Month: October 2020

Chicago is not a city best known for it’s Fall season, it’s often hazily transgressed by the Midwest masses still reeling from the shock that summer is truly over and the lethargic acceptance that the 6.5-month Winter season is around the corner. However, this year, Chicago has had the chance to experience a few glorious weeks of full Fall foliage, fuzzy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced everything. We at FG know it’s important to get out the house while we still can and while it’s still safe. Thus, we’ve compiled a list of some Fall activities you can participate in, drive through, drive up, or visit virtually. Don’t forget your masks and hand sanitizer!

Private rooftop deck: This isn’t just any private rooftop deck. It’s the largest in the nation. The Old Post Office location has granted the public to use the 3.5 acres of outdoor space in the time to enjoy the outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic. “The rooftop includes a quarter-mile running and walking track; three-season, heated bar, and pavilion; basketball court; heated paddle tennis courts for winter play; and landscaping that includes more than 40,000 plants and trees, with 58 varieties.” The newly renovated, historical space runs alongside the Chicago River, at 433 W. Van Buren St. The building previously sat unused for more than two decades until last Fall.  

Bike Rides: There are some surprisingly delightful bike paths in Chicago. The lakefront remains a favorite of many for good reason, it’s undesirably beautiful!  However, for a path less take try the Green Bay Trail. Heads up, it’s a bit of a longer ride. Some of these rides even take you to The Pavilion at Ravinia for those that miss the outdoor concert space.

Get Lost In a Corn Maze: Did you know that Illinois is home to the world’s largest corn maze?! Yup, Richardson Adventure Farm offers a full day of activities for the entire family. Even better, it’s an opportunity to build teamwork, get some critical thinking in, and stretch those legs! They also offer pumpkin picking and a zipline!

Oktoberfest: When Chicago is beautiful it can be magical. Take advantage of the last few days of decent weather and enjoy Oktoberfest if you’re feeling comfortable enough to be out. Be sure to make a reservation and dress appropriately for both the festivities and for potentially finicky Chicago weather. Be the best dressed by bringing along hand sanitizer and extra face masks, just in case. 

Experience Fall Foliage: Beat the crowds, or a schedule altogether, and experience the very best of Illinois’ Fall foliage in full bloom by driving along or to one of these trails! You can find a more exhaustive list here but some of our favorites include Garden of the Gods and Great River Road which has over 500 miles of views you’ll never forget.

Apple Picking: Orchard visits are a Fall favorite of many for good reason. There are several locations around Chicago to choose from, both a short drive or a long trip. Don’t forget to pick up apple cider doughnuts on your way out!

Drive-In Movie Theaters: Miss seeing movies in a theater with your loved ones? Yup, same here. Luckily, Chicago has come up with a solution. Drive-in movie theaters! They are popping up all over Chicago and some even offer a full snack service. Be responsible and stick to a non-alcoholic drink if you decide to take advantage of the bar option or secure a designated driver among your group to ensure you can thoroughly enjoy the drive-in experience. 

Virtual races: If you’re sad that the coronavirus has stolen your race activities from you this Fall, fear not. There are plenty of upcoming virtual races you can register for. Even better, many of the race proceeds go to good causes. 

The year 2020 has brought many of us face to face with the inequalities and injustices many American’s face. It has also increased awareness of the impact of a hyper-focused and hyper-local effort. It has also allowed many of us and our neighbors to identify the local outlets and organizations that need our resources. Regardless if it is your time, financial donations, blood, extra clothing, or food, the support is needed and the support can be applied today! We’ve compiled a list of a few local Chicago organizations that are looking for volunteers today.

Black Lives Matter Chicago has been covering great ground in various ways to help communities that are suffering. Whether through monetary donations, food donations, or volunteering time, BLM Chicago has been amplifying and vocalizing how others can help. For example, you can volunteer at a BLM Chicago run foodbank or simply sending a one-time Venmo payment! The resources available to help are vast. BLM Chicago also works in tandem with other organizations that specialize in services such as first responder emergency training for individuals interested in helping their communities among many others. 

Center on Halsted is an organization that offers a wide array of services in support of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a devoted safe space for those who feel like they’ve lost hope, don’t have support at home or within their local community, or even have housing or daily sustenance. You can help Center on Halsted by assisting with producing special events, serving meals to in-need youths and seniors, helping Center guests write resumes, creating safe sex packets, assist with HIV outreach programs, general administration assistance as well as much more. Whether someone is LGBTQ+ or merely a cis-gendered ally, Center on Halsted is happy to welcome all. 

If you are an attorney and are in good standing with the bar you can volunteer remotely at Legal Aid Chicago. LAD provides aid to people who would otherwise not have legal representation. If you are studying to become a lawyer you can also offer your services through an internship and work pro bono on a case. 

Often, members of the transgender community are denied legal representation due to unfair biases. The Transgender Law Center provides legal support that this community is often denied. Volunteer opportunities are available for both attorneys and those who do not hold a law degree, who simply would like to help support this cause.  

If you’d like to support the youth of Chicago whether through homework help, reviewing samples of writing assignments, or donating books, 826Chi may be the route to go. The program is a relatively easy way to help support the youth of Chicago’s intellectual goals remotely or in person! 

Greater Chicago Food Depository is offering a list of searchable locations, statewide for those in need of food. GCFD also offers various volunteer opportunities for those wishing to become involved.

Whether it’s your time, donated items, or monetary funding, know that whatever you choose to give is appreciated by someone who needed it. These programs exist for a reason and someone, local to your neighborhood or city, needed what you chose to give. Let’s continue to look out for one another, especially during more difficult and trying times.

Closing costs come hand in hand with purchasing a home. For many first-time buyers, it’s imperative that you discuss with your Fulton Grace agent all of the potential fees you face prior to closing as it is undoubtedly imperative to factor into your budget when you begin looking for your first home! When the property title is transferred into your name, you can expect a few of the costs (including a handful of others) to appear that are either generated by the seller or buyer. The list below is by no means exhaustive so be sure to consult your agent early in the process to understand exactly what you will be expected to pay. 

• Home Appraisal

Lenders need to know how much the home you are about to purchase is valued at before a loan can be approved. The amount of the appraisal fee is generally a flat fee that varies among appraisers. The value of the home, as a result of the appraisal, is impacted by the surrounding area. The reason a home appraisal can be so long is the process involved with determining that the requested loan amount is reasonable. Also, the lender needs to regain value on the home if the buyer defaults on any loan payments. A qualified professional will take into consideration things like the structure of your home, age of the dwelling, materials used, square footage, and any renovations. But one of the most important factors is current market conditions; for example, considering what homes in the surrounding area recently sold for. Home appraisals are beneficial to both the buyer and seller. Typical costs to be expected at the end of a home appraisal process is around $300 – $500. 

• Home Inspection 

Home inspections are used to determine the condition of the home you are under contract to purchase. If a building isn’t structurally sound it could jeopardize the possibility of a bank loan and help determine if it is best to continue your search elsewhere. Also, if a building has issues this could provide excellent grounds to renegotiate the sale price and to have the seller fix the requested essentials before closing. The size of the property and surrounding location can affect the cost of a home inspection. Typical fees for a home inspection are in the range of $300 – $500. Your Fulton Grace agent can help you find a qualified professional to inspect your home.

• Administrative Fees

Administration fees can be among the most costly and unexpected if not anticipated. Lenders are able to request a fee to evaluate and prepare a loan for consideration. Administration fees can include any notary tasks, the lender’s attorney fee, and any documents that were prepared on the lender’s behalf. Be prepared to pay 0.5% of the amount borrowed for a home loan. Lastly, administration fees are in addition to a broker’s commission.

Regardless of any fees you may incur during a closing, try to plan on having more than you think you’d possibly need at your disposal. There are helpful tools for calculating costs that you may not think of at the time and could cost you time settling into your dream home. 

Selling a home can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. If you’re green, you might be surprised to find the lists of items you need to complete, check in on, or contract before listing. But doing your research and hiring a seasoned agent can greatly impact your experience and result in a smooth, stress-free process. With that, doing preemptive research and housing prep doesn’t hurt. Home inspections have a reputation for either sweetening or ruining a deal. Skip the headache and take note of the items below that you can address ahead of time to make home inspection time a breeze for you and your Fulton Grace agent. 

1. Fix Leaky Faucets and Clogged Drains

Be aware of any water damage or issues with plumbing. A small mishap with a home’s plumbing can be extremely costly. 

2. Structural Issues

Complications within a home’s foundational structure can become a safety hazard. Consider some of these items and contact a professional for assessment immediately if you fear these might be present in your home.

• Cracks in basement walls or around door frames
• Uneven or bouncy floors
• Gaps between walls and floors
• Nails popping out of walls
• Cracks in brick or stonework
• Leaning front porch or stairs
• Cracked or leaning chimney
• Gaps around windows or door frames

3. Roof Damage

Roof damage can lead to another extremely costly repair. Survey your roofing for the following signs that your roof needs to be repaired.

• Loose or missing shingles
• Buckled or curled shingles
• Loss of texture on shingles
• Cracks or rust on flashing
• Excessive algae growth
• Soft spots or unevenness
• Moisture in attic or ceiling

If you do need to fix your roof, consult your real estate agent for a referral to a professional roofing company. New roofs typically last 25 years.

4. Electrical damage  Electrical damage is the fourth leading cause of home fires. If you notice any of the following issues in your home, consider having your home’s electric structure audited by a professional immediately. 

• Exposed wiring and splices
• Undergrounded three-prong plugs
• Painted outlets
• Double Tapping of circuit breakers
• Improperly modified electrical panels
• Aluminum Wiring
• Wiring against sharp edges
• Rodent droppings
• Buzzing sounds

A poor inspection could be the determining factor of whether or not your property is sold. A failed inspection could be enough for buyers to step away from a home they initially thought was idyllic. Consult with your real estate agent to determine if the up-front cost for renovations is worth the money.