Naperville & Chicago Suburbs Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts by tag - Naperville Homeshttps://www.ryanhillgroup.com/blog/Copyright RyanHillGroup.com2023-07-31T07:44:45-07:00tag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:6547The Complete Guide to Stress-Free Downsizing in Naperville and the Chicago Suburbs<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/The_Complete_Guide_to_Stress-Free_Downsizing_in_Naperville_and_the_Chicago_Suburbs.jpg" alt="A senior couple smiles as they admire their new, smaller suburban home after downsizing in Naperville." title="A senior couple" style="font-size: 17px;" width="2240" height="1260" />
Why Downsize in Today’s Market?
Downsizing offers many valuable perks like less home maintenance, financial gains, and more flexibility.
Here are some of the top reasons now is an ideal time to downsize in Naperville, the western Chicago suburbs and beyond:
Maximize home equity
Home values in our area have increased substantially in recent years. - By downsizing now, you can leverage your home equity and sell at today's high prices.
Low inventory levels
Houses are selling incredibly fast thanks to low real estate inventory. - Statistics show a smaller home will be easier to find than a larger one in the current market.
Reduce household expenses
Downsizing to a condo or 55+ community means significantly less time and money spent on repairs, utility bills, property taxes and other housing upkeep costs.
Enjoy retirement
With retirement on the horizon or already underway, downsizing allows you to access home equity and reduce expenses so you can fully fund your ideal retired lifestyle.
Be closer to family
Many downsizers opt to move closer to children and grandchildren. - Downsizing makes relocating nearer to loved ones much more feasible.
Less is More
With a smaller home, you will deal with less maintenance, cleaning and costs. You will be able to travel and enjoy your time.
Live an active lifestyle
Many condos and 55+ communities have great amenities like pools, fitness centers, tennis courts and social activities. - Downsizing can help you live a healthy, engaged lifestyle well into retirement.
Preparing Your Current Home for a Swift, Profitable Sale
To sell your home quickly and for top dollar, some preparation is often needed to get it looking its absolute best:
Declutter extensively
Be ruthless in paring down possessions. - Have a garage sale, donate items, sell valuables and pack up rarely used decor. A decluttered home shows much better.
Make repairs
Fix leaky faucets, touch up paint, replace torn screens, update light fixtures. - Make your home look freshly updated and loved.
Deep clean throughout
Clean windows, carpets, walls and surfaces until your home is spotless. - A clean house makes a great impression.
Professionally stage
Consider hiring a professional stager to arrange and style furniture to highlight your home’s best selling features and appeal to buyers.
Curb appeal matters
Prune bushes, mow and edge the lawn, plant flowers, add decorative mulch, and power wash the driveway to make a stellar first impression.
I am here to provide you with the resources you need to make the whole process easier and as stress-free as possible!
Ideal Areas to Downsize to in the Chicago Suburbs
Naperville and the western Chicago suburbs offer many options for desirable, low-maintenance downsized living. Here are some of the most popular areas local downsizers choose:
Downtown Naperville
Stylish condos, townhomes and apartments situated near the beautiful riverwalk, myriad shops, restaurants and entertainment of downtown Naperville.
Naperville Route 59 corridor
Numerous 55+ neighborhoods line Route 59 including Ashwood Reserve, Astoria Place, Country Lakes and more, providing quick highway access.
Montclare
A northwest Chicago neighborhood near O’Hare offering affordable senior apartments and condo complexes perfect for downsizing.
Bolingbrook
Trade a large yard for community pools, clubhouses and amenities at one of Bolingbrook’s many 55+ villages.
Wheaton
The charming, historic downtown of Wheaton with access to Metra commuter rail is a sought after landing spot for local downsizers.
North Aurora
Active adult communities offering villa homes and condos clustered around pristine lakes and ponds in serene North Aurora.
How an Experienced Agent Can Help Every Step of the Way
As an experienced real estate agent who has assisted hundreds of downsizers in Naperville and surrounding areas, I'm here to guide and support you every step of the way:
Price and market your home
Price and market your current home for maximum sale value in your preferred timeframe. My customized marketing plan gets homes sold swiftly and for top dollar.
Find the perfect home
Conduct an extensive search to discover just the right downsized home to perfectly fit your lifestyle needs, preferences and budget. I will provide and review all options.
Handle details smoothly
Handle negotiations, contracts, inspections, appraisals and closing details to make the entire process smooth and hassle-free for you.
Offer staging advice
Offer professional decluttering and staging advice to make packing and prepping your home easier.
Assist with relocation
Assist with all relocation needs including moving, changing utilities, and anything else that comes up before, during or after your move.
Reach Out for Guidance
If you’re considering downsizing in Naperville, the western Chicago suburbs or anywhere in the Chicagoland area, I’m here to help! Reach out today by calling me, Teresa Ryan, at 630-276-7575 or emailing <a href="mailto:clientservices@ryanhillgroup.com" target="_blank">ClientServices@RyanHillGroup.com</a> to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at your home or my office at 1288 Rickert Dr, Ste 300, Naperville.
<br />Let’s start mapping out your downsizing plans and making your next chapter the most fulfilling one yet. As a downsizing specialist, I’m committed to ensuring your downsize is stress-free so you can embrace the simpler lifestyle you desire.
Selling a home? Here’s a free <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Home Selling Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$homesellingguide" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">Home Selling Guide</a> with all the information, tips, and tools you will need to successfully sell your home in Chicago’s Western Suburbs.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" alt="Real estate photo" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" width="800" height="418" /></a>
2023-07-14T08:30:00-07:002023-07-27T08:44:40-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:6301Finding the Right Home Insurance Agency and Agent<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Home_Insurance_policy-by_teresa_ryan1.jpg" width="1280" height="934" />
Do you know what to look for in a home insurance agency?
Since policies can vary, so can the companies that cover you. It pays to shop around for quotes, but also to ask the right questions and feel comfortable with who is serving you so that you can feel more confident in the choices you make.
Here are some handy questions to ask when looking for a home insurance company:
Will my premium be affected by my credit history?
Will claims affect my premium upon renewal of the policy and will it cost me more overall?
Is there a claims history on the home I’m looking to insure?
How much personal property coverage should I have?
How much liability coverage should I have?
What will be covered and not covered under the policy? What are the limits on coverage?
What types of water damage are not covered under the policy? Is mold damage a covered peril?
Do I need flood or earthquake coverage? Can you help determine how much my home is at risk?
When reviewing companies, don’t forget to also check out consumer ratings, reviews, and complaints, including those from the <a href="http://www.moodys.com" target="_blank">Moody’s</a>, and <a href="http://www.standardandpoors.com" target="_blank">Standard and Poor’s</a>. Referrals from your friends and family are helpful but aren’t the end-all to choosing an agent. Ideally, you want a knowledgeable professional as your agent, to serve you whether or not someone you know is also using that person or the company he or she represents.
There are three types of agents you might have. These include exclusive agents who only sell products for one insurance company, direct market sales agents who can work with you via phone, mail or internet, and independent agents who represent more than one company, which can be useful in obtaining multiple quotes.
Don’t only research prospective companies, but also the agent(s) you are considering, and review their credentials. Are they who they say they claim to be? Unfortunately, not everyone is reputable. Be proactive and know exactly what you are getting into, so you have everything to do with your policy and future claims in competent hands and don’t get cheated out of your money or left unattended to in your time of need.
Let your agent help you do the math
All home insurance policies have different limits of coverage, and any loss you suffer, even if it is a peril covered under your policy, comes with limits in the amount you will be reimbursed. When you first establish your home insurance policy, let your agent help you in determining the appropriate amount of insurance coverage and limits for your dwelling based on the home’s worth and other structures on the property, what personal property you own, and how much you would want for medical payments in your personal liability coverage.
As with other types of insurance policies, home insurance has a deductible insurers must meet before a claim will be covered. The deductible is the amount you are responsible to pay for when a loss occurs, and once that amount is reached, the insurance company will cover the rest up to the agreed upon limit. <br /> <br />During the underwriting process, your premium will also be established. This is the cost of your policy, payable on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. In addition to the amount of coverage you choose, there are other factors that determine the premium’s rate, such as:
If your home has a wood stove or wood furnace
Pet ownership
If your home is made from brick or wood
If you have outdoor amenities that are considered high-risk – playgrounds, trampoline, or a pool
Costs associated with rebuilding your home
The distance from your home to the nearest fire department and water source
How old your home is and its current condition
The history of claims for your home and others in the neighborhood, as well as the neighborhood’s overall condition
The roof’s condition and when last replaced or repaired
The age of your home
Foundation type
Whether the home has any type of security system
Age and type of heating and cooling system
Square footage and number of bathrooms and bedrooms
Garage
While you can receive a quick quote on what premium you can expect to pay and compare that with rates with other insurance companies, it is more helpful to determine your coverages and limits for your policy, first, based on actual costs vs. replacement costs. Do you know the difference?
Actual cash value, also known as ACV, reimburses your loss or damage to your possessions less their depreciation value, or the rate at which they age as well as how they age. Because the actual costs tend to be lower than current market value, premiums can also be lower.
Replacement cost value, also known as RCV, replaces lost or damaged possessions with those of similar ones based on what current market values are, which tends to make premiums higher.
If at any time during the process of setting up your policy you are unsure about something, ask questions to gain a full understanding, so that you know what to expect in the event you suffer a loss!
If you need assistance in selling your home in Naperville or the Chicago suburbs, please do not hesitate to call top Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan, at 630-276-7575-for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Selling a home? Here’s a free <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Home Selling Guide - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$homesellingguide">Home Selling Guide</a> with all the information, tips, and tools you will need to successfully sell your home in Chicago’s Western Suburbs.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$realestatephoto"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" alt="Real estate photo" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" width="800" height="418" /></a>
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Home Buyer Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$homebuyerguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="FREE Home Buyer's Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$freehomebuyer'sguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img alt="Real estate photo" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>
More helpful aricles:<br />
<a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/blog/posts/2021/02/15/houseplants-to-help-keep-the-air-in-your-home-clean-this-winter-1/">Houseplants to Help Keep the Air in Your Home Clean This Winter</a>
<a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/blog/posts/2021/02/24/5-investment-tips-to-help-achieve-better-financing-on-your-mortgage/">5 Investment Tips to Help Achieve Better Financing on Your Mortgage</a>
<a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/blog/posts/2021/02/10/12-ways-to-design-your-naperville-home-office/">12 Ways to Design Your Naperville Home Office</a>
<a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/blog/posts/2021/05/06/3-tips-for-being-a-great-neighbor/">3 Tips for Being a Great Neighbor</a>
<a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/blog/posts/2021/05/03/4-reasons-to-live-in-chicago-suburbs/">4 Reasons to Live in the Chicago Suburbs</a>
2023-06-23T11:45:00-07:002023-06-28T05:21:54-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:6425Keys to Success for First-Time Homebuyers<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Keys_to_Success_for_First-Time_Homebuyers.jpg" width="2240" height="1260" />
Thinking About Buying Your First Home in the Chicago Suburbs? Read This First...
Buying your first home is an exciting decision and a big life-changing milestone for the better. As first-time homebuyers, this is a vision we can achieve, but as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) advises, we need to overcome several factors that have made it difficult in recent years.
“Since 2011, the share of first-time home buyers has been under the historical norm of 40% as buyers face tight inventory, rising home prices, rising rents, and high student debt loads.”
However, if you're looking to buy your first home, there are two things you can consider to make your dream a reality.
Save Money With Programs For First-Time Homebuyers<br />
Paying for the upfront costs and overheads of owning a home can feel like a big hurdle. Whether you can take out a loan, pay a down payment, or have the funds for closing costs, there are various expenses that can make buying your first home difficult.
“A first-time homebuyer program can help make homeownership more affordable and accessible by offering lower mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and tax incentives.”
In fact, as Bankrate says, many of these programs are offered by state and local governments.
“Many states and local governments have programs that offer down payment or closing cost assistance – either low-interest-rate loans, deferred loans or even forgivable loans (aka grants) – to people looking to buy their first house . . .”
To take advantage of these programs, contact your state housing department and search sites such as <a href="https://downpaymentresource.com/" target="_blank">Down Payment Resource</a>.
The Supply of Homes For Sale is Limited, so Consider All Possibilities
This is a seller's market, meaning there are not enough homes on the market to meet buyer demand. So how can you be sure you're doing everything in your power to find the right home for you? Looking at condos and townhomes opens up your options. According to US News, these types of homes are often cheaper than single-family homes.
“Condos are usually less expensive than standalone houses . . . They are also less expensive to insure.”<br />
<a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/property-search/results/#sortby_m.DateListed%20DESC/" target="_blank">Condos For Sale </a>
One reason they are cheap is often their small size. But it still gives you the chance to step in the door and achieve your dream of owning and building equity. In addition, another big advantage is that they typically require less maintenance. The same article news like ours says:
“The strongest reason for purchasing a condo is that all external maintenance is usually covered by the condo association, such as landscaping, pool maintenance, external painting, paving, plowing, and more. This fee also covers some internal maintenance, such as gas, electric, plumbing, HVAC, and other mechanical systems.”
A townhouse or condo is a great way to start homeownership. Owning a home is a great way to build wealth, increase your net worth, and inspire future action.
The best way to ensure success, especially if you're just starting out in real estate, is to work with a realtor you can trust. They will educate you about the home buying process, learn about your area to help you find options that are right for you, and assist you with your proposal in the competitive market.
Today's real estate market shows many challenges for first-time home buyers. However, there are still ways to achieve your goals, such as, taking advantage of the first-time homebuyer program and exploring all housing options. Get connected so you have an expert by your side who can help guide you through the process.<br />
Call Teresa Ryan today, at 630-276-7575 for expert advice and guidance when you buy your first home in the Chicago suburbs!
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Home Buyer Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$homebuyerguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="FREE Home Buyer's Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$freehomebuyer'sguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img alt="Real estate photo" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>2023-06-21T11:22:00-07:002023-06-22T06:02:22-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4068A Spring Checklist For Your Naperville Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/A-Spring-Checklist-For-Your-Naperville-Home-Teresa-Ryan-Photo1.jpg" width="1280" height="855" />
Here are some helpful tips for Your Naperville Home this Spring Season
Now that the temperature is warming up, it’s the perfect time for spring maintenance for your Naperville home. Winter storms can leave your home damaged and in need of repairs. By walking around to inspect your property, you can begin to create your Naperville home spring checklist. Here are some helpful tips on where to get started:
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/A-Spring-Checklist-For-Your-Naperville-Home-Teresa-Ryan-Photo2.jpg" width="1280" height="855" />
Roof repairs. Snow, ice, and the cold can all put a strain on your roof, no matter how old it is. Whether or not you have a ladder, you can inspect it for loose, broken, or missing shingles, or anything else that stands out with the roof’s appearance. If you are still unsure, contact a roofer for an inspection.
Cleaning the gutters. Debris from leaves, rocks, twigs and even dirt can clog the rain gutters and downspouts, preventing water from draining. Naperville homeowners know that without cleaning them out regularly, gutters can easily attract unwanted wild animals and birds who might nest or burrow into your crawlspace or attic, or cause the home’s wooden trim or eaves to rot. Plus, any standing water from broken downspouts can easily become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Checking windows and doors. Screens are supposed to keep crawling or flying pests out while windows or doors are open. If there are any tears or holes, you will want to get them repaired sooner rather than later, before they cause further problems. Seals around your windows and doors, on the other hand, should always be air-tight. If you have noticeable drafts, rotting, or leaks on the sides of the base of your windows or doors, the seals and caulking may need to be repaired before water damage escalates.
Pest control. From termites to ants, spiders, and other unwanted invaders, spring is definitely when they begin to make themselves known in and around the house. At the first signs of trouble, contact an exterminator so you don’t have to deal with such pests all summer long in your Naperville home!
Exterior structures. As you check for repairs to the woodwork on your stairs, patios, porches, decks, railings, outdoor furniture, fences, and garden structures, keep in mind that the elements will start causing them to decay. To combat this, retouch them with a sealant or stain every few years.
Painting. Everything looks better with a fresh coat of paint, including your home’s interior and exterior. When colors start to fade, peel, or chip, repainting or choosing a new color scheme altogether can instantly help your home look more attractive and inviting from the inside out.
Landscape and softscape. All outdoor walkways, driveways, and irrigation systems need to be properly maintained for safety and aesthetic reasons. Crumbling asphalt and faulty irrigation or sprinkler systems can quickly lead to costly repairs if left unattended.
Routine heating and air conditioning maintenance. Done in the spring or fall, your heating and cooling systems should be cleaned. New filters, cleaning out air ducts, and repairing the a/c unit or furnace are necessary to keep them running efficiently and safely, so you aren’t breathing in irritants that can make you ill, and the air coming out of the vents doesn’t leave behind a film of dust to gather in the corners of your carpeting and baseboards.
Declutter by room. Not to be overlooked is the decluttering of your home. This means every room, every closet, and every space – even the garage or porch. If you’ve not worn certain clothing or accessories in over a year, or if you have extras like books, furniture, or anything else you seem to be unable to contain, pitch it or sell it. Removing those items from your home entirely can help your home look neater, cleaner, and more organized so that you can go on to doing even more of the things you love.
Thinking About Selling Your Naperville Home?
Let Teresa Ryan, Managing Broker and Team Lead of Ryan Hill Group (Century 21 Circle) assist you with selling your Naperville home today! Contact her at 630-276-7575 or email ClientServices@RyanHillGroup.com.
Selling a home? Here’s a free <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5">Home Selling Guide</a> with all the information, tips, and tools you will need to successfully sell your home in Chicago’s Western Suburbs.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" width="800" height="418" /></a><br />
2023-03-16T06:00:00-07:002023-03-16T03:38:20-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:5586Ashwood Creek Custom Homes<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Ashwood_Creek.jpg" width="1280" height="853" />
Are you looking for luxury homes for sale in Will County, Naperville, IL? If so, there are plenty to choose from in the Ashwood Creek subdivision. Since 2005, custom homes built here, as well as newly constructed homes currently on the market as of 2016, feature the work of some of the best in custom design in the state of Illinois and around the country. The prestigious list of award-winning builders includes:
Autumn Homes, Inc.
Buckingham Builders Corp.
Centennial Development Corporation
Century Custom Homes, Inc.
Claybridge Builders, Inc.
DJK Custom Homes
Forest Custom Homes, Inc.
Ivy Homes, Inc.
James Scott Custom Builders
Kamin Builders, Inc.
King’s Court Builders, Inc.
Kobler Builders, Inc.
Kozlowski Homes, Inc.
Kramer Builders LLC
Lakewest Builders, Inc.
Northern Illinois Homes, Inc.
Oak Hill Builders & Developers, Inc.
Pattermann Builders, Inc.
Pulte Homes
Raintree Builders, Inc.
Reese Custom Residences, Inc.
Stembridge Builders, Inc.
Sterling Homes, Ltd.
Steve Carr Builders, Inc.
Tom Bart Construction
As a family-friendly neighborhood in the Indian Prairie School District 204, with an active Homeowners’ Association that provides its residents with snow removal and lawn care services, this exclusive community also combines the best in recreation and entertainment without having to leave the property! Residents of all ages can enjoy several premier amenities and year-round recreation:
Ashwood Club – shared by residents of Ashwood Creek and Ashwood Park, this immense facility is a recreational center, clubhouse, and aquatic center all in one, and is available for party rentals. Inside, you will find an indoor exercise facility, a 2 story sports center with a basketball court, a party room for social gatherings, a covered veranda, men's and women's locker rooms, a concessions stand with a covered eating area and a recreation room. Outside, there are a six-lane lap pool, as well as an additional swimming pool and spa for adults, a water slide, a kiddie pool, and two sports courts where you can play tennis, basketball, or volleyball.
Ashwood Park – A Naperville District park and playground on the premises with a shelter makes it a fun place for families to explore and have picnics. There are several biking and walking trails plus 2 scenic ponds on the property.
The City of Naperville
Ashwood Creek is Naperville living at its finest and is in close proximity to shops, restaurants, and other entertainment in Naperville. Considered one of the safest cities to live in the U.S., with plenty of jobs and housing choices available, you will find that Ashwood Creek and other neighborhoods in the area are friendly and engaging and that Naperville relies on its citizens to help maintain the city’s most prominent attributes – culture, history, education, and commerce.
Let us help you find your dream home!
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call the listing agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="http://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" target="_blank">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="http://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" target="_blank">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="http://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" width="800" height="418" /></a>2023-03-07T09:00:00-07:002023-06-15T08:03:23-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:334510 Things to Avoid Doing When Selling Your Naperville Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/3.png" alt="10 Things to Avoid Doing When Selling Your Naperville Home" title="10 Things to Avoid Doing When Selling Your Naperville Home" width="800" height="450" />
Successfully Sell Your Home, Avoid These 10 Pitfalls
If you are selling your Naperville home, you’ve picked the right time. With the demand for housing at an all-time high, a shortage of inventory, and low mortgage rates, buyers are eager to <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/blog/posts/2020/09/24/wbbm-newsradio-talks-to-real-estate-expert-teresa-ryan-about-surge-of-chicagoans-relocating-to-the-suburbs-due-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">buy a home in the suburbs.</a> To increase the chances of selling your home quickly and for a top price, here’s how to make it stand out from all the rest and avoid these pitfalls:
1. Overpricing. Are you selling your home at an unreasonable rate? It can put you at a huge disadvantage to buyers who really can afford the price you are thinking, but are looking for a deal for their money. If your home is priced too high, it won’t take long for buyers looking to move to the area to find other Naperville homes similar to yours that are much cheaper. To get a feel for what range to shoot for, do some research and attend other showings for homes like yours.<br />
2. Having a dirty home. Dusty shelves and sticky floors make for an awkward and less-than-stellar showing of your home. In fact, it’s the quickest way to repel prospective buyers who are interested in moving fast. They’d rather move on to the next house than worry about the hassle of cleaning up after you before moving in. Make the home sparkle and you’re sure to garner interest.<br />
3. Unimpressive outdoors. An unkempt yard, hedges, shrubs, and driveway or curb can drastically lower your home’s value in an instant. Lack of attention to detail makes the property look tired, run-down, and also uninviting. Rather than make your home look like the set of a horror movie, show the exterior some TLC and spruce it up. Power-wash and paint the exterior, throw out any trash and broken or rusted patio furniture, prune plants and mow the lawn, and make the walkway surrounding the property accessible for visitors to use.<br />
4. Leaving offensive smells. Who wants to go into a home that smells of anything less than pleasant? It’s the quickest way to have people turning on their heels. Be it dampness from the basement, musty air from the HVAC vents, the trash can, or your pets, any hint of an offensive smell is enough to leave people with a bad impression. To combat this, avoid cooking any strong foods prior to showings, deodorize the home, as part of your cleaning regimen, and eliminate as many sources of bad smell as possible – even if it means arranging to have your family, along with any pets and their supplies relocate temporarily from your Naperville home during before and during showings so the rooms are aired out.<br />
5. Cluttering up your living space. If you want people to safely and easily navigate through your home, it’s wise not to leave everything you own out in the open. Certainly, if you are currently living in the house, you will have furnishings and other necessities present, but homeowners should make every attempt to keep what is in the view from looking cluttered. While you’re at it, remove clutter even from what you don’t intend for others to see, and it will make your life a whole lot easier for cleaning, organizing, and any last-minute storage purposes.
6. Skipping a home inspection. You might not think it’s necessary, but hiring a professional can save you some money and point you in the right direction before you waste other people’s time on touring a home riddled with problems or concerns that could easily be fixed so you have a more likely chance of selling your home. Promptly have suggested repairs completed, and you will have serious buyers ready to make you an offer.
7. Living in the dark. Bad lighting makes anything look unflattering – even your Naperville home. If you expect people to be able to get a good look at your home, lots of light and airiness are the key. Banish heavy draperies and blinds (or keep them open), clean and/or replace light fixtures with more modern ones, shine the windows, and ensure all lights are working properly so that there is enough light to accommodate a showing at any time of day or night.
8. Old floors. Bad carpeting is the biggest culprit, but damaged hardwood or vinyl flooring is also tacky. Dirt but also wear and tear can have a negative effect on a room – and will look worse without most of or any furniture present. By cleaning, replacing, or repairing the floor’s surface in any room, you will continue to hold people’s interest as they explore the home to see if it will fit their needs.
9. Keeping popcorn ceilings. Not only are they outdated and hard to keep clean, but they can pose health hazards by containing asbestos! The best plan of action is to have popcorn ceilings inspected and tested for asbestos, and then have them removed or covered up, following strict guidelines for doing so.
10. Having brass fixtures. Another sign of an outdated home is the use of brass for things like doorknobs, hinges, handles, and light fixtures. While not a health hazard, they are what many buyers today consider to be less than stylish. Instead, brushed nickel is the preferred choice these days, and you can easily take care of swapping out any brass for brushed nickel yourself to improve your home’s desirability to the most prevalent group of buyers on the market right now – the millennials.
Ready to sell your home? Call Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 today for a no-obligation consultation about selling your Naperville or Chicago suburban home.
Get your home value instantly! Visit: <a href="https://bit.ly/HomeValueByTeresa" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/HomeValueByTeresa</a>2023-01-20T14:32:00-07:002023-07-27T09:06:31-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:5549Best Fishing Spots Near Naperville<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Fishing-Spot-Teresa-Ryan.jpg" width="975" height="650" />
If the thought of reeling in some rock bass makes you excited, the areas in and around Naperville, IL have plenty of fishing spots where you can enjoy the thrill of the sport and relax in nature. Whether you fish for recreation, self-satisfaction, or for social interaction, these top sites will provide you with hours of enjoyment all summer long:
Lake Osborne (Naperville, IL)<br />If you’ve not visited Lake Osborne in a while, this summer is the perfect time to go. Here in the last few weeks, the wildflowers have been bursting with color, and as always, there is a variety of fish to catch in the reservoir, including rock bass, largemouth bass, carp, bream, bluegill, catfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, sunfish, panfish, and bullhead. It’s also a great place for picnicking, biking, or walking along its scenic trails.
Silver Lake (Warrenville, IL)<br />Located in the Blackwell Forest Preserve, the 62-acre lake is recommended as an excellent source for finding bluegills and bass. Other family-friendly activities at the preserve include camping, picnicking, or exploring the paths and trails on horseback, by bicycle, or on foot.
Whalon Lake (Bolingbrook, IL)<br />Since 2008, this 81-acre gravel pit lake has offered open-water fishing for anglers of all types, including those with special needs. Managed by the Forest Preserve of Will County and the Illinois DNR, there are many natural and manmade habitats around the lake, and only pole fishing and two-line fishing are allowed. The best fish to catch include yellow bass, carp, and fingerling walleye.
Blackberry Farm (Aurora, IL)<br />As a living history museum in the Fox Valley Park District, the farm recreates pioneer living through many family-friendly activities. In addition to fishing, you can ride the train or carousel, visit the petting zoo, or explore the farm itself. There are also several events held at Blackberry throughout the year, including an upcoming family-fishing day on July 24th from 10 a.m. to noon.
Herrick Lake (Wheaton, IL)<br />Located in Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, sport fishing and boating are available at the 22-acre Herrick Lake, where you can find crappie, largemouth bass, or even flathead or channel catfish. The preserve spans 885 acres and is home to several species of wildlife to discover while picnicking or hiking, biking, and horseback riding on trails. Youth Cabin rentals are also available.
Mudd Lake (Naperville, IL)<br />Located in McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Mudd Lake offers 22 acres of fishing for sunfish, bluegill, carp, catfish, and bass. The preserve is 465 acres on which there are woodlands, picnic grounds, a boathouse, a dam, and trails for horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking.
Rice Lake (Wheaton, IL)<br />Located in Danada Forest Preserve, the 36-acre lake is open to anglers 16 and older. Facility rentals for hosting banquets and events are available at the preserve, and there are several trails, picnicking sites, and an equestrian center with programs offered throughout the year.
Hidden Lake Forest Preserve (Downers Grove, IL)<br />This preserve’s fishing opportunities are not just found in the 15 acres of Round Meadow Lake or the 10 acres at Eagle Lake – the real prize is in the additional hidden glacier-dug pond, which is considered the true “Hidden Lake.” Catch crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and bass. Fishing is available for anglers 16 years and older. Boating, picnicking, and jogging/hiking trails are also available here.
Are You Looking for a Naperville Home For Sale?
If you need assistance in buying or selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call the Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Home Buyer Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$homebuyerguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="FREE Home Buyer's Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$freehomebuyer'sguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img alt="Real estate photo" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>
2023-01-16T13:00:00-07:002023-01-16T13:18:51-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:5296December National Awareness of Awarenesses Month<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/December-National-Awareness-Month-Teresa-Ryan-Hill-Group.jpg" width="1279" height="853" />
While November is what has become known by many as “No-Shave-mber” in honor of men’s health awareness, looking ahead to December brings us to the National Awareness Month of Awareness Months. Confused? At the risk of its title being redundant, it simply means that December is the designated month to bring awareness to the fact that the rest of the months of the year are to bring awareness to various causes. While there are the traditional holidays already observed in December – like Chanukah, Kwanza, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve – there are many other U.S.-specific designations in December, too. Here are some that you can find in Chicagoland:
World AIDS Day (December 1st) – <a href="http://www.idph.state.il.us/aids/IL_WorldAIDSDayEvents.htm" target="_blank">World AIDS Day Events in Illinois</a> will be held in honor of AIDS awareness on the 30th of November at Trinity United Methodist Church, 400 West 95th Street Chicago. You can also see other events and dates in the link above.
Operation Santa Paws (from December 1st through the 24th) – Take photos with your furry friend to help <a href="https://www.thebuddyfoundation.org/events/" target="_blank">support the Buddy Foundation by going to one of these events in northern Illinois.</a>
Safe Toys and Gifts Month – Read this <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/safe-toys-and-gifts-month/#:~:text=Safe%20Toys%20and%20Gifts%20Month%20%E2%80%93%20December%202022" target="_blank">list of resources and tips on choosing safe toys</a> brought to you by Prevent Blindness, Chicago.
St. Nicholas Day – The Chicago area has plenty of <a href="https://www.chicagoparent.com/things-to-do/guides/celebrate-the-tradition-of-saint-nicholas-day/" target="_blank">places to go in December</a> to experience the joy of St. Nicholas Day.
Gingerbread House Day (December 12th) – Enter your gingerbread house to compete for prizes, or take it easy and enjoy this holiday tradition with family and friends. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/habitat-chicago-associate-board-gingerbread-house-mini-build-2022-tickets-427491036197" target="_blank">Habitat Chicago Associate Board Gingerbread House Mini Build 2022</a>
More December Holidays<br /><br />From bizarre to fun and historical, if you are looking for other holidays and events to celebrate around Chicagoland this December, check out these community calendars:
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/d/il--naperville/holiday-activities/" target="_blank">Events in Naperville.</a>
<a href="https://www.thesavvyglobetrotter.com/christmas-in-chicago-things-to-do/" target="_blank">Christmas Events in Chicagoland</a>
Are You Looking for a Chicagoland Home?
If you need assistance buying or selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call the Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Home Buyer Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$homebuyerguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="FREE Home Buyer's Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$freehomebuyer'sguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img alt="Real estate photo" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Home Seller Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" data-uw-rm-brl="false">FREE Home Seller's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" aria-label="eBook to help you sell your chicago suburban home - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$ebooktohelpyousellyourchicagosuburbanhome" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" title="Home Selling Guide for Chicago Suburbs Homeowners" alt="eBook to help you sell your chicago suburban home" data-uw-rm-ima-original="ebook to help you sell your chicago suburban home" width="800" height="418" /></a>2022-12-21T13:24:00-07:002022-12-29T08:03:48-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4315Millennials Dominate the Housing Market<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/millenials-dominate-housing-market-2022-ryan-hill-group.jpg" alt="Millenials Dominate the Real Estate Market in 2022" title="Millenials are the main buyers in real estate 2022" width="800" height="533" />
In 2022, Millennials (26 - 41 year olds) represent 43% of homebuyers, a significant increase over last year, according to National Association of Realtors (NAR).
How Times Have Changed
Traditionally, young adults have waited until later in life to purchase their first home, in order to focus on their careers in the meantime. However, so much of that mindset has changed as more young people are understanding the value of getting more for their money. Why pay rent costs when they can invest the same amount of money or less on a home all their own? As of June 2022, rental rates rose by 8.4%, and they are <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/28/how-much-higher-rent-will-go-in-2023-according-to-experts.html" target="_blank">projected to keep rising</a>. Not only can they gain more room, but also the freedom to decorate, redesign, or renovate the home however they want to suit their needs.
Ways Renters Are Affording to Own
Today’s millennial homebuyers are savvier about how to devise their plans for owning a home faster. Some have chosen to forego renting entirely in order to move back home or among other relatives until they can save up for the target amount they need. Others are using apps for savings and deals when they go shopping for everything from groceries to shoes and everything in between. Then, because they can compare costs between brands – even for insurance or airline tickets – they are making wiser decisions about how they spend, so they aren’t wasting money.
Their technology skills extend to how they even shop for a new home. Armed with their phones and tablets, they are visiting realtors’ websites to obtain listings, taking virtual tours of the homes in which they are interested, and only ear-marking the ones they plan to visit. When it comes to being in touch with realtors, they prefer texting, emails, and phone conversations, rather than having to make an appointment to meet up face-to-face – especially when first starting out on the hunt for a home.<br /><br />To meet millennials’ needs, REALTORS® are putting more emphasis on their virtual online marketing strategies, to attract such buyers while the market remains stable. As more apps become available to realtors and buyers, they are changing how the market is run, so they can keep up with the latest information and handle the process of home buying much more smoothly and efficiently than in previous years.
Long-term Plans
Millennials are settling down where they intend to stay for the next decade or longer. When entering the housing market, even move-up buyers from this age group are thinking more about their long-term goals, and where they want to grow old in. If they have found a place they enjoy, they see no reason to look elsewhere anytime soon.
Ready to Move?
Are you a first-time homebuyer needing help finding the house of your dreams in the Chicago suburbs? If so, Teresa Ryan, Managing Broker / Owner of Ryan Hill Group is happy to serve you! Call or message her today at 630-276-7575 or email her at <a href="mailto:ClientServices@RyanHillRealty.com">ClientServices@RyanHillGroup.co</a>m
Don't forget to get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Home Buyer Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$homebuyerguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="FREE Home Buyer's Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$freehomebuyer'sguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img alt="Real estate photo" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>2022-11-12T08:00:00-07:002023-01-09T17:17:53-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4923Bicycling in Naperville<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Bicycling-in-naperville.jpg" width="975" height="563" />
Naperville works hard to keep its residents safe on bicycle trails, and around the community as a whole, encouraging everyone to keep apprised of any <a href="https://www.naperville.il.us/projects-in-naperville" target="_blank">roadway changes and closures</a> during construction projects.
As a rule, the biggest reminder for bike safety lies with bicyclists’ ability to remain aware when on roads and trails. The Naperville Police Department teamed up with the Naperville Park District in issuing citations to bicyclists of all ages who don’t adhere to these community-wide bike safety rules at all times:
Wearing a helmet.
Keeping a bicycle in rideable (and working) condition.
Riding single file on the far right side of roads shared with vehicles.
Heeding all traffic laws while bicycling, including stopping at every intersection and corner to check for traffic before crossing.
Paying attention while riding near parked cars and pedestrians.
Riding with both hands on handlebars unless using hand signals for turning left, right, or coming to a stop.
Refraining from riding in busy streets.
Using a headlight, bike reflectors, and appropriate clothing while riding at night.
Maintaining one person riding a bike at any time.
Refraining from bike stunts.
Refraining from carrying packages while riding.
Refraining from hitching rides with cars and other vehicles.
Refraining from using earbuds or headphones while riding.
Giving pedestrians the right-of-way.
Securing a bike when it is not in use.
Naperville is a very bicycle-friendly city, owing in a big part to the many area parks, followed by well-maintained neighborhoods and sidewalks, and the variety of activities and events offered that keep residents active and healthy. People bike to work and school, or to destinations easily because of being in close proximity to the rest of the community in and around Naperville. To bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicular drivers safe no matter where they go, the City Council approved a <a href="http://www.naperville.il.us/contentassets/9297455426f0400ba699d820a5a027b1/bicycleimplementationplanmap.pdf" target="_blank">bicycle implementation map</a> in 2006, which in turn went on to become part of the <a href="https://www.naperville.il.us/enjoy-naperville/biking-maps-guides-and-plans/" target="_blank">Naperville biking map and guide</a> for riders to keep handy. The information included in the guide are places to visit by bike, instructions on where riders can catch the Metra while parking their bicycle or having bicycles transported to their destination, a review of the bike safety tips and park rules to follow, and a detailed map for bike and shared trails for on-road and off-road routes. There is also a collection of <a href="http://www.dupageco.org/EDP/Bikeways_and_Trails/1150/" target="_blank">DuPage Bicycle Maps</a> available for cyclists wishing to explore additional areas.
Bicycle Resources
For more information on bicycle riding safety and bicycle protection, contact <a href="https://www.naperville.il.us/services/naperville-police-department/community-education-and-crime-prevention/bicycle-safety-and-registration/" target="_blank">the Naperville Police Department</a>
Find bicycle shops and services in Naperville here.
List of <a href="https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/best-bike-commuting-345561" target="_blank">Top 10 Bicycles for Commuters</a>.
<a href="https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a20023052/bike-buying-tips/" target="_blank">Buying Your First Bicycle</a>.
<a href="http://spokesbikes.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm" target="_blank">Cycling Events in Naperville</a>.
Join the <a href="http://www.napervillebikeclub.com/" target="_blank">Naperville Bicycle Club</a>.
If you’re looking for a good excuse to ride a bicycle, look no further than these <a href="https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/sports-recreation/bicycling/ten-reasons-to-ride-a-bicycle-168122/" target="_blank">top 10 reasons</a>.
Are you interested in living in Naperville? Call the Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/agents/teresa-ryan/" target="_blank" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: var(--si-link-color);">Teresa Ryan</a> at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Home Buyer Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$homebuyerguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: var(--si-link-color);">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="FREE Home Buyer's Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$freehomebuyer'sguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: var(--si-link-color);">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: var(--si-link-color);"><img alt="Real estate photo" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" style="box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: middle;" /></a>
2022-11-10T13:22:00-07:002023-06-15T09:42:19-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:5159Decorating Your Winter Garden Outside Your Naperville Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Winter-Garden-Naperville.jpg" alt="Winter Garden Tips" width="1000" height="667" />
Just because cold winter winds and polar vortexes are the norm in Illinois during the winter months, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for a bland or boring landscape surrounding your Naperville home all season long! You can continue having a lovely garden to bring you enjoyment through some of the dreariest and gray days yet to come by decorating it with rich and vibrant colors, textures, and sizes. It’s all in how you plan it now, well ahead of the harsh cold and snow.
Hopefully by now you’ve already fertilized the lawn for next spring, cleaned out all your gutters, pulled up weeds, and removed all dead plants – including vines and those that have already harvested their fruits and vegetables, so now you are ready to focus on what you should do to transform your garden into a winter wonderland.
Here are some tips for decorating the garden for winter:
Use charming containers as planters. What you have in your garden will look that much prettier with different outdoor planters that are both durable and decorative. Ideas include using containers such as wheelbarrows, large terracotta pots, hanging wire baskets covered in moss, urns, concrete planters, window boxes, or DIY planters from nature by using tree stumps in your yard.
Arrange your garden in plain sight. The best part of having a winter garden is being able to see it through your windows or doorway, even if you can’t go outside to view it up close on a rainy or gloomy day.
Brighten the garden with the use of lighting, lawn ornaments, sculptures, and bird feeders. Outdoor lights as well as the Sun can illuminate the beauty of your garden and its décor when you use colorful gazing balls, stained glass bird feeders, and interesting sculptures.
Include winter plants in your landscape. To add variety to the backdrops of dogwood, maple, or evergreen trees on your property, try these winter favorites in your Naperville garden – American Senna, Yarrow, Blue Wild Indigo, Joe Pye Weed, Ironweed, Christmas Rose, Muskingum Sedge, Culver’s Root, Stiff Goldenrod, Coreopsis, Snowdrop, Boxwood, Winterberry, Camellia, and Witch Hazel.
But even if you don’t have all that much room or desire for an outdoor garden or landscape, you can get your fix of bold winter greenery and colors around town by visiting the <a href="http://www.mortonarb.org/">Morton Arboretum</a> or <a href="http://www.chicagobotanic.org/walk/winter">Chicago Botanic Garden</a> all season long, walk along the <a href="http://www.naperville.il.us/enjoy-naperville/naperville-riverwalk/">Naperville Riverwalk</a> or the trails found at any of the <a href="http://www.napervilleparks.org/">Naperville District Parks</a>.
Fun Facts about Winter in Illinois<br />Did you know?
On average, Illinois has 5 winter storms per year. However, in the winter of 1921-1922, the State saw only 2 storms, while in 1977-1978 there were 18!
Most severe winter storms in Illinois are likely to occur in January, but that’s not to say you can’t rule out storms to occur around the week of Christmas, or even the beginning of March.
Canadian Geese won’t migrate south until it gets very cold or there is as much as 20 inches of snowfall on the ground.
Great Horned Owls, plentiful to Illinois, nest during the winter months and are one of the first to lay eggs in spring.
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5">Home Seller Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5">FREE Home Seller's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="eBook to help you sell your chicago suburban home - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$ebooktohelpyousellyourchicagosuburbanhome"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" title="Home Selling Guide for Chicago Suburbs Homeowners" alt="eBook to help you sell your chicago suburban home" data-uw-rm-ima-original="ebook to help you sell your chicago suburban home" width="800" height="418" /></a>2022-11-01T07:00:00-07:002022-10-26T17:53:26-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:5048Family-Friendly Living at Baileywood in Naperville, IL<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/family-friendly-pic.jpg" width="975" height="650" />
Are you looking for a family-friendly home in Naperville? The townhome community of Baileywood is a must see! <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/naperville/baileywood-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank">Baileywood</a> is located in Naperville, IL, on Naperville Road, south of 75th Street, and a short distance away from downtown Naperville and the DuPage River. Established in the 1990s, most of the homes there were built between 1995 and 1998, and are spacious 2 story units of 1,500 – 2,000 square feet, with 2-3 bedrooms, attached garages, and finished or partially finished basements. The average cost of a home in Baileywood is $250K, and there are currently several homes for sale.
Baileywood for families
There are lots of tree-lined streets, front and back yards for children to play in, and ample access to several nearby parks and playgrounds – including the Naperville District Park facility of Baileywood Park, featuring its own pond. The neighborhood is in the Naperville Community Unit School District 203, giving families the option to choose between having their children attend either Maplebook Elementary or Elmwood Elementary, and then transition to Lincoln Junior High, and graduate from Naperville Central High. Because there are plenty of families around, and with it being so close to other places in the city, <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/naperville/baileywood-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank">Baileywood</a> makes an affordable and ideal location for couples and families looking to invest in the first-time purchase of a home. Though they are not single-family dwellings, townhome ownership at Baileywood has its advantages for residents: maintenance-free living with snow removal, lawn care, and overall upkeep of the neighborhood provided in a close-knit community where families can socialize with one another.
Things to do near the Baileywood community
Naperville may be a small city, but you can always find something to see or do from no matter where you live. From Baileywood, you are within a few minutes of the Naperville Public Library, several Naperville Public District bike trail paths, the Springbrook Forest Preserve, and places to shop close to and in downtown Naperville.
Finding Your Naperville Home
If moving to Naperville sounds like the place for you and your family to call home, <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/naperville/baileywood-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank">Baileywood</a> is just one of the many family-friendly neighborhoods in the area. Other subdivisions for you to try include:
Brighton Ridge
Orleans
Olive Trees
Farmstead
Winding Creek Estates
Depending on the type of home, size, price, and amenities you are looking for, Naperville has other townhomes, single-family homes, and apartments, all available for sale or to rent.
If you are looking for homes for sale in Chicago and the surrounding areas, turn to the expertise of <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/agents/teresa-ryan/" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Teresa Ryan - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/agents/teresa-ryan/$teresaryan">Teresa Ryan</a>, Managing Broker / Owner of Ryan Hill Group, who will guide you to your next new home! Contact her today at 630-276-7575 or <a href="mailto:ClientServices@RyanHillRealty.com" data-uw-rm-brl="exc" aria-label="send an email to ClientServices@RyanHillRealty.com" uw-rm-vague-link-id="mailto:clientservices@ryanhillrealty.com$send an email to clientservices@ryanhillrealty.com" data-uw-rm-vglnk="">ClientServices@RyanHillGroup.com</a>.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" data-uw-rm-brl="false">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/3646/image/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" alt="Real estate photo" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" width="800" height="418" /></a>2022-10-26T12:00:00-07:002022-10-26T17:49:24-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:5051Tall Grass Subdivision, Naperville, IL 60564 | Home SOLD<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Naperville-Home-Sold_web.jpg" alt="Naperville Home Sold in Tall Grass" width="800" height="533" />
Make this lovely Moser custom-built property yours, and enjoy living Naperville’s beautiful Tallgrass subdivision
This spectacular Naperville IL home is the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, serenity and space! Nestled inside the sought-after Tallgrass neighborhood, it offers a wide range of community amenities including tennis courts, a club house, the Tallgrass Community Pool, and Tallgrass Park.
This two-story brick-front home is also in the desirable District 204, with the top-rated Fry Elementary School located nearby for easy access! District 204 is listed by <a href="https://www.niche.com/k12/d/indian-prairie-community-unit-school-district-no-204-il/rankings/">Niche</a> as one of the best school districts in Illinois for 2022.
With 4 bedrooms, 4.1 bathrooms and all the high quality finishes inside its 4,048 square feet of living areas above grade and almost 2,000 square feet finished below, you have more than enough space to entertain family and friends.
Well-maintained, this home is truly a deal you wouldn’t want to miss!
A nicely landscaped front yard and a paved walkway surrounded by tall trees and bushes serves as an entrance to this exquisite home. With its 3-car side-load garage, enjoy ample parking.
Fall in love with this gorgeous home from the moment you enter through the new front door into its welcoming two-story foyer.
The foyer features a 19’ volume ceiling, rich Brazilian cherry flooring, and an elegant front staircase to the second level designed with a carpet runner that matches the living and dining room carpet.
The formal living room provides an an elegant welcoming area for your guests
Large bay windows with silhouette window treatments illuminate an elegant room that provides a bright and airy ambiance. With its neutral painted walls and elegant carpeting, it’s a wonderfully welcoming space for your guests.
Host formal dinners and enjoy sit-down meals in this beautiful dining room
The large dining room is spacious, cozy, and beautiful. Its crown moldings, silhouette window treatments, luxurious chandelier and Brazilian Cherry flooring all combine to give the room a chic appeal.
The family room is a gorgeous space for relaxation and family time
Wow! This gorgeous family room is one of the impressive features of this Naperville IL home. The expansive 19' volume ceiling with a ceiling fan, large transom windows with wood blinds, and the beautiful two-story floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace with recessed lighting, are all part of what gives this room a feeling of warmth, togetherness and an amazing space to spend time together.
This well equipped luxury kitchen is elegant and functional
A few steps from the family room is the impressive eat-in kitchen.
Designed with elegance and functionality in mind, this updated kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, including a KitchenAid refrigerator, Viking cook range with stone backsplash, Frigidaire dishwasher, and a built-in oven and microwave.
You will also never run out of storage with its 42” staggered maple cabinetry with crown molding.
Efficient and stylish at the same time, it also features a large island with pendant lighting and granite countertops.
Need a breath of fresh air after a sumptuous meal? Just follow the double doors that lead out to the back patio for outdoor entertaining.
The main level includes a powder room with a pedestal sink and hardwood flooring, and a mudroom accessed from the garage that includes a sink, cabinet and coat closet.
Your peaceful and private living areas are on the second level
The second floor has four spacious bedrooms, which includes the primary en suite. Hardwood floors, recessed lighting and neutrally painted walls beautify the hallway leading to the rooms.
This grandiose 18’x13’ primary suite is a peaceful and calming private haven. The ceiling fan in the 18’ vaulted ceiling and the large windows ensure the room is cool and well-ventilated. A unique bonus, enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and breakfast in the morning using the coffee bar / breakfast nook that has a sink with granite countertop, a mini fridge, and a microwave.
Additional features of the room include a 9’ x 6’ walk-in closet with built-in shelving and an 13' x 13' en suite luxury bathroom featuring double sinks with granite tops and Moen faucets, a separate water closet, a large walk-in shower, a large oval jetted tub, window shades, recessed lighting, a linen closet, and ceramic flooring.
The large second en suite bedroom features built-in bookcases, wood window blinds, carpeting, large closets, and a ceiling fan. Its private attached bathroom includes a shower and tub combination.<br /><br />The third bedroom includes carpeting, a large closet, ceiling fan, and window shades.
The fourth bedroom has a huge 17’ x 10’ closet, carpeting, and window with shades.
Bedrooms 3 and 4 share a Jack and Jill bathroom that includes a vanity with 2 sinks featuring cultured marble, a tub/shower combination, and ceramic flooring.
Additional features of the second level include a storage room that is large enough to serve as a bonus room for a play area, or office space, and a laundry room with ceramic flooring, full-sized Whirlpool washer and dryer, built-in cabinetry, laundry tub, large storage closet, and window shades.
A magnificent full finished lower level is a perfect place for your entertainment and fun
The lower level boasts a game area, theater area, bar area, exercise room, full bathroom with a shower with ceramic surround and glass enclosure, vanity with granite top and ceramic flooring, and storage area with built in shelving units. Luxury 6” plank vinyl flooring and recessed lighting flow throughout the entire lower level.
This 36’ x 12’ game area has more than ample space for a pool table, table tennis and an additional sitting area.
A theater area that presents a premier cinema experience
Take movie-watching to the next level in this very large 22’ x 12’ private theater area. With recessed lighting, comfortable seating, and a large projector screen, movie nights are sure to be an occasion everyone will look forward to.
The lower level also includes a 14’ x 12’ exercise room, a large storage area with built in shelving units, and a full bathroom with a shower with ceramic surround and glass enclosure, vanity with granite top and ceramic flooring.
From barbecue parties to al fresco dining during the weekends, this backyard patio delivers. With its stamped-concrete look flooring, scenic surroundings, built-in BBQ grill with natural gas, a fire pit, and beautiful outdoor sitting area, this backyard is truly an outdoor haven!
A home in Naperville, IL that lets you live a wonderfully convenient lifestyle
This single family home offers more spaces that make everyday living a joy.
The location is wonderful! Enjoy close proximity to Downtown Naperville and train station with non-stop trains to Chicago’s Union Station - just 20 minutes away, highly desirable Naperville District 204 schools, Golf at White Eagle Golf Club a 5 minute drive away, immediate access to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment along 95th Street, and easy access to I-59.
This home has SOLD. Call me, Teresa Ryan, Managing Broker and Team Leader of Ryan Hill Group (Century 21 Affiliated), at 630-718-0424 for more Naperville Homes for Sale.2022-10-11T10:07:00-07:002023-07-31T07:44:45-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:48894 Designs in Your Naperville Home that Can Discourage Buyers<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Teresa-Ryan-Hill-Group-home-designs.jpg" alt="4 Designs in Your Naperville Home that Can Discourage Buyers" title="4 Designs in Your Naperville Home that Can Discourage Buyers" width="1280" height="854" />
Avoid having these 4 types of design trends in your home
When you are selling your Naperville or Chicagoland home, staging it for potential buyers is different than when you first decorated it to your preferences when you moved in. Think basic and minimal decor for every room.
Too many colors and themes. Gender-neutral color pallets in rooms are best when potential buyers are touring your Naperville home, otherwise, you risk making them run the other way out of disinterest. The important is, that it’s all about what the buyers may have to undo and the time and cost it will take for them to do it. They can get so distracted by patterns or colors being too busy or themed that they can’t look past what they don’t like to see the hidden potential. If you keep things a neutral shade overall, you can still have a decidedly feminine or masculine color or theme you like – but used sparingly in the removable décor you keep behind for buyers to see while they are there – things like cushions, curtains, and other minimal accessories within the room that they know they can replace with their own if they buy your home. And stick to one theme throughout the house, rather than several, for a more unified feel to which buyers respond best.
Elaborate bathrooms. Remodeled bathrooms with all of the latest style trends look good while you are living there, but not necessarily when selling your home. Practicality is the key here because when buyers are touring your home, they are looking for the bottom line: simplicity and the ability to envision how they could best design the space for themselves. If they have to make changes to the bathroom from how you’ve decorated it, it might prove more work than they would want and that alone might make them move on to another Naperville home on the market, instead. Also, having too many bathrooms can be another turn-off for buyers. Who wants to spend all their time keeping them clean? If you have 2-4 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms are plenty.
Concrete flooring. From a minimalist standpoint, a clean and polished concrete floor is practical – but it is also a stark contrast to what most Naperville home buyers want when they are looking for a comfortable, cozy, and safe dwelling. Sure, a concrete surface is durable and doesn’t scratch easily. Still, the elderly, as well as young children, may suffer serious injuries if they trip or fall onto the floor, not to mention anything else that falls can more easily shatter if dropped. Concrete also makes a room feel cold, and if not properly sealed, it can retain moisture, which can grow mildew or mold and make everyone sick.
Overuse of pendant lighting. While they are elegant and trendy, not everyone appreciates using pendant lights – especially when it can get expensive to multiple bulbs on a regular basis. Instead, use recessed lighting and possibly one large pendant light fixture per room, and keep things simple when selling your home. While you definitely want each room to be bright enough, let the new homeowners take it from there as to how they want to customize the fixtures to match their tastes.
Preparing your home for potential buyers might put pressure on you sometimes, but always remember that they always like the feeling of a welcoming home and fresh colors in the eyes. Too much decoration might give them a second thought about the house. When they enter your home, you should make them feel that it’s theirs and they should imagine living there while looking at the stuff that you used for staging.
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at www.RyanHillGroup.com. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our home<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank"> Selling Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan specifically for homeowners in Naperville and Chicagoland.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" width="800" height="418" /></a>2022-10-07T07:00:00-07:002022-10-06T04:14:30-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4907Answering Your Top 10 Questions on How to Sell Your Naperville Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Top10QuestionsonHowtoSellYourNapervilleHome.jpg" alt="Homesellers Questions" title="Answering Your Top 10 Questions on How to Sell Your Naperville Home" width="975" height="650" />
With the market currently shifting, now is a great time for you to sell your Naperville, IL home. If you are a move-up buyer, here are some tips on what you need to know so that your home can sell that much faster!
Do I have to sell my home before buying another one?<br />Families may have a lot more to consider than single male or female homeowners when it comes to selling a house, but it also depends on what you intend to accomplish by selling your <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/selling-a-home/" target="_blank">Naperville</a> home. Do you wish to sell quickly, regardless of whether or not you get what you are asking for, or are you willing to wait for the house to sell so you can use the profits towards a new home? You might very well end up having to pay for two home payments at the same time until the one you are selling is off your hands, so plan accordingly.
Should I sell my home for less than what’s left on the mortgage?<br />You can, but be forewarned that a short sale is up to your lender. If the lender doesn’t want to negotiate a price for short selling your home, the home can be foreclosed, which means it then becomes the lender’s possession. It is more in your interest to do everything you can to sell your Naperville home at a rate that gives you a profit so that you aren’t left unable to make up the difference to satisfy the lender. Talk to a short sale certified real estate agent like <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/agents/teresa-ryan/" target="_blank">Teresa Ryan</a>, if you've got questions.
Will my credit be affected if I file for bankruptcy or have to foreclose on my home?<br />Despite your best efforts, sometimes families and singles are left with no choice but to file for bankruptcy or let their homes foreclose due to things like job loss, health problems, divorce, or death. Whether or not you are allowed to remain living in the house until you can satisfy a repayment arrangement after filing for bankruptcy, or if your home goes into foreclosure and you have to surrender the property, your credit score will be affected negatively for at least 7 and up to 10 years. During that time, it might be challenging to establish a new line of credit in order to refinance or purchase another home. The best thing you can do is to work out a plan with your lender if at all possible and find ways to improve your credit in the meantime.
Is there a specific price for which I should sell my home?<br />While there is no “magic number” when it comes to selling your home in Naperville, IL, the best determination for coming up with a fair price would be to run a comparative market analysis of the property or have it appraised. You or your realtor can run the market analysis, based on what other homes in your area have sold or are selling for. By enlisting an appraiser to determine your home’s value, he or she will take into account the surrounding neighborhood, and all of the property’s attributes and current condition, in order to make the best assessment of its worth. When you get a full picture of the property value, from there you can list a price that makes the most sense. Get an estimate now, <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/free-market-analysis/">click here</a>.
When should I plan to sell my home?<br />As far as seasons go, Spring is generally considered when the market is viable, peaking between January and May, before settling down until September through October. While families and single male and female homeowners can do well in selling year-round, buyers with children tend to be more agreeable to completing a sale and moving in when it doesn’t interfere with their children’s school schedules – particularly if such a move involves changing vicinities or districts. If this is your first time selling a home, you really can choose to list your home at any point that’s right for you…it’s just that ultimately it might affect how long it takes to actually sell.
What do I do if my house takes longer to sell?<br />Again, if the season is a factor, you might want to consider selling your Naperville home during peak times. If you have already done that, you might need to reevaluate your asking price to ensure it reflects the current market. Also, increased visibility of your advertising, or renovating the home in some way to boost its selling points can help generate more interest. If nothing else, you can always un-list and relist at a later time to try again, if you have that flexibility.
What if someone makes me a better offer than one I’ve already accepted?<br />Unfortunately, it becomes sticky to do that once you’ve already agreed to the terms of a contract with someone. As a result, it can set you up for having legal action taken against you. However, if the first party is agreeable to backing out, or if you can work out some sort of monetary compensation, you might be able to accept the other offer. It is by far better to accept an offer only after determining it is right for you, before making a determination so you don’t end up in such a position.
What are contingencies?<br />Contingencies are clauses in your contract that stipulates aspects of the sale. These might include financing associated with the closing of the home or its sale, inspections, or any home improvements that you agree to do prior to the purchase of the home. Additionally, the buyer does have the right to inspect your home, whereupon he or she might suggest other contingencies for you to both agree upon.
What types of things should I disclose ahead of time?<br />Typically, homeowners include information about the home being up to code for building codes and meeting permit requirements, any building anomalies, fees and costs associated with the homeowners’ association, and anything else that has the potential to impact the cost of living in your house. Overall, it doesn’t have to be a long list of things, and your realtor can help you determine which things are best mentioned at the time of listing your Naperville home.
How do I prepare for selling my home?<br />For starters, think about what you would want prospective buyers to see if they are coming to view your home for the first time. Help them to see its potential the way you want them to see it, and the effort you put into that impression is vital to how successful you will be. Also, think about what you would be looking for in shopping for a new home, or what attracted you to the one you were selling when you bought it. From there, you can help it look its best by making repairs, keeping it neat and clean, and, most of all – inviting. When house hunters can easily maneuver through your home and have a pleasant experience, they are more likely to keep it in mind. But don’t only think about inside-outside counts, too! Whatever you can do to make the property look good will only benefit you that much more.
Are You Looking to Sell Your Naperville Home?
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/" target="_blank">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call the Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Selling a home? Here’s a free <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank">Home Selling Guide</a> with all the information, tips, and tools you will need to successfully sell your home in Chicago’s Western Suburbs.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" width="800" height="418" /></a>2022-09-27T08:00:00-07:002023-07-27T09:09:51-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:490310 Must-haves for Simple Indulgences in the HomeSometimes the biggest statements are made through the little things; this is true in terms of your work, overall productivity, and relationships, but also in your own personal growth. By taking charge of yourself, you can go to greater lengths, have more lasting happiness, and roll with the proverbial punches when times are stressful. One way to make sure you can cope with everyday stressors is in what awaits you at home. Do you like your surroundings? Does it give you a sense of calm and happiness when you are not rushing off to work or school? If not, don’t despair. With just a few finishing touches to turn basic household items into more indulgent ones, you can go from “blah” to “ahhh” without breaking your budget.
Be unique. What’s your style? Do you have a fetish for collecting themed items like ducks, teddy bears, or various knick-knacks from your travels? There’s no reason why the things that make you happiest shouldn’t be on display in some way in your home. They might not be someone else’s idea of beauty, but they are unique and meaningful to you – and that’s what’s more important when making your home a place for YOU to enjoy, not others.
Luxurious bedding and sheet sets. You use your bed daily. Sheets, pillows, duvets, and comforters all show signs of wear much faster than other items in the house, plus they have to be kept clean and smelling fresh. In addition to having more than one set of bedding items, consider the quality of the ones you are using. If you want them to last longer, upgrade to more durable ones with higher thread counts and better fabrics, and you will reap the bonus of a better night’s sleep.
Display a tray. Trays are useful but also an attractive piece of décor to add a little something extra to any room. Use them to display beverages and cups, condiments, a centerpiece, or even toiletries. Trays come in a variety of sizes and materials so that they can match any room and any theme.
Decorative bouquets. There’s something about the presence of fresh-cut flowers that makes a home feel cheery, fragrant, and whimsical. Whether or not you already have someone special in your life who showers you with such things, there’s no reason why you can splurge on a bouquet for yourself! Cost doesn’t have to be prohibitive; if you have your own garden, great! Otherwise, for under $10 you can easily get a small arrangement from any grocery store, or opt for a few fresh blooms sold in single stems to create a unique bouquet. Place them in a vase, pitcher, cup, or even a mason jar and display them in any room of your house. You may decide to put some in every room!
Arrange shelves for display. You don’t have to buy new items – just arrange what you have in an eye-catching way. Scour Pinterest or any number of home and design catalogs or displays for easy visual ideas.
Buy quality hangers. Hangers that bend, break, or fall apart won’t do you any favors. Invest in good quality hangers, so that they will keep your clothes looking neat, easy to find, and ready to wear. For a cohesive arrangement, use all like hangers and your closet will look tidy.
Use accent colors around the house. Room-by-room, there is usually some way to incorporate an accent color of your choice to add some punch to the rest of your surroundings in some way. Try for a throw rug, accent pillows, lamp, or another furniture piece – something that would give a flash of color to break up the monotony.
Upgrade your coffee (or tea) mugs. Pitch the old and worn and opt for new, beautiful cups or mugs for yourself and your guests to enjoy and set the mood. By starting or ending your day with a smile, you will be more relaxed and eager to repeat the experience as often as you fancy.
Keep the house smelling fresh. Do you have a favorite scent? Is it the smell of fresh-baked cookies, vine-ripened tomatoes, or a campfire? Whatever you are into, use candles, room sprays, plug-ins, and diffusers to scent the air and leave a good impression on your guests.
Have an accent wall with wallpaper. A small room or small section of your house doesn’t have to remain bland or sterile. By using fun or quirky wallpaper print to dress it up, you can make it complete and have personality without even having to decorate it with any other accessories or furniture.
Are you interested in buying a home in the Chicago suburbs?
To learn more about the many real estate investment properties in Chicago and the surrounding areas, contact <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/agents/teresa-ryan/" target="_blank">Teresa Ryan</a>, Managing Broker / Owner of Ryan Hill Group today at 630-276-7575 or <a href="mailto:ClientServices@RyanHillRealty.com">ClientServices@RyanHillGroup.com</a>
Get a copy of our <a href="http://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" target="_blank">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="http://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" target="_blank">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="http://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" width="800" height="418" /></a>
Selling a home? Here’s a free <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5">Home Selling Guide</a> with all the information, tips and tools you will need to successfully sell your home in Chicago’s Western Suburbs.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgfhttps://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" width="800" height="418" /></a>2022-09-26T12:54:00-07:002022-09-26T17:42:04-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:48978 Ways for Homeowners to Improve Credit Scores<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Credit-Score-Teresa-Ryan-blog2.jpg" width="975" height="650" />
Are you a homeowner looking for ways to improve your current credit score and your ability to qualify for a second home loan? Real estate is a lucrative market, and loans and credit go hand-in-hand
Take control of your finances and credit scores with these 8 handy tips.
Make consistent payments on time. Lenders can’t have confidence in those who have a repeat history of missing or late payments because they aren’t guaranteed it won’t happen again if they are to agree upon a loan with you. Paying on time for as many current mortgages, rent, utilities, and other debts will impact your credit score by as much as 40%.
Stick to the limit. Keep your debt-to-income ratio below 50% of your yearly income, and keep credit card balances no more than half of what your maximum limit is. This will ensure you will have more manageable payments, with less to pay off per month, and all your income won’t be tied up with paying down your debt.
Spread out your debt. While this is somewhat controversial in itself, the premise here is to avoid maxing out one card when you can spread your debt over two cards. That way, you can maintain a lower percentage of usage on both (or more) rather than the highest on just one card.
Diversify your loans. Not all loans are “bad” per se; in fact, home loans reflect positively on your credit score. Having credit cards or personal loans, on the other hand, is considered “bad.” But since you have to build your credit history in order to even qualify for a loan, you will need to have a mix of both good and bad loans.<br /><br /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Credit-Score-Teresa-Ryan-blog1.jpg" width="975" height="604" />
Plan to pay off the smallest and the highest-interest-bearing loans. This means taking your time in paying down your home loan. My first paying off your other debts quickly, you will save more money overall. You can then take your time in paying down your home loan to let it build as an investment, all while benefiting your credit score.
Close unwanted savings accounts and receive loan closure certificates on paid loans. It’s important to tie up loose ends because they can harm your credit. Did you know if you have savings accounts with balances under the minimum average, it is better to close them so they don’t reflect poorly on your credit score? And with paid-off loans, get it in writing that they have been satisfied by requesting a closure certificate so that they are properly updated on your credit.
Monitor your credit and accounts. With the ease of checking your credit history on an annual basis for free, or at a low cost with FICO, there’s no reason why you can’t stay on top of what your credit score is and how to fix it. The same goes for your account statements on your own or jointly. Reviewing them regularly will enable you to have errors corrected as soon as possible, plus know at-a-glance what things you are doing right or need to improve.
Negotiate when unable to pay within due dates. This bit of advice can often make all the difference between having a black mark on your credit history and being seen as an honest and wise consumer. If you are having problems meeting a deadline due to any unforeseen issues with finances, it’s better to speak up sooner rather than later – you just might be able to negotiate for a lower or reduced rate, an extended deadline, or some manner of repayment that can work better for your situation until you are able to handle the regular payments again or have the payments satisfied. While it might not save your credit, it will go a long way to keeping it from getting even worse when you had the chance.
If you need assistance in buying or selling a home, please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="http://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" target="_blank">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="http://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="http://bit.ly/FreeHomeBuyerGuideTeresaRyan" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" width="800" height="418" /></a>
2022-09-10T07:00:00-07:002022-10-06T04:14:56-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4751Tips on Staging Your Chicagoland Suburban Home for SalePlanning to sell your home in Chicagoland’s suburbs? You'll want to make sure that it's staged in a way that will appeal to potential buyers. Home staging can be the difference between selling your home quickly and having it sit on the market for months. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important steps you can take for staging your home for sale.
One of the most important aspects of home staging is making sure that your home is clean and clutter-free. Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, and it's difficult to do that when your personal belongings are everywhere. Take some time to de-clutter each room in your house, and make sure that all surfaces are clean.
Statistically, home staging increases interest in your home, leading to more showings. It is also known to increase the perceived value of homes at the time of sale. Since most buyers are showing their homes online for the first time, the staging also helps them communicate the features of the home in the best possible way.
Here are some tips you can implement to make your home stand out on the market.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Home-Staging-Tips-1.jpg" width="1429" height="954" />
1. Lights On - Make sure all lights are on and the bulbs are fine. Add table and floor lamps in dark rooms. A bright room has a positive effect on the buyer.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Home-Staging-Tips-2.jpg" width="1429" height="954" />
2. Furniture Layout - Another is to arrange the furniture in a way that welcomes conversation. Consider removing furniture from walls when staging. Angle your furniture toward each other and don't worry if you're watching TV. Arrange the rooms in a way that maximizes the appeal of the home, especially for photos. You can always move your pieces later.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Home-Staging-Tips-3.jpg" width="1429" height="954" />
3. No Dead Space - Please use all the rooms. Do not leave blanks empty. If the space is empty, the buyer cannot allocate it as valuable or as an asset. Create a workspace, an extra bedroom, or bring an extra desk and some art supplies to set up a craft room.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Home-Staging-Tips-4.jpg" width="1280" height="1920" /><br /><br />4. Neutral Rules - Painting is an easy task for many people, but more and more buyers don't want to face the difficulty. Creating a fresh, neutral palette allows shoppers to imagine simply bringing their stuff into the area, adding an element of lightness.
5. Fix It - Finally, consider that little "to do", deferred maintenance, or "honey do" list items should be at the top of your preparation list. Paint and caulk the areas that need touch-ups. Leave the carpet cleaning to the professionals. Any item that can tell the buyer that the home is well taken care of.
These are a few effective tips for preparing to stage. Double-check the second part of your list to make sure your home is perfectly positioned to attract homebuyers' interest.
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5">Home Selling Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan specifically for homeowners in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" width="800" height="418" /></a>2022-08-10T12:13:00-07:002022-08-10T16:41:40-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4547875 Okolona Ct, Naperville, IL 60540 | Two-Story Home for SaleFeaturing 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and over 3,593 square feet of living space, this stunning Naperville IL home is nothing short of spectacular.
Set on a large cul-de-sac lot in Hobson West, you will have access to all of the community's superb amenities.
Centered around an elegant foyer, the living room, family room and dining areas all serve as ideal places to relax.
The kitchen is complete with appliances and plenty of cabinetry. It also features an eat-in area conveniently adjacent to the family room.
The 4 bedrooms are located in the upper level. Its master bedroom features a separate sitting area and a high-class master bath complete with a separate shower, double sinks and vanities, Kohler faucets and a deep designer tub.<br /><br />The basement of this <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/blog/875-okolona-ct-naperville-il-60540-home-for-sale/">Naperville home</a> is an entertainment hub. It has a recreation room, media area, pool table, and an additional room that you can customize to your liking.
An expansive deck offers a private space for entertainment and get-togethers. The home's sunroom allows you to appreciate the outdoors in all seasons.
875 Okolona Ct, Naperville, IL 60540 | Cul-De-Sac Home for Sale
Call me, Teresa Ryan, Managing Broker and Team Leader of Ryan Hill Group (Century 21 Affiliated), at 630-718-0424 to schedule your showing today.
<br /> Overview<br /> <a href="https://listings.realbird.com/Real-Estate/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540/Naperville/IL/O4R3D6R8/603846.aspx?tab=maps" target="_blank">Maps</a><br /> <a href="https://listings.realbird.com/Real-Estate/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540/Naperville/IL/O4R3D6R8/603846.aspx?tab=photos" id="photoTabLink" target="_blank">Photos</a><br /> <a href="https://listings.realbird.com/Real-Estate/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540/Naperville/IL/O4R3D6R8/603846.aspx?tab=description" target="_blank">Description</a><br /> <a href="https://listings.realbird.com/Real-Estate/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540/Naperville/IL/O4R3D6R8/603846.aspx?tab=market-statistics" target="_blank">Market Stats</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
$725,000
Single Family Home
Main Features
4 Bedrooms<br />3 Full Bathrooms<br />Interior: 3,593 sqft<br />Lot: 0.34 acre(s)<br />Year Built: 1982<br />MLS #: 11423312<br />
Location
875 Okolona Ct<br />Naperville, IL 60540<br />USA
<img src="https://imageserver.realbird.com/proxy/?rb_id=O4R3D6R8&tl=r&time=637915979875259921" alt="Teresa Ryan - Real Estate Broker" id="member_photo" border="0" /><br /><br />
Teresa Ryan - Real Estate Broker
<br />Ryan Hill Group (Century 21 Affiliated)<br />(630) 718-0424<br /><a href="mailto:ClientServices@RyanHillGroup.com">ClientServices@RyanHillGroup.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" target="_blank">http://www.RyanHillGroup.com</a><br /><br /><a class="nohover" rel="nofollow" title="Connect on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/RyanHillGroup" target="_blank"><img src="https://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/facebook.png" alt="Facebook" border="0" /></a> <a class="nohover" rel="nofollow" title="Follow us on Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/ryanhillgroup" target="_blank"><img src="https://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/twitter.png" alt="Twitter" border="0" /></a> <a class="nohover" rel="nofollow" title="See our LinkedIn profile" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresaryanrealtor" target="_blank"><img src="https://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/linkedin.png" alt="LinkedIn" border="0" /></a> <a class="nohover" rel="nofollow" title="See our videos on YouTube" href="http://bit.ly/RHGChannel" target="_blank"><img src="https://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/youtube.png" alt="YouTube" border="0" /></a> <a class="nohover" rel="nofollow" title="Meet us on ActiveRain" href="http://activerain.com/tryan" target="_blank"><img src="https://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/activerain.gif" alt="ActiveRain" border="0" /></a> <a class="nohover" rel="nofollow" title="See our Trulia profile" href="https://www.trulia.com/profile/teresa-ryan-agent-naperville-il-zgn6wlgf/overview" target="_blank"><img src="https://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/trulia.png" alt="Trulia" border="0" /></a> <a class="nohover" rel="nofollow" title="See our Zillow profile" href="https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ryan-Hill-Group/" target="_blank"><img src="https://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/Zillow.png" alt="Zillow" border="0" /></a>
<br /><br />Listed by: Ryan Hill Group (Century 21 Affiliated)<br /><br />
Our recent listings
<a href="https://listings.realbird.com/O4R3D6R8/603846.aspx" target="_blank">875 Okolona Ct, Naperville, IL 60540 | Cul-De-Sac Home for Sale | $725,000 | Naperville, IL</a><br /><a href="https://listings.realbird.com/O4R3D6R8/601141.aspx" target="_blank">FOR RENT! 1010 Burlington Ave 2411-A1, Lisle, IL 60532 | $2,007 | Lisle, IL</a><br /><a href="https://listings.realbird.com/O4R3D6R8/599020.aspx" target="_blank">FOR RENT! 4755 Main Street 1513-A2, Lisle, IL 60532 | $2,012 | Lisle, IL</a><br /><a href="https://listings.realbird.com/O4R3D6R8/603081.aspx" target="_blank">6765 County Line Lane, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 | Two-story Home for Sale | $749,900 | Burr Ridge, IL</a><br /><a href="https://listings.realbird.com/O4R3D6R8/601714.aspx" target="_blank">2006 Squire Cir, Yorkville, IL 60560 | Home for Sale | $500,000 | Yorkville, IL</a>
<br />
<img src="https://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/rss/feed-icon-16x16.png" />
<a href="http://www.realbird.com/feed.aspx?f=rss&id=O4R3D6R8" target="_blank">Subscribe to our listing feed</a>
Nearby properties for sale
<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.realbird.com/?refID=39444" target="_blank" title="Powered by RealBird.com"><img src="https://listings.realbird.com/images/poweredby_realbird.gif" alt="Powered By RealBird.com" style="border: 0px;" /></a> <br /><br /> <img src="https://listings.realbird.com/images/EqualHousing.gif" />
In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 875 Okolona Ct, Naperville, IL 60540 on my YouTube channel: <a href="https://youtu.be/Lz_Wv-ASoIY">https://youtu.be/Lz_Wv-ASoIY</a>2022-06-23T09:15:00-07:002022-06-24T08:16:31-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4545875 Okolona Ct, Naperville, IL 60540 | Home for SaleSet on a large cul-de-sac lot with a view of the pond, this stunning Naperville IL home for sale has everything you want in a home and community!<br /><br />Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and over 3,593 square feet of living space, this charming two-story property has all the space you need for privacy and relaxation. From the capacious basement to the sophisticated upper level master bath, everything is well-maintained and updated.<br /><br />Primely located, it is nestled in the highly sought-after Hobson West subdivision where residents enjoy access to the Hobson West Swim Club, tennis courts and many more amenities.
This beautiful home is in Naperville's top-rated School District 203 with Elmwood Elementary School, Lincoln Jr. High School and Naperville Central High School nearby.
With everything it has to offer, it’s easy to see why this home is a dream of many.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-02-Foyer.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
A spacious foyer with elegant crown moldings will welcome you as you open the front door. Recessed and natural lighting coming from the side transom windows combine to illuminate the beauty of the main level and its open floor plan.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-03-Dining-room.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
Sit-down meals are best shared in this aesthetic dining room<br /><br />A few steps from the foyer is a spacious 14’ x 14’ dining room that features large windows, crown molding and new carpet.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-04-Formal-Living-Room.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
On the other side of the foyer is an expansive 25’ x 13’ living room. It features crown molding, and a bay picture window that allows in plenty of natural light. Windows overlook the backyard and green area. New carpet and roll out windows add to the room’s classic and comfortable vibe.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-05-den.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
The living room connects to a great office/den with wood and glass French doors. Bright and private, set up your home office here, or turn it into a library or quiet space to relax.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-06-Kitchen-Eat-in-Area.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
Cooking your favorite recipes is a breeze in this awesome kitchen<br /><br />Featuring plenty of cherry cabinets, Corian countertops and ceramic tile floors, every space in this kitchen is made useful to ensure everyday cooking will be fun and time-saving.<br /><br />This impressive kitchen is complete with all of the appliances you need, including a Kenmore side-by-side fridge with ice & water, Kenmore microwave, stove and gas cooktop, and KitchenAid dishwasher.
The kitchen also features a well-lit eat-in area. Adorned with a beautiful chandelier and conveniently located between living spaces, this area is soon to be everyone’s favorite hangout.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-07-Family-Room.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
Gather with loved ones for a movie night in this cozy family room
Boasting an 18-foot volume ceiling with wood beams, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace with mantel and gas logs, this area is perfect for entertaining family and friends alike.<br /><br />A wet bar area and roll out windows all add to the chic style of the family room. There is also a double door that leads to the sunroom in between this room and the kitchen eat-in area.
The main level bathroom is neat and stylish. Multiple storage, all new toilets, and the white vanity with marble top are all part of what makes this generously-sized bathroom lovely.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-08-sunroom.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
The spacious sunroom is a great place to indulge in for any season. With its many windows, you will appreciate the panoramic views.
The second level private living areas are spacious and peaceful
Head up to the scond level and follow the pretty hardwood floors to the bedrooms.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-09-Master-Bedroom.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
Wake up well-rested in this ample-spaced master bedroom
Large windows offer peaceful scenic views from the master suite of this Naperville IL home. The vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors also contribute to the room’s serene ambiance. There is also a separate sitting room in this 18’ x 13’ master bedroom.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-10-Master-Bath.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
Updated and remodeled, the best of pampering is what this master bathroom offers. Its double sinks and vanities, 24in x 24in tile flooring, volume ceiling and rollout windows are part of what makes it a private spa-like experience.
It also features Kohler faucets, a 10’ x 6’ walk-in closet, separate toilet room and a deep designer tub that will soak all your stress away.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-11-Second-Bedroom.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
Found on the same level are 3 equally comfortable bedrooms. Bedroom 2 includes a built-in desk and bookcases while bedrooms 3 and 4 are airy, light-filled and adorned with shiny hardwood floors.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-12-Recreation-Room.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
This Naperville IL home’s basement is the ultimate entertainment hub!
You will never run out of fun things to do in this spacious home’s full finished basement. It includes a recreation room, media area, game area (can fit a pool table), and an additional room that you can customize to your liking.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-13-Basement.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
Most of the areas in the basement are carpeted and are decorated with multiple canned lighting fixtures.
The exterior of this state-of-the-art property is an outdoor haven!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-14-back.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
With a huge backyard, enjoy creating a beautiful garden, and sharing fun times with family, friends and pets. This outdoor space is relaxing and beautiful.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/875/875-Okolona-Ct-Naperville-IL-60540-15-deck.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="800" height="512" />
Taking advantage of the picturesque view outside, this one-of-a-kind home also comes with an expansive deck. If you love drinking coffee while gazing at a good view, this area will soon be your favorite spot.
Additional features of the home include a 2-car garage and additional storage room in the basement.<br /><br />With all the wonderful things this Naperville IL home offers, it sure won’t be on the market for too long.
Call me, Teresa Ryan, Managing Broker and Team Leader of Ryan Hill Group (Century 21 Affiliated), at 630-718-0424 to schedule your showing today.
In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view 875 Okolona Ct, Naperville, IL 60540 on my YouTube channel: <a href="https://youtu.be/Lz_Wv-ASoIY">https://youtu.be/Lz_Wv-ASoIY</a>
2022-06-22T17:27:00-07:002022-06-24T08:14:56-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4318Activities and Events for Retirees in Naperville<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Activities_and_Events_for_Retirees-TeresaRyan2.jpg" width="1920" height="1280" />
If you are a retiree looking for fun things to do around Naperville and to connect with the community, choose from these activities and events!
Naperville makes a convenient location for retirees to spend their time connecting with their family and friends, or to unwind with any recreational pursuits they desire, without having to go far. Some places around the city are within walking distance, while others are merely a 15-20 minute drive by car or public transportation. Many neighborhoods near such community landmarks are also geared towards the 45+ crowd, offering seniors the added incentive of provided transportation or onsite activities and events.
Explore downtown Naperville. From dining to shopping, cultural events, and outdoor concerts, there is a growing variety of things to do all centrally located downtown. Check <a href="http://downtownnaperville.com/">here</a> for current and upcoming events, promotions, and shows.
Go shopping at the Fox Valley Mall. Located in nearby Aurora, IL, this large mall offers you such retailers as Macy’s, JC Penney’s, Sears, Carson Pirie Scott, and Bath & Body Works, among many more.
Attend Naperville Parks District events. If you like bingo, book clubs, fitness programs, craft classes, day trips, and nature programs, then you won’t want to miss any of the offerings available for free or low-cost by browsing through the current calendar <a href="http://www.napervilleparks.org/activeadultandsenior">here</a> for further details and registration.
Join clubs and interest groups for seniors. Depending on your age, there are many social clubs and groups for retirees to join in Naperville. The Senior Social Club admits ages 55+, providing its members with meetups for coffee or drinks, bowling, dancing, and more. Or, if you’re looking for a support group for coping with loss or illness, get the help you need with <a href="http://www.visitingangels.com/chicago/senior-support-groups-naperville-il">Visiting Angels</a>.
Dine out for a casual or gourmet meal. Hungry for international cuisine or local fare? Sample some of the best of Naperville at Traversos Restaurant, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Sharko’s BBQ, Catch 35, Fire it Up, Meson Sabika, Totopos, Portillo’s, The White Chocolate Grill, La Sorella di Francesca, Old Town Pour House, Delirio, Gemalto's Wood Pit BBQ, The Jalapeno Grill, Naf Naf Grill, Fiesta Burrito, Cooper’s Hawk, Maggiano’s, Empire, Meatheads, Giordano’s, Sullivan’s, Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House, Burrito Parilla Mexicana, Butterfield’s Pancake House, Schmaltz Delicatessen, Egg Harbor Café, Bricks Wood Fired Pizza and Café, Ted’s Montana Grill, Heaven on Seven Naperville, Kumo’s Ancient Bistro, Morton’s, and Fiamme.
Get involved in the community. Use your vast professional experience or love for special causes by <a href="http://www.volunteermatch.org/search?l=Naperville%2C%20IL%2060563#k=&v=false&isSenior=true&s=1&o=recency&l=Naperville%2C+IL%2C+USA&r=20&sk=&specialGroupsData.groupSize=&na=&partner=&usafc=">volunteering at local non-profits and charitable organizations in and around Naperville</a>.
Attend Naperville Senior Center Adult Day Services programs. If you’re looking for fitness and other activities, chances are you’ll find them at the <a href="http://www.napervilleseniorcenter.com/activities_for_senior_citizens_naperville-adult_services/caregiver-support/">Naperville Senior Center</a>.
Live in a neighborhood with other seniors. Whether you want to live independently, have a roommate, or in a group setting, there are many retirement communities throughout the Naperville area, with a full schedule of events year-round. If you are 55+, try the Carillon Club, Hampton Park, Hobson Villas, or browse through <a href="http://activeadultliving.com/IL/illinois">this list</a>.
If you need assistance in buying or selling your Naperville home please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="www.ryanhillgroup.com - target website may not be available" data-uw-rm-brl="true">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/agents/teresa-ryan/" target="_blank">Teresa Ryan</a> at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Home Selling Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan specifically for homeowners in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" data-uw-styling-context="true" alt="Real estate photo" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" width="800" height="418" /></a>
You can also get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Home Buyer Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$homebuyerguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="FREE Home Buyer's Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$freehomebuyer'sguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img alt="Real estate photo" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>2022-06-16T13:21:00-07:002022-06-16T14:06:40-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4303What to Look for in a Pet-Friendly Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/What-to-Look-for-in-a-Pet-Friendly-Home-Teresa-Ryan-Photo1.jpg" width="1280" height="720" />
Take the guess-work out of finding pet-friendly features or interior design by reading these useful tips
Are you a pet owner who’s been browsing through homes for sale in the Chicago area? If so, then you owe it to your furry (or scaly!) friend to find a new home that meets their criteria, just as much as it does yours. They are, after all part of the family!
It goes without saying that it’s good if you can find a neighborhood that’s conducive to pet owners, so if you already have one in mind, make sure to read up on any policies and ordinances about having pets so you can follow the necessary steps so you don’t get slapped with any fines for being in violation of any health or safety regulations. This also includes homeowners’ association rules too – and whether it’s a single-family home to buy or lease, a condo, or an apartment, you definitely want to make sure that your pet is even allowed on the premises without a problem! A deposit might also be required, so do make sure to factor in those expenses when determining a dwelling’s overall cost-effectiveness.
Look for homes near pet-friendly areas. For dog-owners in Chicagoland, having nearby parks and walkable paths is ideal so that you are able to both get the most out of your new surroundings together.
Consider what pet-friendly interior designs are possible in the homes you browse. Are there things you will be bringing with you that you need room for in your new Chicagoland home? Where will you put your cat’s litterbox? Is there a yard for your dog to run around in safely? Will you need to add or replace a fence? Then of course is the layout of the home itself – from floors to windows, doors, and steps – are they safe for your pet or would they pose issues when walking around? Are there ideal spaces for your furry friend to hide away or sleep without being disturbed?
For ideas on incorporating pet-friendly elements to your interior decorating, remember to:
Look for durable floors. Messes are part of life, and with pets is expected one way or another. You want floors that are easy to clean, hard to ruin, and inexpensive to maintain. If choosing hardwood flooring, use area rugs to help keep surfaces from being too slick for your pet to walk on.
Decorate with neutral colors. That’s not to say you can’t add splashes of other colors to build off of the neutrals, but keep the base colors neutral – especially furniture or carpeting – so that if there are ever any accidents to clean up, they can more easily and more affordably be replaced without having to worry about matching exact shades or designs to the rest of your décor.
Consider using carpet tiles. Easier to deal with than spot cleaning or pulling up the carpeting from an entire room for the sake of a section or two that might be damaged enough to warrant replacing, carpet tiles are useful. They fit together like tiles, but still are carpet which you can still clean and replace as needed, but individually.
Vacuum and sweep often. Pets’ coats and paws are always going to leave behind grime and fur wherever they walk, stand, or sit. Regularly brushing your pets, and keeping their bedding, your furniture, and floors clean by vacuuming and sweeping is essential to maintaining a clean and healthy home for everyone.
Choose furniture colors (or washable slip covers) to match your pets’ fur. That way, when they sit on the sofa or recliner, their fur won’t stand out like a sore thumb every time!
Use fabric, denim, microfiber, microsuede, or crypton furniture upholstery, drapes or long curtains, and linens for better durability and ease of cleaning with soap and water to keep germs at bay. Though leather is also durable for furniture pieces, the material is still penetrable by your pet’s claws, and may not be ideal for your Chicago home.
Paint and stencil walls. For a pattern or theme you desire in your home, you can’t go wrong with custom-painted walls or stenciled designs. They will hold up much better than wallpaper, and your pet won’t damage them when rubbing up against the wall.
Contain your collectibles and knickknacks in a display cabinet. This will keep your pet from bumping any breakables, or from trying to play with them.
Use entry-mats at doors. Trap grime and dirt from your paws and your pet’s by having mats down at every entry. For cat owners, having a mat near the litterbox is also ideal to keep your cat from trailing litter throughout the house.
Consider the view. Your needs look-out windows, and having them strategically located in proximity to your pet’s ability to access them is key. Make sure to regularly clean those paw prints and other smudges from the glass!
Are you interested in living in the Naperville area? Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/agents/teresa-ryan/" target="_blank">Teresa Ryan</a> at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Home Buyer Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$homebuyerguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="FREE Home Buyer's Guide - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$freehomebuyer'sguide" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na"><img alt="Real estate photo" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>2022-06-14T12:07:00-07:002022-06-15T00:24:39-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:41378 Ways to Spend Your Money After Paying Off Your Mortgage<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/real-estate-g0ab250067_1280.jpg" alt="Paying Off Your Mortgage" title="Mortgage" width="1280" height="853" />
8 Ways to Spend Your Money After Paying Off Your Mortgage
Now that you no longer have to worry about paying off your mortgage, you might be wondering what next to do. For many Americans who have made the last of their mortgage payments, they are either at retirement age or are ready to move-up ro buy a second home. Here are 8 ways to spend your money after paying off your mortgage:
Buy another house. Do you want to move, have a vacation home, or purchase an investment property? Now’s a good time as any if you’re willing and able to take on another of the costs associated with an additional mortgage.
Retire. If you have the ability to go ahead and quit your job to pursue other activities, like traveling, spending time with your family, or volunteering for special causes, do it! After all, you’ve worked hard for many years in order to get to this point – so enjoy it!
Live off one income. If you and your spouse can’t afford to both retire at the same time, perhaps one of you can.
Save it for when you need the money. If you don’t have any other debts to pay off, then your best bet is to keep building up your nest egg as much as you can. If you are still working, increase the amount you are adding to your 401(k) to help you catch up or stay ahead of the game.
Cover the costs for college. Whether your children or grandchildren are college-bound, whatever you might be able to contribute to their education will be helpful. With steep tuition rates that continue to increase exponentially each year, college graduates typically are stuck repaying student loans for several years after graduation.
Become an entrepreneur. Have you always wanted to start your own business? The money once spent on your home loan can help make that happen – especially if the skills you’ve honed throughout the years have given you the competitive edge you need to be successful in whatever venture you’re considering.
Renovate your home. Retired or not, perhaps you are looking for a project to tackle, or have been waiting to update your home once you no longer had to worry about making payments on it. Plus, if you want to consider downsizing or moving in with other relatives, home renovations can serve as a means of getting the house ready to sell.
Celebrate. Chances are, you’ve made a lot of sacrifices along the way to paying off your mortgage. And for that, you certainly are entitled to splurging (responsibly!). Accomplish things on your bucket list. Try or buy something new to commemorate your success – or make a donation to a cause you support.
By going through the list of options to consider, you will have a better idea on how to spend the money you have, while still being able to live comfortably (and affordably) so that you leave a lasting legacy to your family and the community without any regrets.
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Home Selling Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan specifically for homeowners in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$realestatephoto"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" data-uw-styling-context="true" alt="Real estate photo" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" width="800" height="418" /></a>2022-05-04T14:42:00-07:002022-05-05T12:14:01-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4274How to Decorate Your Apartment or First New Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/How-to-Decorate-Your-First-Apartment-or-First-New-Home-Teresa-Ryan-Photo1.jpg" alt="Home Decoration" title="How to Decorate Your First Apartment or First New Home" width="1280" height="853" />
Here are some tips on How to Decorate Your Apartment or First New Home
Are you a renter or homeowner, short on funds or the time needed to decorate your new home? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a finely decorated and landscaped home. In fact, you can achieve beautiful results when decorating with less. Over-cluttering and overdoing can be just as problematic as poor placement or not doing enough! Success is all in how you work with what you have, not how much you can buy. Ready to get started?
Get ideas. Look at decorating magazines, Pinterest boards, TikTok, hardware and paint stores, gardening shops, and department store or antique shop displays to find what tastes you admire and want to replicate in your home. Then take notes on how to make what you already own work with any new items you might need to buy. Also keep in mind what color schemes you want to incorporate to coordinate with your artwork, furniture, flooring, and window treatments.
Obtain a floor plan or make your own. Whether it’s a house or an apartment, ask your REALTOR® or landlord for a floor plan ahead of moving day (or draw/create one online) so you can pre-determine how you want to arrange your furniture. Also, there's an app (actually, several) for that! Measure the rooms to match your furniture, and then map out where everything will fit before you even lift any heavy pieces or unpack boxes!
Set decorating goal. It can be challenging to come up with ways to decorate your home room-by-room, not to mention both inside and out. Which do you tackle first? You must start by prioritizing what you need to do, and how much you want to spend. Work your way around the house a little at a time, so that every room will at least have the basics. Eventually, you can create home projects for yourself – one at a time, so that you stick to your budget. Set realistic timelines, such as with our first few days, first week, the weekend, for the month, etc. Breaking your goals into mini-ones can help you stay more focused on what you need to do, and serve as motivators to continue on to others.
Decorate in sections. Similar to having mini-goals for your decorating projects, when you decorate, do so in small sections, gradually building up the room. For example, if you want to decorate your living room, start by painting or wallpapering – either all the walls within the room or at least an accent wall. Add lighting and furniture, and gradually artwork and maybe pillows or an area rug. Other items such as plants, throws, and other seating or tables can then be obtained as you are able. And outside, at least have a functioning light, and a welcome mat in front of your door, with a clear pathway to it for greeting visitors. As you have time, install pavers, plant shrubs and blooms, and any lawn ornaments.
Don’t be afraid of change. Be honest – sometimes you have the urge to redo what you’ve decorated, depending on your mood – and that’s okay! It is perfectly acceptable to rearrange and redecorate in different seasons, or whenever the mood strikes. If you start out simple in your decorating ideas, you will eventually build off of them, building confidence as you mix and match your furniture and various influences to better reflect who you are.
Above everything else, be patient with yourself when starting out. It takes a lot of trial and error, and sometimes months to make your home look and feel the way you want it to. But in the end, you will be proud of what you accomplished!
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a href="https://www.ryanhillgroup.com/contact-us/">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Home Selling Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan specifically for homeowners in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs.
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$realestatephoto"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/3646/image/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" data-uw-styling-context="true" alt="Real estate photo" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" width="800" height="418" /></a>
You can also get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Home Buyer Guide - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$homebuyerguide">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="FREE Home Buyer's Guide - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$freehomebuyer'sguide">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf$realestatephoto"><img alt="Real estate photo" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>
Get ideasLook at decorating magazines, Pinterest boards, hardware and paint stores, gardening shops, and department store or antique shop displays to find what tastes you admire and want to replicate in your home. Then take notes on how to make what you already own work with any new items you might need to buy. Also keep in mind what color schemes you want to incorporate to coordinate with your artwork, furniture, flooring, and window treatments.Obtain a floor plan or make your ownWhether it’s a house or an apartment, ask your realtor or landlord for a floor plan ahead of moving day (or draw/create one online) so you can pre-determine how you want to arrange your furniture. Measure the rooms to match your furniture, and then map out where everything will fit before you even lift any heavy pieces or unpack boxes!Set decorating goalsIt can be challenging to come up with ways to decorate your home room-by-room, not to mention both inside and out. Which do you tackle first? You must start by prioritizing what you need to do, and how much you want to spend. Work your way around the house a little at a time, so that every room will at least have the basics. Eventually, you can create home projects for yourself – one at a time, so that you stick to your budget. Set realistic timelines, such as with our first few days, first week, the weekend, for the month, etc. Breaking your goals into mini-ones can help you stay more focused on what you need to do, and serve as motivators to continue on to others. Decorate in sectionsSimilar to having mini-goals for your decorating projects, when you decorate, do so in small sections, gradually building up the room. For example, if you want to decorate your living room, start by painting or wallpapering – either all the walls within the room or at least an accent wall. Add lighting and furniture, and gradually artwork and maybe pillows or an area rug. Other items such as plants, throws, and other seating or tables can then be obtained as you are able. And outside, at least have a functioning light, and a welcome mat in front of your door, with a clear pathway to it for greeting visitors. As you have time, install pavers, plant shrubs and blooms, and any lawn ornaments.Don’t be afraid of changeBe honest – sometimes you have the urge to redo what you’ve decorated, depending on your mood – and that’s okay! It is perfectly acceptable to rearrange and redecorate in different seasons, or whenever the mood strikes. If you start out simple in your decorating ideas, you will eventually build off of them, building confidence as you mix and match your furniture and various influences to better reflect who you are.
2022-05-03T14:22:00-07:002022-05-06T13:25:52-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:4126Top 4 Real Estate Trends to Help Sell Your Home in the Chicago Suburbs<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Top-4-real-estate-trends-to-sell-your-home.jpg" alt="Real Estate Trends to Help Sell Your Chicago Home" title="Real Estate Trends" width="800" height="533" />
Top 4 Real Estate Trends to Help Sell Your Home in the Chicago Suburbs<br />
What’s not to love about the Chicago suburbs? There are professional sports teams and an endless variety of attractions and landmarks, as well as events, shops, pubs, and eateries. It’s a place where you can find a diverse mix of people, friendly enough to say hello if you meet them on the street. And in the suburbs, the communities are neighborly.
Home sellers can do well in attracting buyers, provided they have what others are seeking. Right now, there are 4 trends worth noting in order to make it easier and quicker to sell your home. These include schools, neighborhoods, outdoor space, and current technology/features.
Schools. If your home is in the vicinity of a quality school, it’s worth mentioning to families who will want to move as close as they can to it. Whether it’s a couple with a baby on the way, parents to high schoolers, or a family of five with various age groups, your home will be more likely to garner interest if they are eager to send their children to quality school districts and private schools located in Glenbrook, Hinsdale, Barrington, Indian Prairie, Naperville, and Elmhurst, to name a few. So if you live near a quality public or private school, including that in your listing can definitely help your chances of selling.
Neighborhoods. Depending on where you live in the Chicago area affects your listing price. Where you live and what’s next to it can be an indicator of how fast you might sell, and for how much. In addition to schools, the trend for shopping centers, recreational sports, and parks in close proximity to your home is big. People enjoy the ease of walking or biking to a nearby destination, and motorists and commuters revel in the chance for shorter drive times and public transportation access. Mentioning all these things in your listing will help make your property that much more appealing to singles, couples, families, and retirees alike.
Outdoors space. People desire greenspace, in the same way, they are seeking homes with curb appeal in the suburbs. Open spaces, outdoor kitchens, or at least room for a grill or fire pit are popular among today’s buyers.
Current technology/features. You have to stay abreast with updating your home if you want to attract buyers. In particular are millennials, who don’t want to waste a lot of their time or money on making updates after purchasing a home – they just want to move in and resume their usual lifestyles. By getting in the habit of routinely updating your home well before you want to sell it, fixing and replacing pipes, tuning up the heating and air conditioning system, and making structural repairs as needed, you won’t be overwhelmed with other tasks to accomplish when the time comes to place your home on the market. The trend for a finished basement, modern light fixtures, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and a host of higher-end appliances equipped with smart home controls with energy efficiency in mind is what new buyers and move-up buyers are looking for, so a focus on such things at the time of listing your home can prove beneficial.
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" href="http://www.ryanhillgroup.com/" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="www.RyanHillGroup.com - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="http://www.ryanhillgroup.com/$www.ryanhillgroup.com">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Home Selling Guide - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$homesellingguide">Home Selling Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan specifically for homeowners in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs.
<a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$realestatephoto"><img alt="Real estate photo" data-cke-saved-src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" data-uw-styling-context="true" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>2022-05-02T12:35:00-07:002022-05-02T15:46:50-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:38566 Ways to Stick to Your Budget When Saving for a New Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Ways-to-Stick-to-Your-Budget-When-Saving-for-a-New_Home.jpg" width="1280" height="737" />
Ways to Stick to Your Budget When Saving for a New Home
Saving for a new home is a long-term investment that takes commitment to the task at hand. For first-time home buyers or even move-up buyers, sticking to a budget is very important to achieve success.
<br />So how do you reap the most benefits from what you spend or forfeit each month so that your nest egg can grow that much quicker? Here are some savvy tips:
Downsize your existing living arrangements. While obviously not for everybody, living in a smaller dwelling, or moving into a rental, can save you some extra cash per month. Or, if your home is big enough, you could rent out a room, or obtain renters for your home while you are temporarily relocated. If neither of those situations works for you, and you are an existing homeowner, you can possibly look into refinancing your home to lower your mortgage rate. Then, with the money you save, you can put that towards your home savings account.
Refinance, trade, or sell your vehicles. If you have car, truck, van, or motorcycle payments per month, you can try refinancing them to obtain lower monthly payments. Or, trade-in or sell your vehicles for a less-costly one, so your payments, as well as your insurance, are lower.
Minimize your utility bills. Things like lowering your heat and air conditioning, turning off electronics when you’re not using them, (including computers and monitors in standby mode), using electronics less frequently, replacing bulbs and appliances with energy-efficient ones, air drying dishes and clothes, lowering the temperature of your water heater, using less water for your daily activities, and ensuring that your home is adequately insulated and draft-free, will save you hundreds of dollars per year! While you’re at it, make sure to have routine maintenance performed on your heating and air-conditioning system, as well as your appliances before they lead to further issues down the road, and cause you to waste electricity or water as a result.
Trim your entertainment costs. Going out to eat, shop, or attend events can add up over time. Even at home, cable, internet, and phone plans are sometimes just as bad as utilities! No one says you can’t enjoy a few perks, but you certainly can do one of two things if you don’t want to cut them out altogether: do them less, or find cheaper (or free) alternatives. Cook at home, stroll through a park or visit museums on any free or discounted days, rent movies from Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, the library, or from your friends, cut out extra cable channels, and shop around for a lower monthly internet or phone plan.
Get rid of what you no longer need and sell them for cash. If you’ve hung on to things out of sentimentality, rather than practicality, consider them the very things you might want to sell in your next garage or yard sale. Have lots of books, movies, CDs, or games collecting dust? Sell them to Half Price Books. Still, holding on to an outfit you haven’t worn in 2 years? You can resell them at consignment stores. The bonus in getting rid of all these extras is that when you are finally ready to pack up and move into your dream home, you won’t have to spend the time lugging around what you no longer need.
Work extra hours. It might be the time to change your career or tackle new and exciting projects at your existing job. Maybe you can use your skills outside of your regular working hours to earn an additional income per month that can be used toward your home fund.
Whatever ways you decide to cut costs, it’s always a good idea to track your goals and spending, so you can hold yourself accountable AND see immediate results. It will help you on the days when you might feel discouraged by not quite being where you want to while saving up for a new home, but if you continue to be persistent and intentional in your budget, you WILL eventually get there!
Are you interested in Naperville homes for sale? Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation consultation.
Get a copy of our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" /></a>2022-04-19T08:20:00-07:002022-04-26T03:19:05-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:3908Top 6 Wants for Home Buyers<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Top-6-Wants-for-Home-Buyers-Teresa-Ryan-Photo1.jpg" width="1280" height="897" />
Here are Top 6 Wants for Home Buyers
If you are currently selling a home in the Chicago area, it pays to know exactly what buyers are looking for when they browse the listings of homes for sale this fall. If your home has any of these 6 features that buyers want most, you will be more likely to generate more interest in your home and lock in on potential buyers that much faster:
Open layout. Gone are the days when homeowners wanted to have well-defined spaces and rooms. These days, the trend is for large, open spaces that can be integrated into multi-functioning zones, so that occupants in a home can co-mingle and go from room to room without being confined by too many walls and doors when going about their daily routines, having time alone away from the rest of the household, or when entertaining guests. They also want to tie in all their décor from one room to the next, so that the home can have an overall “theme” and “feel.”
Hardwood flooring. While the entire home doesn’t have to be hardwood, at least the entryway and other main areas of the house where visitors may tread, are. And it doesn’t even have to be real hardwood either – home buyers are agreeable with faux hardwood designs too so that if you have wall-to-wall carpeting that needs to be replaced, you might want to consider redoing the floor with hardwood or faux hardwood tiles or planks instead.
Updated kitchen. It’s an ongoing trend to want a kitchen with the most up-to-date technology for cooking and entertaining, and high aesthetic appeal. Homes for sale with new appliances, cabinetry, and storage space score better points than those in need of some renovation, post-sale. A majority of buyers are looking for homes they can move into more quickly, rather than spend time or extra funds to fix it up before inhabiting it.
Storage space. Needing more room is the reason why many homebuyers sell in the first place – and to someone, your home may be larger than their last. If you have plenty of storage space to offer, that goes a long way to making up prospective buyers’ minds in envisioning where all of their possessions may be stored.
Room for multi-generations. With the vast numbers of families cohabiting with their aging parents – everyone wants their privacy and space. If your home for sale is equipped with multiple bathrooms, and multiple bedrooms, and has at least one guestroom with an adjacent bathroom on a main or ground level, it might appeal to families looking for a home that fits the rest of their household’s needs.
Outdoor space. Be it a yard, porch, patio, deck, or balcony, buyers generally gravitate to homes with some sort of outdoor living space. Not only does it give them additional entertaining options, but also serves as a retreat in good weather, and makes for family-friendly occasions sans electronics. Second-best is having rooms with a good view of the outdoors, which helps to promote a sense of content and peace – two feelings that all homeowners want from where they live, and if they feel that when touring your home for sale, then it will definitely make an impression on them and put your home in their sights.
If you need assistance in buying or selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" target="_blank">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation consultation.
Don't forget to get a copy of our <a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" /></a>2022-04-07T12:54:00-07:002022-04-18T05:25:26-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:3886How to Have the Best Lighting in Any Room<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/How-to-Have-the-Best-Lighting-in-Any-Room-Teresa-Ryan-Hill-Group-Photo1.jpg" width="1280" height="720" />
Here are some tips on How to Have the Best Lighting in Any Room
Addressing the lighting needs in your home can often replace having to renovate a room. So before you run out to buy new furniture, or make plans for a remodel, consider the possibility of changing your lighting, instead. It’s a cheaper alternative that can keep with whatever theme or mood you have in mind, and draw attention to any room’s best assets. And since lighting styles do tend to change every few years, it’s a good idea to update your lighting to keep your home looking current.
Think function, placement, and fixtures when you want to revamp a room. Here are some tips to achieve the best use of the lighting you choose:
Updating fixtures. No matter how old your home is, you can swap out older fixtures for current trendy styles and instantly transform the room. If replacing all three types of lighting – don’t feel like you have to keep them in the same design or lighting family. Mix them up for more flair, to draw attention to each type of lighting in different ways. Hot trends now are with crystal, retro 70’s designs, translucent glass, and the use of combined metal, gold, and silver patterned fixtures.
Layer the lighting. The three layers of lighting usually include overhead, task, and accents. When used together, they help add depth to a room. Chandeliers and pendant lighting can be used as overhead OR task lighting, depending upon the height of the ceilings and placement in a room, while recessed lighting has the potential to illuminate overhead or when used judiciously, as accents.
Shed light in unexpected places. A splash of light here, a pop of color there. Not unlike art, such lighting found in unconventional places can draw the eye to areas of interest, and create the perfect mood for a room. Try swapping out a traditional light fixture with an unusual one – such as the use of pendant lighting on either side of your bed for reading lamps, or a chandelier in the bathroom. Accent lights in conjunction with painted walls can work well for tray ceilings, alcoves, in or underneath cabinets, or in-wall niches to create patterns of interest to the lines they trace. In a sense, lighting works the same as finding the best accent jewelry to complete the look you want to achieve – when used in just the right balance, your room becomes “fully dressed.”
Dimmer settings. The best use of lighting is when you can multitask to suit your mood. For as easy as $20, you can install a dimming system to control the quality of light in a room, and use lamps with dimmer switches. Go from ambient to task lighting to glean the most out of your existing lights without having to completely replace them. Use the highest wattage bulbs as you can for your overhead lights or lamps so that when dimming, you can achieve a full range of light, while helping keep electricity and bulb replacement costs down.
Focus on the light. Just like a stunning photograph is achieved when the lighting used is placed strategically around the subject, so is a room with that same concept of lighting in mind. Playing around with where and how much you give in different angles determines how well the direct and indirect layers of light will keep you focused on the room itself, so that as cheesy as it may sound, it can be “picture-perfect.”
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" target="_blank">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank">Home Selling Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan specifically for homeowners in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs.
<a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" /></a>2022-04-05T13:34:00-07:002022-04-18T05:26:15-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:3954Tips for Sharing Your Home Office with Your Spouse<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/share-home-office-tips.jpg" alt="Tips-To-Share-Home-Office" width="800" height="530" />
Here are some tips for Sharing Your Home Office with Your Spouse
Do you currently share an at-home workspace with your spouse? If it’s a tight fit for you both, perhaps you’d like to move into a new home in the near future, but are not quite ready to be a first-time home buyer just yet? If so, you might want to read these tips to help give you some creative options in the interim:
Add light. When it comes to having a home office, there is no limit to how much light you could have – but space can be another matter. Instead of resorting to floor lamps or desk lamps, try using up vertical space by hanging pendant lighting.
Have a variety of seating options. If it’s just the two of you, or you have additional household members who might need the office for studying, having more than one chair is ideal so the office can be shared more easily.
Make elbow room. The best way to do this is by facing your chairs away from each other, rather than side-by-side. Whether or not you want to be back-to-back or sit across from one another is up to you, but you can definitely make things more livable if you have room to move around without bumping into one another.
Keep your workspace separate. You might only have room for one desk, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have your own designated drawers or section of the desk to store your own files. And if you work different hours, it is essential to keep your pertinent items as organized as possible so they don’t get mixed up or lost in the shuffle or get in your spouse’s way.
Have an L-shaped desk in a corner of the room. Even if your office space isn’t very large, or if it’s a mixed-use room (such as your living room or den) it typically can fit an L-shaped desk in a corner of the room, which essentially amounts to two desks if you work from one section, and your spouse works from the other end.
Plan for the desk you need. Since you want a desk that can be useful to both of you, you need to make sure it will fit your essentials – which means making sure to plan out what you would want it to have room for, and where it will go, so you can buy a desk that makes the best sense without buying storage supplies that won’t fit.
When you are finally ready to become first-time homebuyers, make the most out of your home office with these tips:
Choose a room with a view of the outdoors. Not only will it give you natural light, but it will also provide a source of inspiration when you need to take a quick break to de-stress.
Make sure your new office fits your existing furniture or has room for you to furnish it with new pieces as needed.
Add personal touches to your décor. Don’t shy away from customizing your office with mementos, artwork, and other items of interest to keep the office just as inviting and inspiring to you as the rest of your home.
Keep computer cables, powerstrip, CPU, and internet cords neatly contained and organized so you can avoid them becoming unsightly tangled up wires.
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" target="_blank">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank">Home Selling Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan specifically for homeowners in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs.
<a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" /></a>2022-03-28T13:29:00-07:002022-04-18T05:27:16-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:3955How to Reach Millennial Home Buyers<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/How-to-Reach-Millennial-Home-Buyers-Teresa-Ryan.jpg" width="940" height="788" />
How to Reach Millennial Home Buyers: Tips and Strategies
Millennials are all about connecting with the world in which they live, and a good majority of it is in the technology they use. Not surprisingly, this also equates to home buyers from this age group who not only know what they want but also want what they want – meaning they look at where to invest their time and money where it best represents who they are. So for Millennials, and especially Millennial home buyers, finding a home for sale is a tremendous accomplishment! But to get from point A to B, they will first need your help as their realtor.
How Do You Attract Millennial Buyers?
Technology is a savvy way of reaching scores of Millennials, since they are typically seen with mobile devices of all kinds, and continually are “in the know” in social media. Tapping into that outlet for your realty business is vital if you want to attract this up-and-coming crowd. They may not even consider you if you don’t already have a dominant presence online in some way. They also rely on the reviews from their peers, so if you’ve already sold to other Millennials, it’s only a matter of time before their friends and possibly family (from other age groups) contact you based on what they’ve been told about you, too.
Identify with Millennials’ interests. While the technology itself is a tool for them, it’s also their “hobby” in more ways than one. They like finding out about what’s hot and what’s not, gadgets they can use, and where they can get the best deals. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. They also want easy-to-use apps, and to be seen and heard by you, the realtor, so you have to do your part in being available for their questions and comments.
Market yourself to Millennials. Your interests matter, too! Millennials need to be able to rely on your expertise, and not just by having all the “right answers.” They want to see how relatable you are, how active you are in the community, and what makes you someone with whom they should talk. Common interests help put them at ease during the process of buying or selling a home, giving you an overwhelming advantage of having your suggestions be heard and valued.
It’s not a stretch to say that visuals mean a whole lot more to Millennials than any other age group. They say a picture is worth a thousand words – and to this group, that can be taken quite literally. In a world where emoticons seem to replace vocabulary, and pinning favorites on Pinterest has become both an adjective and a verb, you have to capture their attention if you want them to buy a house you are trying to market to them.
Millennials also want more…that is, in-depth information so they can make well-informed decisions. Also, nothing frustrates them more than if they are given vague answers to the needs they have. Your listings should be comprehensive, giving them a sense of belonging. After all, you want them to feel like they are home! By succeeding in giving them a need for having that home, as opposed to others on the market, they will do what they can to make that happen!
Why Millennials Matter?
As of 2015, millennials in the workforce <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/04/28/millennials-overtake-baby-boomers-as-americas-largest-generation/" target="_blank">surpassed any other age group</a>! Prior to that, it was the post-war Baby Boomer generation that dominated the population and workforce. With such a large group of new adults to contend with, they all need to live somewhere. And you can help them find the perfect place as they start having families of their own.
Reach out to them as best as you can, because as trends continue, you can count on Millennials to be the ones who are the most agreeable to changes – including those in real estate.
If you need assistance in buying or selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" target="_blank">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation consultation.
Don't forget to get a copy of our <a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank">Home Buyer Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan for Chicagoland home buyers, visit: <a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank">FREE Home Buyer's Guide</a>
<a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" href="https://mailchi.mp/e82a65a97e49/5lnwo86bgf" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Buyer_Guide_Spread.jpg" /></a>2022-03-25T12:43:00-07:002022-04-18T05:27:54-07:00Teresa Ryantag:ryanhillgroup.com,2012-09-20:3808Remodeling Do's and Don'ts For Selling Your Chicagoland Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3646/image/Remodeling_Dos_and_Donts.jpg" width="1280" height="851" />
Here are some Remodeling Do’s and Don’ts For Selling You Chicagoland Home
Does the idea of remodeling your Chicagoland home for sale excite or repel you? When you are getting ready to list it, the first thing you generally tend to worry about is whether or not it looks good enough. After all, your goal is to sell – hopefully, sooner, rather than later – but sometimes you just can’t control the amount of time it takes to sell your home. As blue as that truth might make you feel, you should focus on what you can control in the meantime: fixing up your home, and highlighting its positive assets.
But where do you draw the line in what needs to be remodeled, and what doesn’t? Provided you have a vision, and can stick to a budget, here are some remodeling do’s and don’ts for making a proper return on the investment of your Chicagoland home:
Kitchen update. One of the most important rooms of the house is your kitchen and is usually one of the first to show signs of wear and tear. By making a few changes to things like fixtures, plumbing, countertops, and cabinetry to create a whole new look and feel. Avoid changing the layout entirely, which blows your budget and your time, while defeating the purpose of selling your house in the first place – why change it that much if you aren’t going to be the one to enjoy it?
Adding space. Extra square footage to an existing room of your house can bump up your property value, but you also want to take into consideration the costs associated with such a demolition and rebuilding project. Is it practical, or merely just for comfort’s sake? It’s not always necessary to add space or create specialty areas that do not hold the same sort of appeal as it does to you – such as with a wine room. Conversely, removing features from a room can also work against you. You may not use the bay window or fireplace, but they might hold appeal to the new owners.
Boosting curb appeal. How your home looks on the outside determines whether or not anyone will even venture inside. Power-washing, repainting, trimming shrubs and trees, and repairing the roof, siding, the pavement, or the lawn can all give your home for sale a fresh, updated look. Pools, on the other hand, aren’t a high selling point. They’re nice to have, but don’t go out of your way to install one, because their upkeep can be a turn-off to your potential buyers who might like everything else about the house but the pool, and they may not want to spend the money getting it removed, either.
Master bedroom. When it comes down to buying a home you see yourself being comfortable in, the bedroom is key. What do people want in a bedroom? Ample and organized space where they feel relaxed. By comparison, updating or changing other bedrooms are of lesser importance – because, in the end, they might not even be used as bedrooms by the new owners. Instead, focus on making kids’ bedrooms and guest rooms clean and tidy, and leave the rest in the hands of your potential buyers to decorate or remodel themselves.
Bathroom makeover. While you might not be able to fix up every bathroom in the house, at least focus on the master bathroom, as it would be the primary one in use. And just like the kitchen, it too can be refreshed with new fixtures, plumbing, countertops, and cabinetry, you don’t necessarily have to go all-out to make a big impact in smaller spaces like the bathroom.
If you need assistance in selling your Naperville property please do not hesitate to contact us at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.RyanHillGroup.com" href="http://www.ryanhillgroup.com/" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="www.RyanHillGroup.com - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="http://www.ryanhillgroup.com/$www.ryanhillgroup.com">www.RyanHillGroup.com</a>. Call Listing Agent and Managing Broker of Ryan Hill Group, Teresa Ryan at 630-276-7575 for a no-obligation home sale consultation.
Get a copy of our <a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Home Selling Guide - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$homesellingguide">Home Selling Guide</a> written by Teresa Ryan specifically for homeowners in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs.
<a data-cke-saved-href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" href="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Real estate photo - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://mailchi.mp/55f69722b952/y05b75ebp5$realestatephoto"><img alt="Real estate photo" data-cke-saved-src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/8461/blog/RHG_Seller_Guide_Spread.png" data-uw-rm-ima="gn" /></a>2022-03-23T12:34:00-07:002022-04-18T05:28:38-07:00Teresa Ryan