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Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park, IL

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Port Clinton Art Festival  in Highland Park IL. The Port Clinton Art Festival is definitely one of my favorite outdoor events that take place in Highland Park IL every year.  For its  28th year the Port Clinton Art Festival  will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m- 6p.m (August 27-28) with over 260 artists displaying their unique fine art for sale in Port Clinton Square and along the sidewalks of downtown Highland Park.

Oil or water color paintings, Ceramics, Jewelry, glass pieces – whatever you may in have mind will sure to be displayed among the many artists who will have their work displayed for sale  in Highland Park this weekend.  The artists participating come in for this event from all over the country and even as far as Canada and Israel. Many of the artists return to Highland Park year after year for this event.  The Port Clinton Art Festival was founded and is produced by Highland Park’s Amdur Productions and ranked as one of the best art shows in the country.

In addition to the Port Clinton Art Festival the Fifth Annual Taste of Highland Park will take place this weekend – beginning Friday evening through 6pm on Sunday. Participating local restaurants  will feature their delicious creations on Central Avenue between 1st and 2nd Street.  You’ll be sure to find something to fill your taste-buds and quench your thirst.

Don’t miss this fun filled weekend event taking place in Highland Park IL this weekend.  Admission and parking is free.  I know I can’t wait!!!

July 4th 2011 Celebration and Firewrorks in Highland Park Illinois

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July 4th in Highland Park IL

July 4th 2011 Celebration and Fireworks in Highland Park Illinois.

Every July 4th in Highland Park IL  the city and Park District of Highland Park plan a  fabulous  day filled  with fun activities which is  followed by a wonderful evening featuring  an amazing display of fireworks.

The festivities for the 4th of July celebration  in Highland Park will begin at 9:30 on Monday morning. The Children’s Bicycle and Pet Parade participants should line up on the corners of Central and St. Johns Avenues.   Everyone is invited to participate and decorating  bikes, strollers and wagons is encouraged.   Don’t forget to bring your dog and feel free to dress them up! The community parade will begin at 10:00  featuring local businesses, floats, marching bands, dignitaries and entertainers will follow the Children and Pet Parade. Coldwell Banker will be a participant be sure to look for our float and  the chip clips which we will be giving away.  Both groups will head to Sunset Woods Park.

Upon arriving at Sunset Park be sure to enjoy The Park District of Highland Park’s  Annual July 4th Carnival. The carnival will be open from 11:00 to 2:00pm.  Enjoy live music, inflatables for children, rides, petting zoo and local food vendors.  The event is free but there is a cost for games and rides – tickets can be purchased at Sunset Park.

Fireworks Highland Park IllinoisThe evening’s festivities will begin  at 6:00 p.m. at Wolters Field, 1080 Park Avenue West. The festivities will start off with the Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands followed by the fireworks display. The bands will compete against one another fort the Championship.  The fireworks, which will be shot off from the Highland Park Country Club at 9:00 p.m., and  are easily viewed from Wolters Field.   Parking is available at Wolters, in the Highland Park Hospital’s east parking lot at Midlothian and Park Avenue West, and at the Highland Park Country Club. Handicapped parking is available on the east side of Wolters Field, adjacent to the high school administration building.

Don’t feel like heading to Wolters field?  Looking for a cool night out? Residents will also be able to take in the fireworks display while floating in the pools at the Hidden Creek Aqua Park, 1220 Fredrickson Place. The Park District’s Float and Watch event, which costs $5 per person, runs from 8:15 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July ~ Enjoy!

Ravinia Festival Highland Park IL

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Ravinia Festival Highland Park ILRavinia  Festival  Highland Park IL is  a   fun outing for all.

Ravinia is a wonderful outdoor park where you can enjoy live concerts with family and friends.  The Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor musical festival in North America and it is known world-wide for its first class programs.  It is a rich part of the cultural heritage of Highland Park Illinois and one of our greatest local treasures.  Ravinia dates back to 1904, when it was opened in its first incarnation as an amusement park designed to attract visitors from the nearby rail line.  During the great depression the grounds were shuttered for five years until community businessmen formed the non-profit Ravinia Festival Association to bring music to Highland Park Illinois.  In 1936 Ravinia became the summer home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which remains the crown jewel of the Festival’s annual program.  

Summer in Highland Park Illinois ist he Ravinia Festival.  There is a strong commitment to community outreach and education  that enriches life for locals and visitors alike.  The Reach*Teach*Play Education Programs  reflect the festival’s mission and contributions.  Enjoy many concerts throughout the summer by either buying Pavilion Tickets or grab a blanket and a picnic basket and buy Lawn Tickets. 

Tickets are available for sale and there are quite a few great shows lined up for this summer.  I personally can’t wait to get tickets to several concerts. Steely Dan, Bo Dean’s and Go Go’s/B-52′s are a few that I hope to see.

Check out Ravinia.org  for the full Ravinia Festival 2011 schedule.  Other things to check out on the Ravinia Festival website is special values like the Classical Grass Pass  for classical lovers, the Kraft Kids Concert 10-Punch Lawn Pass and the free lawn passes for college and High School students.  

See you at the Festival!

Luxury Lakefront Home 60 Harbor Glencoe IL

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Luxury Lakefront Home 60 Harbor  Glencoe IL -Just Listed!

 

60 Harbor, Glencoe IL

Enjoy luxury lakefront living with stunning views of Lake Michigan; no detail has been overlooked and no expense spared. This custom built four-story stone residence features an unparalleled level of sophistication, one-of-a-kind layout and incredible flow. Savor panoramic water views from every room and the outdoor spaces. Visitors will marvel at the quality construction and the exquisite lakefront views from the moment they set foot on the property.

The entire home is bathed in amazing light from massive picture windows. A state of the art radiant heating system warms the floors with 28 zones in all. The home offers smart house technology from a surround sound system to a sophisticated Bosch security system with four exterior security cameras.

The massive living room and banquet size dining room are perfect for entertaining. A gourmet kitchen with sunny breakfast room is outfitted with professional grade appliances including a six-burner Viking range, two Viking ovens with warming drawer and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. Granite and stone flooring opens to a blue stone outdoor patio. A beautiful bar is equipped with an additional full kitchen including a wine refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, icemaker and cooktop. Like the kitchen, the bar opens onto a blue stone patio with steps leading down to the beach.

The expansive master suite is a retreat unto itself, with a fireplace and picturesque large windows with a private balcony overlooking Lake Michigan. The master bath is nothing short of incredible with two sinks, a jacuzzi tub, separate oversized steam shower and heated floors. The other four bedrooms each have a full private bath.

Additional indoor features include but are not limited to: an elevator to whisk you to four levels, large family room to enjoy movies on extra large screen, an awesome indoor swimming pool, hot tub, spa room with sauna and steam, two laundry rooms and an exercise room.

The resort-style outdoor spaces are nothing short of phenomenal, complete with blue stone patios, tiered balconies, a huge deck and 109 feet of sandy private beach. You and your guests can pull up to the sandy beach from jet-ski, powerboat and other fun water toys. A must see for the most discriminating buyer who craves stellar views and incomparable access to the water.Enjoy the Lake and the views

This Amazing home is being offered at $5,800,000.00

For more information please give me a call!

 

Highland Park Home For Sale – 256 Sumac Road Highland Park IL

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256 Sumac Road Highland Park, IL

Highland Park Home For Sale – 256 Sumac Road Highland Park IL

Newly on the market – charming, updated, amazing -  awaiting its new owners!

CHARM ABOUNDS IN THIS UPDATED HOME FEATURING MANY MODERN AMENITIES ALONG WITH ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS – CROWN MOLDINGS, ARCHED DOORWAYS, BUILT-INS AND ORIGINAL HARDWARE. UPDATED KITCHEN & BATHS, LARGE MASTER SUITE , THEATER ROOM & FINISHED ATTIC. GORGEOUS NEWLY RE-FINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS & FRESHLY PAINTED. BEAUTIFUL LUSH LANDSCAPED LOT. NOT TO BE MISSED – A TRUE GEM!

www.256Sumac.info

 
 
Price: $699,000
Beds: 4
Full Baths: 3
Half Baths: 2
Property Type: Single Family

Annual Spring Clean-Up for Highland Park Residents

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Highland Park Il Real Estate and Information

Annual Spring Clean Up in Highland Park

Annual Spring Clean-Up for Highland Park Residents

Veolia Environmental Waste Services will be conducting their annual Spring Clean-Up Program for the City of Highland Park on four consecutive Saturdays, beginning April 30 and ending May 21. This is a great  opportunity for Highland Park Residents  to declutter and get rid of their  JUNK.  Every year it amazes me how much “stuff” we accumulate to put out at the curb. This year will be a big declutter year for us from a trampoline to a couch to many other knick knacks – it’s the perfect time to purge!

As an REALTOR in Highland Park IL – I know that the annual Spring Clean-Up Program is fabulous for those who are selling a home and for those who  have bought a home. I actually just reminded one of my clients who has been living in their home for over twenty years to take advantage of the special pick up – IT IS FREE!!!  For those of you who are thinking about moving it is a great time to get rid of all of the things that you have kept throughout the years that you no longer need. For the buyers who have just moved in – get rid of the boxes and wrapping supplies and of course “those extras” that you have no idea why you actually took with you from your last home.

Items for collection may be placed at the curb up to seven days prior to the collection date, but residents are encouraged to set out items as close to their collection day as is convenient. Often times, your garbage is taken prior to the actual Spring Clean-Up day by people who are driving/walking by your home.  As it is said “One Man’s trash is another Man’s treasure!”

In order to guarantee collection, all items for collection must be placed at the curb by no later than 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day. Spring Clean-Up will coincide with residents primary garbage collection day (the primary collection day is the day when both garbage and recycling are collected).

AREA COLLECTION DAY SPRING PICK-UP DAY
SE MONDAY Saturday, April 30
SW TUESDAY Saturday, May 7
NE THURSDAY Saturday, May 14
NW FRIDAY Saturday, May 21

If you are planning on getting rid of old appliances be sure to call Veolia Environmental Waste Services ahead of time. A special number has been set up for appliance pick-up: 1-800-480-4337.  Also, Veolia will not pick up the following items:  Regular garbage; yard waste: debris from landscapers, tree trimmers, or contractors: demolition material from fences, roofs, or exterior building debris: rubber tires: batteries: and oil and household hazardous wastes, such as paint, pesticides, or pool chemicals.

Don’t forget – this is an annual FREE PICK-UP which is  offered by Veolia Environmental Waste Services  – take advantage it!  Your home will thank you for decluttering!

Want to Sell Your Home- Make Sure it Looks its Best

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Want to Sell Your Home- Make Sure it Looks its Best!  As a Real Estate Professional assisting sellers and buyers along Chicago’s North Shore suburbs with their Real Estate needs I share this with every client: In today’s market it is essential to list your home correctly AND to also  have your home look its best. Prepping your home for sale is so important – you want the potential buyer to focus on the home and its features – not on your belongings. I think that if a home has too much of you in it then you should consider staging it. The following  post – Make that strong bond with your house- really magnifies as to why a seller should consider staging.

 

Via Janice Ankrett ASP (Janice Ankrett Home Staging):

 

When you live in a home you bond with it. The house becomes your home. You know every nook and cranny and it’s comfortable.

You may not realize it but that bond started when you first saw the house. Something about it appealed to you. The fireplace, the family room, the kitchen or the master bedroom said ‘I’m perfect for your lifestyle.

Now that you are selling your home needs to become the house we had on X street. That bond needs to be broken so you can move on.

In a way that is what Staging is all about. Staging helps the buyer see the features of your home clearly and allows them to begin the bonding process that leads to a sale. The changes that occur during the Staging process also help you break your bond with the house.

The bonding process starts with those MLS photos. Many buyers start by looking on the Internet. They see something they like in the photos and put that house on their ‘to see’ list.

The next bonding experience is your curb appeal. The buyer arrives and in about 7 to 10 seconds forms an impression about the house. Staging helps your curb appeal reassure the buyer and draw them out of the car.

Once the buyer is in the house Staging helps create positive feelings. It allows the buyer to see past you and see the features of the house. They can imagine how they will use the space. Every time they mentally place an item they own in your house they are bonding and buying.

Meanwhile, you have made your home less personal, less your home, more a house. This helps you separate from the house. You have started packing up your memories to take with you to your next home.

Staging is about bonding.

Real Estate for Sale in Kenilworth and Winnetka

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Buying a home in Kenilworth or WinnetkaAre you considering the North Shore Suburbs of Kenilworth or Winnetka to be a place you can call home? Curious what your options may be?  The options are endless – from price, style of home, proximity to the lake - there is truly something for everyone.  Vintage homes, new construction, lake front properties, traditional colonials to luxurious mansions are available in Kenilworth and Winnetka.

I have had the pleasure of assisting many  buyers who are relocating to Chicago find a home that meets their specific needs.  To many, Kenilworth and Winnetka have been on the top of the list as these communites are about a thirty minute commute on the train to downtown Chicago and the schools are top ranking.

Are these two communities the right fit for you?

Below is a snap shot of what real estate is available, median price, and sold inventory.Real estate market update for Kenilworth and Winnetka

Kenilworth, Illinois

1.There are 51 active listings ranging from $499,000.00 – $6,500,000.00 with a median list price of $1,995,000.00. Click here to look at homes for sale in Kenilworth.

2. There are 6 single family homes under contract

3. There have been a total of 8 closings during the first quarter (January 1, 2011 – March 31, 2011) – ranging from $880,000.00 to $3,635,000.00

Winnetka, Illinois

1.There are 154 active listings ranging from $314,000.00 – $23,000,000.00 with a median list price of $1,599,000.00.  Click here to look at homes for sale in Winnetka.

2. There are 52 single family homes under contract

3. There have been a total of 27 closings during the first quarter (January 1, 2011 – March 31, 2011) – ranging from $254,000.00 to $4,000,000.00. 

If you are relocating to the Chicago and are interested in exploring Kenilworth, Winnetka or other North Shore Suburbs give me a call @ 312.203.2416 and we can discuss your real estate needs.

The above article, Are You Considering the North Shore Suburbs of Kenilworth or Winnetka to be a Place You Can Call Home?, was written by Noah Levy – A REALTOR assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs.

 Noah Levy

Are You Aware of Underground Fuel Tanks on the Property?

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Do You Have an Oil Tank Buried in Your Yard? It’s a question which every home seller must answer in Illinois when filling out the Residential Real Property Disclosure Report.  The questions on the Residential Real Property Disclosure Report are to be answered by the Seller to the best of his/her knowledge. Question #20 States: I am aware of underground fuel storage tanks on the property. The seller answers the question -  yes, no or n/a.

At a recent inspection for a buyer, an  inspector indicated that  there may be an oil tank buried on the premises. He pointed out to the Buyer and me that the thin capped pipes in the basement were an indicator as well as metal piping sticking out in the front yard by the house.  We shared this with the seller and the seller’s agent and they were quite surprised to hear that there may be a buried tank.  The seller has lived in the home for over forty years and was not aware of the buried tank.  I explained that we would have a specialist come out to further investigate.

I called Tom Osusky of Cicero Oil Company, who I have called before for other clients. Tom has been in business for over 20 years – he is very matter of fact and honest.  I met Tom at the house, he probed the yard and was able to locate the oil tank within minutes.  Although it is not a requirement to remove an oil tank my buyer did not want to inherit the house with the buried tank and requested for it to be removed.  The seller happened to be at home when Tom came out to the house and decided to hire him on the spot to remove the tank.

buyers and sellers along chicago's north shoreThis is just another “hidden cost” that a seller may have when selling his/her home. The cost to remove the tank varies between $2400-$3600.  If you have an oil tank that needs to be removed give Tom a call at 773.581.2041. Cicero Oil Company services clients in the greater Chicago-land area and Lake, Cook, Will, Du Page, McHenry counties. I highly recommend Tom and his company ~ Cicero Oil.