Wonderful 2 bedroom, 1 bath brick condo unit, move-in ready. This unit features wood laminate flooring, plush carpeting and lots of closet space. There is a nice kitchen with newer cabinets, counters, tile flooring and an eat-in area. This building is close to parks and expressway. Come and see today, all this move-in ready unit has to offer. To schedule a showing or for more information and photos of this property visit http://homes.helenoliveri.com/idx/5372/details.php?idxID=403&listingID=08064442 or call 847-967-0022 today!

Wonderful 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom move-in ready condo. This unit features beautiful hardwood flooring throughout, neutral colors ready for your design, kitchen with tile backsplash, eat-in area and a tandem room off one of the bedrooms. The building has very low assessments and is located across the street from Oakton Community College. Come and see this move-in ready condo today. To schedule a showing or for more information and photos of this property visit http://homes.helenoliveri.com/idx/5372/details.php?idxID=403&listingID=08064137 or call 847-967-0022 today!

Spacious 5 bedroom, 1 bath Cape Cod home. This home features hardwood floors, and lots of windows providing natural light. There is also a full partially finished basement ready for your enjoyment. The exterior features a fenced in backyard, patio and a huge 2+ car garage with side entrance. The home needs minor cosmetic repairs and then it could be a great home with lots of living space. Come and see today! To schedule a showing or for more information and photos of this property visit http://homes.helenoliveri.com/idx/5372/details.php?idxID=403&listingID=08063816 or call 847-967-0022 today!

Looking for somewhere to go for Mother’s Day in the Chicagoland Area? Here are few events and brunches going on this weekend.

 

Mothers Day Brunch – Hawthron Woods Country Club

Sunday, May 13th
11:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm Seatings
$32.00++ Adults
$13.00++ Children ages 6-12
$10.00++ Children ages 5-1

Hawthorn Woods Country Club has created a special Brunch to honor Mom on her special day. Come relax and spend time together while indulging in a bountiful brunch buffet. Member guests welcome!

Mother’s Day Brunch at Season’s of Long Grove

Give your Mother her wish come true on Mother’s Day. Time spent with you!  Share a spectacular meal together at Seasons and afterwards, drink in the beauty of spring as you leisurely stroll down the Cobblestone walks of Long Grove. Reservations needed.

10:00am-4:00pm Reservations every hour

Adults $27.95 Children (2-12)$13.95

Kohl Children’s Museum

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview

Celebrate Mom, on Friday, May 11th, 6-8:30pm and enjoy a pre-Mother’s Day evening of super fun for Super-Moms!  Refreshments, DJ, Dancing, Super Hero Appearances, Super Special Activities and Keepsake Photo with frame.  $65 per mom and child (members; $75 for non-members).  Each additional child is $15 for members, $20 for non-members.  Space is limited for this event.  Click on the museum’s name above to make reservations.

Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe 847-835-5440

Treat your mother to the best on Mother’s Day. Enjoy a sumptuous brunch at the Garden and spend the rest of the day viewing all that spring has to offer. Two seating’s: 9am and 1pm. Call ahead for tickets. Adults: $52.95 members/$59.95 non-members, Children (3-12 yrs): $24.95/$27.95, Children 2 and under free.

Evanston History Center 37th Annual House Walk

225 Greenwood St., Evanston 847-475-3410

Join us in celebrating 37 years of Evanston history and architecture. Houses will be open from 12-5pm. House Walk tickets are $40 each in advance; $45 each on Mother’s Day. Children 12 and older require a ticket.

Globe Café & Bar

Hilton Orrington/Evanston, 1710 Orrington Ave. 847-866-8700

Mother’s Day Brunch will feature a Breakfast Buffet of pastries, hot egg and breakfast entrees, an omelet station and a cold selection from granola to yogurt parfaits. A la carte menu of breakfast and lunch favorites will also be available including Eggs Benedict, a Smoked Salmon platter as well as savory brunch entrées prepared by Chef Kerry Hieber and her staff. Special brunch cocktails available after 12pm. Also serving dinner on Mother’s Day. Valet, street and public parking available. Brunch served from 6:30am – 2:30pm. Brunch Buffet $20 per person.

Bar Louie Skokie

Holiday Inn North Shore, 5300 W. Touhy Ave., Skokie 847-763-3068

Mother’s Day Brunch, $24.95 for adults, $14.95 Kids ages 5-12, Kids 4 and under eat free. In addition, $8.00 “Build Your Own Bloody Mary and Mojito Bar will be offered. ; Brunch will include one split of Champagne or Mimosa. 10% of all brunch proceeds will be donated to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

Pensiero Ristorante

Margarita Inn, 1566 Oak Ave., Evanston 847-475-7779

Brunch will be served between 11am-3pm and is a 3-course prix-fixe for $45/person exclusive of tax and gratuity.

Morton’s the Steakhouse Northbrook

699 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook 847-205-5111

Serving a special Mother’s Day menu. The restaurant will open at 2pm on Mother’s Day and service will continue through dinner (9pm). $59 per person for the three-course menu.

Quince

The Homestead Inn, 1625 Hinman Ave., Evanston 847-570-8400

Three course brunch menu is the perfect mother’s day treat. Mother’s Day brunch will be served from 10am to 2pm. Adults pay $35 per person; the little ones will be equally pleased with a $15\ child 2 course menu.

Restaurant Michael

64 Green Bay Rd. Winnetka 847-441-3100

Three-course brunch menu. $39 for adults, half portions for half price for kids under 10. Mother’s Day brunch will be served 11am to 3:00pm. Special prix fixe three-course dinner menu available for $42 per person. Dinner will be served from 5-9pm

Gorilla Tango Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie 773-598-4549

Before celebrating Mother’s Day at a Sunday Brunch, join Diva’s Crossing, on Saturday night, May 12th at 8pm. Tickets are $20.

Wyndham Glenview Suites

1400 N. Milwaukee Ave., Glenview 847-803-9800 ext. 125

The Wyndham’s luxurious atrium is home again to its annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Seating’s at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Breakfast and omelet station, salad bar, carving station, kids buffet and more. Adults $37.95, kids $15.95, 5 and under free.

Northbrook Court

Northbrook Court, Northbrook 847-498-8161

The stores, restaurants and entertainment venues at Northbrook Court generously donated gift cards, classes, and experiences. 100% of the proceeds go to the charity partners and you get a one of a kind gift for the special mom in your life. The theme is celebrate mom because, and it gives you the chance to buy your mom (or yourself, we won’t tell) an amazing package and support two charities: Family Service Prevention, Education & Counseling and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Necessities

2727 Pfingsten Rd., Glenview 847-564-9788

Located in the Sam Martirano Salon in the Plaza Del Prado Shopping Center. Treat your favorite mom to 20% off all regularly priced merchandise.

The Laughing Chameleon

The Glen Town Center, 1830 Tower Road, Glenview 847-834-0291

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a lineup of all female entertainers all week long including- The Spew, Puterbaugh Sisters and Mamaphobia plus special drinks including “The Mommytini” and for those moms to-be, our special “Gestation Libation”. You don’t have to be a mother – everybody’s GOT one!

WineStyles Evanston

1741 Sherman Ave. Evanston 847-328-4400

Special mother’s Day tasting featuring wines that mom’s will love. Wines featured on Saturday, May 12th and Sunday, May 13th will be %15 off the original price.

Make-A-Messterpiece

The Glen Town Center, 2050 Tower Dr., Glenview 847-730-5275

Bring Mom, Grandma and your little Messmaker to Make-A-Messterpiece from 1:30-3:30pm for our Mother’s Day Party. Enjoy a chance to craft and play with the special women in your life. Our activities will feature a messy handprint poem take home craft, as well as a hand crafted picture frame with photo taken on site for free. Admission is just $15 per child ($10 for members), adults are always free!

Gusto Italiano

1470 Waukegan Rd., Glenview 847-729-5444

Serving their famous Mother’s Day Prime Rib and Champagne Brunch from 11am – 3pm; $21.95 adults;
$9.95 children.

Sweety Pies Bakery, Cakery Cafe

8042 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie 847-213-0900

A mother’s Day “Come Home for Tea” Party! Two seating’s available: Breakfast inspired: 8:30-10:30am; Lunch inspired1-3pm. Reservations Required.

The Bed & Breakfast Package DoubleTree Hotel

9599 Skokie Blvd. Skokie 847-329-4371

Begin your stay with our warm chocolate chip cookie welcome, sleep tight, and then indulge in a delicious breakfast prepared just for you every morning. Wake up DoubleTree Breakfast™ includes hot entrees as well as a range of healthy options like granola, yogurt, and whole grain breads and cereals to give you what you need to take you through your busy day*. This offer includes breakfast for up to two adults and two children (under 12) per room.

Stir Crazy

Northbrook Court, Northbrook 847-562-4800

Celebrate mother’s Day with a line up of all female entertainers all week long including- The Spew, Puterbaugh Sisters and Mamaphobia plus special drinks including “The Mommytini” and for those moms to-be, our special “Gestation Libation”. You don’t have to be a mother – everybody’s GOT one!

Chicago Botanic Garden/DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago/North Shore Getaway

9599 Skokie Blvd. Skokie 847-329-4371

Make a weekend out of it. Whether this is your first visit or if you’ve been many times, there is always something new to see at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Your package includes: overnight accommodations for two in our elegant guestrooms equipped with many of the comforts of home, a Chicago Botanic Garden parking permit for one car, which will gain access for all individuals riding in the vehicle, disposable camera to capture every moment of your visit at the Garden, complimentary full breakfast buffet for two the next morning in Jameson’s Original Charhouse. Package price begins at $139. Hotel is not responsible for any refunds, tickets not being used, exhibits being closed or inclement weather. Hours are seasonal, check Chicago Botanic Garden for more information prior to booking your reservation. Rates quoted above are only valid for the number of guests, check-in dates and length of stay shown. They do not include other costs you may choose to incur during your stay. Twenty-four hour advance notice required in the event of cancellation. A one night minimum stay is required.

Asha Salon and Spa

1604 Sherman Ave., Evanston 847-475-9300

Give the gift of pure relaxation. For each $100 gift card purchased you will receive a $20 gift card or a custom Aveda blended pure-fume.

Pinstripes

1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook 847-480-2323

Mother’s Day Brunch 9:30am – 3:00pm. Carved Prime Rib, delicious seafood, chocolate fountain and delectable desserts. Adults $28, Children 6-12 $14. Children 5 and under free.

Ted’s Montana Grill

The Glen Town Center, 1811 Tower Rd. Glenview 847-729-1117

Free family photos taken on Mother’s Day, as well as a special offer for your next visit.

Flat Top Grill

707 Church St., Evanston 847-570-0100

Complimentary specialty cocktail or dessert on Mother’s Day. One per person. Must show valid ID for complimentary alcoholic beverage. May not be combined with another offer.

Westfield Old Orchard

Old Orchard Rd. and Skokie Blvd., Skokie 847-673-6800

Diamonds are a mom’s best friend, and what better way to say “thanks” to mom than with a little sparkle from Westfield’s Tiffany & Co.? For the gift giver on a budget, Tiffany’s sterling silver Daisy earrings will put a smile on mom’s face for only $225. If money is no object, make mom gasp with the Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard bracelet in 18k rose gold for $2,350. If jewelry is not mom’s forte and she’s a techy at heart, head to Westfield Old Orchard’s Apple store and pick up the new iPad with crystal clear display and ultrafast 4G LTE speed starting at $499. If you are more budget conscious, Apple still has you in mind by offering iPods starting at $49 or an iTunes gift card for mom to store or purchase her favorite tunes. For the beauty maven mom, prepare her for an evening of rest and relaxation with a facial and massage at Westfield’s Mario Tricoci and a new pair of pj’s from Soma Intimates, Victoria’s Secret, or J. Crew.

Karma Restaurant Brunch
510 E. IL Route 83
Mundelein, IL 60060

847-970-6900
Times: Sunday: 10am – 4pm

Celebrate with Mom at Karma. Reservations Recommended. Brunch Buffet to include Seafood, Omelet Station, Pepper Cured Bacon, Gingered French Toast, Cheese Blintzes with Fruit Compote Grecian Style Roast Chicken, Oak Roasted Pit Ham with Cranberry Demi Glace, a Carving Station with Herb and Garlic Crusted Carved Beef, Roasted Turkey Breast and Dessert Assorted Mini Pastries.

Tickets Cost: $28.95 ($13.95 for children)

 

King’s Wharf Restaurant
10 Marriott Dr.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069 
847-634-0100

Bring mom out for a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch. Feast your senses with an array of dishes sure to satisfy the whole family. Buffet includes chilled seafood, spring salads, breakfast items, made-to-order omelets, pastries, an Asian station, a carving station, entrees including bbq ribs, fried chicken, cod, desserts, a kids section and much more. Seatings from 9:30am-3:30pm available. Please call for reservations.

Tickets Cost: $45.00 ($18.00 for children)

May 2012  Market Update The housing market and the overall economy are improving at modest rates nationally, and in some areas they have actually gained momentum. The Conference Board’s CEO confidence index is up a notable 14 points—from 49 last quarter to a current reading of 63. A reading of 50 is the threshold above which indicates an optimistic outlook and below indicates pessimism. Rapidly growing optimism is a good sign for future hiring and growth. “The recovery is happening, though not at a breakout pace, but we have seen nine consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said. “Existing-home sales are moving up and down in a fairly narrow range that is well above the level of activity during the first half of last year. With job growth, low interest rates, bargain home prices, and an improving economy, the pent-up demand is coming to market and we expect housing to be notably better this year.” As rents continue to rise, buying becomes a more and more attractive option as home affordability, or the percent of income it takes to pay the mortgage, continues to be among the most favorable in history. The current record interest rates, which factor into affordability, cannot last forever—buyers wanting to take advantage of this unique time in history will want to act before rates rise.   Home Sales In Millions Home sales slipped 2.6% from the previous month to 4.48 million units, yet are 5.2% higher from a year ago. A strengthening economy is improving consumer confidence and drawing an increasing number of people into the market. In some local markets, there is not enough inventory of quality homes for buyers to purchase. As these markets see more new listings for their hungry buyers, national home sales could increase. . Home Price In Thousands Thanks to a decline in distressed properties, which sell for a 15%–20% less on average compared to non-distressed homes, the median home price rose 5.3% compared to the previous month and 2.6% compared to a year earlier to $163,800. This is the first time in 8 months that home prices have been up by over 1% month-to-month. NAR President Moe Veissi said, “In most areas over the long term, home prices have nowhere to go but up.” Inventory- Month’s Supply In Months Housing inventory remained stable from the previous month at 6.3 months supply and was 26% below year-ago levels. This marks the fourth consecutive month of inventory near a six-month supply, which is the threshold of a balanced market. Movement out of the deep buyer’s market that has persisted over the past three years is an important step that must precede a full-scale housing market recovery. Source: National Association of Realtors Interest Rates Mortgage rates continue to boost home affordability by remaining below 4%—some of the lowest rates on record since 1971. These rates may have begun to find a bottom as there is not much more room to go down, adding to the urgency to buy a home now while these record lows hold.   This Month’s Video Topics For Home Owners, Buyers & Sellers Pricing a listing at market value is a critical component to getting it sold. Here are a few of the advantages of pricing it right: Less Time on the Market. Homes that were priced at market value sold in half the number of days as homes that were overpriced. More Money. Pricing right when the home is first listed leads to sellers netting a higher percentage of their asking price, also referred to as the list-to-sell ratio. Less Hassle. When a home is priced right, it means that fewer buyers need to view the home to understand it is a good value—and that leads to fewer showings before getting an offer. Fewer Reductions. When a home is priced at market value, often it won’t need a price reduction. Depending on local market conditions, sometimes it will—either way, it will be less likely to require one if it is priced right to begin with. More Multiple Offers. Homes that are priced right are twice as likely to have multiple offers.  This can lead to a higher sold price and it puts the seller in the driver’s seat by providing more options to choose from.