Gauging the gadgets

Hipster kitchen tips from the International Home & Housewares Show
By Mike Danahey
STAFF WRITER
COURTESY SUBURBANCHICAGONEWS.COM

I'm the wrong guy to send to something like the International Home & Housewares Show. With a few exceptions, shopping makes my eyes glaze over like a zombie's in Shaun of the Dead, like an unwanted donut on the overstocked shelves at a Krispy Kreme.
The show filled Chicago's mammoth, 2.2 million-square-feet McCormick Place last week, turning its halls into the world's largest big box store, packed with products from 2,200 merchants. The technical term for it all, according to noted philosopher George Carlin, is "stuff." And stuff like this comprises a $62.6 billion industry in the United States and $265 billion globally.
There were lots of things with cool Schwarzenegger-sounding names, though, like the Ozonator, which is supposed to purify your fridge from all bad smells and bacteria and powerful fans of all sizes from Vornada. Oddly, there was a sign proclaiming "sham wholesale," which I later learned is "a thing you put over your pillow to make it look pretty."
Such funny labels could easily distract someone like me from making any sense from so much stuff.
So it was a good thing a distaff panel of experts — the International Housewares Association's new Home Trend Influentials Council, or HIPsters, for short — was on hand to guide me through the myriad merchandise.
The six ladies were chosen as they are "early adopters of housewares products — the ones who other consumers are always seeking out for product recommendations," said A.J. Riedel, senior partner of Riedel Marketing Group. "HIPsters make up only 3-5 percent of the population, but they are at the top of the home-trend curve. They frequently make new product purchases, and are always painting, rearranging or redecorating their homes."
All of which makes them sound like female versions of the Queer Eye crew crossed with that existential Greek, Sisyphus, who was always rolling a rock back up a hill, much like this bunch is constantly revamping rooms. But, far from being upper-middle-class mythological Mrs., these women were pretty down-to-earth.
In fact, they admitted to trusting places such as Costco, to overspending at Target, to traversing the narrow aisles of Wal-Mart, to appreciating a good marketing display, to bargain hunting online and all to being over 40 years old.
Like a clueless husband during Christmas season, I asked these consumer-wordly women for a list of recommendations, specifically of stuff related to the kitchen. Then, like a dutiful spouse, I hunted for the items, foraging whatever free snacks I spotted along the way. (Note: cheese straws are so named because they taste like straw coated in cheese powder.)
Here are the discoveries, listed alphabetically by manufacturer:
Adagio Teas: ingenuiTEA, the ingenious teapot. A $16, easy way to brew your own loose tea in single servings, with a mini-pot that sits on top of a cup, trickling the brew. I found this one myself, via an e-mail pitch.
Web site: adagioXL.com
Hamilton Beach: the "Ecletrics" line of products. A half dozen all-metal kitchen appliances, including a $200 Double Spindle Drink Mixer, available in trendy colors. The concept here is called "colorscaping," where you update the look through the shades of appliances to create a "coco cabana," "Indian spice market," "Out of Africa," and other such chicness. Due in the fall is a purple haze called "grapeness." You have been warned.
Web sites: www.hamiltonbeach.com; www.colorscaping.com
E-Z Foil pans. The HIPster gals liked the designs, which allows you to fool your guests into thinking you bought catered food. E-Z ovenware is supposed to be on the market by summer, and though it's not as pretty, it allows you to nuke your food. $3-$5 per product. The HIPsters also thought this was made by Reynolds, but, like a devoted husband, I tracked down the real maker.
Web site: www.pactiv.com
Maytag: Hoover Floor Mate Hard-Floor Cleaners. The latest in wet-dry vacuums for hard floors. The top of the line model comes with attachments for getting behind the stove or toilet and lists for about $250.
Web site: www.hoover.com
Oxo: angled measuring cups. Too hard for you to look at the side of the cup? With these, you can look over the top, and the design allows you to see how much you have, much like a mini swimming pool. Prices: $3.99 — Mini Angled Measuring Cup; $9.99 for Mini Angled Measuring Cup Set (includes 3 Mini Angled Measuring Cups); $4.99 — Angled Measuring 1-Cup; $6.99 — Angled Measuring 2-Cup; $9.99 — Angled Measuring 4-Cup; $19.99 — 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set (includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup & 4-Cup Angled Measuring Cups)
Web site: www.oxo.com
Precidio: The ladies liked that the Melamine dinnerware, a material in weights as light as fine china, but sturdy enough for the beach — and in all sorts of trendy colors and patterns. Pictured pieces run $4.50 — $16.
Web site: www.precidio.com
Richco: Plate Caddy. I found this one on my own, or maybe I saw the infomercial. This magical device allows you to balance your food and beverage with one hand, leaving the other free to eat and drink. This makes it valuable for tailgating and dining in the recliner. A set of four is $9.95.
Web site: www.platecaddy.com
Simple Green: The women liked that the environmental cleaning solution now comes in a variety of scents with its Aroma Clean line. Spray trigger bottles retail for $4.99.
Web site: www.simplegreen.com
Wilton: 13-piece microwave fondue set. All the fun of fondue, minus the possible fire damage. The $40 set comes with a glazed bowl and four cups that can keep your sauces warm for 90 minutes. It won't be out until fall, so we can't show you a picture.
Web site: www.wilton.com
Zyliss: ice cream "right scoop" ($8.99); silicone spreader ($7.99); soft skin peeler ($6.99). The ladies liked the ice cream scooper because it wasn't girlie, but had a weight to it. The spreader appealed for its ability to get the last gob of peanut butter out of the jar. The peeler worked well on tough-to-skin fruits such as kiwi. And they liked the variety of colors, too. The right scoop comes in five shades: mango, pistachio green, lemon yellow, bubblegum pink and white. Leave it to the Swiss, eh?
Web site: www.zylissusa.com

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Census Data

Courtesy Chicago Sun Times

To find out more information on the community you are interested in, visit the Chicago Sun Times Census Data page . The information provided will include population, density, community profiles, and other demographic information.

How does financing for a multi-unit building work?

BY BILL RUMBLER SUN-TIMES REPORTER
Courtesy Chicago Sun Times

How much can you afford to pay for a rental building?
A potential 2-flat buyer looking at a $250,000 building typically figures it this way: If the monthly payment on principal, interest, taxes and insurance comes to $2,000 and the rent brings in $1,000 a month, all I have to do is come up with $1,000 a month.
Therefore, I can afford to buy the place with 10 percent down on a monthly household income of $5,000, with 20 percent ($1,000) going toward the monthly payment.
That might be logical from the buyer's perspective, but that's not the way it works in the mortgage finance world, said Sean Lowry of On LaSalle/Pacor Mortgage, a Chicago mortgage brokerage.
Typically lenders will take only 75 percent of the rental income ($750 in this example), add it to your other monthly income ($5,000) and then apply the 28 percent rule of thumb. That is, your monthly housing costs must not exceed 28 percent of total monthly income. In this case, 28 percent of $5,750 is $1,610--not enough to cover the monthly $2,000 cost.
More sophisticated lenders use a different method, said Lowry, who deals with such lenders. They'll subtract 75 percent of the rent directly from the monthly payment ($2,000 less $750 makes for $1,250 a month), then apply the 28 percent rule to the regular $5,000 monthly income. So, 28 percent of $5,000 is $1,400, more than enough to cover the $1,250 that's left of the mortgage payment.
This second method amplifies your building-buying potential, said Raymond Zilionis of Millennium Financial Corp., which offers such a program to Verona Square and Lexington Commons buyers, and across the Chicago area. It assumes the buyer has a normal load of other debts.
With 5 percent down, a buyer typically can borrow up to $300,000 and with 10 percent down, up to $400,000, he said.
It's common for people with incomes of $40,000 to $45,000 to qualify for rental buildings that cost $350,000 to $400,000, he said.

How can I make moving easier

BY JEAN GUARINO
Courtesy Sun Times

• Mark your cartons for rooms in which they belong.
• Take your child's school records. These usually are required when registering for a new school.
• Pack phone books from your old town. You might think you'll remember the numbers you called frequently, but most likely you'll spend a small fortune on directory assistance charges to contact old friends or tie up loose ends.
• Don't forget to finish your business with local services, such as picking up your dry cleaning.
• Fill out a change-of-address form at the post office.
• Clean the house you're leaving, or make arrangements for a service to do the job for you.
• Leave the electric garage-door openers for the new owners.
• Make arrangements for moving plants and animals, since most moving companies don't transport them.
• Retrieve documents from your safe deposit box. It's a good idea to open a checking account in your new hometown a month before moving so you can have immediate access to your account.
• Collect the spare house keys you have given to neighbors and friends.
Jean Guarino is a Chicago area free-lance writer.

Clean like a pro

Drive out the dust, dirt and scum from top to bottom

Courtesy Chicago Tribune
By Annie Groer
The Washington Post

I love to cook, am a whiz with a hot iron and rather enjoy polishing the family silver(plate).

But the larger task of cleaning an entire apartment or house leaves me cold. Always has.

I might have remained forever ignorant of what it really means to clean from "top to bottom" (remember this phrase, it will reappear) had not a flyer from MaidPro, the Boston-based national cleaning franchise, recently come my way.

"All our service providers are professionally trained through our MaidPro University," the ad boasted. University? Where better to acquire a remedial education than from a firm that charges by the hour, trains two-person crews to clean as many as four houses a day, and has as its pun-ly motto, "It's About Time."

Clearly grime is money.

My professor was self-described "neat freak," Philip Doyle, who spent 25 years in hotel management (housekeeping was definitely part of his portfolio) before he bought a MaidPro franchise here in October. His classroom was the home of a client, where I watched Doyle and one of his top cleaners do everything from shaking dead leaves off a pair of potted trees and dusting oil paintings with a fat, sable paintbrush to vacuuming a sofa and knife-creasing throw pillows.

Doyle's first rule of cleaning echoes that of many household experts: "top to bottom." This technique drives all dust, cobwebs, pet hair and shower scum downward from ceilings, walls and furnishings. Once on the floor, the collective mess becomes a snap to vacuum, sweep or mop up.

His second-favorite direction is "from the farthest point to the door," which allows the cleaner to exit without tracking dirt over newly pristine surfaces.

In less than 10 minutes, I had acquired two foundations of cleaning. But real Maid Pro students learn much more, especially the overarching lesson of the order of chores.

First, strip the beds and put sheets and pillowcases in the washer. Then clean the whole kitchen, which is the toughest room in the house and gets a full half-hour of attention. (Doyle loves washing kitchen floors with a "Sh-mop," its large head covered by an abrasive pad and elasticized cloth cap). Continue by cleaning all bathroom surfaces before doing the bedrooms. Finish the laundry and bathrooms, clean the hallway and stairwell, and end up in the living and dining rooms.

MaidPro owners nationwide must use the same cleaning products, most of them from Procter & Gamble, including a liquid Comet cleanser that is not available to the public. The techniques are also uniform.

Take the toilet: Spray liquid scouring solution on the outside, from the top of the tank to the base of the throne. Pour Mr. Clean Toilet Bowl Cleaner into the water. Wait 15 minutes, wipe the exterior with a nylon scrubby and a microfiber cloth (color coded so it will not mistakenly be reused in the kitchen, thank heavens). Tackle the bowl with a long-handled toilet brush.

For framed art, spray Windex onto a paper towel to clean the glass. Spraying the glass directly may ruin the picture behind it. To shine a metal frame, first remove the photo, glass and backing, then apply polish (Doyle uses Nonox for Brass, Mrs. Wright's Silver Cream for sterling or silverplate and a soft toothbrush for detail work). When the polish dries, rinse it off with hot water and completely dry the frame with a soft cloth before reassembly.

He routinely damp-cleans hardwood floors with a mild solution of 4 ounces of Spic and Span and 28 ounces of water. Occasionally, he uses Dura Seal paste wax on a wood floor and polishes it to high gleam with an electric buffer. He uses Riccar upright and tank vacuums with HEPA filters for most tasks, but prefers a ProTeam backpack vacuum for draperies because the wand has an adjustable suction vent and the machine is light enough for the cleaner to wear while climbing a ladder.

In dusting furniture--MaidPro uses microfiber cloths because they create enough static to attract dust--he instructs cleaners to move knickknacks and clean each with a brush.

He generally just dusts wooden furniture or goes over it with a cloth slightly dampened with a diluted Spic and Span solution because, over time, Doyle says, aerosol furniture polish containing silicon softens the finish and makes it less dirt-resistant and more scratch-prone.

There are other rules to master, including these: Always put newspaper on the floor before de-gunking an oven, never spray cleaners on or near a fish tank or pet cage, and check for toothpaste splatters on bathroom mirrors.

After several weeks of MaidPro University training, it's time for "graduation" to a team of one's own. In the Washington area, MaidPro prices range from about $60 for a condo (oven and refrigerator cleaning cost extra) to $1,200 for a five-story ambassador's residence.

Other commercial services also train their staffs, although they don't call it college.

Maid Brigade, based in Atlanta, offers a weeklong combination of morning classes and afternoon hands-on cleaning lessons. Chicago-based Merry Maids, the nation's largest franchise cleaning service, not only trains its own workforce but posts helpful hints on its Web site (www.merrymaids.com) for the rest of us.

Who knew that lemon oil applied to bathroom tile walls can retard soap-scum buildup? Ditto for car wax on the sides of a porcelain bathtub (do not wax the tub's bottom and invite a fall). If stubborn toilet bowl rings don't succumb to an acid-based bowl cleaner and a nylon-backed scrubby sponge, attack them with a pumice stone (it must always be kept wet during rubbing). This will work only on vitreous porcelain.

Now I cannot wait to buy microfiber cloths, a fat paintbrush and a Sh-mop for my place.

- - -

Order of chores

Total Time: 3 3/4 Hours

To start:

10 minutes: Strip beds, wash sheets and pillowcases. Later wash towels and bathroom rugs separately.

Kitchen

30 minutes: Dust using duster, microfiber cloths and sable brush (cabinets, fridge top, vents, knickknacks). Wash dishes. Clean appliances, wipe down counters. Remove trash, rinse out trash can. Dust and wipe down baseboards. Vacuum and mop floor. Rinse and dry sink. Move laundry from washer to dryer, start second load.

Bathrooms

50 minutes (25 minutes per room): Spray cleaner on shower tile/glass surround, fixtures and tub. Let sit. Spray toilet exterior; put cleaner in bowl. Start high and dust ceiling, light fixtures, vents, tops of doors. Clean walls, doors and light switches. Clean mirror and vanity, polish sink fixtures. Clean shower surround and tile, recessed soap dish and tub. Remove trash, wash tile baseboards, vacuum floor, then mop. Wash, rinse and dry sink. Replenish towels.

Bedrooms

40 minutes (20 minutes per room): Start high and dust ceilings, vents, door frame tops, pictures. Dust lampshades and light bulbs with brush. Use cloths for lamps and furniture. Vacuum behind nightstands and under bed; put on clean linens. Remove trash. Vacuum baseboards and wipe down. Vacuum and damp-mop wood floors. Vacuum rugs.

Hallways and stairs

20 minutes: Clean from top to bottom all vents, door frames, light switches, pictures, furniture, etc. Vacuum stair carpeting, use damp cloth for wood railing.

Powder room

15 minutes: Follow bathroom instructions above.

Living and dining rooms

60 minutes (30 minutes per room): Clean all surfaces from ceiling downward. Remove all objects from furniture, dust them, clean surfaces and replace. Follow bedroom procedures for lamps, pictures, etc. Vacuum furniture with attention to pet hair; get vacuum hose underneath furniture and cabinetry. Fluff upholstery. Empty trash. Dust baseboards and vacuum floor toward the exit.

Clearing credit snags to help get mortgage

By Ellen James Martin
Universal Press Syndicate
Courtesy Chicago Tribune

Blaine Rickford is an expert at clearing credit glitches for home buyers trying to gain final approval for a mortgage loan. During his 27 years in the home loan business, he has helped several thousand people.

"Credit is a scary issue for lots of folks. But it's very possible to correct many discrepancies on a credit report in time to get your loan through," says Rickford, a mortgage broker who opened his own firm in 2000.

In resolving credit snags, mortgage company representatives can help. Still, there's no substitute for hands-on involvement by home purchasers in the fix-up process, Rickford says.

The raw data in credit reports is compiled by the three national credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. This includes information from your creditors on your payment history, as well as public documents, such as tax liens and court judgments.

To consolidate data from these three bureaus into a single report on a would-be borrower, mortgage companies turn to what's known in the field as a credit agency. This firm combines the three reports into one "tri-merged report." There are now hundreds of these agencies that assist lenders in synthesizing raw credit data.

Because there are often mix-ups in credit bureau reports, lenders must sort through these before a mortgage can gain final approval and be funded. The process of clearing a report takes on urgency if home purchasers must close within a few weeks after signing a sales contract.

Ideally, people planning to buy a home straighten out credit problems well before they head out on a house-hunting trip. They also should obtain full mortgage pre-approval before looking at properties.

But sometimes it's tough to plan ahead. Maybe you're on a short deadline to buy a home or maybe you just happened upon a house you like and signed a contract for the property before getting mortgage pre-approval.

No matter the reason, unexpected items often crop up on credit reports that must be dealt with before a loan can be finalized. And this process usually must be done quickly. Here are several pointers for those needing to clear credit glitches before closing on a home deal:

- Brief yourself on credit basics. With so much free information about consumer credit now available online, you needn't invest in books. For instance, you can find a great deal of information on your credit rights through the Federal Trade Commission's Web site (www.ftc.gov).

Another online guide to credit fundamentals, a lengthy booklet called "Knowing and Understanding Your Credit," is available from the Fannie Mae Foundation (www.fanniemaefoundation.org). This includes background on your "credit score," designed to rate your creditworthiness. Still another Web site, www.creditboards.com, lets consumers share their experiences as they struggle to repair their credit.

- Look to your mortgage company for help with quick credit fixes. Rickford isn't in the credit repair business. But through years in the mortgage field, he has developed expertise in helping clients resolve credit snags in order to buy a home.

"I'd sit down with the lender eyeball-to-eyeball and go over your credit report. You should discuss the report on a line-by-line basis. If the lender balks at this idea, I'd switch to another company," he says.

Carefully scrutinize all entries on your credit report. Once you've applied for a mortgage, Rickford says you should focus on fixing the tri-merged report generated for your lender by its credit agency. "Errors are extremely common," he says.

In scrutinizing your credit report, search for paid-off debts that are listed as unpaid. Look for more than one collection account for the same debt. Watch for accounts that were discharged in bankruptcy but are still listed as "past due" rather than "included in bankruptcy." And be sure to pinpoint any accounts that are not yours, perhaps due to a name mix-up by the credit bureaus.

Although you can't wipe away negative marks that are accurate, such as late payments, you're entitled to a correction of any negative data that is mistaken or so old that federal law requires its removal.

- Get to know the mortgage processor. The person who takes your mortgage application, usually known as a loan officer, is not the only one at the mortgage company who can help you with credit snafus. Another key contact is the processor, who is assigned to assist in finalizing loan documents.

Rickford says the processor can be hugely helpful in resolving credit errors that consumers can't seem to fix themselves.

"The processor knows the right numbers to call and the right buttons to push to straighten out your credit," Rickford says.

Give your home a checkup

Courtesy Chicago TribuneThe Associated Press

Winter can be hard on a home. As the weather warms, it makes sense to give your home a good checkup. Spotting minor problems and fixing them can save homeowners headaches and money later on major repairs.

Here are ideas from HouseMaster Home Inspection Services and AllState for keeping the outside of your home in shape.

Inspect gutters.

Gutters should be inspected for debris and proper mounting. The expansion and weight of ice and snow from winter storms can sometimes loosen gutters, changing pitch and water flow. Make sure downspouts are extended far enough to carry water away from the foundation.

Look over the yard.

Check the grading to ensure it drains away from a home's foundation. Wet and snowy winter weather can cause soil to settle in plant and flowerbed areas adjacent to a home's foundation wall. This can cause water to build up next to the foundation. If needed, re-fill or re-grade depressed areas.

Basement window wells should be cleaned. Covers can prevent rainwater buildup and leaks.

Repair driveway and walkways that are cracked, broken or uneven to provide a level walking surface.

Remove all dead trees and keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.

Check the heads and operation of automatic sprinklers.

Test pumps.

Test sump pumps to make sure they are working. Be sure the motor, float switch and check valve are working and water is draining from the chamber. A back-up pump is worth considering in areas with groundwater problems.

Check roofs, siding and windows.

Look at roof valleys, chimneys, skylights and vent flashings. Temperature changes from summer to winter can cause expansion and contraction, which may lead to cracking in some roof cement and window caulking materials, creating potentially damaging water leaks. Include exterior caulk maintenance with spring cleaning. Check for rot in window sills and door thresholds; repair and repaint, if necessary. Inspect and clean siding.

Condition air conditioners.

Check the drainage pan and lines. The drainage pan and drain line should be free of dust and debris. An obstructed pan and line can lead to an overflow and water damage.

Have the air conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the manufacturer.

Other tips:

Safely store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, secured area. And check outdoor light bulbs in all fixtures to be sure that they are the correct wattage as recommended by the manufacturer.

Some work, particularly on roofs, may require professionals. When looking for professional help, check references with a Better Business Bureau, homebuilders association or contractors association.

Just the ticket

Transit-oriented housing eases commuters' pain -- and villages gain

Courtesy Chicago Tribune
By Dan Rafter
Special to the Tribune

When Jessica and Justin Mead moved out of the city last summer, they made a promise to each other: Neither would have to suffer the strains of a long daily commute.

They kept their promise by moving to a townhouse development in downtown Evanston. The Meads now live three blocks from a Metra station and one from a stop on the Chicago Transit Authority's Purple Line. Both can get to their downtown jobs in 20 minutes.

"We've always wanted to take public transportation to get downtown," said Jessica Mead, an attorney. "Parking fees there are astronomical. And neither of us likes the headaches that go along with driving. A short commute is such an advantage. It leaves you with so much extra time in the day."

The Meads are hardly alone. A new national study reports that home buyers are increasingly looking to get to and from work as quickly as possible.

And though many home seekers will accept long commutes -- along with higher gasoline prices -- to find a home they like and can afford, many are rejecting the hour-and-a-half or more trips that many suburbanites have long suffered. Builders are creating new transit-oriented developments across Chicago's suburbs in response.

These developments earn their name because they are within walking distance of public transportation, thus eliminating the hassles of rush-hour traffic for their residents.

The 2004 American Community Survey, sponsored by the National Association of Realtors and Smart Growth America, reports that 79 percent of U.S. residents point to a commute time of 45 minutes or less as the top priority in deciding where to live. This ranks far higher than does the desire for a large house on more than 1 acre of land, a benefit that the report says is important to just 57 percent of residents.

Of those planning to buy a home in the next three years, 87 percent rank a shorter commute as their top priority. When asked to choose between two communities, six in 10 potential buyers chose a neighborhood that offered a shorter commute, sidewalks and amenities such as libraries, shops and restaurants within walking distance. These respondents chose such a neighborhood over a sprawling community with larger lots and a longer commute.

Even in the farthest-flung Chicago suburbs, builders and developers are aware of the growing desire of homeowners to slash their commutes.

And though commute times for residents living in these far-off communities may be longer than the 45-minute ideal, many feel their trips to and from work will be less stressful in a train.

"The convenience of a transit-oriented development can't be beat," said David Strosberg, president of Chicago-based Morningside Group, a developer that has built several such developments in Chicago suburbs. "Think about all the time your typical suburban resident spends commuting to the job. The opportunity to walk to the train and get to work in half an hour is something that can't be beat. And that's why these developments are so popular."

It's little wonder homeowners would be frustrated with their daily commutes. Workers are spending more time stuck in traffic than ever.

The Texas Transportation Institute made headlines last year with its study of average commuting times across the country. The study found that the average Chicago-Indiana area commuter spent 56 hours a year in traffic.

It's no wonder then that the Federal Transit Administration predicts that the number of buyers and renters seeking housing near public transportation will rise to almost 15 million by 2025.

In the Chicago area, buyers have several such choices.

In west suburban Elmhurst, Morningside Group is building Crescent Court, which comprises 123 condominiums kitty-corner from Elmhurst's Metra station. The first units will be ready for occupancy in late summer.

John D. Said, Elmhurst's director of planning, zoning and economic development, said he's anxious to see even more projects such as Morningside's. Transit-oriented developments, according to Said, bring several benefits not only to residents seeking less stressful commutes but also to entire communities.

"It's hard to narrow down a short list of positives," he said. "Overall there is a benefit to having more residents and more activity in your community. You have more people downtown to patronize your local businesses and shop at local stores. There are then increased local sales taxes."

And the best news as far as Said is concerned? These benefits come without the biggest negative brought by strip malls and massive shopping centers: increased vehicle traffic.

"Even single-family homes like the one I live in generate many more vehicle trips than do multifamily condo buildings in downtown locations," according to Said. "The traffic generation is much less for these kinds of units than it would be for a subdivision neighborhood or for a large-scale retail store."

Another benefit? Transit-oriented developments typically place less strain on a community's services. Said points out that because relatively few school-age children live in a transit-oriented development such as Crescent Court, those developments place little additional burden on local school districts. But the other residents of such developments still pay taxes to these school districts. Schools, then, end up with far more gains than they do burdens.

Transit-oriented development is playing a big role in downtown Geneva, too, where Sho-Deen Inc. is putting the finishing touches on the River North Condominiums, a series of three multistory residential buildings with a total of more than 100 units. The project is about a half-mile from Geneva's Metra station, ideal for commuters not eager to battle rush-hour traffic on Interstate Highway 88.

City planners hope to see additional transit-oriented developments in Geneva's downtown.

"Developments like these reinforce a sense of place in a community," said Dick Untch, Geneva's director of community development. "I think there's only going to be a greater push for these developments. People want to get to work without the hassle of fighting traffic. It's no surprise that there are so many success stories with these kind of developments all over the Chicago metropolitan area.

"We have downtowns with train stations that are doing mixed-use developments that incorporate commercial buildings on the ground floor and residential units above them. We're seeing communities taking creative approaches to handling parking. City planners are being so creative and really working to bring these developments to their downtowns."

Projects such as those in Geneva and Elmhurst are considered by many urban planners to represent the future of transit-oriented development for one reason: They are in-fill developments. This means they are built in existing downtown environments, with developers often renovating existing buildings.

"When you talk about transit-oriented development you are not going to get too many new green sites right now," said Sam Santell, director of planning with the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission. "A lot of transit-oriented development involves retrofitting what is there now. As far as I'm concerned, that's good news. I really think the redevelopment aspect of these developments is important."

Municipalities, though, must first sell transit-oriented developments to their residents, he said. Most are high-density projects. And when residents hear "high density" they often balk.

In Geneva, municipal officials are careful not to approve in-fill, high-density developments that would harm the historic charm of the city's downtown business district. For instance, Sho-Deen's River North project is in a part of downtown that once was industrial.

"We have to be very selective and surgical about where we put high-density housing," Untch said.

This in-fill approach has led to serious business for many developers. Tom Roszak, owner of Evanston-based Roszak/ADC, is one.

Roszak concentrates his efforts on developing urban in-fill properties that are close to public transportation. These type of developments, he said, allow him to cater to his company's key demographic: dual-income couples either with no children or one small child. Roszak estimates that nearly 50 percent of his buyers are such couples.

And these couples are looking for short, stress-free commutes.

"It's a lifestyle we see a lot of, so we cater to it," Roszak said. "The husband or the wife has a car and the other spouse takes the `L' or the Metra downtown or somewhere along the transit line. We've done a lot of developments in the Chicago area and Evanston that sit along the transit lines. Couples like them because they don't require them to have two cars."

Of course, though most new transit-oriented developments will be of the in-fill variety, there are exceptions. And Jim Willey is facing the challenges and the potential rewards of one.

As mayor of Elburn, a village of about 4,000 some 44 miles west of Chicago, Wiley he has the opportunity to bring something rare to his community: a transit-oriented development built on an empty 200 acres.

"A lot of the developers we've seen would rather build half-a-million-dollar homes in a cornfield," Willey said. "They're not attracted to working on the mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly, bike-friendly, higher-density projects we want for this area. This isn't surprising. Developers would rather make a quick subdivision. That's where their easiest profits come from. We're not interested in that, though. We are not looking for a subdivision in a cornfield here. We want a real community."

Elburn has this opportunity thanks to Metra. The commuter rail line's final stop on its Union Pacific West line used to be Geneva. But Metra officials are extending the line two stops, to Elburn.

Metra officials, then, are building a station in this community, and expect to have the facility -- and the extension -- in service late this year. The Metra facility will sit on about 50 acres, a plot next to the empty 200 acres that Willey is hoping to see transformed into transit-oriented development.

"This is an amazing opportunity for us," Willey said. "We are not in any hurry, then, to approve something just for the sake of approving it. That would serve no one. We are much more concerned with having something creative and dynamic here. We are talking about having something that will inspire people to take pictures."

What should I look for in evaluating a homeowners association?

BY KENT ARNEY
Courtesy Chicago Sun Times

There are several categories to look at:
• Owner occupancy.
Comparing the percentage of owner-occupied units to rented units can be revealing. A high percentage of owner-occupied units is an unspoken compliment of owner satisfaction. It also reassures lenders, who figure that owner-occupants will take care of the place.
• Attitudes.
Try to get a handle on the prevailing attitude among residents. Talk informally to people around the building and attend a board meeting. Positive participation and comments indicate a healthy, constructive environment, one that will entice buyers.
• Reserves.
Associations that are considered strong and well-managed have reserves adequate to meet long-range or unforeseen repair and replacement costs.
• Receivables.
There is no excuse for a large accounts receivable. The board should set policy on this, and the management company or the board should carry it out. If legal action is required, a condominium attorney should pursue legal remedies.
• Valuation.
Appreciation of units, buyer demand and quick sales are all indications that people in the market view the property as an attractive place.

How should you choose a mover?

BY JEAN GUARINO
Courtesy Chicago Sun Times

Whether you're relocating a few blocks away or across country, the process of moving can be traumatic for every member of the family.
To minimize the stress, it's important to rely on a reputable carrier who will work with you to make your move as easy as possible.
"If you're going to put everything you own in a truck and entrust it to someone you don't know, you want to make sure that individual is reputable and has a proven track record," said Patricia Smith, executive director of the Illinois Movers Association.
Here are some basic tips on how to choose a mover.
Get written estimates from at least three movers on how much it will cost.
If two are in the same ballpark but the third is substantially lower, ask why.
Unfortunately, Smith said, there are movers who undercut qualified movers by taking shortcuts. "Insist on seeing the mover's license from the ICC," she said. "A prerequisite of obtaining a license is proof of insurance in case of loss or damage. If he can't show you a license, chances are, he also has no insurance and you have no recourse if something is lost or broken."
Also ask to see proof of workers compensation that will protect you from liability if a worker is injured moving your furniture.
Smith also suggested asking the mover to provide the names of at least three customers the carrier moved recently. "It's also a good idea to call the Illinois Commerce Commission to see if any complaints have been registered against the mover," she added.
Never discuss cost over the phone. A company rep has to come to your home to provide a realistic written estimate.
A reputable mover soliciting your business should hand you a copy of the Illinois Commerce Commission's brochure, "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." The pamphlet answers questions you might have about liability in the event of loss or damage to your property.
Carriers offer customers two kinds of estimates.
With a binding estimate you know in advance what your move will cost. However, it also means you can't add a sofa and a few chairs Aunt Lucy would like moved after you've agreed to this type of estimate.
With a more open-ended non-binding estimate there is no limit on what you can ship. Final charges could be higher or lower than the estimated cost, depending on the actual weight of the shipment.
The cost of a long distance move is determined by weight and distance, while charges for local moves are by the hour. If you are making a long-distance move you might give some thought to discarding some old furniture.
To minimize the hourly charges for a short move, try to do as much of the work yourself as possible. The costs will mount quickly if you expect movers to pack and unpack and perform other tasks such as hooking up appliances.
The most important document when using a professional mover is the bill of lading. This is the legal contract between you and the mover and defines the services the carrier agrees to provide.
If the mover refuses to provide this essential document, look for another mover.
You'll need to sign off on an inventory both before and after the move.
The driver will present the inventory to you for your signature after the van is loaded and again when the shipment reaches your new home.
Take your time to check this list. If anything is damaged or missing, indicate it by writing on the driver's inventory list before you sign off.
It's not necessary to unpack every carton before signing off, but do note any damage to the outside of any carton. You can still file a loss or damage claim if a packed item is broken, but make sure you leave the pieces in the carton.
• Illinois Movers Association, Springfield, (217) 585-2470, Website: www.imawa.com
• Illinois Commerce Commission, transportation division, Springfield, (217) 782-6448

Is hiring a home inspector worth it?

BY DAVID MACK
Courtesy Chicago Sun Times

Typically, real estate contracts contain a provision giving homebuyers a set number of days, usually five, in which to have a home inspection completed.
The importance of exercising that right can't be overemphasized.
The trained eye of a professional home inspector is much more adept than that of the average homebuyer at detecting flaws, said Frank Lesch, president of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Home inspectors find problems that buyers can require sellers to repair or that may help them negotiate a lower price. They also can uncover problems serious enough to squelch the deal. And inspectors are knowledgeable about home maintenance and will offer tips on repair and upkeep as they conduct their inspections.
Lesch is owner of Home Sweet Home Inspection Company of Indian Head Park. He recently completed an inspection on a vacant, 70-year-old 3-bedroom bungalow in Berwyn.
Lesch met in the kitchen with prospective buyers of the house, John and Susan Fleming, transplanted Iowans, now of Oak Park, and their agent, Mary Howell of Gloor Realty, also in Oak Park.
Howell had worked as a buyer's agent with Lesch on earlier deals and knew that he had discovered, among other flaws, structural and carbon monoxide problems. She found him to be very thorough in his work. "Home inspections protect the buyer, the seller and the Realtor so you want a good one," Howell said. Susan said she and her husband had been serious home seekers for about a month after finding out she was expecting their first child.
Before starting the examination, Lesch asked the Flemings if they had any concerns and John expressed particular worries about the plumbing and electrical wiring.
As the couple followed along, Lesch conducted the inspection. He urged the Flemings to ask as many questions as possible.
First, he set up radon testing equipment--an ion chamber--in the basement. The results wouldn't be known for two days.
In the kitchen, he explained about lead-based paint, evidenced by peeling paint around the windows. He explained the danger it posed to children through inhaling dust or eating chips. Wipe up dust, don't vacuum it, using a rag with a detergent, he said. Then throw the rag away.
Wear and tear
Lesch suggested monthly testing of the ground fault circuit interrupters installed in the kitchen and bathroom outlets. Sometimes they break, he warned. "You think you're protected and you're not," he said.
He pointed out small cracks in the ceiling and wall plaster but minimized their implications. "Very seldom are they a sign of structural problems so don't be alarmed," he said.
In the dining room and a basement bedroom, Lesch found two electrical outlets had reverse polarity as the result of incorrect wiring. In this condition, touching the metal threads of a light bulb would result in a shock. "The good news is that it's really easy to fix," he said. "You open the outlets and reverse the wires."
He pointed out a BB hole along with some linear cracking in front casement windows and broken counterweight ropes in several of the double-hung windows elsewhere.
Water marks
In the bathroom, Lesch used a moisture meter on the floor around the toilet and against the shower wall tiles but detected no unusual dampness.
However, in the bathtub the spigot was below the overflow level. This could cause dirty water to be sucked back into the spigot if a water main broke. That would result in contamination of the immediate neighborhood's drinking water supply. "What they typically do is retrofit these old tubs," to correct the problem, he said.
Lesch estimated there were about 3 to 4 inches of insulation in the floor but none was visible between the rafters. While this lack of overhead insulation might contribute to heat loss, it prevented condensation buildup in the attic. He warned the Flemings, "If you increase insulation, you have to increase ventilation."
Below ground
Lesch spends most of his time inspecting the basement. Earlier in the day, a pest specialist had discovered some old termite tubes. There seemed to be no active infestation, however.
There was no evidence of water seepage from overhead or outside. The hydronic boiler was relatively new and tested negatively for carbon monoxide leaks inside the house. Lesch explained the operation of the heating equipment and advised John to oil the boiler circulating pumps. "Two drops, twice a year," he said.
The main fuse box contained 100-amp service and Lesch checked to see that copper instead of aluminum wire was in use. It was. A few oversize fuses were in place and he warned against using them.
Outside, Lesch noted another termite tube along an inside garage wall but it had been abandoned when the voracious insects found only mortar to chew on. The two chimneys and the house's brickwork manifested some spalling and the need for tuck-pointing. A large fir tree overhanging one chimney mouth required pruning.
The downspouts drained underground, a condition that could lead to basement seepage if any of the sub-surface tiles broke. "I'd prefer to see it above ground," Lesch said.
After the 2-1/2 hour inspection, Lesch summarized his findings and underscored the uncertain termite situation as the worst potential problem. He suggested that a pest-control expert be hired to probe behind the walls and floors to determine the extent, if any, of the damage.
As the couple left to go back to Howell's office to plot strategy, Lesch gave them a copy of his report and a maintenance schedule for the upkeep of the house.
Because the house is brick, the Flemings decided to go ahead with the purchase without having further inspection for termite damage.

Chicago Artists Space and Housing Expo

Saturday, April 2; 10am - 4pm
Various Locations at the Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St., Chicago

More than 80 exhibitors, as well as workshops and seminars addressing the living and work space needs of artists and arts organizations, will be presented at the second annual Chicago Artists Space and Housing Expo. Co-sponsored by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Housing, the expo will offer comprehensive information on topics such as home ownership, affordable housing, studio safety, investment property, health insurance, rehearsal and shared space, city codes and services and much more.
This year’s expanded expo will offer information on buying tax delinquent properties, green design and more information on health insurance and City space initiatives for artists. Exhibitors and presenters will be drawn from art service organizations; government housing agencies; local community housing and housing counseling organizations; major banks and lending institutions; Chicago Association of Realtors and individual brokers who specialize in artists space; developers, construction firms and other companies that specialize in housing-related goods and services. A special category of exhibitors, Neighborhoods Seeking Artists, will showcase opportunities around the city. For more information visit the City of Chicago website.