5 Great Places for Outdoor Dining in the South Loop

One of the many advantages of living in the city of Chicago is unfettered access to world-class restaurants. If you have a chance to enjoy some of the many options for outdoor dining in the South Loop, you’ll see why.

As restrictions lighten and businesses begin to reopen, eating outdoors in the South Loop has never felt more vibrant. The weather is just starting to warm up, and residents are flocking to their favorite eateries, breakfast nooks, and summer bistros for patio dining. If you’re looking to enjoy a meal outdoors while you take in the sights of the city, or you need to locate the perfect place for a night out with friends, here are five great restaurants in the South Loop offering outdoor dining.

Honey Berry

Specializing in unique pancakes and other tantalizing breakfast concoctions, Honey Berry on historic State Street has something for every a.m. aficionado. Check out their menu here. Offering patio dining, as well as full liquor and coffee bars, this dog-friendly establishment has a wonderful buzz and warm atmosphere. Entrées average $15-18, and in-person dining is open at 50% capacity. They also offer an inviting selection of sandwiches and brunch items. Wait times vary, and space is often limited at peak hours. Plan ahead, if possible.

Flo and Santos

No discussion of Chicago cuisine is complete without at least one mention of pizza. If you’re craving a slice of perfection, try out Flo and Santos on Wabash. This beautiful, exposed brick pub and eatery boasts a large outdoor beer garden and offers a wide array of polish classics, in addition to its delicious pies. Family-friendly by day and party-capable by night with daily drink specials, you can also enjoy your favorite sporting events on any of its seventeen flatscreens - including on the patio. With entrees reasonably priced at around $11, a night out won’t break the bank.

LowCountry

What better way to commence the start of summer than with an outdoor dining experience in the South Loop centered around an authentic seafood boil shared with friends, loved ones, or colleagues? At Low Country on Wabash, you’ll feel like you’re in someone’s backyard as you enjoy your own customized boil, prepared traditionally and shared at the table. Choose from snow crab, fresh shrimp, lobster, or any number of oceanic proteins, then combine them with your preferred sides, sauces, and level of spiciness to create your own perfect mix. Seafood market prices vary.

La Cantina Bar and Grill

If you’re in the mood for Mexican cuisine, try La Cantina on Michigan Avenue. View their menu here. La Cantina is situated near Soldier Field, McCormick Place, and world-famous Millennium Park, which makes it a perfect spot to stop and grab a meal while you’re taking in the sights. True to its namesake, La Cantina offers a full bar featuring fresh margaritas and exclusive cocktail recipes, as well as patio dining. Their extensive menu is loaded with fresh ingredients prepared traditionally, including vegan options and discounts for Columbia College students. Entrée prices average around $12 dollars.

Niu B

This quaint gem offers high-quality Japanese cuisine. Located on Michigan Avenue, Niu B is open for both indoor and outdoor dining, with a maximum of six guests per table. For a quick lunch, try a traditional bento box, or order from their made-to-order noodle bar (noodle dishes average around $13). If you’re planning a more casual outdoor dining excursion, you can settle in with a sake flight or a fusion cocktail called the “sake-tini”. They also specialize in maki and nigiri by the piece. Space is limited, but you can make reservations online here.

Terri Buseman, Your Chicago Real Estate Expert

In my line of work, selling dream homes to families who dream big, I’m always on the move. Discovering the best places to grab a bite to eat comes with the territory, but if you want to know more about the stunning neighborhoods Chicago has to offer, peruse my website, and use this handy search feature to do a deep dive into the areas that peak your interest the most.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/great-places-outdoor-dining-south-loop/

Highlights of 5 Chicago Neighborhoods

 

Chicago has 77 unique neighborhoods, and that’s great news for residents looking to move to the Windy City! Here, I break down 5 Chicago neighborhoods and highlight three reasons they might be the right location for you.

South Loop

1. Proximity to Downtown

This is just one of the many benefits of the South Loop neighborhood. If you are commuting downtown for work or just want accessibility to everything the city has to offer, the South Loop is the perfect home-base.

2. A Cultural Hub

There are countless amenities in the South Loop — from luxury dining to quiet tree-lined streets — you get it all. The South Loop is best known for its famous cultural attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium, Planetarium, Art Institute, and Millennium Park. It is steps from the lake and during the warmer months, you can enjoy one of the many festivals at the lakefront.

3. Quaint Smaller Neighborhoods

The South Loop is a composite of smaller communities, each with its own distinct characteristics. They include Museum Campus, Dearborn Park, Printer’s Row, and the Prairie District. Here, you’ll find apartments and condos in state-of-the-art high rises as well as single family homes and townhomes on charming streets.

Logan Square

1. Both New & Old Real Estate

The real estate variation within Logan Square is truly something to behold. From old mansions, vintage and modern condos and walk-ups to new single-family homes, you’re bound to find a place that suits your lifestyle.

2. Trendy Dining & Nightlife

There is so much happening in Logan Square. Trendy businesses are there to serve the community, and there’s a little something for everyone. So, head to the Middle Brow Bungalow for brews and pizza or sit down to a fancy 20-course sushi dinner at Kyoten.

3. Urban Culture

Logan Square is known for its cultural flair. The area boasts many musicians and artists and welcomes everyone to join their tight-knit urban community.

Lincoln Park

1. Beach Access

Lincoln Park boasts access to multiple beaches including the North Avenue Beach and Fullerton Beach. You don’t have to go far to get a tan and take a dip! In the warmer months, every weekend is a mini-vacation when you live in Lincoln Park.

2. Accessible Transportation

Downtown and the near suburbs are easily accessible with the CTA and major expressways. For people who plan to regularly commute to the suburbs but want to live near the lake, Lincoln Park can’t be beat.

3. Highly Rated Schools

Quality education is one of the most important perks of Lincoln Park that drive new residents to this special neighborhood. This area is to home a variety of notable public and private educational choices from elementary schools up through college.

Near West

1. Major Employment Hub

The Near West is home to many big businesses including Google, Twitter, Uber, Quaker Oats, United Airlines, and even McDonalds. And more businesses are flocking to the area to establish a Midwestern presence. That tells us that this neighborhood will continue to develop, and real estate will increase in value.

2. Modern Eclectic

Near West is home to many ethnic neighborhoods including Greek Town, Little Italy, and Ukrainian Village. In these areas, including Randolph Street and Fulton Street Market, you can get some of the best food the city has to offer. Plus, with the University of Illinois at Chicago campus, residents get access to many cultural events.

3. A Commuter’s Dream

For drivers, residents have easy-access to the I-90 and the I-290 to reach the suburbs and beyond. For city-accessibility, the CTA Blue Line takes people where they need to go!

Wicker Park

1. New Developments

The demand is so high in Wicker Park, we’re seeing many new developments, especially in the area of the Polish Triangle — the city’s oldest Polish settlement. Developments will bring in more residential real estate and commercial business opportunities.

2. Boutique Shopping

Wicker Park screams “boutique” — everything about the neighborhood feels curated and special. Check out Asrai Garden, a lovely Victorian-style flower shop, or head over to Silver Moon, the neighborhood’s trendy wedding boutique.

3. Hip & Trendy

People love the Wicker Park neighborhood for its affordable housing, nightlife, and shopping. This is the ideal location for people looking for Instagrammable moments and delicious food.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/highlights-of-5-chicago-neighborhoods/

Interior Design & Home Renovation in 2021

Now, more than ever, we are connected to where we live. Our homes are where we sleep, work, and play. For all of those reasons, COVID-19 is shaping interior design and home renovation this year. From new home offices to recreational spaces for families to entertain themselves, I’ve gathered the decor and renovation trends that will make being home feel like a sanctuary.

Refreshing Room Designs

One major trend is refreshing rooms to make them more useful spaces.

Being home most of our time is making us rethink how our spaces are working for us. Even a small corner of a room has the potential to become a book nook or work desk with the right pieces.

A Budget Refresh

If budget is a concern, simply rearranging furniture and decorative pieces can make a room feel “new.”  Along with rearranging, reorganization is crucial to make a room feel open and welcoming. Spending time at home makes you realize what items you need and don’t need. Now is the time to clean out anything that is no longer useful. Purging might sound drastic, but if you’re looking to clear clutter or to buy or sell your home in the upcoming months, it’s a proactive way to prepare.

Full-On Room or Home Renovation

For households looking to take on bigger projects, as in finally completing that unfinished basement, this is the perfect time to do it. You can have a hands-on role in how a remodel will go because you’re home. You don’t have to worry about leaving contractors alone or taking time off work to work out details. At the end of the project, you’ll have a new room to use and enjoy!

Next-Level Lighting

Now that we are spending so much time at home, there’s a need for added lighting. While you might not have noticed underlit spaces in your home before, you probably will now! The trend this year is to find lighting that mimics natural light and manipulates spaces to reflect light throughout.  Full-spectrum LEDs are one way to make sure you’re getting the light you need to live by. However, you can also try the following to get more inviting light into a space:

• Stick to light paint tones to make a room feel lighter
• Add mirrors tastefully in the room to reflect light
• Invest in glossy furniture that reflects more light
• Buy more houseplants to mimic the outdoors
• Keep wall art frames light so they don’t darken the space

A Place to Work… and Live

Home offices, and remote learning spaces, are essential. Many people are finding themselves working and learning from home at least part of the week. By now, you probably know what works and what doesn’t. But it’s time to ditch the kitchen table desk and find a more permanent solution. You don’t need a whole room to create a home office that allows you to be productive. Instead, find the room you want to work in and amend it slightly to accommodate your dedicated work space. If you like being in the kitchen, convert a piece of counter space by moving small appliances and adding a blotter and some organizers. Same goes for your living room. Whether you like to work standing or sitting, there are options from furniture retailers. Use your imagination and remember that nothing is off-limits for creating unique workspaces.

Bringing the Outside In

While we can’t do some of the activities we normally would outdoors, you don’t have to limit yourself to being inside. Instead, bring the outside in by taking the outdoor space you do have access to and making it comfortable and useful. For yards and gardens, consider adding a pergola and seating for safe al fresco dining. Balconies have tons of potential too! A bench and outdoor rug can go a long way in making cocktail hour or sunset watching a lovely experience.

Spa-like Bathroom Oasis

More than ever, we need to prioritize self-care. That’s why people are investing in amenities for their homes such as spa-like bathrooms. You don’t need to completely remodel your bathroom to create a special space. Light, natural paint colors, mood lighting, artificial or real plants, and a Bluetooth speaker set to play calming music are easy changes you can make in a day. Don’t stop there, invest in plush bath towels and skin care products to treat yourself.

Embracing Nostalgic Interior Design

With extra time on our hands, nostalgic decor and mood-altering aesthetics are trending! For example, Cottagecore is one of the popular interior design trends making its way around social media. This kind of interior design is cozy, traditional, and inviting. If you’re looking for a project that will have you reclaiming vintage furniture, creating beautiful tablescapes, and adding houseplants to your home, Cottagecore might be up your alley.

But Cottagecore isn’t the only interior design fashion at play today. Victorian and Mid-century designs are seeing another wave of interest too, as people attempt to restore their homes with the original architecture in mind.

Interior Design, Home Renovation & Staging Tips from Terri

’m really excited to see all the interior design and home renovation trends taking off due to our “new normal.” By taking more ownership over our spaces to foster optimal wellness, while investing in our homes, is a positive thing. If you need advice on how to make your home more appealing to buyers through interior design and staging, contact me today!

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/decluttering-your-home-tips/

10 Real Estate Negotiation Tactics for Buyers and Sellers

Today’s real estate market is fast-paced. Agents, home buyers and sellers alike will have to be on the same page and practice excellent communication. To prepare for bidding on homes and accepting offers, let’s discuss real estate negotiation tactics.

Factors Impacting Real Estate Negotiation Tactics

Last month, I discussed real estate market trends for 2021. Current market factors, which include the influx of Millennial and Gen Z buyers, interest rates, the pandemic, and the past election, have varying levels of influence on real estate. But what does that mean for buyers and sellers? They need to be ready to negotiate, and that being said, here are strategies you can use when negotiating home sales.

5 Home Buyer Negotiation Strategies

Home buyers need to be savvy because home inventories are low and competition is high. You need to be ready to act. Some of the negotiation tactics I offer seem passive in their approach, but they are critical in preparing you to get the home of your dreams.

1. Set Your Budget & Prepare Your Finances

A home for sale will go to the bidder with the best overall mix of price and terms. A few examples of terms are down payment, closing dates, and earnest money. Therefore, you need to set your budget and prepare your finances. Both buyer and seller want the process to go smoothly, and it’s vital that finances are in place. So, have a frank talk with your lender and most importantly, have a letter of approval secured, so that you are ready to go should you find that perfect house. 

2. Understand Your Needs

If you are looking for homes, you should already have a vision in your mind of what you need and want in a home. Therefore, take the time now to make a list of your must-haves and wants in case you get involved in a multiple offer situation that requires an immediate bid.

3. Research

Having data will influence many decisions. While agents provide as much information as they can, it’s great if a buyer does research. When looking at a house, don’t be afraid to ask your agent to dig deep and learn about comparable homes, taxes, HOA fees, and what else is available on the market.

4. Understand Your Competitors

Remember, you’re probably not the only one interested in a property. Bring your best bid forward if you think you’ve found the house of your dreams.

5. Be Patient

While you might have your heart set on one home in particular, there are many factors that could impact your chances of actually ending up with the home. It may take more than one try. Don’t be discouraged, the right home is out there!

5 Negotiation Tips for Sellers

Sellers, you are in a great position to get a good price on your home, but that doesn’t mean you can sit quietly while the action happens around you! Here are some real estate negotiation tactics to brush up on to get the best deal for your property:

1. Counteroffer

You can expect a first offer to be lower than your asking price. Most often, your list price will be more than your prospective buyer wants to pay or can afford. When you make your counteroffer, your agent will be your best resource to help you make a realistic response.

2. Discuss with Your Agent

Be prepared to have an open dialogue with your agent. As the negotiations go back and forth, an open mind and flexibility are key. The deal could take some twists and turns, and you could ultimately agree to terms that may surprise you.

3. Should I Reject This Offer?

It is always best to give some sort of counteroffer. However, there are some occasions where the terms are so far apart, that a simple “no thank you” is warranted.

4. Set Time Limits

Set a time limit for prospective buyers. However, don’t set too short of a time limit as that may rush the buyer. Respect for each other’s time is the best way to go. Discuss the right time period with your agent. 

5. Be Prepared for a Bidding War

You may find yourself in the midst of a bidding war for your home. If you find yourself in this position, you’ll want to be accessible to answer questions and make counteroffers as quickly as possible to keep the process going. It’s an opportunity for you to get the best price and terms for your home sale or purchase.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/real-estate-negotiation-tactics-for-buyers-and-sellers/

2021 Chicago Real Estate Market Trends: What Buyers & Sellers Should Know

Looking at Chicago real estate market trends, buyers and sellers will each benefit this year.

According to economists, we can expect home sales to grow, prices for homes to rise and buyer demand to remain high due to the influx of Millennial and Gen Z buyers (we’ll talk more about that later). For buyers, you’ll continue to see low mortgage rates and more homes for sale due to high homebuilder confidence.

Before we dig more deeply into these optimistic marketing trends and how to plan ahead, let’s talk about two housing market influencers on everyone’s mind: the election and the pandemic.

Housing Market Influencers: the Election & Pandemic

We all experienced a pandemic during an election year. This situation is really one for the history books, but what did that mean for our housing market here in Chicago? Well, while we had to change how we did business by leveraging technologies such as virtual home tours to attract buyers, the market remained strong. But will the presidential changing of the guard impact the market this year? Here’s what the experts think:

Election – The housing market is one economic area where there is a thriving business with the numbers to back it up. For instance, the National Association of Realtors reported that home sales in the US surged in September 2020 to levels unseen in 14 years. Plus, home sales had risen 12 percent in the third quarter of 2020 — the biggest jump in seven years. With mortgage rates at historic lows, economists believe that the housing market will be one of the strongest sectors of the US economy. So, despite election concerns, the consensus seems to be that the housing market will keep growing.

Pandemic – While the pandemic spread through the US, the market remained strong. New home sales jumped 43% in August of 2020 compared to 2019. Why? Millennials are the driving demographic here. Again, lower interest rates, a large population of interested homebuyers, and the realization that owning a home might be the key to work-life balance in this pandemic-impacted environment are the key factors.

In Illinois, home sales have increased 29 percent in November 2020 when compared to the previous November. And in the City of Chicago? That number is 17.6 percent. It’s an impressive increase given these complex housing market influencers and the pandemic recession we’re currently experiencing. There is strength and resilience in the real estate market.

2021 Chicago Real Estate Market Trends: How to Plan Ahead

Now that we know what the experts think and how the election and pandemic will influence (or not) the current housing market, how can home buyers and sellers prepare themselves? Here’s my advice:

For Buyers

1.  Take advantage of low mortgage rates before they go up. Realtor.com forecasts the rate will be up to 3.4% by the end of the year. In the long-term, lower mortgage rates save you money and lower your monthly costs. Now is the time to buy if you’re on the fence.

2. With high demands, the buying cycle is faster than ever. So, when you find a property you like, put your offer in quickly and expect a fast pace due to other interested buyers. This being the case, I always work fast with my clients to communicate with the home seller’s agent for quick responses. While rapid-fire negotiations can be nerve-racking, they are sometimes needed to end up with the home. I will do my best to make the process as simple and stress-less as possible.

For Sellers

1.  Prepare for Millennial and Gen-Z buyers by marketing your home in 2021. Investopedia calls it “tech-oriented house-hunting,” and they couldn’t be more right. People in their late 20s and 30s have certain expectations when they shop. They want to view properties on their mobile devices, text message agents, and engage in all types of multimedia during their home buying journey. In the past years, I have noticed this trend myself, and this is why I market my clients’ homes through video tours, interactive brochures, and online to create enticing property landing pages that get views.

2.  In a pandemic world, expect differences in how business is done. As I stated in the previous tip, you can expect online marketing to go a long way in attracting buyers. You can also expect communication through email and text messaging to avoid face-to-face meetings. Due to local regulations regarding social distancing, you may be asked to leave your home for a period of time while masked prospective buyers view your home. It’s all about managing safety to the level that is comfortable for both buyers and sellers.

Your 2021 Chicago Real Estate Guide

In 2021, we have so much to look forward to and be grateful for. The housing market in Chicago and nationwide is strong. The Chicago real estate outlook gives us an idea of what we can expect this year. Both home buyers and sellers have a lot to gain during their transactions despite the election and pandemic.

This year, allow me to be part of your home buying and home selling journeys. Several of my clients and I navigated 2020’s challenges, and I’m looking forward to bringing that working knowledge with me into the new year. Contact me today to get started.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/chicago-real-estate-market-trends-for-buyers-sellers/

Exciting Holiday Decorating Trends for 2020

 

Festive lights and decor get us excited for all things gift-giving and feasting. And to be honest, holiday decor just gives us something different and uplifting to look at. Here are a few holiday decorating trends that are likely to get us excited about and bring warmth to this year’s holiday at home.

DIY Decor

 

Without added commutes and social obligations, many of us find ourselves with time to spare. So why not create your holiday decor this year? The internet is full of fun ideas to make wreaths, garland, throw blankets, custom ornaments and so much more!

The great thing about DIY is that you can share what you make with others. The decorations you made yourself are great gifts for friends and family. Use what you have at home: scrap paper, yarn, ribbon, paper plates, and plastic cups. All these materials are useful when creating your own decor items. Not to mention, DIY decor is a wonderful way to reuse and recycle items.

Neutrals and Natural Elements

Holiday decorating trends 2020 are pushing neutrals — we’re talking wool, burlap, lumberjack checker patterns, woodland creatures, and chunky knits. We’re loving the basics this year; just the simple decor and subtle items seamlessly integrated into your home. You can put a wooly yarn wrapped wreath on your coat stand or a few new pillows on your couch with creamy colors and soft textures. It’s about creating a sense of warmth and comfort this holiday season.

Also, using neutrals is less disruptive to your home. If you’re looking to sell your home, this is a plus for buyers. They want to see your house as it is without too many distractions.

Front Door Decorations

Bring the holidays out to your neighbors this season. While we are all at home this year, you can add to the joy in your neighborhood or building by adding a festive wreath and signs on your front door. If you’re feeling in the DIY mood, wreaths are easy to make yourself! You can even make it a project that children can help with.

Whether you live in a South Loop townhome or New Eastside high rise, you can boost neighborhood morale by adding simple, festive touches to your front door. Check Pinterest for fun and easy front door decorations.

Spread Holiday Themes Throughout the House

Christmas decor is not limited to your living room. We suggest bringing a little bit into every room of your home! Here are some ideas to sprinkle holiday cheer throughout your home:

• Add seasonal hand towels and scented soaps to bathrooms.
• Place cheerful tea towels in the kitchen.
• Drape garland on the banisters.
• Buy cinnamon scented pine cones and place them around your home.
• Seasonal pillows make fun and cozy additions to sofas and beds.
• Warm flannel bed sheets aren’t an obvious addition, but they sure are nice.

 

Nostalgia Decor

 

These days, people are craving what they remember — grandma’s aluminum Christmas tree, this ceramic tree that everyone seemed to have, or mercury glass ornaments. Bring it all back and into your home for a beautiful and nostalgic holiday mood. Deck your halls with tinsel, baubles, and more. Bring on the kitsch!

If you have a home with a mid-century or Victorian aesthetic, you can work some of the era’s decor into your home. Mid-century decor relies on fun pastels, geometric shapes, and plastic accent pieces. Victorian decor, on the other hand, is quite traditional: luscious evergreen garlands, big bows, and stockings hung on the mantle are an exemplar of the season. Don’t be afraid to embrace something different this year if it boosts the overall look of your home.

Holiday Decorating Trends:  Do What You Like

This year, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the holidays. It’s really about doing what feels right. What are your needs and wants? That’s what you should be rewarding yourself with this year when it comes to stylizing your home. Some people need cozy while others need bright and shiny. There are even those who want to celebrate their holiday the way their parents and grandparents did. Now is the time to start new traditions and fully immerse yourself in the mood of the season.

Need more style tips or want to discuss your next moves on buying or selling your home? I can help guide you! Contact me today to get started, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

 THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/exciting-holiday-decorating-trends/

 

 

Prepare Your Home for the Winter in Pandemic Year

The weather is already changing and the idea of living through cold weather during a pandemic is becoming a reality. Last year, we gave some simple tips to prepare your home for winter, but this year, things are different. We’re living through a time that has changed and will continue to change our behavior in order to ensure our safety. But don’t be discouraged! You can beat cabin fever with some creativity and at the same time, do some practical maintenance to protect your home from frigid temperatures. Let’s start with the practical action items to prepare your home for the winter this fall, and keep your home in top-selling condition.

Do a Fall Cleanup

While the weather is tolerable, let’s start winterizing the outside of the home with a fall cleanup.

When you prepare your single-family home or townhome for the winter, here are a few things you can do:

• Clean the Gutters: Clean gutters help snowmelt run smoothly. It prevents dangerous icicles from forming and moves water away from your home, preventing leaks and water damage.
• Trim Perennials: If your plants are coming back in the spring, trim them now to encourage new growth. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, there are many landscape companies that offer a winterizing package. They will mow your lawn for the final time and trim anything needed. The best part? They take clippings with them!
• Cover Outdoor Furniture: Protect your patio or balcony furniture by investing in good-quality covers. Windy, ice, and water can severely damage even the toughest materials.
• Sprinkler and Water Spigot Maintenance: Sprinkler systems should be drained and shut down for the season. Water in pipes can freeze and burst, causing a slew of issues. Garden hoses should be brought indoors, and water spigots should be covered. An insulating cover will reduce heat loss that is naturally transmitted through your home’s pipes.

For those in condos in neighborhoods like The Loop or New East Side, you don’t often have to worry about building and landscaping maintenance. However, there are some things you can do in your unit to make things more comfortable during the coldest winter months:

• Install Draft Stoppers: These foam or bean-filled rolls are placed at the bottom of your doors to keep cold drafts from entering your home. If you have any exterior doors, these are a must.
• Reverse the Rotation of Ceiling Fans: Changing the rotation of your fan will pull cool air up and displace the warm air near the ceiling.
• Get Insulated Curtains: Large windows bring lots of light in but they also cool your home. Heavy insulating curtains will keep your room much warmer.
• Buy a Humidifier: Humidifiers will put moisture into the air, relieving you of sinus congestion and dry skin so common during cold months. More moist air also means more efficient heating in your home.

Have Your HVAC System Checked & Ducts Cleaned

Comfort begins with temperature and humidity. So, one great thing you can do is to get your HVAC system serviced by a professional. They will make sure your filters are in good shape, check your home humidifier (or install one if you don’t have one), and let you know if there are any possible issues. You don’t want something to go wrong in the middle of a cold snap.

Have you noticed your allergies get worse when you turn on your heat for the season? You probably need to order a duct cleaning service. Duct cleaning is especially important if you have done any construction or remodeling in the home. The service is very affordable. Keep an eye out for deals or coupons in the mail from area companies. The deep cleaning will leave you breathing better.

Prepare Your Home for the Winter by Creating Cozy Spaces in Your Home

When you’re stuck inside, it’s important that you enjoy your surroundings. So, now’s the time to get some new throw pillows, lap blankets, and even an electric fireplace to create ambiance. The Danish people call this coziness “hygge,” and they understand how this feeling can lead to contentment.

Don’t just create one cozy space in your home, create several. That way, you can move around your home for a change of scenery. For instance, you can do your morning reading at the kitchen table with a lit candle that smells of your favorite things. Then, you can migrate to a window that faces the street to do some people watching. You can move a chair right in front of the window for the season (that means possibly rearranging your room). Embrace the change!

Make Plans for Being Inside

Movie nights, game nights, catching up on those books piled next to your bed — these are all things to do while you’re indoors. If you have kids, include them in your routine. Kids of all ages can help cook or clean, or at least they can watch you work. There are plenty of opportunities for teachable moments and quality time when you’re all together.

Make Plans for Being Outside

Cabin fever is a real thing. And cortisol levels will raise, along with your blood pressure. And the pandemic limits the indoor spaces we can visit. But in Chicago, we’re no strangers to cold weather, and we know what it feels like to bundle up and walk to the local drinking hole or grocery store. So, now’s the time to buy any outerwear you need to get outside even when it’s cold. With the right clothing, you can take walks, head to the dog park with your fur baby, or visit your favorite local shops without too much discomfort. Getting outside will revitalize you.

Planning to Sell your Home? Take Photos

While the leaves are changing and the snow is still a memory from last winter, take photos of your home if you’re planning to sell within the next six months. Not only will your home look flattering, but if you wait, snow can distort the look of your home. Pale gray skies can wash out colors and thus, the beauty of your home. Pick a sunny autumn day and have a photo shoot that shows off the best aspects of your property!

As we head into the cooler seasons, I want you to know that I’m here for you. These last months have been unusual to say the least, but rest assured, the housing market continues to operate with remarkable success. As you prepare your home for the winter, I’m here to guide you and help you sell your home no matter what the circumstances.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/prepare-your-home-for-the-winter-pandemic-year/