The Sunshine Kids Foundation - 09/21/11 10:18 PM

As part of our community outreach the Prudential Network of companies supports The Sunshine Kids Foundation, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children with cancer.  Today my brokerage held a Sunshine Kids fundraising event.  It was a day of golf, tennis, bingo, massages, raffles and dinner at the Oakbrook Resort, in Oakbrook, IL. 
For several weeks, each of our offices have raffled off golf balls for a $20.00 donation.  Towards the end of the afternoon, a helicopter took the golf balls up and dropped them over one of the holes on the golf course.  The person who purchased the … (6 comments)

You Never Know Who You'll Meet By Blogging and Where It Will Lead - 09/20/11 10:29 PM
Back in January ago I wrote about a very interesting tour of Chicago's Pedway.  The Pedway is a system of climate-controlled, interconnected, underground and overhead walkways.  One of the comments I received was from the tour guide herself, Margaret Hicks.
Then this summer, when the community organization South Loop Neighbors asked me if I had any tour suggestions for our September event schedule, I said "yes, actually I do."  I contacted Margaret and she agreed to lead an evening tour for us.  To keep it in a South Loop theme, we asked Margaret to give her tour of the Redlight … (1 comments)

Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant - 09/19/11 05:33 PM
Today was the funeral for a very dear friend.   I know it's a cliche, but he really did die way too young.  In the Homily, the priest made mention of the expressions we often say when we lose someone suddenly..."I just spoke to him yesterday.".."I just saw him a few days ago." 
He also reminded us to not take those close to us for granted.  If we are struggling with feeling that someone owes us an apology, let it go.  If we know that we need to forgive someone but have not been able to make the move to forgive, … (2 comments)

Chicago A Capella - 09/18/11 10:12 PM

This afternoon a friend invited me to a concert by the choral group Chicago A Capella.  Founded by Jonathan Miller, the group is in it's 18th season.  Their repertoire includes Jewish choral music, chants, blues, gospel and vocal percussion. 
Today's program, Days of Awe and Rejoicing, was actually a narration of the history of American Jewish choral music with example pieces performed by the group, interspersed with recordings of 1950s era performances by acclaimed composer Max Janowski and his choral group.  The voices of the extremely talented artists in Chicago A Cappella were amazing. 
Mr. Miller's mission with … (1 comments)

I Couldn't Do Your Job - 09/17/11 10:07 PM

Today was the perfect day to show downtown condos with expansive lake and city views.  Very sunny and not too hot or too cool. 
As sometimes happens, several appointments needed to be changed on the fly in the middle of our tour.  One listing agent had to leave by a certain time, another could not be there before a certain time and another agent had a sudden family emergency and called an hour before our appointment to say he was driving out of town within the next 5 minutes and could not be there to show his listing.  He … (40 comments)

The State of our Economy - 09/16/11 09:20 PM
"The U. S. economy remains almost comatose.  The slump already ranks as the longest period of sustained weakness since the Depression.  The economy is staggering under many "structural" burdens, as opposed to familiar "cyclical" problems.  The structural faults represent once-in-a-lifetime dislocations that will take years to work out.  Among them:  the job drought, the debt hangover, the banking collapse, the real estate depression, and the runaway federal deficit." Sounds pretty bleak, right?  These dismal messages are all over the media.  Almost every news report on the economy in general, and real estate specifically, is a doom and gloom piece about the … (1 comments)

Love Thy Neighbor, But Not Their Odors or Noise - 09/15/11 10:17 PM
When looking at condos, some of the concerns buyers have is how would the lifestyle of neighbors in adjoining units affect the enjoyment of their new home.  Today I attended a presentation by Sylvan Energy Consulting.  Their services include, but are not limited to, Comprehensive Home Energy Audits and Odor & Sound Mitigation Remediation. 
One of Sylvan Consulting's past clients was a condo buyer, (not a client of mine), who purchased a condo only to find out that the excessive smell of cigarette smoke detracted from the buyer's enjoyment of her home.  It was not immediately known where the offending … (6 comments)

Open House At The Chicago French Market - 09/13/11 10:37 PM
On Saturday, September 17th, from 11am until 3pm, The Chicago French Market is holding a Meet The Market Open House.  Market vendors will offer free samples, demos and complimentary champagne. 
Enjoy performances by award winning, Chicago artists The Spares and by young musical students, The Wiggleworms.  Performance times for The Spares are 11:00am and 12:15pm.  The Wiggleworms take the stage at 11:45am. The Wiggleworms are 1-3 year old students at Chicago's famed Old Town School of Folk Music. 
The Chicago French Market is located at 131 N Clinton.  The Market is open Monday - Friday, 7:00am to 7:30pm and Saturday 8:30am … (2 comments)

Bring Me a Renter. OK...Done! - 09/12/11 09:37 PM
I called a colleague so that I could show her listing.  We work for the same company but I moved to a different office earlier in the year, so when I called, we spent a few minutes catching up.  You know...the usual...how ya doin'?...how's business?...blah, blah, blah. 
She said, "I can't complain, I'm having a really good year."  When I told her that I was calling to show her rental listing she said - "bring me a renter...get this thing rented for me!"  I said I'd do my best. 
Well the prospective renter and I went out this evening.  … (3 comments)

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all - 09/11/11 05:24 PM
On September 11th, 2001 the weather in Chicago, was the same as many on the East Coast had described the day.  It was one of those pleasantly warm, days with the bright golden sun set against a brilliant blue backdrop. The kind that made you wish it was still the weekend and wish for the next weekend to get here quick. 
As I scurried around getting dressed for work, I noticed that The Today show went from their 1 hour central time zone delay, into a live feed.  I stood mesmerized, listening to the anchors discuss how a plane could … (2 comments)

911Day.org - 09/10/11 11:44 PM
Tomorrow will be a very emotional day as we pause to remember those lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in the crash if Flight 93 into the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  The 9/11 Tribute Movement's website, 911day.org, lets you enter your zip code to find observances in your area.  
In the decade since September 11th, 2001, many civic organizations have centered their observance activities around spending the day in service to others.  Chicago area service activities include:
A Military Hero Letter Writing Campaign, (ongoing through September 23rd) Blood Drives throughout the city and suburbs The … (3 comments)

Chicagoland Shredding Events in September - 09/09/11 11:40 PM
If the fall calendar has you doing a little seasonal organizing, there are 2 shredding events taking place during the next couple of weekends to help you dispose of sensitive documents.

Saturday, September 10, 10am-12 noonJewel/K-Mart parking lot1300 N AshlandChicago, ILConsumers can shred up to 3 boxes for free.
 
 
Saturday, September 17, 9am-2pmWest Suburban Bank8001 S. Cass AveDarien, ILConsumers can shred up to 10 boxes for free.
 
 
Both locations will also accept the following electronics*: computers, laptops, monitors, printers, computer cables, mice, keyboards, fax machines, TVs, VCRs, DVD and MP3 players, video game consoles, cell … (3 comments)

It's Was Downpour Of Great Information At Today's Online Raincamp - 09/08/11 04:34 PM
It's was a downpour of great information at today's Online Raincamp.  If you registered, but were not able to attend, you can check your email later.  The entire session is being recorded and will be emailed to registrants early next week.  You'll get to see the presentations of all today's fantastic speakers:
Ben Kinney Katerina Gasset Chris Alston I can see by other blog posts that a lot of my friends here on ActiveRain also attended the Online Raincamp session today.  This evening, I'll get to meet current and make new friends at the ActiveRain Chicago Meet-up.  If you are an … (2 comments)

South Loop 2011 Fall Festivals - 09/07/11 10:09 PM


Over the next two weekends the South Loop will host two of it's most popular annual events.
On September 10th, The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance will sponsor it's 2011 Festival on Prairie Avenue.  The Festival takes place at 18th Street, along historic Prairie Avenue, the early 20th century home to Chicago industry and retail barons.  There will be plenty of food, music and crafts.  Visitors can take free tours of the Clarke House and Glessner House museums and see reenactments of the War of 1812.  Suggested admission is $5.
Next weekend, on September 17-18, The Greater South Loop Association … (0 comments)

Fall Tours of Chicago Bridges - 09/06/11 11:27 PM
Right on cue, Labor Day weekend saw temperatures drop about 20 degrees from recent weeks.   What better way to enjoy these refreshing cooler days than a nice walking tour of Chicago's iconic drawbridges over the Chicago River? 
Beginning in September, visitors can go on two Saturday tours which coincide with "drawbridge season," when boaters begin taking their boats from Lake Michigan, up the river into winter storage.  

        photo courtesy of AntoniO BovinO (Creative Commons)
 

8:45am - The Meet The Bridge Lift Tour takes place on  Saturdays in September and continues into October. The tour costs … (7 comments)

Have A Great Labor Day! - 09/05/11 10:43 AM
Often, just before a long holiday weekend much my client activity dwindles.  Understandable.  Even with the need to find new housing, they want to take advantage of a much needed 3-day mini-vacation.  I think the stress of the overall economy is wearing on everyone so any chance to take a break is a welcome one.
This week, thanks to the referrals of friends, that trend has been broken.  No complaints...it is Labor Day weekend after all! :)  In my last post, (member's only), I spoke of being our own walking business cards.  That's what got me the business - being personable … (2 comments)

Local Community Organizations - 09/03/11 10:10 PM

Whether you are a new or long time resident, one of the best ways to become active in your community is to join the local community organizations. When you attend meetings and events, you'll meet your fellow neighbors & local merchants and hear about any civic issues to be addressed.  Local politicians make attendance to these meetings a high priority.  It's a place where residents' voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.


The following organizations serve the cross-section of downtown neighborhoods.  If you are new to one of the neighborhoods or planning to move into one … (2 comments)

It's Hot Out There...In The Chicago Rental Market - 09/02/11 09:57 PM

During the boom market, many investors bought one or more Chicago condo units to lease out.  Several buildings in downtown Chicago, were built with the intention of selling the units, but when the market changed, those buildings decided to lease instead.  The term "Borrowminium" was coined by one of the downtown condo developers and has become a synonym for buildings built for sales but converted to rentals out of financial necessity.
 These days there is an abundance of rentals in downtown Chicago.  That's the good news for potential renters.  The bad news is that they are moving fast.  Some are … (3 comments)

Want To Steal A Deal? Steel Your Emotions and Expectations - 09/01/11 11:51 PM
Many of the calls I get from buyers are about finding short-sales.   Often the first words out of their mouths are about how they don't want just a deal, but a "steal."  I invite them to to office for a meeting where the first words out of my mouth are a very detailed discussion on time-lines and what the buyers can expect during the short-sale transaction.  I explain that many of these properties are already priced at a "steal."   I go on to tell them that one of the keys to taking advantage of these "steals" is to steel their … (2 comments)

 
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Karen Winters - Chicago, IL

Chicagoland Condos and Homes

Chicago, IL

More about me…

Prudential Rubloff Properties

Address: South Loop, West Loop, River North, New East Side, Bronzeville and Hyde Park, Chicago, IL

Office Phone: (312) 268-2753

Cell Phone: (312) 725-4498

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