Hackers broke into one of the nation’s largest title companies, the parent company of Chicago Title and others, causing delays in getting real estate deals closed.....

Laurie Field, an Engel & Volkers agent on the North Shore, also said the scramble is on. She’s representing sellers of a $600,000 house in Highland Park whose buyers are moving in from another state but as of early today had no confirmation from Fidelity that their purchase will close as scheduled Wednesday. Ordinarily they’d have received confirmation last week, Field said.

A seasoned Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore real estate advisor and Highland Park native, Laurie Field actively researches the North Shore to stay atop the latest trends, offering clients unique solutions in any market. She is known for her proactive communication, resourcefulness, problem- solving mindset and white-glove service.

What do you like most about real estate?

I cherish the lasting relationships that come from my satisfied clients. Knowing my clients are happy and that I’ve eased their stress throughout their entire home sale or buying process gives me great pleasure.

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North Shore real estate sales remained strong throughout 2022, weathering challenges faced in other parts of the country. We look back at another record-breaking year while looking ahead to what 2023 has in store. 

"I initally thought rising interest rates would prompt a slowdown in market activity, but I am not seeing that. The buyers I am working with know that while rates have increased, they are still significantly better than they had been in, say, 2008 to 2009," Engel & Völkers broker Laurie Field said in August. "Buyers know they can refinance when rates go down. They're better off building equity in a home as opposed to paying rent and giving someone else that equity."

The North Shore's award-winning public and private schools continue to drive a robust real estate market that shows no signs of slowing down. 

"There is no question that schools play a huge role in a buyer's home search and selection, and we are incredibly lucky that the schools along the North Shore are consistently rated among the top on great schools.org, niche.com, and the othr school rankin websites," says Laurie Field, a broker with Engel & Völkers in Winnetka. "Both local and out-of-stat buyers know about these websites and use them when deciding where to look to move."

With inventory still at record lows and bidding ward continuting, the seller's market is expected to remain strong as we move into fall, though interest rate hikes are a concern for some. 

"I do not currently see a slowdown, nor do I see a slowdown in the near future," says Laurie Field, a broker with Engel & Völkers in Winnetka. "Buyers who have been in the market long enough are savvy, and they know when somethin gis priced right." 

Field says she is currently working iwth several buyers that can't find what they are looking for. The buyers ar happy enough where they are currenly living and thry're willing to wait for the house, condo, or townhouse that checks the most important boxes to come on the market. She's worked with them to find what they are looking for. 

It's the most heated sellers' market on the North Shore in decades but listing means sellers become buyers. With higher intereste rates looming we look at all the ways agents are getting creative to help close the deal. 

Laurie Field, a broker with Engel & Völkers in Winnetka, advises her clients that in this kind of market with high buyer demand and low inventory, remaining flexible is key. 

" I feel in this crazy time, everyone is learneing to be flexible. The most effective strategy I've used with both buyers and sellers is offering to be flexible on the closing date," Field says. "Iv'e had buyers make an offer with the closing date 'to be determined by the seller' and I've had sellers who have wanted more than 60 days to close, inform interesed parties that the closing must occur after 120 days, and agree to move the date up if they can. It seems to work well for the parties."

Field says we recently met with a seller who liked the idea of listing their house and putting in the listing that they can't move until October

"They're willing to close sooner and rent back, but they want to be up front on the soonest date they're able to move our," she says.

With families spending more time at home, outdoor space is a must-have for buyers looking to settle on the North Shore

For Lauire Field, a broker with Engel & Völkers in Winnetka, the demand for outdoor space is partly rooted in human nature

"Outdoor space is high on everyon's wish list now, where it was only on some buyers' wish lists in the past," Field says. "The combination of how we value outdoor space differntly since COVID and recent research that shows that time outside can make you happier and healthier leads me to believe the desire for outdoor space is here to stay. 

"Outdoor space has become an extension of the home and people are finding fulfilling and fun ways to use it."

Why do you love what you do?

Selling real estate is incredibly rewarding. I’m extremely gratified when my sellers are pleased with our completed transaction and it’s exciting to help buyers purchase a home they love.

What sets you apart from your competition?

I’m very positive and upbeat, and I work hard to find a solution to every problem.

A month into 2022, North Shore Brokers say there's no slowing down the luxury market, and buyer demand remains through the roof. 

Lauire Field, with Engel & Völkers in Winnetka, echoes many of the views of the brokers The North Shore Weekend spoke with. The optimism for 2022 seems to beuniversal among North Shore real estate professionals. 

"The luxury marekt is as strong as ever along the North Shore, as evidenced by the low median days on market we've seen in January," Field Says. "Inventory is incredibly low and there are already a ton of luxury buyers out looking.I foresee even more luxury buyers in the market in the weeks and months ahead."

A real estate professional with Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore, Field is a Highland Park native who takes pride in living in her hometown. As a lifelong resident, she has great knowledge of the entire North Shore and what it has to offer. She is passionate about selling real estate and is excited to help people find their home on the shore.

2020 was a success due to?

Determination and communication. I worked hard to build my business, so staying connected and providing value to both my personal and professional networks remained a priority.