Housing blues dip to 16 year-low

Associated Press
Published June 18, 2007, 1:31 PM CDT

A measurement of industry sentiment about the housing market fell in June for the fourth straight month to the lowest point in more than 16 years.

Housing developers are being squeezed by tighter lending standards for borrowers trying to get mortgage loans. In response to weak demand, developers are cutting prices and offering buyer incentives to cope with a mounting supply of unsold homes, the National Association of Home Builders said Monday.

The trade group's housing market index, which tracks builders' perceptions of current market conditions and expectations for home sales over the next six months, fell to 28, the lowest reading since February 1991, the NAHB said.

Wall Street had expected a reading of 30, according to the consensus forecast of Wall Street economists surveyed by Thomson/IFR. Ratings higher than 50 indicate positive sentiment about the market. The seasonally adjusted index has been below 50 since May 2006.

The continuing slump is bad news for housing developers like Lennar Corp., D.R. Horton Inc., Pulte Homes Inc., Centex Corp. and Toll Brothers Inc., the largest U.S. homebuilders by market value.

The index has been sliding since March as demand for new housing slumped amid a rise in defaults for borrowers with weak, or subprime, credit.

"It's clear that the crisis in the subprime sector has prompted tighter lending standards in much of the mortgage market," David Seiders, the group's chief economist, said in a statement, adding that rising interest rates have also eroded demand.

Home sales will continue to decline in the months ahead, he said, and housing starts are not expected to improve until next year, he said.

Sales of new homes, which represent about 15 percent of all home sales, surged in April, but median prices fell 11 percent from the previous month as builders slashed prices.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac reported last Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.74 percent,the highest level in 11 months.

Meanwhile, the troubled market for homebuyers with weak, or subprime, credit has hampered investors in mortgage securities who bought loans backed by subprime mortgages. Moody's Investors Service said Friday it downgraded 131 mortgage investments tied to subprime loans.

Moody's said the downgrades were a result of a higher-than-expected default rate among second mortgages issued to subprime borrowers last year and stemmed from "an environment of aggressive underwriting."

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported last week that the percentage of payments that were 30 or more days past due for subprime adjustable-rate mortgages jumped to nearly 16 percent in the first quarter, the highest number on record. Foreclosure filings, meanwhile, were up 90 percent in May compared with last year, according to industry data firm RealtyTrac Inc.

Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

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1912 W. Touhy 1E., Chicago, IL Feels like a single-family! 4 Bdrm Condo offered at $449,000 Year Built 2004 Sq Footage 2,800 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $195 per month DESCRIPTION WAY, WAY BEYOND... SPECTACULAR, ALMOST NEW(2004) 2800+ SQUARE FOOT DUPLEX DOWN IN EAST RIDGE. GRANITE, STAINLESS STEEL & MAPLE KITCHEN. TWO GORGEOUS FIREPLACES. MARBLE BATHS BEAUTIFUL CROWN MOLDINGS. SIDE BY SIDE IN-UNIT LAUNDRY. HARDWOOD FLOORS. NICE BALCONY FOR THE GRILL. AMAZING CEILING HEIGHT ON THE LOWER LEVEL. HUGE ROOM SIZES...LIVES LIKE A SINGLE-FAMILY! GARAGE PARKING SPACE INCLUDED. A MUST SEE ... Photo 1 PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Hardwood floor Family room Living room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Granite countertop Stainless steel appliances Washer Dryer Balcony, Deck, or Patio ADDITIONAL LINKS Map of property Virtual Tour Website Mortgage calculator Seller contact info: Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Feb 15, 2007, 7:33pm PST

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University of Chicago Students and Staff!

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My new listing...

6200 S. Ingleside #13A, Chicago, IL Gorgeous Townhome Near The University! 3 Bdrm Condo offered at $359,000 Year Built 2002 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 3 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $45 per month DESCRIPTION WAY, WAY BEYOND... INGLESIDE COURT, BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOME! FIRST RE-SALE FOR THIS GORGEOUS UNIT W/ ALL THE BELLS & WHISTLES. FULL MASONRY CONSTRUCTION, LOADED W/ ALL THE THINGS THAT TODAY'S BUYERS WANT... END UNIT W/ 2 CAR GARAGE! TONS OF LIGHT & SPACE. MARBLE-CLAD MASTER BATH, JACUZZI TUB, SLATE FIREPLACE, BREAKFAST BAR, BLACK APPLIANCES, CATHEDRAL CEILING & MUCH MORE! A MUST SEE ON YOUR TOUR, THANKS FOR SHOWING! Photo 1 PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Hardwood floor Living room Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Washer Dryer Balcony, Deck, or Patio ADDITIONAL LINKS Map of property Website Mortgage calculator Seller contact info: Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Feb 26, 2007, 10:21pm PST

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From Wikipedia

Chicago Lofts

If you're looking for lofts in Chicago, you've found the right place!

So please shoot me an email or give me a call. I just need a few things: area, price, bed/bath, parking, pets, and time frame. Then I'll email you some loft listings and set up showings if any of them look good.

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Here are some different types of Lofts in different parts of the City.

www.greatchicagorealestate.com/chicago_lofts_page_two.htm#

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Open House 12/10 from 12-2. East Village Duplex-Up with Skyline Views!

1035 N. PAULINA #C. ULTRA RARE EAST VILLAGE 2 BED/2.1 BATH DUPLEX-UP W/ONLY THE FINEST FINISHES SS SUBZERO&BOSCH,1.25 GRANITE,CHERRY CABS,CUSTOM WNDW TREATMENTS,MARBLE BTHS, JACUZZI&BODY SPRAYS. WALNUT STAINED OAK FLRS,AMAZING VAULTED LR CEILINGS,TWO HUGE DECKS&ROOF RIGHTS FOR AMAZING ENTERTAINING.ORGANIZED CLSTS&GRG PKG 1.5 BLKS-DIVISION, 2.5 BLKS-BLUE LN & 30 SECS-XPRESSWAY!! 

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GO TO WWW.GREATCHICAGOREALESTATE.COM 'FEATURED LISTINGS' for pics...

Elgin Single Family, Open House 11/19 from 11-2

$329,000 4 bed/3.1 bath. 563 Shenandoah Trail in Elgin. Open 11-2 on Sunday 11/19.

see you there!

chicago commercial real estate...

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To search for 2-4 flats, apartment buildings, office buildings or any other type of investment property in Chicago, it's just a matter of changing your search criteria when searching the multiple listing service.

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Illinois Real Estate

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Lincoln Park Real Estate

Lincoln Park Illinois Real Estate

Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is located on the North side of the Chicago, slightly above the Loop between Diversey and the Lake. People who are not part of the local community tend to concentrate in the area near the Lake, but the heart of the neighborhood is along Fullerton and Halsted. Lincoln Park is just a stone throw away from the downtown – about 20 minutes train ride or a ten minute drive to Kennedy. The village is very well connected both by rail and bus services.

Lincoln Park prides itself to be one the most attractive neighborhoods in Chicago. It not only has elegant houses, but also boasts of great location and view. Lincoln Park draws its name from being ‘the happening place’ from many angles. There are a number of exciting sports to indulge and the beautiful area surrounding it gives a surreal feeling to the residents. The economy in Lincoln Park is fast paced, and one finds to their surprise that you can get anything that you would get in the big cities right there in Lincoln Park. Its fame of being a fun place maybe it is derived from the fact that it is populated mainly by youngsters who have established themselves in the recent years. Being a young community it enjoys life and promotes a culture of healthy economic competitiveness, which gives it its fast pace. The beauty of its locale is owned to the fact that Lincoln Park was almost a century back a multiple amalgamation of orchards. It was in the late 1970s that the Government applied itself to transform this area into a homestead location.

Real estate in Lincoln Park will suit every pocket and definitely every taste. It has apartment buildings as well as condominiums. However, the majority of the houses are apartments of maximum four floors, each consisting of two or three apartments. Another characteristic of Lincoln Park is row houses which have a long attachment of rooms. These are the most expensive. The housing price ranges between $600,000 to $2 million.

Lincoln Park has a great variety of houses available for rent as well. The most favorite and sought after rental properties are the apartments having two to three bedrooms. These range between $1200 to $2500 per month. Most of the se apartments are built in such a way that each has a lake view. This arrangement is actually one of the most attractive parts of Lincoln Park housing lots. The houses are regularly renovated and the outward appearance of the residential areas is exquisite. The only downside here is that most of the buildings do not permit parking.

The Lincoln Park has six hospitals in its area, and as many as eight schools. It also prides itself with the presence of the De Paul University.

For entertainment, there are a few famous parks in the area: the free Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and Oz Park. Besides, the inmates enjoy fishing, swimming, golf course and a great variety of international cuisine. A novelty, Lincoln Park has a Theatre on the Lake.

Wicker Park Realtor

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2nd home in Chicago...
Penthouse condo on the Lake...
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Chicago Lofts...

If you're looking for lofts in Chicago, you've found the right place! So please shoot me an email or give me a call. I just need a few things: area, price, bed/bath, parking, pets, and time frame. Then I'll email you some loft listings and set up showings if any of them look good.

Also, please indicate if your currently working with a real estate agent, thanks!

Here are some different types of Lofts in different parts of the City.
www.greatchicagorealestate.com/chicago_lofts_page_two.htm#

Illinois Real Estate

#1 Web Site in Chicago! Amazing 'Loft Section', Commercial Listings, Cool Blog, Featured Listings, Search for a second home in Michigan, & Useful 'Neighborhood Information'

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Chicago Lofts

If you're looking for lofts in Chicago, you've found the right place! So please shoot me an email or give me a call. I just need a few things: area, price, bed/bath, parking, pets, and time frame. Then I'll email you some loft listings and set up showings if any of them look good.

Also, please indicate if your currently working with a real estate agent, thanks!

Here are some different types of Lofts in different parts of the City.

www.greatchicagorealestate.com/chicago_lofts_page_two.htm#

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Enjoy the search!

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Chicago Real Estate

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way, way beyond...

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Relocating to Chicago?

If you're thinking of relocating to the Windy City, just shoot me an email or give me a call. I just need a few things: area, price, bed/bath, parking, pets, and time frame. Then I'll email you some cool listings and set up showings if any of them look good.

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Need a bigger house?

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Be part of the BUZZ in the real estate community!

real estate that goes way, way beyond...

I'm engaged!

Wow! Can't believe it but she said 'yes' So it looks like I'm going pro... More details to follow.

Ron

Have a great 4th of July!

way, way beyond...

Taking chances...

Every day, you'll have opportunities to take chances and to work outside your safety net. Sure, it's a lot easier to stay in your comfort zone.. in my case, business suits and real estate.. but sometimes you have to take risks. When the risks pay off, that's when you reap the biggest rewards.

quote from Donald Trump

Happy that Chicago ranks 38th in the World!

World's priciest city? Try Moscow
Russian capital has surpassed Tokyo as No. 1, survey says, while NYC is most costly in U.S.

By Madlen Read
Associated Press
Published June 26, 2006

Moscow has eclipsed Tokyo as the world's most expensive city, a new survey says.

The Russian capital moved up three spots from a year ago because of a recent property boom, according to a survey released Monday, while the Japanese capital slipped to third place because of the weaker yen.

Seoul ranked second on the list, up from fifth last year.

The survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting ranked 144 cities around the world, measuring the comparative cost of more than 200 items such as housing, transportation and food. The survey is aimed at helping multinational employers determine compensation for their expatriate workers.

With cities around the world increasingly expensive for expatriates--notably cities in developing countries--employers may need to re-examine compensation and benefits for their workers, said Rebecca Powers, a senior consultant at Mercer.

"As we see more and more movement into these emerging markets, a lot of those programs need to be looked at," Powers said.

Overall, foreign exchange rate fluctuations were behind the majority of the changes in ranking. But in Moscow's case, costs were buoyed by the surging price for large living accommodations. Prices for big houses rose about 50 percent over the past year, driven in large part by soaring demand from expatriates, Powers said.

"It reflects a much bigger demand for palatable housing for someone coming into Russia trying to replicate the housing they had at home," she said.

After Moscow, Europe's priciest cities were London, ranked No. 5 overall, and Geneva, ranked No. 7. European cities tended to fall in the rankings this year because of a weakening euro.

New York, ranked No. 10, up three spots from last year, remains North America's costliest city, followed by Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Chinese cities, including Hong Kong at No. 4, Beijing at No. 14 and Shanghai at No. 20, climbed the list mostly because of the yuan's strength after being depegged from the U.S. dollar.

With the Brazilian real rising about 20 percent versus the U.S. dollar over the past year, Brazilian cities Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro surged to No. 34 and No. 40 from No. 119 and No. 124, respectively.

"What's so interesting now is that we do see, year to year, more fluctuation in these rankings than we used to," Powers said. "The investment and flow of capital and businesses into developing countries has made them a bit more expensive."

Companies likely will have to pay expatriate employees more to retain them and may want to consider working harder to hire staff locally in the long term to help alleviate relocation costs, Powers said.

The least-expensive city surveyed was Asuncion in Paraguay.

- - -

50 most expensive cities
The 50 priciest cities in the world, according to the cost of items including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment:

1. Moscow

2. Seoul

3. Tokyo

4. Hong Kong

5. London

6. Osaka, Japan

7. Geneva

8. Copenhagen

9. Zurich

10. Oslo

10. New York

12. St. Petersburg, Russia

13. Milan, Italy

14. Beijing

15. Istanbul

15. Paris

17. Singapore

18. Dublin

19. Sydney

20. Shanghai

21. Rome

21. Kiev, Ukraine

21. Vienna

24. Tel Aviv

25. Helsinki, Finland

25. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

27. Douala, Cameroon

28. Taipei, Taiwan

29. Los Angeles

30. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

31. Lagos, Nigeria

32. Beirut

32. Hanoi

34. Sao Paolo, Brazil

34. San Francisco

36. Stockholm

37. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

38. Chicago

39. Miami

40. Rio de Janeiro

41. Lusaka, Zambia

41. Amsterdam

43. White Plains, N.Y.

44. Shenzen, China

45. Abidjan, Ivory Coast

45. Dakar, Senegal

47. Toronto

48. Jakarta, Indonesia

48. Bratislava, Slovak Republic

50. Prague, Czech Republic

Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting

Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune

News in Bucktown & Wicker Park

News from the West Town Chamber of Commerce...

DOMINICK'S DEVELOPMENT

5/1/06 Dominick's closed on the last piece of the land assembly (Perez property) necessary for them to proceed with the development. Having now invested well in excess of $1.5M on the project, the company is anxious to take the next step in the planning process. They estimate approximately 12 weeks to complete their plans and a further 60 days in the final building permit process. Subject to formal parent company approval, they are hopeful to begin construction soon, with a planned opening for late this year.

THE HISTORY:
The City's Committee on Zoning APPROVED the zoning change that Safeway needed in order to proceed with the Dominick's development on Chicago Avenue. The matter went before City Council on March 9th, 2005.
1st Ward Alderman Flores supported the zoning change after lengthy negotiations with Safeway. Safeway removed the non-competition clause from their lease and agreed to all of the conditions and recommendations made by the 1st Ward Alderman's office and by the West Town Chamber of Commerce.

CHICAGO AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENT UPDATES

Construction has begun on the street improvement project for Chicago Avenue (between Laramie and Milwaukee Avenues). The 1st segment of the construction took place between Grand Avenue and Damen Avenue. The second phase of construction began in March '06 from Damen Avenue east to Milwaukee Avenue and from Laramie Avenue east o Grand Avenue. They will be working on one half of the street at a time - so there will be just one lane for each direction of traffic on Chicago Avenue within the work zones. The curb line will remain in place, pavement will be resurfaced to improve drainage, light poles will get painted, some sidewalks and curbs will get repaired, and signals will be updated at Noble, Ashland, Paulina, Wood, Damen, Leavitt, Oakley, Western, Rockwell and California. CDOT expects to finish all construction by July 2006.

To review, CDOT held a public meeting to present plans for improving Chicago Avenue between Milwaukee and Laramie in January 2003. Many residents and business owners were in attendance and it was clear that the majority had concerns in regards to one aspect of the plan: to widen the street thus reduce sidewalk width. Widening of the street was one of the Federal guidelines for the project in order to increase safety; however the majority of WTCC members did not want to see a reduction in sidewalk width nor a reduction in parking in order to accomplish this. The WTCC sent a letter to CDOT sharing our members' concerns; and CDOT shared our concerns with IDOT; thus IDOT approved to keep the existing cross sections of sidewalk on Chicago Avenue between the Kennedy and Pulaski. For more information call Mae Whiteside at CDOT 312-742-8122.

www.westtownchamber.org/page2.html

Bucktown Condos

Are you looking to buy a condo or loft in Bucktown/Wicker Park? If so, please email me your price range, bed/bath, parking, pets and your time frame. I will then email you a list of great properties.

If your currently working with an agent, please let me know.

for all your real estate needs...

www.greatchicagorealestate.com/Comm_Bucktown.htm

Buyers Agents in Chicago...

15 BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE

15 things your agent should be doing for you:
1. Locating suitable properties.
2. Previewing properties.
3. Verifying the properties’ condition.
4. Suggesting necessary inspections by experts.
5. Helping buyers determine what they can afford.
6. Verifying property taxes and utilities.
7. Verifying the value of the property.
8. Advising clients on structuring an offer.
9. Presenting the offer to the sellers’ representative.
10. Negotiating favorable contract terms for the buyer.
11. Explaining legal documents needed for closing and helping secure them.
12. Assisting in securing financing.
13. Assisting buyers and their attorney in clarifying title, zoning, building codes, and access easements.
14. Referring them to qualified vendors.
15. Analyzing the future salability of the property.

per Realtor.org

Investment & Commercial Properties in Chicago...

for all your investment needs...

Are you looking for 4+ apartment buildings, mixed use buildings, or commercial listings? If so, please let me know your requirements and I will email you a list of properties.
Please include purchase price, area, type of building, timeframe, pre-approved, and whether or not your working with an agent.

GreatChicagoRealEstate.com/chicago_investment_properties.htm

List of Chicago Open Houses for the weekend...

Let me know where your looking, your price range, number of bed/bath and I'll email you a list of open houses.

If your curently working with a 'buyers agent' please let me know.

happy house hunting...

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Bucktown Condos

all you have to do is go to:

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com and ask for Ron

Saffron Realty Group
773 330-2353 cell
Owner/Realtor

Evanston Open House 4/30/06 from 1-4 pm

2814 Grant St. open from 1-4 pm 4/30/06!

Tons of curb appeal. Beautiful tree-lined street in Evanston...
Brick single-family with 4 bedrooms plus office (5th bedroom), 3.1 baths
Amazing home with little upkeep. Same owner for 25 years. Tons of detail, beautiful hardwood floors, large kitchen with breakfast bar & eat in kitchen, amazing dining room (featured in Better Homes & Garden and North Shore magazine), private & large master suite. Great house for entertaining. Step up family room with fireplace. Elegant built-ins. Professionally landscaped with sprinkler system. Brick patio.Close to Perkins Woods. Close to great schools. Great neighborhood.

Open House in Old Town

OPEN HOUSE 4/23/06 FROM 11:00-1:00... Please call Kamila at 312 375-0733 with any questions.

2 BED/2 BATH PLUS DEN IN OLD TOWN! WITH TANDEM SPOT. STUNNING LAKE, CITY, AND LINCOLN PARK VIEWS, A 'WOW' FACTOR PENTHOUSE LIVING WITH EVERY BELL & WHISTLE. AMAZING KITCHEN BATHS, ALSO F/P,W/D IN UNIT,ALL HARDWOOD FLOORS, BALCONY. WALK TO THE LAKE, RESTAURANTS, THEATER, OR SHOP ON WELLS. QUICK CLOSE POSSIBLE! ... OPEN HOUSE 4/23/06 FROM 11:00-1:00...

LOOKING TO BUY A COMMERCIAL CONDO IN CHICAGO?

PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL!

http://greatchicagorealestate.com/chicago_investment_properties.htm

Open House in Old Town

OPEN HOUSE 4/9/06 FROM 1:00-4:00... Please call Kamila at 312 375-0733 with any questions.

2 BED/2 BATH PLUS DEN IN OLD TOWN! WITH TANDEM SPOT. STUNNING LAKE, CITY, AND LINCOLN PARK VIEWS, A 'WOW' FACTOR PENTHOUSE LIVING WITH EVERY BELL & WHISTLE. AMAZING KITCHEN BATHS, ALSO F/P,W/D IN UNIT,ALL HARDWOOD FLOORS, BALCONY. WALK TO THE LAKE, RESTAURANTS, THEATER, OR SHOP ON WELLS. QUICK CLOSE POSSIBLE! ... OPEN HOUSE 4/9/06 FROM 1:00-4:00...

Is bigger always better?

For many homeowners, less is so much more...
The average American home has more than doubled in size since 1950. But a number of people are bucking the McMansion trend -- and finding their smaller homes to be more than ample.

By Christopher Solomon

Sidebar: 6 ways to maximize room
Create order out of closet chaos
Knock $4,000 off your taxes by going solar
As an increasing number of Americans see it, our overfed physiques and gargantuan SUVs aren’t the only things that could use some slimming down -- the ballooning American home needs to go on a diet, too.

Consider the evidence: The average American home swelled from 983 square feet in 1950, to 2,349 square feet in 2004 -- a 240% increase. Yet the American household shrank by 18% between 1970 and 2003, from 3.14 people to 2.57, on average.

But does square footage equal happiness?

In recent years, a less-is-more upswell has begun, stoked largely by architect Sarah Susanka’s bestseller, “The Not So Big House,” and related books. Susanka and her cohorts’ message is simple: Smaller can be beautiful, and better.

Trashing the big = success model
“There are always going to be people who want the big house, even if they don’t need or even use all of that space, and the reason is that a part of our culture associates bigness with success -- a big car, a big house,” says Michelle Kodis, author of “Blueprint Small” and other books. But, Kodis adds, “There is a whole other group of people, which is quite significant, who want just enough space, who don’t want to be showy, who don’t need 10,000 square feet to show that they’ve made it in America.”

Susanka has zeroed in on this group even further. “It’s at least a quarter of the population of the United States (referring to what author Paul Ray calls the “cultural creatives”) who look at what’s happening in suburbia and say, ‘Oh my God, I don’t want that.’ They have historically purchased existing houses in the inner ring of the suburbs. The reason they’ve done that is that the houses have character and the neighborhoods historically are strong.” These people are often educated, progressive types of varying income levels who think about more than just their own needs. “You could say they have ‘green’ values,” Susanka says, speaking from her not-so-big home office in Raleigh, N.C.

The trend toward smaller, more finely outfitted domiciles is particularly obvious in urban areas right now, argues Richard Gollis, principal at The Concord Group, a Newport Beach, Calif.-based real estate research firm. That’s because cities are home to the “urban barbell” -- older people without children, and young professionals without children, who want to enjoy the vibrancy of a city.

“We’re starting to see that buyers are willing to trade off size, square footage, for location,” says Gollis.

Small as radical
Susanka’s idea was so simple it was radical: “It’s time for a different kind of house,” the architect wrote, manifesto-like, in her 1998 book “The Not So Big House.” “A house that is more than square footage; a house that is Not So Big, where each room is used every day. A house with a floorplan inspired by our informal lifestyle instead of the way our grandparents lived.” She derided most spraddling suburban tract homes, with their unused dining rooms and their too many bathrooms, as spacious but not particularly comfortable -- less nests than “massive storage containers for people.”

That book, and the five that have followed, clearly tapped into something. More than one million of Susanka’s books have been sold since 1998, including the latest, “Outside the Not so Big House: Creating the Landscape of Home,” which just appeared. A bevy of books by other writers in recent years have struck a similar theme.

How much room does a couple or a family really need, anyway?

“As long as you use all of the space actively, that’s the amount of room you need,” says author Kodis. “The goal of smaller-space living is not to cram yourself into a smaller space to make a point.” Instead, in such a home, “There’s no wasted space, but it’s comfortable.” For example, how many families honestly use their formal dining rooms or living rooms -- a few times a year? Then why pay for homes with them, and pay to furnish them? Wouldn’t it be better to focus on creating a very well-suited kitchen/dining/living area, since most families spend their time there, ask Susanka and others.

How small is small?
Indeed, the very definition of “small” varies depending on each family’s needs. Having children won’t preclude you from going smaller because it’s less about buying a home under the median square footage and more about rethinking your needs.

Here’s Susanka’s general rule of thumb: After seriously evaluating how they use their home, day in and day out, homeowners usually can expect to comfortably reduce the size of their next home by one-third.

Susanka recommends using the money saved to personalize the home with lots of fine details and “built-ins” -- sleek storage, great floors, interesting ceilings and recurring, unifying details (from a tile motif, to a pattern in the wainscoting and other woodwork). That is, they remain even if the house were turned over and shaken. Taken together, these make the smaller home particularly charming and livable. (For tips on maximizing space, click here.)

That’s happening, to some degree, among the urban barbell, says Gollis. “What we’re seeing is very small units loaded with the very best features -- Viking and Wolf ranges, very expensive bath features, nice tiles and marble on the floor -- really almost like a yacht-cabin approach, like a ship, everything in its place,” he says.

One urban example of small spaces, thoughtfully rendered, is rising in downtown Seattle. The developers of the 94-unit Lumen condominium complex have made a priority of cultivating a feeling of airiness, through the use of light and creative floorplans. “From the front door to the outside (glass) wall, there’s a 40-foot run of cabinetry” built into the units, says co-developer Alan Winningham. Movable glass partitions, like Japanese shoji screens, will allow each home to be divided into different configurations. Each condo will have a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that opens onto a balcony that will feel like part of the living area, he adds, and make the homes feel larger than their 500 to 2,100 square feet. Another option will be a platform bed with gas struts that will lift to reveal a storage area.

Why small can be better
But why think small, you ask, besides just modesty? Experts say that the more modestly proportioned home has many advantages:

Less use of materials. A smaller house doesn’t only use fewer natural resources, it requires fewer large furnishings to fill it.
More comfortable. “Humans have a tendency to want to nest just like other animals, so big cavernous spaces just aren’t as intimate and comfortable as a room that’s scaled down to a person’s size,” says Kodis. In other words, Versailles may be impressive to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there. A lot of today’s 5,000-square-foot homes are designed to overwhelm, not welcome.
More efficient. Smaller spaces are cheaper to heat, and take less time to clean.
Addition of pleasant details. People often can’t afford to do much customizing to big houses -- there’s simply too much of them -- but in a small house you can redirect money to add delightful touches. Susanka, for example, added handsome (and costlier) cherry veneer on the door to her work studio, an extra touch she sees every day that makes her happy.
World peace? OK, maybe not. But “smaller space keeps you more connected with your family,” and leads to better family relations, suggests Kodis.
One family’s success
Tracy Stanton is a believer. A few years ago, the environmental consultant decided to incorporate some of Susanka’s ideas when expanding the one-story, 1,800-square-foot 1950s rambler she owns with her husband in Bethesda, Md. “It had no curb appeal; it wasn’t ugly, but it wasn’t interesting either.” The couple looked hard at its needs and decided to scale down its renovation, only adding a second-floor study and making several renovations to the ground floor.

“We both love the outdoors and light, so we tried to bring as much of the outdoors inside as we could. So we have skylights in our second-floor addition, and natural wood and earth tones … things that made us feel that we were sitting out on the back porch with our feet up,” Stanton says. During renovation, when the contractor uncovered the old structural two-by-four studs, the coupled decided to have them covered with a handsome wood veneer in order to make a more interesting ceiling. “It feels more roomy and has got more texture to it than just a flat ceiling,” Stanton says.

Downstairs, among other changes, the couple gutted the kitchen and opened up the floorplan. Now, “you can see from the front door all the way through the house and into the back,” she says approvingly. The kitchen is “open and airy and light.” And, importantly, the house doesn’t overwhelm the neighborhood.

Stanton did realize one thing, however: Some of Susanka’s ideas for built-ins -- custom cabinets and the like -- can add up quickly. Even after abandoning some of those ideas, the couple still went about 15% over budget, she recalls.

How much is this gonna cost me?
Ah, the money question. You can downsize to a smaller home and save money, or build a little jewelbox and spend just as much as before, or more. Susanka suggests downscaling the size of a house, but then using the cost savings for beautifully detailing the house.

Often, the homes in books have been drawn up by an architect, who generally charges between 10% and 15% of the home’s construction cost, depending on the services. But don’t let the “A” word scare you off, experts say. “You can have a custom home without spending a fortune,” insists author Kodis. “It’s really about the types of material you purchase. It’s really about the size.”

Hearing readers’ concerns, however, Susanka is now at work on a book called “Remodeling Not So Big,” to appear in 2008. “It’s going to be about very simple things you can do in Anyhouse, USA to make it better,” she says.

Average size of new homes built in various developed countries

Country Sq. feet
United States 2,349
Canada 1,800
New Zealand 1,900
Australia 2,200
U.K. 815
Ireland 930
Japan 1,000

Sources: U.S. Census; Canadian Home Builders Assoc.; 2006 2nd Edition Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey; other

Bucktown Specialist!

http://greatchicagorealestate.com/Comm_Bucktown.htm

Property Owners Who Want To Sell, But Not List Their Property!

Are you in the early stages of thinking about selling your home but don't want to commit to a 6 month listings agreement?

Do you own a property and would only sell at the 'right price'?

Do you own a commercial or investment property and know that most investors will only buy 'off market properties'?

Do you just want to test the market and see if you get any 'bites'?

Open House in Old Town

OPEN HOUSE 3/19/06 FROM 11-1! (Ring #076 downstairs)

2 BED/2 BATH PLUS DEN IN OLD TOWN! WITH 2 CAR TANDEM PARKING SPOT. STUNNING LAKE, CITY, AND LINCOLN PARK VIEWS, A 'WOW' FACTOR. PENTHHOUSE LIVING WITH EVERY BELL & WHISTLE. AMAZING KITCHEN & BATHS, ALSO F/P,W/D IN UNIT,ALL HARDWOOD FLOORS, BALCONY. WALK TO THE LAKE, RESTAURANTS, THEATER, OR SHOP ON WELLS. QUICK CLOSE POSSIBLE! TRULY AN AMAZING CONDO IN CHICAGO!

Chicago Realtor

for all your chicago real estate needs...

Humboldt Park Real Estate...

The great neighborhood of Humboldt Park began life as North Park in the 1860’s shortly after the creation of the West Park System. Located on the Northwest side of Chicago, North Park was soon named in honor in 1869 after Alexander von Humboldt, a famous German Scientist and Explorer. The park area was settled mainly by immigrants of East European descent such as Polish, Italian and German. The demographics of the Humboldt Park neighborhood changed and has become largely Latino and African American today.

As one of Chicago's largest communities with over 60,000 residents, the Humboldt Park community derives its name from and sprawls out over a 207 acre park area. Slow to develop, the settlement and community of Humboldt Park with a large part due to its location and spacious park is now becoming one of the most widely growing and trendy places in the greater Chicago area. Real Estate has turned heads during the past few years as Humboldt Park has become a prime location for the upscale generation.

The neighborhood of Humboldt Park still features many beautiful Colonial and Victorian homes and buildings. As restoration goes on for some of these buildings turning them into the brilliant places they once were, a few are being turned into condos and lofts for residents of this local area. Many modern style homes are being built and put on the market today as well.

The Romanesque style architecture that houses the recreation center at the park, also showcases a man-made pond and is one of the most beautiful and useful parks in Chicago. The park itself include an amazing beach, an outdoor swimming pool, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, playgrounds, and bike paths. In addition the Humboldt Park also has an assembly area, offers a place for ice skating in winter, numerous picnic areas and a field house with two gyms.

Humboldt Park has always been an interesting community and has many entertainment options. With many small establishments for both entertainment and dining, the neighborhood venues are compromised with diversity of its residents for a unique and individual flair.

Have kids? The Humboldt Park community has a variety of options for education from pre-kindergarten on up thru High School. There are also many private and religion based schools to choose from. The Humboldt Park itself also offers an after school care program that includes music, sports, arts and crafts and also exercise fun.

Speaking of fun, each year, the city hosts the Puerto Rican Peoples Parade in June and the Fiesta Boricua, a Puerto Rican Pride festival, in September. These festivals attract over 160,000 people each year.

Ready to experience the city? The city has a plentiful amount of public transportation options. Hop on the world famous Chicago ‘L’ train. Humboldt Park is supported by the Blue Line train and over 5 different bus routes for ease of travel in this great city.

If you are looking to move to an historic, exciting and rapidly growing neighborhood, Humboldt Park is the place to be!

happy house hunting...

Chicago Off-Market Properties

note: confidentiality agreement must be signed for any additional information and addresses. also there is no commission for buyers agents!

HOT off market Investment Properties

Also off market I have 3 commercial condo units left in Evanston. These Evanston lofts are VERY HOT! 6 have sold already and they deliver in June. Brand new Loft conversion with skylights, kitchens, full baths and all the high tech hook ups.

Selling your Chicago property?

Give me a call. I will provide you with a CMA and value for your home or condo. Feel free to call me as well.

for all your real estate needs...

Chicago Commercial Realtor

for all your real estate needs...

Great New Year's Quotes!

Funny New Year Quotes
From Simran Khurana,
Your Guide to Quotations.

Welcome the New Year With a Smile

The New Year may be a significant event for many people. But the absurdities of the celebration cannot escape a skeptic's mind. Here are some funny New Year quotes. What better way to start a New Year than with a hearty laugh? You can share your joy by greeting everybody with these funny New Year quotes.

Mark Twain
New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions.

Brooks Atkinson
Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.

Bill Vaughan
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.

J. O'Rourke
The proper behavior all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year's Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you're married to.

Jay Leno
Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average… which means, you have met your New Year's resolution.

James Agate
New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.

Eric Zorn
Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.

Bill Vaughan
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.

Charles Lamb
New Year's Day is every man's birthday.

Oprah Winfrey
Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.

Mark Twain
New Year's Day… now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.

Judith Crist
Happiness is too many things these days for anyone to wish it on anyone lightly. So let's just wish each other a bile-less New Year and leave it at that.

Anonymous
Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.

Joey Adams
May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!

Anais Nin
I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me.

Oscar Wilde
Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account.

Robert Paul
I'm a little bit older, a little bit wiser, a little bit rounder, but still none the wiser.

Anonymous
A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other.

Leonard Bernstein
From New Year's on the outlook brightens; good humor lost in a mood of failure returns. I resolve to stop complaining.

G. K. Chesterton
The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective. Unless a man starts on the strange assumption that he has never existed before, it is quite certain that he will never exist afterwards. Unless a man be born again, he shall by no means enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Bucktown Real Estate

I live in Bucktown...
I sell in Bucktown...
I care about Bucktown!

for all your real estate need

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Hot Chicago Neighborhood! Humboldt Park

BY PATRICIA STAHL
Realtor Magazine OnLine

Chicago’s Near West Side is hot right now, as urban redevelopment proceeds in concentric circles from the city’s central business district. Developers and real estate practitioners are edging further west, where land is cheaper, to accommodate the intense demand. The latest neighborhood to experience resurgence is Humboldt Park, the heart of the city’s Puerto Rican community.

Once home to Eastern European immigrants, the area changed character in the 1960s, when Puerto Ricans migrated west in search of affordable housing. White flight, commercial disinvestment, municipal neglect, and bank redlining took a toll on the neighborhood over the next 20 years. Housing values plummeted to about 60 percent of the citywide average, and the area succumbed to gangs and crime.

Jose Acevedo, broker-owner of Landmark Heritage Realty located in heart of Humboldt Park, grew up in the area during those turbulent times. Now, 25 years later, he’s in on its revival. The biggest marketing challenge right now, he says, is to overcome the neighborhood’s negative reputation. One strategy real estate professionals are using is to give it a new identity.

“It’s a sprawling area with a lot of variation, so we broke it down into smaller segments and renamed them North, South, East, and West Humboldt Park,” Acevedo says. “In fact, we now refer to the northeast portion as ‘West Bucktown’ to convey the idea that it will enjoy the same surge in property values as its neighbor.”

Despite its edgy reputation, Humboldt Park is a magnet for newcomers because it offers amenities that few other communities possess—a 207-acre park with a beach, a swimming pool, lagoons for fishing and boating, 15 baseball diamonds, 11 tennis courts, several playgrounds, bike paths, sprinklers, and formal gardens, among other perks.

The housing stock varies greatly within Humboldt Park, ranging from modest frame teardowns to stately graystones. On the side streets, large apartment buildings flank rows of solid single-family homes and duplexes. Prices depend not only on the quality of the homes, but also on how much the area has been redeveloped. “Houses are cheaper at the western end, which has seen less development, but the area overall is still affordable,” Acevedo says.

According to Chicago Magazine’s annual home price guide, Humboldt Park’s average sale price from July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2002, was $113,507. The average sale price for a single-family home in Humboldt Park for the first half of 2003 was $212,525.

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Chicago Commercial Brokers Looking for a Change?

Please fax resume and last 2 years production to 773.409.9079

Everyone knows that Realty Groups offer excellent buyer & seller representation with residential real estate.

Check out every commercial listing in the MLS at:
www.greatchicagorealestate.com/chicago_investment_properties.htm

Mr. Safranski

Happy BirthDay Dude!

Ron

Never saw it coming, did you?

Happy Turkey Day!

The holiday season gives us the opportunity to extend our thanks to those who helped to make the past year so wonderful.

Clients like you make our job a pleasure.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Not on the MLS yet! Graystone single family home in Bucktown!

This home is not on the MLS yet, but it will be in under a week! If relocation to Chicago is in your future, or if you are just looking for a dream home on one of the finest, most private streets in Bucktown, you need to call me soon to view this home before it is introduced to the public. This beautifully rehabbed graystone home is so new to the market that I don’t even have photos yet! It is loaded with high end features, though, and here’s the list:
Modern, open floor plan
Custom Gaggenau kitchen with undermount dishwasher and indoor grilltop stove
Top of the line European Unico designed cabinetry.
Bathrooms with oversized Toto toilets, stainless undermount sinks, dual oversized Grohe high pressure showerheads, Dornbracht faucets, stone tile and tops
Huge master bedroom with custom closet cabinetry
New 2-tier deck extending over 2 ½ car garage roof
Surround sound wiring with available Bose Acoustimass audio system
Fisher & Paykel washer and dryer
This property is at 1829 N. Wilmot, and it will post on the MLS next week at just under a million.

Thinking of a Real Estate career in Chicago?

Do you want to be a part of Chicago's fastest growing private real estate firm? Would you like to be on a team that is the first and only of its kind?

We are seeking creative, innovative and responsive agents who would like to work from our beautiful office located centrally near downtown Chicago or from their homes in Chicago and its neighboring suburbs.

We provide our agents an environment in which they can thrive and succeed. We employ the latest and greatest high-tech tools, such as IP phones, a wireless office and paperless files, so that our agents can work smarter while they’re working harder. Our website partner, www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com is the number one real estate website in Chicago, providing us with the ability to offer new agents unlimited qualified leads. What’s more, our agents only pay a referral fee after a closing is achieved. Our commission structure is highly competitive and we can offer even higher commission splits to our work-at-home agents.

Humboldt Park Properties

talk our ears off.
It starts with us listening to you. Our first meeting is when we get to know your needs and interests. That’s how we’ve built a family, not just a business.

check your expectations.
We reject traditional approaches. Our innovation, technology and creativity deliver a fun and rewarding real estate experience.

make it so.
And make no excuses. You’re not just hiring one agent, you’re getting the whole team: dedicated professionals who act as your real estate concierge—even beyond closing.

Your Realtor...What do you look for?

As buyers and sellers, what do you, as consumers, look for in a Realtor? What unique characteristics impress you the most? What bothers you the most when it comes time to purchase a home or condo? Any feedback would be great...

Chicago Commercial Property

30 Unit Building
3- 2 bedroom, 5 room
6- Studio
9- 2 bedroom, 4 room
12- 1 bedroom, 3 room

Income: $16,583 mo. $199,000 yr
Expense: $5,517 mo. $66,200 yr
Gas $25,000
Taxes $20,000
Insurance $8,000
Garbage $5,000
Electric $1,200
Water $6,000

Notes:

Leases- All month to month. Scattered rents due to some long term tenants

Updates- Newer windows, hot water system (2 yrs), Boiler burners (1 yr), new gutters

General- Exterior well maintained.
Porches/stairways in good condition.
All tubs are old style claw tubs
½ kitchens have cast iron sinks, others “newer”

ASKING PRICE $2,300,000
NORTH SIDE OF CHICAGO!

Confidentiality agreement must be signed before address disclosed!
Buyers brokers must procure there own commission!

3-7 Million Dollar Producers, We Want You...

Do you want to be a part of Chicago's fastest growing private real estate firm? Would you like to be on a team that is the first and only of its kind?

We are seeking creative, innovative and responsive agents who would like to work from our beautiful office located centrally near downtown Chicago or from their homes in Chicago and its neighboring suburbs.

We provide our agents an environment in which they can thrive and succeed. We employ the latest and greatest high-tech tools, such as IP phones, a wireless office and paperless files, so that our agents can work smarter while they’re working harder. Our website partner, www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com is the number one real estate website in Chicago, providing us with the ability to offer new agents unlimited qualified leads. What’s more, our agents only pay a referral fee after a closing is achieved. Our commission structure is highly competitive and we can offer even higher commission splits to our work-at-home agents.

Please contact Kamila at 773.733.4249
Fax resume to 773.409.9079

Proud to be part of the West Town Chamber of Commerce!

http://www.westtownchamber.org/index.html

Chicago Commercial Real Estate

I have a client that's a private investor who's looking to buy out an entire existing condo or loft building, that consist of at least fifty units plus. Also the property must have condo conversion documents! My client can close on any endeavor in three weeks.

Thinking of going into Real Estate?

Do you want to be a part of Chicago's fastest growing private real estate firm? Would you like to be on a team that is the first and only of its kind?

We are seeking creative, innovative and responsive agents who would like to work from our beautiful office located centrally near downtown Chicago or from their homes in Chicago and its neighboring suburbs.

We provide our agents an environment in which they can thrive and succeed. We employ the latest and greatest high-tech tools, such as IP phones, a wireless office and paperless files, so that our agents can work smarter while they’re working harder. Our website partner, www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com is the number one real estate website in Chicago, providing us with the ability to offer new agents unlimited qualified leads. What’s more, our agents only pay a referral fee after a closing is achieved. Our commission structure is highly competitive and we can offer even higher commission splits to our work-at-home agents.

Got my Treo 650, finally!

Have to say that I'm pretty pumped to have my first smart phone! A little nervous looking at the extremely thick directions booklet. Anyone have any comments on their experience with smart phones? Love to hear your thoughts!

Real Estate Sales Positions in Chicago

Do you want to be a part of Chicago's fastest growing private real estate firm? Would you like to be on a team that is the first and only of its kind?

We are seeking creative, innovative and responsive agents who would like to work from our beautiful office located centrally near downtown Chicago or from their homes in Chicago and its neighboring suburbs.

We provide our agents an environment in which they can thrive and succeed. We employ the latest and greatest high-tech tools, such as IP phones, a wireless office and paperless files, so that our agents can work smarter while they’re working harder. Our website partner, www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com is the number one real estate website in Chicago, providing us with the ability to offer new agents unlimited qualified leads. What’s more, our agents only pay a referral fee after a closing is achieved. Our commission structure is highly competitive and we can offer even higher commission splits to our work-at-home agents.

Commercial Properties in Chicago

Did you know that Great Chicago Real Estate also has highly trained agents that focus on commercial real estate.

Check out every commercial listing in the MLS
www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

West Town new construction!

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate

Luxurious unit with open floor plan in the emerging Westtown neighborhood combines premium construction and luxurious finishes standard min from dwntwn & medical district, large balconies ranging from 340 to 262 sqft w/panoramic views of skyline, granite, cherry flrs, SS APPL, Jacuzzi, DBL vanity incl.1 indoor heated parking space elevator building $339,999 Delivery fall 2006

West Town condo NOT on the market yet!

Combination Unit
(3rd floor only)

2,075 sqft 3rd floor master residence, premium construction and luxurious finishes standard min from dwntwn & medical district, 2 balconies w/ over 370sqft. w/spectacular panoramic views of skyline, endless granite, SS APPL, Jacuzzi, separate steam shower DBL vanity incl.2 indoor heated parking spaces elevator building Offered only during pre-construction $639,000 Delivery fall 2006.

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

New development NOT on the market... WestTown area of Chicago!

Oakley Manor

Penthouse (4W)

4th floor Penthouse unit in the emerging Westtown neighborhood combines premium construction and luxurious finishes standard min from dwntwn & medical district, enormous private 400+ sqft terrace w/spectacular panoramic views of skyline, endless granite, SS APPL, Jacuzzi, separate steam shower DBL vanity incl.2 indoor heated parking spaces elevator building $449,999 Delivery fall 2006

http://www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

I have clients looking for:

http://www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

I have clients looking for:

1st client looking for:
30-50 units in the 1.8 - 4.0 Million Range
Cash Flow or 8+ Cap Rate
Anywhere in the Mid West!
Quick Close...

2nd client looking for:
Townhome in the Lincoln Park or Lakeview area
3-4 bedroom, 3+ bath, 2 car parking
Updated and needs to be quiet unit
550-700K price range

3rd client looking for:
Warehouse space 5000-10,000 square feet
Needs to be in the West Loop area(or very close)
Price range up to 800K
Quick Close!

Chicago Investment Property NOT on the MLS! 30 Units...

30 Unit Building
3- 2 bedroom, 5 room
6- Studio
9- 2 bedroom, 4 room
12- 1 bedroom, 3 room

Income: $16,583 mo. $199,000 yr
Expense: $5,517 mo. $66,200 yr
Gas $25,000
Taxes $20,000
Insurance $8,000
Garbage $5,000
Electric $1,200
Water $6,000

Notes:

Leases- All month to month. Scattered rents due to some long term tenants

Updates- Newer windows, hot water system (2 yrs), Boiler burners (1 yr), new gutters

General- Exterior well maintained.
Porches/stairways in good condition.
All tubs are old style claw tubs
½ kitchens have cast iron sinks, others “newer”

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

I have clients looking for:

1st client looking for:
30-50 units in the 1.8 - 4.0 Million Range
Cash Flow or 8+ Cap Rate
Anywhere in the Mid West!
Quick Close...

2nd client looking for:
Townhome in the Lincoln Park or Lakeview area
3-4 bedroom, 3+ bath, 2 car parking
Updated and needs to be quiet unit
550-700K price range

3rd client looking for:
Warehouse space 5000-10,000 square feet
Needs to be in the West Loop area(or very close)
Price range up to 800K
Quick Close!

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Chicago Investment Property NOT on the MLS! 30 Units...

30 Unit Building
3- 2 bedroom, 5 room
6- Studio
9- 2 bedroom, 4 room
12- 1 bedroom, 3 room

Income: $16,583 mo. $199,000 yr
Expense: $5,517 mo. $66,200 yr
Gas $25,000
Taxes $20,000
Insurance $8,000
Garbage $5,000
Electric $1,200
Water $6,000

Notes:

Leases- All month to month. Scattered rents due to some long term tenants

Updates- Newer windows, hot water system (2 yrs), Boiler burners (1 yr), new gutters

General- Exterior well maintained.
Porches/stairways in good condition.
All tubs are old style claw tubs
½ kitchens have cast iron sinks, others “newer”

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Chicago Investment Property NOT on the MLS! 30 Units...

30 Unit Building
3- 2 bedroom, 5 room
6- Studio
9- 2 bedroom, 4 room
12- 1 bedroom, 3 room

Income: $16,583 mo. $199,000 yr
Expense: $5,517 mo. $66,200 yr
Gas $25,000
Taxes $20,000
Insurance $8,000
Garbage $5,000
Electric $1,200
Water $6,000

Notes:

Leases- All month to month. Scattered rents due to some long term tenants

Updates- Newer windows, hot water system (2 yrs), Boiler burners (1 yr), new gutters

General- Exterior well maintained.
Porches/stairways in good condition.
All tubs are old style claw tubs
½ kitchens have cast iron sinks, others “newer”

http://www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

This Year, An Apartment In The Ukrainian Village; Next Year, A Condo In Logan Square

Well, I'll be moving to my new apartment in two weeks. Along with all of the other moving-related thoughts that could send one spiraling into a panic at 11:45 PM on a work night I also have this one: This is probably the last apartment I will ever rent. The finality of it is a little unnerving, as endings can be (except when we're talking about root canals and the like), but it's also very exciting. I'm going to spend the next year doing everything I can to make my credit squeaky clean. Some days I fear that this task might take more than a year, but in any case, this IS probably the last apartment I will ever rent. So, for the next year, it's nesting and saving and paying down debt for me. Should be very exciting.

Illinois property

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Any thoughts on Palm 650 vs. Blackberry?

Would love some feedback from anyone on their experiences with either. Thanks for blogging!

Ron Knoll
www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

New Buffalo or Union Pier Mi. real estate

Wondering if anyone has a property in these areas that would like to sell? Ideally looking for a 2-3 bedroom/1-2 bath cottage within 1 mile of the lake. Also prefer large wooded lot and priced under $350,000.
Buyer is a Illinois Licensed Realtor

More faux materials pop up in new-home construction

Many homeowners like it this way
Courtesy Top Producer Online
By Katherine Salant
Inman News

Walk down a street in almost any new subdivision in America and you'll see traditionally styled houses built with traditional materials. Or maybe not. Although that stone may look like the real deal, most likely it, along with nearly everything else on the facade, is a fake, or, as they say in the home-building business, "faux." Perhaps even more remarkable, most homeowners are quite happy with this arrangement.
In interviews with architects and home builders around the country, I learned that homeowners care a great deal about appearances, but not necessarily about authenticity. For the most part, this lack of purist fervor is driven by maintenance concerns, not price. The faux materials can cost the same or more than the traditional materials they are replacing, but they require little or no attention. Some can be left unattended for the foreseeable future, or at least over the 20 or 30 years that the owners might live there.
By contrast, natural materials weather as they are exposed to the elements. Depending on the climate and the material, most require some to a lot of care, but most people are so "time-crunched" they are unwilling to spend even a single weekend a year working on their houses. They want the exterior to take care of itself. If that means faux materials, so be it.
All the architects and builders that I spoke with said they used the synthetic materials with mixed feelings. Up close, most lack the subtleties and nuances of the real McCoy, but prudence dictates bowing to homeowner realities. As one Washington-area builder said, "What's the point of using real materials like wood when I know the buyers won't do the maintenance and the houses will look like my neighbor's with mushrooms growing out of the dining-room window sill?"
The material that suffers the most from weathering is wood – certainly a builder's and a homeowner's biggest maintenance headache. In most climates it needs a primer and a protective layer of paint or stain to keep it from absorbing moisture and a generous amount of caulk at the joints to keep moisture from getting behind it. Homeowners should check the caulking annually, and the paint or stain must be periodically reapplied. In many places this must be done every three to five years. Otherwise, the wood will check, spilt, and crack, the paint will peel off, and eventually the wood will rot. Before putting wood on their new house, owners need to know what they are signing on for.
Not surprisingly, wood is the natural material that is most often replaced. The first faux material to be widely used was aluminum siding that mimicked overlapping cedar boards. A similar looking product made of vinyl is more common now and the vinyl can be shaped to mimic shingles as well as boards. But, many architects and some builders objected to both because they looked fake, their color palette is limited, they can be dented by hail, errant baseballs, and pebbles thrown up by lawnmowers and weed whackers, and the vinyl can melt and burn.
But many of these same reluctant architects and builders are now happily using another faux wood siding product, fiber cement. It's a mixture of portland cement, wood fibers, clay and sand that can be shaped into boards that appear to be about the same size as real cedar boards or real cedar shingles. Installed and painted it looks very close to the genuine article, and it can be painted any color that the owner chooses. It's about 1/4-inch thick, about five times thicker than aluminum or vinyl siding and far less susceptible to damage from flying debris. It's fireproof, bug proof, and because it does not absorb moisture, it holds paint well. Owners can go as long as 15 years between paint jobs, compared to wood. It also more durable than vinyl or aluminum-some manufacturers, including James Hardie, which warrants its fiber cement siding for 50 years.
Wood siding is not the only wood element on the exterior to cause maintenance migraines. Less noticeable, but equally important, is the trim at the corners, and around windows, doors and the roof edge. This is an issue even when the siding is a non-wood material such as brick. Fiber cement can also be used for the trim pieces, and builders and architects like it for the same reasons they favor it for siding. Another wood trim substitute that is increasingly popular is cellular polyvinyl chloride. It has the density and resistance of pine without the downside – it doesn't rot or absorb moisture and it holds paint extremely well.
Maintenance-averse homeowners who want a trim material made with recycled content can use MoistureShield, a composite material made of recycled wood fibers, plastic grocery bags, palette shrinkwrap, and plastic milk jugs. It is similar to composite decking boards, and its manufacturer, A.E.R.T (Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies), also makes ChoiceDek. MoistureShield boards have been used for siding, but the manufacturer has not tested them for this purpose and does not recommend it at this time. As with the other nonwood trim boards, Moisture Shield also holds paint extremely well.
Not every natural material is a maintenance headache, however. Some, such as stone, are just pricey and have never been widely used. The stone that you see in new-home communities all over the country today is undoubtedly the faux look-alike, or generically speaking, manufactured stone veneer. It's about half the cost of real stone and meets the builders' need to offer something more upscale for higher-end homes. The faux stone is made with portland cement, sand and the same iron oxides that color real stone. The mix is cast in molds made from real stones, but the finished veneer is only about 2 inches thick and weighs 75 percent less. In the past, the faux stone looked clearly fake, but today's product can be remarkably realistic looking, so much so that "you have to tap it to tell," Newport Beach, Calif., architect Jeff Lake said. The faux has a thud; real stone has more of a ping.
In some new-home communities, the stone may actually be the genuine article. But, it's a thin, 1-inch veneer, not the full thickness of natural material, which can be as thick as 8 inches. The veneered stone, which costs a bit more than the faux product, was introduced about four years ago, and is not yet in wide use.
Some materials on new houses are the traditional ones they appear to be because home builders found that the synthetic look-alikes had their own set of problems. A case in point is stucco. Weathering was never an issue, but the synthetic product known as EIFS – for "exterior insulation and finish system" – promised to be faster and easier to install, and it offered designers the opportunity to add more interest and complexity to the exterior surface without great expense. Unfortunately, installing EIFS correctly requires a degree of precision that is not always possible in residential construction. When incorrectly installed, rainwater can get into the wall and cause mold problems. Another unexpected EIFS problem is woodpeckers. In some areas, including South Florida, it has proved irresistible to woodpeckers and they drill holes in it.
All this has led home builders back to the "old way," and this is the stucco that you see on new houses now. The stucco industry has refined the specifics over the years, but the basic idea is the same as it has been for at least the last four or five centuries: a mixture of sand, lime, and cement applied in two or three coats.
Manufacturers not specifically mentioned in the text:
Fiber Cement trim: www.jameshardie.com
Cellular polyvinyl chloride trim: www.azek.com and www.synboard.com
Recycled wood and plastic trim: www.moistureshield.com
Manufactured Stone Veneer: There are at least 200 hundred firms in the U.S. that make this product. The two biggest ones that offer the most varied stones are www.culturedstone.com and www.eldoradostone.com.
Real Stone Veneer: Rockland Rock (www.rocklandbrick.com)
Stucco: Several firms produce the components for making stucco. Two of the largest ones are Quikrete (www.quikrete.com) and LaHabra (www.lahabrastucco.com)
Questions? Katherine Salant can be contacted at www.katherinesalant.com.

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Home seekers put on investigative hats

How can I find out more about a neighborhood?
Monday, May 16, 2005
By Dian Hymer
Inman News
Courtesy Top Producer

Years ago, a young man bought his first home in a prime Oakland, Calif., neighborhood. He worked at home a lot, and was particularly sensitive to noise. The house he purchased was appealing to him because it was across the street from an undeveloped property. About a year after he moved in, construction started on the property across the street. Unbeknownst to him, a new high school was being built. He found the noise from construction intolerable.
Most buyers are accustomed to having a home they're interested in buying inspected by a knowledgeable home inspector. Finding out pertinent information about the surrounding neighborhood should also be a part of your due diligence investigations.
A good source of information about the local neighborhood is local residents. You may view a listing at a time when no one's around. So, be sure to visit the neighborhood on your own at times when locals are likely to be at home, like after work or on a Saturday morning. Attending a Sunday open house may give you an opportunity to talk with some neighbors.
Ask friends and colleagues at work if they know anyone who lives in a neighborhood you're considering. Get names, addresses and phone numbers, if you can, so that you can talk with these people directly.
HOUSE HUNTING TIP: You want to know what local residents like and don't like about the neighborhood. Find out how long each person you talk to has lived there. Ask if there any proposed changes in local facilities like a new freeway or school that might impact the quality of life in the neighborhood in either a positive or negative way? Are there any problems like landslides, school or crime issues that you should be aware of?
Check with the Chamber of Commerce to find out if they have any information about the neighborhood. If you're concerned about crime rates, visit the local precinct. The Internet is another source of information. A Web site like www.realtor.com or www.neighborhoodscout.com may have some useful, although general, information. If you're buying long distance, your can gather helpful information about a place by subscribing to a local newspaper.
Ask your real estate agent about how often homes change hands in a particular neighborhood. Turn-over tends to be low in the most sought after areas. Also, if listings sell quickly when they do come on the market, this indicates high demand for the area.
Evidence of remodeling in a neighborhood is usually a good sign. Homeowners who are satisfied with the neighborhood tend to remodel and stay put rather than move out.
Find out about the local schools, even if you don't intend to use them. There tends to be a direct correlation between property values and the caliber of public schools in an area—the better the schools, the higher the property values.
It's a good idea to mingle in places where you'll grocery shop, grab a bite to eat and run errands. Are the services you need conveniently available? How do you feel about visiting these places on a regular basis?
Will you be able to satisfy your life style needs easily? For example, if you like to hike, find out if there are good hiking trails nearby. Having time to relax at home is important, so check out your commute to work. If there's public transportation, try it out. If you're driving, take a test drive during rush hour.
THE CLOSING: Be sure to drive to and from a home you're considering at different times of day and from different directions. Your agent may have only shown you the most scenic route.
Dian Hymer is author of "House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide," Chronicle Books.

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Making a wise real estate decision

How can I make a financially prudent home purchase or sale?
Courtesy Top Producer
Monday, May 09, 2005
By Dian Hymer
Inman News

This could be a particularly good time to make a move if you are a homeowner whose current home no longer suits your needs. Although interest rates are rising, they still remain at multi-decade lows. And the appreciation rate in recent years has been particularly high. But, even though conditions are good, you need to have realistic expectations in order to make it all work.
Many trade-up sellers have a difficult time understanding that their current home isn't necessarily worth what they need in order to make the move. A seller's financial needs don't dictate the sale price of their home. Market value is constrained by what buyers are willing to pay.
A complicating factor is that if you're buying in a fast-paced market, you may be forced to compete in order to buy the new home. This could mean paying a higher price than you'd anticipated. You can end up in trouble if you buy first, pay a high price and your home turns out to be worth less than you thought.
HOUSE HUNTING TIP: To guard against coming up short on the sale of your home, it's best to be conservative in the estimation of the approximate selling price of your home. There's no way to know for sure how much your home will sell for until it sells and the buyers complete their inspections. Sometimes the sale price is renegotiated during the course of the transaction if the buyers discover defects during their inspections. By estimating low on the sale price of the home you're selling, you're less likely to end up in a financial bind if your home doesn't sell as high as you'd like.
Repeat home buyers who are trying to trade up in a high demand, low inventory market are faced with an intriguing dilemma. If they sell first, they know exactly how much equity they have to work with. They are in a great bargaining position, since they don't have to sell a property. They have converted their equity to cash.
However, when inventories are low, there's a risk that it might take awhile to find and buy the new home. It's not uncommon to make several offers in competition before meeting with success. Moving to an interim rental is almost a certainty for some buyers, depending on the local market conditions.
Low inventory market conditions often lead to unusually high selling prices as buyers compete with one another to be the winning bidder. In a market like this, your home could sell for significantly more than you anticipated which could improve your purchasing power in a positive way. This could give you the edge you need in a multiple offer competition.
Selling first and renting your home back from the buyers for a time is one way to try to avoid an interim move. But, this is usually only a short-term option. It can be costly if you have to pay rent equal to the buyer's per diem cost of owning your home (principal, interest, taxes and insurance). If you've owned your home for a long time, your mortgage amount could quite low compared to the buyer's mortgage, and your property taxes and insurance premium could also be lower.
Rather than pay a high cost to rent back your home from the buyers, you may be better off moving to an interim rental. The cost to rent will probably be less, particularly if you're living in an area where the rental market is soft.
THE CLOSING: The additional benefit of moving to an interim rental is that you won't feel pressured to buy a home that doesn't suit your long-term needs.

Repairing window screens improves energy efficiency

Courtesy SuburbanChicagoNews.com
By James and Morris Carey
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Newer, more energy-efficient homes don't allow for the passive exchange of air through cracks, gaps and penetrations as older homes did. Thick insulation, caulking at windows and doors and gaskets at lights and plugs are a few of the improvements that make today's homes more energy-efficient.
Unfortunately, this condition often creates stale, trapped air within the home. In addition, some of the components used in the fabrication of construction materials emit gases that cause health problems, which can range from a minor case of the sniffles to a full-blown allergic reaction. Air in the home must be continually exchanged with a fresh supply from the outside.
Think window screens aren't important? Think again.
A dirty screen doesn't "breathe" as well as a clean one. And a dirty screen is an eyesore, too.
There are many advantages to keeping screens clean. First, you'll be able to see out of your windows a whole lot easier. And remember grit and grime can hasten deterioration, thereby diminishing the life of a window screen. Dirty screens also prevent light from making its way into your home. Moreover, a gust of wind can blow dust from a screen straight into your home, aggravating allergies and increasing housekeeping chores.
Each spring, we remove our screens and scrub them down. One of the best means of cleaning window screens is to lay them flat on a smooth, cloth-covered surface, such as an old sheet on a picnic table. Scrub them gently with a soft nylon brush, rinse with a hose, and shake off excess water. They can look as new today as when they were originally installed. Pressure washing with detergent is another alternative.
Like anything, screens eventually fail. When this happens they can often be patched. Screen patch kits are available at hardware stores and home centers everywhere. They are inexpensive and easy to install (the process takes less than a minute). A small repair will work best until such time as you see fit to replace the screen. There are several good methods that can be used to repair window screens depending upon the type of screen material being repaired.
• Apply a small amount of clear nail polish to a small hole or tear in a vinyl or fiberglass screen. The polish will act as an adhesive sealing the damaged area.
• Small tears in metal or fiberglass screens can be mended with a dab of clear silicone adhesive. If necessary, dab it on in successive layers until the tear is completely filled.
• You can "darn" small holes in metal screening. Simply unravel a strand or two from a piece of scrap screening and sew the hole shut, weaving the strands through the sound fabric with a needle.
• Large holes in metal screen material are repaired with a bit more effort. Start by neatly trimming the damaged area to a ravel-free square or rectangle using tin snips. Next, cut a piece of patch screen material that measures about an inch larger (in both directions) than the damaged area. Unravel a couple of strands of material around the entire perimeter of the patch. Bend the unraveled ends at each side of the patch 90 degrees. Place the patch over the damaged area and carefully thread the bent wires through the sound fabric. Then bend the wires flat again to hold the patch in place.
• For fiberglass screening, simply cut a patch of similar material and affix it to the good material using transparent silicone glue.
If the window screen is beyond repair, re-screening is the best, most cost-efficient alternative. Re-screening is a project that most do-it-yourselfers can tackle with ease. All that is generally required is:
• New screen material.
• Screening spline (rubber piping that is used to hold the screen in place in the frame).
• A spline roller.
• An ice pick or screwdriver.
• A utility knife.
Unless the frames are bent or damaged, they can be reused. Simply remove the existing spline and the screen material can be lifted away. Wedge an ice pick or the blade of a screwdriver into the groove of the frame where the spline exists. Then, simply pull the spline out by hand. The screen will literally fall off the frame.
Next, cut a piece of screen material slightly larger than the frame and lay the screen onto the frame. Use the spline roller (looks like a pizza cutter) to force the new spline (and the screen) into the retainer groove of the frame. Cut the excess screen off by running the razor knife down the groove between the outside of the spline and the outside of the retainer groove.
That's all there is to it. Save the excess for patches.
For home improvement tips and information visit our Web site at www.onthehouse.com.

Random tips to solve your household problems

By James and Morris Carey
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
COURTESY SUBURBANCHICAGONEWS.COM

When it comes to our home, we often don't realize that there are simple solutions to problems that sometimes seem overwhelming. Here are a few examples:
Measuring cup madness: When was the last time that you had to measure out a cup of shortening? How long did it take? And how much mess did you make? First, you forced the fat into the cup and pressed down to try to fit more in, while at the same time the fat that was already in the cup was trying to ooze back out!
Well, try this simple technique the next time you want to measure an unmanageable cup of grease, butter or shortening. First, fill a 2- or 3-cup measuring container with good old-fashioned, plain tap water cold water. If your recipe calls for one cup of shortening, simply fill the container so that one cup of the measuring container remains empty. Next, spoon in the shortening until the water line raises one cup. Finally, scoop out the lump of shortening and use it in your recipe and pour the water out of the measuring cup and you will be surprised to discover that the cup is "clean as a whistle."
Preventing rock and roll: A friend recently gave us a first aid kit for our car. It really is neat. It's small and compact and filled with neat stuff for emergencies. Rather than the metal or hard plastic container that we normally see, this first aid kit is packed in a clear, soft-plastic envelope. The packaging makes it easy to view the contents and the soft sides make it easy to store.
However, we decided to put it in the trunk because it was a tad bit too big for the glove box. What we discovered was that as we drove around the smooth plastic container slipped and slid all around the trunk. How to fit it, we wondered?
Necessity definitely is the mother of all invention. Here's what we discovered: There is nothing like Velcro. That's right, Velcro. We affixed two pieces to the first aid kit and two matching pieces to the side wall of the trunk and in no time our problem was solved. If things that you carry on a regular basis rock and roll in your trunk (or other parts of your vehicle), try our Velcro solution. It works!
Got an itch you didn't have before?
A front-loading clothes washing machine saves water and, some say, will do less damage to your clothing. Regardless of the manufacturers claims, there are some significant differences between front- and top-loading machines that you really need to know about. Front-load machines do in fact use less water to wash an equivalent load of clothing. And, although less soap is recommended, the type of laundry detergent used also is very important. With front-loading machines, there is a significant chance of flooding when too much of the wrong detergent is used. Detergent for front-loaders foams less and for that reason will tend not to build up and overflow like the conventional type. Keep in mind that because front-loaders use less water, they also need far less detergent to get your clothes clean.
If you continue to use the same amount of detergent with your new front-loader as you used to use with your old top-loader, you may notice yourself scratching a new itch. A front-loader just isn't capable of dealing with all of that soap. So what happens is your clothes end up with a soap residue and (if you are even a little allergic) your can end up with a fierce rash.
Mouthwash: If you don't have a habit of reading the label on the products you buy, you may not realize that mouthwash is not made to swallow and can make you very sick. Read the label and see.
We aren't suggesting that you stop using your favorite mouthwash. However, we do think you ought to know that when you do use it you need to be careful. Children under 6 years of age should not use adult mouthwash. And no child should be allowed to use mouthwash without supervision.
Painting made less expensive: If you intend to use your paint roller and roller pan in the near future, then you might want to save a plastic grocery bag or two. Instead of paying for a plastic roller pan liner, simply pull a plastic grocery bag over the pan (like a shirt), pour in the paint, do the job, pour the excess paint back into the can and pull the plastic bag inside-out as you remove it from the roller pan.
You can store the roller inside the bag (overnight in the refrigerator) if you intend on painting the next day or you can simply throw the bag away no mess, no fuss, no bother.
And, that's all there is to it.
For home improvement tips and information visit the Web site at www.onthehouse.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 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.

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.

Fair Housing

Where to turn
Who's covered? Who can help?
Courtesy Chicago Tribune

Government agencies police housing discrimination on several levels: federal, state, county and city.

The federal Fair Housing Act and its 1988 amendment protect against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, disability and familial status. It also protects against discrimination by retaliation, intimidation and coercion. Owner-occupied apartment buildings of four for fewer units are excluded. It's enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, (312) 353-7776 or toll-free at 800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800-927-9275.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, familial status, unfavorable military discharge and military status. It also protects against discrimination by retaliation. Owner-occupied rental buildings of five or fewer units are excluded. It is enforced by the Illinois Department of Human Rights, (312) 814-6200.

The Cook County Human Rights Ordinance outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, parental status, sexual orientation, source of income, military discharge status, housing status, and also protects against retaliation. The ordinance is enforced by the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, (312) 603-1100.

The Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance offers protection against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, parental status, sexual orientation, source of income and military discharge status. This ordinance is enforced by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, (312) 744-2852.

Nonprofit organizations that assist buyers and renters on fair housing issues include:
• Access Living Chicago, (312) 226-5900.
• HOPE Fair Housing Center, (630) 690-6500 or
• hopefair@aol.com.
• Latinos United/Comprehensive Advocacy for Fairness in Housing, (312) 258-8655.
• Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing, (312) 347-7600.
• Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities, (312) 341-5678.
• Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago, (312) 341-1070.
• Metropolitan Tenants Organization, (773) 292-4980.
• South Suburban Housing Center, (708) 957-4674.

The top 10 list of buyer and owner mistakes

Here are 10 of the most common mistakes home buyers and owners make, and how to avoid them:

- You choose the wrong mortgage. With the advent of instant financing, home loans are no longer the lifetime obligations they once were. Still, you don't want to be saddled with the wrong one, even for a short period. It's just too expensive to get out of.

Therefore, investigate all your options, then lay your favorites side-by-side and make comparisons. Above all, though, do the math, making sure to compare worst-case scenarios.

- You confuse pre-approved with pre-qualified. These are not interchangeable terms. When you are pre-qualified, the lender is making an educated guess about how much you can borrow based on the information you provide. It is an estimate and nothing more.

When you are pre-approved, the lender has verified everything you have told him and "guaranteed" to lend you a certain amount at current interest rates. Even then, however, final clearance is subject to an appraisal of the property you decide to buy.

You still haven't crossed home plate until you have a commitment letter stating the rate and loan amount at which you have been approved and for how long. Even then, though, you can be called out if a second look at your credit report a day or two before closing reveals you've incurred some extra debt in the interim.

- You have too much credit. Excessive credit is almost as damaging as having bad credit, or even no credit. Credit scoring models tend to focus just as much on the amount of credit you have available as whether you pay your bills on time.

Cancel the credit cards you don't use. And postpone those big-ticket purchases until after closing.

- You lie on your loan application. It may seem like a little white lie, but exaggerating your income on a mortgage application or putting down other falsehoods is a federal offense.

Lenders rarely prosecute liars. But if they find out later that you fibbed, they can call the loan due and payable. What's more likely, however, is that you get approved for a loan or house you really can't afford. Even if your loan officer says it's OK to fudge just a little, don't do it.

Don't ever sign your name to a loan application that's not completely filled out. Loan officers have been known to go behind their clients' backs by stretching the truth to get them approved. But it's the borrower who ends up paying the price.

- You hide if you can't make the payments. The worst thing you can do is ignore phone calls and letters from your lender when you get behind on your payments. Lenders are bending over backwards these days to keep people in their homes, and they have numerous options to avoid foreclosure.

Among other things, they can rewrite the terms so you can start over with a clean slate at a payment you can afford, or they can set you up with a financial counselor who can help you.

But they can't do anything for you unless they can talk to you.

- You skip a home inspection. Failing to make your purchase contingent on a satisfactory examination of the property by an independent home inspector could be a costly mistake.

A good home inspector will go over the place from stem to stern. He or she will be able to tell you whether the roof and/or basement leaks, whether the mechanical systems are in good shape and how long the appliances should last. They can't report on things they can't see, but at least their trained eyes are better than yours.

So don't pass up an inspection just to save $300 to $400.

- You hire just any agent to sell your house. All real estate agents are not cut from the same cloth. You want to look for those who specialize in your neighborhood and are top producers. If Aunt Bessie or Nephew Nick don't fit that description, look elsewhere.
Ask your candidates how they plan to market your house, what you can do to make the place more attractive to prospects and how much you should ask for it. If you don't like any of the answers, keep searching until you find one you are certain will do a good job on your behalf.

Beware of those who suggest you should be able to obtain top dollar or more. Unless yours is an extra-special house, they may be saying that just to get the listing. If this is the case, you will be brought back down to earth in a few weeks when they tell you the place isn't selling because it is priced too high.

- You fail to check out a remodeler. Never hire a contractor who knocks on your door or says his prices are good for only a few days.

Whether they are specialty tradesmen who do only one thing like siding or roofing or remodelers who handle large projects like additions or total makeovers, reputable contractors don't solicit door-to-door, and they don't cut prices just because they happen to be in the neighborhood.

Check out a potential contractor by calling several past clients, your local Better Business Bureau or consumer affairs agency, and the contractor's bankers and suppliers. It's also a good idea to take a look at his work. What is acceptable to someone else may not be acceptable to you.

- You pay too much up front. If a contractor asks for more than a third of the contract as a down payment, chances are something's wrong.

At worst, he's a scam artist who has no intention of returning after he cashes your check. At best, he's undercapitalized and can't afford to buy materials without your funds. Or, in between, he could be using your money to pay workers on another job.

And one more thing: Never give a contractor cash.

- You burn your mortgage. Many people celebrate making their last house payment by holding a mortgage burning party. That's OK, but don't torch the original document. Make a copy and burn that instead. Keep all your loan papers in a safe place.

Lew Sichelman, United Feature Syndicate
Published March 27, 2005

GCRE Client Testimonial regarding team member Richard Doty!

Below is a testimonial from one of our GCRE clients, regarding our team member Richard Doty. Great job Richard!!

After a lifetime of realtors, I found Richard to be the most caring, thoughtful, honest and dedicated realtor I have met. He was able to hear what I wanted and make educated choices about what would meet my needs.

Instead of relying upon me to edit out communities and variables that clearly did not suit me, his ability to listen and discern, meant that what he showed to me suited me.

Most realtors are in the business to make a living. Richard is providing a service to which he is dedicated and it happens to be a business. His heart is clearly part of the package. He works with you as if you were his family and his concern is that you end up where you will be happy.

I wish Richard worked all over the country, and in fact, I wish he worked in all industries. He takes his experience and his knowledge and intelligence and puts them to work in partnership with you to bring you the best results.

Cheers to Richard!

-Jessica T

Retirees options in Chicago area growing

Choices growing for active adults
Retirees options in Chicago area growing
By Jim Edwards
SPECIAL TO SUBURBAN CHICAGO NEWSPAPERS

While some older adult buyers gravitate to retirement communities almost the size of Vermont, others choose to live in smaller conclaves.
In the past, empty-nesters, recent retirees and other non-dependent seniors looking for a new home were faced with only a handful of choices in the Chicago area. Many moved to massive golf course developments in sunny states in the South, but soon missed their old homesteads.
Today, the age-55-plus crowd has many more choices in the Chicago suburbs. Many active adults are opting to live locally in smaller-scale communities which offer a healthy choice of recreational activities and pampering amenities, as well as a variety of designs from detached ranches to duplexes.
Several key factors are responsible for the trend toward smaller active-adult developments, according to William E. Becker, president and managing director for the William E. Becker Organization, a Teaneck, N. J.-based strategic marketing planning and consulting firm that specializes in active-adult lifestyle communities.
"Big parcels of zoned land on which builders can develop an active- adult community are more scarce and expensive unless they're further away from large metro areas. But Baby Boomers don't want to travel as far as they used to," Becker said.
Becker also believes that this trend toward smaller-scale active-adult communities will be a long-term trend for at least 30 years.
"By the year 2020, there will be 77 million Boomers, many of whom will be clamoring for this type product," Becker said.
Leslie Marks, executive director of the Seniors Housing Council of North America Home Builders Association (NAHB) of Washington, D.C., affirms this trend toward living locally.
"Surveys and statistics show that today's seniors and active adults prefer to remain closely rooted to family, friends, neighbors, doctors and churches in the areas they're familiar with. They value an intimate relationship with the community they call home."
Here are a few from among the many small-scale 55-plus communities to be found in the Chicago suburbs.
North, West and South
Burnside Homes is the developer of a new active-adult community concept called "Traditions." Recently launched in Olympia Fields and Waukegan, Traditions properties feature a wide variety of multifamily and single-family residences. "The Traditions concept is different from other active-adult developments in its scope, locations, designs and prices," said George Arguilla, III, president of Burnside Homes. Each Traditions community is maintenance-free and generally offers between 75 to 200 homes. Most communities provide up to 19 designs over three product lines: single- family ranch homes, duplex homes, and quad homes. Burnside Homes recently opened sales at Traditions at Glen Flora, a community of 98 maintenance-free attached ranch homes in Waukegan. Located at Blanchard and Sheridan roads in Waukegan, Traditions at Glen Flora in a 27-acre wooded property adjacent to the renowned Glen Flora Country Club and a forest preserve. Burnside's first active-adult property — Traditions of Olympia Fields — began sales earlier this summer.
Glen Flora buyers can choose from two different series of homes. The Club Home Series of duplex residences in three designs that include two to three bedrooms, two baths, and two-car garages. These homes range in size from 1,609 to 1,861 square feet and are base-priced from $259,900 to $276,900. The Carriage Series quad homes are available in eight designs that feature one to two bedrooms plus den (per plan), two baths, and two-car garages, range in size from 1,414 to 2,047 square feet and are base-priced from $229,900 to $300,900.
Burnside Homes plans to open its third active- adult community, Traditions of Fitchie Creek in Elgin, in early 2005.
In the Heartland'
Haverford Place is Ryland Homes first venture into an active adult lifestyle in the Chicago area. Located in Hoffman Estates, Haverford Place, a community of 172 ranch homes features lush landscaping and pocket parks throughout the neighborhood.
"Many of our homes have a generous leisure porch at the front of the home and each home includes a beautiful deck," said Karen Gold, sales counselor for Ryland Homes.
Haverford Place also offers a beautiful clubhouse with fitness center, pool and tennis courts. One of the special amenities in the clubhouse is a full granite kitchen for community parties, and the personal entertainment needs of the residents.
There are 10 home plans from which to choose. The smallest of the ranch homes is the Alexander, which features a covered entry, oversize living and dining room, second bedroom, study with double-door entry, conversational kitchen and family room, and owners' retreat. An available third bedroom replaces the study. The homes has 1,878 square feet and is base priced in Phase I at $347,990.
Another 2,202-square-foot design offers a leisure porch, oversize breakfast area, breakfast bar in addition to kitchen island, formal entertaining area with open living/dining room, walk-in closet even in the second bedroom, extra storage closet and owner retreat. A study can replace the living room. This home is offered during Phase I, base-priced at $386,000. Included features found in the homes are sodded and landscaped yards, brick exterior, 9-foot ceilings on first floor, and air conditioning with 90-percent high-efficiency furnace valued at $61,200.
Not being alone
For most of the last century, older American were stereotyped as being ready for disengagement from life upon retirement. Today, this theory has been trashed. People aged 55 and older are healthier and more active.
They are not giving up work, are engaged in often-strenuous recreation and are not willing to give up being close to lifelong friends and relatives.
Dena Amoruso writing for Realty Times, noted, "In active adult atmospheres, successful aging just plain gets easier for many older men and women. All in one place, residents can find new friends, partially replace paid employment with useful activities, regularly exercise without having to join and pay for a health club, and enjoy leisure as never before."

Real estate prices hit double-digit growth in 62 metro areas

A record number of metropolitan areas showed double-digit annual price appreciation in median existing-home prices in fourth-quarter 2004, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors.

The association's fourth-quarter metro area home-price report, covering 129 metropolitan statistical areas, shows 62 areas with double-digit annual increases in median existing-home prices and only four areas posting modest price declines. The previous record was 49 metros showing double-digit price appreciation in the second quarter of 2004.

The national median existing-home price was $187,500 in the fourth quarter, 8.8 percent higher than a year earlier when the median price was $172,400. In the third quarter of 2004, the national median existing-home price was $188,200 and the national annual rate of home-price appreciation was 7.5 percent. The median is a typical market price where half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.

For the year of 2004, the median existing-home price in metro areas was $184,100, compared to $170,000 in 2003 and $158,100 in 2002.

David Lereah, chief economist for the national association, said, "We ended 2004 with a record-low supply of homes on the market. With more buyers than sellers nationally, what we're seeing is a natural pressure on home prices as buyers compete to bid on available properties. Fortunately, the historically low cost of debt service on a home purchase means that we have a comfortable buffer in most of the country because the typical family can afford to buy a home well above the median price."

The strongest price increase was in the Las Vegas area where the fourth-quarter price of $281,400 rose 47.3 percent from a year earlier. Next came the Riverside-San Bernardino area of California at $322,400, up 34.7 percent from the fourth quarter of 2003. Third was the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach area of Florida, with a fourth-quarter median price of $338,800, up 34 percent in the last year.

Meanwhile, median existing-home prices dropped 4.2 percent in Charleston, W.V.; dropped 3.9 percent in Indianapolis, Ind.; dropped 2.1 percent in Austin/San Marcos, Texas; and dropped 1.3 percent in Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas, from fourth-quarter 2003 to fourth-quarter 2004.

Lereah said analysts looking for signs of weakness will be disappointed. "In the handful of areas with price declines, none had previously experienced rapid price growth," he said. "In fact, they were all lower-cost areas experiencing one or both of the conditions necessary for temporary price softness – local economic weakness, mainly in jobs, or a large supply of homes available in the local market."

NAR President Al Mansell, CEO of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Salt Lake City, said market performance has contradicted predictions of a home-price bubble for four years now. "Although temporary price declines are always possible under the right conditions, people who were scared off by faulty predictions have missed out on the strongest housing market in U.S. history," he said.

"Considering rents on comparable properties generally are higher than mortgage payments, and housing returns generally are multiples of a down payment, a little perspective may help. The population is growing faster than the supply of homes, the cost of construction rarely declines and the long-term prospects are positive – one of the largest generations in U.S. history, who believe housing is a good investment, is just entering the years in which people typically buy their first home."

Median fourth-quarter metro area resale prices ranged from $87,800 in Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas, to more than seven times that amount in the San Francisco Bay area where the median price was $656,700. The second most expensive area in the United States was Anaheim-Santa Ana (Orange Co., Calif.) at $627,500, followed by San Diego at $569,900.

Other low-cost markets include Springfield, Ill., the second least-costly area, at $93,600, and Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y., with a fourth-quarter typical resale home price of $94,800.

Regionally, the strongest increase was in the West where the median resale price was $278,000 during the fourth quarter, up 14.1 percent from a year ago. After the Las Vegas and Riverside-San Bernardino areas, the strongest increase in the region was in Sacramento, with a fourth-quarter median price of $343,800, up 31.5 percent from a year earlier, followed by the Reno, Nev., area, where the median price of $286,200 rose 25.5 percent. Twelve other Western metro areas also experienced double-digit price gains, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Anaheim-Santa Ana, San Diego and Honolulu.

In the Northeast, the median resale price during the fourth quarter was $222,500, rising 13.5 percent from a year earlier. The strongest increase in the region was in the Atlantic City, N.J., area, at $216,500, up 18.9 percent from the fourth quarter of 2003, followed by New Haven-Meriden, Conn., with a median price of $264,600, and Monmouth-Ocean, N.J., at $338,400, both up 16.5 percent, and the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area of New York, where the typical resale price of $168,600 rose 16 percent from the fourth quarter of 2003. Eleven other Northeastern metros had double-digit price gains including the New York City area, Philadelphia, Hartford, Buffalo-Niagara Falls and Providence.

In the South, the median existing-home price of $169,700 was 8 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2003. After the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach area, the strongest increase in the South was in the Bradenton area of Florida, where the fourth quarter median price of $245,700 rose 32 percent from a year earlier. Next came the Melbourne-Titusville-Palm Bay area of Florida at $172,200, up 30.5 percent, and the Washington, D.C., area, where the median price of $370,800 was 26.9 percent higher than a year earlier. Twenty-two other Southern metro areas experienced double-digit increases in their median price including Baltimore; the Florida metro areas of Miami-Hialeah, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood-Pompano Beach, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater; New Orleans; Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, Va.; and Birmingham, Ala.

In the Midwest, the fourth-quarter median existing-home price of $151,000 increased 6.9 percent from the same period in 2003. The strongest increase in the Midwest was in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area of Iowa, where the median price of $97,900 was 13.2 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2003. Next came Springfield, Mo., at $109,100 in the fourth quarter, up 12.4 percent, and the Milwaukee area $199,300, up 11.3 percent in the last year. Aurora-Elgin, Ill., and Fargo, N.D., also had double-digit gains.

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Copyright 2005 Inman News

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Do real-estate agents represent the buyer, seller or both?

Do real-estate agents represent the buyer, seller or both?
BY LARRY FINLEY
SUN-TIMES REPORTER

A real estate agent represents either the buyer or the seller in a home purchase. That was not always the case.
Until January 1995, real estate agents were legal agents of the property's seller. Even though agents helped buyers find a home, they still were acting for the seller.
Now, by law, it is presumed that if you go to an agent and ask his help in finding a property, he works for the buyer. This is called a buyer's agent.
The Chicago Bar Association recommends determining if the agent represents you, the seller, or both the buyer and the seller.
The buyer's agent should help find listings of properties that suit the buyer's needs. He or she should provide information about financing, and help in the purchase and closing.
The buyer's agent also should help determine the fair value of a property, and negotiate for the best price and terms. The buyer and the broker enter into a contract defining the legal relationship and duties of both parties.
Even though the broker represents the buyer, the broker is paid by the seller--just as before.
The seller's (listing) agent represents the home seller in a transaction. Agents representing a seller might work in the same agency as your broker.
A dual agent represents both the buyer and the seller. Such an arrangement requires the permission of the buyer.
A first-time home buyer, or someone not familiar with negotiating a purchase, probably would be better served by a buyer's agent.
Some "buyer brokers" have offices that only represent buyers and not sellers. They, too, are paid by the seller.
A Realtor is a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and is regulated by a code of ethics and standards of practice.
All agents are licensed by the state of Illinois.
More information can be found at the Illinois Association of Realtors Website www.illinoisrealtor.org.
The Chicago Bar Association also has information on the rights and duties of both the real estate buyer and the seller at www.chicagobar.org.

When is remodeling a waste of money?

Courtesy Top Producer
Monday, February 07, 2005
By Dian Hymer
Inman News
It would be nice if you could count on getting one dollar back when you sell your house for each dollar you invested in renovations. Most people hope for more than a dollar-for-dollar return. In reality, many improvements return less than the amount invested.
For example, the 2004 Cost Versus Value Report, recently published by the National Association of Realtors, reported that nationally, the average percent recouped on a bathroom remodel was only 90.1 percent. It was 88.1 percent for a deck addition, 81.2 percent for a family room addition, and a mere 79.4 percent for a major kitchen remodel.
Does this mean that remodeling is a waste of your time and money? It can be, especially if you go about a renovation in a haphazard fashion. It's important to do due diligence investigations before embarking on a remodel project, just as you would if you were considering buying a new home. There are many variables to consider.
First, consider that the figures quoted above are national averages. The amount recouped on a remodel depends in large part on where you live. There's significant variability from one city to the next, according to the NAR report.
For instance, nationally, homeowners recouped only 90 percent on a bathroom remodel. But, the amount recouped for the same job was 109.7 percent in New York City, 100 percent in San Francisco, and only 61.3 percent in Denver, on average.
The return on a remodeling investment will also depend on the value of your home, particularly in relationship to the value of homes in your neighborhood. If you have a small home in a neighborhood of larger, more expensive homes, you could come out ahead by enlarging your home.
However, it's important to keep costs in line so that you don't end up over-improving your home for the neighborhood. Buyers tend to discount a home that's priced above the value of other homes in the neighborhood.
Before remodeling, it's also important to consider your competition. In some areas, certain remodeling projects are taken for granted. For instance, if you're in an upscale neighborhood of older homes where most homeowners have remodeled their kitchen and bathrooms, you will be penalized price-wise by the market if your home is outdated.
In areas where home prices are rising rapidly, you're likely to recoup more on your remodel investment than you would during times of meager appreciation. With this in mind, you're more likely to recoup your investment over the long term.
HOMEOWNER'S TIP: There's a subjective factor that can't be overlooked when remodeling. This factor is often referred to as pride of ownership. And, don't discount the value of creature comfort. There's a certain sense of well being to be derived from a home that suits your lifestyle while aptly reflecting who you are.
Despite these factors, from an investment standpoint, it makes sense to consider resale value before making an investment in a major renovation. This doesn't mean that you should remodel your home with someone else in mind. But, if you're aim is to recoup as much of your investment as possible, it's wise to consider home buyer preferences in your area. If your remodeling is not in tune with what buyers want, it could actually decrease the value of your home. Also keep in mind that while trends vanish quickly, quality and good taste are timeless.
THE CLOSING: The NAR Cost Versus Value Report was based on professional judgment rather than on actual sales data. Therefore, the report is somewhat subjective. However, it does point out the importance of carefully considering before remodeling.
Dian Hymer is author of "House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide," Chronicle Books.

First-time buyers get fired up in Grayslake

January 9, 2005

BY BILL CUNNIFF Real Estate Reporter

Matt and Christen Bing, both from Lake County, are buying their first home at Village Station, a town-house development in Grayslake. When it was time to move from their apartment in Elmwood Park, they decided to go back to Lake County.

"Village Station really matched our needs," Matt said. "The convenience of having the train just steps away was a major reason for our decision, but certainly not the only one. We have a very busy schedule, and the freedom from exterior maintenance was key." Christen is a teacher in Gurnee, and Matt works, and goes to law school too.

"The exteriors at Village Station have the look of the homes in the Lincoln Park area, and we really liked that," he said. "We wanted a location close to family and friends."

The Bings selected the 1,619-square-foot Berkshire design. It features a living room with a fireplace/entertainment center. In fact, that was a non-negotiable item -- a must-have -- on their wish-list.

"That had been decided: Our home would have a fireplace and entertainment center," Matt said.

The Berkshire also has a separate dining room. The breakfast nook opens to the deck.

Upstairs, the master bedroom hosts a walk-in closet, a private bath and an optional box bay window. The lower level includes a bonus room, suitable for a fitness room, an office or a theater room.

The Bings moved into their new home in August. "The staff continually informed us about the progress of our home and the other details of our transaction," he said.

"We're very pleased. We feel that our first home has some great luxuries," he said. "Village Station is proving to be a great place to live, with many professional couples like ourselves," he said.

Residential Homes of America, the builder plans about 140 units; about half have been sold already. Prices start in the $180,000s. Units have 2 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths and 2-car attached garages. Sizes range from 1,471 to 1,944 square feet.

Some plans have lofts. One plan features dual master bedrooms.

Four decorated models are open.

Central air conditioning and decks are standard.

Village Station, on Lake Street, one-half mile south of Illinois 120 (Belvidere Road), Grayslake. Residential Homes of America, (847) 231-5200.

WEST CHICAGO. Two models are open at Prestonfield, a development of single-family homes in West Chicago.

Lennar Chicago, the builder, plans 75 houses. Base prices range from $414,900 to $482,100. Sizes range from 2,700 to 3,177 square feet.

Houses have 4 bedrooms, 2-1/2 or 3 baths and 3-car attached garages.

A dual-access staircase, a two-story foyer and a first-floor den are highlights of the Rousseau model. The dining room features a decorative ceiling and a bay window. The kitchen hosts an island and a walk-in pantry. The breakfast nook opens to the family room.

The master-bedroom suite is highlighted by a sitting room and his and hers walk-in closets. The 2,974-square-foot Rousseau is priced from $446,900.

A two-story family room with a fireplace anchors the Matisse model. The 3,177-square-foot Matisse -- with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths -- is priced from $461,900. One of the bedrooms, with a full bath, is on the first floor. The master-bedroom suite -- with his and hers walk-in closets -- is set off from the other bedrooms by a bridge overlooking the family room and two-story foyer.

Both models feature second-floor laundry rooms.

Prestonfield, southwest of the intersection of Illinois 59 and Illinois 64, West Chicago. Lennar Chicago, (630) 876-9047.

SHOREWOOD. About 150 single-family homes are planned in the first building phase at Edgewater, a development in Shorewood.

Sales are scheduled to commence in February. Prices will start in the high $200,000s. Eleven floor plans are sized from 1,806 to 3,635 square feet.

Altogether, 325 homes are planned.

The 3,052-square-foot Bristol floor plan has 4 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths and a 2- or 3-car attached garage. A fifth bedroom is optional instead of a loft. Highlights include a two-story foyer, a formal living room, a dining room, a family room and a breakfast nook. Upstairs, the master bedroom has his and hers walk-in closets.

Edgewater, Shorewood. Kimball Hill Homes, (800) 544-0290.

MONTGOMERY. Models are open at Fieldstone Place, a town-house development in Montgomery.

Grand Pointe Homes, the developer, plans 110 units. Prices begin at $173,900. Sizes range from 1,566 to 1,613 square feet. Units have 2 or 3 bedrooms, 1 to 3 baths and 2-car garages.

In one option, buyers can opt for two master-bedroom suites (both with walk-in closets) on the second floor.

Fieldstone Place, Montgomery. Grand Pointe Homes, (630) 859-2800.

Home Builders Show!

The New American Home 2005 unveiled this week at the International Builders' Show in Orlando will feature a distinctive design that unites luxury with evolving lifestyle needs.

Builder Goehring and Morgan Construction collaborated with architects Bloodgood Sharp Buster Architects and Planners and interior designer Saxon-Clark to craft an elegant Mediterranean-style home with family-friendly amenities that works in harmony with the outdoor environment.

"We believe we've designed a home that is not only integrated with the natural environment, but that supports a lifestyle that allows families to grow and age in comfort," said Kim Goehring, president of Goehring and Morgan Construction.

"We achieved that by constructing a home that embraces, but is not overpowered by, new technology and automation," added architect Ed Binkley, a partner with Bloodgood Sharp Buster.

The handicapped-accessible, 9,036-square-foot house incorporates home automation, new technology, energy efficiency and healthy home construction techniques. The home will use 47 percent less energy for heating and cooling, and 64 percent less energy for water heating, than a traditionally constructed house of a similar size in the same climate.

Other high-tech features include technology that will link a dozen televisions positioned throughout the house with telephones, computers, lights, and security and audio systems, which easily can be controlled via touch-screen keypads and remotes, coupled with LCD (liquid-crystal display) monitors that allow computers and televisions to be used interchangeably. Further, homeowners will be able to program lights, control shades, monitor the front door, activate the sprinkler system, turn on the central vacuum and chlorinate the swimming pool from anywhere in the house.

The home includes a master suite, four bedrooms, library, game room, private courtyard with a pool and a spacious three-car garage.

The National Council of the Housing Industry, the National Association of Home Builders' organization of building product manufacturers and suppliers, annually sponsors The New American Home with Builder magazine.

The New American Home 2005 is located at 4397 New Broad in Orlando, about 10 miles from the Orange County Convention, in Baldwin Park, an upscale, mixed-use development with architecture reminiscent of the pre-1940s Central Florida era.

Registered attendees at the 2005 International Builders' Show can tour The New American Home during exhibit hours through Sunday, Jan. 16.

***

Home Ownership Improves Your Health

Fannie Mae studies relationship between wealth, health
Courtesy Top Producer
Inman News
Home ownership builds wealth and that creates health was one conclusion reached in a new study in the Housing Policy Debate, an esoteric research publication produced by secondary mortgage market giant Fannie Mae's Foundation.
The research article, "Does Housing Mobility Policy Improve Health," examined a litany of studies that attempted to show that better housing conditions improve public health. Home ownership is at the apex of the housing ladder and seems to result in the healthiest people. The research showed:
• One study found that home ownership helps prevent long-term illness.
• Another showed that children living in houses owned by their parents experienced lower rates of behavioral, emotional and cognitive problems.
• Home ownership may confer psychological benefits, according to one study conducted by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Home ownership also carries some risk to health. For example, a British study showed that "when homeowners experienced problems paying their mortgages or fell into arrears, their well-being declined."
"Thus, the fear of losing one's home results in worse health," the researchers concluded.
Beyond home ownership, the Fannie Mae study looked at the range of federal housing policies that could help promote better health, including fair housing laws and rental assistance.
The report said the research found mixed results.
"Although housing has long been hypothesized to affect health, documenting this relationship has been challenging," wrote the authors of the study, who all work at either the Harvard Medical School or Harvard School of Public Health.
Copyright 2004 Inman News

Lots of closet space ranks No. 1 with home seekers

My favorite things in my 5-year-old house in Mundelein are things most people wouldn't even look at twice -- closets. We have a small closet off our family room in the hall leading to the bathroom. We store the kids' toys, books, photo albums and blankets there. We also have a full closet in our first-floor den, a double-door coat closet in the foyer and a small closet in my laundry room. There's a linen closet in my master bathroom and, of course, a linen closet near the kids' bedrooms.

I would always insist on a linen closet in the master bath. Who wants to bend over under the sink to get all those personal things and cleaning products? Plus our towels and sheets are much more organized on the closet shelves.

The laundry room closet and big coat closet are great, especially with Chicago's changeable weather. You never know which coat you'll need. And there's extra space for guest coats, too.

Kristine Asmussen, Mundelein

Thaddeus Wong, co-founder of the real estate brokerage firm, @properties, says closets can make or break a real estate deal.

For high-end buyers, "luxury closet space is at the top of the list." Some have spent upwards of $20,000, $30,000 or even $50,000 finishing the closet interiors, he said.

In the middle range, closets play a big role in a purchase, differentiating one unit from another. When it comes to entry-level new construction and condo renovations, there is very little closet space to worry about, a result of trying to create affordable units, Wong said. "Then what becomes important is storage space elsewhere in the building."

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Get your dollars worth!

So you've decided to take the plunge and redo the kitchen, or put on a sprawling new deck, or add that central air conditioning you so desperately wanted last summer. The plans are drawn, the contractor is ready to go, and you suddenly have a concern you hadn't thought of before:

Is this a good investment?

How well a remodeling project pays back on its initial cost is dependant on a number of factors, and you need to weigh at least some of them before you make the decision to move ahead. For example, the payback on remodeling in general is better in a hot real estate market where homes are moving quickly, as opposed to an area where the market is slow. This is especially worth considering if you plan to sell your home soon after the remodeling is complete.

You also want to consider the type of project you're undertaking, and how it relates to the homes in your area. If the market around you is particularly good for homes with two bathrooms, and you want to add a second bathroom to your current one-bath home, the return on investment will be better then if you had spent the same amount of money to add a third bathroom to your existing two. Another example of this is the danger of overbuilding. If you construct a room addition and make your house 2,600 square feet in a neighborhood of 1,700-square-foot homes, chances are that the percentage of payback versus investment will be pretty low.

If you are planning on doing all or most of the remodeling work yourself, you can typically reap some rewards by keeping the investment for the project lower than if you had hired a contractor to do it. But remember – that reward assumes that you can do a quality job. If you construct a room addition that doesn't blend with the existing house, or do a quick and shoddy kitchen remodel with bargain-basement materials, you may actually end up lowering the value of your home.

With all that said, here is the typical percentage of payback per dollar spent for a number of popular remodeling projects. Remember – these are only averages compiled from a number of different survey sources, and may vary considerably for your particular home:

Minor kitchen remodeling: approximately 94 percent to 104 percent.

Install central heating system*: approximately 100 percent to 102 percent.

Major kitchen remodeling: approximately 90 percent to 94 percent.

Bath addition: approximately 92 percent.

Bath remodeling: approximately 77 percent to 85 percent.

Central air conditioning*: approximately 75 percent.

Family room addition: approximately 85 percent to 87 percent.

Decks: approximately 73 percent to 83 percent.

Replace windows*: approximately 68 percent to 74 percent.

Add a home office: approximately 55 percent to 65 percent.

Add a swimming pool*: approximately 44 percent.

Add landscaping: approximately 30 percent to 50 percent.

Remodel a basement: approximately 15 percent.

*These items can pay back considerably more or less depending on the region of the country, and the climatic conditions. For example, adding a swimming pool in Oregon will probably not pay back as well as adding one in Arizona.

Ouch!

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Tyrone Willingham was dismissed as University of Notre Dame football coach Tuesday, three years into a five-year contract.

"We simply have not made the progress on the field that we need to make," athletic director Kevin White said. "Nor have we been able to create the positive momentum necessary in our efforts to return the Notre Dame program to the elite level of the college football world."

White said a decision had not been made on whether the team would play at the Insight Bowl on Dec. 28 or who would coach the game. Notre Dame accepted the invitation to the game on Sunday.

No action has been taken on a successor to Willingham, White said.

White praised Willingham's handling of the team, but pointed to its struggles in winning games.

"From Sunday through Friday our football program has exceeded all expectations, in every way," he said. "But on Saturday, we've struggled. We've been up and down and sideways a little bit."

Willingham had a three-year record of 21-15. Notre Dame went 6-5 this season.

Speculation on a successor immediately centered on University of Utah coach Urban Meyer, a former Notre Dame assistant. Meyer, who has guided undefeated Utah to a No. 6 national ranking, reportedly has an out clause in his Utah contract allowing him to seek the Notre Dame job if it became available.

Meyer said he hadn't heard about Willingham's departure from Notre Dame until he was asked about it by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Asked whether he has had any contact with Notre Dame or whether he would be interested in coaching the Fighting Irish, Meyer responded: "I won't comment on it."

Notre Dame started the 2004 season on a sour note with a loss at Brigham Young, but bounced back with an upset victory over Michigan and a win over Michigan State. The Irish also beat Tennessee, which was ranked 11th at the time. But losses at home to Boston College and Pittsburgh had ND supporters grumbling, and rumors of a possible change surfaced after Southern California beat Notre Dame by 31 points in the regular-season finale, the third straight year the Irish had lost to the Trojans.

Floyd Keith, executive director of the Black Coaches Association, said he was disappointed with Notre Dame's decision.

"In three years, I think he has done everything, short of winning a national championship and I don't think he inherited national championship talent," Keith said.

White and Willingham met with some players Tuesday to tell them of the firing.

"As a player, you think it's our fault. We didn't get the job done," senior tight end Jared Clark said. "I think coach Willingham was a great coach and I enjoyed playing under him."

Willingham came to Notre Dame from Stanford after the 2001 season. Stanford also has an opening after firing Buddy Teevens, Willingham's successor, on Monday.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2004, The Chicago Tribune

Tough loss for the Irish!

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- With 2 minutes 24 seconds left in the game, Pittsburgh quarterback Tyler Palko became the first opponent to throw for five touchdowns against Notre Dame.

With one second left in the game, Pittsburgh kicker Josh Cummings did something three other opponents have managed this season—breaking Irish hearts—when his 32-yard field goal gave the Panthers a 41-38 victory over the 24th-ranked Irish, their first at Notre Dame Stadium since 1986.

"I can't describe the feeling to come to Notre Dame and put the last points on the board," Cummings said.

Notre Dame (6-4) has plenty of time to ponder its latest loss before it final regular-season game at No. 1 Southern Cal on Nov. 27.

"This game was about missed opportunities," Irish linebacker Derek Curry said. "If you execute one week and not the next, it can turn out like this."

Notre Dame's execution wasn't all bad, although it was flagged a season-high 10 penalties for 119 yards.

Starting the second half down 28-21, the Irish forced Pittsburgh (6-3) to punt after three plays. Carlyle Holiday then returned the kick 68 yards to the Pittsburgh 19.

On the next play, Irish quarterback Brady Quinn hit fullback Rashon Powers-Neal for a touchdown to tie things up 28-28.

Notre Dame forced Pittsburgh to go three-and-out on each of its next two possessions as well. But the Irish defense wasn't nearly as stout in the first half, when Pitt converted on one fourth down and 8 of 9 third downs.

"The offense kept us in the game and we came into the locker room at halftime needing to refocus and play better," Irish linebacker Mike Goolsby said.

Until the final minutes of the game, the Irish did just that.

Early in the fourth quarter, Pitt grabbed a 31-28 lead on Cummings' 27-yard field goal.

Notre Dame reclaimed the lead and the momentum halfway through the fourth quarter when Quinn launched a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Matt Shelton.

Shelton also set up two of Notre Dame's three first-half scores with a pair of 46-yard receptions from Quinn. Each time tailback Darius Walker, who led the Irish with 112 yards on 16 carries, ran for the score. Quinn completed 15 of 26 passes for 259 yards and three TDs.

Those performances, although superlative, weren't sufficient.

After Shelton's last TD, Pitt utilized two pass-interference penalties to keep a 69-yard drive alive and scored on a 9-yard pass from Palko to Erik Gill for a 38-35 lead with 2:24 left. Palko finished 26-for-42 for 334 yards.

Notre Dame's offense answered Pitt's score with a tying field goal.

The Irish faced second-and-1 at the Pittsburgh 23 with a bit less than two minutes on the clock. But a run for a loss and a dropped pass later, the Irish had to settle for a 45-yard D.J. Fitzpatrick field goal that banged off the left upright and through for a 38-38 tie with 1:11 left.

Pitt, 2-1 in overtimes this season, ensured this game would be won in regulation.

After the kickoff, Palko hit Gill on a short pass. Goolsby went for the strip, but Gill eluded him for a 36-yard gain. A 7-yard completion and a 13-yard run set up the winning kick.

"I told the guys, 'You'll remember this for the rest of your lives. You'll remember this, so make sure it's a good feeling,"' Palko said of the final drive. "I looked every one of them in the eyes. I saw the look in their eyes, they saw the look in my eyes."
Copyright © 2004, The Chicago Tribune

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Special Delivery

Courtesy The Beacon News

When we were children we delighted in receiving it. As adults we are not quite so enthused. I am talking about the mail.
"Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."
That is the correct quotation. Most of us are familiar with some version and most of us attribute it to the U.S. Postal Service. We are wrong. The Greek historian Herodotus, who was referring to Persian mounted postal couriers, first uttered this about 500 B.C.
The postal service does not actually have an official slogan. However, back in 1896 when the New York City General Post Office was designed, the architectural firm came up with the idea of engraving this saying on the outside of the building.
We tend to take mail delivery for granted. I guess that is not surprising, as we don't remember life before mail delivery. In October of 1896 Congress approved rural free delivery.
Because receiving mail is a daily occurrence, we all require a mailbox. What does your mailbox look like? Is it the correct size, conveniently located, in good repair and does it look attractive with the style of your home? I think the mailbox has been somewhat neglected by many homeowners. It may be time to consider replacing your mailbox.
The first factor to determine is the type of mailbox. Depending on where you live, you might be required to have one that is accessible from the road. Your neighborhood may have covenants that determine the style of your mailbox. This may restrict you a bit from the freedom to express your individual style with your mailbox. But even with those limitations you can still do some lovely gardening around the mailbox. Embellish it in the fall with corn stalks, gourds or Indian corn. To celebrate the holiday season, wrap the post to look like a candy cane or decorate it with evergreen garland to add some festive cheer.
If you have no such restrictions, you will need to decide if you want a free-standing mailbox, a mail slot or one you can hang on your home or fence. You might be wondering about the fence, but it makes sense if you have fenced your entire yard and let your dog out there periodically. Your postal carrier will appreciate the dog-free access to your mailbox.
There are some lovely mailboxes in different and historically appropriate styles. Styles include Victorian, Craftsman, Tudor or even 1950s ranch. You can buy mailboxes that can be built into a brick or stone pillar. If you have a whimsical side you might want a mailbox that is a little more creative. I found mailboxes in a variety of bird and animal styles. You can choose from parrots, pink flamingoes, crocodiles, polar bears, cows, horses, roosters, and a variety of dogs and cats. If that does not appeal to you, try modes of transportation. The pink Cadillac, red fire truck, motorcycle, locomotive, tractor or plane might be more your style. If you have a bit of nautical flair, you might choose a mailbox that looks like a fish, dolphin or lighthouse.
Another mailbox option is one that locks. The postal carrier does not need to carry a key. The mail can be deposited through an "incoming" slot or door. Once the mail is deposited, baffles that make it difficult to fit a hand inside protect the mail. The homeowner gets in by unlocking a separate door.
Before becoming caught up in the style of the mailbox you might want to determine the size mailbox you need. I have seen some that hang on the wall that are quite tiny. They can easily hold letters and bills, but if you get a lot of catalogs or magazines they may not work well. The pre-holiday catalog invasion is starting up already. Just yesterday, I got nine catalogs and a gardening magazine. That takes up a lot of room in the mailbox.
Depending on the style of your front entry, you may decide on a smaller letterbox and a larger bin or box for catalogs, magazines or other packages. In this day and age of mail order and Internet ordering, you might want a designated space for package deliveries that protects them from the elements.
Because this is a busy mail season, it is the perfect time to analyze your mail needs. Jot down the number of pieces of mail you receive during the next couple of weeks. Then when you go out on a mailbox hunt, you will know the minimum size to purchase. The other thing to consider is the type and location. Just because the mailbox was there when you moved in, doesn't mean it is the most convenient style or location for you.
When we first moved here, we had a mail slot. That meant the mail was strewn across the porch floor every day. When we remodeled the front porch and entry we eliminated the mail slot. We installed a freestanding mailbox. Granted, the mail used to be delivered right into the house and now I have to step outside and brave the elements.
However, if the postal carrier can withstand rain, snow, heat and darkness, I can manage a 10-foot walk out my front door to retrieve my mail.Linda Holmes is chairman of the board of directors of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Greater Chicagoland, and a certified remodeler with a home improvement and remodeling business based in Aurora. She may be contacted at the e-mail address ccremodelers@sbcglobal.net.
10/31/04

Holiday season best time to buy real estate

Reprinted Courtesy Top Producer
Friday, November 05, 2004
By Robert J. Bruss
Inman News

Buyers urged to include vital terms in purchase offers

If you are thinking about buying a house or condo while mortgage interest rates are still low, it's not too late. We are now entering the best time of the year to buy a home.
To be very specific, between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day is the absolute best home-buying season in most areas. This "prime time for home buyers" even extends until Super Bowl Sunday or later in cities with harsh weather.

Also known as the slow season for home sales, during this period only highly motivated sellers have their homes listed for sale. Because there are few competing buyers searching for homes during the holiday season, November, December and January are ideal times to purchase a residence.
PREPARE TO BUY YOUR HOME. However, before shopping for your home, if you are like most home buyers who need a mortgage, your first step should be to get pre-approved in writing by an actual mortgage lender. Then you can shop with confidence during this best time of year to buy a home.
But before applying for mortgage pre-approval, it's best to check your credit report and FICO (Fair, Isaac and Co.) credit score. If there are any glitches or incorrect information in your credit report, get them corrected before applying for a mortgage.
The best place I've found to obtain your credit report and FICO score is www.Myfico.com. The fee is $14.95 for instant Internet delivery. If you want a 3-in-1 combined credit report from all three nationwide credit bureaus, plus your FICO score, the cost will be around $29.
When you apply for a home loan, before shopping for a home, don't be satisfied with a lender's statement saying: "You're pre-qualified for a mortgage." That means absolutely nothing. The reason is the lender hasn't actually checked your credit and obtained a written pre-approval letter or certificate from the actual mortgage lender.
VITAL TERMS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR HOME PURCHASE OFFER. After you have your mortgage pre-approval letter or certificate in your hands, from an actual lender (not a mortgage broker), now it's time to shop for a house or condo. This process might take a few days, weeks, or even months.
But when you find the home you want to own, you are ready to make your written purchase offer. Hopefully, you have a savvy "buyer's agent" or "buyer's broker" to advise you on the vital clauses, conditions, and contingencies to include:
1 – AVOID OVERPAYING FOR YOUR HOUSE OR CONDO. The most difficult part of your home purchase contract is determining a fair purchase offer price. Your buyer's agent can help you by preparing a written CMA (comparative market analysis).
This is same form that the home seller's listing agent prepared for the seller at the time of listing. But circumstances may have changed. Your personal CMA should be prepared by your buyer's agent based on the most recent sales prices of similar nearby homes like the one you want to buy.
Only after discussing the CMA with your buyer's agent, who has hopefully inspected the comparable homes recently sold, can you arrive at an appropriate purchase offer price. By adding or subtracting value for the pros and cons of the home you want to buy, your first offer should be realistic, but perhaps a bit low to allow room for negotiation.
Some home buyers think they should automatically offer 5 percent to 10 percent below the seller's asking price. But that's not wise. The reason is the full asking price might be an incredible bargain offered by a highly-motivated seller who wants a quick sale.
2 – INCLUDE A REASONABLE GOOD FAITH EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT. To form a legally binding sales contract, all that is needed are the signatures of the buyer and seller on a sales contract. No deposit is required. However, few home sellers will accept a purchase offer which is not accompanied by a good faith earnest money deposit check.
The general rule is the larger the buyer's deposit check, the greater the probability the home sale will close successfully. However, home buyers are justifiably reluctant to make a large deposit until all the conditions of the sale are met.
For this reason, home buyers often make a modest initial deposit, such as $1,000, with the written requirement the deposit will be increased, typically to at least 5 percent of the sales price, when the purchase offer contingencies are removed.
3 – INSIST ON A MORTGAGE APPRAISAL CONTINGENCY. As a smart home buyer, you wisely obtained a written pre-approval letter or certificate from an actual mortgage lender. Of course, you are still free to shop among other lenders for better mortgage terms, but lenders know most home buyers stick with their first lender.
However, the lender's mortgage pre-approval probably included a condition that the home appraises for at least the amount of the purchase offer. If the lender's appraisal is less, the buyer either can (1) increase their cash down payment, (2) renegotiate the purchase price, or (3) cancel the home purchase and receive a refund of the buyer's earnest money deposit.
4 – DEMAND A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION CONTINGENCY CLAUSE. Although home sellers are supposed to disclose in writing all known home defects that materially affect the market value or desirability of the residence, some home sellers "forget" to tell their buyers about significant home defects. Can you imagine that?
Or, some home sellers obtain a professional home inspection report, show it to their buyer, and hope the buyer won't insist on obtaining their own professional inspection report.
But smart home buyers insist on a professional inspection contingency clause in their purchase offer. After the buyer and seller agree on sales terms, then the buyer hires their professional inspector to determine if the seller overlooked any defects that the buyer should know about.
Because the home buyer pays for their professional inspection report, the buyer should always accompany their inspector for the two to three-hour inspection. If surprise defects are discovered, the buyer and inspector can discuss if they are serious or not.
Home buyers should hire their own inspector, but not necessarily the inspector recommended by the realty agent. Such inspectors are often known as "easy inspectors" or "non-deal killers."
The toughest professional inspectors are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). These ASHI members must have completed at least 250 inspections, pass a difficult exam, and meet continuing education requirements. To find a local ASHI member, go to www.ashi.com or phone 1-800-743-2744.
In addition, your home buyer's agent should recommend other customary inspection contingencies, such as for termites (pest control), radon, energy efficiency, building code compliance, roof, plumbing, and electrical.
5 – CONSIDER MEDIATION OR ARBITRATION OF ANY DISPUTES. A recent innovation in many printed home purchase contracts is a mediation and/or arbitration clause for any disputes which might arise. The consequences of these clauses should be carefully considered.
A mediation clause, if agreed to by the home buyer and seller, means any disputes will be submitted to a qualified mediator, with the cost split equally between the parties. A skillful mediator can often get the buyer and seller to resolve their differences, resulting in a quick dispute resolution at minimal cost. However, mediation is non-binding until both parties sign the agreement.
But an arbitration clause is much different. When the home buyer and seller agree to arbitrate any dispute, the arbitrator chosen by mutual agreement has authority to hear the evidence presented by both parties and reach a binding decision.
The cost of arbitration is usually far less than a court trial, but the result is binding. By signing an arbitration clause in advance of a dispute, the parties give up their right to a jury trial, court rules of evidence, and a right to appeal, even if the arbitrator is clearly wrong.
More details on vital terms to include in your home purchase contract are in the Robert Bruss special report, "Vital Terms Smart Home Buyers and Investors Include in Their Purchase Offers," available for $4 from Robert Bruss, 251 Park Road, Burlingame, CA 94010 or by credit card at 1-800-736-1736 or instant Internet download at www.bobbruss.com.

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Managing home energy costs -- and comfort

Courtesy Chicago Sun-Times
October 29, 2004
BY JAMES AND MORRIS CAREY

When it comes to managing home energy costs, your best defense is a strong offense. Taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of your home will not only save you money on utility costs, but you'll improve personal comfort as well.
The list of energy upgrades is long. Many are do-it-yourself projects, while others are best left to a pro. Some of the tasks, such as caulking or weather stripping, are cheap and easy to do. Projects such as replacement windows or a new energy efficient furnace can be costly and require a longer payback period. Thus, to get the best bang for your energy upgrade buck, be sure to consider how long you will stay in your home. You may want to defer major upgrades if you plan to move in three years or less.
Furnace Maintenance: A home heating system should be inspected at least once annually --twice if it doubles as an air conditioner -- prior to the beginning of each season. Beyond checking for potential safety hazards, the system should be serviced to attain peak performance and reduce operating costs.
System maintenance should include blower chamber cleaning, motor lubrication, belt adjustment, burner cleaning and calibration and filter replacement. Filter replacement is one of the most important do-it-yourself energy tasks. A crud-covered filter makes the system work harder and drives up energy and repair costs. Stay away from cheap filters. They do a poor job and don't last long. Go with a pleated filter that is designed to last up to three months.
Tip: Use our salt test when choosing a filter. If you sprinkle salt on the filter and it travels through the fabric, that's a sure sign of poor product.
Drafty Doors: Weather stripping and caulking are the most effective means of dealing with drafts around doors. If no weather stripping is present, install it. If it exists and is worn or brittle, replace it with new material. Seasonal adjustment may also be required depending up your climate zone.
An important component of a door's weather stripping system is the door bottom or ''shoe'' consisting of a U-shaped channel with a vinyl gasket that attaches to the underside of the door. Most door bottoms require seasonal adjustment -- especially where a home is subject to shifting.
Tip: Use a flashlight at night to determine if a gap exists between the door bottom and threshold. If light can be seen, the door bottom needs adjusting.
Caulking is another easy means of controlling drafts. Install a bead of high quality exterior grade caulk around door trim at the joint where it contacts the siding.
Penetrations: There are various penetrations in walls that can result in drafts and significant energy loss. Especially vulnerable are locations where plumbing pipes and electrical wiring travel through walls.
Use expandable foam sealant to seal gaps at plumbing pipes below sinks, at pipe and duct penetrations in framing and siding, where electrical wires travel through walls and the gap around heat or air vents at walls, floors and ceilings.
Another significant source of lost energy is through drafts around electrical switch and outlet boxes. Where large gaps exist, use expandable foam sealant. Otherwise, the most efficient fix is a precut foam gasket that can be installed directly over the plug or switch, below the finish trim plate.
Insulation: Adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective means of saving energy and improving home comfort. The best place to begin is by adding attic insulation. The additional material can be blown in or laid into place using batts or rolls.
Just because your attic contains insulation doesn't mean that it is adequate. Over time, existing material can settle and become compacted, lowering its R-value and making it less effective. Thus, an attic that contained insulation with an R-value of 13 when it was installed 30 years ago could conceivably be reduced to a value of 8 if the material has compacted over time.
Existing insulation usually does not need to be removed. Additional material can be installed directly over the existing material. Depending upon where you live, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends attic insulation with an R-value ranging from 22 to 49. Wall insulation and even insulation in the floor can also help improve comfort and save energy.
Storm Windows and Doors: If you live in a part of the country where the mercury dips quite low, storm windows and doors are a must. They are available in a wide variety of materials and configurations for either pro or do-it-yourself installation on the interior or exterior. Some are temporary and must be stored during the off season while others are designed for permanent installation.
Most storm doors are permanent, but consist of removable panels that can be stored during the offseason. If storm windows sound like a good idea, but they're not in the budget for this season, you can control drafts using a temporary storm window kit available at most hardware stores and home centers. The kit consists of a piece of plastic film and some two-sided tape. Simply place the tape over the trim around the perimeter of the inside of the window.
Press the plastic film over the tape and use a blow dryer to shrink the plastic taut. This works great in a pinch.

TRUMP

Trump kicks off construction process of 90-story Chicago tower

Donald Trump and his famous apprentice kicked off the demolition of the former Chicago Sun-Times building Thursday, where Trump plans to build a glitzy 90-story condominium and hotel tower with units starting at $636,000 — for a 696-square-foot studio.

The Donald waved to an enthusiastic crowd, shook hands and signed autographs as he arrived to watch a backhoe rip into the entrance of the squat, barge-like building on the Chicago River. He continued to wave like a politician through an open window of his limousine as he left about 30 minutes later.

Trump talked about how great Mayor Richard Daley is, how great Trump's architect on the project is, and how Chicago is a "truly great" city that's about to become "a little bit greater with this building."

As he has done in the past, Trump trumpeted the planned Trump International Hotel & Tower, saying it has created a buzz that other construction projects can't match. Where else, he wondered, has anyone ever sold $500 million worth of units even before a site was cleared of the previous building.

"Does this happen when other developers come to Chicago?" Trump asked the crowd.

"No," several people shouted.

Part of Thursday's buzz was the result of Bill Rancic, the Chicagoan selected by Trump on the television show "The Apprentice," who appeared with his boss.

Rancic, who chose the Chicago project to "manage," said his role will actually be closer to that of an assistant. "I'm one of the owner's representatives here," he said. "As the owner's representative, you're the eyes and ears for Donald Trump."

Trump would not talk about the financing of the building or comment on a report in the Chicago Tribune that he had secured $160 million from investors and a $650 million construction loan from Deutche Bank.

"Obviously we're doing very well or ... we wouldn't be ripping down the building," Trump said.

Trump, whose plans originally called for a 150-story high-rise that would have made it the tallest in the world, dismissed any skepticism about whether he could pull the project off.

"This building is going to be something very special," he promised of the structure, which is to include 461 luxury homes, 227 hotel guest rooms and suites, 90,000 square feet of boutique shopping, a 60,000-square foot health club, two ballrooms and a 1.2-acre park and riverwalk.

Others have their doubts.

J. Paul Beitler, a major Chicago developer, said there is skepticism in the development community about how much interest there really is in the building in which units are for sale for anywhere from $636,000 to more than $25 million.

"No one in Chicago seems to have any personal friends or acquaintances in Chicago who have purchased a unit in the building," he said.

He also said that while the prices Trump is asking might not raise an eyebrow in New York, they may be too rich for the blood of Chicagoans.

Tere Proctor, the director of sales for the project, said about 75 percent of the units are sold, the bulk of those to people in the Chicago area.

Copyright © 2004, The Associated Press

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Capital Gains Info

IRS Finalizes Capital Gains Regs

There have just been some important final clarifications to the rules about capital gains on profits from the sale of a house, especially if you keep the house for less than two years.

Congress made the basic streamlined tax code changes back in 1997 and 1998. But, the IRS has just gotten around to issuing the final regulations that tell early sellers how much – if any - of their profits they can shelter from the federal capital gains taxation.

Here’s how it goes…

Basically, the new regulations deal with exceptions to the $500,000 and $250,000 tax-free exclusion provisions of the 1997 and 1998 statutes.

Those laws allow married, joint-filing home sellers to pocket up to $500,000 in sale profits ($250,000 for single filers) tax-free, provided that they owned and used the house as their principal residence for an aggregate two years out of the five years preceding the sale of the property.

They also provide exceptions for certain homeowners who, for reasons of health, employment change or "unforeseen circumstances," sell their homes before they were able to meet the two-year minimum holding standard. Qualified home sellers will get a "reduced maximum" capital gains tax exclusion, based on the amount of time they owned and used the house.

So, for example, a couple who bought a house and had to sell it just 18 months later because of an unexpected employment transfer could be entitled to take up to three-quarters of the maximum $500,000 tax-free exclusion. A single owner who had to sell after a year of ownership because of an incapacitating, unexpected illness might qualify for half of the standard $250,000 maximum.

What exactly are "unforeseen circumstances"? For starters, you can’t claim that you experienced an "unforeseen circumstance" in the event you win the lottery and have developed an overwhelming desire to own a bigger, better house. Sorry.

What does qualify as circumstances "that the taxpayer could not reasonably have anticipated" at the time of purchasing the house includes:

• A change in employment status that results in the owner's inability to pay housing costs and reasonable basic living expenses for the household.

• The "involuntary conversion" of your home; for example, when the state government requires you to sell your house to make way for a highway.

• Natural or man-made disasters or acts of war or terror that damage the residence.

• The death of the homeowner, a spouse, co-owner or other person whose principal place of residence is the house that was sold.

• A loss of employment triggering eligibility for unemployment compensation.

• Divorce or legal separation.

• Multiple births resulting from the same pregnancy.

Irish Win again!

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Eleven months ago, Notre Dame beat Stanford by 50 points in Palo Alto, Calif. Saturday's game bore little resemblance to that romp.

This time around, the Irish had to muster all of their intensity to defeat a much-improved Cardinal team 23-15 at Notre Dame Stadium.

How much better?

"So much better. They are so much better," Irish defensive coordinator Kent Baer said. "The quarterback has made them better. The receivers are better. The offensive line ... they were pretty effective."

He could have said the same about Notre Dame's defense.

Stanford's chances came early and often. But instead of claiming the jackpot, the Cardinal (3-2) was forced by the Irish defense to settle for small change, two field goals on two first-quarter first-and-goal situations.

"As a defense you never want to let people put points on the board, but we'll take three over seven any day," linebacker Derek Curry said.

On its first possession, Stanford capitalized on excellent starting field position—its own 47-yard line. Its nine-play, 42-yard drive was capped by Michael Sgroi's 27-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.

On its next possession, the Cardinal offense moved the ball 75 yards before giving way to Sgroi, whose 20-yard field goal made it 6-0.

"The difference may have been not putting the ball in the end zone in the first half," flanker Evan Moore said. "If we go up 14-0 on the road, that's a whole different game."

Instead, the Cardinal went into the locker room nursing a 6-3 lead.

Notre Dame (4-2) came out ready to wrest the advantage away.

Stanford took the opening drive of the second half 60 yards, setting up Sgroi for his third field goal.

On the ensuing possession, Notre Dame survived a fumble, a flag and a fourth-and-goal as Ryan Grant capped the team's longest scoring drive of the season—6 minutes 27 seconds—with a 1-yard TD run for a 10-9 lead.

The advantage was short-lived. The Cardinal drove 80 yards in the next nine plays to retake the lead 15-10. In doing so, however, the Cardinal also ignited the passions of the Irish defense.

"Anytime somebody takes the ball and drives down the field, you get fired up," Curry said.

The Irish also followed up, matching the emotion with execution. On Stanford's next possession, Notre Dame's defense held it to one series of downs.

Then Stanford punter Jay Ottovegio fumbled the snap with Irish linebacker Corey Mays swooping in to prevent the kicker from running with the ball. "I just looked up and saw the opportunity to make a big play," said Mays, a former star at Morgan Park High School.

Grant did the same several times over on the ensuing drive, accounting for 26 of Notre Dame's 27 yards, including the final 3 into the end zone for a 16-15 Notre Dame lead three minutes into the fourth quarter.

The Irish added an insurance touchdown almost eight minutes later.

"It was a barn-burner," Irish coach Tyrone Willingham said. "We weren't trying to burn down the barn. It was hard for me because I didn't think we were playing the way I know we can."

Grant, sidelined for the last two games with a sore left hamstring, finished with 67 rushing yards, the same as the entire Cardinal offense combined. Darius Walker led the Irish with 82 yards on 20 carries.

Brady Quinn, who threw for 432 yards the week before against Purdue, was 11 of 24 for only 173 yards.

That, however, was scant consolation for Stanford coach Buddy Teevens.

"We had our opportunities to stop [Quinn]," Teevens said above the faint strains of the Irish celebration. But, "a loss is a loss, any way you put it."

Go Irish!

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Brady Quinn tied a school record with four touchdown passes to lead Notre Dame to a 38-3 victory over Washington on Saturday.
Quinn was 15-of-23 passing for 196 yards with two TDs each to Matt Shelton and Anthony Fasano in the first half, leading Notre Dame (3-1) to its first easy win of the season.

He completed only two passes in the second half, one for 53 yards that set up the Fighting Irish's final score, but it hardly mattered. The sophomore finished 17-of-32 for 266 yards with one interception.

Washington (0-3), which hasn't had a losing season since 1976, is off to its worst start since 1969. The Huskies lost their first nine games that year before beating Washington State in the season finale.

Quinn's fourth TD pass tied a school record done eight times previously, the last time by Carlyle Holiday.

About the only disappointment for Notre Dame on Saturday was that after playing their best half offensively, the Irish couldn't move the ball in the second half. It was especially disappointing because Notre Dame coaches had stressed the need to finish strong after letting Michigan State stay in the game a week earlier.

But the Huskies -- who were held without a touchdown for the first time since a 16-3 loss to Arizona in 1992 -- never got back in the game. Th