When it comes to buying and selling a home, the final months of the year present some unique advantages in the marketplace (think less competition and motivated buyers).

If you’re selling your home this fall, here are a few tips to make the most of the season.

Fall is officially here, and fortunately there’s no shortage of fun activities to make the most of the season. Whether you’re in the mood for antiquing, sipping warm apple cider, picking pumpkins or watching football, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace all things autumn in the Chicagoland area.

Located just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, Oak Park is filled with a rich creative history. Not only is the distinct community known for creatives like Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright, Oak Park is truly a classic with a twist. From town functions to lush open spaces, it’s clear to see why so many call this vibrant community home. We’re sharing 10 reasons why we love this town.

There are many ways to spruce up your home as you transition from summer to autumn. And with countless trends and festive decorating ideas, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to begin to get your home into the spirit of the season. One tip is to approach fall décor one room at a time, starting with a place you and your guests gather most, such as the main living area.

With its tree-lined streets, small-town charm and easy access to Chicago’s hustle and bustle, Park Ridge has long been one of Chicagoland’s most desirable communities. Stephanie Szigetvari, Vice President of Brokerage Services for @properties in Park Ridge, touts housing diversity as another reason that home buyers should consider the northwestern suburb.

You only get one chance to make a first impression – and that’s especially true when your home hits the market. If you’re thinking about listing your property, here are a few tips to ensure it’s in optimal showing condition.

Summer may be winding down, but there is still time to sneak in a few outdoor gatherings before the temperature drops. We’ve talked about maximizing small outdoor spaces and important patio prep tips, and now we’re sharing an assortment of décor pieces and accessories that will help elevate your outdoor entertaining space for a Labor Day barbecue or end-of-summer bash. Whether you are looking to completely deck out your space or just add a few pieces, here are some of our favorite items:

There are pro’s and con’s to everything, even your home’s exterior. With a variety of options, we’ve honed in on the most popular exteriors to share the pro’s and con’s of each. Whether you’re interested in brick, stucco, wood, vinyl or stone, get the scoop below.

Just about everyone expected mortgage interest rates to rise in 2019. But after reaching 5% last November, the average 30-year mortgage rate is back in the 3% range, the lowest it has been in over 2 years.

This latest development is welcome news not only to homeowners who are looking to refinance, but also to prospective buyers and sellers. Here’s why:

Summertime is arguably Chicago’s best season, complete with neighborhood festivals, sunny skies and an extreme desire for cool, tasty treats. To help you beat the heat, we’ve put together a list of some of Chicago’s essential ice cream shops. In no particular order, here are 10 of the city’s most revered favorites: