Articles filed under Real Estate

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Hoffman Estates will inspect rental homes Dec 10, 2013 12:00 AM
Hoffman Estates will inspect and license rental properties -- single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums, according to preliminary approval by the village board Monday.
Decorators move back to the blues for 2014 Dec 9, 2013 12:00 AM
All indications point to indigo, cobalt and rich peacock hues popping up on the pages of shelter magazines, fashion runways and home furnishing retailers in 2014. “Like a great blazer, dark blue makes its appearance on the popularity poll every 40 years,” says Gale Steves, author of “Right-Sizing Your Home: How to Make Your House Fit Your Lifestyle.”
Books for the stylish coffee table Dec 9, 2013 12:00 AM
Throughout the fall, the stack of design books on my desk just kept getting taller and taller. It now measures more than three feet. My job was to select eight books that were either worth buying for the home library or wrapping up as presents for design-savvy friends. It was a heavy task.
What’s the next big thing in the kitchen Dec 8, 2013 12:00 AM
Lou Lenzi, industrial design director at GE Appliances, was the guest recently on The Post’s Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt:
Bidet toilet seats are becoming more common Dec 8, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. We are planning a bathroom renovation. I want to add a separate bidet plumbing fixture next to our toilet, but my wife says a bidet will take up too much space.
To love, honor and cherish good design Dec 8, 2013 12:00 AM
On their blog, AphroChic, Philadelphia husband-and-wife design team Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays chronicle how they blend culturally relevant elements (African textiles, tribal statues) with modern decor. It’s a worldly yet approachable look they show off in their new book, “Remix: Decorating With Culture, Objects and Soul.”
Moisture within double-paned window inhibits the view Dec 8, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. We have a passive solar house built in Shelburne, Vt., during the “first” energy crisis in the 1970s It includes three large double-paned windows, directly facing south, of course. These are the original windows.
Boost your home’s holiday spirit with delightful displays Dec 8, 2013 12:00 AM
No holiday room is complete without a festive focal point that has plenty of personality. With that in mind, Country Sampler stylists joined forces to design a variety of yuletide vignettes that look right at home in any space.
Letters often scream ‘Go see an attorney, now’ Dec 7, 2013 12:00 AM
I try to say “see a lawyer” not more than once per column. But recent mail is full of questions from people who need just that advice, so to start clearing out a backlog, here’s a sample of what came in this week:
More on insulation and R-values Dec 7, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. I recently read your story about insulating an attic room and you mentioned using materials with a high R-value. Can you tell me what the various R-values are for the different materials available?
Simple steps to a home both cozy, cost-efficient Dec 7, 2013 12:00 AM
As temperatures drop and daylight is in shorter supply, we fight back: We crank up the heat in our homes and turn on lights earlier and earlier. And yet we also want to keep our heating and electric bills as low as we can. Can you keep your home warm and inviting all winter while still conserving energy?
Which rules govern single-family home associations? Dec 7, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. I live in an association of single-family homes. Our governing documents (declaration, bylaws, rules) refer to the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Is it necessary for our board to amend the instruments to reflect that we are now governed by the Common Interest Community Association Act, and not the Illinois Condominium Property Act?
Fraudulent home inspector revealed Dec 6, 2013 12:00 AM
Q.My home inspection included environmental tests for radon, mold, and water analysis. No problems were reported. Recently, I contacted the laboratories whose names were on the inspection report. All of these companies sent letters stating they have no records of performing tests for my address.
Simple tips for covering your windows Dec 6, 2013 12:00 AM
We all have windows, and they are designed to let in air and sunshine. But we also need to cover those windows sometimes to keep the air and sunshine out — not to mention for privacy. There are some simple solutions, and we have some super tips for measuring and installing window coverings.
Homeowners should act fast to slash upcoming income tax bill Dec 6, 2013 12:00 AM
Paying your January mortgage bill and the second installment of your property taxes now can trim your income taxes or fatten your refund when April arrives.
Gray looks to be a top paint color for 2014 Dec 6, 2013 12:00 AM
Gray — the color that connotes intellect — is one hue homeowners will be incorporating into their home interiors next year. So says Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert for the Paint Quality Institute.
Wright home in River Forest listed for $2.4 million Dec 5, 2013 12:00 AM
Frank Lloyd Wright's famed William Winslow House in suburban Chicago is on the market for the first time in nearly 60 years. The Chicago Sun Times that the River Forest house is listed for $2.4 million. The home was last sold in 1955 and it hasn't been seen publicly since it was part of a Wright home walk in 1979.
Organizing your attics and basementsDec 1, 2013 12:00 AM
Attics and basements are the obvious places to store seasonal, overflow and keepsake items. But before you shove a bunch of cardboard boxes into the dark attic or damp basement, consider how and where to store your items so they’ll be in good condition and easy to find.
Put your kitchen sink to work with these accessories Dec 1, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. We’re replacing our counters and plan to install stone countertops with an under-mount-style sink. What current trends do you recommend we include with our new kitchen sink?
Glass blocks can be as energy efficient as windows Dec 1, 2013 12:00 AM
Q. My house needs more efficient windows. I live alone, so I am considering some glass block windows for security. Are they very efficient and how can I have some summertime ventilation with them?