The plane tickets are booked, your friends and family have your itinerary, and everyone’s bags are packed, but there’s one remaining detail to consider, and it’s an easy one to overlook: Your house. When you’re going out of town for the

The kids may be back in school, our tans may be fading, and the leaves may be starting to turn, but summer isn’t over just yet. The first official day of fall is Sept. 22, and even then, all hope

Under the terms of the recent National Association of REALTORS Settlement, some changes are coming to the way real estate brokers engage with their clients, and one of those changes is the requirement of a buyer-broker agreement. Buyer-broker agreements are

Landscape design can significantly boost a home’s value, especially in the Midwest, where the unique climate calls for specialized landscaping approaches that can handle all weather. To get you the scoop on the latest landscape design trends, we sat down with

Chicago is the #1 U.S. city for dogs—and it shows. From dog beaches to pet-friendly bars and restaurants to countless off-leash parks, doggy daycares, and more, there’s so much for pets and their owners to do around the city. If you’re

Whether you’re making a move and preparing to decorate a new space or refreshing your current space, Chicagoland’s vibrant art and antique markets offer endless inspiration – and the chance to uncover some truly amazing finds. “Art and antiques are a

With an array of independent shops, community events, and nearby restaurants, Lincoln Square is a thriving neighborhood that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re searching for a place to call “home” or a spot to spend a memorable afternoon, be sure to

On St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, everyone – and everything – is at least a little Irish. And that’s why, whether you want to celebrate with a pint of Guinness in one of the top Irish pubs outside the Green

It may still be February, but the busy spring real estate market is underway. And with more competition, it’s important for prospective homebuyers to get their priorities in order before they start touring homes and neighborhoods. If you’re among those buyers,

It may seem ironic that inhabitants of the flattest part of the country are so enthusiastic when it comes to skiing and snowboarding, but we Midwesterners do love to hit the slopes. And while our topography may not offer the

There’s nothing like living in an older home. Packed with personality, old-world craftsmanship, and distinctive architectural features, these properties have stories to tell – and, for prospective buyers, that’s a big part of an older home’s charm. But purchasing a

‘Tis the season to get out and explore. Whether you’re hunkering down in the city for the long term, plan to make a leap to suburbia in the new year, or simply want to get a sense of what’s out

The home-upgrading frenzy of the last few years has given way to a more thoughtful approach to design revolving around post-pandemic lifestyle trends that are particularly prevalent in Chicago’s luxury homes in the city and suburbs. Health and wellness, hybrid

Saving for a down payment can be a challenge for anyone, but especially someone trying to purchase their first home. However, with thoughtful planning and preparation, first-time buyers can make the dream a reality. If you’re looking to break into the housing

With both the Cubs and the White Sox missing the Postseason yet again, “Wait ‘til next spring,” is a common refrain throughout Chicagoland at this time of year. It’s also a thought on the minds of many would-be home sellers,

It’s that time of year. Pumpkin spice and apple flavors are everywhere. As summer heat fades, crisp autumn air arrives and so do fall colors. Fall in Chicago is magical, like a breath of fresh air. But before too long, fall

With its trendy eateries, renowned art galleries, and late-night clubs, River North is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago. Originally known as Smokey Hollow (drop that little piece of trivia into your next cocktail conversation), over the past

A REALTOR® hands a newlywed couple the keys to their new home and life’s journey begins. It’s the image of homebuying that has been portrayed in the media for decades, but in reality, we all know that the “typical” homebuyer

It’s summertime in Chicago, which has us thinking about catching some rays. But when it comes to owning a home, there are plenty of reasons to soak up the sun all year round thanks to the many environmental and financial

One of the best things about summertime in the Midwest is the farmers markets, and you don’t have to go far to find one in Chicago, Michigan, Indiana or Wisconsin. From Garfield Park Neighborhood Market at The Hatchery, Andersonville Farmers Market or 95th Street Farmers Market in Beverly,

Here’s the dilemma: it’s a beautiful summer evening, the sun is setting, and the air feels just right. But you’ve been dying to catch up on your favorite TV series, and you know you’ll feel guilty about spending such a

Low inventory and rapidly rising home prices in many areas have complicated the appraisal process, causing some buyers and sellers to scramble. Appraisals have always been an important part of the homebuying process but have often been considered a behind-the-scenes formality.

Home to the famous Kuma’s Corner, where heavy metal and burgers come together in perfect harmony, Avondale is a neighborhood that marches to the beat of its own drum. But there’s so much more to this area than just killer

As soon as they get their first taste of homeownership, a lot of homebuyers start to think about expanding their real estate portfolio by purchasing an investment property. Owning investment real estate, whether a small apartment building, retail center, or

There are over 100 villages and towns spanning 10,286 square miles in Chicagoland. While many of them offer an environment one would expect of a typical Midwestern suburb, there are plenty of communities around Chicago with much more urban amenities. No longer

f you’re looking to purchase a house in a competitive market, you might find yourself in a multiple offer situation, meaning there is at least one other party interested in the same property as you. This can be stressful for

Spring market is already underway. But if you’ve been thinking about selling your home, there’s still time to take advantage of real estate’s busy season – and even tackle a few projects that may be on your to-do list. In

By now you know that 2022 was no walk in the park for the real estate market. Rising mortgage rates, falling stocks and high inflation gave buyers and sellers the blues and brought the doom-and-gloomers out of the woodwork. But

here are many benefits to owning a home, including the stability, security, and sense of place it gives individuals and families. Of course, beyond these intangible benefits are the tangible financial advantages homeowners can realize on an annual basis and

Purchasing a home is a major milestone for anyone, let alone a first-time homebuyer. The process is certainly exciting, but it can also be confusing or stressful – and sometimes all of the above. Here are eight tips to ensure

We tend to think of New Year’s resolutions as something that will have a meaningful impact on our minds and bodies. But they can just as easily improve your home and have a positive effect on overall well-being. Decluttering, enhancements,

The festive backdrop of Chicagoland in December adds even more excitement to the approaching holidays. With a variety of seasonal events and cold-weather activities underway, you’ll have no trouble finding things to do as you celebrate with family and friends.

In the Midwest, many homeowners wish the climate would allow for more time to enjoy their homes’ outdoor spaces. But despite the cold weather, there are actually plenty of ways to take advantage of yards and patios throughout the winter

Historically, the last few weeks of the year aren’t the most active on the real estate calendar. But the spring market, which can begin as early as mid-January, brings a spike in activity from both buyers and sellers. Changing market

In the frenzied market of the past two years, few sellers felt compelled to hold open houses. But as the market slows, that age-old device is regaining popularity. An open house is a good way to showcase a home to

It won’t be long before brisk fall days give way to overnight frost and freeze advisories. Avoid the potential toll a Midwest winter can take on your biggest investment by planning ahead and following these important tips for winterizing your

The days may be getting shorter, but don’t let that fool you into thinking there aren’t plenty of activities to fill your fall calendar. Between brews and boos, you’ll have no trouble staying busy whether you’re on the North Shore

For parents, mid-August and early September mark the glorious return of back-to-school season. It’s also a popular time of year to move, especially for families looking to settle into their new surroundings before that first school bell rings. While it’s always

From the grocery store to your energy bills, inflation has become a reality of everyday life. And while June’s inflation reading of 9.1% – a 40-year high – has caused many people to reexamine their budgets, hard assets like real estate

We can’t think of much that beats a cool beverage paired with the perfect al fresco meal in the midst of summertime. Whether you’re soaking up rays in Southwest Michigan, Chicago, Northwest Indiana, or Southeast Wisconsin, there are plenty of

Mortgage interest rates have gone up significantly over the past three months, and the changing market has certainly impacted many buyers. But being financially prepared and planning for current and future market conditions can offset much of the uncertainty that accompanies rising

In addition to planning ahead, a little creativity can go a long way when submitting an offer to purchase a new home, especially when inventory remains low amid intense buyer demand. Assuming your offer is competitive financially, here are a

Whether your home is sitting on a large plot of land or your outdoor space is at a premium, how you dedicate that area can provide a return on investment that goes beyond financial. A well-designed outdoor space can serve as an

May not only brings spring flowers, but the beginning of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. We hope you’ll join @properties Christie’s International Real Estate in celebrating as we highlight 10 of the many Asian-owned businesses that contribute to the Chicago

Spring 2022 continues to be a strong sellers’ market throughout most of the Chicagoland area.  To gain an understanding of overall and local market trends, and how both buyers and sellers can best prepare, we asked the following managing brokers

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, this week we’re highlighting non-profits doing meaningful work to support women throughout Chicago. Between providing sports-centric programming for young girls to offering professional coaching and mental health services to marginalized groups, there

March is Women’s History Month, commemorating women’s contributions throughout history and celebrating the inspirational women of today. To kick off the month, we’re highlighting some of our favorite women-owned businesses in Chicago, from a health-focused juice bar and eco-friendly boutique to

The Gold Group @properties is a longtime champion of the arts. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with local artists and commissioned several public art pieces, including murals throughout Chicago. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we are excited to

Pantone recently announced its much-anticipated color of the year, and let’s just say the vibrant hue is sure to inspire and infuse creativity wherever it’s used. So, if you’re looking to refresh your home decor, here are just a few ways you

Chilly temperatures might mean there is less to do outside, but it doesn’t mean the season is totally void of action. In fact, there are many fun activities to take on during the winter months. In this roundup, we’re sharing 8

As we reflect on all the reasons we have to be grateful, the holiday season is also a special time to help make a difference in our communities and beyond. Whether you’re interested in making a donation to a local

Fall is in full swing, and we’re ready to make the most of the season’s offerings. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy autumn throughout Chicagoland. Visit the Zoo Don your best costume at Brookfield Zoo’s Boo! at the Zoo this

Maybe you’ve seen photos of buyers lining up outside a house, potentially gearing up for a fierce bidding war. Or maybe you’ve heard about homes getting snatched up as soon as they hit the market. While it remains a sellers’ market

Between reducing the cost of homeownership and protecting the environment, there are many benefits of keeping your home eco-friendly. Here are 10 ways to embrace a greener lifestyle: Swap Out Appliances ENERGY STAR® products use less energy and meet strict criteria set by the U.S.

Farmers market season is in full swing! The quintessential summer event is a great way to get outdoors and shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and other goods from local vendors. Here are some of our favorite farmers markets throughout

According to a recent article in Crain’s Chicago Business, home sales in the city of Chicago increased 35.5% in March on a year-over-year basis, almost three times the increase that was seen nationwide. The median sales price in Chicago was up 7.8%

When it comes to moving, there’s always a million and one things you need to do before the movers show up. If you’re making a move this spring, you can avoid unnecessary stress by planning early and being prepared. The

Working from home became an inevitable reality for many Americans over the last year. It has ultimately changed the meaning of home, and affected what we need or desire from our living spaces. As a result, many people have relocated both

Whether you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, or just keep up with real estate news, you’ve probably heard about the lack of inventory in housing markets throughout the country. While fewer properties on the market means increased competition for

The new year is right around the corner, bringing with it the hope of more face-to-face interactions and in-person engagements. However, in true 2020 fashion, New Year’s Eve is getting a little shake-up this year, and won’t involve the same

It may be a seller’s market in many areas, but when it comes to getting the highest possible sales price for your home in the shortest amount of time, “turnkey” is still key. With more people working from home and kids e-learning,

Locally owned businesses are the heart of our communities. So with the season of giving upon us, there’s never been a better time to show your support to small businesses in your neighborhood or suburb. Here are a few ways

Lakeview is a quintessential Chicago neighborhood. With tree-lined residential streets and a wide range of homes waving the “W” flag, it’s a vibrant community with a palpable energy. Residents can often be found talking to neighbors on their front porches, dining

At the beginning of the year, @properties co-founders Mike Golden and Thad Wong predicted the 2020s would be the decade of the millennial homebuyer. Well, the decade started fast and furious. In August, the Wall Street Journal reported that millennials now account for over

One of the biggest trends to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic is the focus on housing. As people seek more space and look to take advantage of low interest rates, the local real estate market has seen a strong recovery. In

Fall is right around the corner, and as you start swapping your shorts and t-shirts for pants and sweaters, you may be wondering how you can make the most of the season this year. Fortunately, we’ve done our research, and

With more time at home these days, many of us are looking for ways to give our space a refresh. Others may be in search of inspiration to make a new home their own. Whatever the reason, here are four

Should you buy or rent? This is a fundamental question facing many potential homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers. While there are circumstances in which renting might make more sense (e.g. if more flexibility is needed), there are a number of key

Summer looks a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s void of fun. As we enter the home stretch of the season, there are still plenty of things to do while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Here’s what

With the majority of homebuyers starting their property search online, digital marketing resources are an integral part of the real estate marketing mix. So if you intend to sell your home at any point in 2020, here are a few

Outdoor space has never been more valued than it is today. And with the arrival of summer, it’s a great time to spruce things up outside. Whether you are working with a balcony, terrace, rooftop deck, patio, or backyard, here’s

A year-over-year comparison of new contracts is an encouraging sign for the Chicagoland real estate market. After bottoming out in mid-April, contract activity in the entire Chicagoland region is on the upswing based on @properties data. In fact, by Memorial

Cook County’s recent decision to delay property tax late fees is welcome news for area homeowners who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. On May 13th, local officials announced that property owners will essentially have until Oct. 1 to pay their second-installment

The last several weeks have been challenging on many levels. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that there is a lot to be grateful for – especially all the people and businesses who have banded together to support

The school year will soon be coming to a close, meaning e-learning is one less thing to keep kids occupied during quarantine. We’ve previously shared some of our go-to resources for curing the boredom bug, but because there can never

Coronavirus has undoubtedly had a significant impact on our day-to-day lives. It has affected everything from how kids are learning to how we do our jobs and complete once-basic tasks like grocery shopping. We’ve put a lot on hold, but

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve, volatility and uncertainty have swept through the financial markets. Borrowers saw wild swings in interest rates over the last few weeks and were left to wonder whether they could still qualify for specific loan

As we spend more and more time indoors this month, we wanted to share a few ways you can take advantage of being home. So whether you’re catching up on sleep, learning a new skill, or planning your next well-deserved

Some might say millennials are fashionably late to the homeownership party, but they are about to arrive in a big way if you ask @properties co-founders Thad Wong and Mike Golden. In the latest installment of @properties’ @ the market webcast, the two

The 2020s should be an exciting time for real estate in Chicagoland. Urban neighborhoods are emerging as trendy yet affordable hotspots, while more established suburbs are providing undeniable value to homebuyers looking outside of the city. Get ahead of the

After saving up diligently for years, it’s finally time to purchase your very first home. A first-time home purchase is a big milestone, and one to truly celebrate and cherish. But it’s also a decision that requires careful research. While there

When it comes to selling homes, the price is very often the “hot topic” whether you are the seller or buyer. The process involved in determining the appropriate listing price isn’t always what one might think, though. In fact, it ultimately

Chicago goes through a sort of metamorphosis as winter takes a firm grip over the city, bringing cold weather and incredibly short days. But don’t feel bad making runs to the local convenience store in sweatpants and slippers — during

Legendary American author Mark Twain once famously quipped to a reporter that news of his death had been greatly exaggerated. Similarly, we Chicagoans frequently find ourselves in the position, these days, of having to remind others that our city is

As the holidays approach, giving back is a great way to kick off the season. Whether you’re looking to give back in the form of time or monetary donations, there are many organizations across the Chicagoland area that could benefit

Old Man Winter arrived in the Chicago area early this year — certainly well before friends and relatives show up for Thanksgiving celebrations. But holiday visitors will quickly learn that Chicagoans won’t let the bitter windchill stop us from enjoying

Sales numbers from the last few years paint the picture of a down market in the Gold Coast – the upscale lakefront pocket that has long been known for ultra high-end condos and co-ops. But another evident trend that sales

The fall season is in full swing, bringing arguably the best flavors of the year to Chicagoland’s food and beverage scene. Whether you’re looking for the very best cinnamon, apple or pumpkin treats, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite

When it comes to buying and selling a home, the final months of the year present some unique advantages in the marketplace (think less competition and motivated buyers). If you’re selling your home this fall, here are a few tips to

Fall is officially here, and fortunately there’s no shortage of fun activities to make the most of the season. Whether you’re in the mood for antiquing, sipping warm apple cider, picking pumpkins or watching football, there are plenty of opportunities

There are many ways to spruce up your home as you transition from summer to autumn. And with countless trends and festive decorating ideas, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to begin to get your home into

You only get one chance to make a first impression – and that’s especially true when your home hits the market. If you’re thinking about listing your property, here are a few tips to ensure it’s in optimal showing condition. Tidy

Summer may be winding down, but there is still time to sneak in a few outdoor gatherings before the temperature drops. We’ve talked about maximizing small outdoor spaces and important patio prep tips, and now we’re sharing an assortment of

There are pro’s and con’s to everything, even your home’s exterior. With a variety of options, we’ve honed in on the most popular exteriors to share the pro’s and con’s of each. Whether you’re interested in brick, stucco, wood, vinyl or

Just about everyone expected mortgage interest rates to rise in 2019. But after reaching 5% last November, the average 30-year mortgage rate is back in the 3% range, the lowest it has been in over 2 years. This latest development is

Summertime is arguably Chicago’s best season, complete with neighborhood festivals, sunny skies and an extreme desire for cool, tasty treats. To help you beat the heat, we’ve put together a list of some of Chicago’s essential ice cream shops. In

Finding unique housewarming gifts is tricky, especially when it comes to first-time homeowners. Long gone are the days of cliche toasters and cheese boards. So what should you bring if you’re invited to a housewarming party? Here are just a few

For city dwellers, having outdoor space is the ultimate goal. If your urban home is equipped with a tiny yard, balcony, or rooftop, maximize every inch to create your own metropolitan oasis. A few tweaks can turn the tiniest outdoor

Homes that are financially within reach for first-time buyers are often in need of updates. Fortunately, there are a number of home-loan products that offer an affordable financing solution by allowing rehab costs to be included in mortgage payments. “Fixer-uppers provide

The Chicago Near North real estate market continues to show strong numbers, with nearly a $100,000 increase in average sales price of all types of single family homes compared from April 2016 to April 2019.  That said, more homes have

In Chicago, more homebuyers are house hunting during the months of March, April and May than in any other three-month period throughout the year. So, it stands to reason that sellers who price their homes correctly during this peak period have

The uber-luxury market had a record year in 2018, with 73 homes selling for at least $4 million in the Chicago area, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Among the factors driving these sales were high-end new construction and strong stock market

According to NAR, 77% of buyers’ agents indicated staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. Before you list your home, follow this list of staging preparations to highlight a home

Taxes may be the last thing on your mind as you advance through the homebuying process. Yet, there are important tax considerations that need to be worked out before you get to the closing table. One of those considerations is property tax

It’s no secret that purchasing a home can be a major undertaking, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. As you navigate the process, there are all kinds of real estate terms that you are likely to encounter along the way. Knowing

The thought of adding a new home to your holiday shopping list might sound a little insane. Although it might seem like an overwhelming time to add the biggest transaction of your life into the shopping, parties and celebratory mix, there

It’s time to break out that Michael Bublé album and immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays. Fortunately for us, nobody does holiday fun better than Chicago. With that in mind we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the