Posts from August 2024
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Homebuying 101: Making an Offer
So you've gotten preapproved for a loan, found a great place and are ready to make an offer — now what? Making an offer is one of the most critical steps in the process of buying a home. A knowledgeable real estate agent is your greatest asset in navigating the offer — they can provide invaluable insights into local market conditions, help you draft a competitive offer and negotiate on your behalf.
In this installment of Homebuying 101, we'll break down all the steps of the offer process, from what happens when your offer is accepted to everything else that happens in between making your offer and closing on your new home.
The Offer
Determine Your Price
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7 Affordable Countries Where Americans Can Easily Buy Real Estate
Housing costs remain high and a politically fraught election is on the horizon, prompting many Americans to consider a move overseas.
Inquiries about relocating abroad spiked massively after the first debate between President Joe Biden and Republican nominee Donald Trump, according to immigration attorney Jean-Francois Harvey of Harvey Law Group.
"People say they want a Plan B. They are worried about political instability," says Ha...
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Are You Melting Outside? 5 Ways To Create a Shaded Backyard Oasis This Summer
It's summertime, which for most of the country means one thing: We're all trying to spend as much time as possible outdoors without melting in the heat.
But if the hotter temps have you hiding inside rather than taking full advantage of your backyard space this season, we might have a solution: Get a pergola.
This affordable, easy-to-assemble structure comes in a variety of styles and sizes, making it virtually impossible not to find one you love.
The best thing about these breezy outdoor rooms? They can be fully customized and decorated to fit your exact criteria. Need a covered outdoor dining room for entertaining? Check. Looking for a laid-back lounge space that's protected from the sun? You've come to the right place.
Here are five pergola designs from Instagram that will have you running to the nearest outdoor home and garden to build your own.
1. Outdoor kitchen
One of the most common ways we see people styling their backyard pergolas this season is as a cozy and convenient summer kitchen, like this look from @mynorthernabode.
"I love how the pergola establishes another home away from home outside in this adorably fashioned little getaway," says designer Megan Nelson, of @nestwiththenelsons. "This pergola perfectly frames this outdoor kitchen while offering some sun coverage."
Get the look: Cook outside in comfort and style by following this DIY guide to create your very own outdoor kitchen.
2. Dining room
For those lucky enough to have a kitchen not far from the backdoor, you might be more inclined to use your pergola as a romantic al fresco dining space, like this design from @ashleytstark.
"Bringing the dining room outdoors under a pergola is a trend that's really taking off," says Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer of Decorilla. "I'm a huge fan of how the pergola here creates a natural and airy ceiling, blending seamlessly with the greenery and creating a sense of privacy and tranquility."
Get the look: Decorate your pergola in hanging vines, then add a large rustic table like this one from West Elm to complete the look.
3. Laid-back lounge
While having a dedicated—and protected—outdoor dining or kitchen space is nice, there's no hard and fast rule that your pergola has to house anything so complicated. Sometimes, just creating a simple lounge space like this from @stylefitfatty is all that's really needed to make your pergola feel like a space you want to inhabit.
"This is a perfect space for homeowners who want to extend their living space and create a laid-back backyard retreat for relaxation and entertaining," says Tatsioni. "I'm a big fan of choosing a mix of seating options and adding other unexpected elements like this hanging chair."
Get the look: Make your backyard the ultimate hang spot by adding one of these chair hammocks to your pergola design.
4. Poolside bar
Speaking of places people want to be this summer, there's nothing quite like having a dedicated poolside lounge, especially if it comes equipped with a full bar like this look from @waytogobuilders.
"Living in luxury is the name of the game here," says Nelson. "I love this pretty pergola painted in white, which really elevates the space while still defining the comfortable, more modern, sleek lines of this luxury poolside escape."
Get the look: Paint your pergola white and follow this DIY guide to build the perfect outdoor bar.
5. Covered deck
If your house didn't come with the covered patio of your dreams, then why not just build one? This chic pergola from @donice.designs offers a covered gathering space that's cozy and ideal for the porchside.
"The pergola here creates a sense of intimacy that will completely transform the outdoor experience," says Tatsioni. "Mixing lighting elements, like string lights and lanterns, will create a magical ambiance that can help us extend the usability of the space into the evening."
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/are-you-melting-outside-5-ways-to-create-a-shaded-backyard-oasis-this-summer/
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Want To Feel Joy, Peace, or Love? Here Are the Mood-Enhancing Paint Colors for Every Room in Your House
We all get in a mood sometimes. And sometimes what causes us to feel "grrr" or "ahhh" can partly depend on what color of the rainbow we happen to be looking at.
The color on the walls in your home that you're surrounded by for hours on end probably have more of an effect on how you feel than you might think. So you're going to want to put some serious thought into the color you paint them and the emotions you want to evoke.
To help, here's a deep dive into the science and psychology of color, with insights from design experts on the ideal colors for your entire home, room by room.
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Summer Fun Runs: Upcoming 5Ks
This glorious summer weather is a great excuse to get outside and get active in Chicagoland. Luckily, there are some great summer fun runs coming up that offer opportunities to do just that. So lace up your running shoes, and join our real estate agents at these upcoming races, walks, and runs in Chicagoland.
- St. Monica Summerfest 5K Run/Walk - 7100 W Carmen Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
St. Monica Summerfest returns on August 24 this year, and it brings a chance to participate in the annual Summerfest & 5K Run/Walk. Kicking off at 10 a.m., the 5K starts at...
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