If you own property in Chicago this is a must-read! We have seen some wild increases in taxable values, with property assessments up between 20% and 325%! 2021 (the triennial) is the first time to challenge the newly assessed values. …

Buying a fixer-upper home can be a great idea, but there are a number of factors to consider first before taking the plunge. To begin with, you’ll want to evaluate the location and the extent of repairs. This is a …

Buying a new home in Chicago? It might be in your best interest to look into title insurance. A lot of people may not opt for owner’s title insurance, or even know what it is. In reality, title insurance is …

You’ve decided to start the next chapter in your family’s story and move to a new home. There’s so much excitement and anticipation that comes with such a big change—and a lot of work. While it seems like a feat …

Little did we know that working from home has blended emotions of distractions and joy at the same time.  It is a constant tug between work + life. How can you balance all of this in one environment?   Navigating professional …

Your home is where your heart lives, but where do your dreams live? If you are thinking about buying a luxury home here in Chicago, or have recently closed on a listing, the answer to that question may now be …

Planning your finances with a retirement budget can significantly decrease money-related stress and allow you to fully enjoy your retirement. Budgeting is extremely important throughout all aspects of your life, but retirement planning is crucial to developing peace of mind. …

Are you getting ready to start house hunting? You may have been going over your financial documents and evaluating your personal savings. If you’ve made any financial missteps over the years, you might be worried about whether or not you’ll …

Though he drives me absolutely bonkers, my brother Michael is a wizard in the kitchen, thus makes up for the bonkers. There is nothing better to snack on in the middle of dreary, frigid winter than his Spressata! One day …

A lot of people prefer their pets to humans. They dote on their cats and dogs and don’t mind spending their hard-earned money on designer food, clothing, and bedding. These devoted owners give their pets human names and endow them …

Whether you are strolling through Pilsen, Rogers Park, Logan Square, or any of Chicago’s urban neighborhoods, you are likely to be enamored by the beauty of the street art. From vibrant and inspiring murals spread across slabs of concrete wall …

Are you a new home buyer looking for help finding the right home for your budget? Debra Dobbs has more than 37 years of experience helping people find the perfect home for them in Chicago. She is particularly knowledgeable about …

The smell of grated lemon evokes a swirl of memories for me (right up there with garlic, basil and rosemary) .  A most recent memory is of coming home to find my creative, fabulous and very talented sister in law (also incredibly …

Is your senior loved one thinking about a move to or from Chicago?  As we age, our needs change.  While physical and healthcare needs come to mind, emotional well-being is just as important. This makes it necessary for loved ones …

Aldermen narrowly approved a $94 million increase to Chicago’s property tax levy as part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s pandemic budget, bringing the total to $1.63 billion. Using 2019 tax bills, the city estimated the hike would cost the average Chicago …

91 Old Buildings Repurposed Since the 1950s Adaptive reuse focuses on rehabilitating older buildings and giving them a new purpose. Not only is this a great way of preserving historic value within communities, but it can also minimize new construction …

In November 2020, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) came out with its 2021 mortgage loan limits. The FHFA is the independent regulatory agency that supervises and oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. What …

Find A Trusted Guide You’ve worked hard, sacrificed, and saved. Now it’s your turn to be the person you want to be. Find a fee-only financial planner and experienced fiduciary, with one focus: your retirement. A quality guide works with …

When you reach a certain age, your family home may become too much to manage. It’s at that point many seniors begin thinking about moving. However, moving in your later years isn’t as simple as it was in the days …

So many Chicagoans are in need of warmth this winter – share the love and pass on your new or gently worn coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens (children or adult sizes!). Your donations can be delivered to the locations noted …

Ok, you’re ready to invest back into your home. Just one question: where should you start with these updates? For many homeowners, this is the biggest roadblock when it comes to making value-adding improvements. The key to prioritizing updates and …