Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Tips to Get Your Harbor Country Home Ready for Summer!

While last week we talked about creating an outdoor oasis for your home, we wanted to also broaden the topic to cover making sure your entire home is ready for the summer season! 

As many of you know, Harbor Country is one of the favored spots along the Lake Michigan shoreline to vacation each year or even settle in permanently.  It’s picturesque scenery, quaint downtown and endless things to do year round make it an ideal destination.  As Harbor Country Real Estate agents, we understand that the warm weather brings about many reasons to spend your time outdoors, but it’s also important to make sure your Harbor Country home is ready for the change in weather and remains in great condition.

Below are a few of the ways you can prep your home in Harbor Country for this great season.  If you’re hoping to sell your Harbor Country home this summer, these are also ways to get your home ready to put on the market.  So, whether you’re a vacationer, live in Harbor Country permanently or are thinking of selling your Harbor Country home this summer; these simple tips will help your home shine!

1. Change Your Filters- This is a must for your home each year.  Keeping a fresh filter will ensure you don’t run into any major issues with your heating and cooling system in the future.

2. Test your cooling system
- Before the summer heat gets uncomfortable; you’ll want to make sure your air conditioning is working properly.  If it’s not running correctly or not getting cool enough, you’ll need to put a request in for a mechanic; so don’t delay!  Heating and cooling mechanics find hot summer months to be their busiest season.  Looking for a way to save?  Fans and opening your windows for that fresh lake air may be just the trick!  Just make sure your screens are free from holes so you don’t have unwanted insects in your home.

3. Driveways & Walkways- Now is a great time to repair any issues with your driveway or walkway.  If you’re expecting guests this summer or you’re considering selling your Harbor Country home; these little details can set the tone for the rest of your home.  Investing in shrubbery, potted plants and mulch is another great way to keep your driveway and walkway looking well maintained.

4. Awnings & Umbrellas
- Thinking of getting your awnings and umbrellas ready for summer use?  Hose everything down thoroughly and use a mild soap, if necessary. Check to see if your umbrella cover is machine washable.  After sitting in a garage during the cooler months, you want to make sure everything is fresh and ready to go!

5. Decks & Porches- Sweep the floors of all areas throughout and remove cobwebs from light fixtures, ceilings, and railings. Once the area is clear, check for holes, splintered wood, loose nails, and replace anything that may be damaged. It is also a good idea to seal the deck with a water-proofing sealer that also has a UV protectant.

6. Outdoor Furniture
- While, outdoor furniture is made withstand many of the elements; it’s not indestructible. When the outdoor season is over, all outdoor furniture should be covered with a waterproof canvas or tarp, or it can be stored in a garage or shed. Weekly cleaning and routine washes with a hose will make your outdoor furniture last much longer.

As always, our goal as Shoreline Property Advisors and Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents, is to give you great advice regarding your home and the Harbor Country Real Estate market.  We’re available to answer your questions and to help you get started in the home buying or selling process.

Give us a call today to get started!

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Create an Ideal Outdoor Living Space for Your Evanston Home


This is a great time of year in Evanston as we anticipate the warm weather months ahead.  Those living in Evanston find themselves seeking the outdoors whether venturing along biking or walking paths, swimming in Lake Michigan, frequenting downtown restaurants with outdoor seating in Evanston or meandering through a park.  But what if you wanted to enjoy the long awaited summer in your own backyard?
Creating an outdoor living space will not only bring value to your Evanston home, but will be a great way to gather with family and friends while visually extending the square footage of your home.  If you already have an outdoor living space; it may be a good idea to give the area a facelift with new furniture or a new feature!  
Of course, not everyone has the resources to create a dream outdoor living space with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace or water feature, but using the budget you have an trying to incorporate the following three elements will ensure you create a space you’ll enjoy all season long!
1. Fire- According to a recent national survey, landscape designer Michael Glassman, noted that the #1 request for an outdoor space is a kitchen. While designing and installing an entire outdoor kitchen can be very costly, there are other ways to get this same feel. Make an outdoor fire-pit, purchase a potbelly stove, or just use your charcoal grill. On cooler evenings in Evanston, roast marshmallows or cozy up by candlelight and a hot cup of tea. No matter your budget or size of your outdoor space, you’ll be able to find a way to creatively incorporate fire!

2. Water- The sound of trickling water always seems to have a calming effect. If you’re not ready to invest in a backyard stream or pond; there are other options for creating the serene water effect. A simple tabletop fountain or a pond or stream beside your patio or deck will bring the essence of tranquility and quiet to your outdoor living area. Just be sure to utilize the water you want in your space and keep out the water you don’t!  A rainy day can put a damper on your outdoor activities, but having an awning or gazebo with naturally growing vines can offer the protection you need from a passing shower.

3. Earth- Since this is an outdoor room, be sure to include as many earth tones and natural objects as possible in your design. You want to maintain that outdoor feel instead of simply mimicking an interior space. Use things like rocks, branches,wooden objects or natural furniture to add interest. Of course the changing seasons will be the backdrop of your outdoor room, so be sure to play off the colors and vibrancy of the Evanston season.
We hope this inspires you to take your outdoor living space to the next level!  You’ll be sure to enjoy the investment and, if you’re ever in the market to sell your Evanston home; it will be a bonus for potential buyers!
If you have questions about living in Evanston, the current Evanston Real Estate market or are interested in buying or selling a home in Evanston, please feel free to contact us today!  Our Shoreline Property Advisors team of trusted real estate advisors and Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents are here to help you navigate through the Evanston Real Estate market.
We look forward to talking with you!
Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Upcoming Art Festival in New Buffalo Michigan!


Entering into June, we find that summer events and activities are getting underway all along the Lake Michigan Shoreline!  This is a great season to be outdoors enjoying the sights and endless things to do.  Whether you live in Evanston, Chicago, the Indiana Shoreline, New Buffalo or Harbor Country Michigan; you’ll be sure to enjoy warm weather and longer days along the beautiful shoreline.
As Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents and advisors here at Shoreline Property Advisors, we seek to provide those living along the Lake Michigan Shoreline and those interested in buying a vacation home or permanent residence in any of the shoreline cities; the opportunity to get a well rounded approach to what Lake Michigan Shoreline lifestyle.  
Today, we wanted focus on an upcoming event in New Buffalo Michigan, that we are personally involved with and that we think you’ll enjoy!  Take a look!
ArtiGras New Buffalo
Downtown New Buffalo, MI
Whittaker St & Merchant St
Saturday & Sunday, June 16-17 from 10am-5pm
- Don’t miss the 1st Annual New Buffalo Art Festival, ArtiGras, taking place next weekend in New Buffalo Michigan!  This festival is sure to inspire as it’s being produced by Amdur Productions who have produced art shows such as Chicago’s Gold Coast Art Festival, Glencoe Festival of the Arts and the North Festival of the Arts at Old Orchard. 
The show will feature 130 juried artists who will showcase art using mediums varying from photography, painting, glass, wood, fiber and much more!  For those who are art collectors, the art will be available for purchase, but for those who just enjoy looking; you won’t be disappointed.  Artists demonstrations, great food, live music and even art activities for the children will make this an event that will be fun for everyone!  For more information on ArtiGras New Buffalo, please visit the Amdur Productions website
As we mentioned, ArtiGras is an event we fully support as our very own Rob Gow serves on the Board of the New Buffalo Arts Council, who is sponsoring the festival!  We feel it’s important to support the communities in which we serve in very practical ways, and this is just one of the avenues in which Shoreline Property Advisors gives back to the community.
Whether you live or vacation in New Buffalo or Harbor County Michigan, you will want to take part is this upcoming event!  If you’re not yet a resident of New Buffalo, but have been considering buying a vacation home or permanent residence in the area; please let us know!
We would enjoy helping you discover all that New Buffalo has to offer and help you find the home that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Feel free to contact us today!

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff