A hot season for Chicago sports puts a lot of cash into the city's wallet. Fans get out and spend money at local bars and restaurants, and all that national TV coverage makes Chicago look like a great place to live. It helps bring in new businesses and high-paying jobs. These changes eventually lead to more demand for housing and that means your own property value could go up as a result of our teams doing well.

Success for Chicago landlords is all about timing and transparency. This guide covers how to align your lease cycles with the spring market and why itemizing your "extras" can protect your margins. Learn the simple strategies we use to keep Chicago rental portfolios running smoothly and legally.

January is the most strategic time for military families to begin building a home-buying plan for the year ahead. By focusing on credit prep, VA loan eligibility, and local market research now, you can avoid the stress of a rushed PCS move. Our veteran-led team is here to help you navigate the process with local expertise and specialized military housing tools.

Starting your home search early in 2026 is the best way for military families to avoid the stress of a rushed PCS move. By preparing your VA loan documents and researching the Chicago market now, you can make a confident decision instead of a desperate one. Our veteran-led team is here to help you navigate the process with local expertise and specialized military housing tools.

While many buyers wait for the spring thaw to begin their home search, military families can gain a significant tactical advantage by buying in the winter. Reduced competition and highly motivated sellers provide a unique window for VA buyers to negotiate better prices and repair concessions. As the only Mil-Estate affiliate in Chicagoland, our veteran-led team helps you navigate these early-year opportunities to ensure a stress-free transition.

Moving on January 1st can be a cold and chaotic experience, but it also offers military families a unique chance for a total fresh start. This guide covers everything from surviving a Chicago winter move to helping your kids adjust to a new school mid-year. We have also included a first-week checklist to help you turn your new house into a home quickly.

Leaving for holiday travel during winter requires more preparation than most people expect. Simple steps like securing your home, preventing frozen pipes, managing energy usage, and arranging for snow removal can make a big difference. These checks help protect your home and give you peace of mind while you are away.

Winter is a great time to complete indoor home projects that improve comfort and increase value. Simple upgrades in key rooms, storage, lighting, and efficiency help your home show better when the spring market picks up. These improvements create a strong impression for buyers and support a smoother listing process.

The end of the year is a great time for military families to organize, plan, and prepare for the months ahead. From reviewing documents to checking home equity, small steps now can make future moves or financial decisions much easier. A clear plan brings stability during a season that often feels unpredictable.

Spending the holidays far from family can be difficult, but it doesn’t mean you can’t create warmth and connection where you are. From starting new traditions to staying involved in your local community, there are plenty of ways to make the season special. Home is about the people and memories you create together.

For many Veterans, the values that guided them in service, like discipline, teamwork, and purpose, carry naturally into a career in real estate. The field offers structure, flexibility, and the chance to keep serving others in a meaningful way. Learn why so many Veterans thrive in this profession.

This Veterans Day, we reflect on what homeownership means to those who’ve served. For many Veterans, owning a home represents stability, freedom, and a well-earned sense of belonging. Learn how the VA loan benefit continues to open doors for those who gave so much.

Every fall, Beverly and Mt. Greenwood come alive with stories about the Ridge. Part folklore, part history. From local legends to century-old homes, these neighborhoods show how Chicago’s past still shapes daily life on the South Side.

Many Chicago homes are taking longer to sell and seeing more price cuts as buyer activity cools. Learn why listings are sitting longer, what’s driving the slowdown, and how sellers and buyers can adapt to a shifting market this fall.

In today’s market, even good deals can fall apart if small issues go unchecked. Here are six of the most common deal killers we’ve seen 2025 and how buyers, sellers, and agents can stay prepared, avoid surprises, and keep transactions moving to the closing table.

If you’re planning to sell this fall, setting the right price can make or break your sale. A realistic number attracts more buyers and prevents wasted time on the market. Learn how to price smart, avoid overpricing, and sell with confidence before the holidays.

As the year winds down, it’s a great time for military families to do a quick financial checkup. Reviewing your budget, benefits, and savings now can help you finish strong and plan with confidence for the year ahead. Small steps today can make a big difference later.

HGTV has shaped how many first-time buyers think about purchasing a home, but real life doesn’t usually come with a dramatic “aha” moment. Most buyers see plenty of houses before choosing one that fits their budget, lifestyle, and neighborhood needs. The key is learning to look past dated finishes or clutter and focus on the bigger picture of value and potential.

September often brings new expenses for military families, from school supplies to holiday planning. Simple budgeting strategies can help ease the stress. These practical tips make it easier to save money, stay organized, and build stability this season.

Fall offers countless ways for military families to create lasting memories, no matter where they’re stationed. From pumpkin patches and hikes to crafts and community events, the season brings opportunities to connect. These activities help make temporary duty stations feel more like home.