Steph Sells Chicago

Things to do in Chicago in September - most are FREE!

Buying property with a friend or relative?

As a homeowner, your list of at-home to-do projects is *never* finished.

Recently I was reading about a technique that might just help you power through that neverending list of things to buy at Home Depot, contractors to call and minor repairs to make.

It's called "temptation bundling." According to James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, temptation bundling works by linking an action you want to do with an action you need do.

You make a list with two columns and in one, write down the pleasures you enjoy and the temptations that frequently distract you from your to-do list. In column two, write down the tasks you should be doing, but often procrastinate on.

Then, browse your list and see if you can link one of your instantly gratifying “want” behaviors with something you “should” be doing.

Swipe to see a sample list to help get you started. And then tell me, what is something you're ALWAYS procrastinating on doing!?

My toxic trait is that as soon as I finish one home improvement project, I want to start the next one.

Anyone else!?

What I've learned over the years both as a homeowner and real estate agent is that while home improvements can add to the value of your home, they're not all created equal.

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, U.S. homeowners spend $400 billion annually on home improvements and repairs. And while some home improvements have the potential to add thousands to your sale price, others leave you less likely to recoup what you spent.

My advice? Don't make edits to your home *just* for ROI sake. Your buyers might not have the same taste as you do, so they might not see as much value in the big walk-in shower where the claw foot tub used to be, or in the statement backsplash you chose for the kitchen. Pick the projects that will bring you the most joy while you're living in the home, but do it strategically.

Oh, and if you're still looking for a home project, go ahead swipe for some inspiration!