ChitownLiving | Chicago Real Estate + Life

We have updated our Chicago Home Search. In addition to being built on the latest technology, the new search provides a more seamless integration between interactive map, property results list, and property details. Try it here.
Update: As I experiment with the new home search, one of the best features is the incorporation [...]

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The Chicago Tribune had a nice article today on the distinction between Chicago’s 77 community areas and up to 228 neighborhoods depending on who you ask.
True to the article title, when in Chicago, you can be in two places at once. As an example, Lincoln Park is not a neighborhood but rather a community [...]

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TimeOut Chicago profiles Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood as hot and boasting “major housing steals.” An excerpt from the article…
Close to the El, the beach and Broadway Armory Park (the Chicago Park District’s largest indoor recreational facility and home to year-round city-sponsored sporting events), this Far-North neighborhood attracts families looking for a child-friendly area that’s close [...]

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Chicago February market stats now available. Check out median and average condo (attached) and single family (detached) sold prices. I detect an upward trend … or maybe the desk my computer is sitting on is tilted.

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When first proposed, Chicago home buyers were to bear the full transfer tax increase, but now it looks like sellers will pay the Chicago real estate transfer tax increase.
Flip side of the same coin in my opinion. A real estate tax increase on either buyer or seller seems to be ill timed.

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Cook County residents, find your civic footprint. What is a civic footprint? According to the site…
Whether or not you vote or can name your state senator, you have a civic footprint—an imprint of your unique place in the civic world. Knowing your Footprint is a key part of being able to get involved [...]

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Chicago real estate developers, why worry about marketing and sales when you could be developing your next ground breaking project?
Our newly packaged developer sales and marketing services allow us to sustain and increase your sales velocity in this slowing market. From pre-development services through project closeout, we welcome the opportunity to assist.
Contact us to [...]

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I was showing clients of mine properties in East Lake View this past weekend when I stumbled across the sign above. I could not resist taking the photo…and writing this post. Whenever clients are contemplating the purchase of a garden unit I always discuss the pros and cons. Now I have one [...]

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New green development planned for the six way corner of Diversey, Lincoln, and Racine, just north of Lincoln Park in Lake View. Great news as the lot has been empty for quite some time. With proper care, the project will grow into healthy residences to deliver in 2009, but for now, the lot [...]

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They didn’t really but I get this question all the time. No, not as a direct result, and here are 4 other things that don’t control mortgage rates.

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Tipped to this great PEW Center report via BlueRoof Blog. The state of IL received an overall grade of C and surprise, surprise a C- for money management. I didn’t even know states went to school.

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What happens if you are being relocated, can’t sell your condo, townhome, or single family, and need to rent it but want nothing to do with being a landlord?
What if you want to invest in a smaller multi-unit building (2 - 6 flat) but do not want to get bogged down in managing the property? [...]

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I’m hosting an open house at 5637 N. Kenmore #3S, Sunday, March 2 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. Steps from Bryn Mawr Historic District and Hollywood Beach, this spacious 2000 square foot 3 bed, 2 bath condo includes a large private deck, roof rights, and 2 car parking.

Stop by, give me call, or shoot [...]

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I have updated the Chicago Market Trends section of the site right sidebar.
You’ll now find access to ChicagoCondosOnline.com, one of the best sites to research Chicago condos. From building floor plans to condo documentation to detailed neighborhood information you’ll find it all here. Join the site as our guest and save [...]

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One more reason anyone interested in Chicago real estate should make YoChicago a daily destination. Check out their interactive new construction Chicago High-Rise Map. A fantastic resource.

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More favorable loan terms can be obtained for a primary residence. It seems that primary residency occupancy fraud is on the rise. I always wondered how the primary residence requirement was verified at the time the loan was secured and over the life of the loan.

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I appreciate it when complex subjects are explained in easy to understand terms. Dan Green of The Mortgage Reports does just that when discussing the contraction of mortgage guidelines. Which stick figure do you think should be awarded best actor in a mortgage drama?

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Chicago real estate market stats have been published for January. Check out sold volume Jan ‘07 vs. Jan ‘08. Look at the trend in median and average sales prices Jan ‘06 through Jan ‘08.
It would seem that many buyers are sitting on the sidelines and waiting for prices to drop, while sellers are resisting [...]

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The other day a client of mine emailed me and asked me about days on market for sold properties in Lincoln Park for January. Sitting at my computer I pulled up the system I use to access the MLS. I ran a quick report and discovered the number was 145 days. I [...]

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Clients of mine recently completed a testeful renovation of their loft condo at the Printers Row Lofts located at 732 S. Financial. This historic printing press building built in 1908 was designed by Henry Wheeler and converted to condo in 1996. The building features true timber loft units with soaring ceilings and oversized [...]

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