June 2007

Look at Locations Before Looking at Homes

June 30, 2007

I received an email this week from a man, Brad, who with his partner, Jose, wants to sell their condo in the city and buy a house in the north or northwest suburbs. Brad had some questions and was upfront that they weren’t ready to work with a Realtor yet. They’re focused on driving around Click to continue...

How to Minimize Your Risk When Buying New Construction

June 27, 2007

One of the differences between buying a resale home and buying new construction is the contract used. The Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract used by Chicago area Realtors for resale properties provides several contingencies for buyers including attorney review, inspection, homeowners insurance and mortgage contingencies. New home contracts are typically unique to each developer and Click to continue...

Book Review: All Real Estate is Local

June 24, 2007

I just finished reading “All Real Estate is Local” by National Association of Realtor’s Chief Economist, David Lereah. The main point of the book is that real estate prices are primarily influenced by the local economy and what he calls the local market’s DNA, its characteristics such as Chicago’s location on Lake Michigan. Based on Click to continue...

Goofus & Gallant Listing Agents

June 21, 2007

When I was growing up I would read “Highlights for Children” when in the waiting room of the doctor’s office. The one part I’ve always remembered was Goofus & Gallant which showed the wrong way to behave (Goofus) and the right way to behave (Gallant). Goofus would play in an area and leave a mess. Click to continue...

Lying is Not a Good Home Buying Tactic!

June 18, 2007

Fix Water Leaks Before Putting Your Home on the Market

June 16, 2007

Randolph Place – 165 N. Canal, Chicago

June 14, 2007

South Loop’s Prairie District Neighborhood – Metra Station & Good Bistro!

June 11, 2007

Interest Rates Moved Higher

June 7, 2007

In the past week we have seen reports indicating that the economy is doing better then expected. Unemployment remains Low Retail Sales are Stable Central Banks Around the World Have Increased Interest Rates Oil Prices Are Up – Bad for Inflation Federal Reserve Chairman Expressed Lingering Concerns About Inflation As a result, interest rates have Click to continue...

Chicago Area Before & After School Care

June 5, 2007

Lesbian Homeowners Sue Countrywide Home Loans

June 3, 2007