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10 Reasons Why We Love Oak Park
17 Sep 2019 | 1:00 pmLocated just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, Oak Park is filled with a rich creative history. Not only is the distinct community known for creatives like Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright, Oak Park is truly a classic with a twist. From town functions to lush open spaces, it’s clear to see why so many call this vibrant community home. We’re sharing 10 reasons why we love this this town. Photo by Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum Home of Ernest Hemingway Famed novelist Ernest Hemingway was born and raised in the Oak Park community. Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Museum, located at 339 N. Oak Park Avenue, is actually where Hemingway was born and raised through his early childhood. The Queen Anne home was built in the 1800s and was the first Oak Park home to have electricity. It has since been restored to its natural beauty, allowing you to walk the halls Hemingway once roamed. Iconic Homes Line the Streets Being a real estate brokerage, we couldn’t overlook the outstanding mix of home styles which include Victorian, Queen Anne, Craftsman and Prairie School. And there is one more type you will see around town: Frank Lloyd Wright. Early in Wright’s career, he spent more time building homes in Oak Park than anywhere else. The renowned architect designed 25 homes in the Oak Park area, including his own home and studio. A Secret Garden Quietly tucked away in a residential neighborhood is the Austin Gardens, which is often referred to as ‘The Secret Garden.’ Among its 3.64 acres, Austin Gardens houses and protects 285 trees and is dedicated to educating the community about environmental issues. While you are able to learn about conservation and nature, you can enjoy extraordinary trees, wildflower woodland habitats, picnic spots and walking paths. Oaktoberfest Oak Park knows[…]
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How To Prepare Your Living Space for Fall
10 Sep 2019 | 9:45 pmThere 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 the spirit of the season. One tip is to approach fall décor one room at a time, starting with a place you and your guests gather most, such as the main living area. Whether your idea of fall décor means sticking to a neutral color scheme, incorporating bright oranges and reds or just adding small accent pieces, the goal is to make your guests feel warm and welcome with items that you can repurpose throughout the year. Here are some of our favorite items to prepare your living space for fall: Throw Blanket Add warmth by adorning your couch or loveseat with a knit throw. A neutral tone fits in with most styles and is a cozy addition to your main living space. Target – Chunky Knit Throw Blanket Crate & Barrel – Styles Ecru Fringe Throw Blanket Restoration Hardware – Chunky Hand-Knit Throw Festive Candle Bring the smell of autumn indoors with a pumpkin spice-scented candle, or opt for a pumpkin colored-candle instead. Uniquely shaped containers and jars add to the fall-time theme and can be reused to house plants, candy or trinkets when the candle burns down. Target – Spiced Pumpkin Ceramic Pumpkin Jar Candle Crate & Barrel – Pumpkin Color Candle Sur La Table – Figural Pumpkin Spice Scented Candle Tartan Pillow Nothing says fall quite like a healthy dose of plaid. A tartan pillow does the trick without being overwhelming or clashing with your carefully curated living room aesthetic. Amazon – Beige and White Buffalo Check Plaid Throw Pillow Covers Overstock – Samuel Plaid Woven 18[…]
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What Housing Diversity Means for Park Ridge
29 Aug 2019 | 6:52 pmWith its tree-lined streets, small-town charm and easy access to Chicago’s hustle and bustle, Park Ridge has long been one of Chicagoland’s most desirable communities. Stephanie Szigetvari, Vice President of Brokerage Services for @properties in Park Ridge, touts housing diversity as another reason that home buyers should consider the northwestern suburb. “With small bungalows, traditional Georgians, large custom homes and a wide range of condos, Park Ridge caters to a variety of homebuyers and budgets – from first-time buyers to up-sizers and downsizers,” says Szigetvari. As homeowners cycle through various stages of life, their needs will undoubtedly change. Park Ridge’s product diversity accommodates those changes, making it easier for residents to establish roots and remain in the community. That connection is one reason why a lot of people who grow up in Park Ridge tend to move back, Szigetvari notes. @properties’ latest market report profiles a rehabbed ranch in Park Ridge as an example of the options Park Ridge provides residents. For buyers who are looking to downsize but still want a single-family home with a yard, Szigetvari points to the growing trend of updating 1950s ranch-style homes. The single-level residences are a great opportunity for move-down homeowners to reduce square footage and upkeep, while staying in town, close to friends and family. When it comes to finding a community that best suits your ever-changing needs, it’s important to work with a local expert who can help you interpret the product nuances of different towns and neighborhoods. Contact an agent for more information. Watch the video below for more insight on Park Ridge. The post What Housing Diversity Means for Park Ridge appeared first on @home.
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How to Prep Your Home for Showings
27 Aug 2019 | 5:00 pmYou 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 Up This goes without saying… make the beds, clear the countertops, sweep/vacuum the floors, dust the furniture, remove any clutter and take out the trash. Go through your home room by room and make sure areas like closets and bookshelves are neatly organized. If you have pets, eliminate odors and conceal things like toys, bowls, leashes and litter boxes. Speaking of pets, it’s best to keep them out of the house during the showing so buyers will have their full attention on your home and not your four-legged friend. Accentuate Showcase your home’s stand-out features, whether that means pulling back the drapes to show off your view or using interesting accessories to draw the eye to built-in shelves. With fall approaching, you’ll also want to be sure your home is staged or decorated accordingly. From playing up the fireplace to adding throw pillows and blankets to the furniture, there are several quick and easy ways to make your home look cozy and inviting (check out these tips for selling your home in the fall). Brighten Up Light gives the impression of space, so it’s important for every room in your home to have ample light at all times. Prior to showings, raise blinds and turn on lights. You also might want to add floor and table lamps to brighten dark rooms or corners. Keep it Comfortable You want your home to feel welcoming to buyers. So depending on the weather, turn on the air conditioning or heat to ensure the temperature is comfortable for showings at any time of[…]
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How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space
22 Aug 2019 | 3:20 pmSummer 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 décor pieces and accessories that will help elevate your outdoor entertaining space for a Labor Day barbecue or end-of-summer bash. Whether you are looking to completely deck out your space or just add a few pieces, here are some of our favorite items: Lanterns Add versatility and practicality to your outdoor lighting with a standing (or hanging) wire lantern. The wire design offers a unique take on the traditional outdoor lantern. Pier 1 – Large Black Wire Woven Lantern CB2 – Swoon Large Black Hurricane Article – Bori Large Black Lantern Outdoor Rug Tie together your furniture with a neutral area rug. A braided or woven texture adds interest and hides signs of wear and stains. Look for fabrics that are stain-resistant and easy-to-clean in the event of an accidental spill. Rugs.com – 5’ x 8’ Outdoor Basic Rug West Elm – Woven Cable Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Natural, 5’ x 8’ Restoration Hardware – Braided Loop Rug, 5’ x 7’ Copper Fire Pit As the temperature cools down, gather friends and family around the copper fire pit for a bit of warmth and s’mores. Just be sure your neighborhood does not have ordinances in place that prevent the use of a fire pit. Hayneedle – Sunnydaze Décor Royal Copper Cauldron All Modern – Copper Metal Wood Burning Fire Pit Crate & Barrel – Vitale Solid Copper Firepit Patio Umbrella Block the sun’s rays with an umbrella in your outdoor entertaining space. You can purchase a stand for easy relocation and positioning or use it in the umbrella hole of your patio table. Hayneedle – Abble 6.5 ft. Steel[…]
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Relocating? Here’s what you need to do before your home-finding visit
20 Aug 2019 | 5:00 pmWhether it’s a new career or the opportunity to move closer to loved ones, there are a number of reasons for relocating. But a long-distance home search can present more challenges than a local one, especially if you’re unfamiliar with your destination city. If you’re planning to relocate, it’s essential to be prepared for your home-finding visit. Here’s what you need to do beforehand: Create a list of wants and needs Do you dine out often or love to entertain? Is easy access to schools and public transportation important? Do you have a pet? Is garage-parking a necessity? It’s details like these that shape your real estate decisions. Nearly every home purchase involves some degree of compromise, so it’s best to prioritize your wants and needs before you even begin your search. Research neighborhoods The neighborhood is just as important as the home itself, so it’s essential to determine which neighborhood or suburb will best suit your lifestyle. Chicago has a diverse collection of neighborhoods that cater to a variety of lifestyles. Start researching neighborhoods online to learn about what they offer in terms of everything from schools and transportation to shops and restaurants. Local resources like the Chamber of Commerce can also provide information about local businesses and community events. Tour homes online Browse online listings to see which properties meet your preferences based on the photos and property information that’s available. Make a list of all the homes you would like to see in person during your visit. Make an itinerary From making hotel accommodations to setting up school visits and home showings, there’s a lot of planning that goes into a long-distance home search. To make the most of your trip, schedule everything in advance and put together an itinerary for your visit. You will also want[…]
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End of Summer Chicago Bucket List
15 Aug 2019 | 5:57 pmBefore summer slowly drifts away and we shift our focus to pumpkins and chunky sweaters, let’s make the most of our beloved summer. Take advantage of the remaining sunny days with our end of summer Chicago bucket list. Enjoy the Best Ice Cream Throughout Chicago We recently compiled 10 of Chicago’s favorite ice cream shops. Make your own ice cream tour and travel throughout Chicago to experience some of the best ice creams the city has to offer. Grab the Popcorn for Movies in the Park The Chicago Park District does an amazing job of hosting family-friendly movies for all to enjoy. Pack up the family, lawn chairs and the essential movie snacks for big-screen entertainment (in the great outdoors!). For movies, dates, times and locations, check out the Chicago Park District’s website. Photo by Audrey Palumbo and Front Porch Concerts Attend a Front Porch Concert From now through the end of September, attend a pop-up concert in your community. Front Porch Concerts showcases live music on front porches in Chicago neighborhoods. This is a great initiative to enjoy live music from a variety of artists and meet people within the community. Plus, you can bring snacks and blankets to listen to music picnic-style. For upcoming concerts, visit Front Porch Concerts’ website. Date Night to Chinatown Fully embrace all that Chicago has to offer with a unique and fun date night. Soak up a day downtown and then hop on the water taxi to head to Chinatown for dinner. Not only will you enjoy a beautiful ride, you’ll arrive to a lively part of town filled with authentic dining options. May we suggest the Phoenix? Air and Water Show The Chicago Air and Water Show is an absolute must on our Chicago bucket list. The 61st Annual Chicago Air and[…]
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