North Shore Chicago home sales for April 2012 were even with last year, which is surprising given the level of activity in the market right now. For the first time in five years pent up demand is starting to show itself, though it isn’t yet evident in these numbers. Although there were 164 sales in April in the nine communities included in our analysis, there were actually 689 sales pending and will close in the next couple of months.  What we’re seeing is the domino effect of people finally being able to sell their city condos and make the move to the North Shore. As a result, we actually have a shortage of homes for sale in the price range for that city buyer: $500,000 to $900,000. Houses that are updated, in good condition and well-priced are flying off the market in a matter of days, with multiple offers in many situations.

A return to the good old days? Not quite. Prices are still down vs. last year, but the fact that there are so many multiple offer situations is evidence that the market has bottomed out once and for all and we can expect to see it stabilize and begin to make modest increases over the next couple of years.

North Shore Market Update: April 2012 vs. Year Ago

Source: MRED LLC- Data for single family homes. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Want to know what your home is worth in today’s market? Give us a call at 847-881-6657 and we’d be glad to provide you with a complimentary, no obligation, home value analysis. Or you can get a free, quick, over-the-net evaluation.

U.S. News and World Report

The rankings were based on the following criteria: student/teacher ratios, college readiness (the % of 12th graders who took and passed AP exams), math and reading scores.

Here’s how our schools stacked up against the criteria:

#7 Deerfield High School

#12 Highland Park High School

#13 New Trier High School

#15 Lake Forest High School

#17 Evanston High School

#19 Glenbrook North High School

The caveat, of course, is that a different set of criteria would produce a somewhat different ranking, so whether a school is #5 or #10 is not really the point. The point is that schools on the North Shore of Chicago continue to be among the best in the state. You can read the full report here.

I love the whole concept of rummage sales. Far from being an anachronism as some might think, they serve several important purposes, all at once:

• They make low cost items available to those who need them.
• They facilitate the re-use and recycling  of usable goods, thus sparing our landfills from more trash.
• They provide a convenient (and tax-deductible) way to get rid of the stuff you no longer need.
• And (in many cases) the proceeds provide funding for local charities and social service agencies.

This week Winnetka Congregational Church will hold its 80th consecutive spring rummage sale. It’s one of the biggest one-day rummage sales in the area (if not the world!), with 31 “departments” including furniture, electronics, toys, hardware, clothing, books, china, crystal and more. It  involves hundreds of volunteers, many of whom have been working at the sale for decades.  And it raises hundreds of thousands of dollars which are donated (after expenses) to nearly 40 Chicago-area social service agencies.

Here are the details of this year’s sale:

When: Thursday, May 10 from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Where: Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Two pieces of advice:

Come early for the best selection or come late for the best deals.

Parking in Winnetka on sale day is a nightmare…take public transportation or get someone to drop you off.

So, our Come Home North Shore team has decided to sponsor the first annual Kenilworth Gardens Neighborhood Yard Sale. If you live in the neighborhood and want to participate, it’s easy.  All you have to do is drop us a line and tell us you want in, then 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 “merchandise” we’ll be selling. I’m sure you’ll see lots of stuff you didn’t know you needed!

Here are the details:

When: Saturday, May 19 from 8:00 am to noon. (But you can start and stop whenever you want…we are not the yard sale police).

Where: Beechwood, Kenilworth, Chestnut, Thornwood, Greenwood and Elmwood Avenues (west of Ridge Rd.) in Wilmette

What to know more? Give us a call at 847-881-6657 or email us.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL YARD SALE

• It’s very well-priced at $629,000.
• It has loads of vintage charm and hardwood floors throughout.
• The kitchen and baths have been recently updated.
• It’s on a double-lot: 111′ x 159′ x 110′ x 153′
• It’s on a cul de sac street just a quick walk to Romona Elementary School

Built in 1920, we’re told this was the original farmhouse for the surrounding in this area. We’ll be having an open house this Sunday,  April 29 from 12:00 to 3:00 so stop by! .

Kids Rock Concert

April 21: 10:00 – 11:00 am
Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette
The Boogers will be in concert this Saturday at the Mette. If you are sick to death of Barney and the Wiggles, then take your kids to see the Boogers. They’ll love it and you will too! Tickets: $10 in advance; $12 at the door.Call 847-251-7424 or visit www.wilmettetheatre.com

Kayak on the Skokie Lagoons

April 21: 11:00 – 3:00
Lagoons boat ramp on Tower Rd., Winnetka
Assuming the weather cooperates this weekend, you can commune with nature out on the lagoons where no motor boats are allowed. Great for beginners, this trip will leave from the boat ramp south of Tower Rd. on the west side of Skokie Lagoons. Reserve a space online at www.thekayakers.com. 630-802-7647

Youth Connection Spring Fiesta

April 21: 7:00-11:00 pm
Lakeview House at Gilson Beach, 101 Lake St., Wilmette
This benefit raises funds for Youth Connection’s free after school programs. Enjoy Mexican food, drinks and dancing. Tickets: $65. Visit www.youthconnectionwilmette.com

Guys and Dolls

April 20 and 21 at 8:00 pm
Community Rec Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette
Presented by the North Shore Theatre of Wilmette. All bets are on, as the Guys and Dolls of Damon Runyon’s story beat the odds from Noo Yawk to Cuba and back. This classic of the American theater sparkles with the music and lyrics of the brilliant Frank Loesser, with timeless tunes like, “Luck, Be a Lady,” “Bushel and a Peck,” “If I were a Bell,” and, of course, the get-up-outta-your-seat rouser, “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.” Keep an eye on your wallet (and your heart) and join the gang in one of the happiest hoohahs ever!
Tickets: $15 for adults; $14 for students and seniors.
Call 847-256-9686 or visit www.wilmettepark.org

Pippin

April 20 and 21 at 8:00 pm: April 21 at 2:00 pm
Karger Center, 1850 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park
Presented by the Music Theatre Company, Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse, who directed the original Broadway production, also contributed to the libretto. The musical uses the premise of a mysterious acting troupe, led by a Leading Player, to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. Tickets: $40. Call 847-579-4900 or visit www.themusictheatrecompany.org

And here’s your handy guide to all the sales on the North Shore this spring:

April 28

St. Athanasius Catholic School, 2510 Ashland St., Evanston
www.stathanasius-evanston.org
8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Winnetka Covenant Church, 1200 Hibbard Rd., Wilmette
www.winnetkacovenant.org
8:00 am – 3:00 pm

May 4 and 5

Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Ave., Evanston
www.ucevanston.org
May 4: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
May 5: 9:00 – noon

May 5

First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N. Sheridan Rd., Lake Forest
www.firstchurchlf.org
7:00 am – 4:00 pm

May 10

Winnetka Congregational Church, Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
www.wccrummage.com
7:00 am – 3:00 pm

May 19

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1235 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette
www.stjohnslc.com
7:00 am – 2:00 pm

May 19 and 20

St. Norbert Parish, 1817 Walters Ave., Northbrook
www.stnorbertparish.org
847-272-7090
May 19: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 20: 8:00 – noon

June 2

Christ Church Winnetka, 470 Maple St., Winnetka
www.christchurchwinnetka.org
8:00 am – noon

June 23

North Shore Unitarian, 2100 Half Day Rd., Deerfield
www.nsucrummage.org
8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Go on vacation without leaving home!

Can’t you just picture yourself sitting on this porch on a warm summer evening, sipping a cold drink and gazing out at Lake Michigan? Follow Sheridan Road until it turns into a private lane and you’ll find this spectacular Highland Park home with its lake views and wide lawn that’s perfect for a game of croquet. Living here is like living in a summer resort, all year long.

The home is located at 2714 Sheridan Road and is being offered for $2,199,000. It has thirteen rooms, five bedrooms, four full and two half baths. It’s perfect for entertaining: whether it’s a holiday dinner with your entire extended family in the large formal dining room or a summer pool party out back, this house has plenty of room for everyone. And one of the best things about it is that you have all the advantages of a lakefront property without the sky-high taxes that normally accompany a home on the lake.

It’s going on the market later this week, but if you want more information about it please give us a call at 847-881-6657 or email us. And be sure and join us at our open house on Sunday, April 22.

Guys and Dolls

April 13 and 14 at 8:00 pm
Community Rec Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette

Presented by the North Shore Theatre of Wilmette. All bets are on, as the Guys and Dolls of Damon Runyon’s story beat the odds from Noo Yawk to Cuba and back. This classic of the American theater sparkles with the music and lyrics of the brilliant Frank Loesser, with timeless tunes like, “Luck, Be a Lady,” “Bushel and a Peck,” “If I were a Bell,” and, of course, the get-up-outta-your-seat rouser, “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.” Keep an eye on your wallet (and your heart) and join the gang in one of the happiest hoohahs ever!
Tickets: $15 for adults; $14 for students and seniors.
Call 847-256-9686 or visit www.wilmettepark.org

The Little Prince

April 13 and 14 at 7:00 pm
Northwestern University’s Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novel The Little Prince comes to life under the direction of Lookingglass ensemble member and Northwestern University faculty member David Catlin.  While rushing to get somewhere, an aviator crashes in the Sahara desert and, in his attempts to get unstuck, meets a strange and wonderful little prince.  In a world moving so fast that an entire month may be lived within a single day, this classic all-ages tale of imagination, whimsy and unrequited love for a single rose reminds us that “what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Tickets: $10-25. Call 847-491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu

A Little Help From My Friends

April 14 at 8:00 pm
Gorilla Tango Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie
Acts of Kindness Cabaret will showcase its talents this Saturday night. Acts of Kindness Cabaret uses their talents to help others by performing benefit cabarets. It has raised over $200,000 for a variety of non-profits. This show explores friendship in its many facets with happy, uplifting music from many genres and eras.
Tickets: $22; $10 for non-profit representatives

Popcorn and a Movie

April 15 at 2:00 pm
Winnetka Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka
“Midnight in Paris” is a romantic comedy about a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better.
Call 847-446-7220 or visit www.winnetkalibrary.org

Lost on the Lady Elgin

April 15, 2:00-3:00 pm
Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Rd., Wilmette
Valerie Van Heest is the award-winning author of “Lost on the Lady Elgin,” the side-wheel steamer that sank off the coast of the North Shore and claimed the lives of over 300 people despite rescue efforts of people from Wilmette, Winnetka and Evanston. The event remains the worst open-water disaster in the history of the Great Lakes. Van Heest will discuss how the tragedy unfolded, the rescue attempts, the re-discovery of the wreck in 1989 and more. Free for members; $5 for non-members. Call 847-853-7666 or visit www.wilmettehistory.org.

There was an Old Father Hubbard, an early landowner, Gilbert Hubbard, who moved to Winnetka in 1871 after the Chicago fire, but no knowledge of his wife exists. The neighborhood that later developed on Hubbard’s land became known as Hubbard Woods and the elementary school (eventually) took its name from the surrounding neighborhood.

Hubbard Woods is located in the northern part of Winnetka. The neighborhood is bounded on the east by Green Bay Rd., on the north by Scott Ave., on the south by Pine St. and on the west by the Skokie Lagoons. The elementary school also serves a small part of Winnetka that is east of Green Bay between Tower Rd. and Woodlawn Avenue.

Homes in Hubbard Woods are typically traditional in style: Tudors, Colonials, Georgians, etc. Many were built between 1905 and 1930, though a few date from the late 1800’s. During the recent boom a number of smaller, older homes were torn down and replaced by new construction. Current prices for single-family homes range from $585,000 to $4,500,000, with a median list price of $1,498,000. In 2011 the average sales price was $1,392,000. Some of the most desirable streets with the biggest homes are Ardsley, Pelham, Laurel and Private Rd. Lot sizes for homes at the lower end of the price range are typically 50′x160′, while larger homes have lots as big as a half acre or more.

The neighborhood has its own shopping area along Green Bay Rd. with stores and a few restaurants, as well as a Metra station.

There are currently 46 homes for sale in Hubbard Woods. Here’s a sampling:

1427 Scott - $745,000

1190 Oakley - $895,000

1168 Asbury - $1,939,000

1090 Crescent - $2,995,000

A little about Hubbard Woods School. Constructed in 1915, it was originally called Skokie School. (The name was changed to Hubbard Woods School in 1924, when the new junior high, named Skokie School, was opened.) Modern for its time, Hubbard Woods was designed to be a haven for students and less severe in appearance and environment than other schools of that era. To make each classroom feel like second home for the students, each had a skylight and its own outside entrance. To accommodate a growing population, the school was expanded and remodeled several times between 1918 and 1999. You can get information about Hubbard Woods School ratings and school reports here.

Related Articles:

• Hubbard Woods Neighborhood Home Sales
• Winnetka Home Sales by Elementary School – 2011
• Winnetka Neighborhoods: Crow Island
• Winnetka Neighborhoods: Forest Glen
• Winnetka Neighborhoods: Winnetka Heights
• Winnetka’s Indian Hill Neighborhood