If you’ve ever tracked your credit score before, then chances are you’ve used either Credit Karma or your annual credit report. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but which is the better option for tracking credit scores? Keep reading to find out! What is Credit Karma? Credit Karma is a free credit tracking service that …
Credit Karma VS Annual Credit Report: Which Is Better? Read More »
It’s a brand new year! We’re so excited to be bringing you our January 2022 monthly newsletter, which is released monthly in print, email, and right here on the blog. In the first newsletter of the year, our main article features our top three tips for buying a home in the next six months. Which means if you start …
Ring In the New Year With Our January 2022 Newsletter! Read More »
As the Chicago weather turns colder, all we really want to do is stay cozy in our homes while enjoying some of our favorite warm treats. That’s why we’re featuring a Capirotada recipe that’s fresh from our upcoming January 2022 newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here. Capirotada is a dish that normally accompanies certain …
Recipe Corner: Warm Up Your Home With Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding) Read More »
This Editor’s Note comes courtesy of our upcoming January 2022 newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here. In each newsletter, I, your friendly editor, offer readers seasonal tips and insights—which are always relevant to the theme of the month. January’s theme is the upcoming new year, so I decided to touch upon the importance of …
Editor’s Note: How to Reflect on 2021 and Create New Resolutions For 2022 Read More »
Are you a first-time homebuyer? A homebuying hopeful? Then you are our specialty! We love to help first-time homebuyers through the entire buying process. We know how stressful, complicated, and exciting it can be. That’s why we compiled ten of our best tips to help our first-time buyers from the very first steps, to the …
Buyer’s Tip: Our Top 10 Tips for First Time Homebuyers Read More »
As a part of our monthly Newsletters, which we send out each month via mail or email, we give our readers an extra creative bonus in the shape of festive coloring sheets! For January, we wanted to give our readers a chance to explore their creative sides—by exploring space! So, feel free to break out your drawing supplies …
1227 Kenilworth Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402 Modern living in Berwyn. New construction single-family residence. Delivery 1st quarter 2022. You still have time to select finishes. One-of-a-kind with huge picture windows that will make you feel as if you are outside. This 5-bedrooms and 3.5-baths home is custom made with quality workmanship and materials. The layout …
Just Listed in Berwyn, IL: 1227 Kenilworth Avenue Read More »
As a part of our monthly newsletters, which you can sign up for here, we like to offer our readers tips that go beyond the world of real estate. One feature that we’re always proud to give back to our readers is our Mindfulness Corner segment. This segment comes from our resident mindfulness expert, Imelda Guerra. In …
Mindfulness Corner: How To Spark Your Creativity & Be Adaptable to Change Read More »
We all know how rough winters in Chicago can be. When we get hit with below zero wind chill temps, it’s a huge relief to step back into our heated homes and forget about the harsh weather outside. Unfortunately, for 80,000 Chicagoans, this sense of relief isn’t a guarantee for all 365 days of the …
Inaugural Warm Relief Initiative – Help Everyone Stay Warm This Winter Read More »
There’s nothing quite like watching our favorite Christmas movies during the holidays surrounded by family, opened presents, and if we’re lucky, snow! That’s why we wanted to spread the holiday cheer by sharing some of our favorite Christmas movies to watch year after year with our loved ones. So, break out the popcorn, gather the …
Our Favorite Christmas Movies To Watch During The Holidays Read More »
Chicagoland’s large, and incredibly diverse housing market is constantly evolving. We, of all people, know how difficult it is to stay ahead of the ever-changing trends. The good news? We can help! Each month, we give our readers market updates with the most up-to-date information on how the Chicagoland area is doing. Want to know …
6211 26th Street Berwyn, IL 60402 A unique 4-unit in Berwyn. Get two buildings in one. The main front building features 3-units plus a legal frame coach house in the back. The owner’s unit is updated and remodeled. Other units were remodeled in 2017. Newer windows and A/C condenser units. Updated plumbing and electrical service. …
If you’re a homeowner, it’s never too early to start looking into what property exemptions you may qualify for. If you’ve never looked into homeowner exemptions before, you might be wondering which homeowners qualify for property tax exemptions and if they’re one of those homeowners. Well, homeowner tax exemptions are designed to help and protect …
A new year is nearly upon us! Going into the new year, it’s a great idea to have certain parts of our lives in order to make the coming year easier for our future selves. Thorough planning is also one of the easiest ways to ensure that we’ll be able to achieve any big long-term …
Get Ready For 2022! 3 Homebuying Tips From The Experts Read More »
Ahh, winter! The season of holidays, family gatherings – the time of the year we spend mostly cozied up in our homes. And for those that currently don’t own one, the time to acquire their dream house. There is a common myth circulating out there that properties do not sell in winter. But that’s all it …
Winter Home Staging Tips to Impress Potential Buyers Read More »
As a part of our monthly Newsletters, which we send out each month via mail or email, we give our readers an extra creative bonus in the shape of festive coloring sheets! For December, we had to give our readers an adorable Christmas-themed coloring sheet for the kiddos, or anyone who wants to draw! So, get ready to …
Creative Corner: Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays! December’s Cute & Cozy Coloring Sheet is Here Read More »
It’s the last newsletter of the year! Can you believe the year is almost over? We barely can. We are thrilled to be bringing you the December issue of our monthly newsletter, which we release in print, email, and right here on the blog. In this issue, we have our usual useful and informative real …
Happy Holidays From Our Family To Yours! Our December 2021 Newsletter is Here Read More »
As a part of our monthly newsletters, which you can sign up for here, we like to offer our readers tips that go beyond the world of real estate. One feature that we’re always proud to give back to our readers is our Mindfulness Corner segment. This segment comes from our resident mindfulness expert, Imelda Guerra. In …
Mindfulness Corner: Show Loving Kindness To Yourself This December Read More »
This Editor’s Note comes courtesy of our upcoming December 2021 Holiday-themed monthly newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here. In each newsletter, I, your friendly editor, offer readers seasonal tips and insights—which are specific to the theme of the month. This month, with the theme being Christmas, I decided to focus on giving our …
Editor’s Note: Last-Minute Holiday Recs From Your Friendly Editor Read More »
Our Buyer’s Tip for December’s upcoming newsletter, which you can sign up for here, comes courtesy of our mortgage lending expert Nenci Rodriguez who advises buyers to pay extra attention to their spending during the holidays. From a report by CNBC, on average, Americans accrued a debt of $1,325 during the holiday season in 2020. …
Buyer’s Tip: Be Careful With Holiday Spending! Here’s How To Save Instead Read More »
It’s not quite December yet but we’re already ready for the holidays! Sweeten up your holiday spread with the latest featured recipe fresh from our upcoming December 2021 Newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here. Brownies are a dessert that we love to make any time of the year—no special occasions needed here. But, …
Recipe Corner: Sweeten Up Your Holidays With This Simple Peppermint Brownie Recipe Read More »
2823 Harlem AvenueBerwyn, IL 60402 Fully occupied 4-unit retail strip center on busy Harlem Avenue in Berwyn. The building is located just south of Cermak Plaza and North Riverside Park Mall. Prime daily traffic counts of approximately 30,000 cars per day. Great visibility and near a signalized corner. This freestanding building includes 16 parking spots …
Chicagoland’s large, and incredibly diverse housing market is constantly evolving. We, of all people, know how difficult it is to stay ahead of the ever-changing trends. The good news? We can help! Each month, we give our readers market updates with the most up-to-date information on how the Chicagoland area is doing. Want to know …
As a homeowner, preparing for the harsh winter months ahead is one of the most important things you can do and can save you big in the long run, if done right. Preparing our homes for the winter season comes in many different forms. We’ve previously released a Fall Maintenance Guide, with a checklist, but …
When Top Agent Magazine reached out to me for an interview for their upcoming November issue, I was completely honored! Top Agent Magazine is a monthly publication that highlights real estate agents in areas all around the globe. My interview will be featured in the Illinois edition of the magazine, which will be released on …
Gerardo Zavala, Realtor Featured in Top Agent Magazine: Read The Full Interview Read More »
Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a few short weeks away? We barely can! We’re so excited to be releasing the November edition of our monthly newsletter, which we release in print, email, and right here. In this edition, we have, as always, very useful and important homeowner and buyer tips, as well as …
Give Thanks With The Help of Our November 2021 Newsletter Read More »
As a part of our monthly newsletters, which you can sign up for here, we like to offer our readers tips that go beyond the world of real estate. One feature that we’re always proud to give back to our readers is our Mindfulness Corner segment. This segment comes from our resident mindfulness expert, Imelda …
Mindfulness Corner: Thankfulness In The Season of Thanksgiving Read More »
As a part of our monthly Newsletters, which we send out each month via mail or email, we give our readers an extra creative bonus in the shape of festive coloring sheets! For November, we knew we wanted to give our readers a Thanksgiving-themed coloring sheet for the whole family Get ready to sit around the dining room …
Creative Corner: Thanksgiving Nears! Our November Newsletter Coloring Sheet Has Arrived Read More »
After you’ve dealt with all the paperwork, finances, and anticipation of becoming a homeowner, it’s time to relax and make a plan for improvements and ways to personalize your new home. Many times, due to a tight budget, first-time homebuyers opt for an as-is property. These fixer-uppers can be an excellent investment if you can …
As a recently added feature to our monthly newsletters I, your friendly editor, have started contributing my own segments that expand upon the theme of the month. For November’s (Thanksgiving-themed) newsletter, which you can sign up for here, I wanted to talk a little bit about my decision to start some new traditions this Thanksgiving. …
Editor’s Note: Starting New Traditions This Thanksgiving Read More »
Fresh from our November 2021 Newsletter, which you can subscribe to here, we bring our readers a Thanksgiving recipe to help you mix up your Thanksgiving menu! We all have our traditional Thanksgiving recipes, but why not switch things up sometimes? This recipe would be a great alternative to mashed potatoes and might even prove to be …
Recipe Corner: Switch Up Your Thanksgiving Menu With This Creamy Potato Gratin Recipe Read More »
As a realtor, one of my main purposes is to make sure buyers are readying themselves across the board for the purchase of a home. We all know how important credit scores are for home loan approval, but how many know that you can actually get your credit reports free, from the three credit agencies, …
Buyer Tip: Why You Should Request Your FREE Credit Reports Every Year Read More »
Chicagoland’s large and incredibly diverse housing market is constantly evolving. We, of all people, know how difficult it is to stay ahead of the ever-changing trends. The good news? We can help! Each month we give our readers market updates with the most up-to-date information on how the Chicagoland area is doing. Want to know …
September 2021 Chicagoland Monthly Market Update Read More »
As someone who has lived their entire life in the Chicagoland area, I know just how important it is to prepare our homes for the harsh winter months that lay ahead. Winter can wreak absolute havoc to a home, if unprepared. It can reveal issues that you were not even aware of before they became …
Fall 2021 Home Maintenance Guide: Prepare For Winter The Right Way Read More »
If you are planning on selling your home, you might be tempted to make significant investments and go overboard with different features in order to get a higher asking price. You want potential buyers to be wowed and feel like they’ve found the right house. However, staging is one thing, and investing in expensive upgrades …
Home Upgrades You Think Add Value But They Actually Don’t Read More »
Fresh from our October 2021 Newsletter, which you can subscribe to here, we bring our readers a tasty fall recipe that will start off any breezy fall day off right. Since pumpkin is undoubtedly the quintessential fruit of fall, what better way to incorporate it into your day than in pancakes? Well, maybe pumpkin pie. …
Recipe Corner: Embrace Fall With Pumpkin Pancakes Read More »
It’s finally here! Each month I have been sending my readers useful information about the Chicagoland real estate market, helpful homeowner and buyer tips, and festive segments from my editors. But, I would only send them out the old-fashioned way. Now, I am very excited to bring my newsletters into the twenty-first century! Our October …
It’s Finally Fall! Say “Hello!” To Autumn With My October 2021 Newsletter Read More »
As a part of our monthly Newsletters, which we send out each month via mail or email, we give our readers an extra creative bonus in the shape of festive coloring sheets! As you could have probably guessed, October’s theme is Halloween. Get your whole family in the mood for spooks and thrills by printing …
Creative Corner: Ghosts, Ghouls, and Bats! Oh My! October’s Coloring Sheet is Inside! Read More »
Chicagoland’s large and incredibly diverse housing market is constantly evolving. We, of all people, know how difficult it is to stay ahead of the ever-changing trends. The good news? We can help! Each month we give our readers market updates with the most up-to-date information on how the Chicagoland area is doing. Want to know …
The housing market never sleeps, and it has never been busier. Also, online remote buying has become more popular these days due to the global pandemic happening. One of the great things about the Internet is that you can get information on just about anything. For example, you can read numerous real estate reviews to …
3645 Wesley Avenue Berwyn, IL 60402 Welcome home to this brick octagon bungalow in South Berwyn. Become the next owner of this classic home today. A total of 3-bedrooms and 1.5-baths with a full basement and 2-car brick garage. Come on in and walk into the entrance foyer, closet, and larger than most bungalow-sized living …
Changing our air filters, despite the simplicity, is a home maintenance task that often falls to the wayside in the vast sea of home upkeep. However, it can be one of the most important things you can do to make sure you’re keeping your bills down, preventing further unnecessary expenses, and prioritizing your family’s health. …
Homeowner Tip: 4 Reasons to Change Your Air Filter Regularly Read More »
Finding a house you think is perfect for you and your family can be hard enough. Selling a home, on the other hand, comes with a whole different set of difficulties. When you have to juggle selling and buying at the same time, it is not sufficient to say that the problem increases significantly. You …
1923 Wisconsin Avenue Berwyn, IL 60402 Welcome home to this brick bungalow in Berwyn’s Gold Coast. Become the next owner of this classic home today. Great curb appeal and stands from the rest. A total of 3-bedrooms and 2-full baths. Original stained-glass windows and brown-facing brick enhance the look and feel of this home. Come …
Chicagoland’s large and incredibly diverse housing market is constantly evolving. We, of all people, know how difficult it is to stay ahead of the ever-changing trends. The good news? We can help! Each month we give our readers market updates with the most up-to-date information on how the Chicagoland area is doing. Want to know …
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, knowing the FHA’s requirements could make the difference between an easy sale, or a difficult one. Any home that could be covered by an FHA loan must meet the General Acceptability Criteria set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. We want to give our readers …
460 Itasca Street, Wood Dale, IL 60191 Welcome home to this oversized custom step-ranch home with 4,359 total SF in sought-after Wood Dale, IL. Beautiful big backyard with a patio area and a shed. Use the driveway to the 2.5 attached car garage with a side work area. Walk right up to this home and …
Each month, starting right now, I am going to be bringing my readers new Homeowner Tips! This month our subject is the wonders you can do with the material, caulk. Caulk, in all of its forms, can be used for a wide variety of inexpensive home repair and maintenance tasks that can prevent future, possibly …
Caulk Is King! The Wonders You Can Do With This Material Read More »
Second-guessing your decision is an integral part of the house-hunting process. After all, buying a property implies spending significant amounts of money and investing a lot of your time and energy. However, in hot real estate markets such as those we are witnessing today in many parts of the country, taking your time to decide …
Chicagoland’s large and incredibly diverse housing market is constantly evolving. We, of all people, know how difficult it is to stay ahead of the ever-changing trends. The good news? We can help! Each month we give our readers market updates with the most up-to-date information on how the Chicagoland area is doing. Want to know …
1338 Oak Park Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402 Welcome home to this classic frame bungalow in Berwyn, IL. This 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom residence sits on a beautiful oversized lot. Make your way to the property and relax on the front overhang porch. Perfect for relaxing on summer days. Walk inside the entrance foyer and …
If you’re a Chicago, IL area homeowner who is looking to better understand the current real estate market, you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you’re thinking about moving across the country and you want to know about current real estate trends in another state. Maybe you’re just interested in seeing how your current property …
1837 Kenilworth Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402 Become the next owner of the beautiful octagon legal 3-unit building in Berwyn’s Gold Coast. Calling all owner-occupants and investors. Tour this classic building today. Great curb appeal and stands from the rest. A total of 8-bedrooms and 3-bathrooms. Original stained-glass windows throughout. Generously sized rooms. See floor plan. …
What do I need to get a mortgage pre-approval? You Are A Lot Closer Than You Think Buying a home is an exciting step for many people. For serious home-buyers, the most important step is to get pre-approved for a home loan. What exactly does one need to get pre-approved so that the process of …
Unsure of the Buying & Selling Process in Real Estate? Five Tips to be at Ease: 1. Your Realtor Matters. Hiring the right Realtor is important. Interview several and hire one. Ask these questions to yourself after each interview. Are they knowledgeable? Did they make you feel good and build your confidence? Did they answer …
Unsure of the Buying & Selling Process in Real Estate? Read More »
2813 Ridgeland AvenueBerwyn, IL 60402 SPACIOUS BRICK DUPLEX. LARGE LIVING RM & DINING RM W/HARDWOOD FLOORS. FEATURES EXTRA LARGE BEDROOMS ON 2ND LEVEL. FINISHED BASEMENT W/BATHROOM. LOCATED NEAR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, PARKS, SCHOOLS ND NORTH RIVERSIDE PARK MALL. Schedule a showing today HERE. Photos PROPERTY SUMMARY About Gerardo Zavala, Realtor There is a true passion for …
We make home buying easy! Join me this Saturday, January 30 at 1:00 PM on Zoom. Happy, 2021. This is definitely your year to stop renting and into your new home. Maybe you need more space or simply just tired of paying someone else’s mortgage. You have your reasons now let those reasons become your goals …
https://youtu.be/7Rnsv6wt2qI $500 Credit Back on Your Personal Home Inspection in 2021. Purchase a home with me and I will credit you back up to $500 on your home inspection. Redeem this offer now and use it when you are ready to buy in 2021. REDEEM OFFER NOW Why Get A Home Inspection? A home inspection …
Hello, friends, and Happy Holidays! Stuck at home? Do you or the kids need a short break? Don’t worry we have you covered. Enter our coloring sheet contest for a chance to win a $200 gift card! Step 1. Download our FREE holiday coloring sheet. Step 2. Text a photo of your coloring sheet to …
Hello, friends, and Happy Thanksgiving! Shop local and support independent businesses, especially now. I have partnered with one of my local favorites, Vesecky’s Bakery on Cermak Road in Berwyn. They are long time owners and one of Berwyn’s best that offers delicious fresh baked goods. These pies are made to order and baked from scratch …
