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.

There’s no time like the present to plan ahead. If you’re even thinking about selling your home early next year, there are a number of things you can (and should!) do now to prepare.

Here are a few tips to get your home market-ready before colder temps set in.

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:

Whether it’s a new career or the opportunity to move closer to loved ones, there are a number of reasons for relocating. But a long-distance home search can present more challenges than a local one, especially if you’re unfamiliar with your destination city.

If you’re planning to relocate, it’s essential to be prepared for your home-finding visit. Here’s what you need to do beforehand:

Before summer slowly drifts away and we shift our focus to pumpkins and chunky sweaters, let’s make the most of our beloved summer. Take advantage of the remaining sunny days with our end of summer Chicago bucket list.

Through the first six months of 2019, Chicagoland home sales are tracking below 2018 levels, with volume down 6.5% year over year. One factor behind the mid-year slowdown, according to @properties co-founder Thad Wong, is the so-called SALT cap, which put new limits on state and local tax deductions starting in 2018.