Love Where You Live.
10 Ways to Make Your Home Greener
Between reducing the cost of homeownership and protecting the environment, there are many benefits of keeping your home eco-friendly. Here are 10 ways to embrace a greener lifestyle: READ
5 outdoor activities to get you excited for Chicago winter
Winter is around the corner… a dreaded sentence but it doesn’t have to be! Chicago has been combating winter blues and I’ve rounded up five winter activities to keep your spirits high.
7 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO ADD TO YOUR FALL 2021 BUCKET LIST
Fall is in full swing, and we’re ready to make the most of the season’s offerings. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy autumn throughout Chicagoland.
Here’s how: READ
Introducing the Home Search Platform That Every Buyer Should Know About
Buyers in search of a new home this spring are benefitting from Zenlist, a new technology that offers access to the most complete and up-to-date database of homes in the Chicagoland marketplace. Zenlist is a gamechanger for how buyers and their agents work together to successfully conduct home searches, especially in today’s very competitive, low-inventory market.
Find out more about Zenlist and get started today! Read Here
For the First-Time Home Buyer: FAQs Answered
After saving up diligently for years, it’s finally time to purchase your very first home. A first-time home purchase is a big milestone, and one to truly celebrate and cherish. But it’s also a decision that requires careful research.
While there may be a litany of advice and resources online about purchasing a home, take it from a local expert who knows Chicago’s real estate market best.
Here’s how: READ
6 Tips for Going Back to the Office
For some, the days of working from home are on the way out or becoming less frequent as more people get vaccinated. If this includes you, then you know how exciting it is to see your favorite coworkers again and collaborate in person. And while you may have certain concerns about going back into the office, the best thing you can do is plan ahead, and make sure you’re aware of any new workplace policies related to masks, schedules, quarantining, and workspace configuration.
Make the transition back to work as easy as possible by following these tips: Read Here
The Best Plants for Each Room in the House
Spring is the perfect time to begin adding a bit of green to your home. Not quite sure where to start? Finding a plant that best suits your home can seem daunting, like what plant might thrive best in certain rooms. Don’t get too worked up, with a little guidance, finding the perfect plant for that space you’re thinking of can be easy. Here’s how: READ
How to Prepare for Your Move This Spring
When it comes to moving, there’s always a million and one things you need to do before the movers show up. If you’re making a move this spring, you can avoid unnecessary stress by planning early and being prepared. The following are some tasks that you can check off your list to make your move as easy and efficient as possible. Read Here
How to Design a Multi-Functional Flex Space
Amid the pandemic, flex rooms and spaces have proven to be incredibly valuable as we’ve brought our work, school, fitness, and hobbies home. They serve a variety of purposes, from a home office and study spot to an exercise space to an extra bedroom and playroom. Regardless of how you use your flex space, there are many ways to get the most out of your extra room. Here’s how: READ
10 Things We Love About Hyde Park
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Hyde Park is a beautiful neighborhood with a lot to offer. Between enriching art exhibits and museums, a world-renowned university, and well-kept community green spaces, there are a lot of reasons people have fallen in love with Hyde Park. Here are ours: Read Here
Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Chicago
In honor of Black History Month, @properties is excited to spotlight a variety of Black-owned businesses throughout Chicago. Following is a roundup of just some of the great businesses you can support year-round. @properties will be making a stop at two of them over the next few weeks as part of our @ Loves Local Series.
How Home Buyers Can Navigate Inventory Challenges
Whether you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, or just keep up with real estate news, you’ve probably heard about the lack of inventory in housing markets throughout the country.
While fewer properties on the market means increased competition for buyers, there are still ways for home shoppers to navigate inventory challenges and have an edge in the marketplace. Here are a few tips : Read Here
10 Things We Love About North Center
North Center has all the hallmarks of a vibrant neighborhood. Whether you’re in search of live entertainment, great restaurants, local hangouts and events, or a tight-knit community, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this aptly named neighborhood located near the center of Chicago’s North Side. There are plenty of things we love about North Center, so be our guest as we show you 10 of them.
How to Incorporate Both of Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year
It’s a new year, which means that it’s officially time to start using Pantone’s annual Color of the Year around the house! Pantone has been designating a color of the year for over 20 years, and for 2021 the company chose not just one, but TWO colors. Allow us to introduce Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a color combination that, according to Pantone, conveys strength and positivity following a year unlike any other.
Here’s how you can use these two colors at home: Read Here
10 Things We Love About the West Loop
There’s no place quite like the West Loop. What was once a meatpacking district has quickly grown to become one of the hottest neighborhoods in Chicago. From world-class restaurants to iconic festivals and great parks, it’s no wonder people flock to this side of town.
Whether you’re on a leisurely visit or looking to call the West Loop home, it’s sure to welcome you with open arms. Here are just a few things we love about this vibrant neighborhood
Home Design Style Guide 101
Whether you’re in the market for a new home or planning to tackle renovations in the near future, honing in on your preferred design style can help make selections easier. To do this, understanding the various styles is a helpful starting point to narrow down the seemingly endless options. Here’s the breakdown to help you jumpstart your home design plans. Read Here
How to Navigate a Multiple Offer Situation As a Seller
If you’re in the enviable position of dealing with multiple offers as a seller, handling the situation thoughtfully can make all the difference. Here are few tips on how best to handle the process:
Shop Locally for Gifts This Season
The gift-giving season is upon us, and there’s still time to shop for everyone on your list. Fortunately, there are thousands of local businesses throughout Chicagoland that you can support through your holiday shopping, whether you purchase a festive item, a gift card, or a subscription service (the gift that keeps on giving!). With that in mind, following are a few ideas to get in the spirit while showing some love to local businesses: Read Here
Pinterest-Perfect Renovations Made Easy
It may be a seller’s market in many areas, but when it comes to getting the highest possible sales price for your home in the shortest amount of time, “turnkey” is still key.
10 Things We Love About Wicker Park
The second you step foot in Wicker Park, you know you’ve found something special. Just a few miles northwest of the Loop, you’ll discover an enclave of the city’s hippest nightlife, restaurants, shops, and art scene.
Whether it’s the aromas of ramen, pizza, or tacos filling the streets; the colorful murals; or the unique specialty shops; it’s hard not to fall in love with this neighborhood. Here are 10 things that captured our hearts: Read Here
How To Support Local Businesses This Holiday Season
Locally owned businesses are the heart of our communities. So with the season of giving upon us, there’s never been a better time to show your support to small businesses in your neighborhood or suburb. Here are a few ways you can do that during the holidays: Read here!
10 Things We Love About the South Loop
Characterized by towering high rises with dramatic views of Lake Michigan and historic pockets that reflect the area’s storied past, the South Loop is a distinctive Chicago neighborhood.
Between the unique residential options, eclectic mix of dining and nightlife, and convenient access to the lakefront path, parks, and museums, it’s easy to see why there’s so many things to love about this vibrant community. Let’s dive in. Read here!
10 Things We Love About Evanston
There’s a place not far from Chicago that’s one part university town, one part quiet lakefront retreat, and another part city. We’re talking about Evanston, of course.
With a population of just under 75,000, Evanston boasts excellent transit connectivity into Chicago, a lively downtown district with shopping and dining, and a string of lakefront beaches. In many ways, it could almost be viewed as a miniature version of Chicago itself, or at the very least, the link between the big city downtown and the quieter North Shore suburbs.
Here are just a handful of reasons we love Evanston and why it’s a great place for any home shopper to consider. Read Here.
How to Safely Move During Quarantine
Coronavirus has undoubtedly had a significant impact on our day-to-day lives. It has affected everything from how kids are learning to how we do our jobs and complete once-basic tasks like grocery shopping. We’ve put a lot on hold, but there are some things that absolutely cannot wait. So, what do you do if you have to move during the pandemic?
We’ve outlined all of the steps you need to take to make your move as safe as possible. Read here!
10 Things We Love About Lakeview
My Neighborhood! Lakeview is a quintessential Chicago neighborhood. With tree-lined residential streets and a wide range of homes waving the “W” flag, it’s a vibrant community with a palpable energy.
Residents can often be found talking to neighbors on their front porches, dining at neighborhood staples, shopping from local vendors at the farmers market, or joining in the fun of street festivals. Several business districts call Lakeview home, offering everything from small-owned shops to big name retailers.
There’s a lot to love about Lakeview. Here are some of our favorites: Continue reading
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Looking to buy or sell a home? While there’s no shortage of online resources these days, there are plenty of reasons why most buyers and sellers enlist the services of a real estate agent to guide them through the process. At the same time, there are thousands of agents out there, so where do you start? Read here!
What Local Home Price Data Means for Chicago-Area Buyers
Chicago’s relative affordability has, of course, been welcome news for home buyers. But recent home price data indicates that buyers who have been on the fence about purchasing a home in the area may have more incentive to make a move now. Continue Reading..
Home Improvement 101: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Whether your home needs a few minor updates or a major facelift, we want to help you find the right balance between saving and spending so you don’t break the bank. Continue Reading..
Four Ways to add Personality to your space.
With more time at home these days, many of us are looking for ways to give our space a refresh. Others may be in search of inspiration to make a new home their own. Whatever the reason, here are four ways to revitalize and personalize your space. Continue reading..
SHow Millennials how easy homebuying can be.
Your rent goes to a landlord. Your mortgage goes to your future. Ready to make the switch? My team can show you how first-time homebuyers can save. Visit Proper Rate.
5 Reasons It Pays To Be A Homeowner.
While there are circumstances in which renting might make more sense (e.g. if more flexibility is needed), there are a number of key advantages when it comes to homeownership. Found out more!
How to Get Your Autumn Fix This Fall.
Fall is right around the corner, and as you start swapping your shorts and t-shirts for pants and sweaters, you may be wondering how you can make the most of the season this year. Fortunately, we’ve done our research, and there are plenty of ways to safely experience fall 2020 throughout Chicagoland as well as Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Start here!