Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

Discover the latest trends and insights in the real estate industry and our local community with our expert blog. From buying and selling tips to market analysis, our team at The BN Homes Group at eXp Realty, LLC shares their knowledge to help you make informed decisions. Stay ahead of the game and explore our blog today.

May 6, 2023

Bloom Bawarchi V2.0: An Experience Beyond Just Food

 

Bloom Bawarchi V2.0: Our Favorite Dining Experience Beyond Just Food

Bloom Bawarchi V2.0, Bloomington IL Indian food at it's finest

 

Discover the Unique Dining Experience at Bloom Bawarchi V2.0

Bloom Bawarchi is a unique restaurant that offers an experience beyond just food. From the club-like atmosphere to the impressive cocktail menu, there are plenty of reasons why Bloom Bawarchi has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. In this beginner's guide, we'll explore the different aspects that make Bloom Bawarchi a must-visit destination in Bloomington, IL. Plus, it just happens to be one of our team leader Bryan Dillow's favorite restaurants in Bloomington/Normal, IL. When asked about Bloom, Bryan said, "The food, service and atmosphere are excellent! Not only is it my favorite Indian food in Bloomington/Normal, it is also one of my top 3 restaurants!!"

The Atmosphere - A Lively and Fun Environment

Bloom Bawarchi is not your typical Indian restaurant. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to a lively and fun environment. The club-like atmosphere is enhanced by the numerous TVs throughout the space that play Bollywood music videos. It's an experience that adds to the overall dining experience, making it a fun and lively destination for a night out.

 

The Menu - A Wide Range of Traditional Indian Dishes

One of the standout features of Bloom Bawarchi is their extensive menu that offers a wide range of traditional Indian dishes. From classic favorites like Butter Chicken to lesser-known dishes like Desi Spicy Lamb Chops and Boneless Afghani Chicken Kabobs, there's something for everyone. They also offer a range of vegetarian options that are just as delicious as their meat dishes.

Bloom Bawarchi Bloomington/Normal IL Indian Food

 

Customizable Spiciness Levels - A Personalized Dining Experience

At Bloom Bawarchi, you can customize your meal to your desired level of heat and flavor. They offer eight different spiciness levels, ranging from American Mild to Desi Extra Spicy. This personalization allows guests to tailor their meal to their preferences, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

 

The Cocktail Menu - An Impressive Selection of Drinks

The cocktail menu at Bloom Bawarchi is just as impressive as their food menu. From smoke-infused bourbon drinks to refreshing and fruity favorites, there's something for every taste. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cocktail or something more unique, their menu has plenty of options to choose from.

 

The Service - A Dedication to Excellent Hospitality

What sets Bloom Bawarchi apart is their dedication to excellent service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making sure that each guest feels welcome and comfortable during their visit. They are also accommodating to any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have, ensuring that every guest can find something they can enjoy. The attention to detail in their service is impressive, creating a warm and inviting family-friendly atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.

 

Family-Friendly Environment - Perfect for a Night Out with the Whole Family

Bloom Bawarchi is a family-friendly restaurant, offering a children's menu with plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters. The warm and inviting atmosphere is a comfortable space for families to enjoy a meal together. It's a perfect destination for a night out with the whole family.

Bloom Bawarchi

Conclusion

Overall, Bloom Bawarchi V2.0 is a unique dining destination that offers an experience beyond just food. From the lively atmosphere to the extensive menu and impressive cocktail selection, there's something for everyone at Bloom Bawarchi. Whether you're in the mood for a fun night out with friends or a family dinner, Bloom Bawarchi has it all.



May 1, 2023

Top 5 Must-Try Restaurants for Foodies in Bloomington, IL

Top 5 Restaurants in Bloomington, IL - Ancho & Agave, Lucca Grill, Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano, Reality Bites, Anju Above

Bloomington, IL is known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and thriving food scene. If you're looking for the best places to eat in Bloomington, IL, look no further than these top 5 restaurants. Remember, these are just some of our favorite restaurants in Bloomington! We will continue to post articles like this in the future. Let us know if you agree or if you have other places to add to the list!

Lucca Grill

Lucca Grill is a classic Italian-American restaurant located at 116 E. Market St. in Bloomington, IL. Established in 1936, this restaurant has been a staple of the Bloomington community for generations. Lucca Grill's menu features a variety of dishes, including perhaps the best pizza in Bloomington/Normal (try the A La Baldini), pasta, and sandwiches. Some of the standout dishes at Lucca Grill include the Pizza with a cracker thin crispy crust you can’t go wrong, the Chicken Parmesan, and the Meatball Sandwich. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, Lucca Grill is the perfect spot for a family dinner or a night out with friends. https://luccagrill.com/

Ancho & Agave

Ancho & Agave is a Mexican restaurant located at 207 S. Prospect Road in Bloomington, IL. This restaurant is known for its flavorful and authentic Mexican cuisine, as well as its extensive selection of tequila and mezcal. Some of the standout dishes at Ancho & Agave include the Tacos (order the taco board and see what happens), the Dos Chiladas Enchiladas, and the Chicken Asada Burrito. Don’t forget to try one of their signature margaritas…The Mandarin is my personal favorite. With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, Ancho & Agave is the perfect spot for a casual night out or a festive celebration. https://www.anchoandagave.com

Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano is located at 1501 N. Veterans Pkwy in Bloomington, IL. This restaurant is known for its delicious Italian cuisine and elegant atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Biaggi's menu features a wide range of dishes, including pasta, seafood, pizza, and salads. Some of the standout dishes at Biaggi's include the Shrimp and Lobster Ravioli, Bruschetta, and Rigatoni Bolognese. http://www.biaggis.com
Biaggi's Chicken Parm - Bloomington IL

Reality Bites

Reality Bites is a restaurant located at 414 N. Main St. in Bloomington, IL that serves up delicious American cuisine with a twist. The menu features a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and entrees. Some of the standout dishes at Reality Bites include Kale Crunch Salad, Stuffed Mushrooms Topped with Bacon, Half Roasted Duck, and The Funks Grove Burger. With its craft cocktails and extensive wine list, Reality Bites is the perfect spot for a night out. https://realitybitesblm.com/
Reality Bites Bloomington IL

Anju Above

Anju Above is a Korean-American fusion restaurant located at 220 E. Front St. in Bloomington, IL. This restaurant has a chic and modern atmosphere that's perfect for a date night. The menu at Anju Above features a variety of dishes, including Homemade Steam Buns (Vegetarian or Pork), Pork Belly Ramen, Sushi, and the Salmon Nigiri. Don't forget to try their signature cocktails, which are as unique and flavorful as the food. You can also order off the Epiphany Farms menu as well. We will have another article about them in the future! http://epiphanyfarms.com/anjuabove
Anju Above Bloomington IL Sushi

In conclusion, Bloomington, IL has a diverse and vibrant food scene, with something to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for Mexican, Italian-American, classic American, Korean-American fusion, or Mediterranean cuisine, these five restaurants are a must-visit. Be sure to add them to your foodie bucket list and enjoy a culinary journey in Bloomington, IL.

#BloomingtonIL #BloomingtonFoodie #TopRestaurants #AnchoAndAgave #LuccaGrill #Biaggis #RealityBites #AnjuAbove #FoodieBucketList #CulinaryJourney #BloNo #BNHomes #BloomingtonNormal #Yum #BNRealty #YourLocalRealtor #BloNoFood

April 21, 2023

Home Renovations Before Selling: How to Get Top Dollar for Your Home

Have you ever watched a home improvement TV show where someone renovates their house to sell it for more? Don't fall into the trap of thinking that an extensive remodel is the way to go when you decide to list your home for sale. Let The BN Homes Group at eXp Realty share our experiences with home renovations prior to listing homes for sale.

Small Renovations That Pay Off

Replacing carpet, repainting the walls and trim, and fixing anything that is apparently broken upon a showing are essential to receive a competitive offer from a buyer. Other examples of small renovations that pay off include replacing outdated hardware on cabinets, cleaning up the landscaping at the front of the house, replacing older light fixtures or faucets, fixing loose shingles on your roof, fixing any leaking pipes or faucets, etc.

Bigger Renovations That Depend on Your Market

Take a look at your homes' competition. If your home is the only one without certain features, you may find that you will get a good return on your investment by doing a little remodeling. However, if all the homes in your area have those features, you probably don't need to splurge on doing these huge projects.

Consult with The BN Homes Group at eXp Realty

Working with one of our agents is a great starting point in deciding what needs to be done to your home before listing it for sale. We will take the time to answer any and all questions that you may have on how to sell your home for the most possible money. We will also help you find comparable homes to yours and show you what they may be offering or lacking when looking at your home side by side. Contact us today if you have any questions about selling your home!

 

Posted in Renovations, Selling
Sept. 14, 2022

Should I Rent or Should I Buy?

It’s the age old question every potential homeowner wrestles with: should I rent or should I buy? Both renting and owning have their advantages and their drawbacks. While there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, there are some key factors that anyone asking this question should consider.

 

How long are you likely to stay in your new home?

 

The financial advantages to buying a home get better the longer you stay in the home. This is how home equity works … When you first buy your home, the mortgage lender likely “owns” more of it than you do (due to the amount of borrowed money versus money you put down). Over time, your mortgage payment reduces the mortgage lender’s interest (or equity stake in the home) and conversely raises your equity.

Therefore, when you go to sell the home more of the money goes to your pocket and less goes toward any remaining mortgage. This gives you more purchase power for your next home. Heck, who doesn’t want to get a nice check when they sell their home?

 

In considering how long you will stay, be sure to consider the following factors: your current employment, career path, local economy, and your personal situation (married or unmarried). It’s important to be realistic with yourself if any of these are likely to change in the next couple of years.

 

Would you be content if you needed to stay longer?

 

Most first time homebuyers purchase what is commonly thought of as a “starter home.” This might be a smaller house (1 or 2 bedrooms), a condominium or a duplex.  Any of these options can make a great first home. Many people live happily in their first home for years.

 

BUT will YOU be like most people? If you’re looking at your potential first home and saying to yourself, “it’ll be OK for a few years,” you may want to pause. Such a sentiment could be a red flag that if circumstances changed and you needed to stay in your first home longer, you might be very disappointed. Maybe that first home isn’t really the one you want. Maybe you need to keep shopping. Maybe you need to continue to rent and wait until you can afford the one you’d be really be happy in.

 

Do you have savings for a down payment?

 

The old adage here is still good math — coming with a down payment at least equivalent to 20% of the purchase price puts the buyer in the best situation. It is possible to purchase and put down a smaller down payment. There are programs out there for first time homeowners, military veterans, and others that can help you still buy with a smaller down payment.

 

But be cautious. There were two fatal mistakes that too many homeowners made prior to the 2008 housing crisis: overextending themselves into monthly payments they could not afford and not bringing enough (or any) down payment to the purchase. It’s always a good idea to speak with a qualified lender prior to doing any serious home shopping.

 

Do you have money put aside for routine home repairs?

 

If you’ve been a tenant for some time, you may have gotten comfortable with someone else flipping the bill for minor and major home repairs. Water heater goes out? Not your problem. Pipes freeze and burst? You make the call and the landlord pays the bill. The list goes on.

 

Well once you become a homeowner, the landlord (and his wallet) goes away. Now when those repairs are needed, and they will be needed, all that cost falls on you. And don’t for a minute think home insurance is the answer. Your homeowners insurance is for catastrophic losses not caused by “wear and tear.” And all policies come with a deductible which means you’ll be paying the first few dollars anyway.

 

How do the monthly costs compare?

 

It’s a common knowledge that the vast majority of people do NOT like to create or live by a budget. Even if you’re like the majority of people, doing the budget exercise is critical before you purchase a new home. There are plenty of budget worksheets available for free on the Internet. It’s worth your time and effort to itemize all your current monthly expenses. Then compare those expenses with the proposed/potential expenses of owning a home.

Buying a home doesn’t necessarily need to be the less expensive option. In fact, in many cases it will not. But you should be aware of the cost difference and be able to manage your new budget. Nothing dampens the excitement of a new home like the fear that you won’t be able to afford it.

 

Conclusion

 

The dream of owning that home is so much sweeter when you act with the confidence of knowing it’s the right decision for you. Taking some time to consider these key questions, as well as weighing the pros and cons, will go a long way in making your buying experience a positive one. When you are ready to start the process of buying a home, I want to be the trusted advisor you can count on.

Posted in Buying
July 31, 2017

Curious About Local Real Estate?

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Posted in Market Updates