Open House Magazine Fall 2021

It’s time for a fresh start.

Fresh is a word I seem to be using a lot lately, and after a difficult year it’s not surprising. We’ve all had the chance to rethink what we truly value and how and where we want to spend our time. Our priorities have shifted, and now we are searching for new ideas and inspirations that provide a much-needed sense of renewal and a hopeful outlook for the future.

For example, I love to travel, and always find something inspiring to bring home. I recently returned from Maine with a group of my childhood friends, and I focused on taking the time to appreciate the change of scenery, shops, and cuisine. At home, we’ve all had time to look around with fresh eyes, and many of us have seen how a few small changes to our spaces can work wonders. It’s also felt good to get back to the restaurants we love, or to stroll through shops in person again, instead of online.

In this issue of the magazine, we wanted to capture how these fresh perspectives are coming to life. On page 8, you’ll find inspiration from Ellen Para, who took a leap of faith, remodeling an old building to house her new business amid an environment of uncertainty. I love her unique take on design and how she, in turn, supports other local businesses.

On page 10, see how we styled a front porch to amp up the first impression for buyers, and on page 11 how we transformed a kitchen space as part of my Gifts + Gratitude program. And if your fresh perspective includes a move to retirement, page 13 explains how I turned around a low-appraisal to help my clients Paul and Becky ensure theirs started off even stronger.

I hope all of my clients’ stories featured in this issue provide the fresh ideas and inspiration you need to make your dreams a reality, wherever they lead you. And as always, I'll be here to cheer you on!

What are some of the long-term effects to the real estate market because of the pandemic? Clients are rethinking how best to live and work in their homes, and this has shifted priorities for buyers as well. Add-ons like video tours and floor plans will become the norm to help them visualize the space; while video walk-throughs via Zoom and FaceTime have become invaluable for those relocating from out of the area. We recently had a buyer make an offer on a home without ever having stepped foot into it!

Is it true that there was ‘pandemic flight’ from downtown Chicago to the suburbs? While the headlines were dramatic, moves from urban Chicago seemed to simply be an acceleration of a pre-existing trend that included young families making the move to the ‘burbs for schools, more space, or a change in lifestyle.

I’m interested in buying an investment property as a rental— what’s your advice for the type of property I should look for? Good schools and easy access to both conveniences and transportation are characteristics you should look for with any type of property. Finding a home that requires low maintenance such as a brick or siding exterior, less extensive landscaping, and newer mechanicals can cut back on your time and money spent on the property. For ultimate convenience, consider a condominium or townhome (but always check with the association first to make sure rentals are allowed.)

After a long furlough I’m excited for my son Connor, who as a pilot is finally getting back in the air to see new places and expand his horizons everywhere he travels.

Where was one of the first places you went as things opened up? Suttons Bay, Michigan—I went with my high school girlfriends for a wine weekend. The vineyard and coastal bay views are spectacular. If you go, don't miss one of my favorites, Shady Lane Cellars. n

Have a question? E-mail me at shaunna.burhop@bairdwarner.com

“We’ve all had the chance to rethink what we truly value, and how and where we want to spend our time.”

Shaunna Burhop, CREN, CRS

forConnor’sready take-off!

A little patience and a lot of vision helps one family turn a house near foreclosure into the modern home of their dreams.

CONTENTS

JUST IN TIME FOR BABY

An open mind (and a wider search area) helps one couple find the perfect new home for their expanding family.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Your porch or patio can be your greatest escape and your best investment. Shaunna explains why.

11 GIFTS + GRATITUDE

Shaunna treats one very deserving front line worker to an HGTV-style makeover.

12 SENIOR LIVING

Simple changes and a caring approach makes the difference.

13 50K MORE FOR RETIREMENT

Shaunna takes action to turn a low appraisal into a high return.

KEEPING IT LOCAL

Shaunna visits with Ellen Para at Ottilia, an apothecary as unique as its namesake.

14 MY SERVICES

Buying, selling, or retiring— Shaunna never stops working to achieve your goals.

Facebook: Like my page ShaunnaBurhopReal Estate for news, market trends, and connections to the community.

Instagram: Follow ShaunnaBurhop RealEstate to discover inspiring images and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.

LinkedIn: Connect with me at ShaunnaBurhop to share resources and valuable real estate insights.

Email: Send your questions, comments or ideas to shaunna.burhop@ bairdwarner.com or just write to say hi!

… or old school ;) Call me directly at 847.275.0277 or let’s chat at the Baird & Warner office: 847.392.1855

New homeowners (from left) Sam, Ryne and their two girls enjoy all the functional space in their new dream kitchen, which was made possible by completely reconfiguring the back rooms of the home.

A Diamond in the Rough

Shaunna helps a couple realize the hidden potential of a home near foreclosure

With an expanding family and desire for an in-town location near friends, Ryne and Sam came to me for help. Finding something move-in ready and only in need of cosmetic changes would have been ideal, but after discussing their goals and top priorities we decided to limit the search area to within a half mile from three sets of their closest friends. I quickly realized we’d need to modify their criteria to also include homes requiring more significant remodeling.

With that change, one home came up as a potential long shot. Not only was it in “diamond in the rough” condition, it was also priced higher than their

BEFORE

Previously, the house suffered from an odd floor plan that created many small, tight spaces. The kitchen was in the center of the home and felt very cramped with almost no usable prep or dining space.

“Although an intimidating process, Shaunna eased our minds with her professionalism and expertise that this home would be a worthy investment for our family.”

budget, on the brink of foreclosure, and had a non-functional and compartmentalized floor plan. But I could also see the potential in positive features like the high ceilings, abundant large windows, and the original moulding and millwork just begging to be brought back to life.

I knew it would be difficult, but took it as a challenge and was able to guide Ryne and Sam successfully through the entire process. Helping to negotiate a good price to allow for their renovation plans was just the first step; we then had to carefully time the closing in order to help the sellers avoid foreclosure proceedings and make them the new owners.

Once we were past those hurdles, the real work began. The existing main level had a narrow entry with one of the smallest half-bathrooms

BEFORE

The original moulding felt heavy and dark; repainting the trim to white gave the entire home a dramatic uplift. In the living room, the opening to the previous dining room was closed off, creating a more cozy and cohesive space. The powder room was relocated to allow for a full-size vanity and new window to bring in natural light. Below: Dark navy-blue walls with removable star decals (from Haawooky) create a serene and magical nursery room.

Ryne loves the durability of the Q Premium Natural Quartz countertops that are scratch, heat, and stain resistant. The stainless steel black-finish appliances are from Samsung.

I’ve ever seen. The kitchen was in the center of the home, and at the back the owner had built out a primary bedroom, bath, and closet that unfortunately blocked off all outside views. Walls came down to widen the hall and open up the entire back of the home. Now with more open space, the kitchen of their dreams could be created featuring a huge island for gathering, plentiful cabinet storage, and room for a double oven.

The new floor plan worked perfectly to create flows for daily living and entertaining. Additionally, the entry from the garage was reconfigured to create space for a new amazing mudroom, and access to the basement was moved to allow more wall space for cabinets. Finally, a new (and much better-sized) half-bath was installed at the rear of the home.

Having very generous friends that let them move in during construction, the remodeling project took just over eight months. The result is an incredible transformation that not only fits their lifestyle and love of entertaining family and friends, but also like a diamond, reflects the beauty of patience under pressure. n

Get the Look

Ryne and Sam’s kitchen mixes classic cabinetry with modern industrial finishes to create a fresh and functional family space that's also ready to party.

Kohler Simplice Single-Hole Faucet in Matte Black, $310; faucetdirect.com

+ PRO TIP: Mixing contrasting colors in these custom kitchen cabinets from SawMaster Studio creates the illusion of more space.

Pendant, homedepot.com

Boulder Leather Swivel Counter Stool, $369; westelm.com

Calacatta Blanco Pattern Polished Marble Mosaic Tile, $19 per sq. ft; wayfair.com

Sherwin Williams

Indigo Batik SW 7602

Just in time FOR BABY

Often, buyers come to me because they are either from the Northwest Suburbs or have heard of the strong reputation of our schools, park systems, and community amenities—and they see me as a local expert. For their first home purchase, Jim and Courtney had similar ideas about where they wanted to live and the type of home they wanted to live in, but were coming up short on choices. In the early stages of the pandemic many sellers had taken their homes off the market, while those who had planned to sell in the spring of 2020 held back, creating low inventory. After exhausting our search of Arlington Heights, I knew we’d need to expand the geography.

Even though much of my business is concentrated in that area, I still have great knowledge of neighborhoods beyond and can always call upon my network of trusted local agents to help if a specific evaluation is needed. This made it much easier for Jim and Courtney to compare communities further apart and I was thrilled to help them find the perfect home in Glen Ellyn.

I was even more excited when I found out they were expecting their first baby! The entire family is now taking full advantage of what their new community has to offer, including a golf club, vibrant downtown, and yearround cultural events. Seeing my clients happy is what it’s all about! n

New Service Offering!

My new Lifestyle Videos make it easy for buyers to picture themselves in the lives and neighborhoods they want. The videos will highlight the communities’ distinguishing characteristics, such as neighborhood and park overviews, and showcase portraits of everyday life. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is certainly worth a million—so I’ll continue to create resources that find innovative ways to show buyers all that our communities have to offer. Scan the QR code above with the camera app on your phone to see my first video on Arlington Heights!

Shaunna helps a couple expand their search to find the perfect home to match their expanding family

Left: Jim and Courtney in front of their new home in Glen Ellyn Below: Enjoying the golf club near their new home, now with the extra addition to the family.

Keeping it LOCAL

Shaunna visits with entrepreneur Ellen Para to celebrate the opening of Ottilia, a new kind of apothecary from a truly independent soul

When Ellen Para chose the name Ottilia for her new shop in Arlington Heights it had personal significance: she named it after her Aunt Tillie (Ottilia Mathilda) and liked the meaning behind it. Ottilia in German means “fortunate heroine” and I can’t think of a more fitting name for a shop opened by a local woman as we emerge from the difficulties of the past few years. Ellen is definitely a heroine within our community as she fought against the odds to bring her dream alive, believing that Arlington Heights would support her concept.

Working with her husband and partnering with local architects Kingsley + Ginnodo, they transformed a piece of land and neglected building previously occupied by a fast-food

Opposite, from far left: Ellen Para takes a break on some custom upholstery; shopping for the perfect gift; the main table and displays at Ottilia featuring a collection of home, beauty, and bath products; the exterior renovation of Ottilia from local architects Kingsley + Ginnodo; and me trying my new favorite skin care line Luma & Leaf.

Destination: Arlington Heights

New to town? Here are just a few of my favorite spots for dining out, home shopping, and that welldeserved happy hour

restaurant into a stunning multi-use space housing both his investment services firm and her Ottilia storefront. The redesigned interior provides an open layout as a backdrop for the presentation of carefullycurated, locally-sourced products. The overall effect is both beautiful and calming; a look that I’m seeing as a trend in home design as we look for more simplicity. The unique triangleshaped plot is perfect for hosting events, too: so far Ellen has partnered with a food truck and yoga studio to bring community to the shop.

Ellen’s vision was to create a warm, beautiful space where she could showcase non-toxic skincare and handcrafted home goods to her clients. Ottilia supports a variety of brands and holds a special place for

PHOTOGRAPHY:

(OTTILIA) BY MEG BERGER

independent artists and makers. Ellen wants customers to feel empowered in choosing products that help them feel good—something we could all use more of in our lives!

Ottilia believes in the power of community and connectedness, which resonates with the way I’ve always tried to grow my business. I feel very fortunate to live and work in a community that supports one another in such a positive way. I will continue to do my part to make connections between residents and businesses, and love finding new and exciting ways to benefit and enhance our communities, as well as support our heroes within. n

Ottilia is located at 132 W. Northwest Highway in Arlington Heights. shopottilia.com

1. OUR GO-TO RESTAURANT: Hands down one of my favorite places to eat in town is Francesca’s Tavola. They consistently offer high-quality fresh plates and are always willing to accommodate special requests whether for taste or dietary restrictions. My family’s go-to’s are the risotto special, pork chop, and anything with scallops! Their calamari is pretty fantastic too—make sure to try it grilled!

2. ONE-STOP HOME SHOPPING: It’s hard to go to Brackett & Company without finding something you’ll want to take home. Always on-trend, they have the perfect accents to add to your space— and with so many fun finds, it’s always easy to find the perfect gift.

3. CRAFT COCKTAILS: I love everything about CoCo & Blu including their cocktails— they feature a seasonal special and the drink presentation is amazing! My favorites include the espresso martini or cosmo, and my husband Jeff loves the Supper Club Old Fashioned.

You've got to try it!

The Great OUTDOORS

Shaunna shares tips on creating an outdoor space that’s both high on style and ready to party

All too often the patio and porch are an afterthought when getting a home ready to sell; I’m always reminding my clients that walking up to the front door is the best chance to make that all-important first impression. Underutilized outdoor areas are also a missed opportunity to create an additional lifestyle space, which gives your home a competitive edge in any market. The current buyer has been very influenced by lockdowns and is now looking to utilize any potential space, indoors or out, as a potential living area—making outdoor living rooms very popular and profitable for sellers. Here are some great examples from my clients who went the extra mile to create an oasis all their own, creating the perfect spot to both entertain and escape. n

+ PRO TIP: Creating separate 'zones' on your patio fully utilizes the space and makes it a spot to both relax and entertain.

It's all about layers!

Left: A firepit layered on a circular rug creates the perfect zone for a fireside chat. Top: Dress up your space with weather-resistant art and accessories. I love the simplicity and impact of the metal compass and the zen sculpture.

Above: On my client’s front porch, we layered black chairs, cream and gold accents, and a wood lantern for shots of color, texture, and warmth. The layered welcome mat was a fun touch!

A Well-deserved Thank-you

Shaunna

BEFORE

Above: Me surprising Emily with her Gifts + Gratitude award. Emily really wanted her kitchen to feel brighter and more fresh. Top Right: Emily met with Michele Blasco from Creative Haven to pick out colors, hardware and fixtures. Below: The new kitchen really shines with lighter paint colors and white trim, which makes the space feel much larger; the black metal pendants layer in modern-farmhouse style.

Working as a labor and delivery nurse these past few years, Emily faced potential Covid exposure daily. She knew that there was risk to both herself and her young family, but also that her patients desperately needed her expertise and compassion. That selfless dedication and caring approach were recognized by my past clients Kevin and Casey Spitz when they nominated Emily for the Gifts + Gratitude award, a program I created to honor and reward individuals who go above and beyond in service to our communities.

The pandemic has compelled us all to try and think of a way we can show gratitude to those working on the front lines—and though I’ve long made it part of my mission to give back to our communities, I was inspired to do more. Taking nominations from the public, I received many heartwarming stories about individuals who had gone above and beyond. An independent panel reviewed the nominations and Emily was selected as our first winner. Partnering with both Michele Blasco from Creative Haven and Marc Poulos Painting, we were able to surprise Emily with an HGTV-style kitchen makeover. Michele met with Emily to consult on new lighting, cabinet hardware, and paint color selections; Marc donated all the materials; and I hired his team to expertly paint the space. The result is an amazing transformation, and Emily now has a daily reminder of the gratitude she deserves. n

Do you know someone like Emily who is a hero in our community and deserves to be recognized? I'd love to hear their story. Nominate them for a future Gifts + Gratitude award at shaunna.burhop@bairdwarner.com

rewards a front line health care worker with an HGTV-style kitchen makeover

Guiding Seniors through Change

Shaunna brings a fresh perspective and caring approach to help these two special seniors in need

BEFORE

Karen ARLINGTON HEIGHTS

AFTER

Often simple changes go a long way in helping senior clients get the most value out of their current home, which in turn gives them the freedom to move on to the next chapter more easily. I definitely understand how overwhelming and emotional it can be to make decisions and get through this process—it’s never easy, but a thoughtful and caring approach makes it easier. When it comes to selling their current homes, asking seniors to make significant changes can often add to the stress, so I make it a point to start the process simply by listening. Here are two recent examples of how we were able to help tailor a plan that worked for both families. BEFORE

Before: There was too much furniture in the space and the curtains made the room feel dark and too traditional. After: We switched out the rug to showcase the hardwood floors, repositioned the couches, removed the curtains, and added a mirror, fresh artwork, lamps, and other accessories better scaled for the room.

As her mother’s primary caregiver, Karen had to make a decision after her mom fell. She knew it was time to get professional care and made the decision to move her out of her single-family home. I could sense how emotional it was for her and gave suggestions that would provide value but not make the selling process more difficult. We offered estate sale, cleaning, and labor resources and I was touched when Karen said what a blessing I was to her family.

Art ARLINGTON HEIGHTS

Art came to me for help when he was ready to move into The Lutheran Home, one of the popular retirement communities in the area. The unit he wanted didn’t come for sale often, so he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity but needed confidence that his current home could sell quickly. I had worked with his daughter to sell her home ten years ago and she remembered how I helped them stage and prepare the home, thinking her dad could benefit from that same approach. For Art it was mostly packing up and removing many personal items, and allowing us to bring in some fresh art and accessories we knew would appeal to his young target buyers. I also recommended a handyman to do small repairs. The new buyers were impressed with the result: we sold the house in three days for more than he expected, and Art was able to relax and enjoy his new maintenance-free lifestyle! n

We brought in new art and fresh bedding to brighten the space and help appeal to families with young children.

$50K MORE for Retirement

Unique homes are often the most difficult to sell. A home with an unusual location, per sonal customizations, or over-improvements can extend market times and impact value. Paul and Becky came to me to help sell their beautiful custom home in Des Plaines so that they could make their way to Arizona as part of their retirement plan. The home had been built in 2008 in a very small neighborhood of vacant lots as part of an “infill project” surrounded by much smaller older homes. At their initial meeting I talked about various pricing and marketing strate gies, who the most likely target buyer was, and how I would promote the home to have the best chance at getting maximum value.

The home was constructed with amazing quality and impeccably maintained; but a small yard, unconventional neighborhood, and very small family room for the overall size of home made it more challenging to sell. Despite those challenges, Paul and Becky were excited when I helped get the home under contract with a well-qualified buyer. After navigating the home inspec tion phase, the next critical step for me is usually to meet with the appraiser directly, at the property’s location; this gives me

the opportunity to provide my personal expertise through facts and data about the home—as well as my view on comparable sales—in order to support the contract value.

I make it a point to meet with every appraiser in person for each of my listings, so I got very concerned when I didn’t get a call to schedule an appointment. I reached out and was told a “drive-by” appraisal had been completed. When the report came back $50,000 under value, I went into action. Without a value at contract price the buyers would not get their loan approval and be able to move forward.

I make it a point to meet with every appraiser in person for each of my listings, so I was very concerned when I didn’t get a call to schedule an appointment.

I knew a fair assessment couldn’t be made when the appraiser didn’t even step foot in side. Years of experience, as well as instincts, helped me know how to navigate the next steps: I quickly filed an appeal to refute the value determined by the appraiser. The ap peal process is difficult and can often result in no change to the report, but I was determined to do every thing I could. It took many hours of research and strategic thinking about how to position the rebuttal, but in the end the payoff was big. Based on the information provided, the value was revised and Paul and Becky were able to kick off their retirement with an extra $50,000 in hand. n

Shaunna successfully disputes a low appraisal and ensures her client’s home gets the value it deserves

SHAUNNA BURHOP is one of the top real estate agents in the Chicago Northwest Suburbs, and she has consistently been recognized as one of the Top 10 Real Estate Agents in Illinois as well as with the prestigious Crain’s 2021 Notable Real Estate Broker award. Call Shaunna to request a consultation today at 847.275.0277.*

Shaunna is

STAGING + SELLING SEARCHING + INVESTING

Every home has a story, a unique narrative that has the ability to captivate the imagination and enable potential buyers to imagine themselves living their best lives in your home. Whether your goal is to capture a high value quick sale, or coordinate with a new home purchase, creating and marketing that story is critical.

Key benefits include:

• Personalized, honest advice and options tailored to your unique home and goals

• Comprehensive pricing assessment of your home’s value in the current market plus tips and customized recommendations for improvements that can maximize your bottom line

• Professional staging, pre-listing preparation, and stand out photography to present your home in its best light

• Persistent communications to a network of potential buyers and top producing agents, promoting your listing

• Sophisticated online marketing and social media campaigns, utilizing high-quality imagery and storytelling

• Personal attention to get you through inspection, appraisal, and other contract contingencies

Whether a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or transitioning seller moving to a larger or smaller home, I’ll listen and collaborate with you to define your goals and develop your overall search strategy. You’ll benefit from my experience, strong market knowledge, negotiation skills, attention to detail, and community network.

Key benefits include:

• A Home Buyer Direct Access Program providing access to off-market listings. I can often make arrangements for a private tour before a home hits the market

• Creativity and professionalism that has enabled buyers to successfully purchase their home even in competitive multiple offer situations or under condition of selling their existing home first

• Honest advice and personal attention to get you through inspection, appraisal, and other contract contingencies

• Analytical insights regarding home values, area market trends, and community comparisons to assist buyers with decision making

• Access to my network of trusted service providers such as attorneys, inspectors, and lenders

“Shaunna’s guidance weathered all things thrown our way, including a mistake on the appraisal that had our price off $50k. Shaunna handled it like a pro, reassured us it would be OK and filed a rebuttal. If you need a realtor who will work for you and knows the ins and outs of selling your home, Shaunna Burhop is an excellent choice.”

— Becky, Des Plaines

*Virtual appointments always available!

your Key to Sold

RENOVATIONS + DESIGN RELOCATION + RETIREMENT

With aging inventory throughout our marketplace and tough competition for value properties, identifying homes that have the potential for modernization takes a critical eye. Being able to assess both the financial implications and the design possibilities, I’m able to provide clients valuable information and a network of vetted pros they can rely on.

Key benefits include:

• Financial analysis and historical data review to assist with decisions about post-renovation value

• Extensive knowledge of renovated inventory to offer initial design modernization ideas that fit with today’s lifestyle

• Hands-on approach to getting you through inspection, appraisal, and other contract contingencies

• Recommendations of trusted contractors and design professionals

Relocation or retirement plans provide an extra level of logistics whether moving across town or across the country. Relocating can have the added stress of changing jobs or settling the family into a new routine, while retiring often involves downsizing to smaller spaces. My insights and experience can help make the process easier.

Key benefits include:

• Targeting areas to relocate or retire via my network of trusted experts who can provide local market knowledge and advice

• Communications with out-of-area agents to coordinate the home sale and purchase

• Access to moving companies and other service providers who specialize in out of state moves

• Certifications that enable me to work with all of the top thirdparty relocation companies (if you have an employer-sponsored relocation package)

SENIOR LIVING + ESTATES

Whether choosing to move to a senior community or helping sell the estate of a loved one, the process can be fraught with complexity, emotion, and stressful decision-making. Having a trusted advisor who can guide you through can make all the difference. I’ll provide options and recommendations based on each person’s goals and capabilities.

Key benefits include:

• Connecting you with trusted professional service providers such as estate sale companies, legal counsel, movers, and tradespeople

• Compassionate and sensitive handling of sellers who may not have moved in a very long time

• Resources for senior move management including a design consultant who can help with space planning into smaller homes

Open House is a promotional magazine edited and published by Shaunna Burhop, designed by Adam Moroschan (adammoroschan.com), and printed by Printivity.com. All content is ©2021 Shaunna Burhop, all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Follow Shaunna on Instagram and Facebook at ShaunnaBurhopRealEstate for market trends, design ideas, homeowner tips, and valuable real estate insights. You can also call or text to set up an appointment at 847.275.0277 or E-mail shaunna.burhop@bairdwarner.com. ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS COVER: Something Blue Photography/ somethingbluephoto.com; PG 02–03: (headshot, kitchen) Something Blue Photography/somethingbluephoto.com; (Ellen and Shaunna) Meg Berger; (baby rattle) doodlart/hubavasi/Depositphotos.com PG 13: EpicStockMedia/Depositphotos.com PG 14: (headshot) Something Blue Photography/somethingbluephoto.com; BACK COVER: 4pmphoto@gmail.com/Depositphotos.com.

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