Change is Good - 11/26/08 11:57 AM
Is the Sky Falling?  I've had a friend tell me that he lost $200,000 this past year and I asked him how it happened and in what areas.  I think about the consumers that wanted to retire but invested monies in the wrong areas of their 401(k)'s or financial portfolios and they are now taking a "bath" and may not be able to retire because those monies are no longer there.  I see consumers selling their homes for the price that they bought them in 2002 and 2005.  They look at the figures at what the market said they were worth … (2 comments)

Sellers: Lock in Your Price - 11/25/08 03:05 PM
Hey Chicago, you heard me correctly.  If you are selling, then now is the time to lock in your selling price as the interest rates have dropped down to 5.25% on a 30 year loan.  Think about it......
You have a fair offer for the condition of the property.  Let's say the offer is subject only to an appraisal.  No home inspection.  Buying the property "as is". 
Your question:  "Can I get more?"  Maybe and then maybe not.  How much more could you get?  Maybe $5K more.  But three issues come into play: 
Will the property appraise out due to its current condition … (1 comments)

Foreclosure Sales Suspended in Chicago - 11/25/08 11:41 AM
It has hit the presses and the airwaves that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are suspending foreclosure sales until January 9, 2009.  The concept will help the servicers more time to help borrowers avoid foreclosure. 


 
If you are a tenant in a property that is being foreclosured open, please note that all evictions will be halted from November 24, 2008 until January 9, 2009.  It is unclear whether the evictions are only for owner occupied building and/or non-owner occupied buildings.  Please reach out to the City of Chicago for clarification.
 

 
The criteria for this program … (0 comments)

The Weekend before Thanksgiving - 11/21/08 03:31 PM

Thanksgiving is next week and I'm staying in Chicago for this holiday.  I read that stats on estimated drivers heading to "Grandma's House" is only dropping by 1.4% this year.  So, the heart strings are winning over the purse strings.
Then I think about family.  This year, my family will be taking a low profile in get together's because my oldest brother recently lost "the love of his life", Shelley, unexpectedly.  He and the rest of the family are still adjusting to the loss of her life in mid-September this year.  Yet, the family is greatful that she was such … (3 comments)

The Bag Lady in Chicago - 11/14/08 02:38 PM
I had a lady call me up and ask me to help her pack up alot of garbage that was in her basement from a former tenant.  I went to her house last night and sat on the floor and went through every bag.  Each bag told a story.  See, the former tenant was classifed and mocked as a "bag lady" by the neighbors.  This so called "bag lady" actually has a sad story.  She lost her home in 1998 as she is a senior citizen and has been out in the street since then.  Her family hasn't taken her in.  … (3 comments)

Selling in Today's Market - 11/13/08 06:30 PM
Selling in today's market is tough especially when we find that the auto industry may be the recipient of $50 Billion and no monies will be going to save the American's on their bad mortgages.  So overnight, the hopes got dashed and consumer confidence is shown by another drop in selling prices as a result of Paulson changing the platform for the original $700 Billion Bailout.
If you have alot of properties in your backyard that are short sales, know and understand that these properties final selling price will effect your final value as well.  I advise to hold on till … (2 comments)

Buying a Short Sale Property - 11/11/08 01:09 PM
You are out in the marketplace.  You are looking around at short sale properties because they fit your budget.  You are told that a short sale isn't easy to purchase.  Now you are wondering if you have made the right decision to move forward and spend your time, pin your hopes on dreams of owning a home.
 
Here's what you need understand about a short sale:
A short sale is a"pre-foreclosure" whereby the value of the property is less than the amount owed to the current bank.  The bank is allowing the property to be sold for less then what … (1 comments)

HEY CHICAGO, OUR NEIGHBOR COLE'S IS "SELLABRATING" 62 YEARS - 11/05/08 04:18 PM
If you haven't heard, Cole's is celebrating (but I call it "SELLABRATING) their 62nd Anniversary.  I just talked to Kevin and he said to please stop by, mention my name and he'll give you a deal.  If you haven't ever been to Cole's, this is a great way to get acquainted. 
Cole's is located on the corner of Lincoln and Cuyler.  The Party begins on Friday November 7th and doesn't stop until Monday, the 10th.  Oh, BTW, ah, they have a $10,000 give away for a complete kitchen makeover.  Now, get going.  Maybe I'll see you there too!

… (0 comments)

Recipe for Success - 11/04/08 03:52 PM
I was on the phone last night talking to a dear friend and coach, Bernice Ross.  Bernice and I were discussing real estate:  The Chicago Marketplace - The Firms, The Business, The Stats, the Internet.  Bernice has been guiding me since I found her on the internet when I lost my hearing 6 or 7 years ago and I was frustrated, ah, more like angry at my deafness and didn't know which way to turn.  Bernice is always asking "What 'ja doing?" in a sincere mode.  The reason why I"m writing about her and "Recipe for Success" is that I have … (6 comments)

 

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