10 Tips to Help Keep Your Winnetka House Cooler This Hot Summer I have lived in the Chicago North Shore area for 25 years - in Kenilworth, Wilmette, and now Winnetka, and I've seen different kinds of summer weather.  The summer of 2011 is a tough one. This hot and muggy weather has strained our minds, our health, and our budgets. Some people don't worry about it, they just turn the air on in May and leave it that way until October, not matter the weather in between. For those that want to find relief and not stress out about it, here are some good tips for cooling your home in the summer. 1.    Ceiling fans are a great way to beat the heat - they reduce temperatures by 6 or 7 degrees.  Ceiling fans don't use a lot of energy and you can save by being able to turn down the air conditionin... 07/26/2011

A lot of people think that, because Winnetka is an affluent and mostly white suburb, that it is not a very progressive community. So I wonder how many people know that Winnetka was the site of the first-ever civil rights rally in an all-white suburb and that Martin Luther King spoke here before a crowd of more than 8000 supporters in the summer of 1965. Even most Winnetkans under the age of 60 didn’t know about the part their town played in the civil rights movement until a school teacher named Cecilia Gigiolio and her class raised the money to erect a monument to commemorate this historic event on its 40th anniversary. The monument was placed in the southwest corner of the Green, which is now known as “King’s Corner.” Interestingly, despite the fact that Dr. King spent extensive perio... 07/25/2011

Emerald Ash Borer and Infected Trees - Don't Get Fooled in Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth & Glencoe The push is on to get infected ash trees cut down - the disease is so widespread that that every ash in the North Shore communites of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth and Glencoe will probably come down.  In fact, every county in the state of Illinois will soon be affected as the disease spreads - this amounts to 100 million ash trees being destroyed! A notice on the Village of Winnetka website caught my eye - they are warning that it does not cost more to cut and dispose of an infected tree.  A consumer alert states: "Tree care companies which charge homeowners and businesses a higher fee to cut down and remove a tree because it is infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) are overcharging, s... 07/18/2011

Winnetka and Northfield Sidewalk Sale This Friday and Saturday, July 15-16 Notice I included "Northfield."  For the first time, the villages are holding their annual sidewalk sales together since the Chambers of Commerce of Winnetka and Northfield merged earlier this year.  This means four shopping areas and over 145 participating businesses.   Time:  The Winnetka and Northfield Sidewalk Sales start at 9:00 am and close up at 5:00 pm both days.   Where:  All three of Winnetka's shopping districts of East Elm, West Elm, and Hubbard Woods.  In Northfield, shops along Happ Road will be open. New:  Go Green Winnetka-Northfield will sponsor a fair in Hubbard Woods park starting on Friday night at dusk with a series of environmentally friendly animated films for children.  It continues on Sat... 07/14/2011

You earned it. You bought it. You loved it. Now you want to sell it. Your house in Winnetka, that is. Nothing can stop you if this is your must-have goal. You cannot test the market or dip your toes in the water. You have to go full throttle and pull out all stops to make your dream become a reality. Otherwise, you’ll just be spinning your wheels. Listing your house for sale isn’t the same as selling your house If you own a house in Winnetka, consider yourself fortunate to live in such a vibrant and popular community. It may be ‘cooler by the lake’, but it’s still a hot real estate market. Winnetka won’t ever go out of style. During the last 30 days, these luxury Winnetka houses were sold to the highest bidder.   Data provided by the Midwest Real Estate LLC (MRED) multiple listing servi... 07/11/2011

UPDATED 2020  What Does $500,000 Buy You in Winnetka IL ? Five or six years ago, the answer would have been "not much."  At that time, 50 x 180 teardown lots were selling to builders for around $650,000. But in the vastly different marketplace that we have today, Winnetka now has some single family homes for sale that are listed under $500,000, most of which are not teardowns. There has been a lot of discussion in Winnetka about affordable housing and ways to increase the inventory of these types of residences.  For the time being, owners of coach houses will be able to rent them which has not been allowed for many years. While $500,000 is not considered affordable housing, it does open Winnetka up to younger families or seniors looking to stay in town and downsize.  For someone with sc... 07/10/2011

The North Shore is in for a rare treat this Tuesday night when Winnetka Congregational Church hosts a performance by the Imuka Singers, a 30 voice ensemble all the way from Tanzania. Imuka means “rise” in the language of the people living on the Northwestern shore of Lake Victoria. The Imuka Singers “rise” from the villages of East Africa to brighten the world with their soaring melodies, rich harmonies, exhilarating rhythmic vitality and diverse cultural creativity. Their music combines the diverse cultures of East Africa to bring together rare singing techniques, electrifying choreography, hand drumming and elements of traditional dance from the oldest African folk songs and dances. The energetic and uplifting music will appeal to all ages. The Imuka Singers are on their first tour o... 07/10/2011

UPDATED 2022 Randoons - Hip Women's Store in WinnetkaI used to think that Randoons, located on Green Bay Road in Hubbard Woods Winnetka, was just for infants and children. Then one day my  teen-age daughter saw the window display and dragged me inside. So much more than just baby clothes - in fact, the baby stuff is just a small corner of the store.Randi Lamb opened Randoons in 1999, then moved into her current location in 2001. In case you're wondering, as I was, what "Randoons" means, it's her childhood nickname. She began dabbling in her own business by hand painting furniture and clothing and selling her items at craft fairs. The store did in fact begin by selling baby clothes, but after she moved, she expanded the lines to include clothing and accessories for adults. It's now about... 07/06/2011

Hey, buddy, can you spare a dime? If you can spare more than a dime, take a look at the kind of elite residential properties your money can buy in Winnetka. La crème de la crème Is money no object? Then one of these spectacular homes for sale in June 2011 can be yours. Currently, 146 luxury-priced homes are available for purchase. Apart from offering exceptional homes in outstanding surroundings, the top reasons Winnetka is so popular come down to: Nearness to commuter rail lines Proximity to the lake Top-rated schools Data provided by the Midwest Real Estate LLC (MRED) multiple listing service and includes properties listed and sold by various participants in the MLS. Data supplied does not reflect all market activity in the area. Throwing good money after better Housing styles range f... 07/05/2011

North Shore Fourth of July Activities Winnetka, Northfield, Wilmette, Glencoe Here's what's going on around town - please note that all the villages celebrate on different days! Winnetka Saturday, July 2 -     8:00 am - 5K Firecracker Race starts at the Village Green (corner of Maple and Elm)     8:30 am - Family Fun Run/Walk Monday - July 4     10:00 am - 4th of July parade - the route is along Elm Street beginning at Glendale at the west end and finishing up at the Village Green     11:00 am - Flag raising ceremony and more games and races     6:30 pm - at Duke Childs Field activities include moon walk, mini-golf, games and food from local restaurants     7:00 pm - Spoken Four live concert     9:15 pm - Fireworks show begins Northfield Monday - July 4     9:45 am - Bicycles for the Bi... 07/01/2011

 UPDATED 2019 Understanding Real Estate Commissions When You Are Selling Your North Shore Home inWinnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, and Northfield Many sellers (and buyers for that matter) do not understand how the real estate commission they pay to their broker really works. They know they sat down with an agent and negotiated a commission fee for selling their home but beyond that, it's fuzzy. When buyers and sellers are at the closing table, the commission number is often misinterpreted.It is important to know that commissions are negotiated, not set by any person or entity. There is a range and it varies depending on the brokerage, the agent's budget and fees, and what part of the country you live in.  Some agents in certain areas get as much as 7%, but luxury properties may b... 06/24/2011

Chicago North Shore - Winnetka & Keniworth Storm Damage - Some Bad, But Mostly Okay Last night around 8:30 while watching "Master Chef" that we had recorded from the night before, a warning bleeped through the recording to tell us to skeddaddle to the basement - a real TORNADO WARNING.  At about the same time, the tornado sirens began wailing from afar.   Down we went.  Our dog, Marly, was not too pleased - while she likes to come down on very hot days, this felt all wrong to her.  The lights flickered and went out . . . for about a minute - just enough time to foul up all the digital clocks in the house. The wind blew and it rained very hard then suddenly it was over. My street had the usual after-storm debris which did not look too serious.  I hopped in the car and set out to survey t... 06/22/2011

   Where to Park in Winnetka, ILUPDATED 2022I am often asked by buyers who are new to Winnetka about parking, particularly for commuters.  The Metra North Line runs right through the eastern side of Winnetka and the village has three stations: Indian Hill (at Winnetka and Green Bay,) Winnetka (at Elm and Green Bay,) and Hubbard Woods (at Gage and Green Bay.)All three of these stops are easily walkable for many people, but if your location is just too far, then driving and parking is the best option. First, you'll need to go to Village Hall at 510 Green Bay Road to purchase parking stickers for ZONE C which is for commuters and residents who live in apartments without parking.  There is ample Zone C parking near all three stations in Winnetka, but it's first-come, first-serve. The fees a... 06/21/2011

Hey, buddy, can you spare a dime? If you can spare more than a dime, take a look at the kind of elite residential properties your money can buy on Chicago’s North Shore. La crème de la crème Is money no object? Then one of these spectacular homes for sale in June 2011 can be yours. Data provided by the Midwest Real Estate LLC (MRED) multiple listing service and includes properties listed and sold by various participants in the MLS. Data supplied does not reflect all market activity in the area. As you can see, these homes are in the best North Shore communities money can buy. Far North Shore: Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Mettawa Heart of North Shore: Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Wilmette Near North Shore: Evanston West of North Shore: Deerfield, Northbrook, Northfield, Glen... 06/20/2011

Where Are Home Prices Headed in Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth and Glencoe There is much confusion about this question - as there should be since predictions are hard to make and even harder to stand behind in this ever changing market.  My opinion has been , backed by MLS statistics, is that home prices in the Chicago North Shore suburbs of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth and Glencoe are still falling but only slightly.  I may have to change that. Today I reviewed single family home sales to date for 2007 through 2011 and saw something a little different.  2011 prices have declined by 22% calculating from January 1 through June 16 since 2007, but the decline from last year to this year - was not a decline!  There has been a 2% increase in home prices from 2010 to 2011.   Many are weighi... 06/16/2011

Winnetka Memorial Day 2011 After days of rain and cold, the skies cleared and the temperatures soared.  I think half the people of Winnetka came out of hibernation to walk, run, bike or drive over to Elm Street to see the Memorial Day Parade, invocation, and speeches at the Village Green. At about 90 degrees and very muggy I don't think anyone was complaining.  Although Winnetka is a sophisticated and modern place to live, it still feels like small-town America on days like this.  Regular folks coming out to honor our country's veterans.   05/31/2011

Closed Home Sales May 2011 Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Glencoe # Sales Average List  Price Average Sell  Price Ratio Days on Market Winnetka 18 $1,789,556 $1,555,028 87% 234 Wilmette 21 $792,796 $709,748 90% 112 Glencoe 12 $1,760,116 $1,328,834 75% 182 Kenilworth 5 $1,159,400 $1,021,000 88% 250 Northfield 3 $2,599,333 $1,714,000 66% 128 The month of May saw closed sales go up in Winnetka,Wilmette, Kenilworth and Northfield and  were down by 3 in Glencoe.  Winnetka saw the largest increase doubling from 9 to 18 homes sold.   The list price to sell price ratio also improved in Winnetka, Kenilworth, and Wilmette.  But I really can't make too much of some of these changes on a month-by-month basis since some of these homes could easily have sold in April or June - better to lo... 05/31/2011

MIKA BRZEZINSKI Hosted by the Book Stall MSNBC's Morning Joe co-host, Mika Brzezinski will be speaking at the Union League Club about her new book, "Knowing Your Value: Women, Money and Getting What You're Worth,"  on Wednesday, June 1.   Her book is based on interviews she had with prominent business women - she discusses issues like equal pay, women in the boardroom, and getting capital for a startup.  She interviewed such varied professionals as Joy Behar, Norah Ephron, and Valerie Jarrett.  She also got the male perspective on these issues by interviewing heavyweights Jack Welch, Donald Trump, and others. Union League Club65 W. JacksonChicago, IL  60604Wednesday, June 112:00 noonCall the Book Stall for reservations:  847-446-8880 05/29/2011

North Shore Memorial Day Schedules Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe Winnetka - Memorial Day Parade at 10:00           The parade kicks off at 10:00 at the corner of Glendale and Elm Streets and heads east toward the Village Green where a ceremony will follow.  In case of rain, the ceremony will be held indoors at Skokie School, 520 Glendale Ave.  The guest speaker this year is Arlene T.Walsh, Winnetka Community Service Officer and Army Reserve Staff Sergeant . Sergeant Walsh is currently one of the Senior Intelligence Analysts for a military intelligence detachment DET 3 3100 Strategic Intelligence Group.  Since 2000 she has been a Winnetka Police Department Community Service Officer and Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician.  She also handles the dogs in town and sometimes helps at school ... 05/28/2011

Wild and Wet Spring in Winnetka and the North Shore Suburbs Hold on to your hat (if you're smart enough to wear one!)  It's not just the rain, but wind and hail too. Whatever little sayings you have heard about Midwestern weather, they are surely all true this Spring of 2011. One of the first things that transplants moving here must get used to are the wild swings in weather - 80 and sunny on Monday, then 45 and blustery on Tuesday.  This spring has seen many of those kinds of days but mostly it's been just plain . . . damp. If  you have taken to watching the new HBO show, The Killing, where Seattle is the backdrop, you will have an idea of how much rain we've been getting.  I've been buying umbrellas only to have them whipped inside out and made dangerously unsafe with spokes dangling ... 05/26/2011