I’ve shared in past blog posts tips for Selling Your Home, but now it’s time to turn the tables and focus on North Shore homebuyers! Winter can be an opportune time to find your dream home—even score a deal—and with my decades of expertise, you will know exactly what to keep in mind as you browse available properties in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or the surrounding North Shore communities.
Below are four reasons why you’re on the right track by shopping for a home in the Chicago winter:
You can spot flaws
While homes on Chicago’s North Shore do show well during the holidays, once the decor has been taken down, it is easier to spot the property’s flaws. You will be less distracted by flashing lights and the cozy vibes of the season and better able to notice drafty windows, water damage on the ceiling or walls and even a lack of privacy. Remember, spring will eventually return, but now is the time to see the home for what it really is!
You can work with the home seller
Many home sellers with properties on the market during the winter are motivated to move and more likely to work with you on price and terms. Once the spring and summer seasons arrive and the real estate market heats up, you may have less time to negotiate a great deal due to the other buyers interested in the property, but now leaves you with space to think through your offer and negotiate as much as possible.
You can ask for documentation
Some homes in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or the surrounding North Shore communities have special features like sprinkler systems that are winterized for the season. You may be unable to view these when you visit the home in the winter, but you can ask for documentation that they were properly closed down so there are no questions when the time comes for you to use them again.
You can always ask to see seasonal photos
As mentioned above, warmer weather will eventually return to Chicagoland! It may be hard to visualize it now with the colder temperatures and snow, but if you’re still on the fence about a particular property on the North Shore due to weather, you can always ask to see photos of it in its spring and summer glory.
If you’re ready to buy a home and take advantage of what the winter season has to offer, do not hesitate to reach out! I am happy to provide a list of available homes on the market, as well as answer any questions about the local market!
Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert
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