Judy's Favorite Outdoor Spaces

River North - the ultimate loft

2012-01-13T17:42:00.001-06:00

Chicago just experienced our first snowstorm of th 11-12 season. Come dream of summer with me - on a roof deck tour of this exceptional loft. This deck is larger than many city back yards.

This 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath loft is the ultimate in sophisticated loft living.
This 3 level home also has a 1500 square foot deck. The expanisive deck offers refreshing breezes and city skyline views.

Penthouse Loft with terrace

2011-02-01T11:12:00.002-06:00

This top floor loft has a wonderful walk-out 35' x 9' deck. It is rare to find such outdoor space with in a true loft building. This east facing loft has tons of light through the sliding glass doors, and is enhanced by several skylights.
The 2 bedroom, 2 bath loft / condo also has a private garage space. The total price is $370,000, monthly assessments are $359 and annual taxes are $3,906.

River North Terrace - views, views, views

2010-09-22T14:23:00.000-05:00

700 squ ft slate tiled terrace

This River North 2B/2B condo features an extra large terrace right off the living area. This easy access lends itself to grand entertaining and everyday use.

The condo features updated bathrooms, a kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances and a tiled backsplash. Priced at $359,000 the monthly assessment is $659 and the annual taxes are $4,957. One garage parking space is priced at $35,000.

Easy outdoor living in River North.

Wow! Rooftop pergola in Lakeview

2010-09-09T16:10:00.002-05:00

Roof deck with pergola (sun shade)

This roof deck in Lakeview has the most elaborate design that I have seen in a roofdeck (if anyone wants to submit competitive roofdecks - I'd love to see them). It is a true gem to have the deck already finished in this type of style. The property is new on the market and won't last long!

This 2 bedroom / 2 bath condo has an wide floorplan and lots of open space in the living dining area. It is the top floor of the buildng, and has a private roofdeck. In addition to the private roofdeck, both bedrooms have access to a balcony.
The giant private roofdeck is equipped with a pergola, sound speakers, lighting and a water line. The purchase will include grill and audio system.

This property just hit the market and is priced at $419,900. The monthly assessments are $180 and annual taxes are $5,170. 1 parking space is included in the price.

South Loop -Views, views, views

2010-08-30T15:29:00.000-05:00

Here are great city views from another perspective - the South Loop. This 2200 squ foot duplex condo has south, east and west views, with a 400 squ foot terrace on the east side and a balcony on the west. Three bedrooms and 2 full baths are on the second floor.

This photo is just a teaser of the views from inside the home and from the terrace. The living and dining rooms feature 20 ft ceilings and the kitchen has extra-ordinary windows to allow expansive light flow and views.

Priced at $569,000 (includes 1 pkg space) ; monthly assessments are $737 and the annual taxes are $5,890. A second deeded parking space is available.

River North 1200 squ ft terrace

2010-08-26T13:41:00.000-05:00

Here's another great terrace in River North. Located on the 4th floor - this luxury condo has a terrace that extends beyond the living / dining / kitchen area. This is a huge space measuring 21x59 feet. The condo (and terrace) are accessible by elevator.
This kitchen upgrades include an island with granite top, honey cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The opulent master bath features a dual shower and body sprays. The master bedroom has custom built-in storage.
This 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is priced at $649,900, monthly assessments are $766 and annual property taxes are $6,578. The price includes a tandem garage parking space.

To view this property or obtain a list of great terraces in your preferred neighborhood, please contact me at jmannetter@rubloff.com

Gold Coast Terrace

2010-08-23T17:40:00.000-05:00

OK, you want a serene outdoor space in the middle of an established neighborhood, close to designer shopping, and attached to a 3 bedroom condo? This is it. Located in the Gold Coast, this terrace is unique because it is covered - rain or shine, enjoy the treetop views, relaxed atmosphere and convenient location.

The 1900 square feet condo, has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a fireplace, high end kitchen and garage parking is included in the price of $799,900. The monthly assessments are $1,146 and annual taxes are $11,000.

Lakeview Townhouse with roofdeck

2010-08-17T14:41:00.000-05:00

One of Chicago's favorite outdoor venues is the quint-essential roofdeck. This roofdeck tops a 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath townhouse with attached garage. The roofdeck is 25x12 offering plenty of space for gardening, grilling, or just hanging out. The townhouse also has a 17x9 deck off the living room. Multiple outdoor spaces totaling 450 square feet!

Priced at just $399,000, the monthly assessments are $285 and annual property taxes are $5,200.

South Loop Duplex with 600 square foot terrace

2010-08-13T10:25:00.002-05:00

We know the South Loop has great high rises with forever lake and city views, popular restaurants, great shopping, wine bars, and good transportation options.

Did you know the South Loop also has a few great terraces?

This property is a 2000 square foot duplex loft, with a 600 square foot terrace off the second level. You can see that it has been landscaped ( a real plus) and has plenty of space for exterior decorating. The loft has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and is listed for only $435,000.(this is flexible space, can be1-2 bedrooms, den, etc). The indoor parking space is an additional $30,000. Monthly assessments are $662 and annual taxes are $6700.

River North Penthouse Roof deck

2010-08-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

This photo does not do justice to the private roofdeck space on this River North mid / high rise. The deck flows from the 2nd level of this 3 bedroom , 2 1/2 bath condo. It is an amazing 980 square foot deck adjacent to the living room / family room. The duplex penthouse lives like a house with views. It offers fantastic lake and skyline views.

Located in popular River North, the condo is close to downtown, great restaurants and nightlife. Easy transportation options with access to freeways and the El. Priced at $689,000 the condo without the deck is 1850 square feet, assessments are $1068 per month, annual taxes are $7085.

For more information on this property, or a list of great outdoor space in your neighborhood, I can be reached at 312.264.5810 or jmannetter@rubloff.com

West loop home with sunny terrace

2010-07-30T11:26:00.000-05:00

Here's another space for the terrace lovers out there. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath property is located in the West Loop and has a spacious 600 squ ft terrace. As you can see, there is plenty of space for plants, tables, relaxing area, etc. The wide doors offer great access to the terrace and lots of light inside. The location allows you to walk to downtown or the United Center!

This condo has an open kitchen and private bedrooms (floor to ceiling walls), the price includes 2 parking spaces. Priced at $449,000, the monthly assessment is $360, the annual taxes are $4,347.

Lakeview Roofdeck

2010-07-26T15:31:00.000-05:00

This is a great example of one of Chicago's favorite outdoor hangouts - the roofdeck of a 5 unit building. This deck is private to the penthouse unit.

The 2000 square foot condo has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, was built in 2006 and has great finishes. There is a balcony off the living area plus the deck (good placement for grilling). The private roofdeck is a great bonus space for this home and true way to experience nights under the stars.

Great price for West Loop loft with terrace

2010-07-22T14:24:00.000-05:00

This 2400 square foot loft has a greatly expanded living area with this terrace. It has been upgraded with an outdoor kitchen to really enhance the outdoor experience. If you are looking for an outdoor space that is "move-in ready" -- this is it.

The loft/condo has a large open space, upgraded kitchen, plus 3/4 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. Other features include a fireplace, large windows, high ceilings, and a parking space.

Great walk to UIC and Greektown location. Easy access to downtown and expressways. Listed for $399,000; monthly assessments of $495 and annual property taxes of $5882.

Lake Shore Dr terrace with lake views

2010-07-19T11:12:00.000-05:00

This Streeterville condo has a breathtaking 1000 squ ft. terrace with dirct lake views. This terrace is easy to get to - simply step through the sliding doors from the top-of-the-line kitchen.

Feel like you have your own lake house in the heart of the city, complete with doorman, rooftop pool, work-out room, and attached garage.
The condo has 2 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms, is updated throughout and has fantastic lake views. Priced at $1,299,000; monthly assessments are $1440 and annual taxes are $9,100.

To view this condo, or obtain a list of condos with great outdoor space in your preferred neighborhood and price range, please contact me at: jmannetter@rubloff.com

Wicker Park condo - terrace is extension of living area

2010-07-14T14:50:00.000-05:00

This extra large terrace flows from the living space of a 2 bed / 2 bath condo located in Wicker Park. The terrace measures 15x45 - that's over 600 square feet! The terrace is equipped with outdoor speakers, electricity, water line, and gas hook-up. Truly seamless indoor/outdoor living at it's best. Some landscaping has been done - so it is move-in (or move-out to the terrace) ready.
Contemporary living - indoors and out!

The condo is sure to please contemporary architecture lovers. Featuring an Arclinea kitchen with Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, the master bath is a work of art - including a teak shower bench. The purchase price is $684,800, annual taxes are $8,200 and monthly assessment is $212. The building conveniences include an elevator and attached garage.

Wicker Park Penthouse Duplex

2010-07-12T17:41:00.000-05:00

This condo and terrace are located in a 16 unit building in Wicker Park, offering private deck space to the penthouse homes.

This home and deck have great southern exposure for your rooftop garden. You can see that it is complete with decking and lots of space for furniture and plants. Listed at $469,000 - it has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and garage parking for 1 car. This photo also shows off the Chicago skyline view visible from the deck.
The location is close to great shops and restaurants - my favorite is Moonshine (with outdoor seating in the summer) http://www.yelp.com/biz/moonshine-restaurant-chicago

Small price for large deck in Lakeview

2010-07-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

I found an unexpected terrace space this week - located in a highrise in Lakeview, this large one bedroom condo has a nice west facing terrace with access from sliding doors in the living room and bedroom. You can see that the current owners enjoy planting and growing things.

Listed at only $227,000 - this is a steal for your own piece of outdoors. For all of you sun and fresh air lovers, the building also has a rooftop pool (of course it's not private like the terrace).

Small building with private roofdeck in the Gold Coast

2010-07-06T11:34:00.000-05:00

This gem is nestled on a tree lined street in the Gold Coast (condo building consists of 4 units). Surrounded by brownstones and high rises, this neighborhood is a favorite of many.

This vintage penthouse is exquisitely updated and boasts 2 bedrooms, 2 luxurious bathrooms, a separate dining room, large living room and top of the line kitchen - all suited for gracious living. Topping it all is a private roofdeck. (you also have parking). Priced at $899,000 - this is a rare offering.
I especially like that the terrace has built in planters and is nicely landscaped.

Streeterville / Lakefront Living

2010-06-30T22:10:00.000-05:00

Our next feature is in the Streeterville neighborhood (some people would think of it as the Gold Coast,we'll call it a tween). With 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2 levels of living and a roof deck, what more can you want? This 3200+ square foot condo has a 950 square foot deck that is the envy of the neighborhood. Just steps from the Drake Hotel in the land of highrise living, this is a lowrise building with private roof space. You arrive at the lower level of your condo by elevator, then have 2 levels of contempoary styled space with a private landscaped rooftop terrace off the second level.

To view this condo, or obtain a list of properties with great outdoor space in your neighborhood, contact: jmannetter@rubloff.com

Lincoln Park outdoor living

2010-06-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

Here's another fantastic outdoor area that is an extension of your living space. This 900 square foot terrace is right off the wide living room in this 2 bed / 2 bath condo in Lincoln Park.
At 40 x 24, this deck is big enough for table and chairs, lounge furniture, planters and more. With a nice sunny exposure it is a great spot for planter gardening.
This upgraded 2 bed condo is in an elevator building and the price of $425,000 includes a parking space. The monthly assessments are $425 and annual taxes are $5,487.

525 Squ ft terrace in River North

2010-06-23T14:25:00.000-05:00

This is a wonderful entertaining or private space above it all in River North. You can grill, relax, garden or just be. A relaxing hangout in the city, 525 square feet of protected private space - just use your imagination. You will be under the stars in the heart of Chicago. Grill your dinner - or have it delivered from hundreds of local restuarant options. Meet up with friends here before going out - the Taste of Chicago would be a good bet in the next couple weeks.

This terrace expands the living space of a 1300+ square foot, 2 bed / 2 bath condo, with indoor parking. The condo is listed at $449,000 plus $40,000 for the parking space (terrace included).

Downtown Penthouse condo with Terrace

2010-06-18T17:56:00.000-05:00

OK, we've been exploring terraces and decks around the city of Chicago, now we'll head downtown.
This is one of the most unique properties available in the city. It is a 3700 square foot penthouse duplex condo - featuring 2 floors of living space with an open staircase and designer finishes. This is a 4 bedroom, 4 bath condo with parking.

The terrace with wrap around views is amazing, imagine the view from the 59th floor!
This River North high rise is a full amenity building including pool, exercise room and hospitality foom. The best of city living!

Please contact me to arrange a showing of this spectacular home, or a list of properties with outdoor living space in your preferred neighborhood.
jmannetter@rubloff.com

600 squ ft Terrace - great outdoor living - Ukrainian Village

2010-06-15T14:05:00.001-05:00

Wow, another great terrace - which is really an extension of your living space. If you are seeking great outdoor opportunities in Chicago, you quickly realize that there is space that is easy to access (therefore livable) and space that takes determination to access. This expansive (600 square foot) terrace can accommodate tables, chairs, comfy outdoor lounges, hammocks, planters, you name it- and it is right off your indoor living space.
Adding to the usability of this terrace, the building has an elevator! This is rare, extremely convenient and will add to your enjoyment of the deck (think furniture, bags of soil, ice, etc)

Located in the Ukrainian Village (ie, longstanding neighborhood with restaurants, shops, very easy commute to downtown, and hip neighbors) this one bed one bath condo is priced at $229,900 (+ $ for the indoor parking).

Contact me to see this property, or get a list of great outdoor spaces in your neighborhood.

jmannetter@rubloff.com

Contemporary home with spacious roofdeck in Lincoln Park

2010-06-08T14:55:00.000-05:00

Looking for a great place to enjoy the sun and the stars? This contemporary 3 bedroom / 2 1/2 bath condo has 2500 square feet to spread out in.

Plus....a private deck. This deck is begging for your personal touch. Plants, furniture, tables and umbrellas - you name it, you will have space for it.
Condo listed for $669,800, monthly assessments are a mere $175, annual taxes have not been assessed.

Bonus: Fertile Gardens, one of the Chicago's best plant stores is just down the street.

To view this property please feel free to contact me: jmannetter@rubloff.com

Or, contact me to receive a list of properties with great outdoor space in your preferred neighborhood.

Cool outdoor space - terrace - private deck

2010-06-07T14:45:00.000-05:00

One of the great things about Chicago is our fabulous summers - all the more fabulous if you've lived through a Chicago winter.

One of the best ways to experience summer is relaxing and entertaining on your own terrace, roof deck, or patio space. What a great way to spend a summer evening, on your personal deck with your own design touches. This can be dinner with friends, or hanging in your hammock. However you choose to utilize your outdoor space, having an outdoor oasis in the city is priceless.

Here is an 800 squ ft terrace that is simply amazing! It is attached to a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with indoor parking in River West. It is priced at only $328,000, monthly assessments are $289 and annual taxes are $2916.
This is truly a find - an 800 square foot space -bigger than my first Chicago apt! A private terrace! Space for hanging out and rejuvenating after a hard day - like a vacation in the city.

Feel free to call or e-mail me for more information or to schedule a showing.

South Loop, Contemporary Architecture

2009-08-05T12:48:00.000-05:00

I'm hosting an open house on Sunday, August 9 at a great one bedroom plus den in the South Loop.
The building is 1440 S Michigan, one of the examples of modern architecture built by CMK. This low rise building (6 floors) consists of 100 condos with a landscaped center courtyard. The high concrete ceilings and exposed ducts make it a popular soft loft.

Unit 315 features a balcony, updated kitchen, large bathroom with a deep soaking tub, and in unit washer/dryer. The kitchen has stone counters and backsplash. The oversized island is great as a breakfast bar. The large one bedroom floorplan has a den which makes a great home office or guest area. It can easily be separated by french doors or left open to the living room.

If you are looking for a great buy (deeded parking included) with a convenient location, stop by on Sunday.
1440 S Michigan, Unit 315
Sunday, August 9
noon - 2 pm

Mortgage tips

2009-07-11T11:40:00.001-05:00

Here's a recent article regarding mortgages that I found helpful for new buyers, repeat buyers and those hoping to refinance.
I recommend two Chicago based mortgage bankers:
Lane Sears with RWF - 312.242.5252
Eric Johnson with Chicago Bancorp - 312.738.6040

Window Shopping - 5 Tips for Prospective Home Buyers
RISMEDIA, June 26, 2009-(MCT)-After a recent spike seen in mortgage rates, some consumers are wondering whether they’ve missed their chance to refinance into an ultra-low rate.

Fear not: While the conforming 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a daily average of 5.81% last Thursday, it averaged 5.53% on Tuesday, said Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH Associates, a publisher of consumer loan information. And it’s possible that rates could continue to fall.

“Predicting interest rates is like predicting who is going to win the World Series in January,” said Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance. That said, he calls the recent spike “somewhat of an aberration,” and expects rates will continue to drift down.

Why the recent run-up in rates? Over the past month or two, “the economic skies have brightened somewhat,” Gumbinger said in an e-mail, and the threat of “trillion-dollar budget deficits for the foreseeable future, the potential for significant inflation, and few clues as to how the government might extricate itself from intrusions into markets” created a landscape that was not appealing to investors.

But now, rates are retreating partly because inflation doesn’t seem as immediate a threat as investors feared, Cecala said. In his opinion, nothing fundamentally has changed in the economy over recent weeks to warrant the rate rise, yet he expects volatility through the remainder of the year as investors debate the economy’s health.

“Realistically, I think that the rates will drift under 5% again. It may take a month, may take two months,” he said.

It’s also important, however, to realize that extremely low rates likely won’t be around forever, said Bob Walters, chief economist of Quicken Loans, in a statement.

“Luckily, we have seen rates drop some this week, which should help many consumers breathe a little easier,” Walters said. “But the fact remains, the government’s plan of purchasing mortgage-backed securities cannot go on indefinitely, and when it ends, we will most certainly see a spike in rates. The hope is that the Fed can keep rates low long enough to kick-start a housing recovery. Whether that will work remains to be seen.”

“Volatility is the key word in the mortgage industry these days when it comes to rates,” said Kyle Kerwin, senior vice president of mortgage lending for Signature Bank of Arkansas.

Here are five tips for those shopping for a mortgage today, particularly those who need to refinance an existing loan:

1. Get started on paperwork. Once you’ve found the mortgage professional you’d like to work with, get started on the necessary paperwork, said Dan Green, loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage in Cincinnati and author of TheMortgageReports.com. Rates move regularly, and if paperwork has been started your file can be processed more quickly when rates hit a low. When you start the application process, your credit score will be pulled and you’ll need to submit support documentation including W-2 forms and pay stubs. You might be asked for updated documents nearer to closing.

2. Make sure your credit is in good shape. Check credit reports and fix problems as soon as possible, said Mary Curran, president of Highland Financial Mortgage Corp. in Northbrook, Ill. Even seemingly small charges can haunt a borrower: A forgotten, unpaid parking ticket, for example, can noticeably affect a credit score, she said.

3. Decide at what rate it makes sense to pull the trigger. If you have a 6% rate now, rates would have to hit 5% or lower for it to make financial sense to refinance, Cecala said. Talk with your mortgage professional about what’s best for your particular situation.

4. Stick to your guns. Once you determine the rate you’d need to get, it’s probably wise to stick to that decision. Consumers sometimes gamble that rates will go lower, and the plan can backfire if rates reverse course, Kerwin said. A couple of weeks ago, rates were close to 4.5% in his market, “and people wanted to hold out for an extra eighth of a percent.”

5. Remember, rates are still good. Yes, rates could fall and create another record low as a result of a swoon in the stock market, a collapse of a major bank or a deepening of a recession, Gumbinger said. But it isn’t likely that many consumers would crave those economic shocks. “Why would anyone wish for those things again to simply get a rock-bottom, ultra low mortgage rate? If it means saving $250 per month on your mortgage but it costs you $50,000 in your 401(k), how could this be seen as any kind of benefit?” he said.
Author: Amy Hoak

©2009, MarketWatch.com Inc.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-06-25/mortgage-window-shopping-5-tips-for-prospective-home-buyers/#ixzz0KyBmeQEt&C

Chicago home sales & price data

2008-11-25T11:42:00.000-06:00

This reinforces my belief that the Chicago home market is strong compared to the National news we continually hear.

Chicago home prices down less than U.S. index

Nov. 25, 2008

Crain’s Chicago Business

(AP) — Chicago home prices fell less than a widely watched national index, which on Tuesday showed prices dropping across the county by the sharpest annual rate on record in the third quarter.

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index released Tuesday tumbled a record 16.6 percent during the quarter from the same period a year ago. Prices are at levels not seen since the first quarter of 2004.

Chicago-area prices were down 10.1 perc. in September compared with September 2007.

The monthly indices also clocked in record declines. The 20-city index fell by 17.4 percent in September compared with a year ago, the largest drop since its inception in 2000. The 10-city index plunged 18.6 percent, the biggest decline in its 21-year history.

No city in the Case-Shiller 20-city index saw annual price gains in September — for the sixth straight month.

Old Town Tribute

2008-11-20T09:37:00.000-06:00

This past Monday afternoon, 11/17/08, I was in a crowd of people that stood shivering at the corner of Wells & Schiller in Old Town. The city dedicated "Marion Konishi Way" a new honorary street preserving the memory of Marion Konishi. In 1968, Mrs. Konishi opened the first sushi bar in Chicago located in Old Town, Kamehachi of Tokyo. She was honored as being an entrepreneur, a pioneer and a champion of Asian Americans. The restaurant, Kamehachi is still a favorite, and now has multiple locations, the two best known are 1400 N Wells & 240 E Ontario.

After the touching dedication in which supporters including Alderman Burnett spoke about her contributions to the community. The unveiling of the sign was done by Mrs. Konishi's great-grandchildren. This was followed up by a sumptious spread of sushi, sashimi and cooked items too!

Old Town is full of traditions: the Dr Scholl's factory, now Cobbler's Square, a loft rental complex; Kamehachi, celebrating 40 years; and Chicago's own Second City Comedy Club; to name a few.

Old Town: A great place to visit, a great place to live.

For more information on the dedication, go to ABC:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=6506466

Sheridan Park, Chicago Neighborhoods

2008-10-24T15:08:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a great community, with reasonably priced property, close to the lake? Try Sheridan Park.

I have a new listing at 4628 N Racine, Unit 1N. This property has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, (includes a master bath with tiled shower, double bowl vanity, and granite vanity top) great layout, parking, and private back porch. The kitchen is gorgeous with a tiled backsplash, granite counters, and SS appliances. The entire property has oak hardwood floors. (exept the utility room, complete with side-by-side washer & dryer)

It is in a well kept 8 unit building with an inviting front porch. The fenced in yard is a favorite for both the kids and dogs in the building.

Location, location, location - it is located one block from Borders, one block from a pet supply store, two blocks from Starbucks, two blocks from an el stop.

To see this great home, contact me or stop by at the open house on Sunday, October 26 between noon & 2pm.

Mortgage Info

2008-07-31T11:35:00.000-05:00

Here is another option as many lenders are only able to provide loans at 90% to value, people are turning to FHA loans for condos, not just single family homes.

If you are not able to put 10-15% down on a purchase, I can hook you up with a lender to assist you in putting together an FHA approved loan.

Don't despair - call now!

Mortgage Tips

2008-07-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

In my last entry, I shared information on the luxury real estate market. Now, I will share some information that may be helpful to a greater number of home buyers-especially those first time homebuyers out there.

From www.peoplejam.com, an online self-help community, here are four tips to help you improve your chances of getting a mortgage:

- Check your credit reports. The three main reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You’ll want to make sure that all the information on these reports is correct. If you find some information that is incorrect, you should report the discrepancy immediately to all three reporting agencies. Anything negative on your credit report can hurt you, even if it’s not right.

- Boost your FICO score. Most mortgage lenders use the FICO score to determine if a borrower will default. Because the score measures your ability to repay a loan, there are steps you can take to improve it. Pay down your debt, pay all your credit accounts on time and keep open accounts with a $0 balance.
- Put money aside for a down payment. Sock enough away for a 5% to 10% down payment. This will show that you are serious about becoming a homeowner. Most lenders feel more comfortable granting a mortgage with a larger down payment. No-down-payment mortgages, a staple of the housing boom, have virtually disappeared. To qualify for a government-insured Federal Housing Administration loan, you’ll need to put at least 3% down.

- Get realistic about your budget. Your mortgage payment should be about 25% of your monthly household income. Choose a price range that fits this. If you make $4,000 a month, don’t take a mortgage out for much more than $1,000 a month. This will ensure that you have adequate reserves to make your payments.

positive trend

2008-07-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a bright spot amid all the mortgage concerns in today's real estate market...

To read the Chicago Tribune article, click here

Sales up, Prices down

2008-03-24T12:51:00.000-05:00

The latest NAR home sales stats were released. They validated what we have been feeling in our local market.
More homes (condos, houses) are being sold. The sold price of these homes are down.

Buyers are feeling this in our area as well (low) priced properties are coming on the market. They are recieving multiple offers, and sometimes are selling for over the list price. We know first hand that sales are increasing - probably because sellers are becoming more savvy and are pricing lower to match the market demand.

Whether you are buying or selling, or just curious about the market - this is good news.

Sanity in the housing market

2008-02-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

I would like to share something with the blog readers out there.

I am passionate about residential real estate.

I believe first and formost that real estate is "home". It is our place of refuge, a place for our family and friends. It is where we live, love and dream.

Secondly, I believe that real estate is an investment. Our home is often the nest egg (now you know where that term came from, nest =home) that supports us and our families financially.

I believe that our society is once again viewing real estate as our foundation, not the tip of an investment pyramid. As lenders return to basic lending principles, consumers will be able to buy a home with confidence. Or, rent a home and have some confidence that their landlord will not face foreclosure and leave them homeless.

If you are thinking of buying a home now (whether you are a first time buyer or experienced buyer), here are a few things to consider:
-Prices in Chicago lakefront neighborhoods are at their lowest in a couple years (depending on building & area, this means today's price is the same as the price 2 years ago -- or price increases are slower than they were previous to 2 years ago)
-You have more properties to choose from than you had in the housing frenzy
-If you are a qualified buyer, there is mortgage money available and low fixed rates

I'll see you out there!

Baby It's Cold Outside

2008-01-21T17:04:00.000-06:00

Hello from Chicago. We just experienced our coldest weekend of the year. Let's hope that was the coldest weekend of the entire year! Here in downtown Chicago our temperatures are more temperate than even 40 miles west of Chicago. The waters of Lake Michigan can be very kind to us, keeping our air temperature warm in the winter, and a bit cooler in the summer. But 0 degrees with minus 25 degrees windchill is cold.

But....I sense that the real estate market is heating up. I have had a uptick in the number of showings on my listings, and even an increase in offers. That means inspectors are busier, attorneys are getting contracts, lenders are getting loan applications...........

So, if we all have a positive attitude, I think we can see the housing slump end very ungracefully with a bang! If you are interested in buying - call your agent and get out there. If you need to sell, there are properties going under contract and you will be one of the "new" properties on the market. So call your agent and get on the market!

Day 1

2007-12-09T14:11:00.000-06:00

This is the first post in my blog. It is an interesting season for the real estate market. Buyers and sellers are both busy with parties, shopping, and family. I am continually talking to people who are preparing to make a move in 2008. Now is a great time to be keeping tabs on those credit card balances and thinking about what type of home best suits you. Or if you are planning to sell, now is the time to be making the repairs and improvements that will make your home stand out.

Enjoy what is left of the weekend!