Things to do in Chicago in the Fall
Every season of the year in Chicago has something unique to offer, but the fall is especially beautiful. A crisp breeze blows near the lake as the leaves in Millennium Park turn golden, and the city is teeming with fantastic activities and events. Fall in Chicago has something for everyone, whether you want to celebrate Halloween, take in the local architecture, take in the fall colors, pick a bushel of apples, or learn about the urban legends of the city. Here’s our guide on things to do in Chicago in the fall. Check out the Fall Colors Although this city is lovely all year round, the fall is when it truly shines. You can find flashes of fall color anywhere you go, whether you're strolling through a lakefront park or just meandering through a quaint neighborhood's leaf-covered streets. Visit these excellent spots in and around Chicago to view fall colors and do serious leaf peeping: Lincoln Park, particularly the area around North Pond and South Pond Jackson Park and the gorgeous Garden of the Phoenix Millennium Park featured amazing colors in the heart of the city Humboldt Park, known for its sprawling lagoons and wildflowers Morton Arboretum is just a short train ride away Celebrate Halloween Chicago has its own unique way of celebrating Halloween, with spectacular evening spectacles, bright pumpkin displays, exciting parades, eerie ghost tours, Day of the Dead celebrations, and more. See the occasions we're most anticipating this year below: Arts in the Dark on State Street and Upside Down Arts in the Dark in Washington Park Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Garden Northalsted Halloween Parade in Northalsted (aka Boystown) Día de los Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball at the National Museum of Mexican Art Boo! at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo Hop on a fall boat cruise Get on the water now—not it's too late! Chicago's boat tours continue to operate through the fall, including the Chicago's First Lady, which gives river tours of classic buildings through the end of the season (weather permitting). The specialists at the Chicago Architecture Center lead the tours, and you can BYOB (bring your own blanket!) if you like. Admire iconic architecture One of the biggest architecture festivals in the world, Open House Chicago takes place every October and highlights architecturally, culturally, and historically significant locations throughout the city's distinctive districts. Discover what happens behind the scenes in some of Chicago's most impressive buildings, landmarks, members-only clubs, homes, and other places that are typically off limits to the general public. There are more things to do in Chicago this fall. Check this link to explore more! Do you need some kitchen inspiration this fall? We've included a simple recipe that is simple to download and can be immediately added to your own cookbook. Let us know what you think! FREE DOWNLOAD HERE Schedule a Zoom Meeting with Steve!📅 Want to stay updated? Join our VIP Email List!
How To Prep Your House for Sale This Fall
Today’s housing market is different than it was just a few months ago. And if you’re thinking about selling your house, that may leave you wondering what you need to do differently as a result. The answer is simple. Taking the time upfront to prep your house appropriately and create a solid plan can help bring in the greatest return on your investment. Here are a few simple tips to make sure you maximize the sale of your house this fall. 1. Price It Right One of the first things buyers will notice is the price of your house. That’s because the price sends a message to home shoppers. Pricing your house too high to begin with could put you at a disadvantage by discouraging buyers from making an offer. On the flip side, pricing your house too low may make buyers worry there’s some underlying issue or something wrong with the home. Your goal in pricing your house is to gain the attention of prospective buyers and get them to make an offer. And with price growth and buyer demand moderating, as well as a greater supply of homes available for sale, pricing your home appropriately for where the market is today has become more important than ever before. But how do you know that perfect number? Pricing your house isn’t a guessing game. It takes skill and expertise. Work with a trusted real estate advisor to determine the current market value for your home. 2. Keep It Clean It may sound simple but keeping your house clean is another key to making sure it gets the attention it deserves. “When selling your home, it’s important to keep everything tidy for buyers, and you never know when a buyer is going to want to schedule a last-minute tour.” Before each buyer visits, assess your space and determine what needs your attention. Wash the dishes, make the beds, and put away any clutter. Doing these simple things can reduce potential distractions for buyers. For more tips, check out this checklist for preparing your house for sale. Ultimately an agent is your best resource for tailored advice, but this list can help get you started. 3. Help Buyers Feel at Home Finally, it’s important for buyers to see all the possible ways they can make your house their next home. An easy first step to create this blank canvas is removing personal items, like pictures, awards, and sentimental belongings. It’s also a good idea to remove any excess furniture to help the rooms feel bigger and make sure there’s ample space for touring buyers to stand and look at the layout. If you’re unsure what should be packed away and what can stay, consult your trusted real estate advisor. Spending the time on this step can pay off in the long run. As a recent article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains: “Staging is the art of preparing a home to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers in your market. The right arrangements can move you into a higher price-point and help buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the door.” Selling a house requires prep work and expertise. If you’re looking to sell your house this season, let’s connect so you have advice on how to get it ready to list, how to help it stand out in today’s shifting market, and more. Here's our Home Selling Guide Schedule a Zoom Meeting with Steve!📅 Want to stay updated? Join our VIP Email List!
How an Expert Can Help You Understand Inflation & Mortgage Rates
If you’re following today’s housing market, you know two of the top issues consumers face are inflation and mortgage rates. Let’s take a look at each one. Inflation and the Housing Market This year, inflation reached a high not seen in forty years. For the average consumer, you probably felt the pinch at the gas pump and in the grocery store. It may have even impacted your ability to save money to buy a home. While the Federal Reserve is working hard to lower inflation, the August data shows the inflation rate was still higher than expected. This news impacted the stock market and fueled conversations about a recession. It also played a role in the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise the Federal Funds Rate last week. As Bankrate says: “. . . the Fed has raised rates again, announcing yet another three-quarter-point hike on September 21 . . . The hikes are designed to cool an economy that has been on fire. . .” While their actions don’t directly dictate what happens with mortgage rates, their decisions have contributed to the intentional cooldown in the housing market. A recent article from Fortune explains: “As the Federal Reserve moved into inflation-fighting mode, financial markets quickly put upward pressure on mortgage rates. Those elevated mortgage rates . . . coupled with sky-high home prices, threw cold water onto the housing boom.” The Impact on Rising Mortgage Rates Over the past few months, mortgage rates have fluctuated in light of growing economic pressures. Most recently, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate according to Freddie Mac ticked above 6% for the first time in well over a decade (see graph below): While there’s no way to say with certainty where mortgage rates will go from here, there is something you can do to stay informed, and that’s connect with a trusted real estate advisor. They keep their pulse on what’s happening today and help you understand what the experts are projecting. They can provide you with the best advice possible. Rising inflation and higher mortgage rates have had a clear impact on housing. For expert insights on the latest trends in the housing market and what they mean for you, let’s connect. Schedule a Zoom Meeting with Steve!📅 Want to stay updated? Join our VIP Email List!
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