Laurie Christofano - Realtor, RE/MAX in the Village

You may be eligible for widely-available first-time homebuyer programs, such as FHA, VA and USDA loans, that can make it more manageable to buy a home even if you don’t have a 20 percent down payment. Government-backed programs like these can also be easier to qualify for than other mortgages, and many mortgage lenders offer them. Some first-time buyer programs might include grants, down payment or closing cost assistance, deferred payments, subsidized interest rates or loan forgiveness after a certain period of time, as well, which can further save you money.

Moving from a longtime home is a deeply emotional experience. It’s not just about the walls, but the memories they hold. 🥹 As your agent, my role goes beyond expert advice—I aim to be an empathetic guide through this journey. 🫂

Here’s what to look for in a seller’s agent:

👂 Active Listener: They pay close attention to your wishes and concerns.

🤳 Strong Communicator: They keep you informed and provide answers to your questions.

🥰 Emotionally Intelligent: They understand the significance of this life event and offer support without pressure.

🦸‍♀️Solutions-Oriented: They handle hiccups with a positive attitude.

I’ve put together a resource to support my clients through this process. Comment SELL for a copy! 💾

To make the most of your time and increase your chances of finding your dream home at an open house, approach it with a game plan:
1. Research the property ahead of time�
2. Sort out your finances - if you can get pre-approved, that is a great start!
3. Be prepared to make an offer if you love the house�
4. Keep expectations realistic

Home is so much more than the 4 walls (and doors, in this case 🚪)💗🌈

We weren’t planning to take it with us. We had already sold and packed the house and were about ready to sign the final closing documents when I broke.

“Kyle,” I told my husband, “we have to take the door. We have to. We can’t leave it behind.”

It was just a cheap door. One of those hollow ones with fake wood on the front.

But it was priceless to me.

Because the inside of that closet door held pencil markings documenting the heights of my growing girls.

They were babies in that first home. Our oldest was four when we moved, her sister was two. It was the only place they’d ever lived.

The thought of leaving that tangible memory behind crushed me.

So my husband, being the good guy he is, called our realtor, politely explained the situation, offered the buyers cash (that we didn’t have) to replace the door, and hoped for the best.

The new owners said it was fine. They took our extra cash. We took the door.

That door was in our second home for 8 years. It had a spot on the wall in the entryway.

When we moved last summer, we took the door with us.

It’s crowded now. Years of markings cover the center. Mom and Dad, the cat, stuffed animals, and even the 6-year-old baby brother made the door too.

There are dates and small pictures beside each name, documenting the seasons.

It’s one of my favorite things.

It doesn’t match the decor, but it doesn’t matter, of course.

Because it tells a story.

Of where they took their first wobbly steps and said their first words.

Of the middle parts. First days of school, first friends, first heartaches.

And now it hangs in our forever home. Its final resting place. Where each of my babies will finish growing.

One day, there will be no more heights to measure.

Their childhoods will be over.

But I’ll keep this door.

And maybe, someday, when my grown kids come home to visit, they will walk over to that door and measure their own babies too. ❤️

Written by Leslie Means ❤

from yesterday’s park meetup with some of the school friends 🛝 hot but tolerable thanks to the many mature trees shading the playground area 🌳🤩

Digital curb appeal is the first impression a potential homebuyer will have of a property when browsing for homes online. 97% of homebuyers start their search for a new home on the internet. That’s why it’s crucial for sellers to have great digital curb appeal to make their property stand out. There are several ways sellers and agents can use digital curb appeal to help sell a home faster and for top dollar. We would love to help you maximize your digital curb appeal as your agent!

When my wishful downsizing clients had their hearts set on a 2BR condo in the Wilshire Green Condo Community, I knew I had to make it happen. 💪 How did I do it? By reaching out to every single owner and networking like a pro. 🌟🙌

Guess what? We found the perfect off-market unit where the owner’s family was preparing to sell. 🌆✨

Today, my clients closed on their dream “downsizer” home, and I couldn’t be happier for them! 🎉 It’s in one of the rare condo communities in Chicago’s near western suburbs with amenities like indoor and outdoor pools 🏊‍♂️💦, workout room 🏋️🏃‍♀️, sauna 🧖‍♀️, party room 💃🪩 & more 🙌🌈

Looking for a Realtor who goes the extra mile? Reach out today and let’s make your dream home a reality! 📞🦸‍♀️

Laurie Christofano, Realtor
📲 630-248-1976
📧 [email protected]

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Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the long journey toward freedom and equality. Today, I am proud to stand with those who continue to fight for civil rights and fair housing. Let’s celebrate our diversity and work together to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. 🌈

Selling your home and buying a new one at the same time—sounds like a circus act, right? 🎪 But with the right strategy, it doesn’t have to be. 🤹‍♀️ Download my free Buying + Selling Simultaneously Guide (https://rem.ax/BuyAndSellChicagoland) and let’s make it a smooth ride! 🎢🎡🎠

This Father’s Day, treat Dad to a day tailored just for him! Whether he’s into biking, sports, golf, or gourmet food, our Oak Park-ish guide has something for every type of dad. 💙

🚴‍♂️ Outdoorsy dads, explore the Illinois Prairie Path or the beautiful Morton Arboretum. 🌳
⚽ Sports enthusiasts, enjoy a game at Avenue Ale House or a friendly match of pickleball. 🍻🏓🥒
⛳ Golf gurus, master the links at Columbus Park or try Oak Park Virtual Golf. 🏌️‍♂️
🍽️ Foodies, savor the flavors at Hemmingway’s Bistro or relax at Léa French Cafe 🇫🇷🥐

Tag your dad or a father figure and let him know how special he is! ❤️🙌🌈

🇫🇷🥐👨

🏡✨ Discover your new home at 9950 S Fairfield Ave in Chicago’s beloved Beverly neighborhood! This delightful mid-century ranch features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a bright, airy living space. Priced at $329,900, it’s a steal! 💫

🌞 Original details, a cozy kitchen with stainless appliances, a pantry, AND a breakfast nook, and a flexible bedroom layout. The outdoor space is perfect for gatherings with a no-mow backyard, deck, and patio. 🌳 (PLUS there’s hardwoods under those carpets 🤩🤑)

📅 Open House: Saturday, 6/15/24, from 12-2pm. Don’t miss out! See more pics + details 👀 https://www.oprfhomesforsale.com/property/12083963/?ccview

🌟 New neighborhood friends and sweet surprises! My kid has found an awesome playmate right across the street, and their parents just brought us these delicious home-grown cherries! 🍒✨ Feeling grateful and buzzing with joy—life is pretty dang sweet right now! ❤️‍🩹😍

That childhood nostalgia is hitting me hard tonight 🥹 Growing up in a 1980s new construction subdivision at the corner of a cul-de-sac, my days were spent outside in the neighborhood and exploring the woods behind the park. I worried we couldn’t give him any semblance of that here with the busy streets and all. But this feels safe. My heart is happy 💗

As they get older, they can bike straight west up the street to the forest preserve entrance with gravel bike trails that go for miles and miles. We ain’t never moving ❤️‍🩹🏡🌳

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June is here and it’s buzzing! 🐝 Get the scoop on Oak Park’s hot real estate market, vibrant Pride events, and must-do summer activities. 🎶🍻🍗💦 http://eepurl.com/iRX7fE

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Welcome to this delightful mid-century brick ranch in the heart of West Beverly! Built in 1956, this home features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a spacious 1,274 sq ft on the main floor.

Key Features:

Bright and Airy Living Space: Enjoy a combined living and dining room with an east-facing picture window that bathes the area in natural light.

Cozy Kitchen: Features a breakfast nook, newer appliances, and a functional layout perfect for home-cooked meals.

Flexible Bedroom Layout: The second and third bedrooms can be private or connected via a unique pocket door.

Period Charm: Original archways, pocket doors, cove moldings, and hardwood floors under most carpeting.

Potential Galore: Unfinished basement with another 1,274 sq ft ready to become your dream space.
Outdoor Oasis:

Beautiful Landscaping: Gorgeous front and back yards with a no-mow backyard designed for low maintenance.

Relaxing Deck and Patio: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, surrounded by lush greenery.

Garden Lovers’ Paradise: South-facing garden area ideal for your favorite plants and veggies.

Ample Parking: Includes a 2-car garage off the alley.

Neighborhood Highlights:

West Beverly offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and city convenience. Known for its diversity and community spirit, this neighborhood provides everything you need:

Green Spaces Galore: Close to Beverly and Munroe Parks, plus the scenic Dan Ryan Forest Preserve.

Cultural and Community Events: Enjoy the Beverly Arts Center and the annual South Side Irish Parade.

Dining and Shopping: Western Avenue features local favorites like Horse Thief Hollow, Ken’s on Western, and the iconic Original Rainbow Cone.

Great Connectivity: Easy access to downtown Chicago via multiple Metra stations, CTA bus routes, and Interstate 94.

This home is perfect for those looking to settle in a vibrant, community-oriented neighborhood with easy access to the best of Chicago. Don’t miss your chance to make this charming mid-century ranch your new home!

Don't miss our OPEN HOUSE this Saturday 6/15/24 from 12-2pm! And check out ALL the pics + details now 👉 http://rg2.me/zqpg

Laurie Christofano - Realtor, RE/MAX in the Village

Suns out, guns out! 🌞💪😎 Bringing the heat and the muscles to the pool party! 🔥💪💦

Limewash is making a comeback as natural design continues to maintain popularity in the home trend space. While it looks organic and can even been done as a DIY project, you typically can't wipe it clean like you can with painted walls so it might not be ideal for high-traffic areas in your home. Do you love the limewash look or will you sit this one out?

Getting pre-approved gives you a solid understanding of what you can afford, what you’ll be able to borrow, and your overall budget.
You’ll gain a competitive advantage when making an offer - get a step ahead of other buyers by securing a mortgage pre-approval.
You’ll be alerted to potential financial problems that can all be taken care of before making an offer on a home.
Lastly, you’ll accelerate the home-buying process!

Today is the best day to decide to start saving for a house. Saving for a down payment can take time, depending on how much you’re able to save each month. If you’re not able to save as much, starting sooner will ensure you have enough time to save up for your down payment to buy a house when you want or need to.

Family-friendly Pride events in the near west suburbs 🌈

Annual Pride Month is in full swing - Forest Park Review As June marks a month of celebration in LGBTQ+ communities nationwide, the Western suburbs and West Side are no strangers to the festivities.

Selling a house as-is can come with advantages. When you sell a home in its current condition, you don’t need to make any home improvements. Since you’re not making repairs, you can list your home sooner. An “as-is” property has a greater chance of receiving an all-cash offer. These offers let you skip the mortgage approval process and speed through a closing. Selling a home as-is can reduce contingencies and typically lowers closing costs. With that in mind, you can’t command market value for a home that needs work. You’ll have to reduce your price to compensate for necessary repairs. Not every buyer wants a project. Some want a move-in ready home, but your property may not fit the criteria.

Bleak.
That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of last year’s market predictions for 2024.

Luckily, those forecasts missed the mark—at least from where we stand today. Optimism is on the rise.

Here’s my take on where the market is headed:

• Increased Home Prices: Experts anticipate a strong home buying season from March to August, with home prices expected to surge by up to 5%.
• Rising Buyer and Seller Activity: Despite a sluggish 2023, there’s a noticeable uptick in activity as both buyers and sellers re-enter the market. Positive sentiment from Jerome Powell alluding to 2 or 3 rate cuts in 2024 and last year’s slight dip in rates, from a peak of ~8% to about 6.6% last October, is fueling this upward trend.

In addition, I’m advising clients to focus on local conditions for an even clearer picture. Here’s what I’m closely monitoring and sharing with them this month in Chicagoland:

• Median Selling Price: $305,500, with trends up 5% year-over-year 📈
• Average Price Per Square Foot: $197 📏
• Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 98.5% — with a significant percentage selling for over asking price in bidding wars‼️
• Average Days on Market: 1️⃣2️⃣

Have questions about your specific market? I’m all ears! DM me and let’s chat 💬 as we know, real estate is hyperlocal and this data covers the entire metro region 🌆

🏡✨ Step back in time with a modern twist! 🕰️💡 Come explore the charm of this stunning 1911 bungalow at 728 Hayes Avenue, where historic vibes meet contemporary luxe. Think cherry wood meets quartz countertops, and sunlight bathes every nook. 🌞🍒

👀 Curious? Don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself at our Open House this Saturday, June 1, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Discover why everyone’s talking about this Oak Park beauty that’s steps away from parks and coffee that’s as fresh as the morning dew at Daly Bagel. 🌳☕

🔑 Unlock the door to a blend of cozy corners and spacious entertainment areas—perfect for your next Netflix binge or a lively game night. 🎬🎲

And who says you can’t have it all? 🤷‍♀️ This home features not one, but TWO mudrooms, because why settle for less when you can have more space for all your boots, coats, and superhero capes? 🥾🧥🦸‍♂️

Swipe left to peek inside, save the date, and maybe, just maybe, find your dream home waiting to start its next chapter with you. 🗝️❤️

See ALL the pics + details now 😍 https://www.oprfhomesforsale.com/property/12071199/?ccview

I like to think it’s a gift from the real estate gods...

The moment I see a home come on the market, I know exactly who it’s perfect for 🦸‍♀️🏡

This summer, these home buyers are on my client wish list:

• Folks relocating to Chicagoland
• Young families looking for the *perfect* kid-friendly backyard
• Families with the flexibility to work remotely looking for dedicated office space
• Young professionals wanting low-maintenance new construction
• Empty nesters ready to downsize so they can travel, travel, travel
And one more person... YOU! DM me, and let me matchmake you to your next home 💘🌆

🏡 Open House Extravaganza: Two Stunning Homes, One Delightful Day!

Join me SATURDAY, June 1st, for a double dose of open house magic! 🌟 Whether you’re searching for a cozy family home or an elegant retreat, we’ve got you covered.

🔹 728 Hayes Avenue, Oak Park, IL
🕚 Open House: 11am - 1pm
Discover this charming haven nestled in the northeast quadrant, close to Whittier Elementary, Stevenson Park, and the Oak Park Farmers Market. With local favorites like Daly Bagel nearby, it’s the perfect blend of convenience and community. 🌳🏫🍩

🔹 1852 Maple Ave, Berwyn, IL
🕝 Open House: 1:30pm - 3pm
Step into this classic 1951 Georgian beauty, boasting recent updates and a vintage/retro family room. The spacious backyard, complete with a deck and peach tree, is perfect for summer gatherings. Plus, you’re minutes from Cermak Plaza and top dining spots! 🍑🏡🛍️

Don’t miss out on your dream home – come see for yourself! For more details or to schedule a private showing, send me a message. Let’s find your perfect place in Chicagoland! 🌆✨

Laurie Christofano - Realtor, RE/MAX in the Village

Wondering what your home is worth? An agent can look at the current housing market and use a comparative market analysis to assess your home’s valuation. Having an agent assess your home’s value is less detailed than what you’d receive with a professional appraiser, but it’s still a good option to get an idea of what your home would sell for. Real estate agents can make recommendations, like ways to improve the aesthetic appeal of your house, in order to increase the value of your home.

⭐🚪 “Keep the change, ya filthy animal!” Grab your chance to own the famous “Home Alone” house and relive the magic every day. Just make sure you count everyone in the car before leaving for vacation! 😆

https://www.oprfhomesforsale.com/property/12063078/?ccview

671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, 60093 Property 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, 60093 has 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms with 9126 square feet.

🏡✨ Ready to elevate your lifestyle? Check out our luxurious 3-bedroom townhouse in South Elmwood Park, available FOR RENT as of August 1st! Modern design, a spacious interior, and a dream kitchen await. 🍴🛋️ Rent it for a seamless commute to downtown Chicago! 🚉 See all the pics & details now 👀

7236 Palmer St, Elmwood Park IL Rental Luxury 3BR Townhouse in Elmwood Park - $3,250/mo, Close to Metra - exclusively listed for rent by Laurie Christofano with RE/MAX In The Village

🚀 Ready to ditch the stairs? Say hello to easy living with our amazing selection of ranch and single-story homes across Chicagoland! 🚀

Thousands of homes, real-time updates, and all just a click away: https://www.oprfhomesforsale.com/chicago-suburbs/ranch-homes-sale-chicago-suburbs/

Why wait? Start your journey to the perfect home today and discover why single-story living is the best ✨

Laurie Christofano - Realtor, RE/MAX in the Village