When it comes to selling a Evanston or North Shore home, the backbone of any successful marketing strategy is proper pricing. That's because the highest volume of potential buyers sees your home within days of it hitting the market. So if your home is perceived as overpriced right off the bat, you've already missed a huge opportunity.
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@ Loves Local: Smallcakes
27 May 2022 | 3:16 pmCatch @ Loves Local in Western Springs! On Wednesday, June 1st from 1:00pm-3:00pm, get a cupcake on us at Smallcakes, located at 4700 Gilbert Ave #53, Western Springs, IL 60558 Just mention @properties, ProperRate or @ Loves Local when ordering to redeem. Smallcakes is a local favorite with its fun atmosphere and tasty cupcakes! We talked to the owner, Jennifer Lentine, for a look into their incredible story. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: When was Smallcakes created? Smallcakes: “We started back in 2008.” @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is the back story to opening Smallcakes? Smallcakes: “Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery is one of the most talked about companies in the world today. And that’s just the way we like it! Started back in 2008 selling the best cupcakes in the world, and now we have over 200 stores worldwide. Jeff Martin founded the wildly popular Smallcakes Cupcakery that bakes and frosts around 18 signature flavors every morning, fresh from scratch. Smallcakes features seasonal and special flavors created by Jeff. After appearances on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” seasons one, two, and seven as well as on the hit daytime talk show “The View,” Smallcakes became well known and in hot demand in neighborhoods across the nation. Even celebrities have had Smallcakes at their events and weddings. USA TODAY listed Smallcakes as one of the Top Ten Cupcake Places to try in the country. Our mission statement is how we have grown our little cupcake store. “To use creative flavors, quality ingredients, and friendly service to provide the finest cupcake experience worthy of returning and recommending.” @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is your favorite cupcake? Smallcakes: “My Favorite Cupcakes is the Birthday Cake… for some reason I recommend eating it with a fork.” @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is your favorite part of owning Smallcakes? […]
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Tips for Cultivating Your Inner Green Thumb
26 May 2022 | 5:58 pmWhether your home is sitting on a large plot of land or your outdoor space is at a premium, how you dedicate that area can provide a return on investment that goes beyond financial. A well-designed outdoor space can serve as an extension of your home, while proper care of your landscaping will keep it flourishing during spring, summer, and even fall. Here are just a few ways to take advantage of the great outdoors to best suit your needs. Incorporate a Vegetable Garden Typically requiring a generous outdoor area, vegetable gardens have gained popularity and are relatively easy to execute. Bear in mind not all vegetables are planted at the same time of year, as some, such as lettuces, prefer the cooler weather of late spring and early summer, while others, like tomatoes, thrive during hot August days. You’ll also want to take into consideration the location, as you’ll need plenty of sun as well as an area that drains well, isn’t too windy, and has nutrient-rich soil. The size of your garden can vary depending on how large of a harvest you’re aiming for, but as a beginner it’s best to start small and expand your repertoire gradually. Choose foods you enjoy eating and watch as you eventually have a cornucopia of fresh veggies. Herbs are a thoughtful addition to your garden that will enhance the flavors of your vegetable harvest, and many pungent herbs can keep mosquitos at bay. Plan Your Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs Flower beds and bushes add color and beauty to any outdoor design while contributing to a healthy environment by encouraging honeybees, butterflies, and pollination. As with a vegetable garden, there is a right and wrong time to plant flowers depending on what type they are. Annuals need to be replanted each year[…]
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Chicago-Based Asian Artists Captivate During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Throughout the Year
23 May 2022 | 7:30 pmAs we continue to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month during May, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate is highlighting several Chicago-based Asian artists whose unique works are not only captivating, but often delve into the rich history and culture of their respective backgrounds. Here’s a roundup of artists whose talent is on display throughout the Chicago area and beyond. Huong Ngo Born in Hong Kong, Huong Ngo grew up as a refugee in the United States. Her portfolio details the colonial history of Vietnam, oppressed populations, and anti-colonial strategies of resistance. Experimenting with a variety of mediums, Ngo’s pieces are often multi-dimensional and have featured digital video, sounds and lights. Her art has been highlighted at small Chicago galleries as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art. S.Y. Lim S.Y. Lim is the founder of 062, a Bridgeport gallery named after a local zip code in Gwangju, South Korea. Lim, who lives and works between Chicago and Seoul, uses the non-profit gallery as a platform for Chicago artists and cultural organizations, while encouraging both emerging and established artists through experimental exhibition formats. Larry Lee A native of Chicago’s Chinatown, Larry Lee uses his personal history to create multimedia objects and images he has termed “orientalia.” Lee’s practice includes sculpture, video, and painting to depict the Asian American experience. His creations have been exhibited in the Chicago Cultural Center, Gallery 400, and Evanston Arts Center in addition to galleries nationwide. James Kao James Kao finds his inspiration from the world around him and notes that when the world he imagines diverges from the world he sees, he moves from observation to action through his artwork. Painting and drawing with several mediums, Kao’s art has been showcased in several exhibitions throughout Chicago and San Francisco. He is also co-founder of Chicago’s 4th[…]
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6 Ways to Salvage Your Savings Amid Rising Inflation
18 May 2022 | 6:13 pmWith interest rates rising and inflation showing up everywhere from the grocery store to the gas pump, it can be a challenging time to save for a down payment and break into the housing market. However, there are a variety of things both large and small that can immediately shave costs and grow your nest egg – perhaps even faster than you anticipated. Here are a few tips: Household Audit Begin by auditing all your expenses each month and know exactly where your money is going. This may sound obvious, but forgotten expenditures add up and can often be scaled back. This is where you’ll notice subscriptions and streaming services you may not use, or insurance policies that you are potentially overpaying on. Take the time to cancel items or renegotiate how much you’re paying for certain things, and you’ll soon tally up savings. Dine In In the same vein, examine how much you’re dining out or grabbing coffee each week as these expenses can add up as well. If you’re still looking to enjoy an afternoon or evening out, check out sites like Groupon, or see if your favorite restaurant offers a deal night. Pumping the Breaks at the Pump With gas prices at an all-time high, watching your speed is paramount to conserve fuel. According to the Department of Energy, reducing your speed 5 to 10 mph, can save you 7% to 14%. If you’re filling up once a week, that could add up to $50 per month. Additionally, now that the weather is warmer, consider walking for short trips or taking a Divvy bike instead of a ride share. How Efficient is Your House? Next, take a look around your residence. Is it the most energy efficient it can be? As the saying goes, you could be[…]
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@ Loves Local: Cookie Spin
17 May 2022 | 4:22 pm@ Loves Local is headed to Chicago! On Tuesday, May 24th from 4pm-6pm, grab a cookie and ice cream scoop on us at Cookie Spin, located at 4350 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60618. Just mention @properties, ProperRate or @ Loves Local when ordering to redeem. Cookie Spin is a local favorite with its welcoming atmosphere and mouth-watering cookie and ice cream combos! We talked to the owner, Joe LaMondi, for the inside scoop on their story. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: When was Cookie Spin created? Cookie Spin: “We originally started in 2014, with just event catering and wholesaling. In November 2016, we opened the shop in North Center, and have been here ever since, while still featuring on-site catering throughout the Chicagoland area.” @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is the back story to opening Cookie Spin? Cookie Spin: “Since I was a child, I always had a passion for baking and cooking, instilled in me by my grandmother, Angeline Bertuca. I had been working in catering throughout college, and managing a catering company post-college, when I came up with the idea to do a Warm Cookie Sundae Bar as an on-site dessert option. As for the cookie style, I always felt the best part of the cookie was that soft gooey center, so I wanted to make the entire cookie that texture- thus the deep-dish cookie! After saving up from catering events and wholesaling for about two years, I was able to open the storefront at 4350 N. Leavitt, and we’ve been here for about 5 and a half years now.” @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is your favorite cookie? Cookie Spin: “My favorite cookie… that’s tough to say, since I come up with all the recipes myself. I can give my top three: Ultimate Peanut Butter,[…]
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Christie’s Sets Auction House Record with $195 Million Sale of Warhol’s Marilyn
12 May 2022 | 8:42 pmKicking off its spring Marquee Week, Christie’s recently set an auction house record with the $195 million sale of Andy Warhol’s iconic Shot Sage Blue Marilyn. The sale marks the most expensive 20th century artwork ever sold at auction. Given the recent market volatility, the sale is further evidence that hard assets including art and real estate can serve as a hedge against inflation. The vibrant silk screen 40-inch-by-40-inch painting of the starlet was offered by the Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation and was purchased after less than four minutes of bidding by art dealer Larry Gagosian. In an interesting twist, this is the second brush Gagosian has had with the piece, as it was part of the Ammann collection since 1986 when he brokered a deal to sell it to the now-deceased sibling collectors. Warhol first painted Marilyn in 1962 on a smaller scale and returned to his muse twice more over his career. The larger and more detailed format that he created in 1964 is considered the most desirable of the motif, as well as the most popular of his body of work and an emblem of the American Pop Art movement. According to Christie’s, all proceeds from the sale will benefit charities providing urgent medical and educational care to children and represents the largest philanthropic sale since the Rockefeller auction in 2018. As the winning bidder, Gagosian also has the opportunity to nominate the charities to which 20 percent of the Marilyn proceeds will be allocated. In 2017, Christie’s was the site of the priciest painting ever sold at auction, Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, which fetched $450.3 million. Additionally, Christie’s has achieved the record for a single collection sale, work by a living artist, and an NFT sale. Christie’s International Real Estate, the global luxury real[…]
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10 Asian-Owned Businesses to Experience During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Year ‘Round
6 May 2022 | 7:30 pmMay not only brings spring flowers, but the beginning of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. We hope you’ll join @properties Christie’s International Real Estate in celebrating as we highlight 10 of the many Asian-owned businesses that contribute to the Chicago area’s enduring appeal. Coffee Lab Evanston Co-owned by Jay Kim and Daniel Aquino, Coffee Lab in Evanston is just a five-minute walk from Northwestern’s campus and is known for its roasted specialty “pour-over” style coffee. In homage to their Asian roots, Kim and Aquino serve a variety of homemade artisan pastries influenced by Filipino, Korean, and Japanese recipes. Patrons are encouraged to relax, stay, and enjoy the freshly roasted espresso and butter mochi cakes. Photo by Coffee Lab, @coffee_lab_evanston Jennivee’s Bakery Jenni Vee founded her namesake bakery after immigrating from the Philippines and fulfilling a lifelong dream of incorporating traditional American sweets alongside Filipino cakes and pastries in her very own patisserie. Situated in East Lakeview, Jennivee’s Bakery is a favorite spot among locals to indulge in dessert and coffee while enjoying the elegant, yet cozy atmosphere. Photo by Jennivee’s Bakery, @jenniveesbakery Marz Community Brewing A fixture in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, Ed Marszewski is an entrepreneur who got his start tending bar for his Korean mother. Taking inspiration from a community bar and his love of craft beers, he established Marz Community Brewing Company in 2013 and has been perfecting his ales ever since. Marz also prides himself on giving back to the community and supports a range of cultural advocacy groups. Photo by Marz Community Brewing, @marzbrewing Milky Milky Ice Cream Known for its signature flavor Ube Bae, made with a Filipino sweet potato, Milky Milky Ice Cream brings delectable homemade, small batch ice cream to the Ravenswood area. Jojo Ybe founded the specialty shop in 2020 when she[…]
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