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10 Things We Love About Algonquin
27 Nov 2020 | 3:00 pmKnown as “The Gem of the Fox River Valley,” Algonquin’s prime location lends itself to many outdoor activities that locals and visitors have enjoyed for over a century. In fact, before it evolved into a flourishing suburb, Algonquin was considered a resort town where many city dwellers would find refuge. Today, the natural resources of the area remain a draw, while the brick-paved sidewalks of the quaint village offer a centralized gathering spot for seasonal activities and entertainment. With so many things to offer, it was hard to stop at just 10 things we love about Algonquin. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables with a Side of Ice Cream The local farmer’s market is independently run out of hometown staple Riverbottom Coffee & Ice Cream Co. Every Sunday morning from early spring through late fall, locally grown fresh produce and canned goods are available outside the café’s Main Street location. Once you’ve picked up your fruits and veggies, satisfy your sweet tooth with some of their renowned homemade ice cream or freshly brewed coffee. Forest Preserves Offer an Escape to Nature Hundreds of acres of unfettered land comprise the Fox River Shores and Buffalo Park forest preserves along the Fox River. In addition to miles of trails, visitors can enjoy canoeing and fishing, as well as designated picnic areas. The rapid growth of the Algonquin area over the past few decades has made these protected lands a coveted spot for nature lovers. A Plethora of Parks and a Pool Several parks and a community pool allow for extra-curricular space. Cornish and Riverfront parks are both adjacent to downtown and include playgrounds, pathways, fishing areas, and views of the river. Towne Park is also near downtown and host to many of the village’s annual events. Larger in size, Holder Memorial Park has a[…]
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10 Things We Love About Schererville
20 Nov 2020 | 1:03 amOnce recognized as one of the “100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” by Money Magazine, Schererville, Indiana has captured the attention of homebuyers with its burgeoning community amenities and small-town charm. Now the site of one of @properties’ newest offices, the town has made its mark as a vibrant and evolving community that we’re proud to call home. Here is what we love about Schererville: Wide Open Spaces Schererville has over 20 parks with trails and ample spots for picnicking. Situated near downtown, Redar Park spans 9.2 acres and has a playground, softball field, and basketball courts. The park is also close to Schererville Skate Park and Pennsy Greenway Trail, which stretches between Calumet City and Schererville. Residents can take four-legged friends to Perry Ferrini Dog Park in the southern part of town. The park has over 2 acres of fenced area and a separate area for smaller dogs. Residents must register their pups for a year-long membership prior to visiting. A Full Calendar of Events With a variety of community events, Schererville keeps residents busy throughout the year. The Rhythm + Rock concert series brings live entertainment and food trucks to Redar Park every Friday in August, and movies are shown once a month during the summer. Come autumn, the Craft & Conquer Show calls all craft fanatics to shop from over 75 crafters and vendors at the Schererville Community Center. The event features food trucks, face painting, a balloon artist, giveaways, and raffles. Shops on Main Dozens of businesses line Schererville’s main road at “Shops On Main.” The outdoor lifestyle center is one of the community’s newest additions and features international and national brands and dining options, as well as local shops and retailers. Gorgeous Greens Located near downtown Schererville, the Scherwood Golf Course is one[…]
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How To Support Local Businesses This Holiday Season
18 Nov 2020 | 4:22 pmLocally 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: Order in for Thanksgiving Take a break from cooking and let a local restaurant handle Thanksgiving dinner. Several restaurants throughout Chicagoland are offering dinner options for pickup and delivery as well as meal kits of your favorite dishes. Whether you’re just ordering pies and sides or entire feasts, know that your delicious holiday meal directly supports a local business. Start Holiday Shopping It’s never too early to get your holiday shopping done! If you’re looking for shops in your own neighborhood, check out your local Chamber of Commerce for a list of new and old businesses. Etsy also has a robust collection of small businesses and independent creators selling everything from personalized recipe plates and leather wallets to cozy knit blankets and gardening kits, so you can safely shop from the comfort of your home. Snag this “Mama” necklace for the mothers in your life or this monogrammed glassware set for your favorite Old Fashioned connoisseur. Purchase Gift Cards Whether or not gift cards are part of your holiday shopping, they are a great way to support locally owned businesses. Purchase from restaurants and shops in your community so a friend or family member can use the gift card now for takeout, curbside pickup, or online purchases, or in the future. If you are buying a gift card for someone else and don’t know their favorite food, consider purchasing one from DoorDash, GrubHub, or Postmates, and encourage the recipient to use it on an order from a local restaurant. Keep Up With Exercise[…]
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Why Northwest Indiana is Buzzing with Home Sales
13 Nov 2020 | 6:01 pmThe second-home markets in Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin have gotten a lot of attention this year as people have sought a refuge outside of the city. But there’s a region off the lakefront that’s also generating buzz among both vacation-home and primary-home buyers. We’re talking about Northwest Indiana. Small towns just over the Illinois border are seeing an increase in transaction activity and a subsequent run-up in prices as well. In the latest installment of @ The Market, @properties co-founder Thad Wong talked specifically about what’s happening in Crown Point, St. John, and Schererville, Indiana. Through the first three quarters of the year, the combined area saw transactions increase by nearly 10% year over year, while the average sales price rose 6.7% during that same period. “You have a lot of buyers who are moving to the area to lower their cost of living. The taxes are lower and the communities have become more vibrant over the last decade,” said Wong. “I don’t think the trend is going to slow down.” Wong also addressed @properties’ expansion in Northwest Indiana. Looking to take advantage of growing demand in the region, he and @properties co-founder Mike Golden recently announced that @properties will open an office in Schererville this November. Read more about @properties’ expansion initiative here and watch the video below for more Indiana market insights. The post Why Northwest Indiana is Buzzing with Home Sales appeared first on @home.
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@properties Recognized in the Annual Agents’ Choice Awards
12 Nov 2020 | 3:25 amChicago Agent Magazine recently announced its Agents’ Choice winners, recognizing the individuals, companies, and developments making an impact on the Chicagoland real estate community. The awards are voted on by peers in the real estate industry. @properties took home a number of awards, including: Managing Broker of the Year (Suburbs): Tricia Riberto. Tricia manages @properties’ Hinsdale and Western Springs offices and has been a key figure in the company’s west suburban expansion. Industry MVP (Suburbs): Connie Dornan from @properties’ Glenview office. Connie is consistently one of the top selling agents in the entire Chicagoland area. Rookie of the Year (City): Kyle Evans from our Logan Square office. Kyle joined @properties in early 2020 and has quickly established himself as a successful agent. Development of the Year (Suburbs): Foxford Station. Developed by Foxford Communities, this new luxury condominium building is located in the heart of downtown Western Springs. @properties Developer Services is the exclusive sales and marketing firm for the project. Mortgage Company of the Year: Guaranteed Rate family of companies, including Proper Rate. Proper Rate is a new independent mortgage company that @properties established earlier this year in partnership with Guaranteed Rate. Among other nominees for @properties and affiliated companies were: Grace Goro Kaage (Managing Broker of the Year, City); The Moy Group (Best Team); Grace Sergio (Industry MVP, City); C Starr Team (Best Agent Website); Bruce Glazer (Best Dressed); Kelly Fragassi (Rookie of the Year, Suburbs); Debbie Hepburn (Charitable Services Awards); Drew Boland of Proper Rate (Loan Officer of the Year); Proper Title (Title Company of the Year); and Superior House (Development of the Year, City). Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees! The post @properties Recognized in the Annual Agents’ Choice Awards appeared first on @home.
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Thankful for LOVE Sweepstakes + Official Rules
10 Nov 2020 | 6:36 pmWhile this year has been a difficult one, it likely has shown who and what you’re grateful for! This month, we want to focus on who you’re thankful for and help show just how much they mean to you. Read on to learn how to enter for the chance to win both you and the person you’re thankful for….Apple Watches! How to Enter Complete the entry form HERE Official Rules SPONSORS. @properties’ Thankful for LOVE Sweepstakes is sponsored by @properties, 212 E. Ohio, Chicago, IL (“Sponsor”). PROMOTION PERIOD: Promotion begins at 11:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (“CDT”) on November 11, 2020 and ends on November 30, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. CDT. The Promotion computer, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, is the official time keeping device for the Promotion. AGREEMENT TO THE OFFICIAL RULES: By participating in the Promotion, all entrants fully and unconditionally agree to and accept these Official Rules and the Sponsor’s decisions which are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion. Winning a prize (described below) is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. ELIGIBILITY. Individuals who reside in the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia and who are 21 years of age or older are eligible to enter. ENTRY. During the Promotion Period, visit https://bit.ly/3kjptSj and complete the online entry form. All required fields must be completed. Incomplete submissions are void. No purchase is necessary. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. DRAWING. A random drawing will be held on or about 12 p.m. CDT on November 30, 2020 (“the Draw Date”) at a location designated by Sponsor to select the potential prize winners from among all eligible entries received by Sponsor during the Promotion Period. Non-winning eligible entries will not be included in subsequent Drawings (if any). Potential winners will[…]
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Love Where You Work: @properties Named to Top Workplaces List for the 8th Time
5 Nov 2020 | 5:13 pmFor the eighth consecutive year, @properties has been named a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune. @properties ranked #3 among large companies, which are defined as companies with over 1,000 employees. The Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey measures the key drivers of engaged company cultures, including connection. “Our culture is our most unique and valuable asset,” said @properties co-founder Thad Wong. “It’s all about love, because that’s what matters most. If our agents and staff work with love, act with love, and spread love, we know they are more likely to find happiness and success, and we know our clients will be very well taken care of.” “We’re always honored to be on the Top Workplaces list, but it is especially meaningful this year,” said @properties co-founder Mike Golden. “Like other companies, it was critical for us to adapt amid COVID-19. We found new ways to maintain the sense of camaraderie that defines our culture, and that has enabled us to overcome challenges and continue to grow.” When the Stay-At-Home order took effect in Illinois in March, @properties hit the ground running. The company’s coaching and training team launched “Coffee with Amy & Kevin,” sending agents daily videos with tips on how to navigate their business during the pandemic. Meanwhile, @properties’ marketing team developed a variety of content to keep agents and clients engaged and informed. Through @properties’ Client Appreciation Program, agents stayed connected with clients and friends by sending gifts including bagels, popcorn, and love-themed puzzles and face masks. The company’s Road to Rolex winners were also celebrated with a special delivery to their home: a Rolex watch recognizing their outstanding sales performance. The many initiatives have paid off. @properties is having a[…]
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