real-estate-exploring-the-iconic-900-000-frank-lloyd-wright-home-on-the-market-in-illinois
top of page
Glancer Magazine
Glancer Magazine We Love Local

Chicago West

Featuring West Suburban Chicago...At a Glance!

Item List

OWN A PIECE OF HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE WILMETTE–Located at 330 Gregory Avenue in the heart of Wilmette, Illinois, a slice of architectural history awaits. The influential residential design by one of America's most celebrated architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, has captured the imaginations of architectural enthusiasts for decades and now the opportunity to own one of his homes has arrived. At the impressive price of $900,000, this unique piece of history will connect its future owners to an era of pioneering architectural design. It is truly a testament to Wright's legacy. If you are fascinated by vintage homes, a lover of luxury and history, or simply someone with a passion for preserving the past, then this home will inspire you. Interested buyers should act fast. According to Crain’s Chicago Business , the home has already received offers before hitting the multiple listing service (MLS) and is expected to sell quickly. Located off the shores of Lake Michigan about 20 miles north of downtown Chicago , Wilmette is an ideal community for homebuying and currently has low inventory, with about 78 homes on the market, according to Realtor.com®. There are about 28,000 residents. Learn more in this captivating article  about the home's history. VIEW LISTING

REAL ESTATE | Exploring the Iconic $900,000 Frank Lloyd Wright Home on the Market in Illinois

Own a Piece of Historical Architecture

Read More
LOCAL REAL ESTATE TEAM RANKED TOP 1% REALTORS® IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS Naperville's Premier Luxury Real Estate Specialists NAPERVILLE–Real Estate Brokers with passionate commitment to Naperville, Kim and Katie are driven to make sure that each client LOVES WHERE THEY LIVE. Their business is based on the perfect blend of their backgrounds and personalities: Community Trust, Savvy Negations, Innovative Marketing, Up to Date Market Data and Experience. Recognition and Awards Include • Ranked top 1% REALTORS® in the State of Illinois • Most Innovative Property Marketing Award • Community Service Award • Top Performers Award • Featured in Top Agent Magazine • New Construction Sales Leader Award • Midwest Division High Volume Sales Leader The awards aren’t the reason you should work with Kim and Katie. The awards are symbolic of the hard work and dedication they put into each client’s journey. Reach out today to learn about the difference Kim and Katie can make for your real estate dreams. www.kimandkatie.com Kim Lawler & Katie Minott @ Properties (630) 732-1299 • (773) 750-9535 www.kimandkatie.com  kimandkatie@atproperties.com REAL ESTATE NAPERVILLE  DUPAGE

REAL ESTATE | Meet Kim & Katie of Naperville

Local Real Estate Team Ranked Top 1% REALTORS® In Illinois

Read More
PENNY O'BRIEN, REALTOR $250 Million Sold Determination, confidence & dedication to her clients consistently lands Penny O'Brien  in the top 1% of all Chicagoland agents & top agents in Naperville. Penny is a prominent listing agent in Naperville.  With 325+ five-star reviews, Penny’s sale to list price is 3.3% higher than the average agent and her listings sell for 102% list to sales price and 25 Days Faster  With sellers she believes in collaborative pricing to let the sellers choose the path for the results they wish to achieve.  Penny's clients always remark about her enthusiasm and vibrant energy!  Sellers are often overwhelmed with tasks at hand that are necessary to get their home listed. Penny sets the timeline & has a great network of contractors she recommends to help get sellers home listed seamlessly. You get Penny from beginning to end & she believes in constant communication to keep you informed every step of the way. Her clients love her cutting edge marketing through social media campaigns on Facebook & Instagram and through print advertising. She uses state of the art photographer, drone technology & dazzling videos!  With buyers, her top-notch negotiation skills result in a win in most multiple offer situations. It's a combination of negotiating the contract's many different terms & her experience, that set her buyers up to win the home when competing against other buyers.   Penny's business continues to grow primarily through referral & repeat clients on their second or third transactions, along with 2 or 3 of their friends and family!  • $250 Million Sold • #1 Agent Baird & Warner Naperville 2021 & 2022 • 2019 - 2023 Chicago Agent Magazine Who's Who • 2020 - 2023 Glancer Reader's Choice Award

SPOTLIGHT | Meet Top Naperville Realtor, Penny O'Brien, Baird & Warner Naperville

$53 Million Sold In 2021

Read More
Penny Shares Everything Homeowners Need to Know In a recent legal development, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds itself at the center of a lawsuit that could have significant implications for homebuyers across the United States. The lawsuit, which alleges anticompetitive practices, challenges the way the NAR operates and how it may impact the real estate market. The core of the lawsuit revolves around the NAR's rules regarding broker commissions. The plaintiffs argue that these rules stifle competition by requiring sellers to pay the buyer's agent's commission, which they claim leads to inflated home prices. Critics argue that this practice limits transparency and inhibits the ability of buyers to negotiate lower costs. If the lawsuit proves successful, it could bring about fundamental changes to the way real estate transactions are conducted. One potential outcome might be a shift in the responsibility for agent commissions from sellers to buyers. This change could introduce more transparency into the real estate market, empowering buyers to make more informed decisions and potentially reducing overall transaction costs. For homebuyers, the lawsuit highlights the importance of understanding the intricacies of real estate transactions and the potential impact on their finances. If successful, the lawsuit could open up new possibilities for negotiation and could lead to a more competitive and transparent real estate market. In the meantime, prospective homebuyers should stay informed about the progress of the lawsuit and its potential implications. Changes resulting from the legal proceedings could influence how buyers approach negotiations, impacting their ability to secure favorable deals. It's worth noting that the outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain, and any changes to existing practices will likely take time to implement. Homebuyers are encouraged to work closely with their real estate agents, stay informed about market developments, and consider seeking legal advice if they have concerns about how the NAR lawsuit might affect their specific circumstances.   How does the NAR lawsuit verdict affect buyers & sellers? If you've been following real estate news, you've probably caught wind of the recent buyer broker class action verdict against NAR in November 2023. Wondering how this might shake up real estate transactions moving forward? The crux of the matter revolves around transparency in discussions about compensation for real estate brokers. Curious about how this lawsuit affects you as a seller?  Fear not. Sellers' agent contracts spell out the nitty-gritty details, including the breakdown of compensation for the buyer's broker. When it's time to sell your home, we'll have an insightful conversation considering all aspects of buyer-broker compensation, ensuring we find the approach that works best for your unique situation. How the verdict impacts you as a buyer in terms of representation. The lawsuit prompts the question of whether the listing broker's compensation should cover the buyer's broker's fee. In simpler terms, should the listing broker use the compensation from the seller to pay the buyer's broker, or should the buyer foot the bill directly? Will you have to start paying your own broker fee as a buyer? The scenario depends on various factors. Most buyers today haven't budgeted for paying their buyer's broker, but the good news is that, as of now, the vast majority of properties in the MLS still offer buyer's broker compensation through the listing office. So, in essence, not much has changed. It all starts with a conversation between you and your agent to navigate the evolving landscape and ensure you're well-informed about your options.

REAL ESTATE LOCAL | The NAR Lawsuit and its Potential Implications for Homebuyers and Sellers in the Real Estate Market by Penny O'Brien

Penny Shares Everything Homeowners Need to Know In a recent legal development, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds itself at...

Read More
THE LAUREL ESTATE AT 222 W. VAN BUREN STREET SOLD FOR $8.07 MILLION ON NOVEMBER 13 NAPERVILLE–A record-breaking luxury real estate auction took place this past week when 222 W. Van Buren was sold for just over $8 million through Concierge Auctions . The sale set two records: it became the highest-priced home sale in DuPage County history and also the highest-priced home sold through an auction in the Chicago metro area. According to the TheRealDeal.com ,  the 15,400-square-foot home, owned by Jane Brooks and her late husband Don Brooks, sought nearly $15 million when it was listed in 2021. It was then later taken off the market, and in February 2023 it was listed again for $12.75 million.  This past fall, the price was dropped to $8.2 million with a $4 million reserve and was available through Concierge Auctions. The incredible French provincial-style mansion is a vision of craftsmanship by Charles Cook Architectural Design Studio  with the interior designed by Tracy Hickman of Hickman Design Associates . The five-bedroom, nine-bathroom home is on just over an acre of land on Van Buren Avenue, on the western edge of downtown. The seller, Jane Brooks, said in 2021 that she and her late husband, Don Brooks, intended to host events and fundraisers as well as live there. Don Brooks was the owner of the McCrone Group, an analytical laboratory company based in Westmont. Katie Minott and Kim Marino of Kim & Katie Group @properties Christie’s International Real Estate  were the listing agents. This week they shared in social media ; "A huge congratulations to both seller and buyer on today's closing!  The Laurel Estate is an iconic estate in the heart of downtown Naperville and we are so thrilled to have been a part of its story." The sale of this luxurious estate marks a significant milestone in the local real estate market. VIEW ALL REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE | Downtown Naperville French Provincial-Style Mansion Sells in Record Breaking Auction

The Laurel Estate at 222 W. Van Buren Street Sold for $8.07 Million on November 13

Read More
NORMAL SEASONALITY RETURNS, BUT HOMES STILL SELLING QUICKLY The average 30-year mortgage rate just tipped over 8% for the first time since October of 2000! That’s 23 years! Misinformed buyers are still waiting for the housing market to crash, but with lack of inventory of homes for sale, this is not going to happen. What is going to happen according to the experts, when the interest rate drops to, let’s say 6%, the buyers are going to go on a buying spree & there already aren’t enough homes to buy! Prices are going to go up. Have you heard the saying “Marry the house, date the rate”? If you buy a home TODAY, you have a fixed price, you can refinance. If you wait for interest rates to go down, you will pay more for that house next year! Think about all those buyers that were “waiting” in 2020 – 2023. According to US Census Bureau the average home price increased 30% during this time period. The market has returned to normal seasonality of school starting & the weather changing. But even in this slower season, an updated home priced at market value is going to sell quickly, often the first weekend. Existing home sales fell 2% in September because of lack of homes for sale. With rising rates & low inventory the slowdown in sales volume will continue. A few interesting facts about this historically low inventory market: • In September, the average number of offers dropped to 2.6, down from 3.2 in August. That means almost 1.6 buyers per home made unsuccessful offers! • 26% of homes sold in September sold above list price. In July, it was 35% • 69% of homes sold in September were on the market less than a month. • 29% homes sold in September went to cash buyers! Thinking of waiting to sell until Spring 2024? This is a great time to reach out to your trusted local realtor on advice on getting your home ready for the market! Penny O’Brien is among the top 1% of all Chicagoland Brokers serving buyers and sellers throughout the western suburbs. Her track record of success has helped her build a solid repeat and referral client base. • Sold $53 Million in 2021 • #1 Realtor Baird & Warner Naperville 2021 • Top 1% of all Chicagoland Realtors • Glancer Magazine Reader’s Choice Award 2022, 2021,2020 • Chicago Agent Magazine Who’s Who 2021,2020, 2019 VIEW BLOG PENNY O'BRIEN REAL ESTATE NAPERVILLE  ABOUT PENNY O'BRIEN BAIRD & WARNER – One word that consistently comes to clients’ minds when they think of Penny O’Brien is “hustle.” As a Seller Representative Specialist, she loves meeting with sellers to discuss pre-market home improvements and guide them to make their home “showtime ready” when it hits the market. She strongly believes in professional staging and offers it as a complimentary service. With a reputation for “good-looking listings,” she helps clients realize a higher return and quicker sale. Penny says “Staging transforms a home from average to amazing”. Penny O'Brien Broker, Relocation Specialist and Negotiation Expert (630) 207-7001 • penny.obrien@bairdwarner.com

REAL ESTATE LOCAL | Market Trends by Penny O'Brien, Baird and Warner Naperville

Normal Seasonality Returns, but Homes Still Selling Quickly

Read More
SPOOKY DECOR AWAITS! Trying to outdo the Jones & have the spookiest yard in your neighborhood? Don’t delay as the top Halloween decorations are selling out quickly! The coveted, viral 12’ skeleton from Home Depot is on everyone’s wish list this Halloween. There is a wait list & you have to order it as soon as it becomes available, as these bad boys sell out quickly! But if you haven’t shopped online Grandin Road Halloween Haven, log in now! They have an 8’ ft skeleton giving Home Depot’s 12’ ft guy a run for the money. Plus this guy talks, his jaw moves & his eyes light up! Grandin Road also has life size ghouls, witches, tombstones & indoor décor. 
 Your front yard is the first thing trick-or-treaters see, so transform their experience into one that sends shivers down their spines! Pick a theme, whether it’s witches, clowns, tombstones, inflatables or the ever popular skeletons to attract the trick-or-treaters. Some of the best Halloween décor is homemade. Traditional Jack-o-lanterns are budget friendly & casts an earie glow.  Add lights on your shrubs & creepy music! Yes, Spotify has Halloween playlists! Halloween in the US is BIG business with Americans spending 10 BILLION dollars a year. 3 billion is spent on candy alone. The most dollars are spent is on costumes – 3.6 billion. Surprisingly, more is spent on adult costumes than children’s costumes every year. The top five costumes among adults this year are pretty evergreen: witch, vampire, ghost, cat, and pirate. Children pick Marvel superheroes & Disney princesses. 70% of American households participate in Halloween! Happy Haunting! Penny O’Brien is among the top 1% of all Chicagoland Brokers serving buyers and sellers throughout the western suburbs. Her track record of success has helped her build a solid repeat and referral client base. • Sold $53 Million in 2021 • #1 Realtor Baird & Warner Naperville 2021 • Top 1% of all Chicagoland Realtors • Glancer Magazine Reader’s Choice Award 2022, 2021,2020 • Chicago Agent Magazine Who’s Who 2021,2020, 2019 VIEW BLOG PENNY O'BRIEN REAL ESTATE NAPERVILLE  ABOUT PENNY O'BRIEN BAIRD & WARNER – One word that consistently comes to clients’ minds when they think of Penny O’Brien is “hustle.” As a Seller Representative Specialist, she loves meeting with sellers to discuss pre-market home improvements and guide them to make their home “showtime ready” when it hits the market. She strongly believes in professional staging and offers it as a complimentary service. With a reputation for “good-looking listings,” she helps clients realize a higher return and quicker sale. Penny says “Staging transforms a home from average to amazing”. Penny O'Brien Broker, Relocation Specialist and Negotiation Expert (630) 207-7001 • penny.obrien@bairdwarner.com

REAL ESTATE LOCAL | Happy Haunting by Penny O'Brien, Baird and Warner Naperville

Spooky Decor Awaits!

Read More
One of America’s most eclectic and interesting architects, Harry Gesner was known for his innovative and unconventional architectural designs such as The Wave House, Triangle House, and Sandcastle. His Sandcastle beach home in Malibu, Gesner’s longtime family home, is now for sale. California’s Surfer Architect: Harry Gesners Sandcastle Beach Home One of America’s most eclectic and interesting architects, Harry Gesner  was known for his innovative and unconventional architectural designs such as The Wave House, Triangle House , and Sandcastle. Often inspired by the surrounding environment, Gesner gained recognition for his unique approach to design, particularly his incorporation of organic forms and his willingness to challenge traditional architectural norms and difficult building sites. Gesner’s Sandcastle home in Malibu, his longtime family home, is now for sale at a reduced price of $22.5 million. Sandcastle, also known as the "Malibu Sand House," was built for Gesner’s fourth wife, Nan Martin, who was a well-known Broadway actress. Made almost entirely from reclaimed materials, the home gets its name from its unique form, which resembles a sandcastle that you might build on the beach. The design features curving lines, exposed wooden beams, and large windows that provide breathtaking views of the ocean. The use of natural materials and the integration of the structure with the surrounding environment showcase Gesner's dedication to creating architecture that harmonizes with nature. The six-bedroom, six-bathroom property on 122 feet of Pacific Ocean beach and panoramic views was built in 1961. The home’s inside focal point is a large brick fireplace and hearth in front of the sunken living room. The overall design incorporates elements like a spiral staircase, built-in furniture, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a solarium with stained glass panels, eyebrow windows, loft space, and expansive decks enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and contributes to the overall character of the beach home. According to Gesner’s son, Gez Gesner, “The house was largely built with salvaged materials such as old telephone poles, maple from a high school gym, old-growth redwood harvested in the 1800s, and windows and doors from one of Hollywood’s silent film theaters.” Gesner's design philosophy to create homes that provide functional living spaces is seen throughout the property, which includes, additional to the main home, a "tree house" apartment with a kitchenette, living and dining room, bed and bath; the "boat house" with a full kitchen and bath, bedroom, and living and dining room area; and another one-bedroom "nest" apartment above the indoor-outdoor cabana. Gesner’s personal life was almost as interesting as his home designs. Born in Oxnard, California in 1925 to an artist mother and inventor father, Gesner attended Santa Monica High School and became one of Southern California’s expert surfers and a skier. Enlisting in the Army at age 17, Gesner was initially assigned as a ski instructor in Colorado but later moved to the infantry where he was part of the D-Day Omaha Beach invasion in Normandy, France. Gesner credited his surfing skills he used to evade the Germans’ bullets that helped him survive. He also was a soldier in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 where he was severely injured, developed gangrene, and barely escaped amputation of both legs. After the War, Gesner moved around to New York, Ecuador and Mexico before going back to Southern California, where he began working in construction and became a self-taught architect. He was married four times and died in 2022 at age 97. Gesner was still surfing until just a few years before his death. Sandcastle is listed with Zen Gesner and Chris Cortazzo from Compass. Photos are by Mike Helfrich. For more celebrity home news and celebrity home video tours , visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com . Photos with media permission available at Top Ten Real Estate News

REAL ESTATE | California’s Surfer Architect: Harry Gesner's Sandcastle Beach Home For Sale

Harry Gesner was Known for His Innovative and Unconventional Architectural Design

Read More
LUXURIOUS LISTING MORE EXPENSIVE THAN MICHAEL JORDAN'S ESTATE CHICAGO–1932 N Burling Street in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood is a spectacular property that stands out in the real estate market. This luxurious home spans over 25,000 square feet and features 6 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and ample living space. The property is listed for $29,999,995, making it one of the most expensive homes on the market in Illinois. It's even considered more expensive than Michael Jordan's estate. The home is located in the North Side neighborhood of Chicago, which has a median listing home price of $625,000. This residence is not just a home, but a piece of history. The site of the property used to be the Chicago Nursery & Half-Orphan Asylum from 1872-1911 before the structure was purchased and razed to build the current home. Before it was demolished, its last tenant was the Infant Welfare Society. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, it sits in the Burling Orchard Howe district, an area known for its charm and beauty. This location offers a combination of urban living with a touch of tranquility. The architecture of this home is equally impressive, with stunning photographs highlighting the grandeur and scale of the property. It's considered a mega mansion, offering a unique blend of luxury and comfort. According to an article published by Chicago Magazine  in February 2023, the Lincoln Park mansion has been reduced 33 percent from its original $50 million asking price. It cost the owners, Richard and Michaela Parrillo, $65 million to build. They spent more than $12 million on the land alone in 2005. The couple purchased and razed the structure and now reside in Florida full time. Given its size, location, and historical significance, 1932 N Burling St is indeed a prestigious home, presenting a remarkable opportunity for those seeking an exclusive residence in Chicago. LEARN MORE

REAL ESTATE | Custom Mansion in the Heart of Lincoln Park One of the Most Expensive on the Market

Luxury Listing More Expensive that Michael Jordan's Estate

Read More
FIRST IMPRESSIONS START AT YOUR FRONT DOOR Recently I had the opportunity to conduct an unofficial survey through the perspective of 12 year olds. Together with my assistant and along with a group of tweens, we delivered marketing door to door. The endeavor not only provided us with a 5 mile walk, it was also a study of human behavior. We covered 750 doors in 2 ½ hours. Observations began even before reaching the front door – the condition of sidewalks hinted at the homeowners’ level of pride, who was into home design, gardening & which homes had deferred maintenance. Some homes had stunning stone walkways & front porches adorned with beautiful potted flowers. A dampened front steps indicated the homeowner had already watered their plants bright & early. The landscaping bed’s bushes were neat & trimmed & the mulch was freshly laid. In contrast, certain  homes had overgrown shrubbery blocking the walkway. Weeds were taking over the flowerbeds & needed attention. These homes would have a loose brick step or a front stoop that needed the attention of a broom. Pride of ownership was apparent in homeowners’ choice of welcome mat! Sisal seemed to be the mat of choice with WELCOME spelled out warmly greeting guests. These homes might also have a farmhouse board sign with salutations or possibly announcing the season - Hello Fall! The homes without welcome mats seemed cold & deserted. Even though it was August, there were still a few Christmas welcome mats remaining. Did the Halloween welcome mat a leftover or were these homeowners very early in celebrating the season? I do this for a living & have seen it all!  It was so interesting listening to the kids comments about which style of architecture & design they liked. They would be discerning buyers as they remarked about unkempt homes. Unofficial outcome: Your landscaping & front door is your first impression to the world even to  12 year olds! Penny O’Brien is among the top 1% of all Chicagoland Brokers serving buyers and sellers throughout the western suburbs. Her track record of success has helped her build a solid repeat and referral client base. • Sold $53 Million in 2021 • #1 Realtor Baird & Warner Naperville 2021 • Top 1% of all Chicagoland realtors • Glancer Magazine Reader’s Choice Award 2022, 2021,2020 • Chicago Agent Magazine Who’s Who 2021,2020, 2019 VIEW BLOG PENNY O'BRIEN REAL ESTATE NAPERVILLE  ABOUT PENNY O'BRIEN BAIRD & WARNER – One word that consistently comes to clients’ minds when they think of Penny O’Brien is “hustle.” As a Seller Representative Specialist, she loves meeting with sellers to discuss pre-market home improvements and guide them to make their home “showtime ready” when it hits the market. She strongly believes in professional staging and offers it as a complimentary service. With a reputation for “good-looking listings,” she helps clients realize a higher return and quicker sale. Penny says “Staging transforms a home from average to amazing”. Penny O'Brien Broker, Relocation Specialist and Negotiation Expert (630) 207-7001 • penny.obrien@bairdwarner.com

REAL ESTATE LOCAL | Updating Your Stairs Before Listing Your Home by Penny O'Brien, Baird &

First Impressions Start at your Front Door

Read More
STAIRCASETRENDS: THE IMPORTANCE OF UPDATING YOUR STAIRCASE BEFORE LISTING 
 The staircase is usually one of the first things guests see when they enter your home. There is a strong trend in home design to modernize your staircase. This means saying goodbye to outdated elements like orange oak railings, spindles, and carpet on your stairs. Homeowners are opting to stain the stair treads to match their refinished hardwood floors or paint them a dark off black color. The risers are commonly painted white. Oak spindles are being painted white or replaced with wrought iron spindles for a more updated look. The spindle styles are also changing to more modern or masculine designs. Modern styles include rectangular or straight black spindles, while masculine designs feature thicker spindles with occasional knuckles. Traditional basket weave and scroll spindles are no longer in vogue. 
 When it comes to railings, they can be refinished and stained to match the overall color scheme of the staircase. Opting for a gel stain in a dark black shade is a cost-effective and dramatic choice. 
 Some homeowners are taking the staircase renovation a step further by replacing the newel posts with square shaker-style posts. The round spindles are being swapped out for white square shaker-style spindles. In all these renovations, carpeting on the stairs is no longer favored. 
 Updating your staircase can be relatively affordable. It is recommended to hire a professional hardwood floor tradesperson to refinish the treads, but you can easily paint the risers white and gel stain the banister yourself. Refinishing and replacing newel posts and spindles can be more expensive, depending on the extent of the renovation. However, you have the flexibility to choose the level of renovation that suits your budget. Regardless of the updates made, your family and friends will immediately notice and admire the changes. Happy renovating!  Penny O’Brien is among the top 1% of all Chicagoland Brokers serving buyers and sellers throughout the western suburbs. Her track record of success has helped her build a solid repeat and referral client base. • Sold $53 Million in 2021 • #1 Realtor Baird & Warner Naperville 2021 • Top 1% of all Chicagoland realtors • Glancer Magazine Reader’s Choice Award 2022, 2021,2020 • Chicago Agent Magazine Who’s Who 2021,2020, 2019 VIEW BLOG PENNY O'BRIEN REAL ESTATE NAPERVILLE  ABOUT PENNY O'BRIEN BAIRD & WARNER – One word that consistently comes to clients’ minds when they think of Penny O’Brien is “hustle.” As a Seller Representative Specialist, she loves meeting with sellers to discuss pre-market home improvements and guide them to make their home “showtime ready” when it hits the market. She strongly believes in professional staging and offers it as a complimentary service. With a reputation for “good-looking listings,” she helps clients realize a higher return and quicker sale. Penny says “Staging transforms a home from average to amazing”. Penny O'Brien Broker, Relocation Specialist and Negotiation Expert (630) 207-7001 • penny.obrien@bairdwarner.com

REAL ESTATE LOCAL | Updating Your Stairs Before Listing Your Home by Penny O'Brien, Baird & Warner

Staircase Trends: The Importance of Updating Your Staircase Before Listing

Read More
SPRING FLING Outdoor Clean-Up Time Tips & Tricks Swing into Spring; Outdoor spring clean-up time tips & tricks!  Spring is a time of new beginnings & time to get your outdoor living space cleaned up for summer enjoyment.  1. Clear leaves & debris from flower beds & lay some fresh mulch.  2. Prune any dead or damaged branches from trees & bushes.  3. Clean out those gutters before the spring rains!  4. Power wash outdoor surfaces to remove dirt & grime.  5. Clean your windows & screens to let all that sunlight in!  6. Clean patio furniture.  7. Plant flowers in your yard & in pots to add a pop of color to your landscape!  Often overlooked exterior maintenance items that become inspection issues when you sell your home are chimney repair & uneven sidewalks & driveways.  • Chimneys should be cleaned to prevent chimney fires & carbon monoxide leaks.  • Over time, chimney caps can become damaged or worn out. Chimney caps protect against water, debris & animals entering your chimney. Replacing chimney caps is easier during warm weather.  • Chimney mortar repairs are also easier during warm weather as the materials used will set more quickly & effectively.  Uneven sidewalks & driveways will be the first impression of your home to guests & potential buyers. They are also a safety issue as they can pose a tripping hazard.  • Mudjacking is a cost-effective solution for repairing uneven concrete surfaces. it is far less expensive than tearing out & replacing the entire surface.  • Mudjacking is a process that involves injecting a mixture of water, cement into the voids beneath the concrete surface to lift it back into space.  • Mudjacking is best done in the summer months when the ground isn't frozen. So, get a jump on this repair this summer if you are thinking of listing your home! Penny O’Brien is among the top 1% of all Chicagoland Brokers serving buyers and sellers throughout the western suburbs. Her track record of success has helped her build a solid repeat and referral client base. • Sold $53 Million in 2021 • #1 Realtor Baird & Warner Naperville 2021 • Top 1% of all Chicagoland realtors • Glancer Magazine Reader’s Choice Award 2022, 2021,2020 • Chicago Agent Magazine Who’s Who 2021,2020, 2019 VIEW BLOG PENNY O'BRIEN REAL ESTATE NAPERVILLE  ABOUT PENNY O'BRIEN BAIRD & WARNER – One word that consistently comes to clients’ minds when they think of Penny O’Brien is “hustle.” As a Seller Representative Specialist, she loves meeting with sellers to discuss pre-market home improvements and guide them to make their home “showtime ready” when it hits the market. She strongly believes in professional staging and offers it as a complimentary service. With a reputation for “good-looking listings,” she helps clients realize a higher return and quicker sale. Penny says “Staging transforms a home from average to amazing”. Penny O'Brien Broker, Relocation Specialist and Negotiation Expert (630) 207-7001 • penny.obrien@bairdwarner.com

REAL ESTATE LOCAL | 10 Outdoor Clean-Up Time Tips & Tricks by Penny O'Brien, Baird & Warner

Spring Is a Time for New Beginnings

Read More

Latest Issue
March 2024

Glancer Magazine March 2024

Glance through the Pages

of Your Community Living Magazine Today! 

► March 2024 Issue, Western Suburbs

► DuPage Feature

► Kane Features

► Kendall Features

bottom of page