, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached .........5................124.….................... ..$130,250.................$1,640,250
Detached.........18.............. 347...........................$666,737….............$16,840,074

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 14......................31..…………………. $2,950…………….$42,440
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR LAKE BLUFF, Illinois

LAKE BLUFF, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached .........3...............112.….................... ..$145,000.. ...............$667,500
Detached.........16............. 144............................$492,500….............$9,574,200

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 8......................34..…………………. $2,575………………....$25,4750
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR LINCOLNSHIRE, Illinois

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached ......... 8...............234.….................... ..$312,500.. ..............$2,604,570
Detached.........12............. 231............................$409,000….............$6,028,500

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 0......................0..…………………. $0………………....$0
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR NORTHBROOK, Illinois

NORTHBROOK, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached .........25.............125.….................... ...$152,000.. ..............$6,015,500
Detached.........39............. 153............................$478,000….............$19,638,186

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 17......................34……………………. $1,500…………..$33,710
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR GLENVIEW/GOLF, Illinois

GLENVIEW/GOLF, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached .........48.............112.….................... ...$273,750.. ..............$14,443,400
Detached.........49.............63.…..........................$540,018….............$26,685,031

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 21......................32……………………. $2,200…………..$48,479
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR MUNDELEIN/IVANHOE, Illinois

MUNDELEIN/IVANHOE, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached ........ 9.............109.….................... ...$143,500.. ..............$1,246,440
Detached........38............ 129.…........................$166,500….............$7,824,700

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 19......................39……………………. $1,500…………..$29,650
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, Illinois

VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached ...... 14.............138.…................... ...$117,500.. ..............$2,047,603
Detached........24............ .49.…........................$428,000….............$10,784,900

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 33......................30……………………. $1,900…………..$60,900
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.

MAY 1 – MAY 31, 2013 SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR BUFFALO GROVE, Illinois

BUFFALO GROVE, IL
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.....MAY 1 -31st Total
Attached ...... 43.............116.…................... ...$149,100.. ..............$7,136,100
Detached........36............ 108…........................$332,500….............$13,078,945

RENTALS: .....Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
......................... 28......................28……………………. $1,878………..$374,593
Data provided by 2013 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed.