Shelley Berendt Realtor at The Real Estate Group Inc.

09/22/2026

Cows and Castles were only two of my many goals for the Scotland. I was not disappointed. Wishes to plans 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

09/22/2026

Does your guest room double as an office? Before visitors arrive, it helps to consider how the room feels overnight. The afternoon light you enjoy at your desk could mean an early wake-up for someone spending the night.

We’ve gathered practical ideas for welcoming overnight guests, from preparing their sleeping space to making mornings easier for everyone.

Find a few ideas for your next visit from friends or family

Make overnight guests feel at home with practical guest room essentials, easy morning preparations and ideas for hosting in shared spaces.

09/19/2026

Just Listed 🏡 This distinctive 4-bed, 2-bath 1927 Craftsman in Chatham feels like stepping into another era, with original character and room to make it your own. From the welcoming front porch under mature trees to the expansive deck and garden-ready yard, this home invites you to slow down and enjoy everyday life.

More photos & details: https://listing.deals/s/ktHsSrFKVB

You'll love all that this home has to offer:
🔑 Lounging on the wide front porch with a good book
🔑 Gathering in connected sitting rooms by the wood-burning fireplace
🔑 Cooking in the large kitchen with island and skylight
🔑 Hosting dinners on the wraparound Trex deck
🔑 Enjoying evenings around the built-in backyard firepit

With vintage charm, updates like a radon system, 2023 roof, and plenty of space indoors and out, this Chatham gem is ready for someone who sees its potential and wants to bring it back to life.

09/15/2026

If you’re preparing to sell a home with smart features, there’s a little more to arrange before the buyer moves in.

We’ve explained how to work through those details, beginning with a conversation about what’s included in the sale. You’ll also find advice on removing your personal access and leaving the buyer with useful setup information.

Here’s what to consider as you prepare your home.

Selling your home with smart devices? Find out how to decide what stays, disconnect your accounts and get everything ready for the next owner.

09/08/2026

When the final walk-through arrives, moving day is close and your attention is probably already on the keys.

This visit gives you a chance to see the home after the seller has moved out, review agreed-upon repairs, and make sure everything included in the sale is still there.

If you’re approaching closing day, comment KEYS and we’ll send you our latest blog with the details to review before that final visit.

Getting close to closing day? Here’s what buyers should review during the final walk-through, from completed repairs to appliances and new damage.

09/01/2026

Have you completed any renovations since buying your home?

If you’re thinking about selling, now is a good time to find the paperwork connected to the work. Buyers will want to know when a project was completed, who completed it, whether permits received final approval, and which warranties transfer.

A renovated kitchen, finished basement, new roof, or updated heating system can all come with records that help answer those questions.

Comment PAPERWORK and we’ll send you the post so you can see which renovation records to track down before you list.

Organize the renovation paperwork buyers may ask for before you sell, including permits, warranties, receipts, service records, and documentation for major systems and improvements.

08/25/2026

As summer winds down, it’s a great time to bring a little more life indoors. The right houseplants can make any room feel warmer and more inviting, but keeping them healthy through the cooler months takes a few seasonal adjustments.

Our latest guide covers easy options for beginners, tips for bringing outdoor plants inside, and simple ways to style greenery throughout your home.

Which room could use a little more greenery this season? Let us know below.

Keep your home vibrant this fall. Discover practical tips for transitioning houseplants indoors, choosing low-light beginner plants, and styling like a pro.

08/18/2026

Many homeowners believe that listing a property above market value leaves profitable room for negotiation. However, historical data shows this strategy backfires. Overpricing filters your home out of correct buyer search brackets and shifts the leverage entirely to the buyer during later price corrections.

We broke down the exact math behind monthly carrying costs and the psychological impact of a stale listing.

Want the full breakdown to protect your equity? Leave a comment below and we’ll send the complete guide directly to your inbox.

Learn what happens when you overprice your home, from missed buyer interest and longer market time to appraisal issues and added costs.

08/11/2026

Being self-employed gives you plenty of freedom, but applying for a mortgage can come with a little more paperwork. Instead of relying on pay stubs, lenders may review your tax returns, profit and loss statements, and income history from the past two years. They’ll also look at your net income after business deductions, which means tax write-offs can affect how much you’re approved to borrow.

Knowing what lenders want to see before you start shopping can make the process much easier.

Self-employed and planning to buy a home? Learn what lenders review, how income is calculated, and why you should prepare before touring.

08/11/2026

Planning to buy a home in Springfield, IL before the holidays?

Here’s a general idea of when to start looking…

☀️ Start in August → Move in by November

🍂 Start in September → Move in by December

🎃 Start in October → Move in by January

Most buyers need time to get pre-approved, tour homes, make an offer, complete inspections, and close so starting early gives you more breathing room.

Of course, everyone’s timeline is different and can vary depending on your market, financing, and the home you choose, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

| Your Springfield, IL Real Estate Agent