Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) were expanded to all states by the Federal Housing Administration in 1995 after a three-year pilot program in five states, so consumers could save money on utility bills by allowing them to finance the cost of energy-efficiency features for their new or existing homes as part of their FHA-insured home purchase… READ MORE
Even with the Chicago North Shore market in good shape, there are always going to be times where supply outweighs the demand. When this occurs, there are a few myths that may need to be dispelled. Myths About Selling Your Property in a Slow Market Trying to sell your property in a slow market… READ MORE
You don’t get a second change to make a first impression on buyers, so it is always a good idea to make it a lasting one when selling your home. Consider your home a contestant in a beauty contest and set your goal to finish in the top three. Every seller wants their home to… READ MORE
Home Improvements Pay Off Granite counters and steam showers pay off; kitchen and bathroom remodels continue to be two of the best investments you can make in your house. They are the big, sexy rooms new home builders splurge on, so when buyers are shopping around that’s what they want in an existing home, too…. READ MORE
It is important to prioritize your property upgrades to avoid taking a financial hit. An energetic real estate agent can have your home on the market in a day. However, to provide the kind of marketing exposure you need to sell in today’s market takes a little longer, unless your home is photo-ready when you… READ MORE
Often, I am asked the best way to prepare for a home showing. My best advice is to walk through your house with the eye of a Home Buyer. What do you see that might stand out and detract from a showing? Here are few obvious tips that are worth repeating. Remove clutter and clear off those… READ MORE
Home staging is simply the process of making your home appear comfortably livable. This presentation means making sure buyers can visualize themselves living in your home. Effective home staging touches everything from the mailbox to the linen closet. How to Stage Your Closets Keep the closet visually appealing Keep the closet organized. Keep the closet… READ MORE
Spring is in full bloom and home projects are well under way. Finishing your chores now means you can spend your time playing in the sunshine while planing ahead for the summer barbecue season. Even though this past winter in Chicago was not as severe as in years past, it is still important to follow the… READ MORE
There is no better way to increase the value of your home and appeal to a more diverse range of home buyers (if you decide to sell) than renovating your kitchen. However, with kitchen remodels easily costing $20,000 to $30,000, you need to make choices you can live with. Learning about the most popular trends for… READ MORE
As everyone knows, in the high season it’s a seller’s market. So, just having your home listed means you’re well on your way to the bank. Right? Not so fast! It’s still perfectly possible something will happen to stall your plans. There are plenty of things you should do, and avoid, to make sure… READ MORE