Open House: Saturday, May 26
Hours: 1pm to 3pm

4940 S. East End Avenue #17B
Neighborhood: Kenwood

Price: $189,000
Taxes: $2,283
Assessments: $859

Property: 2 BR / 2 BA
Boutique Condo

Property Description: Wake up to the sun rising over Lake Michigan in this beautiful, east-facing condo, which is walking distance from the beach, tennis courts and the nearby park. This freshly-painted unit features hardwood floors throughout, custom millwork and stunning high ceilings, with a colorful kitchen that boasts a backsplash, stainless steal appliances and a professional stove hood. The living area includes a decorative fireplace, and both bedrooms include sizeable walk-in closets, with a master suite that also features an attached private bath. Also included at the Barclay Condominiums are a 24-hour doorman, a bike room and secured parking.

Open House: Saturday, May 26
Hours: 1pm to 3pm

701 S. Wells Street #904 
Neighborhood: Loop

Price: $265,000
Taxes: $4,280
Assessments: $600

Property: 2 BR / 2 BA
Updated Condo

Property Description: Wells Street Tower offers some of the South Loop’s most desirable luxury condos, much like this unit, which features a fully refurbished living and dining area, refinished hardwood floors and fresh, bright white paint. The open layout includes a wide kitchen with a separate island/breakfast bar that opens into the living space, allowing for easy entertaining and socialization; the kitchen also features all-new stainless steel appliances. Both bedrooms have brand new carpet and the foyer area includes expansive closet space with sliding doors. An in-unit washer and dryer are also included.

Even if it isn’t listed here, the perfect home is waiting for you. Discover more Chicago condos and homes for sale by browsing the Dream Town featured properties!

Craft Beer Open House at Floriole
It’s the final weekend for Chicago’s Craft Beer Week events, so don’t miss out on this special pairing opportunity, featuring Perennial Artisan Ales and delicious bites from Floriole bakery.
When: Friday, May 25
Where: 1220 W. Webster Avenue (Floriole Bakery)
Hours: 6pm-8pm
Admission: $7
More info: brownpapertickets.com

Annual Memorial Day Parade
Join CIA director David H. Petraeus as he leads Chicago’s annual Memorial Day Parade, representing many local veterans and featuring an honorary tribute to Taps’ 150th anniversary.
When: Saturday, May 26
Where: Parade begins at State and Lake Streets
Hours: 11am
Admission: Free
More info: explorechicago.org

Dancing with the Stars Latin Workshop
Join Chicago superstar and “Dancing with the Stars” performer Brandon Segovia as he leads three Latin dance workshops. Proceeds benefit 6-year-old cancer patient, Olivia Catayong.
When: Saturday, May 26
Where: 1335 W. Lake Street
Hours: 4pm-7pm (one hour each workshop)
Admission: $20 (one workshop)-$45 (all workshops)
More info: laboriqua.com

May Market Garden Party
Visit the season opener for the Randolph Street Market! During the 9th annual May Market Garden Party, enjoy on-site beauty treatments, interactive art, fresh cocktails and delicious food.
When: Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27
Where: 1340 W. Washington Boulevard (Plumber’s Hall)
Hours: 10am-6pm (Sat.), 10am-5pm (Sun.)
Admission: $10
More info: randolphstreetmarket.com

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
Welcome the 28th annual Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, featuring Chicago’s favorite tribute bands, local food vendors (and drinks!) and a variety of artisans showcasing their wares.
When: Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27
Where: Belmont and Sheffield (Lake view)
Hours: 12pm-10pm
Admission: $5
More info: chicagoevents.com

When you’re finally ready to break out the Mop ‘n Glo and rubber gloves, keep in mind these few thoughts regarding the best approach to your task at hand.

Step 1: De-clutter your space
Among our most common faults as Americans is the tendency to accumulate a lot of “stuff.” Have you recently found yourself peering into the garage or other storage space and wondering, “Where did all this stuff come from?!” You’re not alone.

Now is the ideal time to determine what’s junk and what’s not. Spring cleaning is the time to free yourself from all of those things you don’t really need, and have no idea what to do with. Host a garage sale. Donate to charity. Do what you must to eliminate the excess, because only when you’ve done this can you properly clean.

Step 2: Tackle your home room-by-room
There is no shortcut or quick way around it: Every room in your home needs some specialized attention. Don’t be afraid to get down and dirty, if you must.

Always start with dusting—in the kitchen, bathroom, living areas, wherever. Dust bunnies go first.

The key starting point in the kitchen is the oven; grab some spray cleaner to make easy work of cleaning this appliance. While that’s sitting, start cleaning out the refrigerator and cabinets and wipe down other small kitchen appliances. Just before you’re ready to mop the floor, wipe out the oven cleaner and then let mopping be your final touch.

In the bathroom, the tub/shower is your starting point—scrub the tub, wipe down the shower curtain (or replace it if you need to) and replace the shower liner. Then move on to scrubbing the toilet and sink. Finally, wash the inside and outside of your medicine cabinet, and toss out any old items. As with the kitchen, mopping is your last order of business.

When you make it to the living room, make sure dusting includes all photographs and decorative pieces. Take down drapes, blinds and other window coverings and clean them according to the manufacturer’s directions. Clean all carpets, rugs and runners. If you have wood or other hard flooring, roll up your rugs and—you guessed it—make sweeping and mopping the final chore.

Step 3: Reward yourself
After all that sorting and cleaning, your place must look amazing. Now kick back with a tall, cool lemonade and let yourself enjoy every cubby and every expanse in your Chicago home.

Open House: Saturday, May 19
Hours: 10am to 12pm

3107 W. Sunnyside Avenue #3
Neighborhood: Albany Park

Price: $139,000
Taxes: $3,778
Assessments: $259

Property: 2 BR / 2 BA
Contemporary Condo

Property Description: This is an incredible top-floor corner unit that is beautifully laid out and features numerous windows, hardwood floors and a private balcony. The kitchen features golden-stained wood cabinetry and granite countertops and is complemented by an oversized formal dining area – more than ample entertaining space. A gas fireplace with decorative mantle anchors the living space, and a spacious den lies adjacent to the rear bedroom. All of this is in addition to spacious closets, an in-unit washer and dryer and the Whirlpool soaking tub found in both bathrooms. Plus, the building is only a short walk to the Brown Line, the park and the Chicago River.

Open House: Saturday, May 19
Hours: 1pm to 3pm

1570 Elmwood Avenue #601 
Neighborhood: Evanston

Price: $465,000
Taxes: $14,533.58
Assessments: $616

Property: 3 BR / 2 BA
Contemporary Condo

Property Description: This pristine corner condo features a luxuriously spacious floorplan, stunning city views and is housed in a full-amenity building, complete with a sundeck pool, two parking spaces and a 24-hour doorman. The unit includes a private balcony off the living room, floor-to-ceiling windows and an in-unit washer and dryer. Numerous upgrades include a series of built out closets and a gourmet kitchen, in which off-white granite countertops contrast the sleek black cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. This condo is ideally located in downtown Evanston and is very near the Metra.

Open House: Saturday, May 19
Hours: 11am to 1pm

4820 N. Tripp Avenue 
Neighborhood: Mayfair

Price: $319,000
Taxes: $4,786

Property: 3 BR / 2 BA
Single-Family Bungalow

Property Description: Part of the Chicago Historic Bungalow Initiative, this home has been beautifully renovated to include an Ann Saks tile backsplash and new maple cabinetry in the kitchen, Waterworks tile and Grohe copper fixtures in the main bathroom, and a full-size family room with wet bar in the finished basement. The wet bar features granite countertops and a glass micro mosaic backsplash, and the room itself has been wired with in-ceiling surround sound and speakers. In addition to all-new mechanicals (HVAC system, copper plumbing and electrical), the home also boasts custom millwork, a new wood deck with built-in benches and a two-car garage.

Open House: Sunday, May 20
Hours: 1pm to 3pm

1951 W. Byron Street #2E 
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

Price: $268,900
Assessments: $126

Property: 2 BR / 1 BA
Rehabbed Condo

Property Description: Along a beautiful tree-lined street is the brick midrise that houses this attractive vintage condo. A corner unit, the condo features hardwood floors throughout, has a private deck that’s great for grilling, and both bedrooms have their own walk-in closet. The kitchen and bathroom are both stunning, with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the former, and Toto fixtures and an Italian stone bathtub in the latter. Plus, a breakfast bar and island makes the kitchen a wonderful eat-in option. An in-unit washer and dryer are included and an extra storage closet is available in the building’s basement.

Open House: Sunday, May 20
Hours: 12pm to 2pm

545 W. Roscoe Street #3 
Neighborhood: Lakeview

Price: $399,000
Taxes: $5,877
Assessments: $588

Property: 3 BR / 2 BA
Courtyard Condo

Property Description: If you’re looking for a generously-sized, breezy condo that offers panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, then you’ll love this top-floor unit with views in three different directions. All three bedrooms, the living area and the formal dining area offer their own stunning vantage points. Elsewhere, the updated kitchen, directly adjacent to the formal dining area, features light granite countertops and a breakfast bar, which can also serve as an office workspace. The bathroom has also been fully remodeled to include limestone and granite details. An in-unit washer and dryer are included, as is additional storage.

Open House: Sunday, May 20
Hours: 11am to 1pm

2534 N. Kedzie Avenue #202 
Neighborhood: Logan Square

Price: $110,000
Taxes: $1,922.75
Assessments: $214

Property: 2 BR / 1 BA
Courtyard Condo

Property Description: This lovely condo is the perfect solution for a new single professional or young couple. Located in the heart of Logan Square, the unit features a European-style eat-in kitchen with generous counter space and cabinetry. Hardwood floors are included throughout, as are an in-unit washer and dryer and ample closet space. In addition, multiple large windows provide generous amounts of natural light. The building itself, which is within a block of the Blue Line and several area cafes, provides a secure bike room and a common rooftop deck with beautiful views of the city – it’s the perfect platform for outdoor grilling.

Even if it isn’t listed here, the perfect home is waiting for you. Discover more Chicago condos and homes for sale by browsing the Dream Town featured properties here!

17th Annual Mayfest
It’s the kick-off to Chicago’s season of festivals! Bask in three days of the city’s best local rock artists, an outdoor beer garden and merchant booths from the city’s best artisans.
When: Friday, May 18 thru Sunday, May 20
Where: 3100 N. Ashland Avenue
Hours: Friday night kickoff at 5pm
Admission: $10
More info: starevents.com

Spring a Pup
New Leash on Life invites you to join them on the patio at Fizz Chicago for a drink, a bite and a huge silent auction, all for the support of Chicago’s forgotten pets.
When: Friday, May 18
Where: 3220 N. Lincoln Avenue
Hours: 8pm-11pm
Admission: $25
More info: nlol.org/chicago

Food Revolution Social Dining Experience
May 19 is Food Revolution Day, and tonight you’re invited to dine with fellow members of the Chicago Food Revolution community during a special meal at Karyn’s on the Green.
When: Friday, May 18
Where: 130 S. Green Street
Hours: 7:30pm (reservation required)
Admission: $33
More info: foodrevolutionday.com

Tea with Turtles
Celebrate National Turtle Day at the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum! Get acquainted with the museum’s turtles while competing in friendly games and enjoying lunch and prizes.
When: Saturday, May 19
Where: 2430 N. Cannon Drive
Hours: 12pm-3pm
Admission: $20/nonmember, $10/children
More info: naturemuseum.org

Laurence Juber
He’s toured with Paul McCartney and won two Grammys for his astounding compositions, now world-renowned guitarist Laurence Juber is live at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
When: Saturday, May 19
Where: 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue
Hours: 8pm
Admission: $25
More info: oldtownschool.org

Unfortunately, the case for custom-built basketball courts isn’t likely to change, but solar panels are rising in popularity, and the reason may surprise you. Those who manufacture and install solar panels are realizing that, in order to target a broader audience, they’ll have to proactively manage costs for interested homeowners.

So they’re focusing on free.

It’s true. Operating through major chains like Home Depot, industry-leading installers are making themselves more visible to the masses and making solar power more accessible by capitalizing on major tax breaks and some creative financing techniques.

The process is pretty simple, though it’s still far from flawless. Homeowners sign a contract, agreeing to pay for whatever solar power is generated, while the company itself pays for the panels and their installation. Complications arise only when the panels either don’t work as anticipated, meaning the installer has to pay their customer to switch back to traditional utilities, or the homeowner decides to relocate.

Even so, the process is working for many. According to Greentech Media, a research firm, the number of both residential and commercial solar panel installations has doubled in the past two years.

Another hitch tends to be the panels themselves. SolarCity, Sunrun, and Sungevity – all leaders in the panel installation industry – are doing well in the current market, but they’re feeling serious pressure as a result of competing Chinese manufacturers. A large coalition of stateside manufacturers is claiming that these Chinese companies have violated international trade laws (severely undercutting prices) and has petitioned the U.S. government to impose new taxes on their imports.

“You hear a lot of gloom and doom about the industry,” said Sunrun’s president, Lynn Jurich. “You know, ‘The manufacturers are losing jobs, they’re shutting down,’ but if you look where the actual money is in these systems and where the jobs are, it’s really in the installation.”

Fortunately, Corporate America is firmly on board with solar panel projects, and industry titans like Google, U.S. Bancorp, Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch are providing funds for upfront costs involved in solar panel retrofits. Representatives of these companies have said they see potential for steady profits, as returns for this type of investment are generally between 7 and 13 percent.

Of course companies like Google have little trouble paying for or investing in whatever suits them. On the other hand, if you’re one of the many area homeowners who would love to test drive solar panels but can’t imagine paying the $30,000 that it costs (on average) to retrofit a standard Chicago single-family home, then aligning yourself with a company like SolarCity or Sunrun could be a sound bet.

True solar power could cost as little as a monthly utility bill. Plus, this route means you’ll avoid both fluctuating energy costs and the complicated bureaucracy that often surrounds energy credits and tax breaks.

Open House: Saturday, May 12
Hours: 12pm to 2pm

1447 W. Thomas Street #2
Neighborhood: East Village

Price: $315,000
Taxes: $3,568
Assessments: $160

Property: 2 BR / 2 BA
Modern Condo

Property Description: This two-bedroom condo is perfect for those who love naturally-lit open architecture and touches of modern luxury – like Brazilian cherry hardwood floors throughout and custom-built closet organizers. Your front door opens toward a fabulous gourmet kitchen of stainless steel and granite, featuring a detached island and breakfast bar, and then leads into an open living area with a Juliet balcony and wood-burning fireplace. In the opposite direction lies a large guest bedroom and bath, a laundry room with an in-unit washer and dryer and, beyond the rear closet, a full-size, private deck offering unobstructed views of the surrounding neighborhood. The spacious master bedroom includes a private bath with natural stone tile, a large vanity with double sinks, and a corner Jacuzzi tub.

Open House: Saturday, May 12 & Sunday, May 13
Hours: 1pm to 3pm

4207 N. Kilpatrick Avenue
Neighborhood: Mayfair Crossing

Price: $450,000

Property: 4 BR / 3.1 BA
Single-Family Home

Property Description: Bring your family home to Mayfair Crossing, where this beautifully-designed property welcomes you with a spacious layout, a sprawling backyard and deck, and a detached two-car garage. Inside, the main level foyer leads straight into a combined living/dining area with two fireplaces and 9-foot ceilings, beyond which is the gourmet kitchen, replete with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a separate breakfast bar. The second floor houses two large guest bedrooms and a guest bath, as well as the luxurious master suite, featuring his-and-her closets and a private bath with double vanities and a soaking tub. Downstairs (in the finished basement), you’ll find a third guest bedroom and bath, plus another full-size living area.

Even if it isn’t listed here, the perfect home is waiting for you. Explore more Chicago condos and homes for sale on Dream Town’s Featured Property Page, just click here!

Totally 80s, Totally Murder
Do you still drink Long Island Iced Teas and Fuzzy Navels? Then this 80s-themed dinner theater, hosted by the Murder Mystery Company at O’Malley’s Liquor Kitchen, is for you!
When: Friday, May 11
Where: 3551 N. Sheffield Avenue
Hours: 6pm
Admission: $70 (includes 3-course meal)
More info: grimprov.com

Chicago River Day
Join more than 4,000 volunteers as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chicago River Day by clearing debris from the water’s banks, restoring river trails and planting native seedlings.
When: Saturday, May 12
Where: See website for locations
Hours: 9am-12pm
Admission: Free!
More info: chicagoriver.org

Asian Pacific Heritage Month Culinary Celebration
Chef Takashi Yagihashi and the Macy’s Culinary Council invite you to enjoy in-store demonstrations honoring the culinary traditions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.
When: Saturday, May 12
Where: Macy’s on State Street
Hours: 1pm
Admission: Free!
More info: macys.com/culinarycouncil

Chocolate & Flowers Tour
Celebrate mom by taking her on a “Chocolate & Flowers Tour.” You’ll visit Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafters, Sarah’s Pastries and Candies, and more, and even get a flower for mom.
When: Saturday, May 12
Where: Meet at 900 N. Michigan Avenue
Hours: See website for tour hours
Admission: $40
More info: chicagochocolatetours.com

Chicago Jazz Composers Collective
The Green Mill invites you back to the 1940s for an evening of “sophisticated informality” and smooth jazz, courtesy of Mike Allemana’s Young Lions Sextet and the Damon Short Quartet.
When: Saturday, May 13
Where: 4802 N. Broadway Avenue
Hours: 2pm-4pm
Admission: $5
More info: greenmilljazz.com

Need to know the crime rate in Chicago neighborhoods? A Google search will suffice. Want to compare your home with another recently sold home in your area? There’s probably an app for that—if not, someone, somewhere will probably create one soon.

Or better yet—you can create one yourself. After all, when it comes to modern technology, where there’s a will there’s a way.

Take for example the two new mortgage calculators developed by HSH Associates, a publisher of mortgage information based in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. These new digital tools, designed to help underwater homeowners, distill the complexity of mortgage “science” into a simple equation.

The free “KnowEquity When” calculator can predict how long it will take for upside-down homeowners to reach a point where the amount they owe on their loans is again less than what their homes are worth.

The equation is simple.

There are three key factors to getting a home back in the black: amortization, (continuing your mortgage payments), appreciation (how quickly local values are increasing) and prepayments (additional principal payments you can make). The intersection of these three factors can provide homeowners with an exact date that they will no longer be underwater. If one or more of the factors is particularly strong, the process will naturally speed up.

To use the “KnowEquity When” calculator, users have to plug in a few basic figures, including the original loan amount, the mortgage term and interest rate, and the date of the first payment. Do your best to estimate your home’s current value and expected rate of appreciation and voila!—the program will give you a timeframe for when you should have your home above water.

The other calculator developed by HSH Associates—the “KnowEquity How” calculator—works the other way around. Simply type in the number of years you have until you want to be able to sell your home and it will provide you with ways in which to get your head back above water.

Technology is becoming an incredibly powerful real estate tool that offers buyers and sellers new ways to succeed in the market. The available tools and websites (as well as the real estate professionals behind both) can help you search, find, sell, buy and compare, making it easier to find your dream home. It has many wondering–what will the next evolution of interactive real estate tools highlight?

Open House: Sunday, May 6
Hours: 1pm to 3pm

932 W. Margate Terrace #1W
Neighborhood: Margate Park

Price: $309,000
Taxes: $3,592
Assessments: $325

Property: 3 BR / 2 BA
Vintage Condo

Property Description: This stunning vintage condo offers old world luxury with modern details and conveniences. Deep, hardwood floors, a built-in wooden hutch and decorative fireplace all contribute to the unit’s warm atmosphere, and they’re all accented with natural moldings. The updated kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and maple cabinets and pantry. Adjacent to the master bedroom is a new bath suite that boasts natural stone detailing and an oversized shower with multiple heads and a bench. There are custom built closets throughout, plus the building itself includes all new plumbing. Buttercup Park is just around the corner, providing kids all the room they need to play, while Magnate Park and Lake Michigan are only a couple of short blocks to the east.

Open House: Sunday, May 6
Hours: 1pm to 3pm

911 W. Margate #1
Neighborhood: Margate Park

Price: $314,900
Taxes: $5,123.16
Assessments: $238

Property: 2 BR / 2 BA
Rehabbed Condo

Property Description: This condo has been exquisitely remodeled to showcase its wide open layout and flood the interior with natural light. An extra-large great room serves as an enormous living and dining area, and features a stunning decorative fireplace. It opens into the sizeable chef’s kitchen, boasting floor-to-ceiling cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a separate breakfast bar. Adjacent to the living area is a beautiful attached sun room that’s fully enclosed, with windows on all sides and hardwood floors throughout. The master bedroom is quietly isolated in the rear of the unit, complete with a private bath, and it leads out to the rear deck, which is beautifully crafted and set against an exposed brick wall.

Even if it isn’t listed here, the perfect home is waiting for you. Explore more Chicago condos and homes for sale on Dream Town’s Featured Property Page.