The home buying process can be exciting and fun, but also complicated, stressful, and overwhelming. Maximize your chance of success and minimize the amount of time spent trying to keep track of all the details by working with a buyer’s agent. There is a plethora of benefits to using a buyer’s agent, and here are the top four!

They can find the right properties for you. When starting your search, generally you will already have a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new home. Your buyer’s agent will have access to extensive search resources and all the new listings hitting the market, so they can ensure you are looking at homes that meet most, if not all, of your criteria.

They know the background. Experienced buyer’s agents have a breadth of knowledge on different neighborhoods in the area. They can let you know what similar homes in the area have recently sold for, if there are any new commercial projects on the horizon, what the nearby schools have to offer, and more.

They are in your corner during negotiations. A buyer’s agent is your advocate when it comes time to put in an offer and negotiate. They have your best interest in mind, understand what you are looking for, and can help you get the best price and terms for the home.

They provide trusted recommendations. Buyer’s agents that have been in the business for several years have likely built strong relationships with professionals in other parts of the industry. Turn to your agent when you are ready to find a home inspector, moving company, lender, and more.

It’s been quite a while since we could provide you with neighborhood news due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago has done a great job of following social distancing guidelines. Still, most events are either canceled or postponed for the foreseeable future to ensure everyone’s safety. Of course, that doesn’t mean Chicago has closed its doors to learning and entertainment. As you probably know, many events have moved from physical to virtual. Let’s take a look at some cool happenings going on remotely that you can check out while staying safe.

Fans of the macabre and architecture can kill two birds with one stone at the Architecture of Mysterious Chicago Virtual Tour taking place July 12 from 10 am to 11:30 am. Author Adam Selzer will guide you virtually through the dark history of many of Chicago’s iconic structures with an in-depth focus that is second to none when it comes to entertainment and research. The streaming event is free with suggested donations and takes place live on the Mysterious Chicago Facebook page. Find out more here. 

If you require a bit more mystery, stick around on the 12th for a Virtual History Tour of Lincoln Park starting at 5 pm. For $15, participants will join author Adam Selzer from Mysterious Chicago Tours for an exciting virtual tour of the many secrets and history of the area surrounding the Lincoln Park Zoo. Find out more here. 

The Flossmoor Public Library and award-winning author David Clark will present Digging Deep: Foundations of Chicago Architecture on July 15 from 7 pm – 8 pm via Zoom. This virtual session will cover the roots of many of the city’s amazing buildings and how the” Chicago School” of builders figured out innovative measures to create them. Architecture buffs will enjoy the many stories that describe the developers and their works highlighting Chicago’s skyline. Find out more here.

Laughter often is the best medicine, and during times like these, we can use all the humor we can get. Instead of relying on Netflix to tickle your funny bone, why not try your hand at creating your material? Check out Multilog! – Live Joke Writing Workshop presented by The Scene Shop on July 15 from 2 pm – 3 pm. Whether you’re an aspiring stand up or behind closed doors comedian, pitch your jokes and pick up some tips at this fun and free event. Find out more here. 

Beer aficionados rejoice! On July 25, from 9 pm to 11 pm, take part in Chicago’s first virtual beer fest. The Chicago Beer Fest will be a steaming event this year. Tickets are $30 and provide you with a case of ten special beers supplied by local and regional breweries, which can be picked up at select locations. Then enjoy the tastings in the comfort of your home while sharing the experience with others, including the actual brew masters, via streaming on the 25th. Interactive games and band performances round out the entertainment. Find out more here. 

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

We are all into getting rid of clutter these days. There is even a fancy name for it, minimalizing. The kitchen, unfortunately, is one place where we seem to have great difficulty paring down. It is great to keep an old Dutch oven from your grandma but not so good to hang onto those old non-stick scratched up frying pans. These can be bad for you, BTW. 

What do we really need to keep? Any home chef needs these basics. 

• Start with a good set of knives. 
• Three pots of varying sizes from stockpot to a 2-quart saucepan. 
• Two frying pans, 9-inch non-stick omelet, and 12-inch. 
• Make sure you enough plates and silverware to serve eight people. 
• Baking? 13X9 and 8X8 baking pans will get you through most anything. 

Goodwill and Salvation Army can use any gently used appliances and other kitchen tools. Any young relative moving into their first apartment can use these items too. Give away your duplicates, after all, how many measuring spoons and cups do you need? Two sets will do, one dry and one liquid.

When is the last time you used that pasta machine and waffle maker? Goodbye! Currently, I know I have at least three or four travel mugs I never use. The same goes for too many souvenir cups. How about specialty baking pans, cake pops anyone? You get the idea. It is like your closet. If you have not used a kitchen item, no matter what it is, in a year, it must go. 

Unfortunately, we also keep many things that are simply past their usefulness. Ratty oven mitts that burn your hands and threadbare and stained kitchen towels need to be tossed. Those all-metal tongs are a burn waiting to happen. Get rid of all those scarred plastic containers. I use disposable ones now. Toss them or wash and reuse; it does not matter! Stained and chipped coffee mugs? Gone! Look through your spice cabinet. Anything older than 6 months is past its prime and not at top flavor. You will be surprised at how good fresh spices taste. 

Go through your pantries and cabinets, all the way back and to the highest shelf. Be merciless, donate what you can, and toss the rest. You will love the minimalist life!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

One of the best times to be in Chicago is the Fourth of July when we celebrate America’s birthday! However, don’t expect any large gatherings this year. Still, the city is adjusting its Fourth of July Celebrations with safe and fun activities for this weekend. Here are a few other ideas as well!

What better way to keep the little ones occupied than with Patriotic Crafts. Afterward, deck out your home in red, white, and blue for the holiday. You may even want to get crafty with the kids yourself while celebrating American freedom inspired by these crafts!

If you’re planning on staying at home to celebrate or couldn’t secure a table for in-house dining now available, why not support our local restaurants by purchasing one of their July 4th Takeout Options. Some kits include BBQ meals, ready-to-grill meats, and more!

Turn your backyard barbecue or indoor gathering with family into a star-studded occasion with some easy and delicious Fourth of July Red, White, and Blue Desserts. And, with the arrival of hot summer temps, there are even a few no-bake dessert options, so you’re not baking yourself over the oven. Have a few family members bake something as well and turn it into a bake-off contest! After all, you can’t celebrate America’s birthday without some red, white, and blue desserts!!

A Fourth of July tradition here in Chicago is the Grant Park Music Festival’s Independence Day Salute featuring the Grant Park Orchestra and conductor Christopher Bell. Since they can’t perform live this year, they will be broadcasting a virtual evening of all-American favorites such as the 1812 Overture, America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, and more classics from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Just tune in on YouTube at 6:00 p.m. on July 4th!

Since our Fourth of July fireworks at Navy Pier have been canceled, why not end your holiday evening with a Backyard Movie Night. Just set-up a screen TV with some cozy seating and pick-out an All-American movie! And don’t forget the popcorn!!

Finally, while it’s best to leave the fireworks to the professionals, which isn’t happening this year, here are a few Fireworks Safety Tips for the consumer fireworks so we can all be safe and injury-free while celebrating the Fourth of July with a bang!

Reminder for those who will be out and about: All individuals must wear masks/face coverings over nose and mouth (exceptions can be made for people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a face covering). Physical distancing is encouraged. Check with tour or attraction for additional health and safety guidelines.

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July, Everyone! I Know I Will!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

It’s been months since we were able to write a restaurant review. Thanks to Chicagoans doing a great job of social distancing, the city has been able to reopen restaurants, and many other attractions that remind us of what normal was like before COVID-19. So it is with great pleasure that I made my way to a local eatery in my neighborhood last weekend and once again enjoyed a great meal in the presence of friends.

Gulliver’s Pizza & Pub, located at 2727 West Howard Street in Rogers Park, has been a long-standing establishment in the neighborhood. Known for their delicious pan pizza, Gulliver’s has been in operation since 1965, making it practically a North Side landmark. It had been months since I dined on their pizza, and I was eager to return to a spot that has long offered great food and a one of a kind atmosphere.

With both indoor and outdoor dining now available, my friends and I decided to enjoy the weather and eat outdoors in Gulliver’s spacious and relaxing outdoor patio. Seating followed social distancing protocols, and we didn’t have to wait long to get a table.

Whether you’re a first-timer or seasons regular to Gulliver’s, you simply can’t go wrong their award-winning pan pizza baked to perfection in a brick oven. We ordered a pepperoni and sausage pan pizza and an appetizer platter featuring chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and potato skins. Needless to say, after months relegated to being stuck indoors, calories and carbs were not a concern.

The appetizer platter offered high-quality finger food with the mozzarella sticks clearly being the highlight on the plate. We debated ordering another round of the gooey sticks before realizing that the real treat, Gulliver’s legendary pan pizza, was on the way. 

Our server brought the mouth-watering pie to our table and served each of us are perfect slice that oozed with gooey goodness thanks to the two layers of cheese baked in this pizza powerhouse. Each slice felt like a meal in itself. When I thought I could not handle anymore, my taste buds strongly disagreed and took control of my limbs as I reached for another piece. I offered no resistance.

With full and happy stomachs, my friends and I enjoyed some cold beers while the sun basked down on us. For a long moment, it seemed like the pandemic actually left the headlines of our minds, and we laughed as if it was just another summer day. It was a delight to be back outside, sharing stories and smiles along with some of the best pan pizza around. 

The service was excellent, and the environment was picture perfect. I highly recommend Gulliver’s patio, but one should definitely make it a point to dine in as well. The legendary collection of antiques, statues, and lamps that adorn the dining room make this spot a perfect setting for a date night or any family outing.

If you find yourself on the North Side, be sure to grab a bite at Gulliver’s. Heck, even if you’re nowhere around Rogers Park and crave delicious pizza, put Gulliver’s in your GPS and make your way there. It’s worth the travel.

Gulliver’s Pizza & Pub is open Monday thru Thursday from 11 am to 10pm, Saturday from 11am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11am to 9 pm.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO