Posts with tag 'home energy'

The holiday season is right around the corner in Chicagoland. Is your house ready? The approaching holidays are one reason fall is one of the most popular times of year for home improvement projects. Let our real estate agents be your guides to the best pre-holiday DIY projects. 

DIY projects before the holidays

These home improvements are all relatively easy, inexpensive, and DIY-ready. Best of all, they'll help you get ready to host guests and show off your festive side in time for the holidays!

Choose areas to repaint

Few things can completely transform a space like a fresh coat of paint. It's an affordable and easy way to add personality to your home while making it feel fresh and updated. And you don't have to repaint the whole house — just pick a key area or two that wi...

Click Here to Read More...

In addition to popular rooftop bars, restaurants, and event spaces, many homes in the metro area come with a rooftop space for outdoor relaxation — it's one of the best ways to maximize your greenspace in an urban setting. If your rooftop space could use a refresh, or has felt like more of an afterthought, our real estate agents are here to help with inspiration that's both stylish and budget-friendly.

• Install a hanging chair, swing, or hammock. 
  Capture that breezy, relaxing vibe by installing a modern hanging chair or swing. Look for models with self-supporting stands if your rooftop doesn't allow for ceiling mounts. It's an easy way to add a playful, lounge-ready touch to your rooftop setup.
  
  
• Add planters with tall greenery.
  Even if you don't have soil to dig into, you can still enjoy greenery above the city streets. After all, certain plants will enjoy the direct sunlight, can thrive in this rooftop envir...

Click Here to Read More...

If you have plans to go away for summer vacation this year, then it's essential to take some home security measures before you depart. You'll enjoy your days of fun and sun even more if you know your home back in Chicago is safe and secure. Our real estate agents are here to share some easy tips for summer home security.

• Stay away from social media.
  Excited to share all your vacation photos with the world? Instead of doing it in real time, wait until you get back to share all those Insta-worthy snapshots. Announcing your vacation and sharing its progress on social media essentially lets the whole world know that you're away from home, which could be seen as an invitation for the wrong kind of house guest.
  
  
• Hit 'pause' on deliveries.
  Junk mail and Amazon boxes piling up on your...

Click Here to Read More...

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...

Click Here to Read More...

As the chilly winds blow across Chicagoland, our real estate agents can see the writing on the wall: winter is coming. As much as we enjoy frosty mornings and the promise of snowy days ahead, we also want to ensure you stay cozy and warm in your Chicago home this season. 

It starts with making sure you're well-insulated. These simple DIY insulation tips are easy, fast and affordable. Best of all, they'll keep you warm this winter and help shave a few dollars off your utility bills. 

1. Put Weather Stripping Around Doors and Windows
   Drafty windows and doors are among the leading sources of heat loss in an average home. Luckily, gaps and cracks are easy to find around window and door frames and just as easy to fix. Finding them is often as simple as using your bare hands to detect incoming d...

Click Here to Read More...