Broker Blog: Steps to Find the Perfect Vintage Furniture and Decor

Making a space “your own” can have many different meanings. It could be cherished family photos sprinkled across the walls or your favorite color splashed across the decor of your home. But oftentimes, we can find ourselves seeking inspiration from the influence of others or buying into a furniture trend from IKEA. There is nothing wrong with following home design trends, but sticking too close to these mainstream trends can gradually make your home feel foreign and, well, not like yourself. 

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2021 Design Trends

The aftermath of the pandemic has challenged us to push the envelope and become more creative in the ways we think, entertain, work, and live. Trends are a reflection of past experiences and their effects on consumer behavior and taste. Therefore, you’ll find this list of 2021’s most popular design trends refreshingly handy in helping you stage your home to sell, rent or simply relax into.  

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How to Add a Luxurious Ambiance to Your Rental

Now that our homes have become both our living and work spaces, it’s important to create an inspirational home environment that you’re proud of. Making your home fancier is like accessorizing a plain outfit. If you pick and wear the right accessories, you’ve got a “look”. We get it – you’re renting so you are not in a position to add molding to your ceiling or drill a customized bookshelf but trust us, there are numerous and simple solutions to add a luxurious ambiance to your apartment. 

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5 Tips for New Flippers

It’s easy to get carried away in the excitement of a first-time home-flip. There are so many opportunities to buy new real estate and even more ideas on Pinterest on how to remodel spaces that will make you overly confident enough to blindly rush into a remodel. It can often feel like the world is your oyster and all you have to do is make a few little tweaks and your Pin board will come to life. Before you know it, you’re knee deep in renovations and possibly a surmounting debt for costs your Pin board forgot to mention. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you let yourself get caught up in the flippin’ excitement. 

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Simple Ways To Make Your Chicago Apartment Look Bigger

Well, guys, it’s been one year of working from home, taking out and dining in. And let’s be honest, most of it has been in the living room while watching Netflix, right? No matter how big your apartment is, the walls start to close in after a while, the space seems smaller, and suddenly you wonder how you can make your space bigger without making a move. Alas, the home experts are here to share some simple ways to make your Chicago apartment look bigger, regardless if it’s 600, 800, or 5,000 square feet!

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Broker Blog: Staged to Sell: 5 Staging Tips From An Expert

When you’re getting ready to sell your home, you want it to look perfect for all potential buyers. The goal is to sell it, and sell it fast! In addition to making sure any blemishes are addressed and repairs are made, you want to stage your home in a way that will help potential buyers imagine themselves living there. According to the National Association of Realtors2019 Profile of Home Staging, 83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home and 25% of buyer’s agents said that staging a home increased the dollar value offered between one and five percent, compared to other similar homes on the market that were not staged. In other words, if you’re hoping to sell your home quickly and are hoping to receive your asking price – stage your house!

While the thought of staging your home to impress potential buyers may be overwhelming, these five tips will help alleviate any stresses you may have. 

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Local Gifts For The Home For Under $50 

Gifting is definitely going to be a little different this year, but we’re lucky to be surrounded by a plethora of curated gift shops local to Chicago. Many have adapted to the times and offer a robust curation of unique options approachable price ranges online, making many e-shops the “only stop” for your holiday needs. Even better, you’re supporting local! We’ve scoured the internet, surveyed our clients and staff for the very best gifts for the home, for under $50. Remember your purchase has power, supporting local is supporting your neighborhood’s economy. Spread the cheer locally this year!

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Broker Blog: Get Your Home Winter Ready With This List

As we enter the colder months, it’s always a good idea to make sure your home is prepared and ready to withstand the winter. You don’t want to be dealing with a home maintenance emergency during the holidays or a snowstorm! Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or are getting ready to enjoy your first winter in your new home, the following checklist will help guide you in making sure your home is in good condition as well as give you peace of mind knowing you can avoid emergency repairs or make a trip to the hardware store in the dead of winter. 

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