Maureen K. Flavin, Real Estate Broker

09/20/2026

A polished showing can make it easy to focus on finishes first. I would still slow down long enough to understand the history and condition of the home.

The seller disclosure can provide useful context about known repairs, water issues, structural concerns or other property conditions, depending on the rules in that state. It is information to review carefully, not a replacement for an independent inspection.

If something in the paperwork feels vague, I would ask questions early and request supporting information when it is available. Repair receipts, permits, warranties and specialist reports can help build a clearer picture.

The goal is not to find a perfect house. It is to understand the house you are actually buying before making a major decision.

09/19/2026

Some of the most useful parts of a home are not the headline rooms. They are the spaces that make movement from one area to another feel natural.

A well placed mudroom can keep everyday clutter away from the main living area. A covered entry can make arrivals easier. A breezeway, vestibule or small landing can create separation without wasting space. Even a thoughtfully designed hallway can improve privacy and circulation.

I think these transitional spaces deserve more attention because they quietly shape how a home functions from morning to night.

When touring, do not only count bedrooms and bathrooms. Notice how you enter, where you drop things, how people move through the home and whether the in between spaces actually help.

09/18/2026

One of the easiest ways to lose a buyer during a showing is to make them work too hard to understand a room. An oversized chair in a small bedroom, workout equipment in the dining area or a catch all room with no clear use can make the space feel more limited than it really is.

Before listing, I would give every room one primary job.

That might mean turning the spare room into a simple office, opening the dining area back up or removing extra pieces that interrupt the natural path through the home.

This is not about creating a magazine perfect house. It is about helping buyers read the floor plan quickly and imagine their own furniture and routines in the space.

Clear rooms create clearer decisions.

09/17/2026

A beautifully styled home can make a strong first impression, but I encourage buyers to separate what is temporary from what is built into the property.

Furniture, paint and decor can change. Other details may take more time, money or compromise.

I would pay closer attention to:

• Natural light throughout the day
• Ceiling height and room proportions
• Parking and everyday access
• Lot usability and privacy
• The way rooms connect and circulate

The goal is not to ignore finishes. It is to avoid choosing a home because of things that will leave with the seller.

When I tour with buyers, I try to keep the focus on the parts of the home that will still matter after the staging is gone and the boxes are unpacked.

09/17/2026

Thinking about investing in a short-term rental? Here are some key attributes that make a property STR-worthy.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago | (630) 297-1787 | DRE: 475176698

09/17/2026

Check out my listing in Downers Grove, IL.

19 7th Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515 home for sale. 4 bed | 2 bath | 1,559 sq ft | $499,197 USD. View photos, details, and schedule a showing with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

09/17/2026

Six months is just the start. There's a lot to consider.

An emergency fund should cover disasters such as a job loss, sudden illness, broken car or other cat...

09/16/2026

Smart home features can be convenient, but I would never assume every device will transfer smoothly to a new owner. A home can have impressive technology and still leave unanswered questions about access, subscriptions, compatibility and maintenance.

Before closing, I would ask which devices stay with the property, which accounts need to be transferred, whether any features require paid services and how the systems work if the internet goes down.

The best technology should make ownership easier, not create a mystery after move-in.

09/16/2026

Which spot do you find the hardest to clean? I would say all of them. These might be the reason you get a cleaning service at least once per year.

Regardless of how much time you spend cleaning, there are likely to be a few places you overlook. Be...

09/15/2026

Before a home goes on the market, I would not start by asking, 'What can I renovate?' I would start with, 'What could make a buyer hesitate?'

Small friction points can shape the way a home feels during a showing. A sticky door, dim hallway, crowded entry or room with no clear purpose can create doubt even when the house is fundamentally solid.

My pre-listing priority would be:

• Make movement through the home feel easy
• Give each room a clear function
• Handle visible maintenance before cosmetic extras
• Improve lighting where spaces feel dark
• Remove clutter that hides storage and scale

The goal is not to make the home perfect. It is to make it easier for buyers to understand, trust and imagine living in it.