Chicago Lofts

www.greatchicagorealestate.com/map.php




We can update you on new loft listings that hit the market. Just let us know:

*Beds/Baths
*Specific Areas
*Price Range
*Time-frame
*Features Needed
*Parking Needs
*Pet Needs
*Are You Currently Working With An Agent
*Phone Number That I Can Contact You At




Please don't hesitate to call or email if you should have any questions.

You have to see to believe!

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

Avondale Beauty Under 300K...

2924 N. Talman #2, Chicago, IL Amazing space for under 300k... 2 Bdrm Condo offered at $299,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Uncovered spaces Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $157 per month DESCRIPTION GORGEOUS INTERIOR WITH ALL THE THINGS THAT TODAY'S BUYERS WANT! 2BR/2BTH WITH 2 PARK SPOTS INCL! BRIGHT, SUNNY OPEN SPACE STEPS TO ROSCOE VLG, LAKEVIEW,EXPWAY & SHOP. H/W FLOORS, DEN, 9'+ FT CEILINGS, EXP BRICK, GRANITE, 42'MAPLE CABS, HUGE EAT IN KITCHEN. IN UNIT W/D, MARBLE/MOSAIC BATHS CUST SHELVING, LOTS OF STORAGE. A SMART BUY IN THE CITY! Photo 1 PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Hardwood floor Living room Office/Den Breakfast nook Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Granite countertop Washer Dryer Balcony, Deck, or Patio COMMUNITY FEATURES Storage space(s) Gated property ADDITIONAL LINKS Map of property Virtual Tour Website Mortgage calculator Seller contact info: Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 1, 2007, 7:18pm PST

University of Chicago Students and Staff!

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: Ron Knoll Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Feb 26, 2007, 10:21pm PST

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: Ron Knoll Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Feb 26, 2007, 10:21pm PST

Chicago Realtors, Join Our Team!

Aggressive marketing tools:

*Top ranking web placement
*http://www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com
*Custom marketing with a sense of humor

Great place to work:

*Health care options
*Boutique style office
*Long lasting client relationships
*Work from our beautiful office or your home
*Licensed assistant available on site
*Flexible administrative support to meet your
individual needs
*Internal newsletters with important agency
and industry news
*Easily accessible managing broker

Please contact Justin at 773.496.4111

chicago commercial real estate...

Are you looking for 5+ apartment rental buildings, mixed use buildings, warehouse 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 you're working with an agent.

www.greatchicagorealestate.com/chicago_investment_properties.htm

Open Houses in Chicago

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...

Selling in Bucktown/Wicker Park?

Selling your home/condo in Bucktown?

Call me for a free market analysis, and find out what your Bucktown property would sell for in today's active market. With my proven marketing plan, numerous sales awards, and thorough knowledge of Bucktown, I can sell your home for top dollar!

Relocating to Chicago?

If you're looking for a great condo in Chicago and want to be close to theater, restaurants, Lake Michigan, or Michigan Ave. shops, then just shoot me a email with your needs. Please include:

*Beds
*Baths
*Areas (Please be specific!)
*Price
*Parking
*Pets
*Timeframe
*Please indicate if you're currently working with an agent

#1 out of 28 MILLION sites!

Wow, nice to be on top of the hill looking down:) Congrats Brent, good stuff!

www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=chicago+real+estate&btnG=Search

And Go Bears!!!

Ukrainian Viilage Condos, Ukrainian Village Real Estate!

Ukrainian Village...

"The Ukrainian Village District contains an excellent cross-section of residential building types that provides a visual history of immigration settlement on Chicago's Near West Side. Together, they form an important residential streetscape, one that tells the story of German, Polish, and, ultimately, Ukrainian immigrants who settled in the area throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. An extremely well-preserved collection of workers cottages, two- and three-flats, single family residences, and large apartment buildings, nearly one out of every three of the buildings in the district was developed by the early influential Chicago real estate developer William D. Kerfoot. The first real estate developer to reestablish his business after the Great Fire in 1871, Kerfoot became the embodiment of the "I Will" spirit of Chicago. He reopened his office the day after the fire ended with a sign on his door reading: "W.D. Kerfoot. All gone but , wife, children and energy." These unpretentious residences feature distinguished workmanship and finely crafted details."

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.

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#

happy house hunting...

Commercial Real Estate Chicago

Best site on the net for every commercial listing in the MLS, go to:

www.greatchicagorealestate.com/search_chicago_mls.htm

Any questions or showing requests, call me.

Chicago Buyers & Sellers, Did you know...

THE coolest way to search for homes in Chicago! Logging in allows you to view 100% of the listings. Non log-in sites provide you with 60% of the listings in the MLS. Something to consider when searching for your next home!!!

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Price Change! Amazing Home in Elgin...

Reduced to $324,900.

Welcome home! This Valley Creek single-family has just been meticulously rehabbed and is ready for a new owner. Want to know what's been done? Where do we start... How about the new kitchen. Everything is brand new: maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, sink, pantry, and gorgeous granite counter tops.

The master bath has been transformed into your own personal spa. Floor to ceiling travertine tile makes this a true 'master bath'. New vanity and toilet finish off a glorious transformation to this bathroom.

The cozy family room has vaulted ceilings, new mantle, carpet, ceiling fan, and provincial brick fireplace.

The rehab doesn't stop there... New paint, roof, carpet, light fixtures on the first floor, and hardwood floors in the entry, half bath, eat-in area, and kitchen. New mini-blinds, upgraded second bath including vanity, mirror, cabinet, and travertine tile and new hardware.

The lower level has it's own frig and oven, can we say 'perfect in law'! Or use it as an amazing t.v. and entertainment room. The lower level is also complete with it's own full bath. Tons of storage and light complete this lower level.

This beautiful home sits on an enormous corner lot. The expansive backyard is a gardeners dream.

Close to the Metra, I-90, schools and shops. All you need to do is move in!

Commercial Real Estate Chicago

Best site on the net for every commercial listing in the MLS, go to:

www.greatchicagorealestate.com/search_chicago_mls.htm

Any questions or showing requests, call me.

Ron's New Listing!

WWW.GREATCHICAGOREALESTATE.COM (go to featured listings...)

FORMERLY USED AS A SCHOOL. ZONED B1-1 WITH A TON OF POSSIBILITIES. SOLD 'AS IS'. PARKING FOR 8-10 CARS. WILL NOT LAST, HURRY...

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A COMMERCIAL OR INVESTMENT PROPERTY? CALL ME!

Chicago Real Estate

The only site you'll ever need! Period

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

real estate that goes way, way beyond...

Did you know...

That Chicago web sites that don't require you to sign-up for their MLS search (IDX) only provide you with 60% of the listings that are available in the MLS. Our web site at www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com will provide you with 100% of the listing by only providing an email and password (VOW).

That easy! Enjoy your search...

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!! 

563 Shenandoah

Welcome home! This Valley Creek 4 bed/3.1 bath single-family has just been meticulously rehabbed and is ready for a new owner. Want to know what's been done? Where do we start... How about the new kitchen. Everything is brand new: maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, sink, pantry, and gorgeous granite counter tops.

The master bath has been transformed into your own personal spa. Floor to ceiling travertine tile makes this a true 'master bath'. New vanity and toilet finish off a glorious transformation to this bathroom.

The cozy family room has vaulted ceilings, new mantle, carpet, ceiling fan, and provincial brick fireplace.

The rehab doesn't stop there... New paint, roof, carpet, light fixtures on the first floor, and hardwood floors in the entry, half bath, eat-in area, and kitchen. New mini-blinds, upgraded second bath including vanity, mirror, cabinet, and travertine tile and new hardware.

The lower level has it's own frig and oven, can we say 'perfect in law'! Or use it as an amazing t.v. and entertainment room. The lower level is also complete with it's own full bath. Tons of storage and light complete this lower level.

This beautiful home sits on an enormous corner lot. The expansive backyard is a gardeners dream.

Close to the Metra, I-90, schools and shops. All you need to do is move in!

real estate that goes way, way beyond...

East Village Real Estate

For all your 'East Village Real Estate' needs...

East Village Duplex-Up with Skyline Views! Not on the MLS till Monday!

AMAZING & RARE EAST VILLAGE DUPLEX-UP W/ONLY THE FINEST FINISHES: STAINLESS STEEL SUBZERO, & BOSCH, 1.25 GRANITE, CHERRY CABINETS, CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS, MARBLE BATHS, JACUZZI & BODY SPRAYS. WALNUT STAINED OAK FLOORS, AMAZING VALUTED LIVING ROOM CEILINGS,TWO HUGE DECKS & ROOF RIGHTS FOR AMAZING ENTERTAINING. ORGANIZED CLOSETS & GARAGE PARKING 1.5 BLOCKS TO DIVISION, 2.5 BLKS TO BLUE LINE & 30 SECONDS TO THE EXPRESSWAY!! AND DID I MENTION THE OUTDOOR HOT TUB WITH SKYLINE VIEWS... WOW!

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

Chicago Realtors, Join Our Team!

We're hiring! Give us a call...

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...

Chicago Investment Properties!

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.

1. Location. What part of the city do you want to search? It's usually best to start by choosing a county, and if too many results are returned, then choose specific areas within that county. The database is only as smart as complete as the agent who entered the data. Many agents don't enter the specific area of the city where the property is located, they simply enter the address and county. By searching by county first, you are assured that you are seeing ALL properties for sale.

2. Property Type. You MUST choose the type of property you seek, your choices are:

Multi-Family 5+ Units
Multi-Unit 2-4 Units
Industrial
Retail Store
Office/Tech

3. Save Search. Once the search is run, and if you are happy with the results, save the search and choose to have the results of that search emailed to you each day. Each day when the system is updated with the latest listings that have been bought or sold, the system will automatically run your search and notify you of any new results which match your search criteria!

Ready to Search? Click on the button below.

www.greatchicagorealestate.com/search_chicago_mls.htm

Illinois Real Estate

For real estate that goes way, way beyond...

happy house hunting!

Bucktown Property, Bucktown Condos, Bucktown Single-Family...

http://www.greatchicagorealestate.com/Comm_Bucktown.htm

Selling your home/condo in Bucktown?

Call me for a free market analysis, and find out what your Bucktown property would sell for in today's active market. With my proven marketing plan, numerous sales awards, and thorough knowledge of Bucktown, I can sell your home for top dollar!

Off Market Single-Family in Elgin,

Welcome home! This Valley Creek 4 bedroom/3.1 bath single-family has just been meticulously rehabbed and is ready for a new owner. Want to know what's been done? Where do we start... How about the new kitchen. Everything is brand new: maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, sink, pantry, and gorgeous granite counter tops.

The master bath has been transformed into your own personal spa. Floor to ceiling travertine tile makes this a true 'master bath'. New vanity and toilet finish off a glorious transformation to this bathroom.

The cozy family room has vaulted ceilings, new mantle, carpet, ceiling fan, and provincial brick fireplace.

The rehab doesn't stop there... New paint, roof, carpet, light fixtures on the first floor, and hardwood floors in the entry, half bath, eat-in area, and kitchen. New mini-blinds, upgraded second bath including vanity, mirror, cabinet, and travertine tile and new hardware.

The lower level has it's own frig and oven, can we say 'perfect in law'! Or use it as an amazing t.v. and entertainment room. The lower level is also complete with it's own full bath. Tons of storage and light complete this lower level.

This beautiful home sits on an enormous corner lot. The expansive backyard is a gardeners dream.

Close to the Metra, I-90, schools and shops. All you need to do is move in!

real estate that goes way, way beyond...

'Chicago Dirt Merchants'

We're your 'Chicago Dirt Merchants', Realtors for hire!

Are you a builder or developer looking for vacant land, tear-downs, or development sites? Then I'm the agent to talk to! Please let me know what type of construction you would like to do (single-family, condos, mixed-use, or large scale hi-rises), price, area, and required land square footage, and I'll email you a list of great lots.

If you're currently working with an agent, please let me know.

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

way, way beyond ordinary real estate...

North Shore Homes and Estates...

way, way beyond ordinary real esatate...

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com
Search Mansions & Estates, No Log-In!

Chicago Condos

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

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

for all your real estate needs...

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

Wicker Park Realtor, for hire...

Whether looking for a loft, condo, or single-family, call the Wicker Park expert.

*Member of the Bucktown/Wicker Park Chanmber of Commerce
*Resident of Bucktown/Wicker Park for over 10 years
*Top 1% of Realtors in Chicago in 2002 with over $17,000,000 in sales!

Luxury Homes in Chicago

2nd home in Chicago...
Penthouse condo on the Lake...
Mansion in the North Shore...

Looking to make a statement with your next home? If your having a hard time finding the next home or estate, give me a call.

way, way beyond ordinary real esatate...

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com
Search Mansions & Estates today!

Join us this weekend! Wicker Park/Bucktown Summer Fest

Wicker Park/Bucktown Summer Fest is going on this weekend 7/22 & 7/23

The festival is held on Damen Avenue between North Avenue and Schiller Street. Event hours are 11:30 am -10:00 pm each day and the gate donation is $5. Proceeds benefit the Wicker Park & Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.

way, way beyond

Wicker Park/Bucktown Summer Fest

Courtesy of http://www.silverwrapper.com/html/wpf2006.html

Saturday, July 22nd & Sunday, July 23rd, 2006 - Chicago, IL

The Wicker Park Summer Fest is a two-day, all-day event featuring music presented by Silver Wrapper. We will be putting on 2 days of music on the South Stage at the Milwaukee/North/Damen intersection and 2 late night events at venues close-by. The festival will span the entire weekend beginning Saturday the 22nd of July at 12 noon and ending Sunday the 23rd of July concluding at 2 AM. This year, we've even put together a pre-party, just to warm up for the weekend; it takes place on Wednesday the 19th of July.

Ticket Information

There are no passes needed for the day events. That's right, the day events are FREE. A $5 donation is suggested, benefiting the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, who was nice enough to let us put the talent for the South Stage together. We will be selling late night tickets for the two concerts individually. Online ticket sales begin Saturday, June 10th at 12 noon CST.

Event Information

Wicker Park Summer Fest Day One
Robert Walter's Super Heavy Organ featuring Karl Denson and New Orleans Great Johnny Vidacovich,
Youngblood Brass Band, Brothers Past, Future Rock, Telefon Tel Aviv, Andreas Kapsalis Trio
Saturday 07.22.05 - South Stage, Chicago, IL

Wicker Park Summer Fest Day Two
MOFRO, Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove, Oh My God, Apollo Sunshine, Deaborn,
Chris Berry & Panjea, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
Sunday 07.23.05 - South Stage, Chicago, IL

Saturay, July 22nd
South Stage
8:30 pm Robert Walter's Super Heavy Organ featuring Karl Denson & Johnny Vidacovich
6:45 pm Youngblood Brass Band
5:00 pm Brothers Past
3:15 pm Future Rock
1:45 pm Telefon Tel Aviv
12:30 pm Andreas Kapsalis Trio

North Stage
9:00 pm DeVotchka
7:55 pm The Coup
6:50 pm The Hidden Cameras
5:45 pm Slumber Party
4:40 pm Walter Meego
3:50 pm The Record Low
3:00 pm Moxie Motive

Sunday, July 23rd
South Stage
8:30 pm MOFRO
6:30 pm Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove
5:00 pm Oh My God
3:30 pm Chris Berry & Panjea
2:00 pm Apollo Sunshine
12:30 pm Dearborn
11:30 am Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

North Stage
9:00 pm The Gris Gris
7:55 pm Dead Meadow
6:50 pm Make/Believe
5:45 pm Starlight Mints
4:40 pm Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
2:50 pm The Living Blue
2:00 pm The Saps

Pre-Party & Late Night Event Information

The Pre-Party
the New Deal w/ Orchard Lounge
Wednesday 07.19.06 - Logan Square Auditorium, Chicago, IL

Evolution Revolution
The Headhunters featuring Mike Clark, Bill Summers, George Porter Jr, Fred Wesley, Karl Denson & Robert Walter
Saturday 07.22.06 LATE NIGHT - Double Door, Chicago, IL

Funk N Jazz Nite
Fully-Loaded & Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Sunday 07.23.05 LATE NIGHT - Subterranean, Chicago, IL

Directions

General notes for all locations: If your taking a cab, you'll need to have the exact address and in some cases, the main cross streets. If your driving, keep a close watch on street signs for parking restrictions.

WICKER PARK SUMMER FEST: W North Ave at N Milwaukee Ave
CTA Blue Line - Damen Exit, walk north on Milwaukee and take a left on North.

From North Expressways - 90/94E to Exit #47A/Fullerton Ave/2400 N onto Fullerton Ave. Turn right on Damen Ave. Turn right on North. Venue is on the left just after Milwaukee/North/Damen intersection.

From South Expressways - 90/94W to Exit #48B/IL-64 toward North Ave/1600 N Exit. Head west on North Ave. Venue is on left just after Milwaukee/North/Damen intersection.

Travel Notes: Coming soon.

LOGAN SQUARE AUDITORIUM: 2539 N Kedzie Blvd
773.252.6179
CTA Blue Line - Logan Square Exit, walk south on Milwaukee and take a right at the Circle following it around to Kedzie.

From North Expressways - 90/94E to Exit #46A/California Ave onto California Ave. Turn right on California Ave. Turn right at Fullerton Ave. Turn right on Kedzie. Venue is on the right just before the Logan Square circle.

From South Expressways - 90/94W to Exit #47A/Fullerton Ave/2400 N onto Fullerton Ave. Turn left on Fullerton Ave. Turn right on Kedzie. Venue is on the right just before the Logan Square circle.

Travel Notes: Coming soon.

DOUBLE DOOR: 1572 N Milwaukee Ave
773.489.3160
CTA Blue Line - Damen Exit, walk north on Milwaukee and take a left on North.

From North Expressways - 90/94E to Exit #47A/Fullerton Ave/2400 N onto Fullerton Ave. Turn right on Damen Ave. Turn right on North. Venue is on the left just after Milwaukee/North/Damen intersection.

From South Expressways - 90/94W to Exit #48B/IL-64 toward North Ave/1600 N Exit. Head west on North Ave. Hang a left onto Damen at the Milwaukee/North/Damen intersection. Don't be decieved, the address is on Milwaukee Ave, but the entrance is on Damen, just after the EL tracks.

Travel Notes: You may get lucky and find a spot in the area. There are various valet (self park) lots in the area. Double Door shows are no re-entry.

SUBTERRANEAN: 2011 W North Ave
773.278.6600
CTA Blue Line - Damen Exit, walk north on Milwaukee and take a left on North.

From North Expressways - 90/94E to Exit #47A/Fullerton Ave/2400 N onto Fullerton Ave. Turn right on Damen Ave. Turn right on North. Venue is on the left just after Milwaukee/North/Damen intersection.

From South Expressways - 90/94W to Exit #48B/IL-64 toward North Ave/1600 N Exit. Head west on North Ave. Venue is on left just after Milwaukee/North/Damen intersection.

Travel Notes: You may get lucky and find a spot in the area. There are various valet (self park) lots in the area.

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Chicago Lofts

What's So Great About My New Ukrainian Village Apartment (It's Not What You Think)

If you want to meet everyone--and I mean EVERYONE--in your neighborhood, get a puppy. That's what I did and suddenly everyone in my West Roscoe Village neighborhood wants to talk to me. How old is he? How big will he get? Is he a good dog? A good dog, indeed!

I am absolutely amazed at the number of people I've met in the last three weeks. I've lived in my apartment for almost a year now and haven't met a soul, but since the advent of Ollie (that's his name), I have neighbors. Good neighbors, interesting neighbors, neighbors who invite me over for coffee on Sunday and offer to pick up my mail when I'm on vacation.

I should have done this a long time ago. Last year when I moved into my apartment, after the movers left my son and I spent a quiet evening together wondering who all the nameless people in all the houses on our street were. This time will be different, thanks to Ollie. In September we are moving to the Ukrainian Village, one of Chicago's most dog-friendly neighborhoods. I anticipate that our new neighbors will welcome us to the neighborhood joyfully and with great fervor in an effort to get close to the one and only Ollie. I'll let you know how that goes. And for my fellow dog owners, here are a few links to some groovy pet pampering places:

Sit!
http://sitchicago.com/

Barker and Meowski, A Paw Firm
http://www.barkerandmeowsky.com/

Streeterville Pet Spa and Boutique
http://www.streetervillepet.com/

Enjoy!

Dining by design

Hungry for Chicago architecture? Indulge with these sites and bites
By Jennifer Wehunt
Courtesy Metromix.com

Sure, our landmark buildings are a city treasure and sure, Chicago's home to some awe-inspiring examples of architecture, but who's got time to gawk at granite and marble when there's more important things to do--like eat dinner? Good news: You do.

Several of Chicago's most notable structures are within a stone's throw of a mouth-watering meal, so you can stroll by on your way to digging in. As the city gears up for Great Chicago Places & Spaces this weekend, make it a night of eats and architecture instead of the same old dinner and a movie.

Big houses on Prairie
The South Loop's Prairie Avenue district is home to two massive examples of mid-19th Century mansions. There's the Greek Revival-style Clarke House and the Romanesque Revival-style Glessner, both of which are open to the public. Once you've had an eyeful, reward yourself with a full stomach at a joint that celebrates another revival, the Harlem Renaissance. The Cotton Club serves up live jazz and a free buffet Friday and Saturday nights at 10 p.m.

Inspired insanity
For a single serving of quirky architecture, check out the kooky, corrugated aluminum-clad Bachman House (1244 W. Carmen Ave.). This place was built in 1889, then tweaked by architect Bruce Goff in 1947 and '48 to serve as a home recording studio. Part ark, part cottage, the residence got its Uptown neighbors talking. For the source of a more recent neighborhood shakeup, visit popular Tweet restaurant, about four blocks east. This American eatery keeps the eclectic spirit alive with dishes like garlic-butter shrimp served with a parmesan polenta cake ($10).

The Wright stuff
Go west, young men and women, for a host of homes that heated up the 1900s architecture scene. Works by Frank Lloyd Wright are scattered across the country, but how convenient that Oak Park, which Wright called home, is right next door. A good starting point is the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, which hosts a variety of neighborhood events, including foot and bike tours in the summer (including Saturday's annual Wright Plus walk). Those who opt for the cycling variety earn brownie points for athletic effort; cash 'em in and cool down with an ice cream scoop ($2.64) or a burger ($6.50) at old-school parlor Petersen's, just down the street. Hankering for more Frank? Head to Hyde Park's Robie House some weekend morning after brunch at the Original Pancake House.

Say hi to Big Mary
So you finally got around to reading "The Devil in the White City," Erik Larson's 2003 parallel tale of the architects of the 1893 World's Columbia Exposition in Chicago and the serial killer who culled his victims from it. Dying to see what's left of the brief-but-mighty White City? Sorry; the Museum of Science and Industry is the only building still standing. But landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted's Chicago masterpiece, Jackson Park (6401 S. Stony Island Ave. 773-256-0903), does remain. Today it holds a gold-leafed replica of the 111-foot tall Statue of the Republic (a.k.a. Big Mary) that greeted the fair's visitors. Stop by to say hello to her and tour the grounds on two walking trails. After you've worked up an appetite, head two blocks east to Jackson Harbor's just-reopened Marina Cafe, which features a Creole- and Caribbean-inflected menu (weekends only until June).

All Dec'd out
Sick of staring at the same dull cinder-block condo walls? Skip up to Lincoln Square for an example of elaborate 1920s Art Deco. The Museum of Decorative Arts just closed for renovation, but the exterior's what all the fuss is about, anyway. This spot was the last project designed by international icon Louis Sullivan. If you're feeling a little fancy after ogling the ornate facade, stroll two blocks south to trendy Acqualina, which deals in equally detailed Cali-Med cuisine. We like the grilled salmon, served with tzatziki cabbage and veggie tartare in a kalamata olive vinaigrette ($17). And go ahead, indulge in an Acqua 'tini (a mix of Kettle Citron, blue curacao and Licor 43 for $8); after all, nothing chases culture better than a cocktail.

Spice up your home with a few paint tricks

Whether it's sponging or ragging, new techniques give a fresh look

Courtesy Top Producer
By Paul Bianchina
Inman News

You've seen them do it on shows like "Trading Spaces" and "Extreme Makeover." You may have even seen it at a friend's house. And now you've decided it's time to move away from those plain white walls and try something different. With some basic tools, a couple of cans of paint, and a little experimental spirit, you can dress up one wall or your entire house with some simple special painting effects.
The materials listed here should all be available at home centers, paint stores and larger department stores. With any of these techniques, you might want to practice in a closet or on a large sheet of cardboard or plywood first, to get a feel for the process and to see if you're happy with the color and texture. Also, your hands will be getting up close and personal with the paint, so a couple of pairs of disposable gloves are also a worthwhile investment.
Sponging
Sponging is probably one of the most popular and most enjoyable of the special effects painting techniques. To get started, you need two or more colors of paint, a paint tray, a natural sea sponge and some paper towels or old newspapers.
To begin, paint the wall with the base color. This will actually not be the predominate color when you're done, but rather more of an accent color that shows through gaps in the sponged-on color. Let this coat dry before proceeding.
Next, dip your sponge in water and ring it out so that it's just damp, which helps keep the sponge from picking up too much paint. Dip the sponge into the second paint color, blot it slightly against the paper towel to remove excess paint, and then gently press the sponge against the wall. Keep your touch light to create a subtle pattern of paint, as opposed to pressing hard or with too much paint on the sponge, with blurs the pattern too much.
Don't overdo it by trying to cover too much of the base coat at once. Instead, try and achieve a light pattern of paint texture that has a look you like. Do the entire wall, and then if you feel that too much of the base coat is still visible, you can go back over it a second time. Allow this second color to dry completely before going back over it with a third color if desired. If the sponge will not reach into the corners, use a small paint brush to dab paint into these areas in a pattern that matches the sponge.
Ragging
Ragging is similar to sponging in technique, but the finished look is different, with a slightly heavier look that resembles some types of fabric. Once again, begin by applying a base coat color to the wall and allowing it to dry completely. You'll want to use a clean, absorbent, lint-free rag or towel that has some nap to it, like a washcloth. The type of cloth you use and how you hold it will determine the finished texture effects.
Dip the rag in water, wring it out, then ball the rag up loosely in your hand and gently dip it into the second paint color. Blot off the excess on a paper towel, then touch the rag against the wall. Repeat this, re-gripping the rag as you go, to create different textures. Re-dip the rag in the paint as soon as it begins to lose the pattern you like. Ragging is usually done with only two colors, but you can add a third if you like – just make sure each color is completely dry before moving on to the next one.
Washing
As the name implies, this technique will leave thin wash of top-coat color over the base color, almost at though the wall has aged or been worn from use. Washing is best done with just one color over the base coat.
Paint on the base color and allow it to dry. Using the same type of rag or towel used for ragging, dip the rag in water and wring it out, then dip it into the paint. You can actually allow the rag to pick up a little more paint with this technique, but you do want to be sure that you do not have an excess amount on your gloves that could smear onto the wall.
Use the rag to apply the top color coat to the wall by actually wiping on the paint with a swirling motion – almost like you're washing the wall with soap and water - rather than dabbing it on as was done with the earlier techniques. Continue "washing" the wall with paint until the rag begins to dry and starts taking some of the paint back off. When you have removed a sufficient amount of paint to achieve the look you want, re-dip the rag in paint and move on to another section of the wall. The important thing here is to try and achieve some level of consistency with the finished look, rather than leaving large areas with a lot of paint on them and other areas with much less.

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Gauging the gadgets

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

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

www.GreatChicagoRealEstate.com

Chicago Artists Space and Housing Expo

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

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

Chicago Traffic Alerts

Did you know that you can get traffic alerts emailed to you? These emails include everything from flight information, Metra, CTA, expressways, and the Loop. Check out the City of Chicago for more information on this service. You can also get up-to-date travel information that includes congestion levels, construction, and accidents at GCM Travel.

Gardening Tips for March

March toward spring: There's work to do
Courtesy Chicago Sun Times

As daylight grows longer, spring in not too far away. The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association offers these guidelines for March:
General care
• Water-soaked dead patches of turf may show up after the snow melts. They are most likely caused by snow mold. Examine them closely. The presence of pink fruiting bodies confirms it. The disease is mostly cosmetic. Avoid future infestation by improving drainage, and, if possible, pile snow on hard surface areas instead of on the turf.
• Resist the temptation to remove winter protection from the garden until all danger of a hard freeze has passed. Mulch, evergreen boughs and other winter covers help prevent plant loss from temperature swings. They also help protect plants from rodents.
• Check your perennials and ground covers for heaving caused by alternate high and low soil temperatures. Reset them as soon as the soil is workable.
• Apply 5-10-10 fertilizer (at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet) over spring bulb plants and perennial beds after the ground has thawed.
• If any perennials require transplanting, early spring is the time to do it.
• Avoid unnecessary travel through wet beds and turf to avoid compacting saturated soils.
Crabapple tree care
• Apply fungicidal treatments to crabapple trees that have been affected in the past by apple scab. Apple scab causes the leaves to discolor and drop prematurely. If severely affected, a crabapple will loose the majority of its leaves by mid- to late summer.
• The fungicide applications need to start soon, at "green tip stage," which is the point where the tip of the leaf is visible on the bud. Three applications, 14 days apart, are required and should continue if the spring is unusually wet.
• To help prevent apple scab, always allow as much air movement as possible through the plant by selective pruning of the interior branches. Air helps dry the leaves faster and lower the humidity in the tree canopy after a rain or times of high humidity.
Tree planting care
• Be aware that a major reason for the death of newly planted trees and shrubs is drainage problems. If the plants chosen are not best suited for a naturally wet area, a drainage system must be installed. This could mean a drainage system which takes water away from a general planting area, or a system which is connected to each individual tree pit.
• Avoid the common mistake of installing the plant too deeply, which can cause death because of too much water or a lack of oxygen for the roots. Determine the top of the root ball by the location of the root flair (where the trunk flairs out to form the root structure) and not by simply looking at the top of the burlapped root ball or the soil level in a containerized plant. Err on the side of the tree being planted slightly too high rather than too low.
ILCA offers the free brochures, "Your Landscape Begins With A Dream," for planning, budgeting and creating outdoor spaces and "Garden Centers Are 'Natural' Resources," with guidance in garden center selection. Included is a list of member landscape contractors and garden centers. Call (630) 472-2851, write ILCA, 2625 Butterfield Road, Suite 204W, Oak Brook 60523 or e-mail lodell@ilca.net for print material.

Historic Frank Lloyd Wright home sells at auction

Private homeowners buy Chicago house for above opening bid
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Courtesy Top Producer
Inman News
The Emil Bach House in Chicago

Private homeowners on Tuesday purchased the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Emil Bach House, a Chicago Landmark located one block from Lake Michigan, during an auction conducted by Inland Real Estate Auctions.
The new owners intend to live in the house, according to Inland, which didn't disclose the exact final sale price, but said it went for "well above the opening bid of $750,000."
The landmark property is located at 7415 N. Sheridan Road.
The new owners intend to retain the property's 45-by-150-foot side lot as a yard for the home, which is one of Wright's last small urban homes, according to Inland. The current zoning of the lot might have allowed for development.
The sale marks one of the first times a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home has sold by auction.
"Today's auction sale proves that Frank Lloyd Wright homes can attract substantial interest and can be sold in a timely fashion when marketed properly," said Frank Diliberto, senior vice president of Inland Real Estate Auctions. "It also provides further evidence that the auction process can be successful in marketing properties others find difficult to sell."
The auction process drew nearly 300 inquiries and nearly 200 registered open house attendees. The auction room was filled with bidders as the bidding process commenced at 2 p.m. Bidding was completed in a matter of minutes.
The expansive lawn, which lies immediately to the south of the house, is currently zoned RT4, which allows for multifamily homes. This prospect drew some concern from Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts. Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward), who represents the Rogers Park neighborhood, recently introduced a proposal in the City Council proposing to down-zone the property. The purchaser has not announced plans for the lot, but has ruled out development.
Oak Brook, Ill.-based Inland Real Estate Auctions is part of The Inland Real Estate Group of Cos., which comprises independent real estate investment and financial companies.

Retirees options in Chicago area growing

The News Sun Online

By Jim Edwards
SPECIAL TO SUBURBAN CHICAGO NEWSPAPERS
11/21/04

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."

Halloween in Chicago

Courtesy City of Chicago

Paint The Town Orange At The
8th Annual Chicagoween
Tis’ the season to paint the town orange with Chicago’s October celebration, Chicagoween. Throughout the city, boo-tification takes place and most especially in the Haunted Village, located at Pumpkin Plaza, October 15-31, 2004.
The city’s civic center plaza known the rest of the year as Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn streets) hosts the Haunted Village and is transformed into Pumpkin Plaza, with pumpkin decorating, spooky storytellers, trick-or-treating and more to thrill and chill. Each day there are performances from the high flying aerial entertainers, Midnight Circus: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday includes evening shows scheduled at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Free tickets to the Paramount Pictures movie titled Lemony Snicket’s: A Series of Unfortunate Events (opening in December) will be given away following the Midnight Circus performances. Tickets can also be received as prizes for the costume contest at the State Street Halloween Happening Parade.
Kids can join in the on the fun by marching in costume as part of The State Street Halloween Happening Parade on Saturday, October 23. The parade steps off at Noon at the corner of State and Randolph streets. Following the parade, kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, a performance by Midnight Circus and a costume contest—all at Pumpkin (Daley) Plaza.
Free pumpkin decorating is offered Saturdays and Sundays (except for parade day, Saturday, October 23) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or while supplies last) and spooky storytelling runs Thursday through Sunday at 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
A pirate siege invades the CTA as large-scale pirate puppets from Quest Theater Ensemble set sail aboard a CTA elevated train performing some of the most terrifying stories known to man! Tickets are free and on a first come, first served basis the day of the show only at the Visitor's Center inside the Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. There is a 4 ticket maximum per person. The Haunted 'L' runs October 21-23 and 28-30 on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday during the day. The Haunted 'L' is presented in conjunction with the Chicago Office of Tourism.
Chicagoween is presented by the Mayor's Office of Special Events, along with other generous sponsors including WLIT 93.9 FM, the Chicago Tribune, Ford Division and the Chicago Transit Authority and the State of Illinois.

Notre Dame schedule

Kind schedule should make Irish even better

Put away the tea leaves and tarot cards. Set aside those horoscopes.

If you want to know whether Notre Dame will be competitive this fall, you need look no further than the calendar.

It all starts with the well-known even-numbered rule. For each of the last six years, the Irish have yo-yo'd between winning and losing, finishing above .500 in the even-numbered years and below .500 in the odd-numbered years.

So the 2004 Irish are in line for their customary upswing after last year's disappointing 5-7 record.

"Coming off the season we had last year, we know we're a lot better than that," junior defensive end Justin Tuck said. "We're real hungry this year--you can tell from the look in people's eyes. People want to get back on the field. . . . We want to disregard last year, put it in the past."

Not that the past is ever that far off at Notre Dame. Since Ara Parseghian arrived on campus in 1964, Irish coaches have been divided into two distinct categories--champions and everybody else.

Parseghian, his successor Dan Devine and Lou Holtz all won national championships in their third year. Gerry Faust and Bob Davie didn't.

Irish coach Tyrone Willingham is entering his third season in South Bend. Can he vault himself into the Parseghian group, or will he remain lumped with Faust and Davie?

While national championship hopes may be a bit heavy to shift onto the shoulders of sophomore quarterback Brady Quinn, the calendar favors the Irish in one other way--by keeping them home through much of the early going.

Yes, the Irish play two of their first three games on the road, but their toughest game of the first month will be at Notre Dame Stadium, Sept. 11 against Michigan.

The Wolverines are likely to be tough for the Irish, but they should begin the season with victories at Brigham Young and, if this is a hex-free year, at Michigan State. After that, Notre Dame doesn't play at another school's home field until Nov. 6, when it takes on Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.

Notre Dame does have a couple of tough games between Michigan State and Tennessee. But it should also have several easy contests.

Washington, which Notre Dame plays host to Sept. 25, struggled last season. And with little returning experience at quarterback, the Huskies don't seem likely to be much better in 2004. Plus, in the last 19 games in which Washington scored fewer than 30 points, the Huskies came away with just four victories. Notre Dame's defense should be capable of keeping the Huskies under 30.

The Irish also should beat Stanford on Oct. 9. And while the Irish will leave Notre Dame Stadium once in October, it will be to play a neutral-site game in East Rutherford, N.J., against Navy, an annual opponent that has not beaten the Irish since John F. Kennedy was in the White House.

Notre Dame will face always-tough Purdue before Stanford and nemesis Boston College after Navy. But those games take place in October, which until last season had been a good month for the Irish.

Between 1998 and 2002, Notre Dame lost just one game in October, going 19-1 before falling to 1-2 last year.

If they can reclaim their October magic and play up to their capabilities, the Irish could enter November's matchup at Tennessee with a 6-2 record.

"Anytime you have a chance to play at home, most coaches will tell you that you have to play extremely well," Willingham said. "Hopefully being at home, having that kind of success, catapults you to a very good position as you get into the November part of the season."

Copyright © 2004, The Chicago Tribune

from Ron...

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Chicago real estate market...

Record quarter for Illinois home sales

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Real estate prices, sales still booming in Chicago area
Friday, August 06, 2004

Inman News

Illinois existing-home sales reached record levels in the second quarter of this year, and were up 9.8 percent from the second quarter of 2003, the state's association of Realtors reported today.

Existing-home prices in were up 7.2 percent from the second quarter of 2003 to the second quarter of this year, the Illinois Association of Realtors also reported today.

A total of 37,409 existing single-family homes were sold across the state in April through June 2004, up from 34,071 sales in the second quarter of 2003. Year-to-date home sales for the first six months of the year total 59,814, up 7.3 percent from 55,762 in 2003.

Home sales were strongest from the second quarter of 2003 to the second quarter of 2004 in the Belvidere, Illini Valley, Iroquois-Ford and Mid Valley areas. While sales shrunk most in the Livingston County, Lamoine Valley, Jacksonville, DeKalb and Quincy areas.

Home-price appreciation was strongest during that period in the Mid Valley, Tri County, Chicago, Northwest and West Towns areas. While prices sank most in the Barrington, Galesburg, Quad City, Decatur, Freeport-Galena and Peoria areas.

“The record level of buying and selling we experienced in this quarter was unexpected given that mortgage interest rates in our region broke the six-percent barrier for the first time since early last December,” said John C. Kmiecik, association president. “The likelihood of rates rising in the second half of the year and the Fed’s well-publicized rate hike in June prompted more buyers to get in the market sooner rather than later. Other economic factors helped foster a favorable climate for housing, including increased business spending and an improving job market. We see a healthy housing sector going forward.”

The second-quarter interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.22 percent in the North Central Region, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

The Illinois median price of an existing, single-family home rose 7.2 percent to $188,100 from $175,500 during the second quarter of 2003. The IAR survey covers non-seasonally adjusted median prices for existing, detached single-family homes and condos sold in 34 local association markets throughout Illinois.

The story was repeated in the Chicagoland Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) with sales of existing single-family homes up 10.2 percent in the second quarter to 24,139 compared to 21,914 home sales in 2003.

Year-to-date sales for the Chicagoland PMSA were up 7 percent to 38,264 homes sold from 35,752 in 2003. The Chicagoland PMSA includes the counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Kane, Will, Grundy and Kendall. The median price of existing single-family homes sold in the Chicagoland PMSA increased 7.9 percent to $245,200 in the second quarter of 2004 compared to $227,200 in the same period one year ago.

Statewide, home prices in the second quarter ranged from $491,200 in the North Shore to $53,200 in the Kewanee area (Mid Valley Association of Realtors). A sample of the areas that reported year-to-year price appreciation in the Chicago metro region include Western Suburbs, up 7.4 percent to $295,600; Chicago, up 16.3 percent to $220,400; Oak Park posted $397,800, up 9.3 percent; West Towns, up 11.9 percent to $200,700; and Aurora up 7.3 percent to $209,400. A sample of areas around the state that saw median price increases includes Greater Gateway, up 7 percent to $88,300; Rockford, up 5.4 percent to $115,500; Belleville, up 6.1 percent to $104,000; Bloomington, up 9 percent to $148,900; DeKalb, up 6.3 percent to $166,900; and Iroquois-Ford, up 6.1 percent to $74,800.

The second-quarter 2004 Illinois Housing Affordability Index stood at 163.2, compared to the index of 183.68 during the second quarter of 2003. The affordability index measures the ability of a typical four-person family to purchase a median-priced existing single-family residence. A family earning the statewide median income (for a four-person family) of $72,351 had 163.2 percent of the income needed to qualify for conventional financing covering 80 percent of a home at the median price of $188,100.

IAR’s Housing Affordability Index uses an interest rate based on a composite of closing rates for fixed-rate mortgages on existing single-family homes as reported by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. The average second-quarter 2004 effective rate for the North Central region, which includes Illinois, was 6.22 percent (up from 5.57 percent in the second quarter of 2003).

The Illinois condominium market registered strong gains in the second quarter of 2004, up 16.5 percent from 13,979 units sold in April through June of 2003 to 16,282 in the same period of 2004. The statewide median price for condos was up 7.4 percent to $190,200, compared to $177,100 in the second quarter of 2003.

Condominium sales in the Chicago PMSA rose 17.5 percent in the second quarter of 2004 to 15,289 units sold, from 13,008 in 2003. For the Chicagoland area, the median condo price was up 7.5 percent in the second quarter of this year to $194,200. It was $180,600 in 2003.

“The super-heated condominium market has been fueled by the number and variety of properties available and the widening demographic of potential buyers, from first-time buyers to investors,” said Kmiecik, a Realtor and president of Century 21 Kmiecik Realtors in Chicago. “Even with a predicted more temperate pace in the second quarter, with these numbers posted in the first half of the year, we’re on our way to another record year for home sales.”

IAR’s survey includes non-seasonally adjusted median prices for existing condominiums as reported by those local associations who compile condominium statistics.

The Illinois Association of Realtors is a voluntary trade association whose 49,800 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, the Illinois Association of Realtors works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation that safeguards and advances the interest of real property ownership.

The association uses the median income for four-person families figure, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau, in its housing affordability index figures. According to the Census Bureau, the methodology used to compute four-person family income by state utilizes the most recent data available from the Current Population Survey (CPS) and the decennial census of population as well as per capita personal income estimates produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The association also uses the Chicagoland PMSA as defined by the OMB (including Cook County, DuPage County, Grundy County, Kane County, Kendall County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County).

For definition of cities included in local areas/associations attached, see the association Web site/market stats at http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/.

*Detailed second quarter 2004 home sale statistics report can be accessed at the IAR Web site at www.illinoisrealtor.org.

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What's your opinion? Send your Letter to the Editor to newsroom@inman.com.

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Copyright 2004 Inman News

Thinking of a 2nd home?

Buyers pushing farther north, inland in Michigan

By Laurie A. Cerny
Special to the Tribune
Published May 16, 2004

Michigan has become more than just a summer weekend getaway for Chicago-area residents.

For today's buyer, locating on or near Lake Michigan means having a place to retreat to year-round. Buying on an inland lake, or in the country, means having some elbowroom.

And for some buyers, buying a place in Michigan means being close to family and friends who live in the area.

"I call it my escape hatch," said Susan Henry. She recently bought a home in Marcellus on Big Fish Lake, close to where her two brothers live with their families. During the week Henry works as an accountant in a downtown Chicago accounting firm and lives in a condo on Lake Shore Drive. "It's a pretty luxurious life, but it's a hectic one, too," she said. "Getting out to the country -- there's a lot of serenity to it."

Henry represents a growing number of second-home owners from Illinois who are buying on inland lakes farther east from the traditional Sister Lakes area.

The trend along Lake Michigan has also changed; it has moved north and inland as demand and prices for lakefront property have increased.

Ten years ago demand for "bluff" property was minimal. In addition, in towns like Lakeside, Harbert and New Buffalo, areas one or more blocks from Lake Michigan are now hot commodities.

"We're seeing houses that are easy walking distances from the beach at $1 million," said Gail Lowrie, a real estate broker with Rubloff of Michigan, in New Buffalo. Her office has sold more than 100 homes in the lakeside area to Illinois residents.

Colin and Michelle Hebson of Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood don't mind buying a second home that's walking distance from Lake Michigan. "We're buying this for a retreat as much as an investment," Colin Hebson said. "Our goal is to keep it indefinitely." Three years ago they looked at a home in Lakeside listed at $325,000. It's back on the market for $575,000. "I wish I would have bought three years ago," he said.

Brian and Stephanie Walls, of the same Near Northwest Side neighborhood, recently bought a second home in Harbert. It's a short walk through the woods to the beach. "The walk is nice, too," Stephanie Walls said. They bought the home to use seasonally but have been going there nearly every weekend. "There's a lot of peace of mind when you know you're just a 1 1/2-hour drive away."

Like the Walls, Margie Bradley, of Palos Park, wants to find a place with some privacy. She's been looking farther north along the lake in Allegan and Saugatuck. "I don't want a heavily populated area with your neighbors on your doorstep," she said. "I just need to be near the water; it's my renewal."

In addition to requests for lakefront, and inland lake properties, Tom Angelo, owner of Coldwell Banker Anchor Real Estate, in St. Joseph, gets about six requests a year for 5- and 10-acre "farmettes" in Hagar Township and Bainbridge Township, traditional fruit belt areas of Berrien County.

"It's gradually moving along the lake into Berrien County," said county Treasurer Bill Wolf. The county is experiencing what he describes as an "extremely active" second-home real estate market. "You don't have to be very far from the lake to get a nice rural setting and still get the benefits of the lake," he said.

In St. Joseph, second-home development has also moved into town with several condominium projects in the Silver Beach and Lions Park areas. "When I was growing up that was the other side of the tracks. Now you can barely afford to buy property there," Wolf said.

State Equalized Value (SEV), which Wolf considers a reflection of property turnover in locations desired by second-home buyers, continues to grow in Berrien County. According to the Berrien County Equalization Report the City of New Buffalo has a compounded annual growth rate that nearly doubled in the last 10 years. Out of 2,148 homes in New Buffalo Township, 990 were classified as a second home, according to the 2000 Census, many of which Wolf said are owned by Illinois residents.

Thomas F. Jerdon, associate broker with Jerdon Real Estate Inc., in Dowagiac, estimated that ownership of second homes by Illinois residents on several of the six lakes in the Sister Lakes area is nearing 50 percent. "It's the fastest growing category," Jerdon said.

Many buyers, having heard about Sister Lakes, end up buying on lakes that aren't as developed. "There's 70 other lakes and they're just as good," Jerdon said.

They also like the convenience of using Interstate Highways 80/90 to get to the lakes in Cass and St. Joseph Counties. "The Illinois demand keeps pushing east," Jerdon said. "Before it was difficult to get Illinois buyers to get out of Sister Lakes; it was like going to Canada."

While some inland lakes still have vacant lots, new construction on others like Magician and Indian Lake occurs only when a seasonal cottage is torn down and replaced with new house. On average buyers are spending around $253,000 for second homes in the area, Jerdon said.

According to Lowrie, in communities along Lake Michigan a year-round cottage a block or two from Lake Michigan can cost from the high $200,000s to around $450,000. New houses in platted developments with association beaches start around $400,000. Several of these developments are in the New Buffalo and South Haven areas.

Lake Michigan property averages about $15,000 to $20,000 per running foot for vacant beachfront. Homes with a private beach start around $2 million, Lowrie said.

Copyright © 2004, Chicago Tribune

Record Expected for Existing-Home Sales in 2004, Says NAR

Record Expected for Existing-Home Sales in 2004, Says NAR

WASHINGTON (June 8, 2004) – Unexpectedly strong job growth will buffet the impact of higher interest rates and help to push existing-home sales to a record in 2004, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

See current chart (PDF: 78K) >

David Lereah, NAR's chief economist, said job growth could reach 3 million this year. "The economy is moving quickly now and the Fed is likely to raise short-term interest rates on June 30," he said. "The market appears to have anticipated the move and has priced it into 30-year mortgage rates, but the cost of financing remains historically low and strong demand will push home sales to a record this year."

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is expected to reach 6.9 percent by the fourth quarter. "At the same time, unemployment should drop to 5.3 percent, so we continue to have a very favorable backdrop for housing," Lereah said.

NAR projects existing-home sales to hit a record 6.17 million in 2004, which would be 1.2 percent higher than last year's 6.10 million record. New-home sales should be essentially stable, slipping 0.4 percent to 1.08 million this year, just shy of the record 1.09 million in 2003, while housing starts are seen to be fairly even, down 0.3 percent to 1.84 million.

The median existing-home price is forecast to rise 5.4 percent in 2004 to $179,200, while the median new-home price should grow by 7.9 percent to $210,400.

Lereah said the U.S. gross domestic product is forecast to grow 4.7 percent this year, with inflation remaining under control. The Consumer Price Index is projected to rise 2.4 percent in 2004. "Energy prices could retreat, but more importantly, productivity gains mean labor costs should stay down. This means there is no cost-push inflation in the pipeline where rising costs would push up prices, and long-term interest rates will not be moving up significantly this year or next," he said.

Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income should grow by 3.9 percent in 2004, while the consumer confidence index is expected to rise to 96 in the fourth quarter.

More detailed information about the association's economic outlook, as well as other analysis of real estate industry statistics, can be found in the June issue of NAR's Real Estate Outlook: Market Trends and Insights. The publication may be purchased by calling 800/874-6500.

The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Record Expected for Existing-Home Sales in 2004, Says NAR

Record Expected for Existing-Home Sales in 2004, Says NAR

WASHINGTON (June 8, 2004) – Unexpectedly strong job growth will buffet the impact of higher interest rates and help to push existing-home sales to a record in 2004, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

See current chart (PDF: 78K) >

David Lereah, NAR's chief economist, said job growth could reach 3 million this year. "The economy is moving quickly now and the Fed is likely to raise short-term interest rates on June 30," he said. "The market appears to have anticipated the move and has priced it into 30-year mortgage rates, but the cost of financing remains historically low and strong demand will push home sales to a record this year."

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is expected to reach 6.9 percent by the fourth quarter. "At the same time, unemployment should drop to 5.3 percent, so we continue to have a very favorable backdrop for housing," Lereah said.

NAR projects existing-home sales to hit a record 6.17 million in 2004, which would be 1.2 percent higher than last year's 6.10 million record. New-home sales should be essentially stable, slipping 0.4 percent to 1.08 million this year, just shy of the record 1.09 million in 2003, while housing starts are seen to be fairly even, down 0.3 percent to 1.84 million.

The median existing-home price is forecast to rise 5.4 percent in 2004 to $179,200, while the median new-home price should grow by 7.9 percent to $210,400.

Lereah said the U.S. gross domestic product is forecast to grow 4.7 percent this year, with inflation remaining under control. The Consumer Price Index is projected to rise 2.4 percent in 2004. "Energy prices could retreat, but more importantly, productivity gains mean labor costs should stay down. This means there is no cost-push inflation in the pipeline where rising costs would push up prices, and long-term interest rates will not be moving up significantly this year or next," he said.

Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income should grow by 3.9 percent in 2004, while the consumer confidence index is expected to rise to 96 in the fourth quarter.

More detailed information about the association's economic outlook, as well as other analysis of real estate industry statistics, can be found in the June issue of NAR's Real Estate Outlook: Market Trends and Insights. The publication may be purchased by calling 800/874-6500.

The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.