Chicago Signature Properties

Solve the riddle: We all need it, and there’s never enough: If you guessed money, we agree, but we’re talking storage space, friends! In a world where more is more, we have a lot of stuff! No need to apply for TLC’s, “Hoarders” yet… Adding the right furniture to your bathroom can create more space and mental clarity.

1) Under the sink storage: Easy to build, and sleek!

2) Mirror ledge

Add a single ledge under the mirror to house that toothbrush and soap. (Since sink storage is limited)

3) Baskets:

Place a basket near the sink to accommodate towels/trinkets.

4) Towel ladder:

Attach an old ladder to the wall and hang your towels on the steps.

5) Shorten your curtain:

A trimmed shower curtain looks tailored, and won’t trap dust and dirt.

Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

6) Over the bathroom door:

Keep supplies out of view with this trick! Easy to replenish, and admire!

7) Bar doors:

Hang 3 metal bars on your door to take care of those towels. Great for kids (easy to reach) and out of view!

8 ) Magnetic medicine cabinet (Thank-you Martha Stewart):

Save space by using magnets to store hair accessories, floss, band-aids, etc. Easy DIY project!

*MarthaStewart.com

9) Roll-out space:

Create roll-out storage under the sink to make your life easier (and save space)

By Arin Agase

Spring flowers are in full bloom and patio season is finally here. Some of my favorite moments include toasty nights outdoors with great friends, wine, music, and an overdose of laughter. As a Chicagoan, we recognize how important it is to embrace each ticking beat as we live nine months for 12! (It’s so worth it!) Nothing is better than summer in Chicago.

If you’re planning a party, barbequing with friends or looking to unwind after a busy day in the office, mood-lighting is essential. Whether you prefer candle-light, string, or fixtures, your guests will be impressed! And you don’t even have to cash in…

By Arin Agase

Not only is Pinterest a girl’s best friend, It’s also your businesses. Prior to attending InmanNext’s, “Pinterest A-Z for Real Estate Agents” I was skeptical on how the website, (An online pin-board that allows you to organize & share the things you love) would actually be conducive to our brokerage. I thought it was too good to be true. Do I actually get to pin at home, and work? (Is that allowed?)

Thanks to the knowledgeable Chris Smith, and Katie Lance, my skepticism was proved wrong. In fact, Pinterest is home to 10 million U.S. monthly unique visitors, faster than any independent site in history. With 100+ brands pinning, such as: Whole Foods, Etsy, Lowe’s and Zillow. We decided to join the fun.

“Pinterest is generating more referral traffic to websites than YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn combined” -Mastercom

Several Key Thoughts/Tips:

Via Pinterest

Great Match: The combination of spectacular photos (architecture, landscaping, decorating ideas, DIY tips, Design + more) make Pinterest a great match for realtors. Share photos/projects with clients via email, and social media channels. Make your emails personal and listen to client-wishes during tours. They’ll be more complied to refer you down the road, and you’re setting yourself apart from the rest.

Backlinks: Create back-links to your site from Pinterest. If you have a company blog, or listings (with photos), simply pin the photos with a link. You can see a few examples here if you’re not following. To learn more about backlinks, and how they are impacting your ranking, check out Inman’s article.

Update: Instructions on how to pin from blog:

- Download the “Pin-it” button in the about section on Pinterest.com. Once you download,  go to your blog and press the pin button (from tool-bar) An array of images will come up, click which image you want to pin (from your blog post) and copy/past the URL in the comment section.

Want to see if your website has been “pinned” Follow this website: (Via InmanNext) http://Pinterest.com/source/YOURWEBSITE.com/ to view your backlinks.

See Chicago Signature’s backlinks here.

Category Ideas: Some of our favorites include:

• Celebrity Real Estate

• Chicago Eats

• Home Office Spaces

• Meet our Team (see our example)

• DIY Ideas

• Cleaning Tips

Chicago Signature Pinterest. – Don’t forget to visit!

By Megan Welsh (Follow her on Twitter)

Hello. My name is Megan and I am addicted to making lists. I have lists next to my bed, in my planner, on my Google calendar, on post-it notes in my purse, in two notebooks, and on randomly placed note-cards and scraps of paper around the apartment. Yes, I have a problem. There is just something about the crossing off of a task that makes me feel exhilarated. I love looking back at old yearly planners (yes, I still have them all from middle school through the present day) and seeing all of the things I accomplished, the schedules I maintained, and the meetings, meals, movies, parties, weddings I attended. And to think I feel busy now!

Sustaining my addiction these lists however takes an immeasurable amount of paper which is just plain inconsiderate to our lovely Planet Earth. Enter Pinterest to save our planet (and hopefully cure my problem) with a DIY Dry Erase Board. This project literally took $10 and less than 15 minutes.

1. Gather your supplies.

Purchased from JoAnn Fabrics:
- Picture Frame with a Glass Mirror($7.99, originally $19.99, size 16×20)
- Scrapbook Paper (Bought 5 Pieces for $0.99, only needed 3)

Previously Owned:
- Tape
- Scissors/Paper Cutter
- Dry-Erase Marker

2. If necessary, remove the white edges of the scrapbook paper.

3. Remembering to align the pattern, lay the scrapbook paper face down with the original frame picture/paper

(the white picture with the children on it) on top. Using a pencil trace the original frame picture.

4. Cut the scrapbook paper to size and tape together on the backside

5. Finish by inserting the adjoined scrapbook paper into the picture frame.

Placed in our office/2nd bedroom I am hoping my new dry-erase board will serve as the perfect place to jot down reminders to myself (and Justin) as well as serve as a welcome board for any guests we may have in the future. Do I think it will rid me of all my other lists? Probably not, but at least it’s a start. Fingers crossed, here’s to hoping!

By Arin Agase

Is your mind on auto-play? If your mind is circling with negativity, and exhaustion then it’s time to cleanse your soul! No, we’re not talking therapists, or late-night drinking with friends… we’re talking sponges, mops and rubber gloves!

Your living space reflects your life. If your space is organized and clean, then your mind is clean and organized. Take a really good look at your surroundings: Is your bedroom in neat condition? Or is it cluttered, and unsettling? Is your living room serene and inviting, or is it dreary and dark? The details are important, friends, pay very close attention to them because they will illustrate your mental status.

Your mind is your “house” (getting symbolic here, I know!) What’s in it? What doesn’t serve any purpose? Get rid of it. Clean it…

If your mind isn’t busy, it’ll wander. If your mind keeps wandering to a “danger zone” then put a mental flag up and do something about it. Sure, reading a book, watching a film or spending time online is distracting, but manual labor actually requires focus. It’ll allow you to zoom in the task at hand, and “clean” your mind during the process. Not to mention how good it feels to have a clean space afterward!

If you’re a clean freak, that’s okay! (Kudos to you) Start re-decorating, or re-arranging a space. If something seems off in a room, and you’re not quite sure what… move things around, experiment, have fun! Your mind is rearranging during the process! Your mind is on vacation and you don’t even realize it.

So instead of paying the kids a couple bucks, do it yourself. It’s surprisingly up-lifting and mentally healthy.