• To Go Ghostly or Not: Should You Decorate for Halloween When Selling Your Home?,Engel & Völkers Americas

    To Go Ghostly or Not: Should You Decorate for Halloween When Selling Your Home?

    Learn how tasteful, understated seasonal décor can enhance your home’s appeal while avoiding distractions. Keep reading to discover tips for subtle fall accents that maintain elegance and boost curb appeal during the selling process.   When your luxury home is on the market, seasonal décor can enhance its appeal, but over-the-top Halloween decorations can sometimes detract from the property’s features and curb appeal. For sellers, the decision to decorate for Halloween depends on how well the décor complements your home’s aesthetics and your overall sales strategy. With the right approach, you can highlight your home’s elegance while still celebrating the season. Here’s how to decide whether to decorate, and tasteful ways to do it, when your home is for sale. When to Avoid Halloween Decorations If your home has a modern or minimalist design or is located in a market where buyers prefer neutral, understated spaces, it may be best to skip Halloween décor altogether. Here are two reasons to keep decorations to a minimum: Buyers are focused on the space: Over-the-top Halloween décor, such as inflatables or haunted house scenes, can distract buyers from your home’s features. You want to appeal to a broad audience: Not every buyer appreciates Halloween, and too many themed displays can make it difficult for some people to envision themselves living in the space. In these cases, it’s better to keep things neutral and focus on a clean, polished presentation. How to Tastefully Decorate for Halloween When Selling If you choose to decorate, aim for subtle elegance that enhances your home’s appeal. Here are tips for creating a sophisticated Halloween atmosphere that works in your favor: Incorporate Subtle Seasonal Accents Opt for understated seasonal elements that focus more on fall than Halloween. Consider: Neutral-colored pumpkins and gourds: White or pastel pumpkins, placed in carefully arranged groups, offer a seasonal touch without overwhelming your home’s design. Autumnal wreaths: A simple, elegant wreath made of fall foliage and hung on your front door adds warmth to your home’s entrance.   Maintain Elegance With Western Gothic Elements If you want to add Halloween décor, focus on Western Gothic trends, which are popular for 2024​ (Pinterest). This combines rich velvet fabrics in dark, moody tones (such as deep purples and blacks) with antique-inspired décor like brass candleholders and dark floral arrangements. These touches offer a sophisticated yet seasonal look that complements your home’s luxury aesthetic. Enhance Curb Appeal With Subtlety Outdoor decorations should add to the charm of your home without overshadowing it. To keep curb appeal high, consider: Simple, elegant displays: A few white pumpkins, decorative lanterns, and neatly arranged foliage along your walkway create an inviting entrance without going overboard. Soft lighting: String lights or lanterns can help create a cozy ambience, making your home look welcoming in the evening without veering into gaudiness.   Keep It Clean and Clutter-Free Halloween décor should never make your home look cluttered or messy. Keep pathways clear of leaves, debris, and excessive decorations. Inside your home, avoid adding too many seasonal items that may detract from your clean, staged environment. Highlight Your Home’s Best Features Ensure your Halloween décor highlights rather than hides your home’s best features. For example: Place a few pumpkins or lanterns on a fireplace mantel to draw attention to the room's warmth and charm. Use tasteful floral arrangements to enhance natural light and views through your windows.   Why Subtle Halloween Décor Can Help Sell Your Home Elegant, understated Halloween decorations can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel at home. Tasteful seasonal touches help buyers envision themselves enjoying the space without overpowering the property’s features. This balance between festive and functional helps keep the focus on what matters most—your luxury home.

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  • Summer Getaways... Explore These Midwest Cities,Carly Jones

    Summer Getaways... Explore These Midwest Cities

    Summer is finally here, school is out and it is time to enjoy longer days, warm nights, and time to recharge and relax. With summer comes family vacations, romantic getaways, and trips to explore. If you are looking to explore cities in your own backyard, here are some great Midwest getaways.   Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan Known as the Art Coast of Michigan, Saugatuck/Douglas has a thriving art scene and culinary experience with farm to table food. You can also enjoy the many beaches and scenic waterways and experience such highlights as Mount Baldi and the Star of Saugatuck. New Buffalo, Michigan Known as the Gateway to Michigan, New Buffalo offers a vibrant downtown right next to a beautiful beach and marina. Enjoy visiting the local shops, wineries, breweries, and restaurants, which are just a 90 minute drive from Chicago. Galena Country, Illinois Historic Galena Country in northwest Illinois offers year round adventure. If you are looking for picturesque views and a place filled with charm, history and natural beauty, this is the place to go. You can enjoy outdoor adventure, visit historic sites, and just relax. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Come enjoy long sunny days on the lake and beautiful sunsets. You can go on adventures, like ziplines or hot air balloons or go hiking on the trails. There are also plenty of places to relax with the restaurants, shops, and spas. If you are driving through Chicago, Winnetka or Saugatuck/Douglas, make sure to stop in to our shops to say hi!

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  • Explore Your Own Backyard...the Midwest,Carly Jones

    Explore Your Own Backyard...the Midwest

    As the flowers are starting to sprout and warmer air is making an appearance, now is the time to enjoy the wonders in our own backyard. The Midwest offers a wonderful lifestyle and places to enjoy. Here are just a few of the hidden gems.   Starved Rock - Oglesby, Illinois Illinois' first recreational park, it is full of history. Today, it offers numerous hiking trails, beautiful sites, rock formations, waterfalls, and Starved Rock State Park's Lodge and Cabins. American Club - Kohler, Wisconsin This Midwest destination is famous for its spa, golf and walking trails. The American Club used to be part of a factory, which was later turned into a hotel. Grandma's Marathon - Duluth, Minnesota Duluth is nestled along the coast of Lake Superior. One of the most famous Midwest marathons is the Grandma's Marathon, which takes runners along the lakeshore of Lake Superior through downtown Duluth. Harbor Country - Southwest Michigan Harbor Country is just north of the Indiana state line and is a popular vacation getaway. With beaches, bed and breakfasts, wineries, and orchards, it offers fun and adventure for all ages. If you are in Winnetka, Lincoln Park or Saugatuck/Douglas....don't forget to stop in our shops to say hi!

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