Buy Home Illinois

Merit Homes has lowered pricing on two- to three-bedroom ranch and two-story homes at The Enclave at The Reserve at the Merit Club in Libertyville.

Source: Merit Homes cuts prices on Libertyville homes

Nothing seems to add grace and beauty to a home like a staircase. So much more than a way to move between levels, a well-thought-out and executed staircase, no matter its size, can add character, quirkiness or elegance to a home.

Source: As an eye-catching design element, a spiral staircase will turn heads

Q. I have owned and lived in my house for 20-plus years. The duplex next door is a rental, and the owner lives in another town and doesn’t do maintenance to the property until a tenant moves out or something breaks. Our homes are close together, and his paved driveway runs in between. The driveway covers his property from the side of his house to the property line. I have about 2 to 3 feet of space that is mostly plant beds.

Source: Absentee landlord refuses to repair storm drain

Our family room flooded twice, causing considerable damage and expense. Both times, we had to get rid of very large, expensive rugs. Would we be better off installing ceramic tiles on the floor?

Source: Tile floor in basement will withstand water

Q: I own my home and have been recently widowed. I would like to rent an extra bedroom to a roomer, who will share the kitchen, living room and other common areas of the house. I want to make sure that when I advertise and interview applicants, I don’t set myself up for a fair housing claim. Do those rules apply to me?

Source: Extra room for rent raises questions on fair housing laws

If you fit the profile - typically buyers with little cash on hand or small-scale investors looking for a deal on a foreclosed house - a little publicized national lending program could be just what you need this fall.

Source: Fannie program offers excellent loan terms

Q. What happens when you go to sell your house and find out your neighbor’s fence is on your property? I’ve known for some time, but I have let it go to keep the peace. But now I’m looking to sell.

Source: Ask lawyer to help with property line issue before sale

Check property values and price changes for up to 5 years.

Source: Median price heat map

It’s no secret that owners are staying longer in their houses these days and it’s no secret that people remain cautious about spending. Yet fixtures wear out, décor becomes outdated and home remodeling becomes crucial.

Source: How to find a remodeling contractor who won’t cut corners

Starting from scratch can be freeing, exhilarating — and scary. Interior designer Scott Sanders tells how he achieved continuity in furnishing and decorating an oversize family home

Starting from scratch can be freeing, exhilarating — and scary. Interior designer Scott Sanders tells how he achieved continuity in furnishing and decorating an oversize family home.

Source: Decorating a 9,000-square-foot mansion