5 Home Tech Gadgets for Your New Chicago Condo

Are you a tech-oriented person who is going to be moving into a Chicago condo soon? If so, youll undoubtedly want to outfit your new home with the latest household tech gadgets. Following are five of the best.

Wireless Door Locks

Youll never have to worry about losing your keys again if you have a wireless door lock installed. Ask your Chicago realtor to recommend a good keyless access service.

Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Increase your quality of life by Outsourcing tedious vacuuming and sweeping chores to a robot. You can even program these to work their magic during times when you arent at home.

Wireless LED Light Bulbs

These provide you with the opportunity to control your household lighting from your tablet or smartphone. They also work remotely, so you can turn lights off and on while youre at work or on vacation.

Wireless Speakers

These work in tandem with your smartphone and music apps to fill your home with music with the simple tap of a screen.

Smart Alarms

Wifi-enabled home alarm systems will keep you, your family, and your personal possessions safer than ever before.

For more information on Chicago real estate, contact us today at your convenience.

7 Tips to Minimize Home Buyer Stress

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you can make. Though it should be an exciting and enjoyable experience, the process can sometimes be overwhelming, especially with the number of options you have when looking for a Chicago condo or house.

Here are some tips to help minimize stress when buying your first home:

1. Define what you’re looking for.

Before you start your search, decide what is most important to you in buying a home.

2. Find and work with an experienced Chicago realtor.

You can only do so much research yourself. Find an experienced realtor to help you find Chicago real estate.

3. Research your financing options.

Before you begin looking at homes, have a good understanding of your personal finance and know your options for financing your new home.

4. Realize that you can make improvements.

Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” home. You can and will make some adjustments and upgrades along the way.

5. Try not to fall in love with the first neighborhood you visit.

There are a lot of great neighborhoods in Chicago, but how can you know if it’s the right one until you have others to compare it to?

6. Take notes and photos when looking at properties.

This makes it easier to decide which homes work best for you after you’ve had the chance to walk through a few.

7. Re-visit your top picks before purchasing.

Take another look at the homes that you liked best before making the final decision.

Are you a first time home buyer looking for a Chicago condo or house? Let us help you make the most of your first home buying experience. To find out more, contact us today.

Trends to Expect for Chicago Condos in 2015

 “Time is running out for existing inventory. The current sales pace and number of waldorf-astoria-chicagoexisting unsold Chicago condos suggest there is less than one year of inventory remaining in the market,” says David Wolf, president of Related Realty.

With the for sale inventory dwindling for Chicago condos, experts urge buyers to act sooner than later.  The low inventory directly influences the cost of apartment rentals by forcing would-be homeowners into renting purely out of necessity which will keep rents sky high for 2015. However, the outlook is bright for Chicago condos in the near future, which are expected to make a comeback in the next couple of years with many new developments set to deliver in 2017.

What are three things the Chicago market can expect for 2015?

  1. Low Interest Rates
  2. Increased Incomes
  3. Current Lack of Supply

Although the market can be a volatile one, 2015 is sure to be a great year for potential Chicago condo owners, if one acts quickly!  Heed the advice of the experts and take advantage of low interest rates before inventory dwindles any further.

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Find your Personal Spaces in the Windy City

Chicago has a public face and a skyline that are famous worldwide; but living in Chicago means you can search out the private spaces and more personal delights; you can even order a thin crust pizza at local eateries all around the town!

You wont escape the skyline or the architecture, just as water influences a lot of the life in this world-class city, the third largest in the country. But life in Chicago is not all high rise buildings and Lakeshore Drive. As you search for Chicago real estate, keep an eye out for elusive attractions they exist in abundance in the Windy City.

The hidden Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, for instance, hides behind a stand of 15-foot trees to provide an oasis of calm tucked into a pocket space at the renowned public art park. So, go ahead and take a picture of the bent skyline reflected in the Bean, and then enjoy thriving perennials and natural grasses that will give you a new perspective on life.

Redefine shopping by heading for Randolph Street Market rather than the Magic Mile. You can order brand name merchandise on line, but at the market you will actually meet, talk with vendors and bargain for local treasures. What could be more fun?

Admire the immense Tiffany stained-glass dome at the Cultural Center and take advantage of free or inexpensive performances and always-changing exhibits.

Condos for sale in Chicago run the gamut of styles, sizes and price points: Luxury is yours if thats what you prefer. Find a modern loft in a historic building if that better fits your needs. Or opt for views, convenience or traditional charm if those are your top priorities. Your Chicago realtor will be able to steer you to the neighborhoods, the amenities and the ambience that will fulfill your dreams.

Then, set out to explore your city. Drink in the views from the top of the Hancock or Sears Tower; see the skyline from a different vantage point as you learn the citys history on a river cruise, and by all means watch the fireworks over Lake Michigan from Navy Pier. Then leave the big names to the 47 million tourists who visit Chicago each year, and find your own favorite spaces and places. There are plenty of them to discover.

We can point you in the right direction to find your Chicago home as well as your local hangouts. Contact us today.

Guide to Chicago’s Must-see Architecture

Chicago is home to prominent buildings with unique architecture, among many other attractions. “Chicago School” architecture, also known as the Commercial Style, was used in tall, steel-frame buildings at the beginning of the 20th century. The 1940s saw the evolution of a Second Chicago School that brought new systems and technologies like the “tube-frame structure” to the city’s skyscrapers.

Despite the famous style names, Chicago’s buildings display a wide range of techniques and styles. When you’re shopping for condos for sale in Chicago, be sure to check out these must-see architectural attractions.

Willis Tower

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the iconic building was the world’s tallest at construction in 1973 and remains the tallest in North America.

Marquette Building

Built in 1895, the Marquette Building features signature “Chicago windows” consisting of large glass panes with narrow sashes to each side.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home

Home to the acclaimed architect for 20 years, the Frank Lloyd Wright house was built in 1889 for $5,000 and launched Wright’s career.

Old Colony Building

The distinctive Old Colony Building was considered a forebear of modern skyscraper design and used glass extensively.

How to learn more

The Chicago Architecture Foundation provides educational programs, including the current online exhibition “Skyline Stories.” Your Chicago Realtor also can point you to additional must-see architecture in the city.

To find out more about Chicago real estate, contact us today.