Posts with tag 'homeowners'

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...

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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...

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Chicago gets mighty hot when summer rolls around. This is the season to visit our beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and do whatever you need to do to keep cool. 

When it comes to staying cool, you might be tempted to close up the windows and bask in the air conditioning, but there are other ways of beating the heat. Our real estate agents in Chicagoland have some tips for keeping your home cool without blasting the AC. 

• Open your windows at night.
  Sounds simple, right? Even on hot days in Chicago, things tend to cool down as the sun goes down. Open up the windows in your house to take advantage of nature's air conditioning, or better yet, open the windows at opposite ends of the house to create a cross-breeze. As soon as the sun rises in the morning, close the windows and draw the curtains to keep that...

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With warmer days ahead and Chicagoland starting to thaw, one thing is clear — spring is on its way! Daffodils will pop up, robins will return to nest before you know it and our real estate agents want to ensure your home's outdoor space is ready for the changing seasons. 

• Check Faucets and Reconnect Hoses
  Spring is the time to inspect your outdoor spigots for any damage. Ideally, you should have turned the water off to these faucets last fall, and you can now turn them back on as soon as the worst of the winter cold has passed. Reconnect the hoses and check the nozzles and sprinklers to make sure they're all in good working order. 
  
  
• Clean and Retouch Your Deck
  Outdoor decks and patios take a beating throughout the harsh winter months, and they often need a little T...

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Winter in Chicagoland is cozy season, and there's nothing cozier than curling up with a warm drink and a good book on a snowy day. Of course, it helps if you have a great space in your home dedicated to reading! 

If you don't have such a space, our real estate agents are here to help. These tips and tricks will help you design the perfect warm reading nook for winter afternoons in your home. 

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