Latest News
Stay ahead in the dynamic world of real estate with our latest updates and insights, bringing you essential news and trends to empower both buyers and sellers in making informed decisions.
In the year since we closed on our home, we’ve enjoyed so many great moments, but we’ve also faced many challenges – some of which we didn’t anticipate. Here’s are a few things I learned in my first year as a homeowner and landlord.
6 Chicagoland Communities for Dog Lovers to Call Home
Chicago is the #1 U.S. city for dogs—and it shows. From dog beaches to pet-friendly bars and restaurants to countless off-leash parks, doggy daycares, and more, there’s so much for pets and their owners to do around the city. If you’re planning a move in Chicagoland and have a furry friend (or several), be sure to check out the following communities:
Chicago’s Festival Fever: A Guide to the City’s Must-Visit Summer Events
Maybe it’s our long winters or all-too-short springs, but summertime in the Windy City is one of the best seasons anywhere on the planet. And as one of the country’s premier hotspots for citywide and neighborhood festivals, Chicago knows how to throw a party. From one...
Home Design Trends that Gen-Z Buyers Love
When it comes to buying a home, today’s Gen Z shoppers have very different expectations than their Gen X and Boomer parents. According to the most recent Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Forecast, this next-gen homebuyer is all about smart, sustainable, and...
Cicada-Mania: Don’t Brood Over These Critters’ Impact on House Hunting
There’s no doubt about it: The cicadas are here. If you haven’t heard any yourself, you’ve probably at least heard of them. You might even already know a little bit about the critters or their historic emergence. But if you’re wondering whether to worry about the...
10 Things We Love About Living in Bucktown
Bucktown is one of Chicago’s quintessential melting-pot neighborhoods, a place where hipsters and yuppies ride elbow to elbow on the Blue Line, artists and tech entrepreneurs belly up to the bar at the decades-old The Charleston, and 100-year-old worker’s cottages...
Celebrating Pride in Chicagoland
Chicagoland has always played a prominent role in the Pride movement and queer history, and the Windy City comes alive in June to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, hosting some of the biggest Pride events in the Midwest. Read on for a round-up of the Pride Month...
Pier Pressure: 5 Homes for Boat Lovers
Casting a line into the glassy pre-dawn water, carving graceful turns behind a ski boat, or cracking a cold one and floating all day on a pontoon…however you enjoy it, lake living can’t be beat. And here in the Midwest, we pretty much wrote the book on the lifestyle....
Small Yard, Big Impact: Innovative Ideas to Maximize Your Outdoor Space
Living in or near a big city comes with countless perks – a quick commute, endless arts and culture, incredible restaurants, and a buzz that’s impossible to replicate. But one of the trade-offs often is outdoor space. So if your yard or patio or deck is less than...
Go Green: Get Inspired with These Timeless, Eco-Friendly Decorating Trends
While sustainable design may have once been considered a fleeting fad, it’s become clear in recent years that this decorating ethos is here to stay. This practice has gained momentum as more homeowners seek to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy...
Discovering Chicagoland’s Art and Antique Markets
Whether you’re making a move and preparing to decorate a new space or refreshing your current space, Chicagoland’s vibrant art and antique markets offer endless inspiration – and the chance to uncover some truly amazing finds. “Art and antiques are a great way to add...
Elevate Your Home with a Greenhouse
Picture this: You’re settled into a cozy, sun-drenched spot, with fresh jasmine filling the air and a bowl of fresh berries ready to dig into. It’s the perfect midday escape — and it’s courtesy of your greenhouse. Having greenery in or around your home adds warmth, a...
Transforming Your Interior: How 2024’s Top TikTok Design Trends are Making Over Homes
To find the hottest interior trends, design devotees used to turn to the pages of countless shelter mags. Then it was the cable shows on Bravo and HGTV. But today, the latest design looks – thousands upon thousands of them – are a swipe away on TikTok. From new takes...
Get it Wright: Frank Lloyd Wright Made His Mark on Chicago Architecture
Without a doubt, Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the greatest American architects of all time. From conceptualizing the Prairie style at the turn of the 20th century to designing the low-cost, well-built Usonian homes, his distinct styles continue to shape residential...
Get it Wright: Frank Lloyd Wright Made His Mark on Chicago Architecture
Without a doubt, Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the greatest American architects of all time. From conceptualizing the Prairie style at the turn of the 20th century to designing the low-cost, well-built Usonian homes, his distinct styles continue to shape residential...
From Donuts to Dugouts: Seven Fun Ways to Welcome Spring in Chicago
We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for spring. As the ground thaws and the tulips bloom on Michigan Avenue, it’s time to get out and explore Chicago. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite off-the-radar things to do this...
10 Things We Love About Living in Chicago’s Far Northwest Side
Chicago’s Far Northwest Side, comprised of neighborhoods like Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, Edison Park, Forest Glen and Portage Park, is characterized by tree-lined streets, a suburb-in-the-city feel, and a strong sense of community. From its thriving restaurant...
Spring into Action: 6 Essential Questions for Prospective Homebuyers
Although it doesn’t feel like spring in the Midwest, the busy spring real estate market is underway. And with more competition, it’s important for prospective homebuyers to get their priorities in order before they start touring homes and neighborhoods. If you’re...
Spring Cleaning: 5 Tips for the Organized Home
Spring cleaning can either be the best, or worst, part of the new season. On one hand, it’s a chance to declutter and refresh your living space. Plus, it can feel good to tackle those projects that you’ve been meaning to get to all winter. But a laundry list of to-do...
It’s Time To Vote No on Bring Chicago Home
Higher property taxes, higher rents, stalled investment and revenue shortfalls await Chicago if the new transfer tax is enacted. Since we last posted about Chicago’s proposed new real estate transfer tax, known as Bring Chicago Home, a lot has happened around the...
Maximizing Your Tax Benefits: A First-Time Homeowner’s Guide to Tax Season
Navigating tax season can be challenging, especially when you’re a first-time homeowner. The good news: you’re likely entitled to additional tax benefits – from major deductions to perks for building that new home office. The key, though, is understanding what you can...
6 Takeaways from the Christie’s International Real Estate 2024 Luxury Forecast
From the rise of ‘quiet luxury’ to the growing influence of Gen Z, Christie’s International Real Estate identified several trends that are shaping the luxury real estate market in 2024. Those trends are detailed in the brand’s recently released Global Luxury Real...
A Guide to Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs)
As your mortgage balance declines and your property value increases, you accumulate equity in your home. This is a form of wealth that you can tap into and use to pay a variety of expenses. “Home equity is more than just a number,” explains Jo Ann Theriault-Fazio, SVP...
Spring into Action: 6 Essential Questions for Prospective Homebuyers
Although it doesn’t feel like spring in the Midwest, the busy spring real estate market is underway. And with more competition, it’s important for prospective homebuyers to get their priorities in order before they start touring homes and neighborhoods. If you’re...
Better Together: Why multigenerational living is on the rise
Picture your dream home. Is it a traditional single-family home designed for a conventional nuclear family? Or does your idea of home include extended family — maybe your parents, in-laws, or a favorite aunt or uncle? If so, you’re not alone. While single-family...
Understanding Condo Loans: A Guide for Homebuyers
Home loans are anything but one-size-fits-all. From conventional loans to jumbo loans to adjustable rate mortgages, and more, borrowers come to the table with diverse needs – and it’s your loan officer’s job to connect you with the right mortgage for your situation....
SW Michigan Lakefront Cottage
Escape to a bohemian-themed paradise on Lake Barron with this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath cottage in Niles, Michigan - just 2 hours from Chicago! This home boasts stunning hardwood floors throughout, a full kitchen with all the amenities you need to prepare a...
Lauren Traficanto Featured in Dynamic Women Article
We are so excited to share with you that our very own Lauren Traficanto was featured as one of this year’s CS Magazine Dynamic Woman! Discussing her fantastic client relations and philanthropic efforts, we are thrilled she is getting the recognition that she deserves....
Lauren Traficanto Named 2018 Who’s Who by Chicago Agent Magazine
Lauren Traficanto and Shaun Moskalik have a combined 33 years of experience, and as longtime broker associates, they’ve developed innovative strategies to fulfill their clients’ needs in a challenging market. Recently transitioning from 10 years with Berkshire...
Lauren Traficanto Named 2017 Who’s Who by Chicago Agent Magazine
Lauren Traficanto and Shaun Moskalik never stop striving to find their customers the perfect home, and as broker associates in the Home Discovery Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group, they continue to overcome obstacles in the market....