Since its inception in 1991, the Skokie Festival of Cultures has become one of the premier ethnic festivals in Illinois, attracting more than 380,000 visitors and dozens of cultures, all representing Skokie's tremendous diversity.

Please join us for this free 'Tour of the World,' where you and your friends and family will enjoy two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food, unique arts and crafts, international children's games, a merchandise bazaar, and dozens of cultural booths and displays. and we'll have Schaefer's International Beer Tasting! Only  $10 for six international 3 ounce beers and a free beer mug!    This is a great family event that will have everyone wanting more! Plus, it has FREE ADMISSION!!!

The Skokie Festival of Cultures is a winner of state and national art event programming awards and is supported by the Illinois Arts Council — as well as by local public agencies, service groups and corporate sponsors.

Last year more than 32,000 attended the 21st Annual Skokie Festival of Cultures on a bright, sunny May weekend.The new Laotian culture joined 33 other ethnic communities.

Thanks skokieculturefest for the info on this awesome family friendly event!

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10. You'll get a better home. In sothe current inventory at around 4 million homes. That's enough for a years worth of sales. That means a lot of choices as well as great prices.

8. Sooner of later, the market will improve. There will be more demand than supply. The population is supposed to grow by more than 100 million people over the next 40 years. That means a lot of people will be looking for new homes in the future.

7. Your home isn't the stock market and it shouldn't be viewed as a way to get rich. Real Estate prices will go up again. Equity in your home is another way of investing in your future.

6. If offers some inflation protection, especially if you are young and raising a family.

5. It will be yours. You can have the kitchen and bathrooms you want, you can move walls or build an extension. You can even paint your home bright red. Few landlords will allow you to do that.

4. It's a buyer's market. We all like a good deal, we feel a sense of satisfaction after negotiating.

3. It's forced savings.  If you rent an apartment for $2000/month instead of buying one for $2400/month, renting seems like a good idea but will you save the $400 for the future? Most people won't and since part of that monthly payment as an owner is tax deductible, you do the math.  You are just paying yourself by building equity in your home.

2. You'll save on taxes. You can deduct mortgage interest and real estate taxes from your income taxes.

And the #1 reason is...

1. Mortgages are cheap. Interest rates are low. Two years ago they were around 6.3%. Now they are around 4.3% for a 30 year fixed loan. That's a big difference in your monthly payment.  When inflation goes up, interest rates will go up.

Can you think of any other reasons to buy?

I can. Landlords raise your rent every year. That increase could be used towards a tax deductible mortgage.

What are you waiting for? If you're thinking of buying, now is the time to buy!! Contact me on how I can help!

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There is also a family Performance Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:30pm Ticket are on sale now for just $10 and lunch plus show tickets are only $20! Make sure you reserve your seat now!

Making their North Shore Center debut, DanceWorks Chicago is led with skilled artistic direction to fill a niche in the Chicago dance ecosystem where dancers feed their technical capabilities as well as their artistic curiosity. Muntu Dance Theatre is the largest African dance company in the United States. The company is highly regarded for its innovative repertory and preserving traditional African dance while creating new works that build on African, Caribbean and African-American cultural traditions.

Thanks cnscvb for the info. This is one great North Shore event!

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I have had many of my seller clients prepare "Top Ten Reasons Why We Love Our Home" Lists. It can also help if a seller writes a "Seller Love Letter." Both express the love the seller's family has had for the home and explain the facts and events behind their feelings.

Buyers like to hear about sweet, fond family memories about a property, which is better than a home filled with tragic stories or sadness regarding a short sale or foreclosure.

Other good ideas to include in these lists/letters are:

1) Favorite neighborhood restaurants, dry cleaners, house cleaners, landscapers, carpet cleaners.  

2) Local dog parks, playgrounds, running trails, yoga studios, health clubs, libraries, bookstores, museums and other recreational activities.

3) History of upgrades, a landscape plan.

4) Neighborhood activities, positive stories of strong community relationships.

In such a competitive market, it's always a good selling point to share happy memories and logistical information. Buyers sometimes get weary of dealing with bank sellers or stressful short-sale situations.

We would love the opportunity to help you sell your home and provide you with more seller tips, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We'll get the job done!

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Tucked on a private acre, this dramatic prairie-style ranch features walls of windows with glorious views in every direction.

Open design floor plan provides flexible use suited for many lifestyles. Highlights include a new high-end island kitchen, new baths, 13 skylights & glorious patio & deck overlooking wooded grounds -- a truly unique retreat!

Available 6/1/12, furnished or unfurnished with a minimum 1 year lease. Pets are ok on a case by case basis with additional deposit.

Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is only a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends Susan, Heidi and Larry on the eighty-eights. With the cast in place, Jeff and Hunter begin a conversation about what to write about. Eventually, Jeff suggests they write about what to write about. They make a pact to write up until the festival’s deadline and dream about the show changing their lives. [title of show]—taken from the space on the festival’s application form which asks for the [title of show]—follows Hunter and Jeff and their friends on their journey through the gauntlet of creative self-expression.

In the span of 90 minutes they write and perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists. [title of show] is, above all, a love letter to the musical theatre—a uniquely American art form—and to the joy of collaboration. The musical received a Tony Award® nomination for Best Book of a Musical in 2009.

Tickets are on sale now starting at just $25! Save time, for your convenience you can purchase them here!

Thanks cnscvb for the info on the fun performance in Chicago's North Shore!

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A beautiful yard is a head-turner, no doubt about it. The good news is that even if you can’t tell a tulip from a turnip at the garden center, you can still create eye-catching curb appeal by paying attention to the basics of good landscaping. Ignoring your yard—or doing something that’s out of character with the neighborhood—can jeopardize the assessed value of your home. Poorly maintained landscaping can be as much as a 5 or 10% deduction in its value.

Appraisers are quick to praise the allure of a well-tended lawn and good-looking landscaping when it comes time to sell your home, but most do not assign any specific increase in monetary value for upkeep.
 
Nevertheless, most professionals agree that curb appeal and a well-maintained appearance prevent your property from losing value. Here are the top suggestions from real estate agents, appraisers, and landscape designers for boosting the curb appeal of your yard:

Green up the grass

If your house has a front yard, make sure it‘s neat and green. You don’t want bare spots, sprawling weeds, or an untrimmed appearance.

It’s very simple to go to Home Depot, buy fertilizer, apply it every six weeks, and water it. This easy maintenance will keep your yard looking green and beautiful.

If the yard looks really scruffy, you may decide to invest in some sod. According to the National Gardening Association, the average cost of sod is 15 to 35 cents per sq. ft. If you hire a landscaper to sod your yard for you, labor will add 30% to 50% to the total cost of the project. 

Another alternative is to plant low-maintenance turf grasses. Turf grasses are durable and drought-resistant. Expect to pay $18 to $30 for enough turf grass seed to plant 1,000 sq. ft. of lawn area.

Add colorful planting beds

Flower beds add color and help enliven otherwise plain areas, such as along driveways and the edges of walkways. In general, annual flowers are a bit cheaper but must be replaced every year. Perennials cost a bit more but come back annually and usually get larger or spread with each growing season.

If you’re not sure what to plant, inquire at your local garden center. Often, they’ll have a display of bedding plants chosen for their adaptability to your area. Also, they‘ll be inexpensive because they’re in season. Pansies are good in the summer, and asters and mums in the fall add vibrant color.

Add landscape lighting

For homeowners who have made a sizeable investment in landscaping, it makes sense to think about adding another 10% to 15% to the bill for professional lighting. You can’t see landscaping after dark, and buyers are not always looking at houses on a Saturday afternoon.

The cost of a system runs from $200 for a DIY installation to more than $4,000 for a professional job. If you‘re doing it on your own, the key is to light what you want people to see, such as mature trees and flowering shrubs. 

Plant a tree

The value of mature trees is particularly difficult to determine. Mature trees contribute as much as 10% of a $100,000 property’s overall value. In addition, a properly placed shade tree can shave as much as $32 a year on your energy bills. Expect to pay $50 to $100 for a young, 6- to 7-foot deciduous tree.

You can make your own initial assessment of the value of your property’s trees by visiting the National Tree Benefit Calculator. For example, a mature Southern red oak tree with a diameter of 36 inches in the front yard of a house in Augusta, Ga., would add $70 to the property value this year, according to the calculator.

In need of some ideas on how to use landscaping to make your home more inviting to buyers? Contact me today!

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Special Guest and guest speaker David Howard is former head gardener at Highgrove for H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. During his lecture, "My Gardening Life," Howard will take you on a journey of his 40 years of gardening in the U.K.Treasure Hunting in style! 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. Guests will find a variety of treasures in every price range.

One day pass is $17 at the door; $15 in advance for nonmembers; $10 in advance for members.  Tickets sell fast so purchase them quickly right here! 

Thanks cnscvb for the information on this awesome North Shore Event!!!

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It comes down to a simple face, if a home is overpriced, buyers will stay away. But, if the price is competitive with similar homes in the area and “shows” better than the competition, it will have a better chance of being sold quickly. The secret is perfecting a technique called comparative shopping!

Although comparing houses with different styles, square-footages and locations is challenging, real estate professionals still feel it’s one of the best methods to use when determining a home’s market value.

A responsible real estate agent will effectively evaluate a home’s worth through a process known as Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).Taking a look at assets, such as a swimming pool, bigger than normal living spaces, a fantastic view, adjacent city parks and other attractions, the agent will begin to compare your home with similar properties, called “comparables,” that have sold in the area within the last six months. Typically, it is a realistic price range that will ensure you top dollar and a reasonably quick sale.

However, factors such as the amount of time needed to sell your home can affect the agent's price recommendation dramatically.

Assuming you have sufficient time to market the home, here are a few small steps you and your agent can take to finding the right price for your property.

The best comparisons can be made with similar homes that have been sold within the last 45 days as opposed to the standard six months. Any longer, and other factors, such as the economy, could cloud your view of how much your home is really worth.

Another good benchmark is to review the selling prices of homes that have just been sold and are pending closes. Most MLS services provide information on deals pending that most real estate agents should be able to share with you.

A good rule of thumb before setting a price is to make 20 comparisons of comparable properties within a one-mile radius of your house. Once completed you can feel comfortable that the price you’ve picked is a good gauge of the home’s worth and won’t discourage qualified buyers.

Being open and honest about what you see as the home’s greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses will also help your agent get a better feel for how to best evaluate (or assess) and market your home. Think of your home as if you were the buyer. If your home is listed at the right price, you’re well on your way to a speedy and fruitful sale with the right real estate professional.

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"Pushed to the Edge" presents Bharata Natyam, a dance theater from India, as practiced by Natya Dance Theatre, and contemporary Western dance, as practiced by Mordine and Company Dance Theater.  They will be doing this one performance Saturday. April 14th at 8:00 PM. Located at Centre East Theatre in Chicago's North Shore!  Buy your tickets now for $30- $38 that you can purchase here.

 Don't miss out on this amazing performance!

Thanks CNSCVB for the info on this fun Chicago event!

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One of a Kind Design -- All on One Level! Peacefully Set on Private .29-Acre Cul-de-Sac Site!

A Rare Ranch with Sunny South Exposure, Spacious Large Rooms, High Ceilings and Wide Hallways -- Thoughtfully Designed, Elegantly Appointed and Meticulously Maintained!

* One-of-a-kind ranch located on a private cul-de-sac!

* All brick construction -- over 3000 square feet of elegance featuring huge rooms. wide hallways and high ceilings!

* Massive Great Room with cathedral-beamed ceilings, raised-hearth fireplace wall & sliders to patio!

* Grand marble-floored Foyer leads to all rooms -- enjoy expansive views from front to back as you enter!

* Huge formal separate Dining Room adjacent to Foyer and Kitchen!

* Large island kitchen and breakfast area features sliders opening to patio and yard, tons of cabinets, granite counters, Sub-Zero refrigerator and office-sized planning desk!

* Spacious, sunny Master Bedroom suite with double-door entry, walk-in & wall closets, dressing area and Spa bath with separate shower!

* Two large family bedrooms, each with a full wall of closets!

* Two full and two half baths!

* Huge laundry room with yard access door, access to large basement and a rare 3+ car garage!

* Aggregate driveway, walk and patio!

* Two-zoned heat and air conditioning!

* Huge ready-to-finish basement, easily large enough for multiple rooms and any creative use of your choice!

* Convenient location, close to shopping and short drive to highway!

This unique custom-designed brick ranch with a rare three-car garage is peacefully tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac. Elegance abounds in every room. The masterful design features dramatic large rooms, wide hallways and high ceilings. A stunning marble foyer leads to the huge formal separate Dining Room, a massive Great Room with full marble fireplace wall and cathedral beamed ceiling, a huge island kitchen with a sunny breakfast area and office-style planning center, multiple sets of sliding glass doors opening onto the large aggregate stone patio with view of lush rear perimeter foliage, a large tranquil Master Bedroom suite with a luxurious Spa bath and big walk-in closet, two larger family bedrooms sharing a big hall bath, giant laundry rooms, a truly rare 3-car garage, dual HVAC systems and a large basement. Combine exceptional comfort & classic elegance all in one here!

Living Room (Great Room) - 29' x 16'
* Dramatic cathedral-beamed ceilings
* Full marble fireplace wall with raised hearth
* Abundant recessed can lights
* Sliding glass patio doors open onto aggregate patio
* Sunny south and west exposures
* Light Berber carpeting
* Luminette vertical blinds
* Access to and from Foyer with view to front of house

Dining Room - 17'x 14'
* King-sized -- comfortable for entertaining large groups of family and friends
* Located off entry Foyer and Kitchen
* Dramatic trey ceiling
* Both recessed can and sconce lighting
* Light plush carpeting
* Luminette vertical blinds

Kitchen and Breakfast Area - 24' x 13'
* Huge center island anchors the preparation area.
* An abundance of Woodmode cabinets and granite counter space
* Large breakfast area adjacent to Pella sliders opening onto aggregate patio
* Sunny south exposure and great views of yard and woodsy private perimeter foliage
* Huge, ultra-convenient office-style planning center
* Subzero Refrigerator/Freezer, Double Ovens, Deep double sink
* Convenient pull-out cabinet shelving, tray storage and hidden garbage cabinet
* Access from Foyer hallway and to Laundry Room
* New Intercom Controls
* Ceramic tile flooring

Master Bedroom Suite - 24' x 14'
* Double door entry from Foyer hallway
* Newly painted and new light plush carpeting
* Big walk in closet (8' x 7') with sliding mirror door access and additional wall of closets.
* Dressing area with vanity & sink features new marble counter top
* Master Bath with second large vanity and new marble counter top, luxurious whirlpool Spa tub, separate shower stall and linen closet
* Recessed can lights
* Sunny south exposure and big picture window

Family Bedroom #1 - 14' x 13'
* King-sized space
* Light neutral carpeting
* Sheer drapes and overlaying valance swag draperies
* Big full wall of closet space
* Adjacent to large shared hallway bath featuring separate deep soaking tub and shower stall

Family Bedroom #2 - 16' x 12'
* King-sized space
* New light neutral carpeting
* Sheer draperies
* Big full wall of closet space
* Adjacent to large shared hallway bath featuring separate deep soaking tub and shower stall

Foyer - 18' x 11'
* Double Door Front Entry
* High Trey Ceiling
* Abundant Recessed Can lighting
* Marble Flooring
* Views through to the rear of the house
* Leads to all rooms

Laundry Room - 20' x 11'
* located off the Kitchen
* Access door to yard; two access doors to/from attached 3+ car garage
* Access to basement
* Folding counter
* Lots of cabinet storage
* Deep walk-in closet and separate double door closet
* Ceramic floors
* Informal Powder located at one end near access doors to exterior yard and Kitchen

Other Home Features
* All brick exterior
* 2005 Roof and Gutters
* Two zoned heat and air conditioning
* New intercom controller
* Underground sprinklers
* Aggregate stone driveway, walk and patio
* Rare three-car attached garage
* Large ready-to-finish basement
* New landscaping

Location and Other Highlights
* Quiet cul-de-sac setting
* Nearby convenience shopping including groceries, Starbucks, bank and more
* Short drive to highway
* Convenient to popular Glen are of Glenview
* Access to one of three Milwaukee North Metra stations

Typically, closing costs run between 3% and 5% of your loan amount, so if you're borrowing $100,000 you can expect closing costs of $3,000 to $5,000. If you're borrowing $200,000 you can expect closing costs of $6,000 to $10,000.

The smart thing to do is to obtain good faith estimates from two or three lenders and compare the costs. Then be prepared to ask the lender you choose to meet the best offer. Here are some of the items you can expect to find on a Good Faith Estimate:

~ Loan origination fee (1% of the amount borrowed, or $100 for every $10,000 borrowed)
~ Loan discount fee
~ Loan application fee ($75 to $400)
~ Points (to "buy down" the interest rate: between $100 and $300 for every $10,000 borrowed)
~ Lender's attorney fees
~ Buyer's attorney fees
~ Appraisal fee
~ Credit Report
~ Lender's inspection fee
~ Mortgage broker commission or fee
~ Tax service fee
~ Processing fee
~ Underwriting fee
~ Wire Transfer fee
~ Interest from the day of settlement to the date of the first mortgage payment
~ Private mortgage insurance premiums to protect your lender ($750 to $1750)
~ Hazard insurance premiums
~ Property taxes from the day of settlement to the end of the tax year
~ Settlement or closing/escrow fee
~ Document preparation fee
~ Notary fee
~ Title search and title insurance to protect your lender ($400 to $600)
~ Title insurance to protect you
~ Recording fees
~ Tax stamps
~ Pest inspection

Property taxes placed in an escrow account are one of the largest expenses at closing. The amount depends on the value of the house you buy and the tax rate in the town or county where the house is located. Many lenders require you to include a monthly estimate with your mortgage payments equal to 1/12th of your annual property taxes and homeowners insurance. For most people, this is easier than coming up with a large lump sum each year when taxes are due.

There is alot of information to take in, especially if you are a first time home buyer. Stay educated and don't be taken advantage of at closing, and don't go to closing unprepared. Choose a realtor that will walk you through the entire process who will educate you about the ins and outs of home buying! Contact us with any questions, we would love to help!

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Paradise Waits will be performing Friday, April 6th from 9:00pm -10:30pm. at 275 Parkway Dr, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (Viper Alley) Best of all tickets are on sale for only $10 that you can purchase here!

Thanks NorthBrooke Patch for the info on this jammin Northern Illinois event!

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• Do you have your finances in order? Becoming a homeowner, especially in a difficult economy can be financially challenging. If you have created a budget and stick with it you are on the right path. Having good money-management skills are a must-have so that when you do own a home you will be able to have a smooth financial flow for monthly home expenses.
• Do you have a sizable down payment of at least 20%? While this is a large amount of money to come up with it is important to have as you will start out with having some equity. Just a few years ago, homeowners could obtain a home with little or no money down, but the rules have changed. However, there are options out there for zero or low money down loans but if you have to sell your home before you expect you can potentially loose money and you will also need to pay for PMI (private mortgage insurance).
• Do you have a steady source of income? Of course in a recession there is no real thing as job security but when you buy a home you are going to be required to have a reliable source of income to cover not only mortgage payments but all the other monthly and unexpected expenses that come along with homeownership. It is important to look at how stable your source of income is as well as having an emergency savings fund where you will have enough funds to cover these expense in case of a loss of a job or other emergency.
• How does your credit look?  Having a good credit score will help to not only get a home loan but will also get you a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Hold off on any large purchases such as cars before applying for a loan as this could effect your rating. Also review your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com before even applying for the loan to check for any errors.
• Are you ready for the responsibility of owning a home? In addition to the financial aspect of homeownership, you need to be sure you are ready for the other things that come along. Things like lawn care, upkeep as well as unexpected repairs need to be considered as part of owning a home. 

If you are ready to buy a home contact me today to help you find the perfect house for you and your family! 

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More than 500 artifacts, documents, and photographs in the Karkomi Permanent Exhibition help illustrate the narrative of the Holocaust, while video testimonies from local survivors add personal detail. A German rail car of the type used in Nazi deportations sits in the center of the building. Learn more about the realities of the Holocaust and the extreme importance of fighting hatred, indifference, and intolerance in the future through this powerfully moving collection.General Admission: $12.00, Seniors (65+): $8.00, Students (12-22): $8.00, Children (5-11): $6.00. Type: Visual Arts. This event will be taking place until June at Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center 9603 Woods Drive Skokie, IL 60077. Call (847) 967-4800  for more information!

Thank you CNSCVB for the info for this Skokie, Illinois Event!

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www.1539SunsetRidge.com

Imagine the Possibilities -- Vacant Land Ready for New Home Construction!

Three Lots of Record, .43 acres adjacent to Sunset Woods Forest Preserve ... Build Your New Luxury Home Here or Sub-divide and Build Two Homes on this Exceptional Site!

* Three lots of record totaling .43 acres.

* Build new luxury residential construction here.

* Parcel is ideal for a single large luxury home.

* Builders dream -- re-subdivide three lots to two buildable lots for construction of two new homes.

* Site is located directly across the street from the serene Sunset Ridge Woods Forest Preserve.

* Current owner removed prior home on site -- site is level and ready for construction planning.

* Utilities are located at the street.

* Plat of survey and catalog of trees on site are available.

* Zoned single family residential, R-5.

* Call listing agent for additional details or to walk the property.

Imagine the possibilities -- three lots of record totaling .43 acres! Build new on one parcel or easily sub-divide into two buildable lots. Site is perfect for construction with one of two new luxury homes and located directly across from Sunset Ridge Woods Forest Preserve. Additional PIN #'s include 04-12-308-003 & 04-12-308-005. Three lots sold as one package. Tax exemption applies only to PIN #04-12-308-004. Tax reflects the total for all three PINS. Utilities are located at the street. Plat of survey and catalog of tree on site are both available for review.

Start by taking the life expectancy of the type of shingle you currently have then subtracting for age, weathering and weather-related damage to see how many more years you may be able to get out of your roof before needing to replace it.

Roof shingles generally are supposed to last at least twenty years.  Some shingle manufacturers have products that last twenty-five or more years.  Take your standard twenty-year product and subtract the age of your current roof.  If you’re in a newer home, or you are the original owners of your home this is an easy number to get.  If there have been previous owners, or you are otherwise unable to determine the age of the roof, you will have to estimate.

Next, inspect for any physical evidence of damage.  Do your shingles show curling, severe hail damage, cracked flashing or sealer around vents and fireplace flues?  How about brittle shingles due to a southerly exposure?  What about damaged or rotting eves?  The condition of your current roof has a drastic impact on its remaining life expectancy.

Lastly, let’s not forget the obvious.  If your roof is leaking you can skip the process above.  A leak trumps everything else.  You’re going to need some repairs at a minimum, potentially much more.  Keep in mind even newer roofs, if improperly installed, can leak or lose shingles in gusting wind.  Have leaks checked out immediately.

Estimate how much time your home has with your current roof and if you are concerned you’re near the end of its life expectancy, speak only with qualified, experienced, licensed contractors when considering having work done.  You may even weigh the pros and cons of doing the job yourself.  Whatever your decision, don’t wait until you have that first leak.  At that point your repair bill , pardon the pun, is likely to go through the roof!

For more information, or if you're looking to buy or sell your home contact me today!

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This entertaining tale runs until April 15th and to purchase tickets to this North Shore event click here!   The Northlight Theater is located at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL. 

Thank you to Chicago's Norh Shore CVB for the details!

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1. Change your address and notify companies before you move. Start by filling out a change of address form in advance of your move. Doing this ahead of time can help you to avoid hassles like past-due bills, service lapses and even identity theft. It is also a good idea before you move to set dates to discontinue your utilities at your old address as well as arrange for these services to be turned on at your new address. .

2. Create a moving schedule. It is a good idea to set up a moving schedule a few months before you move. Set it up as a week-by-week checklist to manage the process and help to stay on track. A moving schedule helps you to keep track of the little details or things that may be over looked, thus helping you to avoid last minute headaches. 

3. Establish a packing system. Packing is a major time consumer so thing about coming up with a packing system so all of your boxes end up in the right rooms when they get to your new North Shore home. Many professional movers recommend that you use the color code system where you color code each box with a particular room to avoid any confusion with the movers. It is also helpful to give your movers a floor plan of your home with each room labeled.

4. Get rid of unnecessary items. The less boxes you pack, the less you have to move and finally unpack. So it makes sense to thoroughly go thru your items and get rid of the things you just don't need. Items such as unread books, half-empty cleaning products, clothes that you know you won't wear again should be given away or sold at a garage sale. You don't want to bring the clutter to your new home!

Contact me today to find the perfect Northern Illinois home for you!  Have any moving tips that have worked for you? Share them here!

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This free Northern Illinois event will be held Friday, March 16th and 5pm  and Saturday, March 17th at 12pm and 2pm.

After the play, grab a bite to eat at any of the following North Shore restaurants that provide complementary valet parking:

Yard House
Ted's Montana Grill
RA Sushi
Bravo Cucina Italiana
Jameson's Char House

The Glen Town Center now offers free valet parking for these wonderful dining spots hours 4 to Close, 7 days a week.

Thank you to the North Shore CVB for the information!

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