Moving Tips
Utilities and Services
Post Office- Randolph Street 312.263.7811
change of address online http://www.usps.com/moversguide.html
Gas Company- People's Energy 866.556.6001
Electric Company- Commonwealth Edison 800.334.7661
Water- Chicago Bureau of Water 312.747.7956
Telephone- Local Service
AT&T 800.288.2747
MCI 888.624.5622
RCN 800.RING.RCN
SBC 800.244.4444
Telephone- Long Distance
AT&T 800.222.0300
MCI 800.950.5555
Sprint 800.877.7746
Cable Television
Comcast 866.594.1234
RCN 888.790.2121
Satellite Television
Dish Network 800.333.DISH
DirectTV 888.238.7177
Internet
SBC 800.244.4444
RCN 800.RING.RCN
Refuse/Recycling
National Waste Services 312.829.5741
City Wide Disposal 312.326.3920
City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation 312.744.1234
Newspapers
Chicago Sun-Times 312.321.3000
Chicago Tribune 312.222.9100
www.subscribe.chicagotribune.com
Parking
Purchase a city sticker
https://webapps.cityofchicago.org/stickeronlineweb/
10 Tips to Selling Your Home
Homeowners play an important part not only in how their home is perceived by prospective buyers, but also its actual appraised value. To help sellers better maximize their profit potential; below are 10 helpful tips to consider when selling your home:
1. Paint the exterior - A fresh coat of paint can give even a relatively new home a much needed facelift, and can often be done for as low as a few thousand dollars. Select a neutral tone that is consistent with other residences in the neighborhood. Also be sure to pay close attention to eaves, gutters and drains that may also need painting.
2. Complete all needed repairs - To maximize a home's worth, it should be in good condition both inside and out. Don't wait until there is an offer on the home. Hire an inspector now, and fix any and all problems, such as roof deficiencies, leaky plumbing and electrical concerns.
3. Purchase a home warranty - Establish peace of mind that comes with knowing a home and its contents are adequately covered in the event of a loss. A transferable home warranty protection plan can provide added security to the home owner - and buyer - in this regard.
4. Furnish the home to sell - Appeal to the buyer's emotion. Furnishing a home can go a long ways to getting your home sold, actually increasing the odds of it selling. Give buyers the option to procure the property with or without furnishings, and have a pre-established sale price set for either scenario.
5. Upgrade front yard landscaping - Curb appeal plays a big role more so than people realize. Potential buyers driving the neighborhood may never call on the For Sale sign, if your home doesn't look appealing from the outside. As well, buyers waiting for their Realtor to show up will often spend a good amount of time critiquing the landscaping while waiting. In addition to purposeful foliage, add landscape lighting and a weather and soil moisture-based landscape irrigation scheduling device to boost value even more.
6. Create a quick kitchen makeover - Kitchens are one of the number one rooms in the home where you'll get the most bang for your remodeling buck. Countertops and appliances are the quickest fix, as are faucets, fixtures, door knobs and other easily changed items that can have a large impact on the space.
7. Think spa, not bathroom - The master bath is an important factor in a home's worth. Think spa, or private sanctuary, where the master bath is concerned. A space meant to be relaxing, rejuvenating and more. Give buyers something to be excited about with upgraded faucets, fixtures, lighting, cabinetry, mirrors and the like. Then dress it up with plants, candles and other inexpensive, high impact decor.
8. Install soft and hard window treatments - There's nothing more boring than a plain window. Take advantage of this easy opportunity to give the home's interior design more impact, while also increasing the homes actual worth. In addition to "hard" treatments such as blinds and shutters that offer privacy, also add soft treatments hung from decorative fixtures, which can alter the appeal of a room entirely. Look to a professional to ensure the best outcome.
9. Replace carpet rather than just cleaning - Rather than simply steam cleaning old, used carpet, replace it with fresh, neutral-toned carpet with an upgraded pad for an extra luxurious feel. Spending the extra money on new carpet will really make your home stand out from the crowd, in sight, feel and even smell.
10. Don't overlook your closets - The better organized a closet, the larger it appears and the better it reflects on a home overall. Now is the time to box up those unwanted clothes and shoes and donate them to charity. Then, invest in a closet organization system - either by a professional or self-installed - which will positively impact an appraisal. Or, even look into hosting a garage sale with some neighbors or posting items on Craig's List to bring in a little extra cash! Make arrangements with a local charity to collect any extra items...you may be able to take a tax deduction for your generosity!