Ice skating in Highland Park IL -  A fun activity for all!  Looking for a fun activity during the winter months for your family?  How about ice skating? This is a fun physical activity and also a great way to have with family and friends.  Ice Skating in Highland Park is available both indoors and outdoors.  Indoor ice skating is available at Centennial Ice Arena which is located at 3100 Trail Way.  Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the ice rink.  Public skating is available daily - for more details take a look at the schedule.  Lessons are also available for both children and adults check out the Park District of Highland Park for more information.  Registration for winter classes is on January 10.  Located at 1801 Sunset Road, Sunset Road between Central Avenue and Park Avenue W... 12/10/2010

Highland Park IL Real Estate Market Update. The Highland Park Real Estate market is holding its own. There are currently 257 single family homes for sale - ranging from $135,000.00 - $9,900,000.00.  There were 21 closings in Highland Park during the month of November - of the 21 homes 2 were foreclosures and the remaining 19 were conventional sales.  The average sale price  was $507,355.00.  If you are a buyer there is good inventory available for sale ~ If you are a seller be sure that  you have your home positioned well. Feel free to contact me for your specific real estate needs. 12/01/2010

Are you a buyer who is planning on buying a home in Highland Park IL and/or other surrounding North Shore suburbs? If you are planning on buying a home this Spring along Chicago's North Shore perhaps you should start your search now - there is a good amount of inventory available and homes that are on the market now have a seller who wants to SELL! Below are some tips which may help you with your North Shore Home Search: 1. Have a buyer checklist- This is a list that you should create prior to the beginning of your home search - it will simplify and help you prioritize what is a must in your new home.  The first question I ask of a buyer is to tell me their three must haves and three wish list items. 2. Today there are many homes on the market that look like a great deal because of thei... 11/27/2010

Real Urban Barbecue in Highland Park IL is officially open! Real Urban Barbecue also known as RUB has opened its doors in downtown Highland Park.  This amazing eatery is located in Port Clinton  Square - 610 Central Avenue Suite #177.  Owner, Jeff Shapiro, has been working on the concept and all of his menu items are absolutely delicious. I have had a chance to sample quite a bit - from bbq ribs, pulled pork sandwich, smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, baked beans, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, various salads the list goes on and on - EVERYTHING IS AMAZING!!!! Real Urban Barbecue is a great addition to Highland Park - featuring a mouth watering menu and whimsical decor.  Jeff and his wife Nancy are good friends and I wish them the best of luck with their new restaurant - with my off... 11/12/2010

Highland Park IL  Homes For Sale - What's available in the Highland Park real estate market and what has sold recently? Highland Park Real Estate activity remains active with continued sales.   During the month of October there were a total of 21 closed transactions - 1 home was a short sale, 4 properties were foreclosures and the remaining 16 transactions were arm's length transactions.  For buyers who are just starting their search there is plenty of inventory available for sale. Currently there are 298  single family homes for sale in Highland Park ranging in price between $150,000.00 and $9,900,000.00. Inventory, variety of homes available and low interest rates make this a great time for a Buyer in the marketplace.  Buyers should note that the monthly supply of inventory is steadil... 11/05/2010

2000 Green Bay Road - Located in Highland Park, the 2000 Green Bay Road condos are on Homewood, one block north of Park just west of Greenbay. Americana - Americana is a condo community in Highland Park. Americana is located on North Side east of North Brook Court. Arbors of Highland Park - The Arbors is a condo community in Highland Park, Illinois. The Arbors are on Second south of Central. Architecture Point - Architecture Point is a single family home neighborhood built in the late 1990's. Architecture Point is located in Highland Park off of 22 West of RT 41. Berkdale - Built in the 2000's, Berkdale is located in Highland Park on Ridge south of RT 22. Braeside - Braeside is a single family home neighborhood located in Highland Park. Braeside is on Green Bay N Of Lake Cook. Briargat... 10/30/2010

Haunted Hayride at Sunset Woods Park in Highland Park IL It's that time of year, an annual favorite for all, the haunted hayride! Yes the haunted hayride will be in full swing on Friday October 22 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Join the fun - this amazing haunted hayride is hosted by the  Park District of Highland Park.  Just buy a ticket (tickets are $3.00 per person/per ride)  and get in line to jump on the tram. The tram will be departing every fifteen minutes and will take you through the entire park. The lines may seem long but move rather quickly and the few minute wait is definitely worthwhile. You may want to also check out Steve Dahlke before or after the ride.  He will be carving large pumpkins into art for everyone to watch. During your ride be prepared to be frightened by various cha... 10/21/2010

Julie Anne | Keller Williams Success | (847) 620-5815 913 County Line Rd., Highland Park, IL Home on Two Lots 3BR/1+1BA Single Family House offered at $600,000 Year Built 1948 Sq Footage 1,372 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 15,681 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Take a look.. .68 Acres with an approved survey.. 2 Buildable lots being sold together or seperate you choose. This is an area of much up-scale redevelopment. Existing 1 owner charming home with many great features in good repair, but sold "as-is". Driveways on new approved survey face Barnard. Walk to Botanic Gardens, Ravinia, great Braeside schools, train and easy access to Highway. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - H... 10/19/2010

  Save The Date October 13, 2010 for Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation.  On Wednesday October 13th Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation and the Highland Park Giants Hockey Club will Host the 4th Annual Fundraiser at Centennial Ice Rink in Highland Park Illinois.  The Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation was founded in 2007 by David and Gail Katz and their daughter Melissa Katz Gold, following the death of their son and brother, Daniel, from an overdose of Oxycontin, an addictive pharmaceutical drug.  Daniel attended Highland Park High School and played on the hockey team. Admission for the event will benefit the Save A Star Disposal Program and Drug Awareness Foundation. This years event should be quite exciting as the Highland Park Giants will be playing against the Deerfield War... 10/05/2010

Highland Park IL - Highland Park Recreation Center Celebrates Five Years of Health, Fitness & Community. As a resident, parent and  REALTOR of Highland Park IL I cannot believe that the Rec Center has already been open for five years.   I have frequented the rec center many times to watch my boys in the gym playing basketball, attended many exercise classes and have enjoyed the indoor track on cold and rainy days.  The indoor pool is incredible and we have rented it for a private party.  When  I am out showing homes to buyers who are new to the area I always make a point to stop by the rec center because I think it is a top notch facility - every buyer I have taken there is very impressed with the facility and the many classes that are available for the entire family. Join the fun and c... 10/02/2010

Highland Park IL Real Estate Market Update. Real Estate in Highland Park continues to increase compared to 2009 figures.  There were 19 closed transactions during the month of September, year-to-date there have been a total of 234 single family homes which have closed in Highland Park.  Not only are we seeing more units close we are seeing the average sale price increase as well. In my opinion, this increase in sales is taking place due to two key factors: 1. Many sellers have adjusted to current market conditions and have their home positioned appropriately on the market. 2. Buyers are seeing real value in  homes that are on the market  and taking advantage of adjusted list price and low interest rates.  A win-win for sellers who want to sell and buyers who want to buy! Below is a deta... 10/01/2010

Are You Prepared For A Power Outage In Your Home? Last night at about 6:15 I was in the kitchen preparing dinner for my family, my husband was doing work in his office and my kids had just gotten home from football practice and were getting cleaned up; simultaneous to  our evening activities  a storm was rolling in.....within minutes the skies opened and the winds kicked in. Boom - a loud noise of thunder and the LIGHTS WENT OUT!!!!! There we were scattered throughout our house with no power! Being prepared for a power outage can alleviate chaos in a home. Below are a few tips of how to be prepared for a power outage. 1. Stay calm! 2. Have a meeting place in your home so that everyone can be together.  This is essential if you have young kids. 3. Know where your list of important phone ... 09/22/2010

  The return on that investment comes in two forms. First, you live in the house and so it provides you with a real flow of valuable services. The second part of the yield on investment is the capital gain you receive if the home appreciates and you sell. Gains are excluded from taxation if the property is a primary residence and the gain is less than $250,000 for a single filer or $500,000 for a married couple filing jointly.   Do the math. Four years ago, the monthly payment on a $300,000 house with 20% down and a mortgage rate of about 6.6% was $1,533. Today that $300,000 house would sell for $213,000 and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with 20% down would carry a rate of about 4.2% and a monthly payment of $833. In addition, the down payment would be $42,600 instead of $60,000.       ... 09/22/2010

Fun Afternoon Activity For Entire Family - Dogs Included in Highland Park IL Looking for fun in the outdoors  this afternoon?  How about heading down to Moraine Beach with your Pup?  Today from 1-3 the Park District of Highland Park will be sponsoring Woofstock at Moraine Beach. Our dog loves going to the doggie beach - it's a wonderful place for her to get excercise, go for a swim and mingle with other dogs. This fun event is free of charge and a permit  for your dog is not necessary for today's event. Let your dog run around and enjoy other dogs. Bring your kids to bounce around in an inflatable.  Various vendors will be at this event promoting their products - from dog food to places to board your dog while you are away. Moraine Dog Beach is always a great place to visit with your do... 09/19/2010

Is your home feeling tired?  Looking for a simple face lift? Every now and then I look at my own home and realize that while I'm out and about assisting sellers and buyers with their Real Estate Needs I often times skip over the advise which I give to others. I have written posts about prepping your home for sale and thought to myself....why not take my own advise and apply it to my own home?!?! No I am not in the market but I thought a few little changes can probably make a difference.  So think about it....Is your home feeling tired? Is your home in need of a  simple face lift? Below are a few simple tips which will brighten up any home both inside and out - regardless if you are thinking of selling or just looking for a simple face lift for your home. Exterior: 1. Change out your mai... 09/13/2010

Have You Had Your Home Tested For Radon? Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is found in homes but it can be mitigated. It is a natural radioactive gas that one cannot smell, see or taste.  I have sold homes without elevated levels of radon and homes with high levels of radon which had a mitigation system installed. One home may have radon while another home does not.  How do you know if your house has radon? Test it!! In Illinois when a home is on the market a seller is  required to sign a disclosure pertaining to radon.  The seller is required to disclose  if they are: Aware of elevated levels of Radon, have a mitigation system  or are not aware.  That is all sellers  are required to do - they do not need to test their  home. In turn, when the home goes under contract the  ... 09/05/2010

Highland Park High School Football- Go Giants!!! Yes it's that time of year again....Football Season at Highland Park High School. I have always enjoyed going to the Highland Park Football games.   This is the first year that I actually have an affiliation to the High School -my older son is  a Freshman at the High School and playing football  so I know that I will be frequenting Wolters Field not only on Friday evenings for the Varsity Games but also on Saturday mornings to watch the Freshman Team play and Win.   Although last weekend was the official start of the season the games were away at Stevenson High School. This weekend is the first home game at Wolters Field and I can't wait to go watch the games on the new Turf.  The "Field Turf" synthetic grass surface looks amazing and the... 09/01/2010

The Highland Park IL Port Clinton Art Festival is Here August 28-29.  The Port Clinton Art Festival is definitely one of my favorite outdoor events that take place in Highland Park IL every year.  For its  27th year the Port Clinton Art Festival  will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m- 6p.m with over 250 artists displaying their unique fine art for sale in Port Clinton Square and along the sidewalks of downtown Highland Park. Oil or water color paintings, Ceramics, Jewelry, glass pieces - whatever you may in have mind will sure to be displayed among the many artists who will have their work displayed for sale  in Highland Park this weekend.  The artists participating come in for this event from all over the country, many who return to Highland Park year after year for this even... 08/27/2010

2754 Port Clinton Rd Highland Park, IL Click For Listing Website Click For Interactive e-Tour You cannot get this much lovely space this close to the Lake in east Highland Park! This 3/3 bungalow has been tastefully updated! The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, beautiful granite countertops, and tile floors. House also comes with Hwd flrs, updated baths, large bedrooms, and a huge deck off the master suite which also has vaulted ceilngs. Newer windows have been put in and it has finished 980sqft bsmt MLS# 07612841 $439,900 3 Bed, 3 Bath 2754 Port Clinton RdHighland Park IL, 60035 Nick Libert/ Ryan Lee Team EXIT STRATEGY REALTY 773-980-9339 nick@nicklibert.com 08/19/2010

Highland Park IL Real Estate Market Update The Highland Park IL Real Estate Market continued to be active in July. Overall, the sales price of homes  are  less than they were  in 2009. In July of 2010 the Average Sales Price in Highland Park was $487,750.00 a 23% decline from July of 2009 when the Average Sales Price was $634,122.00.  Although prices have declined (to adjust to the market) we have seen some positive trends.  The Average Market Time in July was 127 days which is a significant decrease from June which was 176 days.  The Selling Price vs. the Original Listing Price shows how much the seller is willing to come off of their List Price. In July of 2010 we saw an increase compared to June of 2010 in Sales Price vs. Original List Price - the average in July it was 90.9% compar... 08/05/2010