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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Dec

8

Chicago Real Estate Market Roundup

Filed Under Home Finance, Home Values and Pricing, News, Real Estate | Comments

upward trendThose of us with retirement accounts have probably noticed the upward trajectory of the stock market over the past several months, but it shouldn’t go unnoticed that some key numbers are up in the national and Chicago real estate markets as well.

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Dec

3

Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

Filed Under Commentary, Home Renovation and Maintenance, Real Estate | Comments

Restoration Hardware Pillar CandlesThere are pros and cons to having your home on the market over the holidays. Typically, there are far fewer buyers actively looking this time of year, but the good news is that those who are out tend to be serious about finding a home. This means that if you must interrupt your holiday to show your property, it will likely be worth your time.

However, showing your home during the holidays can pose new challenges. While a little holiday ambiance can enhance a home’s presentation, too many decorations will cause it to feel crowded and turn off buyers. Here are some points to consider if you are trying to sell over the holidays.

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Dec

3

Teach Your Kids About Fire Safety the Hands-on Way at Navy Pier

Filed Under Chicago Events, Family Events, Streeterville | Comments

Play it Safe at Navy PierI have blogged twice before about fire safety, first after I witnessed a friend’s home sustain significant damage after an electrical appliance caught fire and again after I took my children to a fire station for a tour and safety lesson. Now, I want to follow up to let you know about an important new exhibit about fire safety at the Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier.

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Nov

13

How I Grew My Business – and How Other Agents Can Do the Same

Filed Under News | Comments

Realtors Conference & ExpoI’ll be teaching a seminar in San Diego this weekend at the National Association of Realtors Conference & Expo, a gathering of approximately 20,000 agents and brokers from around the United States. The topic is how agents and brokers can hire new talent to leverage their time, grow their businesses, and offer their clients better service and results.

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