Understanding Home Renovation Costs: A Practical Guide

 

Before you even think about selling your home, you have probably wondered what sort of changes to your home to make it show ready should the time come to put your home on the market. If it is show ready currently, good for you, let the showings begin! Most people, however, are faced with the reality that small projects to major renovations will be required to get their homes ready for sale. Of course these projects also have a range of costs associated with them. Let’s delve into understanding home renovation costs so you might determine how much you can expect to pay as well as how remodels can increase your property’s asking price.

How Do Home Renovation Cost Factors Figure Into Your Expenses?

The amount renovations cost will depend on the area being renovated and how involved and high quality the work is.  This Home Renovation Guide provides detailed estimates, potential recoup value, and other considerations of most home renovations.

Here’s an idea of what you may be spending on some of the most common renovations that are likely to get you the biggest return on your investments.

Bathroom Addition

An extra bathroom can greatly increase the value of your home. Think of how much better it is when everyone in the home has a bathroom to use!

Bathroom additions can be midrange or upscale. Here’s an example of what’s involved with each.

Midrange Bathroom:

This involves the addition of a bathroom that’s around 6 x 8 square feet. Typical features include:

• A stone vanity countertop
• A molded sink with chrome faucets
• A fiberglass tub and shower combo
• Ceramic tiling
• A mirrored medicine cabinet
• A small storage cabinet or closet

Cost and profits: A midrange remodel will cost around $65,362 and yield a resale value of $33,699, providing a 51.6% return.

Upscale Bathroom:

An upscale addition will refer to a 100 square foot bathroom added to a master bedroom. It may include the following features:

• Ceramic tile walls
• A neo-angle shower with a frameless glass enclosure
• A freestanding high-end tub
• A stone countertop with two sinks
• Two mirrored light-up medicine cabinets
• An enclosed commode area
• A humidity control exhaust fan
• Ceramic tile floor
• Custom cabinetry

Cost and Profits: An upscale addition costs around $115,431 and has a resale value of $60,475. It will get you an ROI of 52.4%.

Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom remodel will add considerable value to your home. Its spa like atmosphere will provide the perfect escape after a long day at work. Here’s what’s involved in midrange and upscale renovations.

Midrange Bathroom Remodel:

A midrange remodel on a 5×7 square foot bathroom may include replacing all fixtures and upgrading them with the following:

• A porcelain on steel tub
• Ceramic tiling
• A temperature and pressure-controlled shower
• A new toilet
• A sink and vanity
• A mirrored light up medicine cabinet
• A new paint job

Costs and Profits: A midrange bathroom remodel will set you back $27,570. It will yield a resale value of $16,059, for a total of 58.3% of costs recouped.

Upscale Bathroom Remodel:

An upscale remodel performed on a bathroom 35 to 100 square feet inside will include the replacement of fixtures. Features to add are as follows:

• Ceramic tiling
• Neo angle shower with frameless glass enclosure
• Two mirrored, light up medicine cabinets
• An enclosed commode section
• A freestanding soaker tub
• A humidity-controlled exhaust fan
• Custom cabinetry
• Spot lighting

Costs and Profits: An upscale remodel will cost about $82,838 and produce a resale value of $46,840. Sellers can look at a 56.5% return.

Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is a part of the home that people spend the most time in and make the most memories in. A stylish one can produce a considerable increase in your property value. Here’s what you will be looking at in terms of renovations and costs involved.

Midrange Kitchen Remodel:

This will involve a major overhaul of a 200 square foot kitchen. Here are the renovations you’ll be looking at.

• 30 feet of semi-custom wood cabinets
• A 3×5’ island
• Laminate countertops
• A double tub stainless steel sink
• An energy efficient range
• New appliances including a dishwasher, microwave and garbage disposal
• New paint and flooring

Costs and Profits: A midrange kitchen remodel will cost around $81,820 and bring in a resale value of $47,274 for a total recoup of 57.8%.

Upscale Kitchen Remodel:

An upscale kitchen remodel on a 200 square foot kitchen requires the replacement of current items with new fixtures including:

• 30 feet of top-of-the-line cabinets with siding shelves
• Stone countertops
• A ceramic or glass backsplash
• A high-end sink with water filtration
• Built-in accessories including a refrigerator, microwave, cooktop and wall oven
• Hardwood flooring

Costs and Profits: An upscale kitchen remodel costs around $160,815 and will bring in a resale value of $86,396 allowing you to regain 53.7% of what was invested.

Garage Door Replacement

A garage door replacement is recommended as it increases functionality while adding to the property’s curb appeal. It requires replacing a 16 x 7’ door with a heavy-duty door that runs on galvanized steel tracks and features windows, thermal insulation and a lifetime guarantee.

The door will cost around $4,132 and bring in a resale value of $3,967 meaning you’ll get 96% of your investment back.

Deck Addition

A deck adds instant appeal to your home. It provides a terrific area for recreation.

Decks can be composite or wood. For one that impresses, include a built-in bench and planter, stairs and a railing.

A composite deck addition costs $24,592 and makes for a resale value of $15,503 allowing you to recoup 63% of expenses. A wood deck will cost $19,935 and yields a resale value of $13,328 which adds up to a 66.9% return.

Fiber Cement Siding or Vinyl Siding

Fiber cement siding is customizable, and it will hold up well to the elements.

In Chicago, you can expect the cost of fiber cement siding on a 1,250 square foot home with a 4/4 or 5/4 thickness to be about $24,321 for a resale value of $15,985. You can recoup 65.7% of cost.

Vinyl siding will update the look of your home and it is a more affordable option as compared to fiber cement. The average cost of vinyl siding on a 1,250 square foot home is $21,564 with resale value of $15,121, for 70.1% recouped cost.

Vinyl Windows

Window replacements will make your home look more attractive, and they can add to its energy efficiency. Vinyl windows are a great choice because they are available in a variety of colors, and they hold up well over time. Look for ones that are Low-E (low emissivity) and double paned for the ultimate in energy savings.

In Chicago, the average cost of vinyl windows is about $21,564 and the resale value about $15,121, recouping 70.1 of the cost. The prices above are based on 10 existing 3×5-foot doublehung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-light vinyl windows with a custom-color exterior finish.

Conclusion

There are many other different renovations and approaches based you could consider on the condition of the home and your goals.  This home renovations cost estimation worksheet from HomeGuide gives you a structured tool to itemize, plan and control your expenses.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/understanding-home-renovation-practical-guide/

Give Your Home Some Dazzle for the Holidays with These Decorating Tips

 

The holidays are coming up quick. You’ll want your home to look its best with design trends that are all the rage for this year’s seasonal décor.  The 2021-2022 holiday season is all about introducing texture, getting nostalgic and utilizing natural and sustainable elements. In this article, I’ll share a few holiday decorating tips for the season so you can create a standout look no matter what type of space you are working with.

Decorating Tips for the 2021 Holiday Season

Every holiday season brings its share of contemporary designs. Here are some decorating tips that will be hot for the 2021 season.

• Best Color Schemes: In recent years, we were incorporating unexpected color schemes in our holiday designs. This year, it’s back to traditional red, white and green. But you can shy away from the obvious by choosing a red tree and decorating with green and white ornaments. Accenting with metallics like silver and gold will enhance the appeal.
• Multiple Trees: Bring nature in with multiple trees in various sizes. Complement a grand tree with two smaller trees placed nearby. Or accent the entire home by placing miniature trees all over including kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Nostalgia: Take friends and family back in time by using old crockery and adding vintage ornaments to your design scheme. This decorating trend started in 2020 and is continuing.
• Sustainability: Sustainability will be at the root of everyone’s seasonal décor. Capitalize on this by incorporating lots of natural greens including wreaths, trees, swags and decorated houseplants. Use recyclable dinnerware and make decorations with pre-loved materials.
• Textured Layers of White: Textured layers of white will imitate snow and bring a cozy feeling into the home. Achieve the look by adding white throws, white area rugs and white pillows to beds and furnishings.

Trendy Decorating Tips for Spacious Open Spaces

Open spaces are trending in home design, and they are great for luxurious, over the top displays. Here are some decorating tips that fit the bill perfectly.

• A Large Tree: A wide open space is perfect for an opulent tree that will fill the room and be visible from everywhere. Go over the top by adding an excess of decorations that will dazzle your guests.
• Decorate the Mantle: A mantle makes a terrific centerpiece for rooms with open floor plans. If you have one in your home, make the most of it by putting decorations on its surface. Stockings should be hung below in accordance with traditional holiday styles. If you have a mirror or painting above the mantle, string it with garlands and/or lights.
• Don’t Forget the Walls: Adding decorations to the walls will disperse a festive spirit throughout the room. Wreaths, lights and other hangings will infuse the home with joy.
• Add Decorations to Surfaces: Make your space look welcoming by adding decorations to surfaces. Candy dishes filled with shiny treats or glam ornaments and vibrant figurines will bring the perfect amount of glitz.

Holiday Decorating Tips for Condos and Lofts

If you live in a smaller space like a condo or loft, you can create an urban chic design without taking up a lot of space. Here are some trendy decorating tips on how it’s done.

• A Small Tree: You may live in a small space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a tree a part of your holiday décor. A smaller tree won’t take up a lot of room. Decorate it with fun, vintage items to give it urban flair.
• Knitted Stockings Over the Mantle: Stockings on the mantle are a holiday tradition and they won’t get infringe on your valuable real estate. Knitted or crocheted stockings provide an understated look that’s perfect for city living.
• Place Cards and Figurines on Bookshelves: If you are dealing with limited space, try placing cards and figurines on bookshelves. They will be in a place where they won’t get knocked over and they will fill your home with the right amount of delightful clutter.
• Hang Lights on Curtains: Twinkling lights will infuse your space with the joy of the season. For a boho chic aesthetic, try hanging them on curtains in a careless vertical fashion.

Timeless Holiday Decorating Ideas

Holiday decorating tips come and go, but here are some timeless looks that will always be in fashion.

• Old World Santa: Santa is a timeless figure that’s an integral part of Christmas. An old-world ornament will work regardless of what current trends may be.
• Wooden Beads: Wooden beads add glamor and glitz without going overboard. They work well with any décor.
• An Icy Pine Wreath: Wreaths are the perfect way to ring in the holiday season. While different elements can be integrated to update the look, an icy pine is always a hit.
• White Lights: White lights have a sparkly aesthetic that is reminiscent of snow. They add cheer no matter what colors are trending for the season.

The right design can make your home into a winter wonderland. These holiday decorating tips will help you achieve the look you are going for. And, if you are showing and selling your home, they will help you please your potential home buyer.

And if you are looking for a new home to start off the New Year, be sure to call me first. I will make the buying and selling process as stress free as possible. I will help you find the perfect space for 2022.

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

How to Keep Your Pest Issues Under Control

 

You want your home to be your haven. You do everything to maintain a lovely aesthetic and keep it clean. But no matter how hard you try it can be difficult to maintain pest control.  Homeowners will want to always keep their homes free from pests, but especially when they are selling the home. Having someone show up to an open house or a showing to find pests crawling in your rooms can be more than embarrassing. It can cost you a sale. Pest control should not only be addressed when the home goes on the market. It should be a regular part of home ownership. It is one part of maintenance you won’t want to put on the back burner. Doing so can result in significant damage to the home, an unhealthy living environment and unpleasant infestations.

What are the Biggest Pest Control Issues in the City?

If you live in the city, you may be dealing with any number of pests. Here are some that are often encountered in urban areas.

• Termites: Termites are small bugs with bulbous bodies. They feed on wood and can do considerable damage to the structure of your home.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches have flat oval shaped bodies and long antennae. They are typically brown or black and are attracted to food and warmth.
• Rats: Rats are large rodents with hairless tails. They are attracted to food and clutter and may carry disease. They can burrow into your home damaging its structure. They can also chew on electrical wire causing a potentially hazardous situation.
• Mice: Mice are smaller than rats and are attracted by food and clutter. Like rats, they carry disease and can do structural damage to the home.
• Bed Bugs: Bed bugs are typically too small to be seen by the human eye, but they leave tell tale bites on the torso that can become itchy and inflamed.

Do Pest Control Issues Vary Depending on the Type of Property You Live In?

Pest control issues vary depending on the type of property you live in. Therefore, there are different pest control for condos and apartments and pest control tips for Chicago single family homes.

For example, a homeowner may have a yard that’s likely to attract mice and insects. Keeping their property well-tended will reduce the chances of having a pest control issue.

People that live in an apartment or condo may encounter pest control issues due to a neighbor’s unsanitary habits. If this occurs, they may try speaking to the neighbor, the landlord or the HOA to get things taken care of while keeping their own homes as clean as possible.

Apartment and condo dwellers may also have the benefit of a landlord or HOA that will take care of their pest control problems for them. Look over your lease to find out what’s included as far as extermination is concerned.

Seasonal Pest Control Tips

Pest control measures may vary depending on the season. Here are some pest control tips that will keep your home free of pests year-round.

• Spring: Pests love to live in old boxes and hide out in cluttered areas. Discourage them from making a nest in your storage spaces by clearing old boxes during spring cleaning.
• Summer: A messy yard makes a terrific home for many types of pests. Keep them out of yours by trimming shrubbery when temperatures rise.
• Fall: During the fall, insects will seek shelter from the cold by crawling into gaps in your doors, windows and crawl spaces. Seal up these areas to keep your home pest free.
• Winter: Insects are attracted to moisture that can accumulate in attics and basements. Reduce humidity by keeping spaces well ventilated and turning up the heat.

A best bet to reduce pest issues is to have routine pest inspections.  It is much more economical and effective to prevent than to react to pest issues.

What’s Included in a Home Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection is a great way to catch infestations in their early stages, before they get out of hand. It is highly recommended as a step to take before a home goes on the market.

A pest inspection involves an expert coming into the home and searching for signs of pests in areas they are likely to gather. They will use their expertise to seek out details like damaged wood and insect droppings

Pest Control Tips for Getting Rid of Issues

If you find pests in your home, there are several pest control tips that will help you handle things efficiently. Here are a few to consider.

• Sprays: Sprays can be used in specific spots to kill pests. You may have to spray repeatedly to keep things under control. Be sure to keep these out f the reach of children or dependents.
• Traps: Traps work to attract pests and capture them. Once captured, deadly chemicals are released to exterminate them.
• Call in a Professional: If your pest control efforts are not successful, you may have to call in a professional. The service will see to it that you don’t have any problems in the future.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/pest-control-tips-keep-your-pest-issues-under-control/

Ideas for Remodeling Your Bathroom and Design Trends in 2021

 

Imagine ideas for remodeling your bathroom that will convert it into a relaxing, re-energizing, spa-like haven, a place to escape from the demands of everyday life.  Not only would this do wonders for your sanity, but it would also boost the value of your home when it’s time to sell.

In this age of COVID, we’re all spending more time in our homes, and we need to make them more comfortable. So, now is the perfect time to upgrade.  Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to start. There are many factors to be considered when updating your bathroom, but the ones that are most likely to bring instant improvement are wall colors, fixtures, lighting and ambiance, tiling and cabinetry. Let’s discuss ideas for remodeling your bathroom that will help you create an in-home oasis and improve the sale value of your home.

Top Bathroom Design Trends

Colors

A simple paint job can work wonders with your bathroom’s appearance. Today’s home décor trends are looking towards the unexpected — relaxing hues like blushing pinks, misty grays, and energetic aquas are great options. A simple eggshell will give you a clean, sleek look. You can complement these with deep jewel tones on the cabinetry or an accent wall to pop in contrast.

Fixtures

The fixtures in your bathroom will wear with age, and if they are not in proper working order, it could eat into your home’s value. When making updates, don’t just think about functionality, think about aesthetics as well.

Consider adding a freestanding tub with a vintage clawfoot design or a stone resin exterior. Showers can be equipped with glass doors, or you can create a steam room layout. Your new commode may feature a bidet, a seat warmer, perhaps an automatic deodorizer. The new-fangled smart toilets can even play music if you like!

Lighting and Ambiance

An update to bathroom lighting can go a long way, especially if you live in a high rise and don’t have natural light.

Make a statement by installing a chandelier in your bathroom ceiling. Add curves with a vintage pendant light or go with something playful like a balloon shaped wall sconce.

Be sure to set the zones of the bathroom — shower, vanity, commode — on different switches with dimmers so that you can control the brightness for those wake-up visits first thing in the morning.

Tiling Ideas for Remodeling Your Bathroom

The tiles and grout tie everything in your bathroom together and as such, they are very important pieces of the puzzle. Color, size, and material are the three features to focus on.

When you decide to update, integrate trending designs. Terracotta, geometrics, cultural prints and Art Deco are all ruling the home décor scene in 2021. Finish the look with a colored grout that complements the tiling perfectly.

Cabinetry and Storage Spaces

Today’s trends are calling for cabinets made of unique materials like mesh and marble. Alternately, wood is always a classic. Color contrasts will make the room more aesthetically pleasing.

New cabinets can make your bathroom more attractive in multiple ways, not only in their appearance but in their ability to hide clutter.

A less cluttered bathroom will look more appealing, so make sure your cabinetry has enough interior space to contain everything. An oversized door rack with multiple towel hooks, an old-school medicine cabinet, or a shoe bag organizer on the back of the door are also terrific for creating a neat aesthetic.  These may not be permanent fixtures, but they will make your bathroom look more spacious and attractive to sellers and they will inspire them in their design choices.

Smart Gadgets

Smart gadgets provide a spa like environment in the bathroom. Consider installing mirrors that can be adjusted to the perfect color temperature via a remote or voice control.

A connected shower controller will get your water to the perfect temperature without the wait. You can even add fun to your ventilation system by getting a fan that changes color and includes a Bluetooth speaker.

Remodeling Your Bathroom Adds Value to Your Home Sales

Bathroom remodeling is a great way to update your home, and it will add value when it’s time to sell. When you are ready to sell your home, as your realtor, I can provide you with specific ideas for remodeling your bathroom that will get you the most value for your money.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/remodeling-your-bathroom-top-design-trends-2021/

3 Key Considerations When Buying a Home in Chicago

Chicago is a world class city with plenty to offer prospective home buyers – a vast, beautiful lake front, the stunning architecture of downtown, museums, theaters, restaurants, sports venues, and an eclectic array of historic neighborhoods. With so many choices, buying a home in Chicago can seem like a daunting undertaking, which is why you will want to be equipped with good information up front. Let’s review three critical considerations when buying a home in Chicago: How much you can afford, the type of home you’re looking for, and the neighborhood in which you want to live.

How Much Home Can You Afford?

When buying a new home, you will need to determine how much can you afford to pay, both initial down payment and monthly mortgage payment. Be sure to also budget for things like homeowner’s insurance, real estate taxes, and Home Owners Association (HOA), fees and assessments. Affordable monthly payments all included is very important.

Unless you’re paying cash for the entire purchase price, you’ll need to secure a mortgage loan from a bank. The good news in 2021 is that interest rates are at all-time lows, but you don’t want to wait too long to start looking as that can change.

There are many types of loans to consider:  15-year vs. 30-year, fixed rate vs. variable rate, interest only loans, VA loans, if applicable, and many others. Be sure to discuss all of your loan options with your mortgage lender.

For more details about my proprietary 3-step home buying process and associated tools, visit, by Chicago Home Buying guide.

What Do You Want in a Home?

There are many different types of homes available in Chicago, here we’ll focus on three broad categories: single family, townhome, and condominium. Let’s take a quick look at why each type might appeal to you:

Single-Family Home:

Do your needs include plenty of space, both inside and outside – multiple levels, bedrooms, bathrooms, a patio or deck, a small yard, perhaps space for a garden, and of course your own garage?  If this sounds like the type of home you’re looking for, then you want a single-family home.

Condo:

If one level living and less exterior upkeep appeal to you, a condominium might be more amenable to you. You’ll enjoy the convenience of building amenities like pools, gym, rec rooms and common areas for entertaining, and of course the tight-knit community of neighbors. You can find low, mid, and high-rise condominiums throughout the city, so your choice of neighborhoods is vast (more on that in the next section).

Townhome:

If both of those options appeal to you but neither quite hits the sweet spot, a townhome might be the perfect combination of both. Townhome living gives you the best of both worlds, with more space and privacy than a condominium, while still feeling like you’re part of a community complex.

Once you decide the type of home you want, the next decision to make is where in the city to find it.

Start by making a list of your needs and the amenities you would like to have in your dream home and prioritize the attributes for easy reference. The prioritized list will come in handy when you are in the middle of reviewing options.

Location, Location, Location

In Chicago, the options are plentiful with at least 77 distinct neighborhoods to choose the right neighborhood “for you”.  Just like with home style, it’s important to choose the right neighborhood in which to live.

All buyers benefit when buying in a great neighborhood with good schools. Also, consider if greenspace and parks are important or do you prefer landscape a landscape of high rises?

If you lead an active lifestyle, or have a dog that needs daily exercise, the Chicago lakefront offers miles of walking, running, and biking paths and is dotted with a diverse array of neighborhoods, including the upper scale and historic Hyde Park, Museum Park, the Prairie District, Lincoln Park and Lakeview to name a few.

Some buyers might prefer more urban, vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Old Town, Logan Square, or Ukrainian Village, where there’s never a shortage of things to do.

And of course, if you want to be in the heart of it all, you can’t beat the architectural majesty of downtown Chicago, boasting world class skyscrapers, stunning parks, and an array of arts and entertainment options.

A final thing to consider regarding location is your transportation requirement.  If you don’t own a car, for instance, you’ll want to have plenty of nearby CTA options, and convenient access to grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.  If you do own a car, you’ll want a garage or parking space in your building to protect it from those Chicago winters.

I created a detailed section on my website to give you for a more comprehensive look at Chicago’s neighborhoods, visit that section for consolidated information about the major communities in Chicago. You may also use this ‘Search Chicago Neighborhood’ tool or ‘Search Chicago by Zip code’ to get the lay of the land and identify areas or zip codes of interest and available inventory.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/considerations-when-buying-a-home-in-chicago/

How to Get the Most Out of Your Chicago Home Sale

 

Parts of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are experiencing record sales since the start of the pandemic. The overall real estate market in Chicagoland is strong. When putting your home on the market, you’ll want to do everything possible to make it attractive to buyers so you can get a good price and sell quickly. This will require a combination of making needed repairs, pricing it correctly, decluttering, and staging so it looks terrific for showings.

Getting a home in ‘ready to sell’ condition is one of the most important steps to selling your home. No matter what market, there are key elements that should be addressed to position your home for success. These include:

• Price
• Condition
• Staging

How Should you Price your Chicago Home?

The first step in the selling process is figuring out how to price your home. Price it too high and you won’t get any bites. Price it too low and people will think something is wrong with the home and become suspicious.

Supply and demand always come into play. If there is a short supply of homes, then you are in a seller’s market. If there are many homes for sale, then you are in a buyer’s market. In either market you want your home positioned for sale.

Your realtor will help you by looking at similar homes that have sold in your neighborhood recently and help you find a fair price. For instance, if a 3 bedroom down the block, or in the same condo association with similar amenities, sold for $500,000, that may be a reasonable starting price for your home.

There are a few emerging factors that may affect price. Consider home trends in your market. For example, home offices are becoming highly desirable. If you have one in your home, you may be able to get a higher price than a neighbor’s that does not have a home office.

In general, pricing your home correctly is one of the most important decisions you make as you position your home for a successful sale.

Why Condition Is Important When You Sell Your Home

Before putting your home on the market, you will want to get it into the best condition possible. Buyers will be looking for signs of damage because they know they can use that as leverage to get better pricing. It is important to regularly perform proper maintenance and keep the home up to date.

Has routine maintenance left your home in good condition for the market. If not, you need to address those issues. The elements of the home to be maintained and kept up to date include the roof, windows, mechanicals (water heater, HVAC, etc.), lighting, and plumbing.  Also, little things that you were able to tolerate, e.g., a door that squeaks, a window that sticks, or a toilet that doesn’t stop running until you jiggle the handle can affect the buyers. Be sure to check these anomalies and get them fixed.

Assuming the fundamentals are in good shape, there are typical small repairs you can make yourself to enhance the home. Here are some examples.

• Painting: A fresh coat of paint will make a big difference when it comes to livening up your interiors and exteriors.
• Grouting: Grouting tiles will make kitchen and bathroom(s) look nice and bright.
• Flooring: You may even consider replacing worn out flooring.

Why Staging Is Necessary and What Does It Involve

Staging is the final step in getting your home prepared for a sale. It involves taking small steps to make your home look more attractive and more ‘livable’. Staging does not mean you need to spend money. You can do a lot on your own. Here are some staging strategies that will do the trick.

• Decluttering and Cleaning: Start by decluttering. There is no cost in decluttering. You may be amazed to find out how far decluttering and cleaning can go in making your home look brighter and more spacious and attractive to buyers. Please refer to one of my previous articles for simple tips to declutter your home.
• Use Neutral Colors and Depersonalize: You may love those hot pink walls, but not everyone will. It’s best to make your home into a clean palette that buyers can decorate in the way they choose. Substitute bright colors with neutrals and get rid of any furnishings and décor that show too much of your own personality.
• Rearrange Furniture: Rearrange furniture to make bright airy, living spaces. This can also help in making your home look more spacious.
• Landscaping: You can do some landscaping to make the yard look nicer and give the home the curb appeal.

You may want to review another one of my blogs where I offer a detailed staging checklist.  Finally, you should also talk with your realtor about your staging strategy and determine if professional staging or virtual staging may be required to position your home for success.  In general, realtors know that a home that has been professionally staged and properly photographed will stand out from the competition and result in better offers.

Work With the Best, Rely on Terri Buseman to Help You Sell Your Chicago Home

Selling your Chicago home can be challenging. As your realtor, I will make the process as pleasant as possible. I will market your home, help you find interested home buyers, and provide useful tips to get your home ready to sell. I will also be involved in the negotiations process to help you get the best sale price. Get in touch if you are looking for a Chicago real estate specialist and confidant for your next home move.

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

6 of the Best Breweries in Chicago: A Guide for Craft Beer Lovers

 

Chicago is a great place to enjoy some of the best craft beers in the US. There are plenty of reasons why this city is one of America’s premier destinations for beer lovers, but here are just a few: Chicago has more microbreweries per capita than any other major city in the world; it bears a rich tradition in the industry dating all the way back to Prohibition; and there are currently over 120 breweries throughout the Chicagoland area. In this blog post, we will take you on a tour through six of Chicago’s most popular breweries.

Spiteful Brewing Company

Located in Bowmanville (North Side), this brewery is a stone’s throw away from Chicago’s famous Oakwood Beach and features a wide range of beers at any given time. They are known for their nitro coffee milk stout that has been voted best of its style by RateBeer three years running. Some other favorites include Angeleno IPA (their flagship), Blueberry Blonde Ale, Fisticuffs Red Sour Ale, Skully Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Coconut & Cherries, and Stone Fruit Sour – which is made using peaches grown in nearby Michigan. The average price for a pint hovers around $7, but there are plenty of options above and below. They also offer happy hour specials.

Begyle Brewing Co.

This kid and dog-friendly brewery is located in the Ravenswood neighborhood, on historic “Malt Row”. They have an impressive menu, but they are known best for their rotating varieties of IPAs (they have a new one every month). Some other favorites include Wild Card West Coast IPA, Kinda Dank Double India Pale Ale with Citra Hops, Mosaic Hero Triple IPA with Amarillo & Simcoe hops. Prices are mostly reasonable, and they also offer happy hour specials that get you up to 50% off your drinks on select nights.

Dovetail Brewery

This brewery is also located on “Malt Row”, in Ravenswood, and offers a dog-friendly patio and beer garden that’s perfect for a pit stop on an evening stroll with your pet. They focus on brewing traditional German, Czech, and Belgian style ale, including Dark Day Double Oatmeal Stout with Coconut & Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans, and their house special, Dovetail Pale Ale brewed with Centennial hops. If you have a chance, try their homemade German pretzels—a perfect compliment to a tasty tankard.

Burnt City Brewing Company

This brewery is located at 417 North Ashland, in West Town and boasts an 8-lane bowling alley of its very own. Popular pints include Red Line Ale, an easy drinking amber ale with a taste of biscuit; Pressure Drop APA that’s perfect for summertime outdoor activities; Sticky Fingers – their flagship IPA made with Citra & Mosaic hops; and Stonefly Rye India Pale Lager brewed like old world German lagers but using new world American ingredients. Ten fresh, rotating drafts are available on tap at any given time. They are also the first combination brewery/shop/beer hall in the US, a point of pride for regular patrons and aficionados.

Solemn Oath Brewery

Originally located in the Naperville suburb, this brewery recently opened a new location in Logan Square. Dive décor and wood paneling a north woods Wisconsin vibe. Their taproom features 20 different beers including some very unique barrel aged options like Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Brown Sour or Imperial Stout. They also are known for beers like Sanguine Blood Orange IPA and Behemoth Barleywine Ale, aged in Kentucky Bourbon barrels. This ultra-casual destination is already making waves, so give it a try if you’re in the area.

Maplewood Brewery and Distillery

Also situated in Logan Square, this brewery specializes in canned beer, which works well with the warehouse-like ambience of their tasting room. With flagship, limited, and seasonal batches available, popular brews include Batch 1000 Imperial Stout with Michigan maple syrup and Honey & Grapefruit Saison made with Illinois honey. Maplewood Brewery is also known for specialty beers like Mango Lager, a fruity blonde lager with hints of mango, and Western Waters IPA that’s brewed with Simcoe, Chinook & Centennial hops.

Terri Buseman, Your Guide to All Things Chicago

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Enjoy these wonderful breweries in our great city!

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/best-breweries-in-chicago-a-guide-for-craft-beer-lovers/