Week after week families reach out to us as they navigate a move to the North Shore. We saw a need to highlight hyper-local experts who live here, are familiar with schools and local offerings, and who know what differentiates each area. We reached out to a few in-the-know business owners and parents to learn why they love where they live! The North Shore is expansive. It’s tough to narrow down the perfect place for each family with so many gorgeous options! We hope this helps.
A huge thank you to our sponsors. It takes a village and we have a fantastic one! First Look Appraisals, S & S Glass, Park West Cleaning, BTR Detailing, Blue Leaf Lending, and the multi talented Sacred by ChrisRenee´are our supporting home experts who know the area, are experts their craft, and whom we trust for your needs!
We also want to thank watercolor artist Terri Crockett for the custom map she created for us. We’ve were thrilled that she wanted to be a part of this project. BONUS- the map is now offered as a print- and part of the proceeds will be donated to The Greater Chicago Dispository Food Bank! Ellie, Shawn and the artist, Terri, will collectively donate $5 of every print sold, supporting Chicagoland families in need.
Thank you to our Sponsor
First Look
Dedicated Support
Fast and Accurate
Technology, Purpose-Built for You
Thank you to our Artist
Terri Crockett
Meet Our Featured Local Real Estate Experts….
“I’m a Local North Shore mom with 20 years of real estate experience behind me! My husband and I have been a team and family business since 2010. Prior to Chicagoland I lived in Florida, so my network is vast, which helps with out of state relocations & second homes as well!
Lori Nieman Real Estate, @properties
Lori Nieman has been a long-time resident of the North Shore, having lived in both Winnetka and East Wilmette. Her family spent many years living in Lincoln Park, before moving to the North Shore so she understands first-hand the transition- and how overwhelming it can be! Lori can help with scoring a home even before it hits the market with advanced viewings and is an invaluable resource for contractors, neighborhood happenings, insight into the North Shore market itself and so much more!
Contact Lori Nieman Real Estate:
https://www.compass.com/agents/alberts-and-maletsky-team/
Instagram: @loriniemanrealestate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoriNiemanRealEstate
OFFICE: 847.881.0200
MOBILE: 312.343.7070
The Alberts + Maletsky Team, Compass
Beth Alberts + Stephanie Maletsky joined forces in 2015 after two successful careers in real estate to offer our clients an enhanced experience. We didn’t create a team to work less, we created a team to work smarter and provide better service to our clients. In a relatively short time, we’ve become one of the North Shore’s most productive real estate teams with more than $100 Million in sales.
We are dedicated to establishing and keeping your trust in our experience and our process, using the latest Compass technology to promote your home and provide reliable, responsive communication at all times. Our mission is to make buying and selling homes seamless and stress-free with our skilled market analysis, expert real estate advice, and extraordinary customer service. We work hard to make real estate easier.
Our team is growing because our business demands it! In order to maintain our high standard of service, we recently added a marketing specialist, a transaction coordinator and a licensed buyer’s agent/listing assistant. Under our mentorship, and trained in our systems and procedures, our team is poised for success and continued growth for many years to come.
Contact The Alberts + Maletsky Team:
https://www.compass.com/agents/alberts-and-maletsky-team/
[email protected]
Beth Alberts
773-991-2560
Lotzof Malk Residential
Jacqueline Lotzof and Stephanie Malk joined forces in 2017 to build one of the most trustworthy and hardworking real estate teams on the North Shore. Their combined background in real estate, sales, and marketing perfectly position them to guide you through your entire real estate transaction. Their successful track record and top-notch customer service, combined with their real estate knowledge and overall love of the Northern Suburbs, is what helps them deliver results to every client.
Contact Jaqueline or Stephanie:
https://lotzofmalkresidential.com/
[email protected]
847-917-8220
Mary Egebrecht Realtor with Jameson Sothebys International Realty
Mary started her career in real estate after attending the University of Kansas where she graduated with a BA in communications and psychology. After graduation, she moved back home and hit the ground running; She had her first closing on her 23rd birthday and never looked back! In her first year, Mary was awarded the ‘Rising Star Award’ and was named “Rookie of the Year” by her company published in Chicago Agent Magazine. Mary specializes in residential sales and works with a myriad of clients including buyers, sellers, renters, and investors. Born and raised in Glenview, she spends her time in both Chicago and the North Shore Suburbs. Living in the city and having grown up on the North Shore, Mary uses her personal experience to guide clients to what is the best lifestyle and investment choice for them! Her positive energy, integrity, determination, and solid professional experience are keys to providing the very best representation. From staging a listing, to sourcing off market opportunities, to managing all parties within a transaction, Mary provides full support for her clients! Contact Mary for a no charge, no pressure consultation if you’re interested in making a move!
Contact Mary:
maryegebrecht.com
[email protected]
847-693-0118
Carly Jones- Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore- Realtor
“As an attorney, I mastered the art of managing risk, timing, pace, advantage, leverage, and value to achieve a desired outcome. The same principles apply when working with clients who want to buy or sell a home. As a residential broker, I am uniquely positioned to advocate on behalf of my clients, ensuring they get the level of service, expertise, and results they deserve. And with the power of the Engel & Völkers brand behind me, my clients benefit from a tight-knit global network and elegant marketing that reaches audiences well beyond Chicagoland.
I enjoy working with home buyers and sellers in both the city and North Shore markets. With two beautiful daughters and eleven pets, my husband and I are seriously entrenched in suburban living; I love being a resource for parents who are trying to evaluate their options. I also lived for many years downtown, am in the city often, and have figured out how to recreate a city lifestyle in the suburbs. We walk or ride bikes everywhere – to downtown Highland Park, Ravinia and, on our weekly date night, to Abigail’s American Bistro. If you are looking for insight, I am here to help!
Time management is the key to juggling family, career and health, and fortunately this is another area where I excel. I respect my clients’ time and, by being disciplined, I have time to relax, exercise and read voraciously. By taking care of myself, I have more energy to give to others, which is the greatest joy of all. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you with the next chapter in your life, wherever it may take you.
Contact Carly:
Carlyjones.evrealestate.com
[email protected]
3123913170
847 North Shore, Mary Grant and Liz Watson
“Our concierge real estate business spans from Evanston to Lake Forest where we represent buyers and sellers. We pride ourselves on knowing the local market not only via the MLS, but through friends and connections we have made in our many years living, working, and raising our families on the north shore. Listening to our clients is key and we always have their best interest at heart. We understand buying and selling is a major investment – financially and emotionally and work tirelessly to make the purchase or sale seamless and professional.
We handle the entire process from start to finish with professional photography, staging, and marketing. We are appreciative of the chance to work on the North Shore and are happy to say that all of our clients become our friends!”
Contact Mary or Liz:
www.atproperties.com/agents/marygrant
www.atproperties.com/agents/lizwatson
[email protected], [email protected]
312-339-2018. 847-323-3122
Jayme Greenspan, The Move with Merel Team at @Properties
Jayme Greenspan, a 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, brings her extensive knowledge of the client relationship to the real estate industry. Before starting in Real Estate, Jayme spent many years in the Hotel Industry, working for Starwood Hotels and Resorts for most of those years. She was number one in Sales for the Global Sales division of the company and won numerous sales incentive trips. She now uses that drive in finding her clients the perfect home!
She is an active broker with @properties and represents both buyers and sellers throughout the Northern Suburbs of Chicago on a day-to day basis. Her hospitality background provides her a wealth of sales and client experience. Jayme’s customers become her friends and most important to her is their happiness in finding their forever home!
When she isn’t with clients, she’s a likely running her to two amazing boys to hockey, baseball or tennis! She loves watching sports with her husband and boys, especially her Alma Mater Wisconsin Badgers, the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Chicago Bears. Jayme is a native of South Florida and has lived in Chicago since graduating from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Contact Jayme:
www.movewithmerel.com
[email protected]
773-398-5411
Rebecca Pesche, @properties, Realtor
A self-proclaimed “open house junkie”, Rebecca’s interest in real estate began early! After an unfulfilling stint in corporate marketing, Rebecca turned her love for homes and helping people into a career in 2007.
She is a full-time Realtor, committed to superior client service and proactive communication. In addition to an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, Rebecca continues to educate herself in the industry, completing the prestigious designations of Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS).
A Northbrook native, former city-dweller, and current Deerfield resident, Rebecca serves clients along the North Shore and the North Side of Chicago. Clients describe her as intuitive, honest and invaluable in their home buying and selling experience.
Contact Rebecca:
www.atproperties.com/rebeccapesche
[email protected]
773-710-4654
Megan Mawicke, Mawicke Group
Megan Mawicke is passionate about the North Shore, born and raised in Kenilworth. “We know the North Shore like the back of our hands and that is so vital when working with a realtor. They need to know the neighborhoods, schools the ins and outs of all of the towns!”. Megan partners with her brother John at The Mawicke Group, real estate is about people first and their clients goals are the #1 priority. They learned these high standards from their mother Barbara Mawicke. Barbara is a name that has become synonymous with North Shore real estate and getting results. She was the first realtor on the North Shore to reach ONE BILLION in sales. Barbara consistently ranked in the top 1% of agents nationwide for over 4 decades; a testament to her work ethic and experience in the North Shore. The Mawicke Group has been #1 in Kenilworth for over the past 30 years!
This combination of knowledge, experience and trustworthy reputation enables the team to offer an “insider’s edge” when assisting clients buy or sell a home in the North Shore and surrounding suburbs — including intimate knowledge of marketplace trends, neighborhoods, schools, remodeling services, staging, and all the resources required to find the home that’s right for you.
Contact Megan:
https://www.atproperties.com/agents/meganmawickebradley
847.881.0200
Kelli Gould, @properties
Kelli gains enormous fulfillment from helping her clients through life’s biggest transitions. She makes the real estate process as seamless and low-stress as possible, reinforced by her knowledge of local neighborhoods and her connections throughout the North Shore and Chicago.
Kelli entered real estate after a successful marketing career in world-class professional services firms. She prides herself on bringing the best of her corporate marketing experience to real estate while also providing the personalized approach and attention each client deserves. For Sellers, this means the most comprehensive and cutting-edge marketing plan to sell your home as quickly and for the highest price possible. For Buyers, Kelli leverages the most advanced technology platforms and data analysis to ensure you are informed and confident in your decisions throughout the process. “I also acknowledge the emotion that is attached to real estate transactions. My clients need to know in both their mind and in their gut that they’ve made the right move.”
An Iowa native, Kelli has called Chicagoland “home” for the past 16 years, first in Lakeview and North Center, and now in Wilmette. There is never a dull moment in her life thanks to her three kids under four: Hadley, Harper, and Cory.
Contact Kelli:
https://www.atproperties.com/agents/8008/kelli-gould
[email protected]
773.230.5579
@kelligould_realestate
Carolyn Cerf
“Born and raised on the North Shore, I’ve become a true expert of the local real estate market! I’ve created an extensive network that markets my clients’ properties up and down the shore. As I tell my clients, “Let my network work for you.”
I’m a true community supporter, with thousands of volunteer hours contributed to local causes and celebrating our local communities is something I’m passionate about. I’ve decided to raise my family here, and wouldn’t have it any other way! I often use the hashtag #WhyWeLiveHere because there’s so much to love about the North Shore!
For local events, good causes, and property listings, follow me on Facebook and Instagram! Looking? Let’s talk about a commission discount or closing cost rebate!”
Contact Carolyn:
Carolyn Cerf – Coldwell Banker Realtor
www.CarolynCerf.com
[email protected]
847.525.8245
Thank You to our Sponsors! Meet the Local Home Improvement Experts…
First Look Appraisals
Dedicated Support
Properties can be complex, but working with an AMC shouldn’t be. Work directly with dedicated people, not “a company”. Forget the hand-offs, get directly to the source.
Fast & Accurate Appraisals
Get from appraisal order to closing table as fast as possible. We’ve developed the solutions that give you a competitive edge.
Technology, Purpose-Built for You
Everything we build is designed with your business and your borrower in mind. We strive to eliminate the anxiety in the appraisal process for you, your borrower, and your partners.
Reliability
Your borrower relies on you; you can rely on us. We communicate proactively, transparently and immediately – always. Focus on growing your business, not babysitting your appraisals.
Contact First Look:
www.firstlookappraisals.com
Jo Ann Theriault-Fazio & Sam Fazio Team with ProperRate.com
This duo is the sponsor of the 2022 North Shore Summer Camp Guide.
Jo Ann Theriault-Fazio – (847) 972-5704, [email protected]
Sam Fazio – (847) 972-5705, [email protected]
S&S Glass Company/ Glass & Mirror
We are local, family owned glass and mirror company, that specialize is shower doors, mirrors, wine rooms and all your other glass needs throughout your home.
*Free Estimates, plus 10% off 1 item for NEW customers, (no past or existing orders) Code: GLASS21
Contact S&S Glass:
www.ssglassco.com
[email protected]
847-967-1700
Park West Cleaning
Park West Cleaning is a locally owned small business, new to the home cleaning scene with big dreams. At Park West, we aim to bring the best in industry customer service and frictionless customer experience. While some home cleanings may feel the same, we offer best in class premium cleans that fit into your monthly budget. We know you spend more time in your home now more than ever, at Park West Cleaning, we will refresh and revitalize your living space to help turn back your house into a home.
Contact Jack at Park West Cleaning:
ParkWestCleaning.com
[email protected]
John Zabriskie
8476411214
BTR Wash Pros – Pressure Washing & Mobile Car Detailing
“At BTR Wash Pros LLC, we work hard to accommodate the various needs of our Chicago area clients. We’re the go to for CNSM when it comes to mobile car detailing. We can also be your go to for pressure washing for a cleaner exterior of your home, or more specific jobs like oil stain removal and oxidation removal around the pool area, gutter cleaning, patio power washing and more.
Quality should always matter, and we’re the pros that can deliver the highest quality cleaning and results!”
Contact Brian:
btrwashpros.com
[email protected]
Brian Torres – [email protected]
312.525.0520
Sacred by Chris Renee´
Sacred is comprised of three services: Interior Styling, Home Organization and Floral Design. Sacred takes in account of the clients current season in life to better serve their needs. Whether it’s time to purge the old, refresh with new elements or get organized; we’re here to help guide you along that process.
*A 20% discount will be applied to interior styling or home organization services if booked by April 30, 2021
Contact Christianna:
https://sacredbychrisrenee.com/
[email protected]
(773) 469-2786
360 Painting of North Shore – Interior and exterior home painting
When you get an itch to start a decorating project, be sure to turn to the professionals at 360° Painting of North Shore. Our locally owned and operated team provides reliable and convenient painting services of the highest quality.
Every day, we provide the communities of the North Shore with a variety of painting services including:
Interior Painting
Exterior Painting
Color Selection Assistance
Cabinet Painting
Wood Staining
Wallpaper Removal
We offer a full range of painting services to complete any project you may have in mind. Be sure to give us a call! A professional representative will be able to learn about your specific situation, as well as schedule you for a free, no-obligation painting estimate! Call +1 224 801 1803 or visit 360painting.com/north-shore today!
Contact Mike:
360painting.com/north-shore
[email protected]
224.715.7470
Blueleaf Lending
BlueLeaf Lending is a subsidiary of Midwest Community Bank celebrating over 50 years of consumer, commercial, and business lending.
“For more 20 years, it’s been my privilege to be in the residential mortgage lending business. Together with my daughter, Jane, the Blueleaf Lending Hohman team strives to help people find and obtain home loans that are amongst the lowest rates around. Blueleaf Lending with the Hohman team where lower rates and better care are all in the family.”
Contact Betsy Holman at Blueleaf Lending:
blueleaflending.com/residential_lending/
5215 Old Orchard Rd, Suite 810
Skokie, IL 60077
312-379-8869
[email protected]
Why we LOVE where live…..
“What I love about living in Glencoe is that it almost feels like you’re living in a resort town. From the proximity to the beach to the super quaint downtown, it’s just so lovely. When you add that to the mix of incredible schools, parks, facilities and close knit neighbors – it is truly hard to beat.”
– Leslie, Glencoe Mom
“Deerfield is a growing and very friendly community. The education system is phenomenal with a library surpassed by none. I was raised in Deerfield and felt the closeness of the community from my neighbors to my classmates and all the friends I made. I can’t imagine a better fit anywhere else.”
-Jenny Piermont, Deerfield Mom and owner of @popofcolor_jenny
“I love living on the Northshore because you have the best of both world. Truly. In just 30 minutes, I can commute to the city for culture and date nights but I also have a lot at my fingertips including some of the best schools in Illinois, incredible fitness studios, restaurants galore, manicured parks…you name it! The best part is, I pull into my driveway without climbing four flights of stairs with strollers and groceries in-hand. I can send my kids into my fenced-in yard to play in the snow and watch from my kitchen. I can escape for an indulgent latte and support small business. We have room…room for toys, pelotons, clothes and most important of all…room to breathe. I have zero regrets about our move from the city and I feel incredibly lucky to be sandwiched between family and city life here in Glenview!”
–Johanna Grange, Glenview Mom and Owner/Founder of Oak Street Social
“Wilmette has a large population for the North Shore, but still feels quaint- especially on our cobblestone street! We love that there are so many great restaurants and cute shops, and Gillsen Beach area is amazing! The biking, and outdoor activities are so much easier with our children than on the busy streets or lakefront path when we lived in Chicago. We moved 2 years ago from the city and haven’t looked back.”
-Christina, Wilmette Mom
I live in Glencoe, Illinois. I am originally from New York and moved here 11 years ago. We can walk to the beach, Botanic Gardens, Ravinia and downtown Glencoe. My kids are having an “old school” childhood because they’re able to ride their bikes all over town. More importantly, I love that my friends are like family. Many of us are from other states and countries and I truly feel that contributes to the fabric of our close knit community. I feel very lucky to have (blindly) chosen this suburb!
-Kim Bloomberg, Glencoe Mom and Owner of Studio Art Beat
“I feel so special that my family gets to live in Kenilworth! We have access Chicago, Evanston and the North Shore communities, but feel like we live in a small town where we can know all our neighbors. The small K-8 school is so special and a wonderful place to educate our children, and we love the individualized care the staff is able to provide. Local traditions like the 8th grade graduation truly bring the town together, and we couldn’t imagine living anywhere else!”
-Ruth Flaherty, Kenilworth Mom and Member of Kenilworth Cookbook Club
”Highwood has everything for kids as well as parents. Outdoor events where you can meet other families, date spots, great food, great schools and a really tight knit community. Plus the lake shore is right there!”
-Carolyn, Highwood Mom
“We love living in Glenview! We’re so close to shopping and restaurants, the schools are great, and the people are wonderful! We’ve met some of the nicest friends here. Plus the park district is awesome, and we are home to Wagner FArm and The Grove for nature and outdoor fun!”
-Madeleine, Glenview Mom
“Evanston is a hop and a skip to downtown Chicago, while allowing us to have a single family home with a full yard. We don’t feel like we sacrificed the urban qualities that we loved about the city actually, and the lake front is still accessible with more family friendly beaches. We have wonderful restaurants, street festivals and having Northwestern here makes it a great places for college sports lovers!”
-Sarah, Evanston Mom
“We started looking in the North Shore for the great schools and quick access to the city because my office is there. We settled on Winnetka and have fallen in love with the small town feel, family oriented community and accessibility to Lake Michigan. We love that our kids are able to ride bikes to friends houses or sports practices with very little worry because of the low traffic, and bike trails.”
-Erin, Winettka Mom
”Top-rated schools lured us to Chicago’s North Shore. However, it’s the welcoming community and proximity to the Lake Michigan that I love most. I’m originally from Miami, Florida, so morning beach runs remind me of my childhood. After 10 moves in 11 years across the country, our family feels grateful to call Chicago’s North Shore home.”
-Ali Wenzke, Author and Mom
“When we decided to move to the suburbs from Chicago, being within a mile of the lakefront with walkability to restaurants and school was important- which we found to be pretty easy in each village up the coast of Lake Michigan! What made us decided on Kenilworth was that pre-k through 8th grade is within the same building through the entirety of middle school. It makes the mornings so much easier and our boys love that they see each other each day. Some days I miss having boutiques around the block- but it definitely saves money and promotes exercise to have to walk a mile to shop now!”
-Shawn, Kenilworth Mom
”Living near Ravinia Festival also means that we live near Chicago Botanic Garden walk, biking trails, beaches and beautiful forests. Having all of those outdoor choices has definitely made the pandemic much easier on my family and reminded us why we chose Highland Park to plan roots.”
-Ellie, Highland Park Mom
We truly do love where we live and think that the North Shore is such a special place. If you feel the same and want to show your North Shore love, the gorgeous watercolor map that Artist Terri Crockett created especially for this project is available as a print- click here!
Chicago North Shore Moms along with Terri will be donating $5 from each print purchased to The Greater Chicago Food Depository to support families throughout Chicagoland.
You can find more of Terri’s beautiful work on her website.