All posts by Alysia Heun

The Energized Team: Business Expands into Geneva

The Energized Team of Realty Executives Premiere in Illinois.
The Energized Team of Realty Executives Premiere in Illinois.

June 1, 2024, was a momentous day for The Energized Team of Realty Executives Premiere. New office doors proudly opened on the corner of 3rd Street and Campbell in Geneva, Illinois- a symbol of the team’s expansion plan coming to fruition.

“Our team had significant success in expanding business into the Fox Valley area, frequently earning listings in Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, and surrounding areas,” said Becky VanderVeen, Team Lead and Owner of The Energized Team, Inc. “Having a physical presence in the community was our natural next step and will allow us to further develop our market expertise and best serve our clientele.”

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The Art of Lifestyle Photography in Luxury Real Estate: Telling a Home’s Story

A luxury automobile in front of a large home- an example of lifestyle photography in luxury real estate.

Lifestyle photography is, by nature, aspirational. It shows people the kind of life they could aspire to live if only they reach out and grab it.

When it comes to luxury real estate, that aspirational factor is essential for building a narrative compelling enough for people to act. With its unique focus on ambiance, aesthetics, and experiential potential, lifestyle photography plays a powerful role in selling luxury properties.

With the right lifestyle photography strategy, you can craft an emotionally compelling visual narrative that highlights what life in luxury real estate can look like.

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Finding a Forever Home Perfect for Your Pets

Five corgis settling in on a yellow chair in their forever home.

When searching for a forever home, it is essential to consider the needs of both your human family members and your beloved pets. Whether you have dogs, cats, reptiles, fish, birds or any other pet, the right home can significantly enhance their quality of life. Explore how you can find a pet-friendly home that caters to the unique needs of various pets.

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Seasonal Splendor: Adapting Your Outdoor Aesthetics to Embrace Every Time of Year

A pair of front doors with seasonal decor.

As the seasons change, it is fun to update your outdoor space. There is so much you can do with your landscaping to match the four seasons! Here are a few ideas to keep your style fresh and your curb appeal high all year.

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Before You Box: How to Host a Profitable Pre-Move Garage Sale

A garage sale featuring several items that need to be rehomed before moving.

There is nothing quite like a big move to spur a reassessment of everything you own. As you begin preparing to pack, you’ll likely discover a myriad of items you no longer need or want. Don’t just toss the things you won’t be bringing to your new home. Instead, it is time to plan a mega garage sale. A pre-moving garage sale is an excellent way to declutter, reduce moving costs, and even earn extra cash to help with your moving expenses.

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Eco-Friendly Upgrades: Enhancing Property Value with Sustainable Landscaping

Small river rocks with a few native plants, an example of sustainable landscaping.

The rising concerns over climate change and a sustainable future have boosted the demand for eco-friendly properties. Living spaces with eco-friendly features do more than just reduce the carbon footprint. Such properties benefit the owners in several ways such as cost savings, health improvement, and a significant rise in property value. Healthy landscaping can speed up the sale of a property by as much as 6 weeks and add up to 14 percent to its resale value.

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Own a Piece of History: Stunning St. Clair Riverfront Estate

The front of 4071 River Rd.
The current view of 4071 River Rd. in East China, Michigan.

Experience the charm and elegance of a bygone era with a rare opportunity to own a breathtaking St. Clair Riverfront Estate. This historic gem, featuring over 170 feet of picturesque riverfront on an international shipping channel, is now looking for its next owner.

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Lite Meals for Warm Days

A couple chopping vegetables for a lite summer meal.

Summer is here. The sun is shining, the days are longer, and the air is filled with the promise of barbecues, picnics, and outdoor gatherings. But with all the fun, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen for hours, or feeling lethargic after a heavy meal? The good news is you do not have to be. Here are some quick and easy lite meals that are delicious and perfect for keeping you cool and satisfied during the hottest months of the year.

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Understanding What Counts as Debt When Applying for a Mortgage

A person calculating out her debt-to-income ratio.

When you apply for a mortgage, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) will play a vital role. The mortgage lenders will review your credit profile and check the DTI ratio to assess your affordability. So, the debt-to-income ratio will indicate how much debt you carry, such as credit card balances, payday loans, medical bills, personal loans, and utility bills against your monthly income.

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