Oak Park area Realtors host home improvement fair

The Oak Park Area Association of Realtors (OPRAAR) has long been involved in supporting and educating residents and real estate professionals in the Oak Park area on all things real estate. This fall, the professional group is supporting locals beyond the closing table. On Oct. 18, they are hosting a Home Improvement Fair at the Main Library. 

Board Member Kim Sagan of REMAX Elevated in Oak Park saw that many of her real estate clients were looking for referrals for professionals who could help out with renovation needs after a home purchase or before listing a home for sale

Sagan says, “We know that home improvement can feel overwhelming, especially with an older home. We wanted to create an easy way for homeowners to connect with trade professionals who are active in the community.”

Newly installed OPAAR Board President Linda Rooney of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices says that Oak Park and its surrounding communities are unique in that much of their housing stock is older. Choosing the tradespeople to do important jobs on a house is not as easy as searching online.

Rooney says, “This is a big part of my job. People asking for references.” 

“It is current clients, past clients, friends and neighbors,” Sagan says, stating that many people turn to local real estate agents for trusted referrals.

The two-hour Home Improvement Fair will be an open house setting with roughly a dozen trade representatives on hand ready to talk shop. A general contractor, residential architect, interior designer, landscape designer, plumber, painter, and hardwood floor specialist are just a few of the professionals who will be in attendance.

In building their roster of tradespeople for the event, Rooney and Sagan turned to other OPAAR board members and trusted colleagues in the real estate community. Rooney says, “People all have someone they’re super connected with. This is a good mix of group recommendations.”

Sagan says the event is meant to aid homeowners who might be anticipating a large project or just someone who needs a small job taken off their to-do list. “You can come thinking about a major project, like an addition or a coach house, or a small project, like you need a new ceiling fan installed.”

While the event is geared to local homeowners, Rooney and Sagan point out that it’s also a great event for local Realtors. It’s not uncommon for issues to come up during the inspection leading up to a home sale. Having a local roster of professionals is something they say every Realtor needs.

Rooney says, “The people participating are all local contractors who are already working in the area and who understand our older homes. It’s really good to have these people on your bench.”