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Introducing Our “Find Your” Campaign
20 May 2019 | 9:55 pmFor the past 19 years, one of our goals at @properties has been to help our clients find a home that sparks joy, excitement, and comfort. We are thrilled to announce our “Find Your” campaign, which celebrates the home-buying experience. Whether you’re looking for a backyard with treehouse potential, a kitchen filled with culinary bliss or a view of Lake Michigan, we look forward to helping you find your perfect place. The post Introducing Our “Find Your” Campaign appeared first on @home.
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Where to Dine, Shop and Play in Harbor Country
17 May 2019 | 2:54 pmThere are few places quite like Harbor Country during the summer. From sun-filled days at the beach to Saturday mornings spent perusing a farmers market, you will have no problem finding relaxation here. Keep reading to learn of the best Harbor Country activities. Eat Nani’s Café & Beach Shop | Union Pier The setting and atmosphere are casual, but the famous muffins are out of this world. Aside from the muffins, Nani’s also offers a variety of sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Greenbush Brewing Co. | Sawyer The brewed in-house beer is the star of the show here, but don’t let that distract you from the delicious food offerings. Journeyman Distillery | Three Oaks While Journeyman is known for its handcrafted spirits, its full-service restaurant Staymaker is not to be taken lightly. Staymaker offers a number of Detroit-style pizzas and a bevy of New American entrees and appetizers. Bentwood Tavern | New Buffalo If you’re looking for a sophisticated spin on pub fare with a waterfront setting, Bentwood Tavern is for you. The eatery offers a variety of gourmet pizzas, fresh seafood, Amish roasted chicken, steaks, and more. The Stray Dog Bar & Grille | New Buffalo This bright, open, and airy space offers New American fare and an extensive beer list. Don’t miss the rooftop patio on a nice sunny day. Shop Lemon Creek Winery | Berrien Springs Lemon Creek is a name with 160 years of grape and fruit growing experience. Be sure to check out the winery’s tasting rooms, vineyard, and the u-pick fruit farm on the southwest Michigan shoreline. Third Coast Surf Shop | New Buffalo Given you’re right on the shores of Lake Michigan, a good surf shop is crucial. Third Coast has everything you need to get in the water, including lessons. Sojourn | Sawyer A unique setting[…]
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Renovation Loans Open the Door for First-Time Buyers
16 May 2019 | 2:34 pmHomes 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 an opportunity for homeowners to get into a home, make it their own and build equity. And there are great vehicles like the renovation loan that give more buyers the ability to take on these projects. These loans really expand the options in terms of the homes you can buy,” says @properties co-founder Mike Golden. There are several types of renovation loans available for homeowners, including an FHA 203k loan and Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle Renovation loan. Both have low-down-payment options, and both can be used for structural or cosmetic renovations. Buyers can begin work immediately after closing on their home. Renovation loans give buyers more opportunities to get into the housing market and outfit a home with the finishes they want, according to Golden. “In the Chicago market, where we aren’t seeing huge price appreciation, taking a fixer-upper that has been overlooked, and transforming it with today’s desirable features, is a great way to add value and build equity,” he says. If you are thinking about buying and considering a renovation loan, be sure to consult a broker to determine the best course of action for finding a home and loan that fit your wants and needs. The post Renovation Loans Open the Door for First-Time Buyers appeared first on @home.
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Where to Dine, Shop and Play in Lake Geneva
14 May 2019 | 3:43 pmThere are few places quite like Lake Geneva during the summer. From sun-filled days on the water to Saturday mornings spent perusing the lake shore path, you will have no problem finding relaxation here. Keep reading to learn of the best Lake Geneva activities. Dine Pier 290 | Williams Bay Looking for farm-to-table fare in a waterfront setting? Pier 290 in Williams Bay is your place. They offer a number of upscale American options, all locally sourced. Simple Café | Lake Geneva Simple Café offers a variety of health-focused & farm-to-table breakfast & lunch options. Word on the street is that the Apple Crumble French Toast is a must try. Mad Dan’s | Twin Lakes If you’re seeking some hearty American fare, check out Mad Dan’s in Twin Lakes. Aside from regular daily specials, they also offer fish fry on Fridays. Joni’s Diner | Lake Geneva Radiating with a classic diner ambiance, Joni’s prides itself on outstanding homestyle breakfasts made with fresh and local ingredients. Find a delicious mix of omelets, buttermilk pancakes, and homemade banana bread french toast at Joni’s Diner in Lake Geneva. Popeye’s on Lake Geneva | Lake Geneva This quirky Lake Geneva landmark is a great spot for those looking for a casual meal in a fun setting. Be sure to try the famous flame roasted chicken! Shop Kilwins | Lake Geneva If you haven’t yet experienced the magic that is Kilwins’ Mackinac Island fudge, we highly suggest you do so. Aside from their legendary fudge, Kilwins also serves up a variety of chocolates & homemade ice cream. Angelus | Walworth Whether you’re a Lake Geneva local or you’re just visiting, a trip to Angelus for some design inspiration is never a bad call. If there’s anything you need in relation to your home or garden, you’re[…]
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Patio Prep Tips Every Homeowner Needs to Know
10 May 2019 | 8:59 pmWith consistent warm weather on the horizon, there is nothing more appealing than day dreaming of long summer days outside, soaking in the sunshine. To fully maximize the season, implement these patio prep tips to create the ultimate backyard retreat. Create a clean canvas Start with a thorough cleaning before assembling your outdoor set-up. Remove any debris that collected over the winter months, such as leaves, sticks and mulch, and check for popped nails, chipped concrete or split wood. Once all debris is cleared, powerwash, reseal, or add gravel, depending on the surface. If you stored your patio furniture outside during the winter, spray and scrub the furniture and inspect for rust, which can be removed with soap, water and a soft-bristle brush. If your patio furniture is wood, it is important to reseal every year before use. Freshen up greenery Even if you are delaying planting until there is consistent warm weather, you can still devise a planting plan now. Plot out the flowers, plants and shrubbery you plan on adding this year. For extra impact, select flowers in colors that will complement the design scheme. Arrange any new planters or pots — maybe this is the year you will start a fresh herb garden? Reassess layout and scheme A new season is a good reason to rearrange the existing furniture layout, and to freshen up the design scheme. Consider moving around the furniture you already have to maximize the potential of the space. Focus on creating a layout most conducive to socializing, add a bar cart to reduce trips inside, and update the outdoor rug, cushions and pillows to refresh the overall design aesthetic. Design an outdoor living room View your patio or deck as a true extension of your home. Designate specific areas for eating, cooking and[…]
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Timing Matters When It Comes to Price Adjustments
2 May 2019 | 9:55 pmIn 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 a great chance of generating strong interest…and a sale. By the same token, if sellers aren’t seeing strong showing activity during these peak home-buying months, it’s a pretty good indication their asking price may be too high. @properties co-founder Thad Wong says, “It’s natural for sellers to be reluctant about lowering their asking price in the spring, especially if their home has only been on the market for a couple of months. But given the seasonal dynamics of the market, the time for sellers and their brokers to have that pricing conversation is in fact right now.” “After Memorial Day, buying activity starts to tail off and it continues to drop throughout the year,” says Wong. “It’s important for sellers to get ahead of that curve.” Sellers often delay price adjustments on the assumption they will get more money by holding out. But Wong says this strategy usually has the opposite effect. “If you wait to address a pricing issue until June, July, or August, when you have fewer buyers in the market, there’s a very good chance you’re going to sell for less.” In order to yield the highest sales price, Wong stresses the importance of pricing correctly from the beginning to generate significant interest and “fear of missing out.” When it comes to pricing your home, @properties’ Interactive CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) is a great resource for agents and clients. The CMA continually evaluates comparable properties using real-time data from the local Multiple Listing Service. Wong says it’s very important for sellers to pay close attention to[…]
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10 Reasons Why We Love St. Charles
24 Apr 2019 | 4:51 pmIf we could describe St. Charles in one word, it would be vibrant. This western suburb houses an array of cuisines, historic venues, a bustling downtown along the scenic Fox River, and an incredible community. It’s easy to call this idyllic and charming city home, so @properties did just that. Here are 10 reasons why we love St. Charles: Never Go Hungry St. Charles certainly doesn’t have a shortage of culinary bliss. Experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Eden on the River, modern Mexican fare at Puebla Modern Mexican, and Italian at La Za’Za’ Trattoria, or head to McNally’s Irish Pub for classic bites and drinks. Prefer dinner with a side of entertainment? Swing by Salerno’s on the Fox or Vintage 53 for sharable plates and live music. The Kane County Cougars While their home field is in neighboring Geneva, the Kane County Cougars put the excitement of minor league baseball within easy reach. You can enjoy lively games and weekly ticket, drink, and food specials throughout the season. The Historic Hotel Baker In 1928, Colonel Edward J. Baker commissioned architects and craftsmen to create Hotel Baker, a resort with stunning architecture and modern luxuries. Since its opening, it has accommodated guests from entertainers like Louis Armstrong and Lawrence Welk to well-known figures such as John F. Kennedy. The unique Rainbow Room is the epitome of charm. It’s been a location for celebration, entertainment, and weddings. With views of both the Rose Garden and Fox River, it’s the ultimate destination for an elegant affair. Pottawatomie Park Fun Pottawatomie Park has a plethora of activities and amenities to keep all ages entertained. Walkable trails for the trailblazers, a golf course to get your putt-putt on, paddle boats to enjoy the river, volleyball courts and sand areas. Talk about having it all. Celebrations[…]
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