June 2016
Lisa Finks - Please visit our website
North Shore News and Notes
Welcome to the June Edition of News & Notes! This month we look at the accuracy of the "Zestimate", our mortgage expert offers advice on choosing a lender, updated market stats and summer fun in your community.

Remember:  Summer is a beautiful time to show off your home. A great time to get the exterior of your home photographed while it's looking its best and then save the photos for a later listing date. Contact me if interested!

Please visit my website and use it as a resource to find out what is selling, what your home is worth and if you are a Facebook user, please visit and Like my page for more interesting postings on what's happening in your community.

I hope you enjoy! Feel free to drop me a line and let me know your thoughts!

Best Regards, Lisa

Zillow Debunked
Check out this Zillow listing:  a Zestimate of $1,750,405.00 with a sold price of $1,050,000!   That's a 40% difference!  Guess who this home belonged to?  None other than Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff!  Clearly, Zestimates can miss by a mile.

In fact, did you know that, in Chicago, the Zestimate sports a median error rate of 9%!  That means a $1,000,000 home has just a 50/50 chance of selling between $910,000 and $1,090,000.  That is quite a range. Read full story.

While automated home valuations can be fun and get you in the ballpark (large as that ballpark may be), nothing can replace a market analysis by a real estate professional.  I am happy to provide you with a complimentary home valuation at any time!
10 Goof Proof Plants for Summer

If you have a brown thumb like me, all hope is not lost for a flourishing garden! (at least not completely)!

Check out these goof proof plants from Real Simple to really enhance your home's outdoor appeal!

Real Estate Fast Stats:
The Elementary School Showdown - New Construction
 

As the housing stock continues to age throughout Wilmette and interest rates remain low, an increase in new construction homes has helped propel average prices upward - with the most notable effect in Romona. Above is a chart showing the number of new construction listings for each 12 month period over the last three years.  The building activity in Romona and Harper has been robust!

Contact me if you are thinking about a new construction home.  I can help:  1) point you in the direction of a fantastic new lending program, featuring unbelievably low rates; 2) assist in finding land for a tear-down/custom home and 3) introduce you to my network of incredible builders and architects.

Feel free to visit my website for all of the up to date North Shore stats.
Tracy KearneyGuaranteed Rate Mortgage
Ask the Expert:  
Tracy Kearney Guaranteed Rate


Aren't all lenders the same?

Before joining the mortgage financing industry I didn't even think to ask the question, "Aren't all lenders the same?" - I simply assumed they were!  When my husband and I prepared for our home search, all of our focus, energy, and time was entirely committed to finding the right neighborhood, the right number of bedrooms, an incredible floor plan and, of course, all at a price we could afford.  It never even occurred to us to vet a lender... read more
Community Corner: Fireworks and other Summer Fun!

Throughout the spring and summer in Chicago, you can enjoy parades, fairs and the Millennium Park Summer Film Series, outdoor movies downtown on a 40 foot LED screen. Bring the family!

Old St. Pat's Block Party, June 25
Chicago Pride Parade, June 26
Music on the Esplanade, Botanic Gardens, June 28
Wilmette Tastefest and Fireworks, Gillson Beach, July 3
Wilmette Summerfest, July 22-23
Gillson Beach Campout, July 29

Check out my blog for things to do, info on schools, recreation, fine arts, restaurants and more. 
Opening Doors...
" Lisa was terrific! From the beginning until the close, she was on my side, advocating for me the whole way. Her dedication is unmatched. I couldn't have asked for a more seamless experience with my home purchase."  ~Noelle R.
Jeep Wrangler
Enter to Win
Enter For A Chance to Win A New Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport!

By participating in this raffle, you not only have the chance to win this great car, but also you support helping members of our community through " Housing Our Own" and its programs.
More Info

Lisa Finks specializes in residential real estate in Chicago's North Shore communities. As a licensed attorney and former business owner, Lisa's in-depth knowledge of real estate law, contracts, and sharp negotiating skills provide unique benefits to her clients. Lisa's extensive involvement in the community also taps into the critical school and social networks that provide you with "boots on the ground" and the advantage of knowing the inside story.

@properties | 30 Green Bay Road | Winnetka, IL  60093

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