March 2008 - Posts
THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! This Lil' Buddy's Blog is a SPECIAL EXTRA EDITION, in honor of Opening Day at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs! This is my first OFFICIAL
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NEW "FLEXIBLE" TECHNOLOGY I was just reading this and had to share. A team of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign scientists, led by John Rogers, have created silicon circuits that can be bent, stretched or twisted without breaking or
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Good Morning, Everyone! In many areas across the U.S., where the housing market has weakened and distressed homeowners abound, conditions are ripe for mortgage fraud scam artists attempting to tap the equity of a homeowner delinquent in her mortgage payments,
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"OPERATION HOMEWRECKER" - CA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS INDICT 19 ON ALLEGED $12 MILLION MORTGAGE FRAUD SCHEME! The tactics are not new. They have been used across the country, including here in and around Chicago, to bilk thousands of distressed
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34 CITIES AROUND THE WORLD SHOW SUPPORT TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASES! McDonald's Restaurants around the planet are going dark tonight. So are landmark buildings. All in support of an event showing support for efforts to reduce Greenhouse Gases in our
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TIME FOR MY BASEBALL PREDICTIONS Well, the 2008 Major League Baseball season is here and I'd like to present my predictions: American League East Boston Red Sox - They know how to win. Toronto Blue Jays - Could be much better than people think. New
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Portage Park, Chicago - Announcing a $20,000 PRICE REDUCTION on 5754 W. Warwick Avenue, on the Northwest Side of Chicago! Sunny, immaculate, roomy frame 3 bedroom/ 2 bath on a very quiet Portage Park Street. Convenient to Schools, Shopping, The Park,
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WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND? Well one thing is for sure, shopping is never out of season. In our great city and surrounding suburbs, shop, malls, and boutiques are abundant. This Saturday Chicago is hosting a special shopping extravaganza. Why not go to "
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MORE LIBERAL QUALIFICATION RULES WOULD ALLOW MANY NEGATIVE BORROWERS TO RE-FI INTO MORE AFFORDABLE LOANS! Currently, borrowers who have been delinquent on their mortgage payments anytime within the past six months have difficulty qualifying for an FHA-backed
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Northwest Highway & Wilke Road, Palatine - DRIVE BY ONLY - DO NOT DISTURB! Huge 2BR Ranch in need of Extensive Upgrade and Repair! Large Rooms, Sunroom, Deck. Value in the Land! 0.36 Acre Parcel, Incorporated Palatine. 3 Blocks to METRA Arlington
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THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! Believe it or not - it's SNOWING once again here in Chicago. That makes 43 separate accumulating snowfalls in the Chicago area this winter season
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PORTAGE PARK Approximately 800 people filled the auditorium of Foreman High School in the Portage Park community where the Evangel World Outreach Center has met for the past year. The historically German congregation expanded to include nearly 1,400 members
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The weaather is trying to break through, but with these temperatures reminding me of fall I wanted to try a yummy, easy family recipe. It's a little comfort food with a great picnic flair. Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Servings:
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"TAMPERING" BY LOAN OFFICERS PROHIBITED, OTHER MEASURES OF OVERSIGHT PROPOSED! For most of my 14-Year Real Estate Career here in Chicago and its suburbs, I rarely had a problem with my listings or sales under-appraising - in other words, appraising
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ILLINOIS HOME SALES INCREASE 15.1% IN FEBRUARY, COMPARED TO JANUARY - BETTERS 2.9% INCREASE IN U.S. In some ways, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Metro Area have fared better in today's Real Estate Market than the U.S. as a whole. Some statistics,
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We usually take our dishwashers for granted assuming that they will do a great job cleaning our dishes. Listed below are some tricks we can use to make the machine run more efficiently and last longer. Try some of these tips and see if they work with
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2.9% INCREASE COUNTERS EARLIER ESTIMATES - HOMES SELLING AT 4.89 MILLION UNIT ANNUAL PACE! In all the doom-and-gloom cable and web coverage of the pending housing market implosion, there is a glimmer of good news! There was an INCREASE nationally in existing-home
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On March 19, the FCC closed Auction 73 . So what does that mean to you and me? Well, the 2 biggies in Chicago - Verizon and AT&T - now will have open access. With the digital wave of TV, the FCC opened up their soon to be unused 700 MHz air waves.
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Good Morning, Everyone! Here in Chicago, the Active Inventory of Homes and Condos for sale is 17.2 percent higher than last year, and 38% active sellers reduced their asking price since they started marketing their homes. In reaction, our buyer and seller
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CHICAGO HOME, CONDO INVENTORY UP 2.7% IN FEBRUARY, NOW 17.2% HIGHER THAN FEBRUARY, 2007! According to a national survey commissioned by national discount real estate broker Zip Realty indicates unsold home inventory across the U.S increased during the
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CITY OF CHICAGO CURFEW NOW 10 PM ON WEEKNIGHTS, 11 PM WEEKENDS, FOR THOSE AGE 17 AND YOUNGER! When I was in high school - about a century or two ago, we used to hear the old call, right after the evening 10:00 news, right before Johnny Carson - "It's
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Cub fans still have to wonder what the right formula is for this year's team offensively. It looks as though we're not too far from last year when it was pretty evident that with the exception of a few games, Alfonso Soriano is not the same leadoff
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NO ZIP CODES FROM CHICAGO AREA ON "DECLINING VALUES" LIST PREVENTING MORTGAGE INSURANCE FOR NOW! All around the country, in places where property values were escalating through the roof as recently as 18 months ago, the ability for modest-income,
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Easter weekend brings back many fond memories of my childhood, some of which still hold true today, like dressing up in a new spring dress and bonnet, coloring eggs, waking up Sunday morning to find that the Easter Bunny had left a basket full of goodies
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THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! A Big Woof for you - one and all! You know, in my two-and-a-half years of being a dog, I never have completely understood what humans see in that
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LOOP A new era in mass transit began in Illinois Monday. Senior citizens ride buses and trains for free. Several riders claim they didn't need the benefit, saying the old half-fare system was good enough, others cited the tough economy and fixed incomes
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PREDICTED SNOWFALL COULD BRING 2007-2008 TOTAL INTO TOP 10 SNOWIEST WINTER IN CHICAGO HISTORY! Talk about depressing, folks! Snow, cold, wind, grey skies - a tease of sunshine and a hint of warmth - followed by - Snow, cold, wind, grey skies. The National
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Even though we've got cooler weather in Chicago, it's always worth it to try out some new recipes that are lighter and use sheer force of will to bring on Spring and Summer. Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 25 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients: 1/4 cup
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• 3,850 sq. ft., 4BR/ 3 1/2 BA Colonial - ONLY $599,500! MLS® 06830271 Bartlett IL - Incredible Executive-Styled Home on Extra-Large Wooded Lot is the Cream of Regency Oaks! Four Large Bedrooms, Three and One-Half Baths. This immaculate property
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The winter can be hard on your trees and shrubs, from snow and ice breaking branches to severe wind damage. Hopefully the snow is done for the year, but in Chicago you never know. Anytime there is heavy snow, gently bounce off the branches with the bristles
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EFFECTIVE, TODAY, MARCH 17th, THOSE OVER 65 RIDE FREE ON MASS TRANSIT - BUT SPECIAL ID CARD IS NEEDED! Here in the Chicago area, the very first day of FREE rides on the CTA L and Bus Lines, PACE Suburban Buses, and METRA Commuter Rail was pretty much
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SOMETHING FOR THE ARTISTS So the other day I was reading through some email and came across this web site. It's called Desktopography , which is a non-profit established in 2005 for the graphic design industry. The great thing about this site is that
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• 2 Bedroom Condo - Open Floor Plan! - Only $177,400! MLS® 06624804 Rogers Park, Chicago - Lakewood Court 2 Bedroom! Steps to the Lake, and Two Blocks to Loyola University! Red Line L and Sheridan Road Bus each One Block Away! This Classic Courtyard
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Top of the Morning, to You - and Happy St. Patrick's Day! For many sellers having difficulty moving their home, despite what appears to be right pricing and proper presentation and staging, renting out their old home, in order to move to their new
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TENANTS CAN OFFSET MORTGAGE COST, HELP MAINTAIN, MAKE FINANCING NEW HOME EASIER - BUT DO YOU WANT TO BE A LANDLORD? "Since I can't seem to sell right now, should we rent out our home?" Several of our sellers have asked us that question when
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INSPECTION, FINANCING ISSUES OFTEN DOOM SIGNED DEALS! In Chicago and all over the suburbs these days, properties for sale often have extended market times. Even the best staged, most-competitively-priced listings don't sell as quickly as they used
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BUYER'S TAX TO REMAIN AT OLD $7.50/M RATE, BUT CHICAGO SELLERS MUST NOW PAY ADDITIONAL $3.00 PER THOUSAND OF PURCHASE PRICE! Under the final City of Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax plan, due to take effect on April 1, 2008, the total tax burden to
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THE CUBS PLAY AT US CELLULAR?? With the immediate future of the Chicago Cubs ownership in obvious question there has been speculation as to how the Cubs would renovate Wrigley Field in an appropriate timeframe so as to accommodate a six-month regular
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Our city will be celebrating this weekend with two grand celebrations downtown. What to do, what to do? There will be family fun for everyone to be had. Choosing which to do will be your biggest challenge, Why not do both! You can start the day with the
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THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! I'm saving my money, you dogs! Would like a brand new bike, in time for cycling this Spring here in Chicago. You know, there aren't too
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CRIMINALS FORGING SIGNATURES ON QUIT CLAIM DEEDS, THEN TAPPING EQUITY, COSTING HOMEOWNERS THOUSANDS - AND THEIR HOMES! The criminal act seems simple, yet so devious! Find out who owns a particular property through public records. Draw up, forge, and have
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COM ED CITES HIGHER POWER PRICES CULPRIT IN AVERAGE $2 INCREASE IN AVERAGE BILL! Back in 2006, a ten-year rate freeze on electric rates in and around Chicago expired, leading to major increases in residential electric bills beginning that January, 2007.
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FOOD, WAR AND TRADITION! ROGERS PARK As a first-generation immigrant, Chandrakant Modi often found himself at funerals mourning not only his relatives but also the loss of sacred rituals. He is accustomed to sandalwood floral garlands placed around the
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THE FAMOUS FAMILY SAUCE FOR GREEK MACARONI! If you would like the macaroni recipe, give me a shout. The key to all Greek macaroni is in the cheese so be sure to buy Mizithra cheese, which will bring out the flavor in your sauce. Difficulty: Easy Prep
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40% CITY OF CHICAGO REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX TO TAKE EFFECT APRIL 1ST. WHO WILL PAY? When the City of Chicago passed an increase to its already-high Real Estate Transfer Tax last February, it was assumed the full burden of this new tax would fall on the
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CHECK YOUR TREES THIS SPRING FOR DANGEROUS INSECTS It's a good idea in the spring to keep an eye on your trees for traces of troublesome insects that will cause problems as we move into warmer weather. Experts from Morton Arboretum tell us three are
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• 850 sq. ft., 2BR/1BA Value-Priced Rehab ! - MLS® 06824664 ONLY $169,500! Albany Park, Chicago - If you're looking for convenience, loaction, and top appointments - look no further! Compact-yet-stunning top floor 2 bedroom - renovated in
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• 860 sq. ft., 1 Bedroom in Metropolitan Place - MLS® 06822394 ONLY $247,000 - GARAGE PARKING INCLUDED! West Loop, Chicago - Metropolitan Place – INCLUDES HEATED GARAGE PARKING! Charming 1Bedroom in West Loop Mid-Rise, All-Amenity Building.
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NO SPYWARE, NO ADWARE, COMPLETELY FREE! Of course, you know I had to find something free. It's been a while and I was introduced to this great site. It's called Lime Wire . Imagine wanting to add some music to your iPod and just not wanting to
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Good Morning, Everyone! Last month, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, employers trimmed 63,000 jobs from their payrolls, far more than experts had expected. Will this news, combined with the threat of economic recession and high gas prices, scare
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PURCHASES OF MANY BIG-TICKET ITEMS MAY GO ONLINE, OR OUT OF STATE! As you no doubt know by now, Sales Taxes in an around Chicago are going up! Effective April 1, 2008 , the Sales Tax in Chicago will be increasing by 0.25%, in most suburbs 0.50%. The increase
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FEBRUARY - 63,000 JOBS CUT - HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE MAY, 2003! JANUARY JOB LOSSES FAR WORSE THAN ORIGINALLY PROJECTED. Often - PERCEPTION dictates REALITY! This could be true in the Real Estate Market here in Chicago, and across the nation. The U.S. Labor
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TWO-YEAR-OLD EARLIER START TO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SECOND SUNDAY IN MARCH EACH YEAR! You know that hour of sleep you gained last fall when you turned your clocks back an hour? Well, it's time to give it back, at 2:00AM Sunday morning, March
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WHAT DOES THE 2008 LOCAL SPORTS YEAR LOOK LIKE? It's tough right now to be a Chicagoan and witness the developments of our sports teams. Unless you're an AHL fan rooting on the Chicago Wolves or an AFL fan rooting on the Chicago Rush , there's
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Calling all Gardeners -- and those who have spring fever, like me, especially after this past Sunday's mild temperature! The 2008 Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show kicks off this Saturday, March 8 th , and runs through Sunday, March 16 th , at the
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SPECIAL TAX APPEAL PERIOD SET - MARCH 17TH - ST FOR COOK COUNTY RESIDENTS! Last year, Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago received City Council approval for an $86 Million Dollar Property Tax Increase for city residents. The increases will be reflected on
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THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! This would be me , getting ready for another road trip last Spring in Chicago with my Human Dad, Team Leader Dean! Wheee!! According to the Travel
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NW SUBURBAN PALATINE, OTHER BORDER SUBURBS, DISCUSS CREATION OF NEW IL COUNTY TO ESCAPE HIGHER TAX BITE! When you live in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs , one thing you notice quickly is the difference in tax levels across city and county boundaries
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BIKES, POTHOLES, THEATRE AND MORE! EDGEWATER With Chicago facing, perhaps reeling, under the worst pothole crisis, something needs to be done. Most of this is being blamed on the temperature fluctuations from single digits to more than 60 degrees in recent
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HERE'S HOPING THIS BRINGS ABOUT WARMER WEATHER! Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5-7 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients: 1/2 cup walnut halves 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground
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ALL CTA L STATIONS WILL SOON ACCEPT PLASTIC FOR FARE CARDS GOOD ON TRAINS, BUSES! In a major convenience move, riders on Chicago Transit Authority L Trains and Buses will soon be able to pay their fares using their Visa, Master Card, Discover, or American
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START GREENING UP YOUR HOUSE WITH A TANKLESS WATER HEATER Technology advances and increased popularity are making tankless water heaters more affordable and attainable for the general public. Depending on the system used energy savings can be as high
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ACTION REQUESTED BY TRIBUNE COMPANY, OWNER OF CUBS, COULD SET PRECEDENT FOR REVERSING EARLIER DECISIONS! In 2004, the Landmarks Committee of the Chicago City Council granted Landmark Status for many elements of Chicago's historic home of the Cubs,
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CCLEANER 2.04 Every time I think about how much I need to protect my information, I'm reminded about using all sorts of different programs that will help keep my system running smoothly and efficiently. Of course, when I first get to this thought
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Good Morning, Everyone! Many homeowners seeking to re-fi their old home loans to take advantage of today's attractive interest rates are often being stymied by the holders of their second mortgage loan. As recently as a few years ago, borrowers with
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NOW HARDER TO ENJOY TODAY'S BEST RATES, AVOID ADJUSTABLE RATE RESET! When the housing market was strong, and steady and predictable home appreciation almost always assured, getting a refinance loan for most home borrowers was easy. Here in Chicago,
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CUBS AND WHITE SOX GEAR UP FOR SEASON Yes, it remains a focus of mine. The baseball season is less than a month away and I couldn't be happier. I know that much of that has to do with our inclement weather here in Chicago as well as the optimism I
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CHICAGO SALES TAX TO INCREASE TO 10.25%, SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY - 9.0% EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2008! In an eleventh-hour move to forestall severe cuts to city services and health care, The Cook County Board of Commissioners, led by Board President Todd Stroger,
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