Daylight savings time has come and gone, and we're officially in the darkest season of the year.
Don't get us wrong. Our real estate agents love winter in Chicagoland, but we could all use a little more illumination this time of year. These tips for improving your home's lighting will help you live in a brighter, cheerier space just in time for the holidays.
Let In More Natural Light
Natural light is more important than ever during the season when there isn't as much of it to go around. Depending on your home's layout, you could take advantage of sunlight from every angle, but the south-facing portions of your home tend to get the most light. Use lighter curtains for privacy, but keep thick drapes open as much as possible during daylight hours. You could als...
Your pets are every bit as much a part of your household as you are — but houses aren't usually designed with their four-legged residents in mind.
Here's how you can change that. Read on to learn our real estate agents' pro tips for making your home cat- and dog-friendly — and how to find the perfect pet-friendly home for your entire family.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Space
Making your home pet-friendly is for your benefit as well as your pets' well-being. It's all about keeping your canine and feline companions happy and safe while also keeping your home clean and free from damage.
Spring vs Summer Deck Maintenance
There are two seasons when you really want to pay attention to outdoor deck maintenance: early spring and late summer. In early spring, the challenge is repairing your deck after a long, hard winter.
End-of-summer maintenance is often less intensive but no less important. The purpose of deck maintenance this time of year is to make sure your deck is ready to weather...
Summer is the perfect time to embark on painting projects that can transform your home's appearance and increase its value. With the warm weather and longer days, it's an ideal season for home improvement. If you're considering selling your home or simply want to refresh your living space, here are some painting projects to tackle this summer.
Kitchen appliances are often taken for granted. We use them every day, but we tend not to think about them too much — until they stop working.
One of the questions our real estate agents get asked the most when showing homes is, "How long will the appliances last?" The good news is that in a new home with brand-new modern appliances, they should last quite a long time! If you're selling your home, upgrading and replacing old appliances can also help sell your home faster and fetch a higher price. Here's what you need to know about the lifespan of various appliances, how to make them last longer and how to know when it's time to upgrade.
Refrigerator and Freezer - 10 to 18 Years
Refrigerators have one of the longe...