A kitchen remodel at your Chicago luxury home can offer one of the biggest return on investments, but if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a laundry list of things you wish you had done differently. Here’s a look at the four most common kitchen remodeling mistakes to be aware of. Avoid these, and you’ll be living in the lap of luxury in no time!

  1. Consider Your Lifestyle:While it would be easy to rip out all of your appliances and countertops and replace them with fanciest ones you can find, a lot of people don’t focus on the big picture. Before you even consult with a contractor, consider your lifestyle and how your kitchen should function. This will help you determine the kinds of materials, appliances, and layouts that will work, and those that…

2032 Views, 0 Comments

Chicago BBQ restaurantsWhen you think of Chicago luxury dining, barbecue probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But as more and more barbecue restaurants up the ante on their offerings, it’s quickly becoming one of Chicago’s hottest dining trends. Look out Kansas City, Memphis and the Carolinas...Chicago is ready to give you a run for your money! Here’s a look at some of the barbecue restaurants around town that have Chicago condo home owners hanging up their aprons and indulging in a flavor-packed meal.

River North: If you’re a Chicago home owner who lives in River North, there are tons of options when it comes to barbecue. Bub City offers live country music and amazing cocktails by bartender Paul McGee, and both are paired with outstanding barbecue fare. If…

2596 Views, 0 Comments

Chicago luxury real estateRecent reports indicate that Chicago is among the list of the world’s most expensive cities for luxury real estate. Billionaires continue to break records as they purchase mansions, estates, townhomes, and even condos in major housing markets from London to Malibu and all points in between.

Savills, a global real estate firm, recently published their annual World Cities Review report, and in it said, “Global billionaire activity in world real estate markets has been so intense over the last seven years that it has led to a doubling of property values in this sector.”

Known as “billionaire markets,” super luxury real estate markets are one of the fastest growing segments of the entire real estate picture. While the largest increases have been realized…

7665 Views, 0 Comments

Chicago dog boardingPet parents who also travel for business are often faced with the tough task of dropping off their dog or cat for boarding while they're away. The thought of leaving their beloved four-legged family member in an unfamiliar place, or worse, a crate, can cause a lot of anxiety and guilt. Fortunately, Chicago luxury home owners have another choice thanks to Paradise 4 Paws billed as "Chicago's premier resort for cats and dogs.”

With locations near both O’Hare and Midway, owner Saq Nadeem says he came up with the idea while attending Northwestern’s Kellogg School. He adds, "We go above and beyond in a lot of different ways.”

This pet-friendly luxury haven caters to furry guests by offering poolside views, private rooms with flat screen TVs, bottled-water…

6704 Views, 0 Comments

Chicago real estate newsIf you have been considering purchasing a Chicago condo or home, experts say now is the time! After years of declining prices in the Chicago area, home values are finally headed back up again. Zillow chief economist Stan Humphries adds, “We think Chicago has hit bottom.”

For buyers who have been toying with the idea of purchasing a Chicago condo or home, the message is clear: now is the best time to buy before prices climb past something you’re comfortable with spending. This goes for first-time buyers, those looking to trade up to a larger home, and buyers who have been considering purchasing a second home.

In late 2012, Zillow said Chicago was the best market for home buyers among the 142 metros they surveyed. They based their decision on the number…

2415 Views, 0 Comments

Chicago Condo Finder Real Estate ToolsMost people have a hard time getting through the day without their smartphones, so it comes as no surprise that more and more home shoppers are using smartphones and real estate apps to help them with their search for the perfect Chicago condo. At one point, there seemed to be a new real estate app everyday, but the pace has slowed somewhat. Still, there are a bevy of useful real estate resources that will help you find the Chicago home of your dreams! Here’s a quick look.

Mobile Search: Did you know that ChicagoCondoFinder.com provides a fully supported mobile search? We understand that many Chicago home buyers are on the go, which is why we provide free mobile search for Chicago real estate. You have the option of searching for all active properties…

1757 Views, 0 Comments

Next to kitchens, a bathroom remodel offers the biggest return on investment. While you may not be ready to rip out the commode or re-tile your bathtub, simple updates like installing a programmable shower at your Chicago condo can add value and luxury. It’s the latest in shower technology, and it will have you hitting the snooze button a little less in the morning so you can spend more time in the hot water.
Chicago luxury bathrooms Programmable showers feature easy-to-use digital controls that let each member of the family pre-set their ideal water temperature, pressure, and even the type of spray, from a steady stream to pulsating jets. Best of all, the waterproof control panel mounts right on the shower wall where you can alter any setting at the touch of a button.

One of these…

8964 Views, 0 Comments

Chicago luxury dining and shoppingChicago is a place where luxury abounds! From amazing condo buildings and hotels, to first-class restaurants, it’s long been a destination that caters to the rich and famous. Maybe you have friends or family coming into town, or you’re simply looking to plan a perfect Chicago luxury weekend. Here’s a look at where to shop and eat when it comes to Chicago luxury living! 

Graham Elliot: The former chef from Avenues at The Peninsula Chicago has a couple of his own restaurants around the city. His namesake restaurant offers a 10-course prix-fixe menu with interesting dishes that are truly an art form. Warning: you will leave full and satisfied.

The Peninsula Hotel: Despite Mr. Elliot leaving for his own pastures, Avenues is still one of Chicago’s best…

2431 Views, 0 Comments

Chicago Bank Owned Home SalesIn 2012, sales of foreclosed Chicago homes in the metropolitan area grew 31% from the previous year despite a decrease in the number of nationwide foreclosures. The information comes from a recent survey by RealtyTrac, a real estate information service. According to their findings, the Chicago-area saw 43,178 foreclosed properties last year, and foreclosure sales accounted for 31% of all sales in the area. That’s a 1% increase from 2011.

In fact, the number of bank-owned property sales was up across Illinois. Experts say that the number of distressed homes sold in Illinois last year was up 52% year-over-year. Nationwide, foreclosure sales fell 6% last year, and foreclosures accounted for 21% of all U.S. sales.

Daren Blomquist, vice president of RealtyTrac,…

1967 Views, 0 Comments

Chicago Jumbo MortgageThe price of Chicago luxury homes along the north shore as well as in downtown Chiacgo are rising briskly, just like they are around the country in luxury markets like San Francisco and the Hamptons. According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of luxury properties priced between $750,000 and $1 million are up 38.7% over a year ago, while luxury homes priced $1 million and over are up 25.7%.

Jumbo mortgages are helping to revive the once depressed Chicago luxury real estate market. These loans, which are typically over $417,000, don’t qualify for purchase by federal agencies like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. And after they nearly went extinct in the wake of the lending crisis that crippled the industry and caused much of the real estate meltdown,…

1931 Views, 0 Comments