Steph Sells Chicago

07/12/2025

07/12/2025

02/11/2024

5 to watch in 2024!

Read for five emerging city neighborhoods and suburban towns to keep on your radar.

09/18/2023

Reasons to own real estate - I laughed out loud!

15 reasons why you should own your own home...

09/09/2023

Things to do in Chicago in September - most are FREE!

09/07/2023

Buying property with a friend or relative?

07/31/2023

As a homeowner, your list of at-home to-do projects is *never* finished.

Recently I was reading about a technique that might just help you power through that neverending list of things to buy at Home Depot, contractors to call and minor repairs to make.

It's called "temptation bundling." According to James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, temptation bundling works by linking an action you want to do with an action you need do.

You make a list with two columns and in one, write down the pleasures you enjoy and the temptations that frequently distract you from your to-do list. In column two, write down the tasks you should be doing, but often procrastinate on.

Then, browse your list and see if you can link one of your instantly gratifying “want” behaviors with something you “should” be doing.

Swipe to see a sample list to help get you started. And then tell me, what is something you're ALWAYS procrastinating on doing!?

07/28/2023

There are reasons to be optimistic about our housing market!

Yes, home prices are increasing...but growth is slowing.

Yes, mortgage rates are still high, but analysts expect them to soon stabilize.

And we never know what's going to happen in the future!

What I do know is that if your home doesn't serve you, that's costing you too.

It might not be costing you in the traditional sense if you're locked into a record-low interest rate, but it is costing you time and happiness and you can't put a price on that.

If you're on the fence right now, believe me, you won't regret the equity you'll have build up five years from now or the memories you can make in your new space.

Drop me a message anytime and I'd love to connect you with a lender to see if now is the right time for you.

07/26/2023

"Quiet luxury" is said to be 2023's biggest fashion trend.

And this month, I'm all about bringing the latest fashion trends into your home.

So, how do you incorporate timeless, sophisticated interior decor into your aesthetic at any budget?

Choosing high quality, sustainable natural materials, like leather and linen, custom furnishings for the perfect fit, and selecting investment pieces that feel iconic but will be enjoyed for years to come are all ways to invite quiet luxury into your home.

My love of soft colors and elegant, neutral atmospheres is no secret, so I am excited to see this design (and fashion) trend!

07/24/2023

There are all kinds of reasons why we fall in love with our homes and usually, they have nothing to do with the luxury finishes in the kitchen or the pricey window treatments you splurged on.

Which of these resonates most with you? Tell me in the comments!

07/21/2023

It's not the same as it was...and that's good news!

Realtor.com recently released their 2023 Forecast Update, which is a snapshot of what the economists predict for the remainder of the year.

Now that we're halfway through the year, there are a few things we know about this shifting market:

➡️ Home affordability is improving, albeit slowly. Realtor.com expects a modest 0.6% decline in home prices for the year.
➡️ Mortgage rates are expected to dip to 6% by the end of 2023, but many homeowners are locked into lower rates and hesitant to sell, impacting inventory.
➡️ There's good news for renters! The recent uptick in new multi-family construction is likely to decrease competition for new rental homes, leading to a slight annual price decrease.

Swipe for more information about what this all means!

If you're curious about the local market, DM me and I'd love to talk more with you.

07/19/2023

My toxic trait is that as soon as I finish one home improvement project, I want to start the next one.

Anyone else!?

What I've learned over the years both as a homeowner and real estate agent is that while home improvements can add to the value of your home, they're not all created equal.

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, U.S. homeowners spend $400 billion annually on home improvements and repairs. And while some home improvements have the potential to add thousands to your sale price, others leave you less likely to recoup what you spent.

My advice? Don't make edits to your home *just* for ROI sake. Your buyers might not have the same taste as you do, so they might not see as much value in the big walk-in shower where the claw foot tub used to be, or in the statement backsplash you chose for the kitchen. Pick the projects that will bring you the most joy while you're living in the home, but do it strategically.

Oh, and if you're still looking for a home project, go ahead swipe for some inspiration!