woman on ladder cleaning around door

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!

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.

Couple moving couch

10 Things To Do When You Move Into a New Home

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Congratulations! You’ve bought a new home. Move in, get comfortable and check off the items on this list for your personal security and preparedness. 

  1. If you haven’t already, set up your utilities. Call your water, electric, gas, sewer and garbage companies to start your services. 
  2. Update your address of important documents, like your driver’s license, credit card, banks and subscriptions, to name just a few, and make sure your mail is being forwarded from your old address to your new home.
  3. Change all of your locks. Call a locksmith out to get new locks in place. You never know who could have access to a spare of the original locks. Also, consider whether a security system is necessary for you and your family.
  4. Reset codes, like garage openers and gates. Similar to locks, you don’t know where a code might be floating around or who might have access to them. 
  5. Test fire and carbon monoxide detectors or install ones if there aren’t any. Make sure the batteries are fresh and ready to go. 
  6. Change your air filters to ensure better airflow and lower your home’s energy usage. Also, make sure to change your air filter every three months.
  7. Get a fire extinguisher for your kitchen and each floor of your home. Better safe than sorry! 
  8. Find your circuit box and label each breaker, so you’re not guessing if a problem comes up. 
  9. Find gas and water shut-off valves in case of a gas leak or a pipe breaks so you can handle the problem right away. 
  10. Check that everything on your inspection report was addressed. If they weren’t, reach out to your REALTOR® to let them know.

Then, get comfortable, set up your new space and have piece of mind knowing your new space is ready for you!

townhouse

5 Home Renovations That Add Home Value

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Not all home projects are created equal, and some add more value to your home than others. Here are the top value adding home renovations to pay for upfront, for more payoff down the line. 

Kitchen Renovations

According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Remodeling Impact Survey, not only are kitchen remodels the most appealing projects to buyers, but they are also the most likely to add value to the home for resale.

In fact, this report states there is a 59% ROI on this project.

Basement Updates

Are you looking to gain more functionality for your home and family? Renovating your basement into a living area may be the best option for you. This project will improve your joy while you live in the home, and will have pay off when you sell it.

This may be a more costly renovation according to NAR’s Remodeling Impact Survey. The report states there is a 64% ROI on this project.

Wood Flooring 

The flooring may be one surface that gets worn out the fastest from foot traffic, dirt, scratching and more. It may also be one of the best features to upgrade in your home, as it tends to pay for itself! 

According to NAR’s Remodeling Impact Survey, 106% of the value of this project is recovered when the home is sold. Even if you’re not looking to fully replace your flooring, the report states this project will provide a 100% ROI to your bottom line. It’s a win-win! 

Bathroom 

If you have a two to three-bedroom home and only two bathrooms, adding an additional half bathroom is great to consider. Going from two bedrooms to two and a half bathrooms will add 10.5% in value to your home. 

While you’re living in your home, adding an extra bathroom may add peace of mind that surpasses the money you’ll spend on the bathroom itself by avoiding arguments and stress caused by sharing bathroom time. 

New Roofing 

Putting a new roof on your home is a money saver in multiple ways. Not only is the ROI high on this project, up to 109%, but you will also save on your energy bill too. A new roof will reduce cooling costs, add curb appeal, protect again home damage like water and much more!

Row of Victorian style brick houses

4 Steps to Begin a Home Renovation Project

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Whether you just bought a home and are looking to update the space to fit your needs, or you’ve lived in your home for years and notice wear and tear or your preferences have changed, you might be ready to change things up. Do you know where to start? Here are the steps to follow to begin the renovation process: 

Prioritize Your Wants & Needs 

During your project, you may not be able to have everything done you want. Does the space need a full renovation, or can you just update parts of your home? Deciding the extent of the project and what needs to get done versus what you would like to have done is great to determine a budget and cost later in the process. 

Get Inspired 

Envision what you want your new space to look like, and do research to get ideas of how to get there. Look into designs and make a list of what you’ll need to purchase to get the job done. This will also help you begin to get an idea of a budget, as you determine the cost of the materials you’ll need. Check out Pinterest or Houzz to get inspired.

Research Your Budget 

Next, do your research on budgets to get an idea of the extent of your project. Is a full renovation possible, or would a partial project be more ideal? Having a general idea of what materials and furnishings will cost will also help you figure out how much you can spend when hiring someone for the job. 

Decide How to Accomplish Your Project 

Is this a smaller project, like painting or refinishing something, that you think you can do on your own? Or will a professional need to be hired? Determine which direction you want to go. 

Hiring a professional will determine if the jobs gets done correctly and up to your standards. Start getting quotes from professionals. It’s best to get more than one, to determine the best person for the job at the right price.