Are you planning on selling your home in the near future? Or in a few years? Make sure you’re setting yourself up for a successful sale with tips on what could be a deal breaker for potential new homeowners, what renovations get you the most bang for your buck and how to choose a realtor with […]
If you had to guess the home renovation projects that add the most value to a house, you’d probably say “kitchen remodel” or “new bathroom,” right? In all likelihood, “fiberglass attic insulation” wouldn’t be at the top of your list. But, as it turns out, that is the project with the greatest return on investment, […]
Mary Baubonis’ friend was in need of a realtor to help sell her home. Baubonis, a Wilmette resident, was the perfect person to ask for help — as a North Shore broker, she had been selling residential real estate for more than 20 years. There was, however, just one teensy problem: Her friend lived in […]
According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners in Chicago spend anywhere from $13,405 to $31,334 on a kitchen remodel. Highland Park’s Little Green Kitchens is helping homeowners update their kitchens for less by taking used cabinets and appliances and finding new spaces for them. The team at Little Green Kitchens is not only passionate about design, but also the […]
Along with more hours of sunlight and — did we just hear a bird chirping? — you know it’s spring in the Midwest when the real estate market starts to pick up after the long freeze of winter. According to Kristine Menas, a broker with Dream Town in Chicago, she expects this spring and summer in […]
Looking to sell your home, or determining which upgrades are best for your property’s resale value? Here are five design details that could jeopardize your sale. Real estate brokers Anne West, who specializes in the lakefront communities of Chicago’s North Shore with Coldwell Banker, and Terri McAuley, city luxury expert with KoenigRubloff, share advice on how […]
Chicago winters are brutal to homes, and smart homeowners are preparing in advance to help avoid costly repairs. “Take preventative action,” says Jeff Hester, vice president of Hester Painting & Decorating. “A little effort now will save you time and money.” Hester suggests homeowners inspect the five following “hot spots” before the first snow hits […]
Open houses are stressful: rooms need to look like a magazine and smell like fresh laundry, but appear approachable enough not to scare off prospective buyers. Forget old tales about cinnamon sticks in the oven and try out these fresh tricks from some of Chicago’s most successful real estate professionals. Alan Berlow, Coldwell Banker Get […]
If you are considering a home remodeling or renovation project, now could be a good time to start the process. Financing is at historic lows, home values are steady or rising, and fall is a perfect time to plan for a spring project start. Many Chicagoans – especially those on the North Shore – opt […]
Spring may have sprung, but the harsh effects of winter are actively haunting Midwestern homes. If not addressed annually, winter’s severe damage adds up, and homeowners may find themselves shelling out money for extensive repairs. Proactive homeowners who inspect their homes’ exteriors annually often require fewer repairs over time. Hester Painting & Decorating has been […]
