Stacy Volkmar, Real Estate Broker, Lakes Realty Group

Stacy Volkmar, Real Estate Broker, Lakes Realty Group Stacy has been a Chain O' Lakes resident for over 16 years. Her job is to work for you!

Not only is she fun and a great listener, she has a well balanced knowledge of the nation and local real estate trends that can help you in your search.

One of the biggest myths about credit is that only people with "bad credit" need to worry about it. πŸ’³πŸ’­In reality, some o...
08/08/2026

One of the biggest myths about credit is that only people with "bad credit" need to worry about it. πŸ’³πŸ’­

In reality, some of the most common credit score mistakes are made by highly responsible people who think they are doing everything right. πŸ“Š

Here are a few of the most common missteps I see:

πŸ’³ Closing accounts: Paying off a credit card and immediately closing the account, which can actually lower your overall credit age.
⏳ Timing slips: Assuming a late payment won't matter because it was only a few days late.
πŸ” Hidden errors: Discovering mistakes on credit reports that have been quietly sitting there for years.

The frustrating part is that many of these mistakes do not become obvious until you are ready to buy a home, apply for a loan, or make a major financial move. ⚠️🏠

The good news is that most credit issues can be improved once you know exactly what you are dealing with. βœ¨πŸ“ˆ

If buying a home is something you would like to do in the next year, do not let assumptions hold you back. A quick conversation with the right lender can often provide more clarity than hours of online research. πŸ‘πŸ”‘

If you are wondering where you stand, send me a message. I would be happy to connect you with trusted lending professionals who can help you understand your options and create a plan to reach your goals! πŸ“²πŸ‘‡

Friday night plans? Imagine spending them right here. 🍷πŸ”₯This spectacular brick paver patio is an absolute showstopper. D...
08/07/2026

Friday night plans? Imagine spending them right here. 🍷πŸ”₯

This spectacular brick paver patio is an absolute showstopper. Designed for effortless entertaining and ultimate relaxation, this outdoor space feels like your own private resort:

πŸ”₯ Stone outdoor fireplace: The perfect centerpiece for cozy, warm evenings spent under the stars.
πŸ›‹οΈ Multiple seating areas: Offers plenty of space for dining, lounging, and hosting summer get-togethers.
🌳 Park-like setting: Nestled on a sprawling acre surrounded by mature trees for total peace and privacy.
✨ Professional landscaping: Beautifully curated gardens make every corner of this backyard picture-perfect.

Who are you inviting over to sit by this fire? Tag your backyard hangout crew in the comments below! πŸ‘‡πŸ’¬

Or, send us a DM to schedule a private tour and see this dream yard in person. πŸ“²

Open House Alert! 🌳🏑Join us to tour this exceptional 5-bedroom, 5.1-bathroom custom home situated on a beautifully lands...
08/07/2026

Open House Alert! 🌳🏑

Join us to tour this exceptional 5-bedroom, 5.1-bathroom custom home situated on a beautifully landscaped, nearly one-acre lot in the prestigious Countryside Lake community.

This impressive residence perfectly blends luxury and comfort. From the dramatic two-story foyer to the spectacular brick paver patio with an outdoor fireplace, this home was built for entertaining.

Why you will love it:
🍽️ Gourmet kitchen with two islands, double ovens, and a bright sunroom
πŸ›Œ Highly sought-after main-level primary suite with its own private patio
🍷 Entertainer's finished lower level featuring a wet bar, media center, and exercise room
πŸ–οΈ Exclusive community access to a private lake, sandy beach, and tennis courts

Come walk the park-like grounds and see this masterpiece for yourself! We can't wait to see you there. πŸ‘‹

πŸ—“οΈ Saturday, August 8th
⏰ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
πŸ“ 26694 N Longmeadow Cir, Mundelein

Open House Alert! 🌊🏑Experience breathtaking water views of Bluff Lake from this stunning new construction home in the ex...
08/07/2026

Open House Alert! 🌊🏑

Experience breathtaking water views of Bluff Lake from this stunning new construction home in the exclusive Newport Cove community!

This 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom coastal-style home is designed for the ultimate lake lifestyle. From the full finished walkout basement to the screened porch offering serene lakefront views, every detail is perfect.

Community perks you will love:
βš“οΈ 15 acres of landscaped open space and native plantings
βš“οΈ Private waterfront park with a gazebo and golf cart paths
βš“οΈ Exclusive access to the community marina (rent or purchase a pier!)
βš“οΈ Minutes from downtown Antioch's coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants

Come see what Chain O' Lakes living is all about! πŸ‘‹

πŸ—“οΈ Sunday, August 9th
⏰ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
πŸ“ 40609 N North Newport Dr, Antioch

Most expensive home repairs don't start as expensive home repairs. πŸ’ΈThey start as little things homeowners notice, make ...
08/05/2026

Most expensive home repairs don't start as expensive home repairs. πŸ’Έ

They start as little things homeowners notice, make a mental note about, and then forget. πŸ“

🌬️ A dirty HVAC filter can force your system to work harder and shorten its lifespan.
🚿 Cracked caulk around a shower can allow moisture to seep where it doesn't belong.
🌧️ A missing gutter extension can direct water toward your foundation.
🚽 A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water over time and quietly increase your utility bill.

None of these are major repairs. πŸ› οΈ

In fact, most of them can be fixed for less than the cost of a dinner out. 🍽️ The problem is that small issues rarely stay small. When ignored, they often turn into the costly repairs homeowners never saw coming. ⚠️

One of the best things you can do as a homeowner is spend a few minutes each month looking for the little things before they become big things. πŸ‘€πŸ“…

Take a look at the list above. ⬆️

Which one are you guilty of putting off right now? Let me know in the comments! πŸ‘‡πŸ’¬

When families are planning a move, one of the first questions they usually ask is, "What's the best school district?" 🍎🏑...
08/04/2026

When families are planning a move, one of the first questions they usually ask is, "What's the best school district?" 🍎🏑

It's a completely understandable question. Choosing where your child will spend a large part of their day is a big decision, and most parents want to feel confident they're making the right choice.

What I've learned after helping families relocate over the years is that the happiest homeowners are rarely the ones who focused only on school ratings. They're the ones who took the time to think about fit. 🧩

Every family is different:
⚽️ Some are looking for strong athletics programs.
🎨 Others care more about arts, music, and extracurriculars.
🚌 Some prioritize class sizes or transportation options.
🏑 Some want a neighborhood where kids can walk to friends' houses.
🌳 Others want easy access to parks, trails, or community events.

A rating can provide information, but it doesn't tell the whole story. πŸ“Š

The better question is often: "Which school and community are the best fit for my family's lifestyle, priorities, and goals?" 🎯

If you're considering a move and trying to narrow down neighborhoods, schools, or communities, I'd be happy to share what I've learned from helping other families make that decision. Send me a message and let's talk about what matters most to your family! πŸ“©πŸ‘‹

Happy 236th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! βš“οΈ Thank you to every Coast Guard member, veteran, and family for your ded...
08/04/2026

Happy 236th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! βš“οΈ Thank you to every Coast Guard member, veteran, and family for your dedication, service, and sacrifice. 🫑🌊

08/03/2026

The heart of the home, elevated. ✨ This gourmet kitchen is designed for both everyday living and hosting the ultimate dinner parties in the prestigious Countryside Lake community. πŸ₯‚

Featuring not one but TWO islands, double ovens, and a warming drawer, this space is a chef’s dream. 🍳 The bright and spacious eating area is framed by walls of windows, offering breathtaking views of your private, park-like backyard while you enjoy your morning coffee. πŸŒ³β˜•οΈ

Send me a DM for the full property video and more details, and drop a comment letting me knowβ€”could you see yourself hosting here? πŸ‘‡πŸ’¬

Grand entrances never go out of style. 🚘✨Set on nearly a full acre 🌳 in the prestigious Countryside Lake community, this...
08/02/2026

Grand entrances never go out of style. 🚘✨

Set on nearly a full acre 🌳 in the prestigious Countryside Lake community, this custom 5-bedroom estate 🏑 makes a statement before you even step inside.

From the stunning circular driveway to the dramatic two-story foyer and sweeping staircase 🏰, every single detail was designed to impress. πŸ’«

Swipe to see the grand entrance πŸ“Έ, then DM me to schedule your private showing this weekend! πŸ“²πŸ”‘

The flashy rental property is not the one making money in 2026. 🚫The boring single-family home in a growing suburb, rent...
07/31/2026

The flashy rental property is not the one making money in 2026. 🚫

The boring single-family home in a growing suburb, rented to a long-term tenant on a 2-year lease, is the asset that is quietly outperforming every short-term rental on the market right now. πŸ‘πŸ“ˆ

$150 a month in cash flow. $400 a month in equity built by the tenant. 4 percent appreciation on the full property value every year. No cleaning crews. No platform risk. No 11pm phone calls. πŸ’΅πŸ“Š

The investors who got burned on Airbnb in 2024 and 2025 moved their money into properties exactly like this. The numbers per month are not exciting. The numbers over 10 years are dramatically better. πŸ•°οΈπŸ’°

If you have been thinking about buying a rental, the question is not "will this make a lot of money fast." The question is "will this still be a good investment in 10 years no matter what happens to the market." DM me when you are ready to talk about your first rental. πŸ“²πŸ”‘

Address

16 E Grand Avenue
Fox Lake, IL
60020

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