chicago real estate: Buyer's Market - 03/13/08 06:12 PM
Finally, it's a buyer's market out there.
For years rapidly rising prices kept many first-time home buyers out of the housing market.
Current interest rates hover at relatively low levels, so it is now time to start looking to buy that first house. With the low interest rates your house payment could be … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Illinois Real Estate - 03/13/08 05:28 PM
Here are the facts on three popular misperceptions in the real estate market:Misperception: No one is buying a home, and home prices are falling rapidly.
Fact: According to the Illinois Association of REALTORS®, home sales are expected to reach about the same level that we saw in 2000, which was still a great … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Happy Easter - 03/13/08 02:52 PM
From our home to yours we would like to wish you and yours a very
Happy Easter!
Wesołych Świąt Wielkiej Nocy
Felices Pasuas
Joyeuses Paques
Your Friend in Real Estate,
Richard Ives
www.richardives.remax-ni.com/
Make An Intelligent Move and call Richard Ives for all of your real estate needs today.
… (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: The Red Phone Rings - The Answer(er) Is - 03/13/08 12:18 AM
"Jackson," I said to my two-and-a-half year old son, "Who do you want to answer the phone at 3 am?"
"Daddy," he squealed enthusiastically.
Whether it was me he would like to answer the phone in the middle of the night (or morning for that matter), or whether he was simply responding to … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: The Best of West Rogers Park - 03/12/08 10:59 AM
2426 W. Farwell Avenue, Chicago IL 60645
3 Bedrooms/2 Bathroom MLS# 06824871 $475,000
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.chicagolandhousing.com/s=active07&MLS=IL06824871
Enjoy the best of West Rogers Park in this tastefully decorated & Original Registered Chicago Bungalow in desirable Indian Boundary Area. Vintage "knotty pine" Family room. What's new: 2007 - Refrigerator, … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Chicagoland Real Estate - 03/12/08 08:48 AM
With all of the attention that the real estate market is getting in the media today I thought that we would take a look at the FACTS of our market here in Chicago.
Here are some hard facts! Statistics from MLSNI in connect MLS®, as of January 16, 2008 detached single family property … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Updated 2 Flat in "New City" Chicago - 03/11/08 08:04 AM
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chicago real estate: Best of Rogers Park! Desirable Bungalow - 03/10/08 08:17 PM
2426 W. Farwell Ave., Chicago, IL 60645
3 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms MLS# 06824871 $500,000
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.realestate4Uonline.com/s=active&MLS=IL06824871
Enjoy the best of West Rogers Park in this tastefully decorated & Certified Chicago Bungalow in desirable Indian Boundary Area. Vintage "knotty pine" Family room. What's new: 2007 - Refrigerator, H20, … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: A Five Hour Home Inspection and How a "Promiscuous" Home Buyer Made a Comittment - 03/09/08 11:48 PM
Thursday evening at 6.30 I headed home from one of my recently sold listings. I had just turned over five hours of my life to the longest home inspection I have ever endured.
If you haven't participated in a home inspection lately (or ever), the point of this enterprise is to provide … (1 comments)
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chicago real estate: Care Package for Our Troops - 03/09/08 05:44 PM
In my blog today I would like to ask you all for your help with Sending a Care Package to our Illinois Troops in Iraq
Helping Our Heroes is currently sending care packages to soldiers overseas. They have shipped over 75 boxes to our heroes since Thanksgiving week. They are currently looking for additional items … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Buying A Home - 03/09/08 05:36 PM
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chicago real estate: Own A Home - 03/09/08 05:12 PM
There are many personal and financial benefits to owning your own home, including:
You will have a place of your own
Homeownership gives you a sense of independence, privacy and security. The satisfaction of a place you can call your own truly is priceless. Your own home is a place to raise your … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: REALTOR or Real Estate Agent - 03/09/08 04:56 PM
What is the difference between a REALTOR® and a Real Estate Agent?
This is a question that comes up a lot so lets take a look at the differences.
A REALTOR® Is a real estate agent, broker or an associate who holds active membership in a local and state real estate board or association and is affiliated … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: First Time Home Buyer Information - 03/09/08 11:46 AM
If you are currently in the market for your first home, you probably have lots of questions. You are about to be making an important decision for your future, a great investment of both money and time. I have a wealth of experience helping first time buyers like you make sound, … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Chicago - 03/09/08 11:38 AM
I personally think that Chicago is one of the greatest cities. There is so much to do and experience in Chicago it is difficult to know where to begin. To get an overview of the city you may want to visit the Sears Tower Skydeck or the John Hancock Observatory. While … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Spring Ahead Tonight - 03/08/08 01:05 PM
Springtime brings wonderful opportunities. If you've been wondering if now is the best time to buy or sell, give me a call and I will be happy to assist you.
Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 2:00 AM.
Also, this is a great time to … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Get Your Free Credit Report - 03/07/08 02:33 PM
How To Get Your Free Annual Credit Report
It is easy, just follow these simple steps:
Choose one of the following methods listed below: online, by mail or over the telephone.
1.) To order online, visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ and fill in the information online.
2.) To order by mail, you can complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: The Facts About The Current Real Estate Market - 03/07/08 12:43 PM
Here are the facts on three popular misperceptions in the real estate market:Misperception: No one is buying a home, and home prices are falling rapidly.
Fact: According to the Illinois Association of REALTORS®, home sales are expected to reach about the same level that we saw in 2000, which was still a great … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Now is a great time to buy a home! - 03/06/08 02:31 PM
People will always need to buy or sell a home whether a move is job-related or you are ready to downsize or move up to a larger home.
The national housing market has received a lot of negative press lately with stories of mortgage market tightening and increasing foreclosures. However there are many … (3 comments)
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chicago real estate: Spring Ahead This Weekend - 03/05/08 08:58 PM
Springtime brings wonderful opportunities. If you've been wondering if now is the best time to buy or sell, give me a call and I will be happy to assist you.
Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 2:00 AM.
Also, this is a great time to … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: So Why Should I Buy A Home? - 03/04/08 06:49 PM
Over the past 30 years, the median price of existing homes has increased an average of more than 6 percent every year, and home values nearly double every 10 years, according to historical data from NAR's existing-home sales series. A Federal Reserve study has shown that the average homeowner's net worth … (10 comments)
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chicago real estate: Springtime - 03/03/08 06:29 PM
Springtime brings wonderful opportunities. If you've been wondering if now is the best time to buy or sell, give me a call and I will be happy to assist you.
Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 2:00 AM.
If I can be of assistance to … (4 comments)
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chicago real estate: The Rumored Demise - Another Home Sells In Chicago - 03/03/08 09:37 AM
The Chicago real estate market today? I can't help but think of Mark Twain's quote, "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated."
Yesterday my clients finalized negotiations of an offer for their home in West Town. Listed in the upper six figures, this residence attracted the prospective buyers back for three … (4 comments)
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chicago real estate: Crystal Lake, Illinois - 02/27/08 05:37 PM
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chicago real estate: Chicago Attractions - 02/27/08 05:14 PM
I personally think that Chicago is one of the greatest cities. There is so much to do and experience in Chicago it is difficult to know where to begin. To get an overview of the city you may want to visit the Sears Tower Skydeck or the John Hancock Observatory. While … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Buy A Home Today - 02/27/08 05:02 PM
Over the past 30 years, the median price of existing homes has increased an average of more than 6 percent every year, and home values nearly double every 10 years, according to historical data from NAR's existing-home sales series. A Federal Reserve study has shown that the average homeowner's net worth … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: The Chicago Real Estate Market - 02/27/08 04:54 PM
The median home sale price for the Chicago Metro area for 2007 was $254,000 which was an increase of 2.4% from $248,000 in 2006.
The median home sale price for the state of Illinois was $204,000 which was a decrease of 0.5% from $205,000 in 2006.
For the year a total of … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: The Tossing of Nader's Hat - Things Relevant & Irrelevant in Chicago - 02/26/08 01:57 AM
Ralph Nader Sunday left the wintry hole that I think he shares with Puxatawny Phil somewhere in the Pennsylvanian hinterland. Upon emerging he saw his shadow and evidently that proved to be the deciding factor as he declared his intention to throw his hat into the presidential ring. All 157 of … (1 comments)
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chicago real estate: Home Ownership Advantages - 02/25/08 05:19 PM
There are many personal and financial benefits to owning your own home, including: You will have a place of your own
Homeownership gives you a sense of independence, privacy and security. The satisfaction of a place you can call your own truly is priceless. Your own home is a place to raise … (6 comments)
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chicago real estate: Debate # 19 - Looking for Hope on the tv in Chicago - 02/23/08 11:28 PM
My mind is made up. It has been for quite a while. But nonetheless I tuned into CNN tonight to watch the Democratic hopefuls square off as a prelude to the very important primaries next week in Texas and Ohio.
At the end of the night I don't know that either of the … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: A New Way of Looking at Things (with New Pair of Glasses, that is) - 02/16/08 10:11 PM
I can't remember the first time I walked in the little optical shop on Broadway near Belmont.I had popped into the eye glass place across the street but they didn't have what I wanted. But with unrequested kindness and unexpected candor the clerk nodded to the shop across the way and … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Places to Insert One Thin Dime - 02/13/08 05:44 PM
There are any number of places where you might insert one thin dime. But one place I hadn't considered is a gap in a hardwood floor.
Earlier today I met at one of my under contract new construction listings to meet with the buyer's agent and my seller's flooring guy before he … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Chicago Real Estate for Under $150K - 02/13/08 01:23 AM
These are some of the best deals around. For pictures and more information please visit Cecelia Knows Mortgages ************************************************************************ 1. $75,000: Unbelievable opportunity. Single family in the front and a 2-unit back coach house. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths plus 6 rooms in the rear cottage. New construction all around. Don't miss … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Excellent Rebuild Opportunity Oversized Lot - 02/11/08 01:10 PM
4457 N. Kenneth Avenue, Chicago IL 60630
3 Bedrooms/1 Bathroom MLS# 06763282 $370,000
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.realestate4Uonline.com/s=active&MLS=IL06763282
Excellent rebuild opportunity on oversized corner lot. Home has been well maintained, but would welcome some updating. 1st floor modifications added an eating area off the kitchen and enclosed the front … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: 2312 N. Meade Chicago- Best Value - 02/08/08 03:03 PM
This is a great starter home in a great location. Beautiful 3 or 4 bedrooms, with 2 full Baths and full basement. Large 2 car garage at rear of lovely landscaped and fenced yard. Seller may assist buyer with financing incentives. SELLER OFFERING 20,000 HOME PERKS Points REWARDS.
Visit This Listing On Line:
http://www.newhomeexecutives.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?preview=true&listingid=1398439
… (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: 5358 N. Cumberland #419 Chicago, IL 60656 - 02/08/08 02:41 PM
THIS GORGEOUS CONDO IS LOCATED MINUTES FROM OHARE AIRPORT BLOCKS AWAY TO I-90, AND MINUTES TO I-294 AND JUST STEPS TO CTA TRANSPORTATION. COMPLEX HAS TENNIS COURTS AND SWIM POOL. NEAR FOREST PRESERVE. HEALTH CLUB ACROSS THE STREET. LOW MONTHLY ASSESSMENTS INCLUDE HEAT.
SELLER IS OFFERING 8,500 Points HOMEPERKS REWARDS Gift Card:
View This … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Loan Limits Increasing - 02/08/08 12:08 AM
I have been hearing it all day and it looks like the house and the senate have passed a bill that will increase the loan limits for not only FHA but for FNMA. What does this mean?
More people can afford to buy a home in the former jumbo area and conforming … (3 comments)
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chicago real estate: RENT Upscale Condo in Popular Area - 02/07/08 02:07 PM
4960 Marine Dr.#620, Chicago IL 60640
1 Bedrooms/1 Bathroom MLS# 06761590 $1,075
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.realestate4Uonline.com/s=active&MLS=IL06761590
UPSCALE CONDO IN POPULAR AREA. Rehabbed 2004; Hardwood Flrs, Granite Counters, Maple Cabinets, Stainless Appliances. Heat/Water Included! All rooms offer tree top views of park and lake. Bedroom offers 3 closets. 24hr … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Low Interest Rates....Massive Inventory! Win-Win for Buyers! Pt.1 - 02/06/08 04:09 PM
If you have thought about purchasing a home or are contemplating a move soon, now may be a good time to get the process rolling. Although the media is constantly talking about "The Mortgage Meltdown" and "Increasing Foreclosures" what they have failed to say is who this market actually benefits, … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: New Construction Bronzeville! - 02/05/08 12:12 AM
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chicago real estate: Looking for New Construction in South Shore? - 02/04/08 11:53 PM
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chicago real estate: Softly Fell Chicago's Snow - 02/01/08 10:29 AM
Lightly, lightly fell the snow. And all through the night, like soft fleecy wisps, it gathered and gathered until it coated and covered the streets and sidewalks of Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood with a shimmering tableau of white.
I woke up this morning to the clarion of my 10-month-old son's hunger. It was … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: The Ugly Truth About Proposed Real Estate Transfer Tax Hike - 01/31/08 04:48 PM
"How much is this going to cost me?"
That's one of the questions my selling clients ask when it's time to put their places on the market. They know there's a tax involved (there's always a tax involved), they just don't know how much.
In Chicago the so-called Real Estate Transfer … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: The First Busy Saturday in a Month of Saturdays - 01/31/08 04:45 PM
If today is any indication it looks like the Chicago housing market is picking up steam amid the January chill.
Unlike any of the past 30 or so Saturdays, today my schedule was jam-packed from start to finish with showings. 1934 Thomas, a new construction two bed/two bath a block south … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Dream Town is First Company EVER to Achieve Green Certification Companywide - 01/29/08 05:56 PM
This article originally appeared here.
In a time when homeowners are showing increased interest in energy efficiency and lowering utility costs, it is more essential than ever for real estate professionals to be up-to-speed on green building and its benefits.
Well, Dream Town is one step ahead… This month, Dream … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Real Estate Taxes to increase in Chicago to pay for CTA, Your Thoughts? - 01/11/08 09:50 AM
I for one am sick and tired of politician's making false promises. When will it ever STOP?
I woke up this morning to hear that our wonderful governor of Illinois has once again Broke a Tax increase promise and wants more money from an already struggling Real Estate Market!
It seems that now … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Chicagoland Area - 12/25/07 11:06 AM
I serve a very large area in the Chicagoland area and would love to take you out to view homes if you are relocating to the area. I've sold condos in the South Loop and many suburbs stretching a 25 mile radius of Plainfield. So if you are a buyer and looking … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Getting sidetracked on other Real Estate Blogs - 12/19/07 01:32 AM
Ouch, I did not even realize how long it has been since my last post on ActiveRain for Barrington real estate until I tried to log in and failed on my first three attempts. Not being able to remember my log on for AR certainly was a reminder that I've been … (5 comments)
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chicago real estate: Renting and Buying a Home in Chicago - 12/18/07 12:41 PM
The third largest city in the United States and the largest in the Midwest,
Chicago is one of the most archetypal
American cities. Its three million residents live at the spot where the great
lakes meet the mighty Mississippi River, and its booming economy reflects this
fact.
Its booming … (1 comments)
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chicago real estate: Richard's Tip of the week: How to stop preapproved credit offers - 12/04/07 03:48 PM
Richard's Tip of the week: How to stop preapproved credit offers
To stop receiving pre approved credit offers in the mail just call 1-888-5-OPTOUT.
Need help solving your real estate puzzle? Make An Intelligent Move and call Richard Ives at 847-255-3284 for all your real estate needs.
Search all the listings in Northern Illinois … (4 comments)
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chicago real estate: If it's not in writing... - 11/28/07 06:08 PM
2007 has brought everything out into a new light. Developers are selling unsold developments to other developers at cost or just above. Of course, they still aren't selling the units in some cases. Sellers selling condos to more than one person at a time without recording deeds of sale. Parents that … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: MAKE A STRONG MOVE - 11/26/07 01:15 PM
Even agents and investors with years and years of experience are making rookie mistakes when it comes to making offers in a buyers market these days. Imagine the difference in negotiating power when one places 5% of the purchase price of a property on the line when making an offer versus … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Racoons in the Trash - 11/23/07 11:37 AM
There is a racoon living on our property-actually, a family of racoons. We thought this was pretty cool a few months ago when we decided to buy a timeworn, if not stately, house on the utmost western tip of the Chicago city limits. Our property virtually abuts a forest preserve to … (12 comments)
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chicago real estate: Foreclosure: Who or What Can We Blame - 11/22/07 09:57 PM
Foreclosure: Who or What Can We Blame
There isn't a person unscaved from the harsh reality of the recent rise in foreclosures.
The statistics are alarming as the world of real estate sees the market shift from a sellers market to a buyers market. As I drive through the streets of Chicago there … (1 comments)
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chicago real estate: Chicago Real Estate - Remax Advisor - Newsletter - Luxury Condos For Sale - 11/19/07 11:54 PM
Luxury Condos on the (High) Rise
If you tell someone that you're looking to buy a condominium, chances are they'll assume that you want a cheaper alternative to single family real estate. That many people associate condo properties with saving is not surprising- historically condos have been cheaper than traditional homes (and … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Hold on to Your Hats - Mortgage Interest Rates are About to Drop - 11/15/07 06:57 PM
Hold on to your hats, interest rates are about to get a whole lot better. The past 2 weeks have been a back and forth battle for direction in both the stock and bond markets. It seems that one day stocks would be flying high and bonds were tanking, and the … (49 comments)
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chicago real estate: How to Understand Credit and Improve Your Credit Score - Part 1 - 11/15/07 12:28 PM
Are you looking to buy or refinance a house? How is your credit? Credit has always been a big factor in qualifying for a loan, but with recent changes in the mortgage industry, the underwriting is stricter and a good credit score is now more important than ever. This is a big … (3 comments)
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chicago real estate: Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska - Soundtrack for a Dark Time - 11/13/07 06:35 AM
I bought my first home back in 1982 in the middle of a severe recession. Unemployment and inflation were rampant. Mortgage interest rates had come down from an all time high of over 20%, but the going rate at the time was still in the high teens - if you could … (3 comments)
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chicago real estate: Remax Advisor - Newsletter - Life Expectancy of Home Products - 11/11/07 12:09 PM
The Changing Life Expectancy of Home Products
Maintenance and repair: in many ways they're the phantom elements when trying to figure the cost of owning a particular home. Consumers often focus on easy-to-identify figures, the mortgage payments and property taxes of the world. When it comes to repair costs, potential buyers, … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Remax Advisor - Newsletter - Rent Back - Lease Back Offer - 11/11/07 12:06 PM
Buyer's Corner: The rent-back offer
Question: What exactly is a "Rent-Back" offer, and when should they be used?
In most real estate transactions, the buyer takes possession of the property at or shortly after closing. A rent-back is an offer made by the prospective buyer to allow the seller to remain in possession … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: The Yield Spread Premium and the Law of Unintended Consequences - Why the YSP Helps Consumers - 11/10/07 07:19 PM
I've been reading a lot lately about House Bill HR3915, the bill designed to clean up abuses in the mortgage industry. There have been problems in the industry, but I'm afraid that if enacted, this bill will trigger the law of unintended consequences and make it harder to buy a home … (3 comments)
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chicago real estate: Remax Advisor - Newsletter - Preventing Water Damage in Your Home - 11/08/07 11:44 AM
Preventing Water Damage in your Home
For homeowners, water can be a quiet villain. This seemingly innocuous element can harm your house gradually over time or in sudden disastrous events. A home that is water damaged can be a health hazard to its occupants and is very often expensive to … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Are You a Scummy Realtor or Loan Officer? - 11/08/07 11:04 AM
Today I got what I took for a left handed compliment. I've had a few conversations with a CPA who works with one of my clients. Today I got the information I needed from him and answered a couple of questions he had. At the end of our conversation he said, … (9 comments)
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chicago real estate: For Sale By Owner (FSBO) vs. Listing with a Real Estate Broker - Newsletter - 11/07/07 11:11 AM
The Risky Side of Selling a Home on Your Own
The vast majority of sellers list their home with a real estate agent, but some individuals choose to go through the selling process on their own. Selling a home "For Sale By Owner", while entirely possible, does come with a list … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: No-Closing Cost Refinance Can Save You Thousands - 11/07/07 08:47 AM
When rates are down, the cost of refinancing their mortgage is the biggest obstacle to homeowners lowering their payments and taking advantage of the low rates. The more that the loan costs, the longer you will need to be in the new loan before refinancing even makes sense. So if a … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: 20 Tips For Property Sellers, Selling the House, Real Estate Info - 11/06/07 06:04 PM
www.sellwithme123.com
20 Tips for Selling Your House
As a homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you'll help your RE/MAX Sales Associate sell your home faster, at the best possible price.
The easiest and most reliable way to … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Find out what your home is worth - Estimated Real Estate Market Values in Illinois - 11/06/07 01:15 PM
Estimated Market Value of Your Property The correct market value of a home is the highest price estimate that a legitimate buyer (able to close) might be willing to pay. To assist you in determining the correct asking price we provide you with a comprehensive market analysis of comparable properties recently … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Am I Making Myself Clear? - 11/05/07 09:47 PM
I was working with this FSBO who had no W2s, so I sent off a VOE. But before I ran the DU in the AUS, I thought maybe we should do this as an NIV. He was looking at a JUMBO I/O but he didn't like the APR, and his PITI … (3 comments)
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chicago real estate: Why Buying Your Own Home is One of the Smartest Decisions You Will Ever Make – Part 2 - 11/05/07 09:51 AM
In the first installment we talked about the first financial benefit of owning a home, how you gradually build equity by paying down your loan. A more dramatic benefit of owning a home is property appreciation. Over the years, home prices have risen steadily in the Chicago area and throughout the … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Lessons Learned at the Donald Trump Wealth Expo - 11/04/07 08:46 PM
Lessons I learned at Donald Trump's Expo in Chicago
1. Many people are unhappy with their current situations and are looking for something to change their lives.
2. All the news about foreclosures and the real estate slowdown is good news for those who think they can take advantage of the market and … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Why Buying Your Own Home May Be the Smartest Decision You Will Ever Make - part 1 - 11/02/07 08:54 AM
There are so many reasons for owning a home - the pride of having a place of your own, a chance to establish your roots, the joy of having a real home where you can express your own personality and style. But the best reasons to buy may be financial. In … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Fed Cuts Rates - Now What? - 10/31/07 03:20 PM
As expected, the Federal Reserve Bank lowered the Fed Funds rate by a quarter of a point down to 4.5%. This wasn't a surprise, and was priced into the market. The suspense has been tied to how the statement issued after the meeting would read. Well, the suspense is over. Bernake and company stated that … (7 comments)
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chicago real estate: Renting is Dating, Buying a Home is Marriage - 10/31/07 08:51 AM
It's all about commitment. If you are a first time home buyer - that is, if you are thinking about becoming a first time home buyer but you are renting now - this is a big step. You probably have some serious commitment issues.
Renting is a casual fling. You probably … (15 comments)
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chicago real estate: Interest Rates Are Too High! - 10/29/07 10:30 PM
The Federal Open Market Committee (The Fed) is meeting again tomorrow for the first day of a 2 day meeting. What they do in this meeting, and what they say when they are done, will help determine the direction of mortgage interest rates. Conventional wisdom is that they will cut the … (4 comments)
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chicago real estate: Is it Optimism? Or Denial? - 10/28/07 05:40 PM
Do you remember back when our biggest real estate problem was lack of inventory? Do you think fondly of the days when listings sold before they hit the MLS? Have you checked recently to see if your phone it is still working? Have you been finding you have more time to … (7 comments)
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chicago real estate: Chicago Home Prices go up, Barrington real estate sales Increase - 10/25/07 10:50 AM
The Illinois Association of REALTORS (IAR) has just released the September 2007 sales report for Illinois statewide sales. Statewide, median home prices for Illinois edged up 0.8% and the average sales price went up 4.6%. You can read the press release from the Illinois Association of REALTORS here.
According to the … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Without Savings, A Strong Wind Can Knock You Over - 10/20/07 11:42 AM
The other day I met with a couple who wanted to buy a home, but had some financial set backs and needed advice. I knew they weren't going to be able to buy a home for at least a year, but this was a referral from a good source, and I … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Why get pre-qualified, when you can get pre-approved? - 10/18/07 08:24 AM
Whether a buyer has been pre-approved or pre-qualified for a mortgage, and what exactly that means, is now part of the standard MLS contract here in the Chicago area. There are a number of choices listed on the form, from a basic pre-qualification - they talked with a loan officer - … (7 comments)
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chicago real estate: Zero down –zip, zilch, nada – the top 7 ways to buy a home in the Chicago area with no money down, today - 10/15/07 02:36 PM
If you listen to the news, you would think that the first-time home buyer, no money down loan has gone the way of the dinosaur and the dodo bird - extinct and gone for good. The credit crunch has eliminated some mortgage programs and modified others, but I am glad to … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: More Scary Stuff - Haunted Houses around the Chicago Area - 10/13/07 12:05 AM
Spooked by the market? Don't let your spirits get you down? The real estate market isn't the only scary thing this time of year.
Here is a list of some of the haunted houses around the Chicago area.
20th District Haunted House
5400 North Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL Oct 27 & 28
All Hallows Eve: … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: A Scary Tme for Frst Time Home Buyers - 10/11/07 09:23 AM
As a long time Illinois mortgage banker, I know that buying your first home is scary in the best of times. It has to be absolutely terrifying when there is talk of recession, home prices are falling and stories of foreclosures and the mortgage credit crunch lead the evening news. It's got … (4 comments)
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chicago real estate: Barrington Il area Real Estate - Supply and Demand conditions are a factor in pricing - 10/07/07 12:52 AM
To push a price or not when it comes to selling your Barrington Home? That's a question that can only be answered with experience and a big factor that a true real estate professional knows how to answer.
It's obviously no secret (unless you do not read the paper, watch TV and … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Immaculate Single Family Home for sale in Lakeview Chicago - 10/04/07 11:58 PM
http://3123NClifton.ChicagoRealEstateExpert.com
Listed at $1,699,000
Bring your buyers out to this newly finished 5000 sq ft single family home in Lakeview. This home features 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, a media center with bar, a private rooftop deck, and more! All top of the line finishes! Brazilian Cherry … (1 comments)
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chicago real estate: Divorce: What You Need to Know About Your House, Your Mortgage and Taxes - Part 1 - 09/15/07 04:20 PM
How to Avoid Costly Housing Mistakes in the Midst of a Divorce Divorce is a tough situation which opens up many emotional and financial issues to be solved. One of the most important decisions is what to do about the house. In the midst of the heavy emotional and financial turmoil, what you … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: How to Prevent Identity Theft - 09/15/07 04:12 PM
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America today. Being a victim can have a huge impact on you now and potentially well into the future. One of the frightening aspects of identity fraud is that it's most often perpetrated by a faceless enemy, and the struggle is … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: All Talk, No Walk - 09/07/07 04:37 PM
A Real Estate contract is generally not enforceable in the great state of Illinois unless it is a) Written, b) 'Signed-off ' on by competent parties (Acceptance), and c) Some form of Consideration ($$$) is placed in an escrow account to show 'Good Faith' on the Buyer's part. Think of it … (11 comments)
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chicago real estate: How to Find a Real Estate Agent... - 09/04/07 09:03 PM
Let's start talking about why to use a REal Estate Agent in the first place:
Pretty much for the very same reason you are seeking a certified mechanic to take care of your car or have an expert install your new hardwood floors, or have a certified electrician rewire your home etc. etc.
A … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Foreclosures, it's more to it than the ARM - 08/31/07 08:54 PM
Boom shifts to foreclosures
U.S. activity nearly doubles in year; experts cite variety of factors
By Mary Umberger | Tribune staff reporter Featured Marki D. Lemons
August 22, 2007
The shriveling subprime mortgage market may be getting the lion's share of the blame, but industry experts say chaos in subprime lending is not the … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Schorsch Village! All Brick Home! - 08/21/07 03:21 PM
3519 N. Nora Avenue, Chicago, IL
GREAT Location Close To Shopping, Train, Restaurants, Everything! Approximately 2 Miles To Harlem Station Blue Line. Remodeled Kitchen And First Floor Bath, Hardwood Floors, Doors And Trim; Full Finished Basement With Summer Kitchen And Huge Laundry Room-Washer/Dryer Included. Wonderful 3 Season Room To Enjoy Fenced Back … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: The North, South, East and West of neighborhoods in Chicago - 06/22/07 07:11 PM
As the title suggests, there are not just Chicago neighborhoods, but four sides to every Chicago neighborhood. Man, people love their BLOCKS in this town, and sometimes name them too! Andersonville is no exception.
I have lived in Andersonville and the Ravenswood neighborhoods a couple times... currently own a home in NORTH … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Chicago Real Estate - 06/21/07 01:11 AM
Chicago, like New York, is one of the great cities of the world! The world-class cultural amenities, fun nightlife, multicultural population, beautiful parks, gorgeous lakefront, fantastic architecture, stable economy, and welcoming atmosphere assure that Chicago will continue to be a first-tier city. Although the city is less well-known outside the … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Investing In Chicago Real Estate - 06/05/07 01:52 PM
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chicago real estate: I Ain't Cause I'm Not... - 05/15/07 07:00 PM
I was recently referred to as an 'anecdotal' writer by a Commentor on another blog to which I occasionally post. Actually, she didn't even refer to me as a 'writer,'...just 'anecdotal.' And she didn't mean it in a nice way, either I don't think. I was informed that bloggers in … (11 comments)
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chicago real estate: DID YOU KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 05/15/07 10:43 AM
Did you know that many houses are going on the market just with a sign in front of their home saying FOR SALE BY OWNER with a telephone number. How many people do you think actually see that sign besides the neighbors. It cost money and time to market your home … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: We Don't Need More Dots... - 04/16/07 02:23 PM
"We don't need more dots..." I hear the red-faced, stock picking pundit scream into the CNBC camera as I glance up from my laptop. Late afternoon cable TV is how I home school myself on these occasional slow days in the Chicago Real Estate bubble, correction, vacuum, surge or whatever they're … (7 comments)
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chicago real estate: Subprime Woes in Chicago? - 04/03/07 11:44 AM
The subprime lending market has created such a buzz lately. It was "fun" for buyers and realtors when we could get ANYONE financed and find their dream home. But what now? Well now, unfortunately there are an abundance of foreclosed properties that will inevitably bring the market value the near by … (0 comments)
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chicago real estate: Its The New '30s' Baby - 03/23/07 11:42 AM
I try to constantly evolve as a Buyers Representative and thus, continuously explore different 'urban niches' in this Midwestern prairie setting I now call home. In the past few years I have come to work with many 'middle aged' out of town buyers (as I once was myself) as well as … (2 comments)
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chicago real estate: Private Domain Name Registration -or- Length of Domain Registration - 01/29/07 07:52 AM
Private Domain Name Registration -or- Length of Domain Registration???
By Brian Ortiz, Realtor, Chicago IL
Chicago Real Estate
With regard to a Google Page Rank number, does anyone know if having my domain name privately registered has any effect on it?
I previously had a nice Google Page Rank of 6, but made some … (4 comments)
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chicago real estate: 1338 W. Addison St., Unit 1, Chicago, IL 60613 - 01/24/07 06:45 AM
3 Bedroom / 3 Bath Duplex Condo in Chicago's Southport Corridor - NEW PRICE - $529,000
By Brian Ortiz, Realtor, Chicago IL
Chicago Real Estate
New price on this beautiful property in one of the best locations in the city. Price reduced to $529,000. In addition to the 2500 sq ft of … (7 comments)
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chicago real estate: Urban Legend, The Top 10,000 - 01/23/07 07:32 AM
Now that the holiday dinner party circuit has finally subsided and there's nary an occasion left to celebrate --- NEWS FLASH---"we interrupt this editorial to bring you a special bulletin... CHICAGO BEARS ADVANCE TO SUPER BOWL XLI" Alright, besides that...now where was I? Oh yes, social functions.With just one more big … (6 comments)
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