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: Swap Out Appliances ENERGY STAR® products use less energy and meet strict criteria set by the U.S.

Farmers market season is in full swing! The quintessential summer event is a great way to get outdoors and shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and other goods from local vendors. Here are some of our favorite farmers markets throughout

According to a recent article in Crain’s Chicago Business, home sales in the city of Chicago increased 35.5% in March on a year-over-year basis, almost three times the increase that was seen nationwide. The median sales price in Chicago was up 7.8%

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

Working from home became an inevitable reality for many Americans over the last year. It has ultimately changed the meaning of home, and affected what we need or desire from our living spaces. As a result, many people have relocated both

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

The new year is right around the corner, bringing with it the hope of more face-to-face interactions and in-person engagements. However, in true 2020 fashion, New Year’s Eve is getting a little shake-up this year, and won’t involve the same

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. With more people working from home and kids e-learning,

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

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 the beginning of the year, @properties co-founders Mike Golden and Thad Wong predicted the 2020s would be the decade of the millennial homebuyer. Well, the decade started fast and furious. In August, the Wall Street Journal reported that millennials now account for over

One of the biggest trends to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic is the focus on housing. As people seek more space and look to take advantage of low interest rates, the local real estate market has seen a strong recovery. In

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

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

Should you buy or rent? This is a fundamental question facing many potential homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers. While there are circumstances in which renting might make more sense (e.g. if more flexibility is needed), there are a number of key

Summer looks a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s void of fun. As we enter the home stretch of the season, there are still plenty of things to do while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Here’s what

With the majority of homebuyers starting their property search online, digital marketing resources are an integral part of the real estate marketing mix. So if you intend to sell your home at any point in 2020, here are a few

Outdoor space has never been more valued than it is today. And with the arrival of summer, it’s a great time to spruce things up outside. Whether you are working with a balcony, terrace, rooftop deck, patio, or backyard, here’s

A year-over-year comparison of new contracts is an encouraging sign for the Chicagoland real estate market. After bottoming out in mid-April, contract activity in the entire Chicagoland region is on the upswing based on @properties data. In fact, by Memorial

Cook County’s recent decision to delay property tax late fees is welcome news for area homeowners who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. On May 13th, local officials announced that property owners will essentially have until Oct. 1 to pay their second-installment

The last several weeks have been challenging on many levels. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that there is a lot to be grateful for – especially all the people and businesses who have banded together to support

The school year will soon be coming to a close, meaning e-learning is one less thing to keep kids occupied during quarantine. We’ve previously shared some of our go-to resources for curing the boredom bug, but because there can never

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

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve, volatility and uncertainty have swept through the financial markets. Borrowers saw wild swings in interest rates over the last few weeks and were left to wonder whether they could still qualify for specific loan

As we spend more and more time indoors this month, we wanted to share a few ways you can take advantage of being home. So whether you’re catching up on sleep, learning a new skill, or planning your next well-deserved

Some might say millennials are fashionably late to the homeownership party, but they are about to arrive in a big way if you ask @properties co-founders Thad Wong and Mike Golden. In the latest installment of @properties’ @ the market webcast, the two

The 2020s should be an exciting time for real estate in Chicagoland. Urban neighborhoods are emerging as trendy yet affordable hotspots, while more established suburbs are providing undeniable value to homebuyers looking outside of the city. Get ahead of the

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

When it comes to selling homes, the price is very often the “hot topic” whether you are the seller or buyer. The process involved in determining the appropriate listing price isn’t always what one might think, though. In fact, it ultimately

Chicago goes through a sort of metamorphosis as winter takes a firm grip over the city, bringing cold weather and incredibly short days. But don’t feel bad making runs to the local convenience store in sweatpants and slippers — during

Legendary American author Mark Twain once famously quipped to a reporter that news of his death had been greatly exaggerated. Similarly, we Chicagoans frequently find ourselves in the position, these days, of having to remind others that our city is

As the holidays approach, giving back is a great way to kick off the season. Whether you’re looking to give back in the form of time or monetary donations, there are many organizations across the Chicagoland area that could benefit

Old Man Winter arrived in the Chicago area early this year — certainly well before friends and relatives show up for Thanksgiving celebrations. But holiday visitors will quickly learn that Chicagoans won’t let the bitter windchill stop us from enjoying

Sales numbers from the last few years paint the picture of a down market in the Gold Coast – the upscale lakefront pocket that has long been known for ultra high-end condos and co-ops. But another evident trend that sales

The fall season is in full swing, bringing arguably the best flavors of the year to Chicagoland’s food and beverage scene. Whether you’re looking for the very best cinnamon, apple or pumpkin treats, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite

When it comes to buying and selling a home, the final months of the year present some unique advantages in the marketplace (think less competition and motivated buyers). If you’re selling your home this fall, here are a few tips to

Fall is officially here, and fortunately there’s no shortage of fun activities to make the most of the season. Whether you’re in the mood for antiquing, sipping warm apple cider, picking pumpkins or watching football, there are plenty of opportunities

There are many ways to spruce up your home as you transition from summer to autumn. And with countless trends and festive decorating ideas, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to begin to get your home into

You only get one chance to make a first impression – and that’s especially true when your home hits the market. If you’re thinking about listing your property, here are a few tips to ensure it’s in optimal showing condition. Tidy

Summer may be winding down, but there is still time to sneak in a few outdoor gatherings before the temperature drops. We’ve talked about maximizing small outdoor spaces and important patio prep tips, and now we’re sharing an assortment of

There are pro’s and con’s to everything, even your home’s exterior. With a variety of options, we’ve honed in on the most popular exteriors to share the pro’s and con’s of each. Whether you’re interested in brick, stucco, wood, vinyl or

Just about everyone expected mortgage interest rates to rise in 2019. But after reaching 5% last November, the average 30-year mortgage rate is back in the 3% range, the lowest it has been in over 2 years. This latest development is

Summertime is arguably Chicago’s best season, complete with neighborhood festivals, sunny skies and an extreme desire for cool, tasty treats. To help you beat the heat, we’ve put together a list of some of Chicago’s essential ice cream shops. In

Finding unique housewarming gifts is tricky, especially when it comes to first-time homeowners. Long gone are the days of cliche toasters and cheese boards. So what should you bring if you’re invited to a housewarming party? Here are just a few

For city dwellers, having outdoor space is the ultimate goal. If your urban home is equipped with a tiny yard, balcony, or rooftop, maximize every inch to create your own metropolitan oasis. A few tweaks can turn the tiniest outdoor

Homes that are financially within reach for first-time buyers are often in need of updates. Fortunately, there are a number of home-loan products that offer an affordable financing solution by allowing rehab costs to be included in mortgage payments. “Fixer-uppers provide

The Chicago Near North real estate market continues to show strong numbers, with nearly a $100,000 increase in average sales price of all types of single family homes compared from April 2016 to April 2019.  That said, more homes have

In Chicago, more homebuyers are house hunting during the months of March, April and May than in any other three-month period throughout the year. So, it stands to reason that sellers who price their homes correctly during this peak period have

The uber-luxury market had a record year in 2018, with 73 homes selling for at least $4 million in the Chicago area, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Among the factors driving these sales were high-end new construction and strong stock market

According to NAR, 77% of buyers’ agents indicated staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. Before you list your home, follow this list of staging preparations to highlight a home

Taxes may be the last thing on your mind as you advance through the homebuying process. Yet, there are important tax considerations that need to be worked out before you get to the closing table. One of those considerations is property tax

It’s no secret that purchasing a home can be a major undertaking, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. As you navigate the process, there are all kinds of real estate terms that you are likely to encounter along the way. Knowing

The thought of adding a new home to your holiday shopping list might sound a little insane. Although it might seem like an overwhelming time to add the biggest transaction of your life into the shopping, parties and celebratory mix, there

It’s time to break out that Michael Bublé album and immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays. Fortunately for us, nobody does holiday fun better than Chicago. With that in mind we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the