Chicagoland Leads Nation in Home Price Growth

According to Case-Schiller Home Price Indices, Chicagoland home prices rose 1.8 percent from April to May 2016, which was double the national average. Compared to last year, the gains for Chicago Metro area index rose 3.7 percent. Home prices continue to appreciate across the country and sales of existing homes reached the highest monthly level since 2007, and there is considerable momentum for new construction homes.

Employment Near 40 Year Low

The Labor Department reported that the number of jobless claims in June 2016 were at the second lowest level since 1973. In another sign of a stronger job market, payrolls climbed in June by 287,000, the highest monthly gain since October 2015. The four-week average of people receiving jobless benefits also declined to the lowest level since 2000. The rebound in employment in June could encourage the raise of interest rates before the end of the year. 

Invite Summer’s Hottest Trends into Your Home 

Looking to incorporate the summer’s most popular prints into your home? HGTV.com has simple fun ways to work in lemons, anchors, pineapples, tropical leaves and other trends into your décor for a festive summer vibe. To read all of the suggestions, please click here. 

Landscaping on a Budget 

If you want to add some greenery in the great outdoors of your home but don’t want to break the budget, DIY.com offers five useful landscaping tips! The suggestions include buying seeds instead of potted plants and getting creative with materials in your home to create a container garden. To read the entire list, please click here.