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Fun At-Home Summer Activities for Kids

(Published on - 7/3/2025 6:18:50 PM)

Keeping kids entertained all summer can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re trying to avoid excessive screen time or constant spending. The good news? You don’t need a packed schedule or big outings to make summer feel special.

With a little creativity and a few basic supplies, your home can be the ultimate summer playground.

Backyard Water Games

You don’t need a pool to cool off. A garden hose, a few buckets, or even plastic cups can turn your backyard into the best place to be on a hot day.

Set up a DIY splash zone with sprinklers, water balloons, or sponge toss games. For extra laughs, build an obstacle course with slip-and-slide sections, kiddie pools to crawl through, and towels at the finish line. Let the kids come up with their own rules—the messier, the better.

Garden Time (Kid-Style)

Gardening is one of several wonderful at-home summer activities for kids. Little hands love digging, watering, and watching things grow. If you already have a garden, set aside a small section for children. Let them plant fast-growers like sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, or snap peas—something they can see change day by day.

No garden? Use small pots or containers. Painting the pots beforehand makes it even more fun and gives them something that feels like theirs.

DIY Art Days

Art doesn’t have to stay at the table, and it is a perfect at-home summer activity for kids. Bring the supplies outside and let the kids go big—sidewalk chalk murals, sponge painting, or cardboard box crafts can keep them busy for hours.

You can even turn your patio or driveway into an “outdoor gallery” where they display their creations. Mix in themed days (like space, animals, or ocean scenes) to keep the ideas flowing.

Backyard Camping

When you can’t get away, bring the fun outside. Pitch a tent in the backyard or set up blankets and sleeping bags under the stars. Tell stories, make s’mores in the microwave or fire pit, and listen to nighttime sounds. For younger kids, even a few hours of pretend camping during the day can feel like a big adventure.

If the weather turns or bugs show up early, move the camp indoors. Flashlights, popcorn, and a good book or movie can set the scene just as well.

Indoor Treasure Hunts

Perfect for overly hot or rainy days, treasure hunts are a great at-home summer activity for kids. It is also a way to keep energy levels up without leaving the house. Hide clues around the home and let the kids solve puzzles to find the next spot.

Tailor it to their age—simple picture clues for toddlers or rhyming riddles for older kids. End with a small prize or surprise snack to make it feel like a real win.

Build-and-Create Days

Not every day needs to be loud and busy. Set aside quiet time for activities that keep hands and minds busy—LEGO builds, puzzle races, or DIY science experiments using pantry staples.

If you have cardboard boxes or extra recyclables, challenge the kids to build a city, a boat, or their dream house. These hands-on sessions spark imagination and keep them engaged, especially on days when the heat’s too much for outdoor play.

Set a Weekly Theme

Creating a loose theme for each week can help add structure without making it feel like school. For example:

  • “Under the Sea” week with ocean crafts, fishy snacks, and water games.
  • “Science Week” with easy experiments and scavenger hunts.
  • “Backyard Olympics” with obstacle races, DIY medals, and family team events.

Themed weeks give kids something to look forward to and help you plan ahead without feeling overwhelmed.

Summer Fun Without the Fuss

With these at-home summer activities for kids, you don’t have to leave the house to make memories. With a few low-cost ideas and a little flexibility, you can keep boredom at bay while turning your home into the go-to summer hangout. It’s about giving kids space to play, be creative, and feel like the season belongs to them, right in their backyard.

Source: Keeping Current Matters

Realty Executives Midwest

1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561

Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com


What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market

(Published on - 6/28/2025 6:31:48 PM)

Here’s something you need to know. The housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may not sound like it, this shift is actually a good thing.

It’s what you should expect. It’s just that our expectations have been skewed by the intense seller’s market over the past few years.

But what you need to remember is: there’s still plenty of opportunity to be had if you’re thinking about selling – whether that’s next month or next year. You just need to stay up to date on what’s happening in the market, and have a strategy that matches the moment. Here’s your update.

1. Inventory’s Up. Buyer Power Is Coming Back.

According to the latest data, the number of homes for sale is rising back toward more normal levels (see graph below):

But inventory growth is going to vary a lot based on where you live.

If you’re in a market where the number of homes for sale is back to normal, buyers may have more sway than you’d expect. That doesn’t mean buyers have all the power – it just means they have more choices, so your home has to stand out.

But if you live where inventory is still pretty limited, you may see more buyers competing for your house.

No matter where you are, the key is to work with a pro who can help you adjust your game plan for your local market.

2. The Right Price Matters More Than Ever

With more homes to choose from, today’s buyers are quick to skip over homes that feel overpriced. That’s why pricing your house right is the secret to selling quickly and for top dollar. That’s a point Realtor.com really drives home:

“ . . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home should have little problem finding a buyer.”

Miss the mark, though, and you may have to backtrack. Today, about 1 in 5 sellers (19.1%) are reducing their asking price to attract buyers (see map below):

a map of the united statesHere’s how to avoid being one of those sellers who has to reduce their asking price. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“The rising share of price reductions suggests that a lot of sellers are anchored to prices that aren’t realistic in today’s housing market. Today’s sellers would be wise to listen to feedback they are getting from the market.”

The best way to get that information? Lean on your local agent. They have the expertise to set a price that sells in any market. Because if your price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.

3. Flexibility Wins Negotiations

Gone are the days of buyers waiving inspections and appraisals just to get a deal done. Now, because they have more homes to choose from, buyers are able to ask for things like repairs, credits, and help with closing costs. And data from Redfin shows nearly 44.4% of sellers are willing to negotiate (see graph below):

The takeaway? This isn’t a bad market. It’s just a different one. And it’s in line with more normal years in the housing market, like back in 2019. The savviest sellers are the ones taking advantage of every opportunity to work with buyers and make their house shine.

And it’ll help if you think of concessions as tools, not losses. Use them to bridge gaps, sweeten deals, and get across the finish line. And don’t stress. Since prices went up roughly 55% over the past five years, you’ve got plenty of room to make a concession or two and still come out ahead.

Just be sure to work with your agent to understand which concessions could be the key to sealing the deal.

Bottom Line

Sellers who are going to succeed in the weeks and months ahead are the ones who understand this market shift and lean into it with the right expectations and the right strategy.

Connect with a local agent and talk about what’s working in your area right now and how to make those wins work for you, too – whenever you’re ready to make a move.

Source: Keeping Current Matters

Realty Executives Midwest

1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561

Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com


More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign, It's Your Buying Opportunity

(Published on - 6/23/2025 8:28:50 PM)

More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It

Maybe you’ve heard the number of homes for sale has reached a recent high. And it might make you question if this is the start of another housing market crash.

But the reality is, the data proves that’s just not the case. In most areas, more inventory isn’t bad news. It’s actually a sign of the market returning to a more stable, healthy place.

What’s Going on With Inventory?

Based on the latest data from Realtor.com, inventory just hit its highest point since 2020, shown with the white line in the graph below.

But what you need to realize is, at the same time, inventory levels still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic norms (shown in gray):

a graph of different colored linesThat means there are more homes for sale now than there have been in quite some time.

And while it’s true inventory is up significantly compared to where it was over the last few years, the number of homes on the market is still well below typical levels. And that’s important context.

Why This Isn’t the Problem A Lot of People Think It Is

Some people hear inventory’s rising and immediately think about 2008. Because back then, inventory spiked just before the market crashed. But today’s situation is very different.

Here’s the key reason why. We don’t have a surplus of homes; we have a deficit to climb out of. What we’re dealing with is a long-term housing shortage – and it’s a big one.

The red bars in the graph below show all the years where housing starts (new builds) didn’t keep up with household formation, going all the way back to 2012. The deeper the bars in the graph, the more the housing deficit grew (see graph below):

a graph of a graph showing the value of a housing deficitAnd one of the reasons this housing shortage kept growing is because new home construction just didn’t keep up with the number of people who need to buy homes. In fact, the U.S. is actually short millions of homes at this point, and it will take years to overcome that gap. Realtor.com says:

“At a 2024 rate of construction relative to household formations and pent-up demand, it would take 7.5 years to close the housing gap.”

That means, in most areas, there isn’t a risk of having too many houses on the market right now. It’s quite the opposite – a vast majority of markets actually need more homes.

Which is why, even though inventory is rising, it’s not a problem on a national scale. It’s just helping to fill a gap that’s been growing for years.

Bottom Line

Don’t let the headlines scare you. Rising inventory isn’t a sign of a crash. It’s a step toward a more normal, stable housing market.

Source: Keeping Current Matters

Realty Executives Midwest

1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561

Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com


9 Powerful Feelings You’ll Probably Have When You Sell

(Published on - 6/16/2025 6:03:10 PM)

Selling a home has its moments of joy and frustration. Here’s your emotional road map.

Stages of emotion when selling your house. 

Even the happiest events have ups and downs. That's true when you’re selling your home. Even though the sale will move you toward a house that better meets your needs, you'll likely experience a range of emotions. Don't worry! Your real estate agent will help you hold steady through the highs and lows. They'll do that by providing their expertise in areas like pricing, negotiating, and accepting an offer. That will offset your anxiety and stress — and give you more time to imagine yourself in that new home!

The 9 Stages of Emotion When Selling Your House

Here are the nine emotions home buyers typically experience:

  1. Excitement — Yay! We’re selling our house and moving to our dream home.

  2. Anxiety — Will anyone want our home? Is it worth our asking price? What if other similar houses have more to offer?

  3. Delight — This is our house? Who knew staging could make it look so great? Our agent said statistics show that staging can help houses sell faster and for more money.

  4. Disappointment — Seriously? This is all someone thinks our house is worth? Will we ever get a decent offer?

  5. Elation — Woo-hoo! We accepted an offer — and it's a good one in terms of money, timing, and contingencies. We’re going to move!

  6. Worry — What if the appraisal is too low or the inspection goes bad? We know the market is a factor, but we can't control that.

  7. Relief — Phew! It’s official! The selling process is finally behind us.

  8. Sadness — Our time in this home is really over. We’re walking away from so many happy memories.

  9. Joy — It’s really done! On to our future!
Source: https://www.houselogic.com/sell/should-i-sell-my-house/selling-house-infographic/

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

(Published on - 6/7/2025 5:44:40 PM)

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.

What Is Home Staging?

It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it’s easy for buyers to picture themselves living there.

It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget. But a little bit of time, effort, and money invested in this process can really make a difference when you sell – especially in today’s market.

A study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows staged homes sell faster and for more money than homes that aren’t staged at all (see below):

Which Rooms Matter Most?

The best part is, odds are you don’t have to stage your whole house to make an impact. According to NAR, here’s where buyers’ agents say staging can make the biggest difference (see graph below):

a graph of a number of peopleAs you can see, agents who talk to buyers regularly agree, the most important spaces to stage are the rooms where buyers will spend the most time, like the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen.

While this can give you a good general idea of what may be worth it and what’s probably not, it can’t match a local agent’s expertise.

How an Agent Helps You Decide What You Need To Do

Agents are experts on what buyers are looking for where you live, because they hear that feedback all the time in showings, home tours, walkthroughs, and from other agents. And they’ll use those insights to give their opinion on your specific house and what areas may need a little bit of staging help, like if you need to:

  • Declutter and depersonalize by removing photos and personal items
  • Arrange your furniture to improve the room’s flow and make it feel bigger
  • Add plants, move art, or re-arrange other accessories

A lot of buyers can use the agent’s know-how as the only staging advice they need. But, if your home needs more of a transformation, or it’s empty and could benefit from rented furniture, a great agent will be able to determine if bringing in a professional stager might be a good idea, too. Just know that level of help comes with a higher price tag. NAR reports:

“The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $500 when the sellers’ agent personally staged the home.”

A local agent will help you weigh the costs and benefits based on your budget, your timeline, and the overall condition of your house. They’ll also consider how quickly similar homes are selling nearby and what buyers are expecting at your price point.

Bottom Line

Staging doesn’t have to be over-the-top or expensive. It just needs to help buyers feel at home. And a great agent will help you figure out the level of staging that makes the most sense for your goals.

Which room in your house do you think would make the biggest impression on a buyer?

Get an agent to walk through your home with you and go over what will make your house stand out.

Source: Keeping Current Matters

Realty Executives Midwest

1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561

Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com


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Realty Executives agents are real estate experts. They have the education and expertise you need to navigate through the process of buying or selling a home. From listing at the right price to making the best offer, our Executives have witnessed the best - and most regrettable - decisions homeowners and homebuyers can make. Every day, they are immersed in every aspect of real estate that includes comparable home price analysis, property surveys, credit reports, open houses, HOA agreements, lenders, title companies, homeowners’ insurance, walk-throughs, terms of sale or purchase, repairs, concessions and closing documents. Let our accomplished Executives help navigate you through the process of buying or selling a home.

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1310 Plainfield Road, Suite 2
Darien, IL 60561, US
(630) 969-8880
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