Chicago and Illinois Condo Owners Face New Rules in New Year! - 12/31/07 11:52 AM
Happy Monday, everyone.  Enjoy the last day of 2007!
Here in Chicago, and in Illinois, condo owners will face several new rules in 2008.  One, in particular, will save condo owners and associations in the City of Chicago, considerable money.  Here are a few of the changes.  Also see our post today on BlogChicagoHomes.com, as well as Pamela Dittmer McKuen's article in the December 27th edition of the Chicago Tribune.
 1.  The Chicago City Council has approved a measure to lengthen the inspection times for the facades of buildings in the city more than 80 feet high.  Complete facade inspections need now only … (0 comments)

THE CAR YOU DRIVE, PART II. Thanks for all your comments and thoughts! - 12/30/07 08:51 PM
Hey, everyone -
Our Team in Chicago is just BLOWN AWAY by the volume of comments on this very hot topic of how the car you drive affects the perceptions of your clients, and those on your staff.  (See our original Blog article here.) 
Our earlier post was answered with much thought and deliberation - THANKS AGAIN, to everyone!
BTW - I'm creating a new blog post, in addition to a responding comment, to make sure more folks review these further thoughts - no "point hogging" intended, everyone!
I've always bought a car that I am comfortable with, but in a casual sort of way.  A … (8 comments)

PMI Deduction Extended - Silver Lining for Many Highly-Leveraged Borrowers! - 12/30/07 01:40 PM
Hey, gang - we're stockpiling Champagne for the big celebration Monday night!
The news isn't all bad for highly-leveraged borrowers in today's housing market - in Chicago and elsewhere.  Congress this week extended, through 2010, the Income Tax Deduction for Private Mortgage Insurance.  This will help out many middle-income borrowers who originated their loans beginning in 2007.
Realtors, spread the word to your buyers - and you might even get a New Year's kiss from them!
Here in Chicago, our Team has several buyers that would be impacted by this deduction extension.  One has monthly PMI payments approaching $150.  Although many borrowers, beginning a … (1 comments)

The CAR YOU DRIVE! Realtors, Honestly, What Statement Does it Need to Make? - 12/29/07 06:27 PM
Hope you're enjoying your last weekend of 2007, everyone!
Got a crazy question for you, and need your most honest opinion here.
How important is it to impress your clients, your staff, and other Realtors you work with, with the car you drive?
Now, we all know your car is an extension of your office.  It has to be comfortable, for you and your clients.  It has to be clean.  It has to be reliable.  But do clients and your peers judge you on the MODEL and MAKE of what you drive, even if they won't admit it to you?
Back in the day, it … (103 comments)

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT KELLER WILLIAMS - A Smart Move for Our Team! - 12/28/07 10:57 PM
Just checking our records, folks - December 29th is our One Year Anniversary at KW.  It's been a full year since Dean's Team Chicago joined Keller Williams Fox Realty, in the Lincoln Square Neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago, and the KW System.
SMARTEST MOVE WE COULD HAVE MADE!
Had to think a bit before I committed to take the plunge.  Here in cold Chicago, there still a number of people saying "Keller, WHO?"  A few others think that Keller Williams is an independently-owned office of Century 21, or Coldwell Banker.  Every day, more and more are beginning to realize that we … (4 comments)

Lil' Buddy's Blog - Illinois Goes Smoke Free January 1, 2008 - 12/28/07 08:43 AM
NO SMOKING IN VIRTUALLY EVERY PUBLIC LOCATION EFFECTIVE TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
Being a confirmed non-smoker himself, Buddy Holly Moss applauds the coming smoking ban throughout Illinois and all across Chicago.  He told us, in an exclusive interview, he is tired coming home smelling like an ashtray after a heavy night of entertaining our clients out in the bars. (He's pictured here counting his Christmas Money - getting set, once again, for a night on the town with our A clients!)
Illinois is the 23rd state in the U.S. to ban smoking, so the concept is not new.  However, Smoke Free Illinois is far … (9 comments)

Chicago Better Off Than Many Metros in Home Price Decline - 12/27/07 10:06 AM
Spotted in article this morning in the Chicago Tribune, written by Susan Diesenhouse - while the U.S., as a whole, has suffered a 6.7% average decline in resale prices between October, 2006 and October, 2007, resale prices here in the Chicago Area have declined, but not as much - 3.1%, on average.
It's anybody's guess as to why, here, we typically are more stable during housing downturns nationwide.  Some say there is less specuation by outsiders here, and the old-catch all - "Solid Midwestern Values".  Still, the downturn is scary!
Here are a few of the numbers from the Standard & Poors/Case-Shiller Index, comparing … (0 comments)

WANTED: Accountability Partner! - 12/27/07 09:42 AM
Geez - what day is it today?  Wednesday?  Thursday/  Man, these holidays really screw up us old-timers orientation!
Well, today is our Annual Goals Declaration Meeting for Dean's Team here on the North Side of Chicago!  Afterward, we all go out for a beer - perhaps, two!
As for me, my own Goal Summary follows.  Who wants to hold me to them - please let me know!  
One catch - I get to hold you accountable as well - so we have to share, in confidence, of course, our specific goals and objectives for 2008.  And I need your COMMITMENT that we can … (2 comments)

Chicago to Bring "Eco-Friendly" to it's Alleys! - 12/26/07 04:08 PM
To those of you just waking up after a long Christmas celebration yesterday -
GOOD MORNING!
Green Alleys!  No, this is not another Chicago publicity thing to draw attention - we DO dye the Chicago River BRIGHT GREEN for St. Patrick's Day every year, you know!
This pilot program involves installing new permeable asphalt or concrete, or a more sophisticated drainage and heat abatement system, into the over 1,900 miles of public alleys that parallel Chicago residential and commercial streets.  (Apparently, Chicago has more miles of alleys than any other city in the world!)
Alleys, of course, do perform an important public function.  They provide convenient … (1 comments)

Here Comes 2008! Do You Know Where Your GOALS Are? - 12/26/07 09:05 AM
What an incredible Christmas, although I ate way too much Prime Rib yesterday!  As a fish-and-fowl guy most of the time, yesterday's meal is still digesting!  Hopefully, by the New Year!
When I was a little kid, growing up in the West Rogers Park Neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago, every once in a while, I would watch the 10 O'Clock News with my parents.  At the end of the news - 10:30PM - the announcer would come on and say, "It's curfew time in Chicago.  Do you know where your children are?"
My folks didn't have to worry - most of the time … (7 comments)

MERRY CHRISTMAS - From Our Team, and Our Families - to You and Yours! - 12/25/07 12:43 AM
All of us at Dean's Team wish you a Most Blessed Christmas! 
May you receive what you wished for, spend all the loving time with your family and friends that you've waited for, and return safely from your journey to be with them. 
Remember, it will be those little details from today - the light in the eyes of your children, the warmth of the love from your parents, your spouse or partner - that you, and they, will remember all your lives.
Pay Close Attention - and Cherish Every Single Moment!
IWONA, DEAN, SUE, KATHY, JEFF - DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
… (4 comments)

CHICAGO CHRISTMAS MEMORIES? Check this out! - 12/24/07 09:10 AM
Christmas Eve, folks!  Got most of my gifts (only one more little one to go!)  Today is wrapping day for me - before 2PM!
Today is the big day for stores beginning with "W"!  You know, "Walgreen's," "Wal-mart," etc.
Every year, Chicago's 24-Hour News Radio Station, WBBM AM 780, and reporter Jim Benes, does a quick, two-minute retrospective of Chicago Christmas's, in 10 year increments, going way back to Christmas, 1927.  Click here to listen to each clip.
A few highlights from the last 50 years -
Christmas, 1997 - A white Christmas here in Chicago.  Chicagoans were mourning the death of Comedian Chris Farley, … (1 comments)

Home Equity! It's on the Decline - and Being Irresponsible with it Can Hurt You! - 12/23/07 12:27 PM
Hope you're enjoying your Sunday afternoon, everyone.  All of your Christmas Shopping done?
In scanning today's Chicago Tribune, and today's column by Real Estate Editor Mary Umberger, I read an interesting couple of paragraphs that average home equity across the U.S. has fallen by 10% since 2001.  According to FED figures in their recent Flow of Funds study, average home equity six years ago was 56%.  In the Third Quarter, 2007, the average equity figure, or current appraised market value minus total outstanding mortgage debt, fell to 50.4%.
Please click here to review Umberger's column today - here comments on the Home Equity Slide … (3 comments)

Condo Nightmare in Chicago - Foreclosure Leaves Major Defects Unrepaired - 12/23/07 12:32 AM
On the Northwest Side of Chicago, in the affluent neighborhood of Sauganash, an untimely foreclosure last July has left a number of residents holding the bag on significant incomplete or shoddily-finished items.
The Sauganash Place Condo Association President, Bathsheba Birman, complains of a design flaw on the building's green roof which contributes to major flooding on her balcony below during even moderate rain storms.  Her hardwood floors show gaps and creek, many of her windows do not open properly.  In fact, over half of the building's 61 unit owners have complained of similar problems.  Units sold between early-2006 and this year, with price … (2 comments)

Thriving in a Shifting Market - Awesome Chicago Seminar by Tony Di Cello - 12/21/07 09:32 PM
Man, getting tired of it snowing around Chicago every, single weekend this December!  Anybody have a better way - or a bigger snow thrower?
In 1998, it was Spencer Johnson's Book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" that gave many Real Estate Practitioners pause for thought about the changing real estate market.  Boy, if we all had an inkling of what was coming up in 2007. 
Not only has the cheese moved, but the cheese factory has cut production drastically, and the cheese maker's customers are very worried if they can qualify to BUY the cheese.
Those who FINANCE the purchase of cheese can't simply … (4 comments)

Lil' Buddy's Blog - OK, Guys, You Can Start Shopping NOW! - 12/20/07 04:44 PM
Good afternoon, folks!
After today, there are only 4 more shopping days until Christmas, so I guess it's time for my little dog Buddy and I to hit the road, and hit the stores here in Chicago!
Here are a few Last Minute Shopping Tips,courtesy of Laura T. Coffey at MSNBC.com.  Also please review our post, as well as Lil' Buddy's FIVE TOP HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS, at our main Blog Center - BlogChicagoHomes.com.
1.  ONLINE SHOPPING - TODAY IS THE DAY!  Make sure you check Delivery Guarantees, and select FASTEST DELIVERY, if necessary.
2.  CONSIDER E-GIFT CARDS OR CERTIFICATES.  You have to make sure the … (5 comments)

AFFIRMATIONS! Do you Recite Them Daily? You Should - to Change Your Life! - 12/20/07 08:38 AM
As Larry and Curly used to say each Christmas, to their third partner who was playing Santa Claus -
Moe, Moe, Moe!
Those who know me know I'm not the very religious sort!  I don't pray as often as I should (although prayers definitely do increase when we head to Las Vegas each year).  Sue and I are do not attend church or temple as often as perhaps we should.
But, everyday, for the last 5 years, we are big on reciting affirmations daily, and this process has changed our life enormously.
Remember these two truths.  
The first, nascent thought that you start the day with … (3 comments)

Foreclosures Across the U.S. - Good News/Bad News! - 12/19/07 09:18 PM
This cheering up comes with a side dish of cold water in the face!
In the month of November, according to RealtyTrac.com, as reported in today's Chicago Tribune, (also see our BlogChicagoHomes.com posting), U.S. foreclosure filings dropped 10% versus the October, 2007.  The bad news - the 210, 950 filings were 68% ahead of the November, 2006 figure of 120,334 homes.
Although a positive sign, of course, the figures still bode poorly for the sluggish real estate markets in Chicago, in the State of Illinois, and across the country.
Five out of ten metro markets that made the notorious Top 10 List for Foreclosure … (1 comments)

What's on the BACK of Your BUSINESS CARD? Blank Space? NO! - 12/19/07 08:15 PM
Hi, everyone -
Went to an INCREDIBLE SEMINAR in Downtown Chicago today by Tony Di Cello, Mastery Coach at Keller Williams, entitled "Thriving in a Shifting Market - Dare to be Remarkable!"  
Just another great reason to be affiliated with the Keller Williams system - great training (this one FREE to KW Associates and their non-KW Guests), geared to help you grow YOUR business (not the corporation's business), an atmosphere of sharing agents, friendliness to the Team concept, and a lot of motivation and positive eagerness in the room (625+ attendees).  (No commercial intended here - but do let us know if … (7 comments)

Short Sale Journal - Some Success, Some Heartache! - 12/18/07 11:52 AM
As I am sure you know, a "Short Sale" occurs when a borrower's lender (or, in most cases today, lenders - plural) agree to accept less than the outstanding loan balance for a borrower in distress, behind in payments, and about to go into foreclosure.  Here in Chicago IL, however, completing a short sale is not easy, very time consuming, and often not successful.
Chicago-area Real Estate Attorney Stephen Bashaw, in a recent talk with the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association, estimated that only about one percent of borrowers facing foreclosure are able to complete a successful short sale here in Illinois.   … (1 comments)

Eminent Doman at the Local Level - Two Blocks Away! - 12/17/07 04:12 PM
Happy Monday Afternoon, everyone!
Just north of our Team's Keller Williams office, at the corner of Lincoln, Western, and Lawrence Avenues in the Lincoln Square Neighborhood of Chicago, there is a cluster of very old commercial buildings, one dating back to the late 1800's.  Several are in disrepair, but several thriving businesses exist there, including a soccer supply store, and an older Walgreen's Store.
Earlier this year, the City of Chicago began to take action to acquire these properties, through Eminent Domain, with the idea that a private developer would build higher-end commercial and residential properties in character with this bustling neighborhood.  This new … (13 comments)

Best Home Improvement Return in Today's Real Estate Market? Exterior Siding! - 12/16/07 01:03 PM
Hello, everyone!  Hope you're enjoying your Sunday afternoon.
For several years now, many homeowners have invested their improvement dollars in interior amenities - a new bath, an updated kitchen, a family room addition.   However, according to a new survey on costvsvalue.com, valuable home improvement dollars should first be spent to improve the EXTERIOR of the home, to improve it's curb appeal. 
Chicago Real Estate Reporter Mary Umberger, in today's Chicago Tribune Homes Section, reported a $14,000 investment in premium home siding, or even a slightly smaller investment in less-expensive vinyl siding ($11,759, on average, in the Chicago area), will yield an almost 100% … (3 comments)

The NEW Rules of the Game: Price, Patience . . . and FAITH! - 12/15/07 04:04 PM
It's snowing once again here in Chicago!  My hope - it will stop eventually.  July, perhaps?
Our Team had our weekly, Saturday morning Objection Handling Technique (OHT) Call this morning, on a bridge line.  Together, the five of us came up with a great Listing Appointment Dialogue, which I would like to share.  Role play worked pretty well right out of the box, but you might want to rehearse and perfect.  OK?
Folks, as we begin our discussion tonight on your house,  I would first like to discuss the NEW RULES of this game we call Real Estate.  May I?
(If they refuse, or … (4 comments)

"THANKS, BUY OWNER!" For What? - 12/14/07 03:54 PM
Hey, Hey, Gang -
Part of our business involves talking to Expired and Cancelled Listings, as well as For Sale By Owner Sellers, on a daily basis.  Today, I ran into a crazy response.
"If I work with you, will you reduce your fee (never use the word "COMMISSION") by the amount I paid BuyOwner.com four months ago?"  Company XYZ said they would (nationally-known brand, I might add.
"How much did you pay this discount, non-licensed, non-MLS service?" I queried.
"$6,500!  $6,500!   $6,500!" they replied (repeated numbers here represent inappropriate words that I avoided, so your kids could read this post).  "Up Front!"  "Non-refundable!"  "Hell, … (10 comments)

Lil' Buddy's Blog - Some Great Networking Tips for those Holiday Parties! - 12/14/07 06:29 AM
THE CHICAGO REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG!
Here I am again, along with Dean's Team member, and my loving human Mom, Sue.   We're getting ready to "hit the road" - yet another holiday party!
Last Friday was our annual Keller Williams Fox Realty Holiday Party, held at our office in the Lincoln Square Neighborhood of Chicago.  Got all gussied up downstairs, at our Team's "Basement on Western Avenue" office.  Wore a black tie - already have a tail.   
I was put in charge of serving the Hot Appetizers.  You know, go into … (6 comments)

WORK SMARTER IN 2008! Consider Adding a Showing Service! - 12/13/07 08:00 PM
We'll, the weather outside is frightful, here in Chicago . . . but Tis the Season!
One of the smartest business moves we made this year is to add a Showing Service and Call Center.  What a big workload they immediately took on - professionally!
This was a heavy listings year for our Dean's Team.  Due to the Shifting Market here in Chicago, with market times increasing quite a bit, we held far-higher listings in inventory than we normally do.  During the First Half, 2007, it was always a scramble for our admin staff -
Receiving Showing Calls, or Returning Voice Mail MessagesCalling the Seller … (4 comments)

Countrywide Home Loans to Face State of Illinois Investigation - 12/13/07 04:37 PM
Mortgage lender Countrywide Home Loans, whose aggressive home loan marketing has already broght intense criticism for its overly lenient home loan underwriting standards, may be facing further investigation by the Illinois Attorney General's office.
Deborah Hagan, Chief of the Consumer Protection Division of the Illinois Attorney General's office, confirmed a subpeona was served on Countrywide in early September, 2007.  The office is seeking information on Countrywide's Illinois loan originations, funding, and collateralization. 
The action grew out of a lawsuit filed in November, 2006 against One Source Mortgage, a local mortgage broker who used Contrywide for primary funding on most of its loans.  The … (0 comments)

FED Rates Drop - But What About MY RATE? - 12/12/07 08:54 AM
Good Morning, everyone!
Consider signing up for the Online Version of The Wall Street Journal (WSJ.com) - the entire WSJ, right at your desktop, updated continuously, and very relevant to real estate, investing, and your real world!  It's less than $15.00/month.
I spotted an article here last night, by reporter Jane J. Kim, that offered a good explanation of why many mortgage rates remain high, even as the Fed Funds rate has been dropping.  Many rates, as you know, have been tied to the international London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, and these rates have remained high over the past few months, even while U.S. … (2 comments)

In Sluggish Real Estate Markets, Homesellers Turn to Renting Their Old Home! - 12/11/07 02:30 PM
Good Afternoon, folks -
More and more often, here in Chicago and in the suburbs, home sellers, frustrated with stagnant or falling real estate prices, are renting out their old homes or condos, rather than selling them.
In such cases, the rental decision is made reluctantly, and often as a last resort.  Sellers biggest fear is that tenants will destroy their beautiful home, and make it unsaleable down the road.  In many cases, potential monthly rent will not completely cover the mortgage, real estate tax, and assessment payments on their old home.
However, faced with a possible sale price perhaps less than the amount owed … (1 comments)

2008 - Year of Opportunity or Question Mark for You? - 12/10/07 10:43 AM
Here's to another new week in Real Estate, folks!  Hope it's warm where you are!
Just retired a Lincoln Park Neighborhood of Chicago client today, nice place, but living in the "my girlfriend sold her place a couple of years ago for much more" mentality - just didn't get it.  She had a number in her mind, which seemed reasonable at first, but after a couple of months on the market, we weren't going there. 
She did not want to adjust her price downward a bit (about 3%).  Thought our Team was the whole problem - if we did more, spent more money (although … (0 comments)

FICO Credit Score 680 or Less - Get Set for Higher Fees! - 12/09/07 05:45 PM
FEES TO INCREASE FOR EVEN "PREMIUM" BORROWERS! 
The sub-prime mortgage mess continues to grow tentacles - even for those borrowers previously thought to have "premium" credit.  Fees escalate the lower your score between 620 and 680, with down payments loan-to-value ratios of less than 70%.
Further, providers of Mortgage Insurance are also increasing their premiums, to cover what they feel to be elevated risks.  Beginning December 1, 2007, MGIC, one of the largest MIP companies in the U.S., raised rates across the board.  The heaviest burden will be on those putting less than 3% down, with credit scores of 660 or less.  For these … (2 comments)

What Are You Out For - BLOOD? YES! - 12/09/07 10:34 AM
Hope you're enjoying a relaxing Sunday morning! 
Our Associate Tom Rice at Keller Williams Fox in the Lincoln Square Neighborhood of Chicago IL wanted us to inform you of our Office Blood Drive, in partnership with LifeSource, Chicagoland's Blood Center.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU, OR THOSE YOU LOVE, MAY NEED BLOOD.  SO GIVE BACK, IN ADVANCE!
The Specifics -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20TH, 9:00AM - 3:00PM, LifeSource Donor Coach, in front of Keller Williams Fox Realty, 4601 N. Western Avenue, Chicago IL.
For more information, or to schedule your appointment, contact Tom Rice - 773-564-4236 - or, email Dean's Team.  Appointments are recommended, although walk-ins are welcome.
We hope you … (3 comments)

Proposed Bill Would Benefit Many Middle-Income Homeowners! - 12/08/07 04:03 PM
Every year, many homeowners nationwide cannot take advantage of income tax savings from deducting local property taxes paid.  It is estimated that over 30 million tax payers cannot deduct local real estate taxes, because they cannot itemize their deductions.
A new plan by IL Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL-5th) would create a new standard homeowner deduction of $250 for single taxpayers, and $500 for those who file a joint tax return.  The Homeowners Tax Relief Act would help many homeowners across the country who have been hit by increasing property taxes, combined with moderating real estate values.
Unveiled at a Senior Citizens Center in … (2 comments)

Large, Beautiful Home in Wildwood, IL - Two Blocks to Beautiful Gages Lake! - 12/07/07 09:56 PM
Hope you're having a restful Friday evening, everyone!
We don't like to toot our horn promoting our listings here at AR, but this one is priced right - just reduced to only $227,500!
Three-bedrooms, two baths, large yard, updated gourmet eat-in kitchen with maple cabinets, porcelain floors.  Off Route 120, near the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Gurnee Mills, Great America - more.
This is an incredible price for Lake-Access Property!  Spread the word!
Click here for Photo Gallery, Visual Tour, and Complete Details on this Lake County, IL home.  Write us back with any questions, or to show it.
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
… (2 comments)

THE DO NOT CALL LIST! How do you Know For Sure Whether a Number is Listed? - 12/07/07 07:51 AM
Good Morning, Captain!  Greetings from the Treasure House!
You know, I hear from agents around the office all the time, "I can't prospect - because of the DO NOT CALL List!"  Trouble is, they never prospected BEFORE the Do Not Call laws were enacted anyway - DNC became a convenient EXCUSE not to prospect.
Here's the only 100% way to verify whether or not a phone number is or is not on the Do Not Call List.  You interested?
Go to this website -
www.telemarketing.donotcall.gov
You need to register on this OFFICIAL U.S. Government database as a TELEMARKETER (please, don't let the label scare you).  Then … (3 comments)

Lil' Buddy's Blog - Cruisin' with Jennifer! - 12/06/07 07:25 PM
THE CHICAGO REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! Well, I'm getting in my Chicago-ready winter sled and hitting the trails again!  Here's this week's "Chicago Community News You Can Use!' from me and Dean's Team Member Jennifer Garrity!
There is a lot to do in the neighborhoods, if you happen to be coming to Chicago this Holiday Season.  Here is a neighborhood perspective, from Chicago Neighborhoods Edgebrook, Portage Park, and Rogers Park, and the Chicago Suburbs of Skokie and Norridge.  Read more in today's post on BlogChicagoHomes.com.
Bark at me if you're in town!
BUDDY … (1 comments)

Greetings from Casa Moss - South Edgebrook Neighborhood of Chicago IL - 12/05/07 01:01 PM
CHICAGO'S NORTHWEST SIDE - DECEMBER 5, 2007 
Hello from the Arctic Tundra called Chicago IL!  Crisp and cool this afternoon - about 5 inches of new snow fell last night and this morning - first of the season!
As we enter the holiday season, and then the coldest part of winter, curious as to your take on what the market will be First Quarter, 2008.  Would especially like the shares and suggestions of those in colder climates.
Historically, around here, the Halloween-New Year's Day period is very quiet, but we pick up steam right after the 1st of the New Year - folks with Cabin … (0 comments)

Chicago's Most Affluent Neighborhoods - Highest Increase in Foreclosures! - 12/04/07 11:53 PM
Prior to this years crisis in the mortgage market across the U.S., one might think that high numbers of foreclosures would be limited to the poorest neighborhoods in a major city.  Statistics are proving this assumption wrong, however, in the City of Chicago, in 2007.
In today's Chicago Sun-Times, a front-page story written by reporter Art Golab identified the one Chicago neighborhood with the highest percentage increase in foreclosure volume, First Half, 2006 to First Half, 2007.  That in-city neighborhood - Portage Park, known for its clean, quiet streets,green lawns, mature trees, and Chicago-style brick bungalows.  At total of 94 properties were foreclosed … (2 comments)

Let's Talk About Something Decidedly Low-Tech. Signage? - 12/03/07 10:04 PM
It's very cold here in Chicago this Monday evening.  Hope it is warmer where you are!
Aahh,  the joys and benefits of light-weight aluminium sign crossbars, and new-tech plastic laminated, brightly colored signs, many with four-color photos (of the house and interior, please - not of YOU!)  What a joy versus the old days - when the most common option were heavy wooden crossbar signs, along with heavy steel sign plates, and a mounting stake requiring a pile driver to drive into the ground.  Installation/removal costs per listing - about $45!  I think these heavy wooden posts have been around since Roman … (2 comments)

This Month's Newsletter from Floyd Wickman - It Touched My Heart! - 12/02/07 10:22 PM
Hey, what are you doing online so late on Sunday night!  Get some sleep!
Man, this hit me.  It REALLY did!
For many years, our Team has trained with Floyd Wickman, the Master Real Estate Trainer and Teacher, founder of the popular Sweathogs Training Program for new (and successful) agents, and Master Sales Academy - to be held in 2008, for the fourth straight time, in Chicago - Our Town.
We are on his email Newsletter Distribution List, of course.  Let us know if you would like a copy of the email - I will forward it to you - it doesn't appear posted online.
He … (1 comments)

SELLERS - GET THIS! It's ALL About the PRICE! - 12/01/07 04:04 PM
Hello, on a cold, snowy, sleety, icy, messy day in Chicago!
Ever call a client, and tell them they need to reduce their price?  I know you have, of course.
But, usually, how do they react?
"How come you haven't had more Open Houses?"  "Haven't seen my house in the local paper in the last few weeks!"  "My sister says you should have taken more pictures of my home.  Different pictures.  Larger Pictures."  "The sign is too small."  "The brochures are too short!"  And on, and on, and on.
If I didn't know much better, I would begin to feel it is the Listing Agent … (12 comments)

 
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Dean Moss - Dean's Team Chicago IL Real Estate Team

Chicago, IL

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Dean's Team - Keller Williams Realty Partners Chicago IL

Address: 6053 N. Mason Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60646

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