This is a continuation of an entry from early last week about who today’s home buyers are and what they are saying about the purchase process, working with agents, and other elements related to buying a place (click here to read previous entry). The information comes from a study by…
The Senate has passed a bill that would greatly help the U.S. housing market get back on its feet. The amendment is part of the multibillion-dollar Economic Stimulus plan being ironed out in Washington as we speak. Under the legislation, home buyers who buy within a year of its enactment…
According to the NAR, the average American home buyer is 39 years old with a median income of $74,900. Thirty-three percent of buyers are aged 25 – 34. This is the largest group of residential property purchasers; with runners up being 35 – 44 year-olds at 23%, 45 – 54…
Yes, we all know this is a Buyers’ Market, but what advantages are there to buying today as opposed to buying 6 months or a year from now? Here are a few factors currently in place to help buyers make the most of this Buyers’ Market Historically Low Mortgage Rates…
Certain parts of Chicago have withstood the widespread bout of price declines that is happening across the country. As the Sunday Chicago Tribune reported, there are a handful of Chicago neighborhoods that showed significant increases in median condo and townhome sales price from 2007 to 2008. The areas where price…
One of the greenest existing buildings in the world is right here in Chicago. It’s the Federal Bureau of Investigation Regional Facility and it the first to receive Platinum Rating in Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings. Yes, that is a mouthful, but what it means is…
It’s hard to forecast what the future holds, but here’s one prediction for what we’ll see in 2009 … It will be a good time for first-time buyers with a secure job and solid credit to take the plunge and become homeowners! If you are employed, have a credit score…
Did you know Chicago has several different incentive programs and grants that help today’s buyers save thousands on home purchases? In some cases participants have seen as much as $60,000 – $80,000 in savings on their new condo, townhome or house. The city program called “Find Your Place in Chicago”…
New stats from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) offer refreshingly positive news about home price gains in 93% of the nearly 300 metropolitan markets included in a late November report. According to the report, which was a survey of home values over the past five years in 292 metro…
Early last week the City of Chicago accepted a bid for $1.15 billion to hand over the operation of its 36,000 parking meters to a private company. Chicago Parking Meters, LLC is a part of Morgan Stanley’s investment management division. The group’s offer won the 75-year job to run the…
In the previous post you learned how to check your heating ducts and do minor repairs to make your central heating system more energy efficient. You also read about inexpensive ways to increase the insulating qualities of your existing windows – as an alternative to dropping dough to get dual-pane,…
If the snow flurries are any indicator, it’s safe to say winter has hit the Windy City. Time to ready your Chicago home for the upcoming months of freezing temperatures and harsh weather. The next few posts include useful winterizing ideas that will help you reduce energy waste, save money…
If you’re nostalgic for a home with old world charm that still fits your contemporary lifestyle, take a tour of the historically significant 1856 Century House at 4362 W. Grace Street in Irving Park.
There are those homeowners who love cubbyholes and nooks, and then there are those who admire clean lines, open space and modern edge. If the latter describes what you’re looking for, then take a drive by 4511 North Wolcott in Ravenswood.
When you crave natural light and luxuriously open indoor spaces, a typical cubbyhole condo simply won’t do. If you’re looking for a high-class home that lets the outdoors in, visit the exquisite corner townhome at 2701 N. Greenview.
Are you the king (or queen) of home entertaining? Looking for a new home that inspires a little zen? Then you owe yourself a tour of 3117 North Hoyne in LakeView.