It’s a quick and dirty analysis comparing inventory of homes in each price band to the number of sales in that price band. Just divide the last three months of sales by the current active listings and you get your odds of selling in the next three months. Unless the market changes dramatically going forward it’s a pretty good way to see how things are moving in the price band in which you are competing.

Odds of Selling Your Wilmette Home by Price Band

Source: MRED single family home sales in Wilmette: June-August 2011

In this chart you can see that the best place to be if you’re a seller is in the $700-799K price band, where there is more demand than there is supply, making your odds of selling 137%. The next best place to be is $500-599K (106% odds) followed by $900-999K (100%).

How does it help you to know this? Let’s say your price is hovering just above $800K. You may want to consider coming down to $789-799K to get into a more active price band. If you’re just over $2,000,000, you could improve your odds of of selling by getting below $1,999,999. On the other hand, if you are significantly over $2,000,000, maybe you want to reconsider putting your house on the market, as there are several listings and few to no buyers in this band right now.

If you’re a buyer in the $700-799K or $500-599K range, recognize that a well-priced and well-presented house will sell quickly, so have your ducks in a row so you can move quickly to make an offer. And you may not be able to get a “steal” in this price range. Contrary to popular belief, some houses are selling quickly and with multiple offers. It all depends on which market and which price band you’re in.

Related posts:

• New Trier Home Sales by Price Point

Want to know what that house down the street went for? You can go here for that info.

Wilmette Active Listings and Odds of Selling

Source: MRED – single family home listings and sales by price

The chart shows how well supply and demand are balanced at specific price points. It also shows the odds of your house selling in the next six months based on its price. For example, in the $600,000-$699,000 range there are more than twice as many buyers as there are homes for sale, given that the number of sales in the last six months was 222% of the number of homes currently listed for sale.

The implication for buyers at this price point: if you see a house you like, you probably ought to go ahead and make an offer. If you wait, it may be gone.

The implication for would-be sellers at this price point: if you are trying to decide whether to put your house on the market right now, the answer is yes. If it shows well and is properly priced, it should sell quickly. If you are at the low end of the $700,000-799,000 range (where there are more listings than buyers), you may want to consider lowering the price to $699,000 so that you can fish where the fish are.

]]> http://northshoreviews.com/2011/02/25/wilmette-housing-inventory-by-price-point/feed/ 0 http://northshoreviews.com/2010/07/22/harper-neighborhood-home-sales-1st-half-2010/ http://northshoreviews.com/2010/07/22/harper-neighborhood-home-sales-1st-half-2010/#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:10:24 +0000 Anne West http://northshoreviews.com/?p=4573 The Harper School neighborhood is certainly one of the bright spots right now in terms of homes sales. While home sales trends in Wilmette in the first half of 2010 were quite positive (+85% over 1st half 2009), Harper’s trends are even better, with 150% more houses sold this year than last. Even more surprising is the improvement of median selling price. While the median selling price for Wilmette actually decreased by 1%, the median price in the Harper area actually increased 7.4%, from $745,000 to $800,000. We haven’t seen this kind of trend in quite a while!

Before we get too excited, we need to keep in mind that there is still a lot of inventory on the market: 52 active listings in the Harper area alone, and some of them have been sitting for a while. On the other hand, there have been a few cases where the home was in great condition and well-priced and it sold in a matter of days. Yes, it can still happen, even in today’s market.

Harper Neighborhood Home Sales (1st Half 2010 vs. 2009)

Source: MRED, LLC. Single family homes. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

If you’d like to find out what your home is worth in today’s market, you can get a free, quick, over-the-net evaluation here or you can call me at 847-687-5957. If you would like more specific data about home sales on your street or in the immediate vicinity of your home, you can email me and I will be happy to send it to you.

Related Articles:

• North Shore Home Sales Data – 1st Half 2010
• Harper School
• Kenilworth Gardens
• Indian Hill Estates

Wilmette Police Department Open House

Sunday, May 2 from 11:00-2:00
710 Ridge Road

This is sure to be a kid-pleaser, with tons of cool stuff to see like the firearms range, the lock-up, crime lab, bomb squad and major crimes forensic unit. Think CSI Wilmette!   And be sure and bring along your camera to take mug shots of the kids.

Wilmette Historic Museum Open House

Sunday, May 2 from 11:00-2:00
609 Ridge Road

Take a self-guided tour of the museum and see all the exhibits, including the newly restored Akeley mural depicting native Americans on Wilmette’s lakefront and the wedding finery exhibit.  Not to be missed is the original jail cell that is still in the basement. Afterward, linger out front and listen to a concert by the Wilmette Community Band.

Heritage Trail Spring Flea Market

Sunday, May 2 from 9:00-5:00
410 Ridge Road

This is Heritage Trail’s spring sale, with deals inside the mall and outside in the back parking lot. Lots of great stuff for the antique lover, but probably not where you want to bring your toddler, unless you enjoy saying “Don’t touch!” every five seconds.

The principal of Harper is Dr. Susan Kick. There are around 440 students and 31 teachers on staff, making the student teacher ratio 14.2. Test scores are consistently high and there are lots of enrichment and after-school activities like chorus, chess club, sports, drama, science and art programs to supplement the excellent curriculum.

Harper is a real gem of a neighborhood school and parents and children alike rave about it. It is walkable from anywhere in the area it serves and kids typically walk to and from school unless the weather is bad. Starting at the end of 2nd grade they are allowed to ride their bikes, after taking a bike safety class. The parents are very involved in the PTO and other programs and the kids make lifelong friends there.

You can watch a slide show of the recent Earth Week Fun Fest held after school.

If you haven’t registered by mail you can buy a sticker in person at the finance counter at the Wilmette Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave., during regular business hours. They cost $80 for vehicles and $95 for trucks.

A portion of the revenue generated from the sale of vehicle stickers is used to maintain the Wilmette’s infrastructure, including streets, alleys and curbs.

Glencoe residents, you have a bit more time. Your stickers must be displayed by May 1st. Cars are $75 and trucks are between $75 and $180, depending on the size. You can buy them at Glencoe Village Hall (either the Resident Service Desk or the Public Safety window).

If you live in one of the other nearby villages, you don’t need to worry about this for a while. Highland Park’s deadline is August 31st. Evanston and Winnetka are  in January.

Banner Preschool

3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-3955
www.bannerpreschool.org

Banner Preschool believes that children learn best by being active participants in the learning process and the program is geared to stimulate intelligence through creative learning experiences. Curriculum includes music, art, reading readiness, cooking, science and social studies. There is an indoor gym and outdoor playground.

Banner is open to children two-five. Two year olds attend two days a week; three year olds attend three days;  four and five year olds attend five days.

Baker Demonstration School

201 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 425-5800
www.bakerdemschool.org
Baker’s program is based on the premise that children construct knowledge through discovery and free play and through social interactions with peers and adults. Content areas include language and literacy, mathematical and scientific thinking, social studies and the arts.

Two year olds can enroll for 2,3 or 4 days a week. Class size is very small, with no more than 12 children. There is a master teacher plus two associates for  4:1 student:teacher ratio.

Three and four year olds attend a mixed-age program either 2, 3 or 5 days a week for two and three quarters hours. Student: teacher ratio for this age group is no higher than 7:1.

Lutheran General Children’s Day Care

3013 Illinois Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-6600

This school accepts children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. This is a true day-care option and runs from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, though you can choose to go full-time or part-time.

Ronald Knox Montessori School

2031 Elmwood Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-2922
www.ronaldknox.org

Open to children 15 months to 6 years, Ronald Knox Montessori School strives to create a nurturing, stimulating environment that is responsive to a child’s needs and tendencies at each stage of his or her development Its goals are:

• to help each and every child reach his or her full potential by attending to his or her total development – intellectual, social, physical and emotional
• to instill a lifelong love of learning in children along with a profound respect for themselves, each other and the world around them
• to foster a strong community of parents, faculty and administrators for the benefit of the children, and to promote stewardship of the school

The Toddler Program helps ease the transition from home to school and focuses on motor skills, language skills and socio-emotional development of the child.

The Early Childhood Program spans a full three years. During this time, the children experience tremendous growth in all areas of development. They are introduced to concepts in reading, writing, and math. The curriculum also includes social studies, language arts, music and movement, geography, history and science.

Rose Hall Montessori School

1140 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-2002
www.rosehallmontessori.org

Based on the educational philosophy and methods of Maria Montessori, the goal of Rose Hall is to nurture the mind and spirit of each child. In addition to cognitive development, the focus is on the development of a sense of order, concentration, coordination, independence and respect for others – traits he/she will need to become a successful student and, eventually, a citizen of an always changing world.

Known for its excellent educational programs, the school offers bright, peaceful classrooms. The nurturing, professional teachers create a joyful, stimulating environment for the children and a strong sense of community for our families.

From arrival as a young toddler until graduation as a kindergarten student, each child is provided with opportunities to grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. From colors and shapes to math and reading, the child follows his inner drive to learn and progresses through the unique Montessori program at his/her own pace while being guided by dedicated, highly trained teachers.

Each Rose Hall program is carefully designed to meet the specific educational and social/emotional needs of the specific age group. Development varies greatly in young children so each classroom has a wide variety of materials to help each child continue to progress at his/her own rate. Please choose the appropriate program for your child’s chronological age from the options below. Click on the program name for more detailed information.

Rose Hall is open to children 17 months to 5 years old. The youngest kids (<2) attend on Mondays from 9:00-10:30. Two year olds attend two days a week from 8:30-10:30 and 3-5 year olds attend five days a week.

St. Francis Xavier School

808 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847)256-0644
www.sfx-school.org

St. Francis Xavier is open to children 18 months to 5 years. Under 3’s attend once a week with a parent.  Three year olds attend once a week without a parent and older children attend 3,4 or 5 days. The curriculum includes activities in language arts, dramatic play, art and music as well as reading, science and math readiness. Small and large motor skills are integrated into all aspects of the curriculum.

St. Joseph’s School

1740 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-7870
www.stjosephwilmette.com

St. Joseph offers a 2 year old program and a Montessori-based preschool program for 3-5 year olds.  2 year olds attend for two hours either two or three days a week. They engage in creative play within a structured environment and are introduced to Catholic teaching and faith. Children 3-5 years old attend for two and a half hours 3,4 or 5 days a week. The program is highly individualized  and emphasizes creative thinking, self-confidence and independence. It includes the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curriculum.

Trinity Church Nursery School

1024 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-7333
www.trinitywilmette.com

Trinity Church Nursery is a non-denominational preschool dedicated to the belief that each child is a precious individual with a unique pattern of development. It encourages children to stretch their imaginations, gain a sense of independence, develop friendships and try new things.

A parent-toddler group for young two year olds is offered on Mondays from 9:30-11:00. Older twos attend twice a week from 9::15-11:15. Three year olds attend 3 times a week for two and a half hours. Four year olds attend 4 times a week.

Wilmette Community Nursery

1125 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-5888
www.wcns.org

Wilmette Community Nursery School is open to children ages 2-5. The curriculum emphasizes play, social interaction, creativity and curiosity. The rooms are set up with multiple stations for play designed to accommodate 3-4 children at a time. Activities include art projects, water/sensory table, book corner, dress up area, play kitchen and manipulatives.  Children play outside every day (weather permitting) or in a large room equipped for large motor activities (balls, scooters, music and dancing).

Wilmette Park District

Community Rec Center
3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091
www.wilmettepark.org

This program is geared to 3-4 year olds and based on the philosophy that children learn through play and experience. When given the opportunity, children will naturally explore, discover, learn to cooperate with others, and develop a strong self-esteem. Through a wide variety of experiences, children develop their social, emotional and physical skills as well.

Utilizing the Creative Curriculum approach, each classroom offers an area for blocks, small and large motor activities, quiet time and dramatic play, as well as areas for music, art, literacy and science/discovery.

Related Posts:

• Guide to North Shore Preschools
• Kenilworth Preschools
• Winnetka Preschools
• Glencoe Preschools
• Highland Park Preschools

But this gas is different. Well, maybe not the gas, but the gas station. I’ve never been much of a loyalist when it comes to gas. It’s a convenience thing for me. I get gas wherever I happen to be when my car is on empty.

But a while back I came out of my house one cold morning and my battery was dead. Triple A gave me a jump but told me the battery was basically shot and I should get a new one ASAP. I was already running late that day so I went down the hill to Forrest’s Marathon Station (now owned by Duxler Complete Auto Care) at 1201 Green Bay Road in Wilmette to see if they could help me.

I had no sooner settled in with my newspaper and complimentary cup of coffee when they told me I was all set. The new battery was already installed. I don’t think it took five minutes. After I paid for the battery I realized I needed gas so I pulled up to the pump and started to get out to pump my gas when Ed came bounding up and said, “I’ll take care of that”. I thought he was just being nice because I had just had my car serviced there. But no. Turns out that they actually pump everyone’s gas.  I’ve always been a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to gas, but I have to say that, when it’s 20 degrees out and sleeting, it sure is nice to sit in my warm car and have someone else do it for me.

Today I needed gas again, so I headed down to my new favorite gas station. This time I brought my camera, snapped some pix and talked to the owner, Glenn Moak. Duxler has three other locations (Evanston, Northbrook and Skokie) but this one is the only one that has gas. Glenn says their goal is to put the service back into service stations. They pump the gas and, no, it’s not more expensive than self-serve places; in fact, it’s a bit cheaper. They have a full-service garage and tire replacement operation. They also have the cleanest bathrooms in town. They’ll even top off the windshield wiper fluid in your car and give you a lollipop when they’re all done. You can’t beat that.

ATTENTION LADIES: Thursdays are Ladies’ Day at all Duxler locations. For every oil change, Duxler will donate $2.00 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and you’ll also be entered in a drawing to win a day spa certificate.

So, if you’re sightseeing on the North Shore or touring homes for sale or just driving your kids’ carpools and need to make a pit stop, Duxler’s Marathon Gas is the place to go.

It just came on the market and is listed at $134,900. Here’s why it’s such a great buy:

• It is the least expensive condo in Wilmette, Winnetka or Glencoe, so if you need or want to live in this area and are on a tight budget, this could be a great option for you.

• It’s spacious and bright, with an easy living floor plan. Two bay windows in the living room flood the unit with light. The living room is very large and the kitchen is big enough to comfortably accommodate a table for four. There are several closets and plenty of storage.

• It’s centrally located between the Harper and McKenzie school districts and convenient to the PACE bus and shops along Ridge Road and Lake Avenue.

So, what’s the catch? The only drawbacks are: 1) the unit is dated (but not offensively so); 2) there’s no in-unit laundry (but the laundry room is easily accessible on the first floor of the building); and 3) there is no covered parking (but the unit does come with an assigned parking space).

If this looks like something that could work for you, just give me a call. I’d be happy to show it to you. 847-687-5957