Posts from July 2025
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16
How to Win a Bidding War This Summer
Summer is one of the hottest times of year—literally and figuratively—for the Lake County real estate market. With more buyers out and about, homes often receive multiple offers. If you're planning to purchase this season, being prepared can make the difference between landing your dream home or losing out.
Here are 6 smart strategies to help you win a bidding war this summer:
1. Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)
Sellers want serious buyers. A full pre-approval shows that your finances have be...
15
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Chicagoland
Who doesn't like ice cream? While you probably don't need an excuse to grab a cone, Sunday, July 20 is National Ice Cream Day, and what better way to celebrate than by stopping at one of these beloved local ice cream shops? Below, we've compiled a list of some of the best ice cream Chicagoland has to offer. Whether all your favorites made the cut or you're due to try something new, we hope you and the family find some time to cool off at one of these local favorites from our real estate agents.
Chicago City
1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
1813 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
10
Home Security Tips for Summer Vacationers in Chicagoland
If you have plans to go away for summer vacation this year, then it's essential to take some home security measures before you depart. You'll enjoy your days of fun and sun even more if you know your home back in Chicago is safe and secure. Our real estate agents are here to share some easy tips for summer home security.
- Stay away from social media.
Excited to share all your vacation photos with the world? Instead of doing it in real time, wait until you get back to share all those Insta-worthy snapshots. Announcing your vacation and sharing its progress on social media essentially lets the whole world know that you're away from home, which could be seen as an invitation for the wrong kind of house guest. - Hit 'pause' on deliveries.
Junk mail and Amazon boxes piling up on your...
1
How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Cranking Up the AC
Chicago gets mighty hot when summer rolls around. This is the season to visit our beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and do whatever you need to do to keep cool.
When it comes to staying cool, you might be tempted to close up the windows and bask in the air conditioning, but there are other ways of beating the heat. Our real estate agents in Chicagoland have some tips for keeping your home cool without blasting the AC.
- Open your windows at night.
Sounds simple, right? Even on hot days in Chicago, things tend to cool down as the sun goes down. Open up the windows in your house to take advantage of nature's air conditioning, or better yet, open the windows at opposite ends of the house to create a cross-breeze. As soon as the sun rises in the morning, close the windows and draw the curtains to keep that...
1
How to Stage Your Outdoor Space to Sell This Summer
In Lake County, Illinois, summer is the perfect time to show off your home's outdoor potential. Buyers aren't just looking at square footage and kitchens—they're dreaming about barbecues, relaxing evenings on the patio, and family time in the yard. A well-staged outdoor space can make your home stand out and even boost your final sale price.
Here's how to transform your outdoor areas into irresistible buyer magnets:
1. Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions start at the curb. Make sure your lawn is freshly mowed, bushes are trimmed, and flower beds are tidy. A pop of color from hanging baskets or a...
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