By Art Wilson, Realtor   Wilmette's June Property sales were 61, down -14.1% from 71 in June of 2013 and 13.0% higher than the 54 sales last month. June 2014 sales were at a mid level compared to June of 2013 and 2012. June YTD sales of 237 are running 6.3% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 223.  The Median Sales Price in June was $795,000, up 13.9% from $698,000 in June of 2013 and up 25.8% from $632,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in June was $819,907, up 9.0% from $752,098 in June of 2013 and up 4.5% from $784,301 last month. June 2014 ASP was at highest level compared to June of 2013 and 2012. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of June was 124, up 6.9% from 116 last month and down -19.0% from 153 in June of last year. June 2014 Inventory was at... 07/16/2014

What exactly is an "alternative" yard tour?  And what makes someone's yard or garden alternative? Join Go Green Wilmette this Sunday (July 20) for a tour of 8 Wilmette yards that are creative and beautiful examples of alternative yards.  These yards are ones that the homeowners have put to use - to siphon rain water by planting roof tops growing vegetables in both sun and shade with native planting as rain gardens as butterfly and bird gardens You can opt to take a guided tour on bike - the tours leave from two locations: either Starbucks at Plaza del Lago or the Wilmette Public Library.  Or you can visit the homes independently. The tour goes from 9 am to 11 am on Sunday morning, July 20. For more information, please see:  Wilmette Alternative Yard Tour Tours are free and leave promptl... 07/15/2014

I'm hoping for more great weather for this weekend's Sidewalk Sale in Wilmette.  It's been cooler and drier this week making for perfect temperatures to shop local and stroll, bike, and peruse the sale Local Wilmette businesses will be offering great deals on home accessories, jewelry, gifts, artwork, and clothing. Wait there's more!  A beer garden,  a classic car show, and play area for children.  Plus there will be live music from 1pm to 10;30 pm on Saturday - alternative, rock, R&B, country, pop, and reggae.   When:  Friday and Saturday, July 11-12 Where:  Central and Wilmette Avenues in downtown Wilmette Website:  Wilmette Summerfest         07/10/2014

Wilmette had an interesting half-year of sales in 2014.  Despite the common view that inventory was low, Wilmette had more home sales this year than 2013, which was not the case in Winnetka.     Wilmette Real Estate Market Report Jan-June 2014 (2013 numbers in red) Total homes sold:  183 (175) Average list price:  $850,000 ($770,000) Average sold price:  $818,000 ($745,000) Average list to sell price ratio:  96% (97%) (both numbers based on final list price after reductions) Average days on market:  60 (63) Home prices rose by 9% in Wilmette, much more modestly than in Winnetka where prices climbed by 25%.   Of the total 183 home sales, 7 were foreclosures and 4 were short sales.  Although we are seeing fewer distressed home sales in the country, these numbers were slightly higher than ... 07/08/2014

Wilmette IL 4th of July Fireworks Wilmette IL is one of the villages in Chicago Land that has it's fireworks on the 3rd of July evening. I think it is really a great idea if you are trying to soak up as much of the fun as you can, as the Evanston IL event just 2 miles South which is actually on the 4th so that means two nights in a row of fun, food, friends and a good old time. Do not miss out because the Wilmette events are really well organized and always a memorable part of the Summer. The Wilmette event starts Thursday July 3rd at 4:00 PM at Gilson Park with the fireworks show starting at 9:30 PM. You do not want to miss this, the Village of Wilmette goes all out. Gilson Park is a very large Lake Front park, people picnic, kids enjoy roving performers and all our friends show up so ... 07/02/2014

450 Sunset Drive, Wilmette, IL 60091 This light, bright contemporary home has many recent improvements, beautiful hardwood floors and is freshly painted throughout. You'll enjoy cooking in the updated kitchen with cherry cabinetry and heated floor. The living room with two exposures is awash with sunlight.  The first floor boasts both an office and a family room while the lower level offers additional living space in a large rec room, plus full bath, laundry and plenty of storage space. Upstairs are three generously sized bedrooms and a newer bath. Search current inventory of Wilmette homes under $500,000 Click here to see additional images of this Romona contemporary home. Wilmette's Romona Neighborhood The Romona neighborhood is located on the west side of Wilmette, allowing easy acc... 06/24/2014

Wilmette IL Real Estate Scene The Wilmette IL Real Estate scene is truly booming. Property sales are really are doing great in 2014 as compared to the last year. Sellers are having an easy time selling their homes and buyers are finding what they need in a fine Wilmette house or Condo. If you are interested to see what Wilmette Real Estate is available please click the blue link and see for yourself. Wilmette is one of the most desirable places on Chicago Lands North Shore to call home. With some of the best beaches such as Gilson Park with sailing, motor boating, a great harbor is available to store your boat and a huge park and swimming beach. The Fourth of July celebration is so organized and fun that is known all over Chicago area as one of the best places to attend. In the past few... 06/13/2014

It's hardly summer yet but the Fourth of July is around the corner.  Traditions abound on the North Shore and in Winnetka and Wilmette there are lots of festivities to celebrate the 4th of July. WILMETTE (please note:  held on Thursday, July 3) 4:00 pm - festivities get started at Gillson Park and include games and rides for children, roving performers and a Tastefest.   7:15 pm - The Wallace Bowl will host a sneak preview of "Annie Get Your Gun" 7:30 - followed by traditional patriotic music by the Palatine Concert Band 9:30 pm - the grand fireworks display lights up the sky!   WINNETKA (on Friday, July 4) 10:00 am - Fourth of July Parade follows Elm Street heading east from Glendale Avenue.  Join your neighbors, bring your folding chairs, and grab a spot on the parkway.  Watch local b... 06/12/2014

Wilmette IL Housing Sales On The Rise Wilmette IL has seen record sales recently and properties are selling immediately. The North Shore Suburb is a very desirable place to live and many are considering the chance at becoming home owners in this wonderful location sitting right on Lake Michigan with so much to offer. If you are interested in Wilmette IL Real Estate click the link to see what properties are available. Wilmette is in the New Trier school district and kids will get to go to New Trier High school. The education is top notch and known for its team spirit and college prep courses. The beach in town is one of the best at Gilson park. There is a huge park with plenty of room for family fun, sailing lessons and its own harbor for a great place to keep and launch your boat. Easy ... 06/10/2014

By Art Wilson, Realtor   Wilmette's May Property sales were 53, up 6.0% from 50 in May of 2013 and 15.2% higher than the 46 sales last month. May 2014 sales were at a mid level compared to May of 2013 and 2012. May YTD sales of 175 are running 15.1% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 152.  The Median Sales Price in May was $649,000, up 26.9% from $511,504 in May of 2013 and up 20.7% from $537,500 last month. The Average Sales Price in May was $788,439, up 28.6% from $613,168 in May of 2013 and up 25.4% from $628,773 last month. May 2014 ASP was at highest level compared to May of 2013 and 2012. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of May was 112, down -3.4% from 116 last month and down -24.8% from 149 in May of last year. May 2014 Inventory was at the lowest ... 06/10/2014

Cage, Wilmette, Illinois About Cage Cage is a subdivision of single family homes located in Wilmette north of Lake Avenue and east of Green Bay Road. Average taxes in Cage $21,661 Average association fees in Cage $0 Average home size in Cage 2,976 ft2 Average lot size in Cage 0.25 acres Average year built in Cage 1946 Homes for sale in Cage Address Beds Baths Built Price 925 12th St. 3 2.0 1906 $615,000 1038 Greenwood 5 4.0 1893 $1,895,000 1139 Elmwood Ave. 5 2.2 1961 $1,149,000 1311 Greenwood Ave. 4 4.1 2006 $1,749,000 1336 Elmwood Ave. 5 5.1 2014 $1,995,000 703 Greenwood Ave. 6 5.1 1919 $2,195,000 1305 Sheridan Rd. 4 4.1 1922 $1,425,000 Sales Summary for Cage  (May 27, 2013 - May 27, 2014) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 102 $1,262,333 $1,201,500 ... 05/26/2014

By Art Wilson, Realtor Wilmette's April Property sales were 46, up 4.5% from 44 in April of 2013 and 43.8% higher than the 32 sales last month. April 2014 sales were at their highest level compared to April of 2013 and 2012. April YTD sales of 122 are running 19.6% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 102.  The Median Sales Price in April was $537,500, down -3.9% from $559,500 in April of 2013 and up 4.5% from $514,500 last month. The Average Sales Price in April was $628,773, down -3.3% from $650,401 in April of 2013 and up 1.0% from $622,563 last month. April 2014 ASP was at a mid range compared to April of 2013 and 2012. The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of April was 112, up 21.7% from 92 last month and down -17.0% from 135 in April of last year. April2014... 05/18/2014

The Come Home North Shore real estate team is sponsoring the third annual Kenilworth Gardens Neighborhood Yard Sale on Saturday, May 17. If you live in the neighborhood and want to participate, it’s easy.  All you have to do is go to our new interactive website and sign up (it's free). That way your home will be on the interactive map that shows shoppers which houses are participating. Or, if you prefer, just drop us a line and tell us you want in.  On sale day put prices on your merchandise, drag it outside and welcome the hoards of buyers that are bound to show up on sale day. That’s it. We’ll supply the signs and the advertising to ensure we get a good turnout. If you’re not from the neighborhood, we hope you’ll stop  by and check out all the wonderful “treasures” we’ll be selling. ... 05/13/2014

519 Koerper Court, Wilmette, IL This recently updated and light-filled home sits on a quiet cul de sac just south of Romona School. At $599,000 it's a terrific value and a great way to get into the Wilmette and New Trier school districts. The home has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and an over-sized two car garage. Here's why we think this home is such a great value: It's bigger than most split-level homes in the area and has great flow. Unlike most splits, this one has a family room on the main floor as well as a huge rec room on the lower level. It has lots of updates, including a newer kitchen with maple cabinetry, remodeled master bath, new laundry room, energy efficient windows, new flooring and it's freshly painted throughout. It has a super-convenient location, within walki... 05/13/2014

Wilmette IL Homes Are At Their Highest Sales Since 2003. In 2013 368 single family home sold in Wilmette IL and the last year that number was greater was ten years ago in 2003 with 418 houses sold. In 2014 the demand is even higher and the properties are selling at very near asking price and in some slightly above. We are seeing new builds for the first time in years and remodeling of older properties in preparation of a sale. Wilmette is one of the most desirable places to live on Chicago's North Shore. Currently in Wilmette, which is zip code 60201 there are 95 Single family homes for sale and 105 under contract and waiting to close. In the last four months 97 homes have sold and are closed. In the condominium scene there are currently 18 units for sale and 20 under contract and waiti... 05/09/2014

Wilmette Illinois Real Estate has had tremendous success in the last couple of years. In the time frame from May 2013 through April 2014 there have been 492 closed sales a gain of 14.7% over the previous year which has 429 closed sales and that figure was up 25.4 % from the period of May of 2011 through April 2012 with 342 closed sales. Wilmette has had among the best success in the whole North Shore of Chicago with the real estate market. Currently there are 91 single family homes for sale in Wilmette IL and 104 under contract and waiting to close. In the last four months 92 houses have closed and are sold. In the condominium scene there are currently 22 condos for sale and 20 under contract and waiting to close. In the last 4 months 31 condos have sold. If you are interested to see wh... 05/05/2014

Wilmette IL Named 2 on DePaul University Transit Friendly Towns. This is information I read in a great article in Chicago Magazine which I have been a long time subscriber. We are very proud of this, I have been a life time Chicagonian and a North Shore resident for over 35 years. The study in Chicago Magazine which they quoted from the DePaul study says and I quote: "Wilmette offers a near perfect combination of North Shore amenities and urban access. Recreation? Hello, lakeside Gillson Park, not to mention the fabulous Centennial Park, complete with public pool and ice rink. Fine Dining? It's in Evanston, just to the south. Public schools? Kids here attend New Trier High in Winnetka, just to the North. “Property taxes may be high, but you’re getting a lot in return,” sums up resident ... 04/21/2014

Wilmette IL Real Estate Is Booming. In this period through March of 2014 there were 562 new listings of single family homes for sale Vs 462 for the trailing 12 months a 21.6% gain. Closed sales are up 17.1% from 328 up through March of 2013 and 384 this March. The median sales price is up 7.1% and the average time on the market before sale is down to 65 days Vs 90 a year ago which is a staggering -28.2 % faster you can get your property sold. Condominiums are doing well too, closed sales are up 17.6% and market time is down -32.2% from 199 days in the years through March of 2013 compared to 294 days on the market the prior year. This all shows how popular and desirable Wilmette is to raise a family or just call home. Wilmette IL offers a quiet tree lined community with cobble stone stre... 04/16/2014

Wilmette Il Real Estate taking off in 2014 is great news for the wonderful village by Lake Michigan. Homes are selling at record rates and we feel this will continue throughout 2014. The demand is great and people really want to make Wilmette IL home. At this time there are 77 Single Family homes for sale in Wilmette and 100 under contract and waiting to close. In the last 4 months 81 houses have closed and are sold. In the condominium scene there are currently 24 condos for sale and 25 under contract and waiting to close. In the last 4 months 38 condos have sold and are now closed. If you are interested in seeing for yourself what real estate is available in Wilmette and or what has sold then feel free to click the Wilmette Real Estate Link and you can view these properties on your own... 04/13/2014

Wilmette continues to show strong market statistics - just like it did during the recession. Wilmette is the largest North Shore village (not including Evanston) and has a very wide selection of housing prices from which to choose.  I believe this has helped Wilmette remain a very good option for home buyers in many price ranges. This is how the first quarter of 2014 compares to 2013:   Wilmette 1stQ. 2014 1st Q. 2013       #Homes Sold 56 37 Average Price $692,400 $676,200 Ratio of List Price to Sell Price 93% 95% Average Days on Market 71 77 Home prices in Wimette went up slightly, by about 3% which shows a market that is stable.  More homes sold in 2014 and the market time to sell a home was also down slightly.  However, the list price to sell price ratio (always based on the last ask... 04/12/2014