Music festival season is in full swing in the Midwest, with Lollapalooza bringing dozens of acts from around the world to Chicago’s Grant Park this weekend.

From legendary bands like The Red Hot Chili Peppers to modern icons like Billie Eilish – both of whom are headlining at Lollapalooza this weekend, – music superstars have crafted a reputation for embracing a flamboyant and extravagant lifestyle. And their luxurious living spaces often reflect their larger-than-life personas with high-end finishes and out-of-this-world amenities. After all, rock stars push boundaries with their style and creativity, so it comes as no surprise that their living spaces occasionally do the same.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be rock star to live like one. The following is a selection of local homes that are on the market right now, offering amenities that can help the Flea, Kendrick or Carly Rae in all of us create the perfect haven to relax and unwind. Read (and rock) on.

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A REALTOR® hands a newlywed couple the keys to their new home and life’s journey begins. It’s the image of homebuying that has been portrayed in the media for decades, but in reality, we all know that the “typical” homebuyer has changed a lot. While married couples still make up the majority of buyers, real estate data provider ATTOM reports that the number of co-buyers with different last names has increased by 31% just since 2019. Many such buyers are unmarried romantic partners, but a growing portion represent different household compositions – friends, roommates, etc.

The rise in unconventional co-buying situations is partially due to rising home prices and high interest rates that have created challenges to homeownership, especially for single buyers. Subsequently, co-buying among friends and roommates is becoming more common.

Of course, if you’re thinking about buying a home with someone other than a life partner, there are some special factors to consider, including each party’s financial situation, long-term plans and personal compatibility. Read on for a few things to think about before beginning your co-buying quest.

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The Barbie Dreamhouse has been an iconic symbol of imagination and play for over six decades. Since Barbie bought her first home in 1962 – quite a feat, considering women couldn’t even apply for a credit card alone at the time– the toy has captivated children around the world. Now, according to Mattel, a Barbie Dreamhouse is sold every two minutes. And the premiere of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” has only amplified interest in the toy, with cast-led video tours of the set and a replica Dreamhouse Airbnb in Malibu part of the movie’s promotion.

From its humble cardboard beginnings in the 1960s to the modern-day version fit for an influencer, this fantastical dream house has undergone many transformations that have reflected the world’s changing social and economic landscape.

Read on for a breakdown of the history of the illustrious Barbie Dreamhouse.

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It’s summertime in Chicago, which has us thinking about catching some rays. But when it comes to owning a home, there are plenty of reasons to soak up the sun all year round thanks to the many environmental and financial benefits associated with solar energy.

Solar energy and home design actually has a long history in Illinois. According to the Chicago Tribune, creating a solar house was a guiding concept for the “House of Tomorrow” at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Chicago architect George Fred Keck designed a 12-sided, three-story building made mostly of glass. (It was transported to Indiana after the fair.)

Today, Illinois ranks second in the Midwest for renewable power capacity, according to the Illinois Environmental Council. And with more incentives being offered, solar installations are on the rise. As the state tries to meet aggressive renewable energy goals, now might be a good time to make the switch to solar.

Here are five reasons to consider installing solar panels on your home.

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When TikTok launched in 2017, it was primarily known for viral dance videos and the occasional OOTD (outfit of the day) check. Fast forward to today and the app’s nearly 1 billion users now turn to TikTok for insight on an array of topics, from fashion and beauty trends to cooking and DIY tips.

TikTok has also become the Gen-Z and Millennial unofficial search engine of choice for a variety of topics, including buying or selling a home.

Today, many real estate agents use TikTok to market listings and connect with potential clients. #RealtorTok has continued to boom, and some agents have amassed huge followings – sometimes in the millions – on the app. If you’re selling or buying a home in today’s market, there’s a good chance it’s been posted on TikTok.

If you’re new to the game, here are three ways you can leverage TikTok to elevate your real estate experience:

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From being flexible and relying on trusted experts to embracing complicated or intimidating matters, buying your first home early in life is both enlightening and rewarding. 

I’ve always had the goal of buying real estate early in life in order to start building generational wealth. And when I found myself working for @properties Christie’s International Real Estate in my first job out of college – with direct access to a knowledgeable team of real estate agents and mortgage lenders – it accelerated my timeline. After months of research, showings, and paperwork, I finally closed on my first home last week.

So, here are 5 lessons I learned from my experience as a Gen-Z first-time homebuyer:

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One of the greatest advantages of the Chicagoland housing market is the range of options at virtually any price point. And with an impressive budget of around $1.5 million, buyers can expect to have their pick of high-class choices featuring lavish amenities, coveted Lake Michigan or skyline views, top-of-the-line appliances and more.

From an upscale downtown condo with all the luxuries of a 5-star resort to a new-construction home in one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods to a historic suburban mansion, homes at this price point check a lot of boxes on buyers’ wish lists.

Read on for an assortment of amazing Chicagoland homes for sale for $1.5 million.

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Everyone knows that Chicagoland is the undisputed deep dish king, but ground zero in the local deep dish debate might just be Morton Grove, home to both Pequod’s Pizza and Burt’s Place. Regardless of your preference, you’re sure to hear the pan-style crust is caramelized, not burnt.

But there’s so much more than great pizza here.

With —the median price as of May 2023 was $360K—Morton Grove offers charming suburban living with easy access to Chicago. Sandwiched between Skokie, Glenview and Niles, Morton Grove is near the city’s northwest side, O’Hare Airport and Interstates 94 and 294.

Morton Grove doesn’t have a traditional downtown but drive along Dempster, where many restaurants are located or Lincoln Avenue to find local institutions like Bringer Inn, a Chicago-style bar known for its burgers, thin-crust pizza and large outdoor patio.

Here are 10 things we love about Morton Grove.

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Here’s the dilemma: it’s a beautiful summer evening, the sun is setting, and the air feels just right. But you’ve been dying to catch up on your favorite TV series, and you know you’ll feel guilty about spending such a perfect night inside on the living room sofa. What if you could watch that show or ballgame or movie under the stars? With the growing popularity of outdoor media rooms, it’s easy to blend entertainment with relaxation in natural environments.

Transforming your backyard or rooftop deck into a fully functional media room has become quite popular since the early days of the pandemic motivated us to seek outdoor entertainment in droves. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential elements to create a warm and welcoming outdoor entertainment space, including outdoor TVs, audio systems, furniture, lighting and convenient kitchen amenities. Let’s dive in!

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One of the best things about summertime in the Midwest is the farmers markets, and you don’t have to go far to find one in Chicago, Michigan, Indiana or Wisconsin. From Garfield Park Neighborhood Market at The Hatchery, Andersonville Farmers Market or 95^th Street Farmers Market in Beverly, there are dozens and dozens of options. Each one is unique.

Nosh on freshly picked strawberries, drink a craft beer or freshly squeezed lemonade, or have a tamale while wandering vendor stalls selecting organic produce and listening to live music.

Whether you stay local or take a road trip, here are a few farmers markets you won’t want to miss.

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