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 perfect night inside on the living room sofa....

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...

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 burgers. From a retro bowling alley that was...

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 are...

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 both buyers and sellers, so it’s important...

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 fact, there are plenty of small home...

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 over time....

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 your first homebuying experience is...

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, and general maintenance...

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 conditions will make this coming...

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 multiple buyers and agents within a short period of...

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 home. Protect Your...

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 key to...

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 are still very much in favor...