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A Monthly, Quarterly & Yearly Home Maintenance Checklist To Keep In Your Back Pocket

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Maintaining your home’s value is important for when you potentially sell it in the future, and it can be vital for your personal health and wellness. Don’t feel daunted by this responsibility! Here’s your ultimate yearly home maintenance list for monthly, quarterly and yearly upkeep.

Monthly

  1. Clean kitchen disposal with diswashing detergent and a combination of salt and ice cubes. Follow these steps!
  2. Vaccuum out excess lint from the dyer vent. Follow these steps!
  3. Dust all of your surfaces. Your sinuses will thank you!
  4. Test the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re still working.
  5. Replace your air filter, or at least check whether it needs to be replaced, each month.

Quarterly

  1. Descale your coffee maker to remove any build up for a fresh brew. Follow these steps!
  2. Check the salt levels in your water softener.
  3. Clear out your gutters to remove and debris left from storms.
  4. Flush unused toilets and run water through unused sinks to avoid grime build up.
  5. Clean your windows and screens to keep the sun shining in dirt-free.

Yearly

  1. Service your air conditioning unit and hire a professional to remove dust and debris from your air ducts.
  2. Check for termites or bug infestation, especially in the attic or basement.
  3. Inspect your roof for leaks and damage and hire a professional to fix any issues.
  4. Check your faucets, toilets and pipes for leaks.

Every 5-10 Years

  1. Seal cracks in your driveway to make your exterior look better and avoid major safety issues down the road.
  2. Recaulk bathroom grout or window sealant to prevent mold, help save on energy an more.
  3. Paint your exterior to cover up external damage that can happen over time.

Download our yearly home maintenance checklist and keep it handy to keep up with your projects.

5 things to know about zoning

Five Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Zoning in Chicago

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What is zoning and what does it have to do with homeownership? “Zoning is a form of government regulation which determines how private property can be used by owners.”

In a simplified example, zoning means your neighbor cannot turn their condo unit into a public café or a daycare. Zoning might not feel important to you as a homeowner, but the extent of its influence may surprise you!

Here are five quick, must-know facts about zoning.

#1: Common Zoning Categories

Three common categories of zoning districts (also called use districts) are residential, commercial/business and industrial.

Just because you may be in a residential zone, does not mean every type of residential property is included in that district. In the case of residential zones, condominiums or other multi-family units may be specific to their own district and prohibited in others.

Homeowner Pro Tip: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

“First deemed illegal in 1957, the City of Chicago has reversed course [as of May 2021] – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also referred to as Accessory Conversion Units (ACUs), are now legal, following the passage of the ordinance in City Council.” LEARN MORE

#2: Watch Out For Use Restrictions

“Use restrictions” mean that even if a property falls in a specific zone, the actual code can include restrictions that specifically prevent that use. For example, historic designations are a common type of a use restriction.

historic boulevard zoning

Are You In A Historic Landmark/District Designation?

If your home falls in a Landmark District, carefully review the guidelines you may need to follow if you are remodeling. From formal municipal reviews to official certificates, there may be processes and extra approvals you must obtain before any work can be done.

A few famous Landmark Districts in Chicago are Old Town Triangle, Black Metropolis-Bronzeville, Printing House Row, Logan Square Boulevards, Old Chicago Water Tower and Pullman.

#3: Other Common Residential Zoning Restrictions

A residential zone includes restrictions that may affect your plans or dreams for your future property. Do not sign any paperwork until you’ve completed all your zoning research!

As stated above, the city of Chicago recently reversed its stance on ADUs which places strict guidelines on whether a homeowner could have “accessory units” or additional living units such as granny flats, a build-out space in the basement of a multi-unit or living space above a garage.

Other key terms to keep an eye out for as far as zoning restrictions go are lot coverage, easements, parking minimums, floor area ratios and lot setbacks.

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#4: Where To Look Up Your Zone

You can look up an area’s district at the local municipality or county. Ask for the zoning department! You can also look up the history of Chicago’s historic landmarks on their website.

Curious about how legislation is related to Chicago zoning? Learn more here.

#5: You Can Apply For A “Zoning Variance”

A zoning variance is granted by local governments that can permit you, the property owner, to use your property for something that varies from the official zone.

Follow Chicago’s stated application processes if you would like to apply for a zoning variance. Be advised— speedy turnaround times are not guaranteed! When in doubt, consult with your REALTOR® about how to handle a complex zone.

table with property tax appeals form

So You Want To Appeal Your Cook County Property Taxes

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Your property taxes are the taxes that you will pay on your home based on its value, including the land. Throughout Cook County, property taxes are determined by the Assessor and the Assessor’s office, who calculate the amount based on current market value.

However, it is possible the characteristics of your home are incorrect on your assessment, or for you to believe your home’s value is more than what it was assessed in your taxes. In these cases, make sure to file a property tax appeal.

If you are unsure of whether or not to file an appeal, Cook County suggests using this rule: “If the property characteristics on this notice are correct and the estimated market value is within 10 percent of what you think your home is worth then it is unlikely that an appeal would change your property’s assessed value enough to significantly affect its property tax bill.”

To Appeal Your Property Taxes, Follow These Steps

  1. Receive and review your property tax bill. For a calendar of when Cook County appeals are scheduled, click here.
  2. Prepare your appeal by following these official rules.
  3. File the appeal, which can be done online here.
  4. Receive your appeal decision, which will be sent by mail to your home.

What To Know About Appeals

  1. You only have 30 days to file an appeal once the assessments are mailed to your township. Click here for an appeals calendar.
  2. Visit the appeals portal online and prepare your information. You will be asked to provide information such as your home’s square footage, provide comparable properties, attach your assessment and photos of your home and more.
  3. If you’re unsuccessful, remember that you are not out of options. You can appeal once more through the Cook County Board of Review.
  4. If you miss the timeframe to file an appeal, make sure to do it the following year. Once you have appealed one time, you do not need to do so again unless your home’s characteristics have changed.

Access and download our 2021 infographic with these steps to review and share it with your peers!

What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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Congratulations homeowner! Let’s talk about safety, especially as it pertains to carbon monoxide detectors.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas found in fumes produced anytime you burn fuel like oil, gas or coal. It can build up indoors and poison people or animals!

carbon monoxide detector

In a home, many potential sources can leak carbon monoxide including but not limited to cars, stoves, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges and furnaces. Early signs of CO poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, weakness, chest pain, confusion and more. Long-term exposure can make you pass out or kill you.

The most prepared homeowners can prevent a tragedy by following a few straightforward steps.

LAWS YOU SHOULD KNOW

As of 2007, an Illinois law called Public Act 094-0741 requires the placement of carbon monoxide detectors in every dwelling unit within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.

The rules about what kind of carbon monoxide detectors include battery-powered detectors and plug-in detectors with battery back-ups. Read the label carefully when you purchase yours to ensure it is a recognized device from a nationally recognized laboratory. Look for the “UL” symbol on the package!

Combination smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are allowed too.

Are you a landlord? Be advised, as the owner of the property, you are required to supply and install the necessary CO detectors. Your tenants will be responsible for testing and general maintenance within their unit.

INSTALLATION BASICS

  • Install a carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of any room used for sleeping.
  • Consider purchasing carbon monoxide detectors with battery back-ups in case you experience power outages.
  • Don’t install a detector in enclosed rooms like the garage or a room with a furnace.
  • Check your gas appliances to make sure they are vented properly. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for each appliance for specific directions.
  • If you have a chimney, make sure it is inspected and cleaned every year to prevent debris build up and reduce risk of CO poisoning.
  • Never burn charcoal or use a portable gas stove indoors which can cause CO to build up!

Also, if your carbon monoxide detector goes off and you feel unwell, leave your house immediately and call 911. If it goes off and you don’t feel unwell, press the reset button and wait— if it goes off again, leave your house immediately and call 911.

ramp up your curbside appeal

How to Ramp Up Your Curbside Appeal

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Are you thinking of putting your home on the market? If so, ask yourself two questions from a buyer’s perspective. First: what would stop you from making an offer? Second: what makes this home stand out from a curbside view?

There are many important steps to preparing your home to sell. Curbside appeal projects provide sellers like you with the highest return on investment. Therefore, we recommend focusing on these 5 projects to ramp up those beautiful, exterior home aesthetics!

Update Your Curb Appeal

The National Association of REALTORS® “Remodeling Impact Report” suggests that landscaping projects often bring in higher sales prices. Homes that improved their landscaping or added a deck or patio, saw returns of investments above 100%.

We recommend starting with:

  • Applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
  • Trimming your bushes and other greenery.
  • Re-mulching those garden beds.
  • Replacing worn-down stone walkways and pathways.
  • Removing any dead plants or trees.
  • Aerating the lawn (if you have one).
  • Pressure washing the exterior of your home, driveway and sidewalk.

In the end, any of these curbside appeal upgrades will help attract the eye of your home’s future residents!

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FSBO vs. REALTOR®: How Should You Sell Your Home?

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You’re ready to make the next move in your life to a new home, which brings up the task of selling your current house. You may be debating whether to sell the house on your own, For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO), or to use a REALTOR®. You might think your best option is to sell it on your own, however, we argue that you might want to think twice about that decision. These are the top benefits and reasons you should use a REALTOR® to sell your home.

#1: REALTORS® Will Sell You Home For a Higher Price

Many sellers who choose the FSBO route believe they will be saving money in the long run by avoiding paying commission to a REALTOR®. According to the Nation Association of REALTORS’®(NAR) 2017 Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, those who used a REALTOR® sold their home for between $60,000 to $90,000 more than FSBO. Even with commission costs, which are typically five to six percent of the home’s listing price, you will still be selling your home for more!

#2: REALTORS® Have the Time and Tools to Market Your Property

With a full-time job, family and other responsibilities, finding time for yourself can be hard, let alone finding the extra time to list and market your home. REALTORS® have the time (it’s their job!) and the resources (including dedicated property websites, built-in social media audiences, open house hosting experience and a broad network) to effectively spread the word on your home. Their expertise comes in handy for those who are unsure where to start when purchasing a home.

#3: Your Home Will Sell Faster When Working with a REALTOR®

Because of their access to time and tools to sell your home, using a REALTOR® will allow your home to sell faster. The NAR report found that most homes sold by REALTORS® were purchased 20 days faster than FSBO. If you’re on a timeline and need to sell quickly, getting these days back could mean a lot.

#4: REALTORS® Have Potential Buyers At Their Fingertips

How many people do you know who are looking to buy a home? REALTORS® have a full arsenal of potential homebuyers at their fingertips, from previous and current clients to those in their database and more. They have the ability to reach more people faster than an FSBO.

If you’re ready to get started with a REALTOR® to sell your home today, click here to begin your search.

tools on a table for maintenance

5 Home Repairs To Make When You’re Ready To Sell

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When you’re ready to sell, the goal is to work smarter, not harder, without overspending. The key is to pinpoint the most important home repairs, thus making the best possible return. Here’s our list of the top 5 home repair tips to consider when you’re ready to sell!

1. Fix Damaged Flooring

The first home repairs to consider are updating any damaged or outdated flooring to create a seamless feel throughout your home. Expect to spend about $3,000 on the project — and recoup 100% of the cost, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Remodeling Impact Report.

2. Repair Any Damanged Windows And Doors

Windows and doors need to do more than just look pretty, they also need to be functional! When buyers are touring your home, they will likely open and close windows and doors to ensure they work properly. Fix any creaking doors or cracked and squeaky windows prior to putting your home on the market.

3. Paint The Walls

Did you know that painting your walls is one of the lowest-cost home improvements? It also has the highest rate of return! Touch up your home with a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint. This will instantly give your home a fresh, updated feel.

4. Revive An Outdated Kitchen

Kitchen repairs can be very expensive, so the key is to make low-cost, high-impact repairs. Updating the hardware, installing new countertops or painting wood cabinets could do the trick.

5. Resuscitate A Dying Lawn

Your lawn is the first thing a potential buyer will see, so make a good impression! Nothing turns a potential buyer away faster than a lawn full of overgrown grass, brown patches or weeds. Consider hiring a lawn care service to get your lawn looking fresh, repair any patchy areas and pull any weeds.

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What to Expect During A Closing: Buyers

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A closing is when you, the buyer, sign the final ownership paperwork and officially, legally become the owner of your home! You will leave your closing with the home’s keys.

Your closing date will likely be listed on the purchase and sale agreement you will sign after your offer is accepted. On average, closings are scheduled within a month or two of signing this document.

LEADING UP TO THE CLOSING

As the buyer, the days leading up to the closing will include reviewing lots and lots of paperwork. Try not to stress! Your REALTOR®, your lender and your attorney are there to assist you.

One of these documents is the Closing Disclosure (also called the CD) which lays out your final loan terms and closing costs. You will get your CD from your lender at least three days before closing for you to review.

The CD will ensure there are no surprise costs for you at the closing table. Compare this with your initial Loan Estimate when you applied for the loan, and if you see significant discrepancies, contact your lender at once.

What is the difference between closing costs and your down payment? While your down payment goes towards your home loan, closing costs are typically one-time fees that go towards all the other services that take place during the transaction such as:

  • Loan application fees
  • Appraisal fees
  • Title search fees
  • Your attorney’s fees
  • Recording fees
  • Lender costs such as underwriting, credit report and origination fees
  • Commission for both the buyer’s and the seller’s agent
  • Property taxes

If you’re nervous about how to accurately anticipate the closing costs, consult your loan estimate. It includes estimates for each of these line items. Also, Nerdwallet has a free, online calculator.

couple signing documents

WHAT TO EXPECT DAY-OF

You will attend the final walkthrough of your home within 24 hours or the day-of your closing. Typically, you, your REALTOR® and the seller’s agent will attend as you make sure any and all request repair work was completed.

What are you looking for? You’re ensuring everything is functioning properly and that nothing has broken or been damaged since the inspection. Ask your REALTOR® for a list of what to look for during the final walkthrough. If everything is as it should be, you’re ready to close! If you see anything amiss, you and your REALTOR® will contact your attorney and the seller’s agent to negotiate potential compensation for the problems at the closing table.

What should you bring to the closing table? A pen, a government-issued photo ID and a cashier’s check or proof of wire transfer to cover the closing costs and any remainders of the down payment. Ask your attorney how much you should pad for potential closing costs increases such as prepaid interest.

Note: bringing “cash to close” does not mean you should bring cash!

Depending on your state or personal circumstances, ask your attorney if you need to bring any other documentation such as proof of homeowner’s insurance.

AT THE CLOSING TABLE

Prepare yourself to sign a large stack of paperwork! Your attorney will go through each one of these documents, although you will also receive them the night before to review them in greater detail.

Depending on a number of factors, closings can last between an hour to several. You as the buyer can help prevent unnecessary delays by avoiding changes to your financial situation such as large purchases on your credit card, applying for credit or changing employers.

Who is there? At minimum, you can expect it to be you, your attorney and the lender. Depending on the circumstance, the seller may attend if they haven’t already signed their necessary documents. No matter what, you are not alone. Your attorney and your REALTOR® are available to answer questions or address concerns.

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WHAT’S NEXT?

You have your keys! You have officially purchased your home! Here are a few best practices to kick off your first hours/days as a homeowner on a strong note:

  • Take your copies of the closing documents you signed and save them in a secure place.
  • If you negotiated a same-day move with the seller, keep track of each key! Confirm you’re receiving one for any and all doors, mailboxes or entries.
  • Prepare a list of authorities or organizations (like the U.S. Postal Service) you need to notify of your change of address, as it applies.

With constant communication and intentional preparation, your closing can feel like an exciting culmination of all your hard work, research and exploration. Utilize the team of professionals at your back so you can save on stress and celebrate this exciting milestone.