Jul

15

See Some of Chicago’s Best Gardens at the 2010 Sheffield Garden Walk

Filed Under Chicago Events, Family Events, Lincoln Park, News | Comments

sheffield-garden-walkI just love Chicago in the summer. There are so many great events in the neighborhoods, not least of which is Chicago’s 2010 Sheffield Garden Walk. I’ve written here before about the joy of gardening in the city, so it should come as no surprise that this weekend-long event ranks high on my list of recommended things to do.

Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, the walk includes gardens within the Sheffield neighborhood, which extends from Halsted west to the Chicago River and from Armitage north to Fullerton.

Taking place on July 17th and 18th, this year’s garden walk offers the chance to visit more than 100 exquisite residential gardens on a self-guided tour. Other activities include guided garden tours given by a landscape professional; live music from national/regional headline groups; a kids’ corner with a petting zoo, pony rides, hands-on activities and food service; and several wonderful dining options.

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May

28

A Country Retreat at Salute! Farm and Vineyard

Filed Under Real Estate | Comments

Salute! Farm and VineyardSoon, I’ll again be making my annual pilgrimage to the garden supply store. For as long as I can remember, I’ve spent Memorial Day, rain or shine, up to my elbows in dirt planting flowers and vegetables. As I’ve mentioned before, I spent my childhood summers on my father’s farm, and the tradition of growing our own produce is something I’ve made a point of continuing both for my sake and for that of my children.

While our city home has limited us largely to container gardening, for those who are more ambitious and want a true taste of what it’s like to work the land and turn a crop, hobby farms are one option.

As a residential agent specializing mostly in Chicago’s North Side, I never thought I would have a chance to list such a property. So, imagine my delight when I was approached to represent Salute! Farm and Vineyard in Woodstock, Illinois.

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Mar

11

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2010 in Chicago

Filed Under Chicago Events, Dining, Family Events | Comments

It’s almost March 13, the deceptively early date for many of Chicago’s 2010 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. If you’re looking to get out and enjoy some of the festivities, here are some options to consider.

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Feb

8

How to Spend Your Valentine’s Day 2010 in Chicago

Filed Under Chicago Events, Dining, Family Events, News | Comments

FlowersValentine’s Day is almost here, and the City of Big Shoulders shows even bigger heart when it comes to offering up ways to make your February 14th a memorable one. Here are some romantic ideas to consider as you plan your Chicago Valentine’s Day date with your special someone.

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Feb

7

How to Stage Your Home for Under $500

Filed Under Home Renovation and Maintenance, Real Estate | Comments

Live & Play Chicago MagazineThe following article originally appeared in our Chicago real estate magazine, Live & Play Chicago.

We all know that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to selling your home, buyers will definitely be judging your property on its presentation.

With that in mind, taking some time to ensure that your home shows well before putting it on the market can really pay off - both in terms of a better price and a quicker sale. Best of all, you can see these benefits without the need to remodel bathrooms or pursue major renovations.

Here are a few of the simple, inexpensive tips our Team gives clients when preparing their homes for sale:

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Jan

31

2010 Summer Day Camps in Chicago are Just Around the Corner

Filed Under Chicago Events, Family Events, Lakeview, Lincoln Park | Comments

Summer Camp ChicagoWhile winter in Chicago doesn’t inspire thoughts of summer camp for most people, if you want to get your child signed up for some of the city’s many exciting camp programs this coming summer, now is the time to act. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day diversion or a month-long experience, there is something for everyone available. Registration is or soon will be open for most camp programs, and if past years are any indication, most of them will fill up fast. Below is an outline of some of Chicago’s most popular summer camps (though as always, consult the included links for the most up-to-date information).

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Jan

18

Live & Play Chicago Magazine Available Online

Filed Under Real Estate | Comments

Live & Play Chicago MagazineThe launch of our Live & Play Chicago magazine was a huge success. 10,000 copies were delivered to Chicago area homeowners as well as business and community leaders. In an effort to make the magazine more widely available, it is now available in an online digital format here.

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Dec

16

Enjoy Winter in Chicago (But Be Mindful)

Filed Under Home Renovation and Maintenance, News | Comments

Christkindlmarket ChicagoI am a big fan of winter in Chicago. The city is rich with tradition for young and old alike, especially over the holidays. My favorite childhood memories include viewing the animated holiday displays in the store windows along State Street, getting my picture taken with Santa Claus at Macy’s (then Marshall Field’s), seeing the Nutcracker Ballet with my grandmother, and visiting the Museum of Science and Industry’s spectacular Christmas around the World and Holiday Lights exhibit. Nowadays, there are even more opportunities to enjoy, like ice skating at Millennium Park or Wrigley Field, perusing Christkindlmarket with a cup of hot spiced wine in hand, and snuggling up in the back of a horse-drawn carriage for a ride along Michigan Avenue.

While you’re enjoying winter in the city, though, don’t forget some of these practical seasonal considerations.

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Dec

10

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Filed Under Commentary | Comments

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Dec

9

Getting Your Home Under Contract is Only Half the Battle

Filed Under Commentary, Real Estate | Comments

keeping home sale contracts togetherThere was a time when a home seller’s biggest challenge was getting a buyer to step up and make an offer with terms that the seller was willing to accept. In today’s market, however, getting an agreed upon purchase contract puts you only halfway toward your goal of selling your home. The process of getting from contract to closing is fraught with more challenges than ever, resulting in more sales falling apart long before the homeowner gets to the closing table. In Illinois, buyers can cancel their purchase contract during attorney and inspection review without providing a reason, meaning sellers sometimes never learn why their sale fell apart.

There are many factors that may cause a contract to unravel. Understanding what they are and how some can be avoided can help prevent disappointment down the road.

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