Start by decluttering the area and organizing pantry items. 

Clear the space. 

Pull everything out of your pantry and deep clean the area for a fresh start. Go through the items and toss spoiled and expired products. Donate any extra food you know you won’t use. Set a reminder every quarter to alert you to clean out the pantry. 

Create food categories. 

Take inventory of the products you want to keep. Group similar items together for quick access. A simple way to do this is to group each of the following: oils and vinegars; cans and jars; spices; grains and starches (rice, pasta, beans); nuts and nut butters; baking items (flour, sugar); shelf stable produce like potatoes, onions, garlic. Organizing cans by beans, vegetables, fruits, sauces can help making finding things easier. 

Decanter opened packaging and bulk items. 

Use airtight containers for food such as flour, pasta, beans, cereal, and nuts. Square and rectangular shapes with flat lids makes the best use of space as they fit together and can be stackable. Containers keep the food fresh longer, help to prevent spills and seals off household pests. Label each container with the product name and expiration or purchase date. You can also use the packaging, just cut around the name and cooking instructions and tape it to the container. 

Make the pantry work for you–functional design. 

Plan the pantry category zones.

Decide where each food category will be placed in the space before putting the items back on the shelves. Put the most used items at the front and within easy reach of those who will be using the pantry. For instance, if you have small children, place the healthy snacks at their level so they can access it without asking for assistance. Keep the sweets and less nutritious items higher, out of reach. Another way to do this is to group items by daily routines, order of the day, coffee stuff together, breakfast section, school lunch section, snacks and sports drinks. Store lesser used items on the top shelf where you don’t have to get at them quite as often.

Customize the shelving to maximize the space.

Use shelf-risers, racks, lazy susans, slide out cabinet organizers, and drawer pull-outs to create efficient use of the space. Store spices and cans on tiered or bleacher-style shelving for easy access. Hang a pantry rack over the pantry door or cabinet door to store narrow packages such as spices. 

Put the items back into the pantry.

Follow your plan and place the items back into the area. Put the taller items towards the back of the space, so at a glance you can see everything on the shelves. This allows you to easily access the items and to notice when it might be time to replenish a product. Pat yourself on the back!

Color affects mood. More than likely, you already know this. But then again, color can be so subtle that you might not even think of the affect that it has on you. The way we use the rooms of our homes has changed quite a bit. With so much time spent indoors, especially since 2020, it’s worth the time to evaluate your sense of feeling in the spaces you occupy. For instance, certain colors can uplift, while others create a relaxing vibe. Doesn’t it make sense to alter the colors of your home to work in your favor?

Bright colors energize, while muted colors calm. Darker shades can be more powerful and elegant. Red, orange and yellow colors tend to be upliftting, creating positive feelings. While shades of blue can feel tranquil and peaceful. Choose colors that you are drawn to. Do you have a favorite memory that makes you feel good? Maybe a trip to Mexico with the vibrant colors of a sunset. Or a stay at a resort with blue, calming waters. Use memories as inspiration. Colors can be used throughout, not only on walls, but also with accents such as paintings, throws, rugs and pillows.

The Many Shades of a Mood

The same color can create different moods. It depends on the shade and how it’s used in a room. But then again, this might not apply because a certain hue may trigger a favorite memory that makes you feel happy.

Warm Colors: red, orange and yellow evoke happiness, optimism and energy.
Cool Colors: green, blue and purple create a calming and soothing feeling.
Happy Colors: yellow, orange, pink, red and pastel colors are happy. The brighter and lighter, the happier, more optimistic.
Sad Colors: blue, green, neutrals like brown and beige have the effect of a somber mood.
Calming Colors: blue, green, lilac, mint, white, beige and gray tend to soothe and relax.
Energizing Colors: bright colors (red, yellow), neons (green), highly pigmented colors (royal blue, turquoise, magenta, emerald green) can generate an energetic feel.

The Meaning of Colors

Red: Passion, Love. Action-oriented
Orange: Energy, Happiness, Vitality
Yellow: Happiness, Hope, Spontaneous
Green: Health, Abundance, Refreshed
Blue: Calm, Productive, Safe
Purple: Creativity, Royalty, Wealth
Pink: Feminine, Romance, Sensitive
Brown: Stability, Support, Practical
Black: Mystery, Elegance, Professional
White: Simplicity, Minimal, Fresh
Gray: Mature, Conservative, Formality

Best Paint Colors for Each Room of your Home

White, Light Neutral: small rooms, kitchen
Blue: office, bedroom, bathroom, living room
Red, Orange, Yellow: kitchen, accent walls
Green: kitchen
Pink: foyer, dressing room, bedroom
Earth Tones: living room

You can now see how the interplay of color can set the mood. Walk through the spaces of your home and see how you feel. What’s the mood of your home?

If you have any questions about real estate, please give us a call. We’re happy to help!

It’s not uncommon for Chicago to experience an extreme cold snap in January or February. And while not uncommon, it’s best not to be unprepared. There are a few different ways that frigid cold temperatures can cause damage to your home. Follow these simple steps in and around your home to keep things running smoothly. 

Inside your home: 

1. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 65 degrees. Keep the setting consistent, same temp all day and night. This helps prevent your water pipes from freezing, which can lead to bursting pipes. 
2. Check your furnace settings to make sure the humidifier is set to match the outside temperature.
3. Examine your furnace filter and replace if necessary. 
4. Turn off space heaters when you sleep or leave your home. 
5. Know the location of the main the main water shutoff valve in your home. Keep the surrounding area clear for easy access. 
6. Inspect your windows and doors for cracks and air seepage. Invest in a window insulation kit.
7. Slowly drip hot and cold faucets at night to keep the water moving in the pipes to prevent freezing. In an unfinished basement, keep the laundry sink dripping.
8. Close your fireplace flue when not in use. 

Outside your home:

1. Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and entrances to your home. If you use salt, make sure it is child and pet friendly. 
2. Notice any hazardous icicles in and around the entrances and remove them. 
3. Check the exterior HVAC and dryer vents to make sure they aren’t blocked by snow and ice. 
4. Look for ice dams near gutter downspouts, remove blockages. 
5. Inspect your roof for too much snow accumulation. If you have water leaks or damning, call your roofer. Check for interior water damage. 
6. Remove snow from wood railings deck and balconies, it may cause warping. 
7. Examine your trees for damaged or dead branches that could break and fall. 

If you have any questions about real estate or need referrals for home maintenance, give us a call. Hope you’re keeping warm and enjoying winter. Spring is around the corner!

Simple things you can do to clean, freshen, purify and declutter various spaces to create a healthy home.

The new year is a fresh start as many begin by committing to healthy habits, such as a new workout regime or eating strategies that will trim the waistline. In the hustle to get healthy, have you considered how to live in a healthier home? This can involve simple remedies, such as opening a window to let in fresh air (unless it’s winter, of course), or more lasting solutions such as carefully selecting paints, furnishings and cleaning products that don’t contain chemical vapors. 

Now is a great time to create a healthier home environment, especially winter in Chicago as it can start to feel stuffy inside. This year’s New Year’s Resolution: get your home in shape!

Use non-toxic cleaning products

To clean the oven, sprinkle water on spills and add salt when it’s warm, then scrap the area when cool. White vinegar removes grease, soap buildup and is an alternative to bleach. Baking soda scrubs tiles. Hydrogen peroxide removes stains. Diluted lemon juice cleans windows. Borax inhibits mold growth. Consider using a washable shower curtain and liner. 

Clean your kitchen

Use hot, soapy water on your kitchen prep surfaces after every use. Sanitize faucets. Change your sponge every week and when running the dishwasher, include it in the cycle for regular disinfecting. Scrub refrigerator shelves and drawers. Dechlorinate your tap water by equipping your kitchen faucet with an activated charcoal water filter. Eliminate BPA-containing plastic containers, instead use glass and ceramic containers. Check that your non-stick Teflon pots and pans are intact, otherwise replace them. Toss cracked cutting boards. 

Dust regularly

House dust can aggravate allergies and may contain chemicals. Clean dust in  areas that collect buildup, such as entertainment centers, shelves, artwork, photos, light fixtures, and door/window frames. Clear cob webs from corners of walls. Sanitize remote controls. Vacuum a couple of times a week. Sweep and mop floors with diluted vinegar. Establish a no shoes policy while indoors. Buy curtains that are machine washable for regular cleaning. Hire a chimney sweep. Wash sheets, duvet covers and bedspreads in hot water once a week. 

Purify the air

Buy an air purifier or install an electronic purifying system on your furnace. Keep a schedule to check filters on your furnace and replace when necessary. Use a steam humidifier so the humidity levels are more consistent during the cold weather. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Avoid air fresheners which may mask mildew odors. Install a dehumidifier in your basement.

Beautify your home with nature

Plants neutralize the air in your home. The innate connection that we have to nature has proven that plants have a relaxing effect and can improve health and well-being. 

Declutter and toss expired products

Decluttering rooms and spaces actually declutters your mind. Remove items from rooms that are just collecting dust. Clear desktop spaces and clean junk drawers. Check under your kitchen and bathroom sinks and toss toxic cleaning chemicals, old beauty products and items you no longer use. Organize your medicine cabinet and throw out expired vitamins, supplements and pills. Look for expired products in your refrigerator and cupboards. Go through your garage and basement to get rid of old paint, caulk, plaster, remodeling supplies or other products that are dried out or broken.

Throw out toxic pesticides and herbicides

Instead focus on prevention by keeping your house clean. A few weeds in the lawn can be pulled out with muscle power. Throw out mothballs and instead buy cedar chips from a pet store and make a sachet by wrapping them in a cheesecloth. Store clean silks and wool items in a sealed plastic bag. 

If you have questions or need real estate advice, please contact us.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

In Chicago winter, with colder temps and snow approaching, you might assume that it’s not a good season to be looking for a home. As most are focused on holiday festivities, this opens up opportunities for home buyers. In our connected world with access to property listings, the real estate market doesn’t take a winter break.

Here is insight into the buying real estate in the colder months  …

Less Market Activity 

Fewer people overall looking to buy a home at this time will lead to less competition among other home buyers. This gives you leverage in your offers and lowers the chances of multiple offers and bidding wars. Homes listed at this time may be more open to negotiation.

Flexible Schedules

Although it does seem that most businesses are 24/7 now, the holiday season tends to bring more focus to time off to enjoy festivities. This time of the year may be the ideal time to use vacation time to house hunt instead of using up precious weekends during the year. Plus, mortgage industry professionals see a slow in the market and tend to be more flexible with timelines. 

Motivated Home Sellers 

If a home is on the market at this time, there’s a good chance that the seller may need to sell the home. Perhaps it’s a job relocation, financial hardship or a change in personal circumstance. There is also an incentive if a house has already been on the market for some time. In any case, with fewer offers on the table at this time of year, a seller may be more willing to accept a lower offer and/or be flexible with concessions, like paying part of the closing costs. 

Weather, Weather, Weather …

This is the time of year when weather can play a major role in how the real estate market performs.  Snow, rain and cold keep the less serious buyers away. But if there are homes on the market that seem interesting to you and you are serious buyer, keep a watchful eye.  These are the times when fewer buyers vying for the same home and can help you get the better deal … if there is a deal to be had! 

If you have questions, please contact us. We're happy to help!

As the weather turns colder and we spend more time indoors, it’s the perfect time to take inventory of regular maintenance and make a list of things that need to be fixed. Even if your home is running smoothly, regular maintenance is important. Preparing before the snow and cold can save costly repairs and aggravation later. The weather can change quickly, especially in Chicago!  

Property Checklist:

• Service furnace and replace the filter
• Clean humidifier plates or pads to ensure efficient operation
• Inspect the roof to see that it’s draining properly
• Clear gutters and downspouts of debris
• Check patio, deck or outdoor space for repairs, now is the perfect time to paint
• Scan brick properties to see if it needs tuck pointing / sealing
• Change outdoor lightbulbs now, to avoid doing it in the cold weather
• Test the snow blower
• Rake, mow and trim landscaping 
• Add mulch/compost to gardens
• Fertilize the lawn
• Plant flower bulbs
• Disconnect hoses and store them away 
• Turn off outdoor water spouts
• Store seasonal furniture and grill
• Sweep the chimney 
• Test smoke detectors, CO monitors and inspect fire extinguishers
• Check doors and windows for drafts, use caulk and weather stripping to prevent heat loss
• Hire a handyman for bigger home repairs
• Buy wood and curl up by the fire with a warm drink!

If you need excellent and reliable resources, such as a handyman, furnace repair, landscaping or any type of real estate advice, please contact us. 

An online search for real estate will bring up a lot of information. So, why hire a broker? At first glance it may seem that buying or selling a home on your own will save you money. But that might not be the case. According to the National Association of Realtor®'s 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, you’ll make more money by hiring a professional real estate broker. “FSBOs typically sell for less than the selling price of other homes; FSBO homes sold at a median of $217,900 last year (up from last year), and significantly lower than the median of agent-assisted homes at $242,300.”

There are other things to consider before embarking on your real estate journey. Professional real estate brokers have a pulse on the market and research trends through online broker resources and in real estate publications. We are up-to-date on neighborhood news, zoning changes and new policies, rules and ethics. 

We know what the average home buyer expects and share this knowledge with our clients who are ready to sell their home. For marketing, we use professional photographers as these photos are critical to the success of attracting the right buyer. We also offer expert staging tips, remodel ideas and repair advice prior to listing a home. 

By consistently networking with other real estate professionals, we understand what is influencing the market, trends and economy. We know the Chicago neighborhoods and are on the lookout for any changes, such as new businesses moving in.

Here are the 6 benefits of hiring a real estate broker:

Education and Experience

One of the main benefits of working with a broker is their knowledge and experience in managing the process. Before hiring a real estate broker, ask to set up an interview. You want to make sure that this person understands the neighborhoods, real estate market and trends. Whether buying or selling, the broker must have a keen eye to catch things you might miss in a property and expertise in negotiation to put you at ease during the process. 

Neighborhood Knowledge and Prices

In a city as big as Chicago, it’s key to understand the neighborhoods from a historical perspective and the current market value. If looking to buy, you want to make sure the neighborhood aligns with your finances and lifestyle. And from a selling point of view, it’s important to know current market values. The broker has knowledge of local and state news that can affect housing prices. When meeting with a broker, they should be able to advise you on your neighborhood picks and clue you into other neighborhoods to consider.

Professional Resources

A good real estate broker will have connections in the industry. Find out how they network with other real estate professionals. This person should also be able to share trusted home repair and remodel resources. For a smooth transaction before and after the sale of a property, a reliable agent will manage the process from setting up the home inspection to putting together the right team to handle the volumes of paperwork at closing. 

Staging Advice and Identifying Home Repairs

Whether you’re buying or selling, a broker should be able to walk in to a property and identify the opportunities and challenges. If more information is needed, they will share trusted resources to help you understand the scope of repairs and how it will affect a property value. When selling a home, a good agent will offer inside and outside staging and design advice. 

Unemotional Negotiation

Buying or selling a home tends to be an emotional journey. For peace of mind, a professional broker will handle all aspects of the negotiation process in your best interest. A good agent will share their honest opinion on your options in order to set up a successful property transaction. 

Time Savings

An experienced real estate broker will understand the buying and selling process inside and out. They will be with you every step of the way, working through the details, freeing up your time for other important things. With trusted resources at their fingertips and experience to have the foresight of potential challenges, they are able to navigate the process, saving you valuable time. 

A good relationship with your broker can benefit you beyond the real estate transaction. You have a trusted resource in all your property concerns. We are dedicated to gathering knowledge and committed to building client relationships. If you have questions or comments, please contact us.

Fall is a gorgeous time of year, especially in Chicago, with the bright autumn colors and cooler weather. But it also means dealing with falling leaves. While it might be tempting to avoid this chore, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by cleaning up the leaves. Over time, a thick layer of leaves on your lawn prevents sunshine and might attract mold, bacteria, pests and weed seeds.

Instead, turn your leaves into mulch for your lawn, flower and garden beds. Shredding leaves is less work and a great way to add nutrients to your yard. Plus, adding mulch/compost in the fall is the ideal time. If you don’t have a mulching mower to shred the leaves into tiny pieces, set the blades to the highest setting and mow over them. It’s easiest to do this when they are dry. 

You can also make leaf mold from the chopped up leaves and use it for your garden next season. It’s a great way to preserve the nutrients and minerals of the organic matter. Take the chopped up leaves you mowed over and stuff them into a makeshift bin and pack them down. Then wet the leaves. A chicken wire fence works or even black garbage bags. If you use garbage bags, seal and poke holes in them to provide airflow. Flip the bags every 6 months until you have small, flaky brown bits. 

Remember, your yard will need attention in the fall. Make sure to keep rotting leaves away from the house, especially wood siding, because it can cause it to rot. Leaves can also block water flow and prevent water absorption, this is why it’s so important to clean your gutters in the fall. Wet leaves on walkways and paths can become slippery, especially when they decay. Big piles of dry leaves could become a fire hazard. Clean them up!

Please contact us if you have any questions. Happy Fall!

Buying or selling a home is a big deal. It’s important to have a high comfort level with your real estate broker. When searching for a new broker, you can get referrals from friends, research online reviews and ask the broker for client referrals. All of these are important steps, but the most important thing is the feeling you get from a broker in a face-to-face meeting. 

Set up an interview. When meeting with this person, you will get a feel for how they work - similar to when you walk in a house and  know that it’s the right home. By taking a little time with them, you’ll be able to tell if they are really listening to your needs. Pay attention to how they interact with you. 

The best referral is from someone you trust. And even if this person feels confident with the broker, it’s more important about how you interact with them. You want an open and honest dialogue with the broker helping you to buy or sell a home. 

Here are key questions you should ask before hiring a broker: 

1. How long have you been a real estate broker?
2. Do you own your home? Please explain your history of home ownership and property investment experience.
3. How are you different from other real estate brokers?
4. Do you have references? Where I can view your online reviews?
5. How long have worked with your real estate agency? Why did you choose to work there? How is it different from other agencies?
6. Did you have a career prior to working in real estate? If so, why did you pursue a real estate career?
7. Are you personally involved with all aspects of my real estate transaction or do you work with a team?
8. How do you market a property that you’re selling? Please explain your marketing efforts. 
9. What are your fees and commissions? 

Please contact us if you have any questions!

Whether selling a condominium, loft, multi unit or single family residence, making a strong first impression is key. How do you appeal to the emotional side of those looking to buy a home? By staging rooms so that the homebuyer can see themselves living in the property. Here are a few simple ideas that can ‘wow’ potential buyers. 

Curb Appeal:  This is the first impression of your home. Make sure the front entrance is neat and clean. In a building foyer, toss newspapers and advertisements and sweep the area. If you own a home, keep up with regular lawn maintenance, trim trees and weed gardens. Adding flower boxes or planters to the outdoor area or windows will add softness and color to any type of home.

Interior Lighting:  The brighter your home the better. Use soft light bulbs instead of CFL’s, which can take five minutes to warm up and then become a harsh, white light. Regular light bulbs illuminate immediately having a warm impact on the eyes. Lighting is sensory driven -  the buyer may get a good feeling in your home and not know that it’s the lighting creating the atmosphere. Adding new light fixtures is another easy and economical way to update your home. 

Photos and Artwork:  By keeping walls and shelves sparse of family and personal photos, the buyer can more clearly see themselves in the property. If they focus on photos and artwork, they may get distracted and not see the details of the home. Plants add subtle beauty to rooms, but decorate the space minimally. 

Furniture:  When a home is cluttered, potential buyers are unable to see the space. Declutter your home as much as possible so the buyer can visualize their furniture in the space. 

Clean House: This may seem obvious, but clean also refers to closets, shoes, trash and  boxes. All of these items make an impression. It’s important to keep the home neat and orderly.

Paint and Minor Repairs: Paint has an emotional impact on buyers. You want it to evoke feelings of comfort, so they make a connection with the home. Rooms with light and neutral colors can appear larger and brighter. Fresh paint colors will appeal to buyers who want a move-in ready home. Same with minor repairs. It’s economically beneficial to take a close look at your property and make the repairs or hire a handyman. 

If you work with us, we spend time in your home and offer specific staging ideas, such as moving furniture, removing artwork and photos, replacing light fixtures and painting rooms. For home repairs, we have a list of recommended contractors we can refer to you. These are minimal investments that will improve your chances of selling your home faster and for asking price. We know what buyers are looking for, what the market demands and the current trends. Our experience includes both new homes and home renovations. If you’re selling in order to purchase a new home, find out how the timing can work in your favor or against you.

Another part of our process in working with sellers is to help you understand what is going on in the market and what to expect when you actually list your home. We take the time to do a custom analysis on your home, which involves in-depth research and reviewing specific property details such as school districts, location, renovations, the structure, age of the property and so much more.

There is a lot to understand, so it’s important to take the time to prepare your home to shine! And find the right team of real estate professionals to help you. Please call us at (773) 472-6016 for a custom analysis on your home, for contractor referrals or if you have any questions.