Kim Kern, Realtor at The Jones Team/Baird & Warner

09/28/2026

09/25/2026

Fall Cleanup Now = Fewer Winter Headaches Later! 🏡❄️

Before winter comes barging in like an uninvited houseguest, give your home a little seasonal TLC.

Your fall checklist:

🍁 Clean gutters and downspouts
🏠 Check the roof for damaged or missing shingles
🪟 Seal drafts around windows and doors
🔥 Service the furnace and replace the filter
💧 Disconnect hoses and winterize outdoor faucets
🌳 Trim trees and shrubs away from the house
🍂 Rake leaves and clear walkways
💦 Winterize your sprinkler system
🔥 Have the fireplace and chimney checked
🚨 Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

A few hours of maintenance this fall can help prevent frozen pipes, ice dams, expensive repairs, and surprise winter service calls.

Your house takes care of you all winter. Give it a little love before the temperature drops. ❤️🏡

SAVE this checklist for your fall cleanup weekend!

09/24/2026

Congratulation s to our sellers and to the new buyers of this fabulous home @ 34450 N. Sunshine Ln, Ingleside. What a great place to live!

Thinking about buying in Ingleside or the Chain O’Lakes area? I’d be happy to show you what’s available and help you figure out which neighborhoods fit what you’re looking for.

🏡 Why Ingleside, IL? 🌊🌲

If you’re looking for a little more nature, a little less hustle, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water, Ingleside deserves a look!

🌊 Easy access to the Chain O’Lakes
🚤 Boating, fishing & kayaking nearby
🌳 Trails, forest preserves & outdoor recreation
🚆 Metra access for easier trips toward Chicago
🏡 Homes with character, from cozy neighborhoods to properties near the water
📍 Close to Fox Lake, Volo & everyday conveniences

Ingleside offers that laid-back lake-life feel while still keeping you connected to the suburbs.

09/23/2026

🏡 Plot twist: There isn’t just ONE housing market right now.

There are actually 4 different markets happening at the same time, and the smartest way to make a move depends on which one you’re in.

💵 The Cash Buyer
You’ve got flexibility and negotiating power, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically pay top dollar.

🏦 The Mortgage Buyer
Rates and monthly payments matter, so the right financing strategy can be just as important as the price of the house.

🔒 The Low-Rate Homeowner
You’d like to move, but giving up that sweet low mortgage rate feels a little like handing over a winning lottery ticket. 😅 There may be ways to make the numbers work that you haven’t considered.

🏗️ The New Construction Buyer
Builders may have inventory they want SOLD, which can mean opportunities for incentives, rate buydowns, upgrades, or closing-cost assistance.

Same housing market. Four completely different strategies.

That’s why generic advice like “wait for rates to drop” or “now is the perfect time to buy” doesn’t tell you much.

Your best move depends on your finances, your current home, your timeline, and your goals.

👇 Which group are you in?

Comment CASH, MORTGAGE, LOW RATE, or NEW CONSTRUCTION below, and let’s talk about what your next move could look like.

No pressure. Just perspective. 🏡🔑

09/22/2026

🍁 HELLO, FALL! 🍁

Today is officially the First Day of Fall, and I am fully prepared to embrace crisp air, colorful leaves, cozy evenings, and an unreasonable number of pumpkins. 🎃☕️

Looking for a little fall inspiration? Here are a few ideas to make the most of the season:

🍎 Visit a local apple orchard
🎃 Pick the perfect pumpkin
🍂 Take a fall color drive through the Fox Valley
🔥 Have a backyard bonfire night
🥾 Hit a local forest preserve or walking trail
🏡 Give your front porch a fall makeover
☕ Grab a pumpkin spice something… no judgment here
🌻 Visit a fall festival or farmers market
🧹 Tackle a little fall home maintenance before winter sneaks up on us
🍷 End the day with a cozy blanket and your favorite fall beverage

And if “find a new home before the snow flies” happens to be on your fall bucket list… well, I know someone. 😉🏡

Happy First Day of Fall! 🍁🧡

What’s your favorite thing about fall?

09/21/2026

💰 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡?

The real estate market is constantly changing, and knowing your home's current value can be a helpful first step—whether you're thinking about selling now or simply planning for the future.

I offer free home valuations to help homeowners better understand where their property stands in today's market. 🏡📊

Curious what your home could be worth? Let's talk!

09/19/2026

🌳🍂 The right trees can boost curb appeal, add character and help your home make a lasting first impression. See which trees could be the perfect fit for your yard: https://lookforther.realtor/improve/best-trees-to-plant-for-curb-appeal/

09/17/2026

Curb appeal is your home’s first hello. 🏡✨ A few simple exterior updates can help make a great first impression, catch buyers’ attention and get them through the front door.

09/14/2026

𝗢𝗸𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁

𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

As part of our 8th Annual Oktoberfest taking place on September 25 & 26, East Dundee businesses and area organizations are invited to participate in creating and decorating a scarecrow that will be displayed on the Depot Grounds throughout the festival. This fun activity offers an excellent way for businesses and organizations to promote themselves and take part in the fall festivities!

Vote for your favorite scarecrow by giving its photo a “LIKE” or “LOVE” on the East Dundee Oktoberfest page, or cast your vote in person at The East Dundee Depot during the two-day festival!

Scarecrows will be judged based on the number of “Likes” and “Loves” their photo receives online, combined with in-person votes. Photos will be posted on September 25, and online voting will remain open through 7:00 PM on Sunday, September 27.

The final votes will then be tallied, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners announced and contacted.

As show in the flyer are last year's winners:
Placing 1st - Tequila Val's Mexican Grill & Cantina🥇
Placing 2nd - Dundee Township Lions Club 🥈
Placing 3rd - Calendo's Bar 🥉

Please click the link for a participation form.:
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09/12/2026

🏡🎩 From navigating the market and negotiating the deal to solving problems and managing the fine print, a REALTOR® brings more to the table than you might realize.