Chicago Luxe Group

10/31/2026

Changing your clocks this weekend? Give your smoke alarms a check, too.

On Sunday, November 1, clocks fall back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. It is a useful reminder to press test, check manufacture dates and replace alarms that fail or have reached the end of their service life.

Since January 1, 2023, Illinois generally requires newly installed or replacement battery smoke alarms to use self-contained, non-removable, long-term batteries. The Illinois State Fire Marshal describes these as 10-year sealed-battery alarms. Hardwired and certain connected systems have different rules. An older working alarm did not automatically become noncompliant on January 1, 2023; age, failure, installation and local rules matter.

Owners supply and install required alarms. Tenants test and maintain in-unit alarms and report uncorrectable problems in writing. Chicago guidance says replace smoke alarms at 10 years, including hardwired alarms.

Selling this year? DM me CHECKLIST for my pre-listing safety list, or call/text 773-583-2274.

Michael Di Giovanni | Chicago Luxe Group | powered by Real Broker, LLC

Sources: 425 ILCS 60/3 at ILGA.gov; Illinois State Fire Marshal; Chicago Municipal Code § 14X-5-504.8.4 and Chicago Department of Buildings. Research checked October 31, 2026. Not legal or tax advice. Verify the requirements for your specific property.

10/29/2026

Open Real Estate has been announced. Here’s what the proposal says, and what still needs to be worked out.

Swipe through the founders, listing-visibility options, local MLS rules and the details behind the timeline.

For your Chicago property, let’s talk about who can see your listing and how it will be marketed.

Call or text Michael Di Giovanni: 773-583-2274.

Facts checked October 29, 2026. Sources: Open Real Estate FAQ and support letter; reporting from HousingWire, Inman, BAM and Real Estate News. Custom diagram: DRG Consultants.

Chicago Luxe Group | powered by Real Broker, LLC

10/29/2026

Open Real Estate, explained: the founders, the proposed data flow and the details still being developed. Facts checked October 29, 2026.

Questions about your Chicago listing? Call or text 773-583-2274.

Chicago Luxe Group | powered by Real Broker, LLC

10/26/2026

10/26/2026

“Updated” isn’t a construction standard — and it can be one of the most expensive words in a listing.

Look at three layers: cosmetic finishes, major systems, and structural or permitted work.

Before paying an “updated” price, ask five questions:
1. What was actually replaced?
2. When was it completed?
3. Who performed the work?
4. Were permits required and obtained?
5. Are there invoices or transferable warranties?

Save this checklist for your next showing.

Buying in Chicago or the North Shore? Call or text Michael DiGiovanni at 773-583-2274.
Chicago Luxe Group | powered by Real Broker, LLC
Equal Housing Opportunity

10/26/2026

“Updated” deserves a follow-up question: what was actually replaced?

For a house, condo or townhouse, look at three layers:
• Cosmetic finishes: paint, cabinets, flooring, fixtures and appliances.
• Major systems: roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water heater, windows and sewer.
• Structural work and permits: understand the scope and check the applicable records.

Before deciding what the updates are worth to you, ask:
1. What was actually replaced?
2. When was it completed?
3. Who performed the work?
4. Were permits required and obtained?
5. Are there invoices or transferable warranties?

Confirm what your home inspection includes. Depending on the property and findings, separate testing or specialist evaluation may be appropriate. For condos and association townhouses, verify who is responsible for shared systems and exterior work.

Save these five questions for your next showing.

Buying in Chicago or the North Shore? Call or text Michael DiGiovanni at 773-583-2274.

Chicago Luxe Group | powered by Real Broker, LLC
Equal Housing Opportunity

10/23/2026

Loved it at noon? See how it fits your evening routine.

Before choosing a house, condo or townhouse, arrange a second showing after dark through your agent. Check lighting, parking, sound and privacy; include shared access where applicable. Save the full carousel checklist for your next tour.

A showing is a snapshot and complements a professional inspection.

Buying in Chicago or the North Shore? Call or text Mike at 773-583-2274.

Narrated by Sarah, Mike’s AI assistant. Illustrations are not a listing.

Chicago Luxe Group | powered by Real Broker, LLC
Equal Housing Opportunity

10/23/2026

Loved it at noon? See how it feels after dark.

If you’re considering a house, condo or townhouse, ask your agent to arrange a second showing that fits your evening routine.

• Follow your route from parking to the door. Notice entry lighting and steps.
• Read parking signs and confirm any assigned space or garage access.
• Pause in the bedroom and living room. Listen for traffic, trains or building equipment.
• Check lighting and privacy with the lights on. Try existing window coverings with permission.
• For a condo or townhouse, include authorized shared entrances and your garage-to-unit route.

Write down what you notice and when. One visit is a snapshot; return at another time if something matters to you. Check daylight details, too. A second showing complements a professional inspection—it does not replace one.

Save this checklist for your next tour.

Buying in Chicago or the North Shore? Call or text Mike at 773-583-2274.

Chicago Luxe Group | powered by Real Broker, LLC
Equal Housing Opportunity

10/18/2026

Two condos. Same asking price. Different monthly cost.

Before you choose between two condos, compare what ownership will actually require each month:
• Property taxes and applicable exemptions
• A unit-owner insurance quote
• Association dues—and what they include
• Utilities, maintenance and repairs
• Any known special-assessment payments

A low association fee is only one part of the picture. Compare included services and the building’s financial documents, too.

Our hypothetical example shows a $400 monthly difference in mortgage principal and interest, taxes, insurance and dues: $4,800 over a year. Both examples use the same $500,000 price, 20% down, $400,000 loan and hypothetical 6.50% fixed rate over 30 years. P&I is rounded from $2,528.27. Assumes no mortgage insurance. This is an illustration, not a current rate or loan quote. The illustrated subtotal excludes utilities, upkeep, special assessments and closing costs; actual costs vary.

Save this checklist for your next showing. Planning a move in Chicago or the North Shore? Call or text Mike: 872-246-7666.
Michael DiGiovanni | Chicago Luxe Group | powered by Real Broker, LLC
Equal Housing Opportunity