Last Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in over a decade, as concerns about a slowing economy continued to rise. While it is important to understand how this historic change affects our nation, most people will only have one question on their minds: “What effect does this cut have on my personal financial future?”

2016 is coming to an end, and unfortunately, for many it can’t come soon enough. Social media has been flooded with the voices of angst-ridden Americans, shouting to anyone who’ll listen that this has been the WORST YEAR EVER. And it’s easy to see their point; this past year likely will be remembered for for its negatives more than its positives.

We solemnly said goodbye to some of the greatest artists and activists of our time — individuals whose gifts and social efforts inspired generations. We saw a sharp rise in violence both at home and abroad, causing many to wonder if respect for human life is a thing of the past. And a bitter and negative presidential election cleaved our nation in two, leaving many to feel that 2017 could be even darker.

As we approach the end of 2016, and people gather together to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, it is more important than ever that we focus on all the good that took place this year, and show our gratitude to those who’ve touched our lives, and bettered our hearts.

When was the last time you gave thought to the concept of the American Dream?

For generations, the idea was built around one simple concept: opportunity. Every man and woman born in this country — or who managed to find their way to it — was given a promise. Work hard, never quit, and you can secure wealth and build a life of your own, regardless of your station. Owning land and/or property represented freedom at its most pure, and the pursuit of happiness would often end at a white picket fence, surrounding the perfect home in the middle of a quaint, suburban paradise.

We all hoped, with absolute sincerity, to someday be kings and queens of our own little castle.

d’aprile properties is proud to announce the opening of their newest Illinois office locations at 5101 Washington St. in Gurnee, and at 1850 E. Grand Ave. in Lindenhurst.

Ok, we’re gonna be honest with you right off the bat. Compiling a list of ‘Chicago’s Best Bar Patios’ for the upcoming sunny season isn’t exactly an original concept. In fact, if you open up the Google and type those four little words in, you will be treated to no less than, oh, 67,100,000 results. In 0.82 seconds. Hey, Chicago residents are thirsty folk in warm weather.

“How is the market looking these days?”

As real estate professionals, we’re asked this question daily. We hear it from clients, we hear it from friends. We hear it from strangers at parties, and from family at the holiday dinner table. As industry experts, it is an important question for us to approach, but not an easy one to definitively answer.

Two weeks ago, we’re betting that 8 out of 10 people in the U.S. had no idea what the term ‘Brexit’ meant. It sounded like one of those pills advertised on daytime television that lowers your cholesterol, while simultaneously causing 18 horrible-sounding side effects. But as of this past weekend, it’s caused a global frenzy, and become the hot topic for almost every online media outlet.