Over the past couple of years, our homes have become so much more to us than just home. As our lives have changed, our spaces have changed right along with them, becoming the places we work, learn, exercise, and, yes, still relax and unwind. And this trend — of using our homes to their full potential — is likely to continue, even as our lives begin to return to a pre-pandemic normal. As a result, convertible furniture pieces that can serve multiple purposes, multifunctional spaces that can accommodate and hide workout gear, guest beds, desks, and other functional items are becoming more popular. Especially in smaller spaces, creative room dividers and convertible furniture can ensure you're getting the most out of every inch of your home. 

Baird & Warner Plainfield is an office that is as dynamic as the down-to-earth community it serves. Just far enough from Chicago to slow down the pace, but with a vibrant and growing population that supports an up-and-coming business community, Plainfield is a great place to live. 

The team at Baird & Warner Plainfield loves its scenic and family-friendly location.

As younger buyers navigate a competitive housing market, many are coming up with creative solutions to pursue their dreams of home ownership. One such trend, which has recently received national media attention, is the practice of co-buying or co-owning a home with friends. For millennials in particular, a group that is marrying and having children later, if at all, purchasing a home with roommates or friends can be an attractive option that allows them to make a financial investment in a market where demand exceeds supply.

But buying a home with friends isn't the same as signing a lease with roommates, and comes with some pretty big interpersonal and financial consequences. If you're thinking about co-buying a home, learn about what you should know before you begin.

In a world of rising energy costs, the idea of purchasing a home with a solar power system already installed can seem very attractive. Solar energy is more environmentally friendly and can be less expensive than conventional power sources. Frequently, owners of solar panels can take advantage of tax incentives and other available credits, and in some cases, are even able to sell excess power back to the grid.

However, buying a home with solar panels isn't always everything it's cracked up to be. Before finalizing a sale on a solar home, there are some questions you'll want to ask to ensure that the home's solar energy system is a good investment. Understand more about what you need to know if you're buying a home with solar panels.