Posts from October 2024

With the official start of winter on the horizon, it's what our real estate agents like to call "cozy season" in Chicago. It's the perfect time of year to check into a homey bed and breakfast for a little holiday getaway. 

Visitors looking for a place to stay or locals seeking a winter "staycation" will find no shortage of options in each of Chicago's distinct neighborhoods. These are some of our favorite bed and breakfasts in Chicagoland. 

Chicago:

• Wicker Park Inn - 1331 N Wicker Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
  Tucked among the rows of brownstones in Chicago's trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, the historic

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We're thrilled to announce that after nearly 40 years, we have a new look. Our new brand identity is part of our 170th anniversary celebration — we're paying homage to our past while looking ahead to the future.

"Throughout our 169-year history, Baird & Warner has always been about reinvention and reinvestment with the goal of transforming the brokerage for the future while staying committed to our values," says Steve Baird, president and CEO. 

With that in mind, every element of the new brand is closely tied to our history, our community and the brokerage we hope to be for the next 170 years. 

Our palette shifted from black to Deep Lake blue, a nod to Lake Michigan and a reference to our deep history. Amber Wheat elevates the previous yellow color and symbolizes our resilience, culture of empowerment, and — of course — our strong Midwest values. 

We visited the archives to revive a classic brand element and give it a modern update, taking our 1855 founding date to design a unique, modern icon. Using the Baird & Warner initials, we created two more patterns that harken to prestigious heritage brands. 

Combined with aspirational, lifestyle photography and a custom-designed typeface (named BW Bow Tie after the iconic fashion accessory of the late John W. Baird), the look evokes a sophisticated, elevated identity.  

"Today's agents, buyers and sellers are more sophisticated than ever, so the changes we have made both externally and internally represent our dedication to meet them where they are in the marketplace and reinforce Baird & Warner's position as a sophisticated lifestyle brand." 

Welcome back to Homebuying 101. If you are just now joining us, you can read on about closing below or catch up on previous installments. 

The closing, also known as settlement or escrow, is considered the final step in purchasing a home. But many first-time homebuyers aren't sure what to expect when they get to the closing table. You might be asking why sometimes it can take a while to close, who are the key players and what does a title company do? We'll answer these questions and more below. 

Who Comes to a Closing?

The amount of people and nature of the closing will depend on various factors, but these are some of the most common people you can expect to see at closing:

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Your pets are every bit as much a part of your household as you are — but houses aren't usually designed with their four-legged residents in mind. 

Here's how you can change that. Read on to learn our real estate agents' pro tips for making your home cat- and dog-friendly — and how to find the perfect pet-friendly home for your entire family. 

Creating a Pet-Friendly Space

Making your home pet-friendly is for your benefit as well as your pets' well-being. It's all about keeping your canine and feline companions happy and safe while also keeping your home clean and free from damage. 

• Get on their level. One of the first and easiest ways to assess your home is to approach it from your pet's perspective. Look for hazards, like expose...

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Chicago is often considered to be one of the most haunted cities in America. With Halloween right around the corner, our real estate agents are here to share their favorite haunted Chicago ghost tours this season. 

• The Original Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour - 520 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
  One of Chicago's longest-running ghost tours, the

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