Posts with tag 'homeowners'

Daylight savings time has come and gone, and we're officially in the darkest season of the year. 

Don't get us wrong. Our real estate agents love winter in Chicagoland, but we could all use a little more illumination this time of year. These tips for improving your home's lighting will help you live in a brighter, cheerier space just in time for the holidays. 

Let In More Natural Light

Natural light is more important than ever during the season when there isn't as much of it to go around. Depending on your home's layout, you could take advantage of sunlight from every angle, but the south-facing portions of your home tend to get the most light. Use lighter curtains for privacy, but keep thick drapes open as much as possible during daylight hours. You could als...

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June is National Homeownership Month — a time to highlight the benefits of owning your own home. Homeownership is a dream for many Americans, and our real estate agents here in Chicagoland are dedicated to making that dream a reality. 

Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than helping someone become a homeowner. If you're thinking about buying a home — especially if it's your first home — you might find yourself both excited and overwhelmed. Read on to learn more about the benefits of homeownership, and consider whether becoming...

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Updated February 2025

When the rainy days of spring arrive it's a safe bet that some homeowners will have to deal with damp conditions. 

Our brokers are here to offer some helpful advice for preventing and dealing with flooded basements. Here's what you need to do when the rain falls in Chicagoland neighborhoods. 

Before the Storm

Let's start with an ounce of prevention. Before the spring rains arrive, it's best to take some precautions to prevent basement flooding and to minimize the damage in case flooding does occur. 

• Inspect basement walls. Check your foundation and basement walls for cracks, indicating a possible leak. Small cracks are relatively easy to fix with hydraulic cement or epoxy, but larger cracks should...

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Spring is here, which means many green-thumbed Chicagoans are dreaming of the gardening season ahead. Rest assured that no matter how big or small your outdoor space may be, you have room to grow some beautiful plants. 

Container gardening is a great option for smaller spaces. Anyone with a deck, patio, balcony or stoop can easily grow a thriving container garden in Chicago or try their hand at indoor gardening! 

Whether you're interested in growing vegetables and herbs for the table or simply cultivating some charming annual flowers, our real estate agents are here to share some gardening tips for container growing in the Chicago area. 

• Choose Your Container
  First things first, pick out containers...

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Kitchen appliances are often taken for granted. We use them every day, but we tend not to think about them too much — until they stop working. 

One of the questions our real estate agents get asked the most when showing homes is, "How long will the appliances last?" The good news is that in a new home with brand-new modern appliances, they should last quite a long time! If you're selling your home, upgrading and replacing old appliances can also help sell your home faster and fetch a higher price. Here's what you need to know about the lifespan of various appliances, how to make them last longer and how to know when it's time to upgrade. 

Refrigerator and Freezer - 10 to 18 Years

Refrigerators have one of the longe...

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