Patrick R. Easley- Realtor

From all of us at Baird & Warner, have a safe and happy Labor Day! We hope you enjoy the day with family and friends.

Happy Mindful Monday!!!

If you are looking to purchase property, it is wise to hire yourself an agent to represent you. Be mindful that they have knowledge and access that you don't:

1. Market experts
2. Negotiation experience
3. Broad access to listings
4. Partnerships with lenders, attorneys, inspectors, appraisers, etc.
5. Agents are FREE to buyers

If you are looking for an experienced, knowledgeable, and skillful agent to represent you, DM or give me a call: 312-414-3321 or
859-402-3828.

One of the things that I absolutely love about Chicagoland, is that there is ALWAYS something to do. Chicago Summers are the BEST!! Start planning your weekend NOW!

To keep up with all the latest happenings around town, visit https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/special-events/things-to-do-in-chicago-this-weekend/

Is it modern, farmhouse, boho, contemporary, classic, etc? Tell me in the comments how you've designed your home!

This looks incredible 🤩🤩🤩

Well since today is Tuesday, I'll share this cost savings tip with those of you who are homeowners.

As we all know, Illinois property taxes are HIGH, especially in the suburbs. That said, there are ways to lower your property tax each year. Right now applications for 2021 property taxes are available and being accepted.

Here is a list of various exemptions you may be eligible for. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a Cook County property owner an average of $973 dollars each year. Read about each exemption below...

𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Most homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they own and occupy the property as their principal place of residence.

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Most senior homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they are 65 years of age or older and own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence.

“𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐞” 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Most homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they meet the requirements for the Senior Exemption and have a total household annual income of $65,000 or less in the calendar year 2020.

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Homeowners eligible for this exemption this year must be disabled or become disabled during the 2021 tax year.

𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Provides veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict with a reduction in the equalized assessed value of their property – for each taxable year in which they return.

𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Provides veterans with a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs with a reduction in the equalized assessed value (EAV) of their property.

𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Only 2% of homeowners in Cook County qualify for this exemption. This exemption provides homeowners with an expanded Homeowner Exemption with no maximum exemption amount.

𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Allows homeowners to add improvements to their home that add to its value (for example, by increasing the building’s square footage, or repairing after structural flood damage) without being taxed on up to $75,000 of the added value for up to four years.

For more info, visit: https://www.cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions

We all love a good remodeling. Bathrooms are a great place to make your space.

What's one luxury update you would do for your bathroom?

Happy Friday!!!!!

Take time to destress. What fun plans do you have for the weekend? We can always go out on some showings...IJS LOL

If you're planning to buy a home in the near future, I advise you to follow these simple tips. It's great to have a head start since unexpected costs are sometimes unavoidable. For more questions, shoot over a DM!

Thursdays are for terms!
Real Estate Terms you should know...

𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆

Earnest money are monies you put into an escrow account as a 'good faith deposit' on your home. It let's the seller know how serious you are and can be used to leverage your offer.

This is NOT your down payment. Earnest money is at least 1% of the purchase price and will be used toward the purchase of your home upon closing.

However, should you default on your contract, you may forfeit your earnest money.