Top home upgrades that pay off in the long run

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 …

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Refinance Mortgage – Home Refinance Loan

Record low interest rates, the likelihood of a rate increase Q1/Q2 of 2022, and the impressive gains in real estate values this past year make now the ideal time to refinance your mortgage. The general rule of thumb – if …

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Property taxes should not be this taxing!

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. …

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How to Navigate Buying a Fixer Upper Home!

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 …

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Chicago Title Insurance 101

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 …

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From Distraction to Traction

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 …

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How to Style Your New Luxury Dream Home

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 …

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Budgeting For Your Home In Retirement

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. …

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5 Strategies for Homebuyers With Financial Concerns

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 …

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Cat and Dog buy a house in Chicago

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 …

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Retirement Planning

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 …

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Help Chicagoans in need of warmth this winter!

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 …

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Interview with Debra Dobbs

Watch the latest episode of the Keeping It Real podcast with Debra Dobbs. DJ Paris talks with Debra about how she started her career and the move from gelato to houses; unique and targeted marketing strategies; advice to new agents; …

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