How strong is your credit? Cleaning up your credit is essential before you make any major financial moves. Having a bad score can hurt your chances of being able to open a credit card, apply for a loan, purchase a car, or rent an apartment.
Read MoreEvery year, it seems the holidays sneak up on us—and every year, that brings with it the dreaded last-minute gift panic. But have no fear! We’ve lined up a list of unique gifts for every “type” on your list. And since we work in real estate, they’re all centered around home life.
Read MorePrivate mortgage insurance (PMI), is a way for many homebuyers to be able to purchase their dream home, with a lower downpayment than many may expect.
If you want to make your dream of home ownership a reality, it may be important to understand PMI — including what it is, how it works, and when borrowers do and do not need it.
Read MoreFor buyers looking at every possible home option in their chosen market, it’s important to understand foreclosures and short sales. Both foreclosures and short sales are types of distressed sales, meaning that a property is being sold urgently, and often at a significantly lower price than it might otherwise go for. How do these two types of sales work?
Read MoreAs the winter weather settles in, plenty of people in Chicagoland go into “hibernation” mode, spending as much time as possible in the great indoors — all the better to avoid the snow, slush, and freezing winds that make their way through the region. While staying in can feel cozy and comfortable, it’s also easy to start to feel a little cooped up during the long, dark winter.
Read MoreAs the year draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead to a bright future — while sending off the last twelve months with a bang. Here in Chicagoland, New Year’s Eve is a big deal. As we wind down 2019 and head for 2020, there are going to be parties and special New Year’s events popping up all over the city and suburbs, so revelers can dance, sing, and celebrate all night long.
Read MoreOur two bedroom, recently renovated listing in the historic 2400 North Lakeview, Mies van der Rohe designed condominium building sold in less than a day. The unit is positioned in the Southeast tier, offering dramatic park, lake and urban views.
Read MoreAs a truly great culinary metropolis, the “city of (delicious) neighborhoods” that is Chicago can be downright overwhelming for the adventurous foodie. Where to begin? This list doesn’t hardly do it justice, but here are five solid places in the city to start.
Read MoreMeet Marina, one of the hardest working people I know. She sells solar for Sunbadger Solar (which btw, if you haven’t considered solar for your home, you’re missing serious tax benefits) and she’s also one of the boss ladies of The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast, an establishment for which I have a deep affinity.
Read MoreWhen we were showing the apartment, there were luxury apartments popping up across the street so it was a telltale sign to make an investment.
Read MoreArt & real estate runs deep in my family so I always hope to find a way to fuse the two. We grew up bouncing between my mom’s Wicker Park antique shop and dad’s art studio. I spent my childhood rollerblading, Razor scootering, and running through the hallways of the Flat Iron building, Zhou B Art Center, and galleries in between, playing mini-curator and art critic since the beginning of time.
Read MoreAlicja and I met through Zillow. We shared something great in common: our heritage. I learned she was Polish. As most of my showings go, we chatted more than we toured the property. We exchanged stories about our travels throughout Europe and specifically Poland. I found her & her husband a place within two weeks.
Read MoreWe talk about our culture a lot, but that’s because it really is one-in-a-million. The truth is, we’re not here just to build a thriving business. We’re here to empower each other to do our best and deliver service that goes above and beyond for our clients every single day. We invest in each other, and that culture of support and collaboration is why people love being part of the Baird & Warner family.
Read MoreThe period from contract to closing is thought of as the time when sellers and their real estate teams “seal the deal” with the buyer. After contract acceptance, buyers and sellers will need to come together to work through the attorney review process (including establishing clear title on the property and resolving contract questions and disputes), having an inspection performed, securing financing, and more.
Read MoreWhether you need to find somewhere convenient to stay for a business trip or you want to explore a new city like a local, using a home sharing or vacation rental service is a great way to head somewhere new, while still feeling right at home.
Read MoreBuying a home is one of the biggest decisions many of us will ever make, and there’s a lot that goes into it, from the moment you start visualizing your next home to the day you’re handed the keys. It’s important to go into this process with confidence, knowledge, and peace of mind.
Read MoreIf you’re looking for a romantic, special experience in Chicagoland, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven breathtaking Chicagoland spots perfect for first dates, wedding proposals, anniversaries, and everything in between.
Read MoreThis vibrant Chicago neighborhood has undergone many changes throughout the city’s history. Originally serving as a center for manufacturing in the 1800s, the West Loop has grown to be one of the trendiest areas in Chicagoland, full of restaurants, shops, and plenty of unique things to see and do.
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