Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city this summer? Well, you’re not alone. According to a recent report from Redfin, mortgage applications for second homes increased 84% in January year over year. The trend has largely been driven by low mortgage rates and lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic, as people have realized they can bring remote work seemingly anywhere.
When it comes to moving, there’s always a million and one things you need to do before the movers show up. If you’re making a move this spring, you can avoid unnecessary stress by planning early and being prepared. The following are some tasks that you can check off your list to make your move as easy and efficient as possible.
The resort-home communities of Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin are known for being popular vacation destinations for Chicagoans. But their appeal isn’t limited to summer getaways, and that was never more apparent than when COVID-19 hit this spring. Many people with second homes in the area chose to shelter in place there. Others were inspired to find a retreat in the area once restrictions lifted and market activity picked up.
Coronavirus has undoubtedly had a significant impact on our day-to-day lives. It has affected everything from how kids are learning to how we do our jobs and complete once-basic tasks like grocery shopping. We’ve put a lot on hold, but there are some things that absolutely cannot wait. So, what do you do if you have to move during the pandemic?
We’ve outlined all of the steps you need to take to make your move as safe as possible.
When it comes to selling homes, the price is very often the “hot topic” whether you are the seller or buyer. The process involved in determining the appropriate listing price isn’t always what one might think, though.
In fact, it ultimately comes down to a position within the existing competition. Let’s take a moment to delve into some common misconceptions about pricing…
After several decades of helping your children plant their roots, it can be hard to believe it’s time for them spread their wings. With kids at college or officially moved out on their own, this is the time to downsize or transform the additional space you now have. Aside from the obvious choice of creating a guest room, use this opportunity to be creative with how you can reinvent parts of your home. Whether it is to explore a new hobby, recommit yourself to previous passions, or rethink your livable square feet, find out how to maximize your home to create a new and improved version.
Bungalow or high-rise? Loft or Queen Anne? Vintage walk-up or new construction? With so many housing choices in Chicago, we thought it would be fun to match up home styles with horoscopes. Of course, you’ll want to consult a Realtor before you start your search. But let’s just imagine what your sign might say about your ideal home sweet home.
The change of seasons often comes with the itch to make other changes, including at home. Sometimes those changes include downsizing from a larger home to a smaller dwelling.
With students returning to college, and recent graduates setting in new jobs with plans to venture out on their own, the house may seem a little more empty. Or maybe you are on a mission to Marie Kondo your life, and the first step is majorly scaling back your belongings to live more simply in a smaller space.
If you’re considering downsizing your home, below are several questions to ask yourself to help you determine whether the time is right.
Want to have a good laugh that quickly turns to a look of horror? Play a little game of Worst Neighbor Story Ever with a few fellow Chicagoans. That one time the guy downstairs faked a robbery and then had a four-hour fest smashing the remaining furniture in the middle of the night (yeah, that really happened) will look like absolutely nothing, I promise. But be prepared, because the look of horror might come when you realize that you yourself have committed some of the Worst Neighbor crimes, without even meaning to.
On the slight chance you’re looking to get back in the good graces of those living around you, or if you’re looking to start off on the right foot after moving into a new home, give one of these ideas a go.
Getting your home ready to sell sounds like sunshine and rainbows. That is, until you are about four hours into the project.
How do I know?
I just moved six weeks ago…with my family of six.
Our journey started out like this: “honey, this neighborhood doesn’t suit us anymore. Wouldn’t we love to have lower taxes, less home maintenance and save more retirement money?”
So, we hired a real estate broker, and within 72 hours, I had our home picture-perfect and ready for photographs and showings. Continue reading