The single-family homes that give the "bungalow belt" its name View Full Caption Northwest Side Housing Center

PORTAGE PARK — With the spring real estate market in full bloom, leaders of the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association said they have been besieged with questions about buying one of the iconic Chicago homes.

To help, the group — dedicated to preserving the brick homes the which are typically 1½ stories tall, trimmed in stone and feature low-pitched roofs with overhangs — will hold a three-part seminar series designed to help Chicagoans buy or sell Chicago's "signature family home," leaders said.

While young couples and families are interested in buying a Chicago bungalow, some older members of the association are looking to sell their homes in order to downsize, group leaders said.

Realtor Ellen Baren will lead the seminars, which will take place at Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.

The schedule for the seminar series is:

• Adding Value Through Curb Appeal : How the public views your property will draw people in or keep people away, Baren said. She will discuss color and shape as well as historical and modern plantings at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

• Modern Closets 101 : Baren will discuss what to do — and what not to do — to update and create closets and additional storage in a classic bungalow at 6:30 p.m. May 2.

• Adding Value Through Home Sale Interior Prep : Baren will discuss how to stage a home for a photo shoot and how to market a property at 6:30 p.m. June 6.

Admission to the seminars is free, but online reservations are required.

For more information, call Gillian Wiescher at 312-675-0300, ext. 17; email gwiescher@chicagobungalow.org or go to chicagobungalow.org.

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