Laurie Caputo Baird & Warner

09/27/2026

🏐 Burlington Central's volleyball team is stepping up to the challenge this season!

After moving up to Class 4A, Coach Julia Smagacz has strategically front-loaded their schedule to prepare the team for tougher competition. With an impressive start of 8-2, including three wins at the Metea Valley Tournament against strong 4A schools, the Rockets are proving they belong at this level.

Senior middle blocker Ainsley Wilson and freshman Lani Akenten are leading the charge, showcasing their skills and mental strength on the court.

As they continue to compete fiercely in the Fox Valley Conference, we can't wait to see how they grow and thrive this season!

🌟 What are your thoughts on their journey?

Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/09/08/burlington-central-rises-to-the-challenge-northwest-herald-volleyball-notebook/
Photo Credit: Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver Shaw Media

09/27/2026

Exciting news for developers!

The R-1 Land Bank is auctioning seven properties in Freeport, Rockford, and Loves Park.

🏡 This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire valuable inventory in a competitive housing market.

To help you make informed decisions, the land bank is hosting tours and open houses, allowing you to explore these properties firsthand and consult with knowledgeable staff.

Bidding opens on October 1 and runs through October 6 for the Rockford-area homes. Don't miss out on this chance to invest in your future!

🌟 Check out the details in our latest blog post and let us know if you have any questions. We're here to help you navigate this exciting opportunity!

Source: https://www.mystateline.com/news/r-1-land-bank-to-auction-seven-properties-in-freeport-rockford-and-loves-park/
Photo Credit: via mystateline.com

09/26/2026

This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of the R-1 Land Bank's mission. By auctioning these properties, they are not only providing developers with the chance to invest but also fostering community growth and revitalization. 🌱 Let's embrace opportunities that contribute to our neighborhoods and create spaces where stories unfold.

If you're interested in learning more about these properties, reach out to us!

Source: https://www.mystateline.com/news/r-1-land-bank-to-auction-seven-properties-in-freeport-rockford-and-loves-park/
Photo Credit: via mystateline.com

09/24/2026

How to Evaluate a Home's Maintenance History
A home can look well cared for during a showing and still leave plenty of questions about how it has been maintained over the years. Fresh paint and an orderly yard are easy to notice. The condition and history of the systems behind the walls aren't always as obvious.
You don't need a complete record...

A home's maintenance history can reveal more than its current appearance. Learn what buyers can look for when reviewing repairs, updates, and major systems.

09/20/2026

Look at the updated Grayslake - Townhomes and Condos Market Watch Report.

With real estate being local, it's important to work with a local expert that understands the changing market.

09/20/2026

Look at the updated Grayslake - Single Family Homes Market Watch Report.

With real estate being local, it's important to work with a local expert that understands the changing market.

09/19/2026

What to Do When Your Home Has Been on the Market Longer Than Expected
Most sellers have a rough idea of how long they expect their home to take to sell. When that timeline stretches, it's easy to focus on the number of days the listing has been active.
The more useful question is why buyers haven't moved forward.
Sometimes the answer is price. Other times, the home is...

A slower-than-expected home sale may call for more than patience. Take a fresh look at price, presentation, feedback, and how the listing is reaching buyers.

09/18/2026

Look at the updated Libertyville Single Family Homes Market Watch Report.

With real estate being local, it's important to work with a local expert that understands the changing market.

09/18/2026

Ways to Repurpose an Underused Room
Some rooms slowly stop serving a real purpose. A formal dining room may only get used a few times a year. A spare bedroom may become a holding area for boxes and things that don't have another home. Even a finished basement or loft can end up sitting mostly empty.
That doesn't always mean the room needs...

An underused room doesn't have to stay that way. A few practical changes can turn extra space into something that works better for everyday life.

09/18/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Property Disclosure Forms
When you're buying a house, the disclosure form can be easy to skim past. It often arrives alongside other paperwork, but it can provide useful background on the property before you move further into the transaction.
What sellers must disclose varies by state, so the form isn't the same everywhere....

A property disclosure form can offer useful clues about a home's history and known issues. Buyers should know what the form can tell them, what it may leave out, and where an inspection still matters.