In the world of home-ownership, curb appeal is king. And even if you're not selling, let's face it - you'd love your lawn to be the envy of the neighborhood, wouldn't you? Here's a few tips on how to keep your lawn looking luscious while you stay green - sans the harsh chemicals you may have used in the past.

Every week we bring you the latest and greatest in new homes across Chicagoland - but if you check out HomesPlus this weekend you're going to find a little something extra! In addition to the new communities we know you love to see, this weekend's show will be the first in a series of new episodes that highlight home design and decorating, tips from real estate pros on what's going on with the current market and how to make your home stand out from the rest! Not to mention, we'll be taking you through some incredible million-plus dollar homes on the market right now and show you what you get for the money in different neighborhoods across the city and suburbs!

This weekend on HomesPlus we're taking you to South Barrington to see what $1.7 million dollars will buy you.

And let's just say you'll get a beautiful home with lots of land.

Check out the home after the jump.

With all of the ups and downs of the real estate market in the last 5 or 6 years, it's easy to see how today's buyer or seller can feel overwhelmed. According to Today's financial editor, Jean Chatzky, there are some basic rules to follow if you're making a move in today's market.

This weekend on HomesPlus we're taking you to Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood to see what $1.4 million dollars will buy you.

Check out the video and you'll be amazed at the luxury kitchen, theatre room and of course a great deck off the beautiful master suite.

"Green" is the buzz word. Actually, I'd say it's been used ad nauseum the last couple of years. So, even though you're probably as sick of hearing it as I am saying it - it's still worth paying attention to! And Chicago is. So, if you're looking for a new home and being green is important to you, you can find everything you need right here in the city with the big shoulders and chartreuse ideals (trying it on for size...it doesn't quite have the same ring as "green" though, does it?) Either way, HGTV has named Chicago one of the best places to live if you're into saving the earth!

Since it's costing roughly a million dollars to fill up your tank every time you visit the pump these days (okay, so I'm exaggerating a tiny bit...), we're all trying to scrimp and save in other areas to make up for it. Which is why this summer travel season more and more people are staying home during their time off. It's the stay-cation and it's catching on! But it doesn't have to feel like the same old place! Here are some tips to make your home a place that feels fresh enough to keep you smiling your whole week off!

Frustrated trying to sell your home in this real estate market? Maybe you need to freshen things up a bit and have your home professionally staged. Many of the models you see on HomesPlus have been staged. Now we have some tips from an expert on how you can make your home staged, and it won't cost you much.

If the rising cost of gas and groceries is bringing you down and you find yourself sacrificing your home's style to pinch a penny - this blog's for you. Check out five easy ways to up the hip factor in your home for less than the price of filling up your compact's gas tank!

If you are out looking for a mortgage ... you'll be happy to know that the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the US is down this week. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is averaging 6.52 percent with an average 0.7 point. That's down from 6.63% from a week earlier.