My New Blog

Who founded Orchard Real Estate Company?  Well, I did, along with my partner. 

Wauconda is nostalgically known for the many years people traveled to rural Lake County for vacation.  They visited the beaches of Bangs Lake and of course, they included a trip to the Wauconda Orchards on Lake Napa Suwe to get their country-living fix.  They picked their own apples, raspberries and pumpkins.  For some, it was tradition.

My oldest daughter was born in 2000 and as a baby, we brought her to the Orchards in the fall.  I have great pictures.  Then, just a year later, those responsible for creating such traditions, Mr and Mrs Breeden, sold their 250 acres off of Fairfield and Gossell Roads to developers and retired. 

Fast forward to 2005.  My husband and I sold our home in Hawthorn Woods and purchased a beautiful home on a lakefront lot right in Orchard Hills -the neighborhood that now occupies the former recreation area.  There I met my partner and we founded Orchard Real Estate Company in February 2007 in honor of the fun we had right on those grounds when we were kids and later, introduced our kids to the tradition.

I recently read a story of Mr and Mrs Breeden and how they just celebrated their 70th anniversary.  70 years!  It's a wonderful story and I aspire to hit my 70th anniversary someday.  I wonder if they know the traditions they've set for many families and I'm proud to keep the Orchard legacy going in whatever teeny, tiny way by "Helping Families Plant Their Roots!", Orchard Real Estate Company's tagline.

To read more about Mr and Mrs Breeden, click:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=393320

It's inspiring, refreshing and just makes you smile!

Gina

I go into a lot of homes.  I hear my clients make all kinds of remarks. 

It's hard to get your home ready to sell AND to appeal to a potential buyer AND adhere to a budget.  Previously, I talked about de-cluttering as one of 5 dirt cheap ways to stage your home to sell.  Here's idea #2:

Address the bathrooms.  This is very important to a potential buyer.  A total renovation could be pretty costly (especially if you have more than one bath).  But when you are scheduled to show your home, follow these steps at little or no cost.

1.  Clean it.  Be sure to tie back the shower curtain and display a clean, dry, uncluttered (stash shampoo, body wash and loofas in a fashionable container) tub/shower area.  Make sure mirrors, faucets and countertops are wiped down and free of toiletries.  Shake out rugs and wash floors.  Ensure toilet lid is closed.

2.  Be Matchy-Matchy.  By that I mean to display towels that are color and design coordinated.  To accent, use candles/holders, baskets/bins, rugs and shower curtains that go together.  But don't over-do it.  Consult design sites or magazines or even retail ads for inspiration.

3.  Change it.  If a remodel isn't in the budget:

    a.  an affordable option is to replace the sink/vanity.  Streamlined or pedestal sinks free up space if the area is small.  If it's still too much to get a new sink, there are a wide variety of faucets in really great designs at your local home improvement store.  Upgrade to that nickel or bronze finish-be sure to keep in style with the rest of the room.  Ask your sales consultant for advice on changing the faucet or consult the internet-there are even step by step videos that can lend you a hand!

    b.  update the mirror.  A lot of bathrooms have one huge sheet mirror or medicine cabinet above the vanity.  Ideas to update include replacing the sheet with a small shaped mirror such as oval and hang by a ribbon or wire.  Or get a cool framed mirror to add a more elegant touch.

    c.  fresh paint.  Neutral colors.

    d.  change out the lights.  There are a TON of light fixtures that are very affordable.  Bring it up-to-date!

    c.  study the floors.  If they look a little shabby, there are a wide variety of "peel and stick" vinyl floor tiles.  Easy to install, easy to cut, easy to freshen up.

So, to sum it up, take a good look at your bathrooms and see how each one can benefit from a little sprucing up.  Hey, even if you're NOT moving!

INDEPENDENCE

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Are you a packrat?  I am not.  I LOVE the feeling I get when I send something of ours off to someone who will appreciate it. 

Of course I keep the significant stuff:  certain baby items, milestone trinkets or special mementos from travels (emphasis on SPECIAL-no need to keep the plastic shot glass on a beaded chain from the last trip to Mexico).  But I have come across some sellers who want to list their homes for sale and haven't cleaned out the attic, or common areas for that matter, in 20 years.  I strongly abide by 'one man's trash...' adage.

If you're considering cleaning out the fort, summer is the BEST time!  Many neighborhoods and even villages hold multi-family garage sales.  Log onto to your neighborhood HOA directory or village website to find out more info.  Churches, preschools and libraries can always use gently used toys, movies and DVDs that your kids have grown out of.  They like to get things sorted through before the start of the new school year.  Amvets, Cancer Federation and local scout troops will come to your home and pick up castoffs.  Just contact them via phone or inquire on their websites to arrange a pickup time.  Plato's Closet and other resale shops have really become popular lately with the whole 'green' movement and recycling gently worn clothes, purses, belts and other accessories has become totally vogue.  Some technical items become obsolete so quickly and many people don't know what to do with their old cell phones, desktops, printers and cameras.  Consult your waste collection company, village office or office supply/electronics retailer and inquire about recycling/disposal. 

Now, if you HAVE to keep it-simply canNOT part with it, drop $3 on packing tape and hit a few retailers in your area to score free boxes (I like Payless Shoes--good size shipment boxes especially if you're moving AND smaller shoe boxes), pack things up and stack nicely in the corner of your garage or basement.

Fall is the start of collecting new things:  back to school clothes and supplies, leisure equipment, and with Christmas shortly thereafter, a whole new lot of things are acquired.  It's time to make room!

And that is one of 5 Dirt Cheap Ways to Stage Your Home to Sell.  Check back for other ideas!

As we celebrate the official start of summer, the weather in Chicagoland couldn't be better.  However you choose to celebrate the hard work that our troops have done and continue to do for our freedom, there are three days of eating involved. 

Serve it up like the pros with these recipes found on foodnetwork.com site:

Grilling?  It's the perfect time for lazy days in the backyard.  This recipe shared by Paula Deen on the site sounds just perfect for a hot summer fix!

Lime Chicken and Shrimp Kabobs

• 2/3 cup vegetable oil                                      
• 3 limes, juiced
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (16-ounce) can pineapple rings, drained, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 pound large fresh shrimp, peeled and de-veined

Special Equipment: skewers

Happy Memorial Day!