February 2009 - Posts
This weekend Chicago is hosting some spirits and romance in some interesting venues that will be sure to delight you and yours. Odyssey Saturday Champagne Dinner Cruise located aboard The Odyssey: Navy Pier 600 E Grand, Chicago, IL. Set out on a cruise
Read More...
SCHAUMBURG IL VILLAGE MANAGER FEARS BUSINESS COULD GO DOWN IF RED LIGHT CAMERAS STAY UP! You a Boomer? You know, one of those rapidly aging folks who came of age in the 1960's and early 1970's? If so, you might remember the famed series of recorded
Read More...
THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! Hey, you dogs! A bit of a sad day for Chicago Basketball Fans - Chicago Bulls Greats Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr each passed away
Read More...
LINCOLN PARK AND LAKEVIEW Secondhand stores also are doing well, given the current economic climate. In a national survey of 182 resale shops, 74 percent reported increased sales for the end of 2008 in comparison to the end of the year for 2007. "People
Read More...
I know, I know, it's a little early but I'm getting ready for St. Patrick's Day. Hope you enjoy this great soda bread. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Servings: 12 INGREDIENTS: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking
Read More...
CHICAGO HOME SALES, MEDIAN SALES PRICE TUMBLE VERSUS YEAR AGO! Picture, if you will, sitting at Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago for a Chicago Cubs Game . It's versus the hated St. Louis Cardinals , and we're down by three runs. Bottom
Read More...
It’s best to take on large scale cleaning projects one step at a time and one room at a time. First, stand in the middle of the room and ask, “What needs to be done?” 1. Pull the furniture away from the walls . Wash the walls from bottom
Read More...
FEARS SURROUNDING DEEPENING RECESSION, ESCALATING UNEMPLOYMENT, NATIONALIZED BANKING, MORE FORECLOSURES, AND PLUMMETING STOCKS AS FOURTH-LARGEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY CONVENES IN FL! Just over two years ago, our little Real Estate Team - Dean's Team
Read More...
So last week I decided enough is enough and started looking for a new computer. I was looking for something generic - nothing too fancy but with enough hard disk space and fairly large RAM size. My first inclination was to go to eBay . They have some
Read More...
Good Morning! Poor economic conditions are creating another kind of tragedy in Chicago - vacant homes and units in large condo buildings - even in the city's more affluent neighborhoods! For those few residents who have closed on their units in such
Read More...
CHANGE TO FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY RULE WOULD ALLOW JUDGES TO REDUCE THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OWED ON BK-FILING BORROWERS! In an attempt to forestall the rising number of foreclosures across the country - and help some distressed homeowners in danger of losing
Read More...
CONDO BUILDINGS IN ROGERS PARK, WEST RIDGE, CHICAGO LAWN, KENWOOD SIT NEARLY ENTIRELY VACANT - WOES GALORE FOR UNIT OWNERS STILL THERE! The "Old Days!" They weren't so long ago! Builders would get loans to rehab old, 1920's-era Chicago
Read More...
WHO DEVELOPED CHICAGO DEEP DISH PIZZA? DEPENDS ON WHO YOU ASK! There is talk in this crazy City of Chicago to give Landmark Status to the building in which world-famous Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza was invented. Well, actually, that makes good sense - we're
Read More...
I don't know about the rest of you, but I sure am tired of all the doom and gloom news on practically every channel these days! So, I decided to check out some fun things to do this weekend away from home, and the T.V., without having to spend an
Read More...
T HE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! Hey, you dogs! Sorry I'm a bit late with my post tonight. But I have a good excuse! Have you heard of that new social networking site for dogs
Read More...
Hunter's Ridge, Grayslake - This lovely 3BR/2BA home at 1190 Hummingbird Lane in Grayslake features a sunny living and dining room - stunning new Cherry flooring. Large kitchen with breakfast area, adjoining family room - Billiard Room in Basment.
Read More...
SOUTH LOOP Kroll's South Loop is offering Mardi Gras themed dishes. Come dine on jambalaya and corn bread or perhaps you would like Cajun shrimp. Then sip on a festive beverage of rum punch and $5 Abita beers. Join the fun on Tuesday at 1736 S. Michigan
Read More...
NEW FED PROGRAM ALLOWS FOR QUALIFIED FIRST-TIME BUYERS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY TAP CITY-SPONSORED CREDIT! You know, today, right here in Chicago, our Little Real Estate Team saved two of our clients a total of $20,000! That's because the provisions of the
Read More...
Sometimes you just need a quick recipe to put together in a pinch. This one is actually inspired by our friends from Greektown . Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Servings: 6 INGREDIENTS: 6 (6 inch) whole wheat pita breads 1 (6 ounce) tub sun-dried
Read More...
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING DEATHS UP IN 2008! Despite enhanced safety measures to safeguard pedestrians crossing the streets of Chicago, crossing fatalities were up last year across the city. Tracy Swartz, Reporter for The Chicago Tribune and The Red Eye Newspapers,
Read More...
Last week in Chicago we got a taste of spring weather. One day it was even in the 60s! So now the time (and motivation) is here for spring cleaning . In the next few weeks I'll give you tips on different aspects of cleaning around the house and yard.
Read More...
Have you heard of this latest in decorating? I just learned about this last week when I was at a training session at the Keller Williams office. It's called Techorating and it's one of the latest things happening in the real estate market. Most
Read More...
DISPUTE BETWEEN PARTNERS COULD DOOM RETRO FAR NORTH SIDE OF CHICAGO VENUE! Often times, in a big city like Chicago , the old becomes new again! Old residential and commercial structures become renovated, and cater to a new-generation clientèle.
Read More...
Good Morning! As we await President Obama's plans for stabilizing the U.S. Housing and Credit Market, some larger U.S. Banks, including those with a big Chicago Presence - Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank - are imposing a temporary moratorium
Read More...
Immaculate Home - Quiet Neighborhood! • Recently Updated 2BR Georgian - Value Priced! Dunning Neighborhood of Chicago - This Immaculate West Dunning Georgian Home is perfectly located on a very quiet one-way street. Out-of-the-way Chicago Neighborhood,
Read More...
LOCAL INVESTORS SEEK BULK SALES TO BUILD REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO! NATIONAL BUILDER WANTS TO CLEAR INVENTORY! Buying distressed properties for investment is nothing new! For years, those with adequate funding sought distressed homes, estate sales, and those
Read More...
BANKS WITH BIG CHICAGO PRESENCE - CHASE, BANK OF AMERICA, CITIGROUP - AMONG EIGHT LENDERS TO SUSPEND FORECLOSURES! With President Obama's nearly-$800 Billion Economic Stimulus Program scheduled for signature this week, and the next phase of the Trouble
Read More...
February 2009 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hunter's Ridge, Grayslake - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 1190 Hummingbird Lane, Grayslake,
Read More...
This weekend was made for love and romance. Take your special guy or gal out on the town with a nice variety of things everyone is sure to enjoy. This weekend at McCormick Place, located at 2301 South Martin Luther King Drive, come out and see the auto
Read More...
THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! Blog, blog, blog! Sometimes, it seems as if a Lil' White Dog's work is never done! Foreclosure is a tragedy - unfortunately touching thousands
Read More...
DESPITE GLUT OF CONDOS ON MARKET IN SOME NEIGHBORHOODS, CHICAGO MEDIAN CONDO PRICE ROSE 5% IN 2008! With so many condos for sale across the City of Chicago , what must a developer do to sell his new ones? Offer Incentives! Deep Discounts! And . . . be
Read More...
$789 BILLION COMPROMISE PROPOSAL STILL NEEDS FINAL PASSAGE, APPROVAL! Income tax credits of up to $800 for millions of Americans. Extended Unemployment Benefits , with a higher limit. Tax Credits for Small Businesses and Students. Billions of dollars
Read More...
LOOP Mother Nature's mood can be fickle, as Midwesterners are well aware. Saturday was beautiful. The temperature hit a near-record 56 degrees at 3:01 p.m. Saturday. A few hours earlier, an ice sculptor at the Frozen Fun Fest in Millennium Park, had
Read More...
This past weekend I went out of town with a friend and we tried some excellent breakfast muffins that were amazing. While I wasn't able to coerce the recipe from the chef, I was able to find this recipe which I think you'll definitely like. Prep
Read More...
UNCERTAINTY IN U.S. FINANCIAL MARKETS CAUSES STOCKS TO TUMBLE 4.6% TODAY! TIMING OF HOUSING MARKET TURNAROUND? NOT IMMEDIATELY! A couple of things are sure of the new administration of President Barack Obama. First, nobody is going to confuse his administration's
Read More...
Spring is not too far away here in the Chicago area. These past few days have been most welcome after the several feet of snow and bone chilling cold we have had this winter. I actually saw people in shorts last weekend! Now is the time to check around
Read More...
RISK-BASED FEE STRUCTURE COULD INCREASE COST OF A LOAN SIGNIFICANTLY! BAD TIMING? Here's a 100-words-or-less summary of the Mortgage Market in Chicago today: Credit is tight. Underwriting Rules often preclude those with marginal credit or low down
Read More...
On February 4 th , Google released its newest mobile device feature, the Latitude "Stalking" application that's able to track your friend's whereabouts. My initial reaction was, "Wow, imagine what Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction
Read More...
Good Morning! President Obama's Economic Stimulus Program. Will it pass the U.S. Senate early this week? And what changes will be made by the joint Senate/House Conference Committee, where the actual details of the final bill will be debated? And,
Read More...
TERM ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES LOAN FACILITY (TALF) WOULD BE BACKED BY CERTAIN CONSUMER AND SMALL BUSINESS DEBT! Today, across the U.S., money is tight! Financing for small businesses seeking to grow or purchase new capital equipment is tough to come by.
Read More...
DEM/GOP COMPROMISE COULD COST TAXPAYERS UPWARDS OF $780 BILLION! BUT . . . WILL IT TURN HOUSING AROUND? President Barack Obama has not had the easiest first three weeks of his term! The man who promised a bi-partisan spirit in government during the 2008
Read More...
February 2009 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 North Barrington - Please stop by our Open House at 570 Christopher Drive on Sunday, February 8 from 12:00
Read More...
With temperatures rising above freezing this weekend in Chicago, you might consider partaking in one of the following outdoor activities, especially if you're climbing the walls: The Lakeview Polar Bear Club's Eighth Annual Celebration of Shrinkage
Read More...
THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG! Do you dogs bark on the cell phone while driving? C'mon - fess up! I know some of you do! What about texting ? Naah . . . that would be REAL
Read More...
LAKEVIEW Here are the beautiful words of artist, William Conger as reported to and reported by A. Artner at the Chicago Tribune on January 30, 2009: CHICAGO This is where I've had my experience. This is my lived experience. I can't pretend I haven't
Read More...
FOR 2007-08 SCHOOL YEAR, NEARLY 25,000 CERTIFIED TEACHERS APPLIED FOR ONLY 2,000 AVAILABLE POSITIONS! We've heard about teacher shortages across the U.S. for many years. In some locations, new teachers in public or private elementary and high schools
Read More...
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE - MORE THAN 50 BANKS HAVE REJECTED FED BAILOUT MONEY! You've read the stories in the business press, and seen it on Cable TV. Huge U.S. Banks and other financial institutions, receiving billions of dollars in Federal
Read More...
CHICAGO SHOE SELLER CHERNIN'S SHOE OUTLET GOING OUT OF BUSINESS - ONE OF THE LAST HIGH-VOLUME, HIGH-SERVICE SHOE STORES! Remember shoe shopping as a little kid - or, maybe, for some, as you got a little older? Doting salesmen, on commission, nicely
Read More...
It's that time of year when our Chicago weather is so unpredictable but one thing we all know is that it is definitely cold outside today! These sour cream chicken enchiladas are sure to keep you warm with all that spice. PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOK
Read More...
It's definitely cold outside and we all know that Punxsutawney Phil has already decided we have six more weeks of winter. Even so, planning ahead for your summer garden is going to take some time and effort so take the next six weeks to get your summer
Read More...
AVERAGE DAILY TEMP OF 15.9 DEGREES LAST MONTH MADE IT COLDEST IN 15 YEARS! Brrrrrr! Seemed cold last month here in Chicago . . . yes? Indeed, January, 2009 was the tenth coldest in City of Chicago Recorded Weather History, dating back nearly 140 years
Read More...
I wanted to share this important information that comes direct from Monster.com . First of all, as a reminder, with the new year you definitely need to start changing all your passwords. It should be something unique to you with both letters and numbers.
Read More...
Good Morning! Despite receiving billions of dollars from the Fed since last year, the biggest banks in the U.S have not increased their consumer and business lending, and credit remains frozen across the country. Thus, the housing market and business
Read More...
FOR LARGEST BANKS, LOANS OUTSTANDING FELL 1.4% DURING 4TH QUARTER, 2008! Portfolios of loans at some of the largest U.S. Banks fell last quarter, despite the sizable infusions of capital they received from Federal Troubled Assets Recovery Program (TARP)
Read More...
32 TOLL PLAZA SIGNS ON IL TOLLWAY WILL HAVE EX-GOVERNOR'S NAME EXPUNGED! SOME DRIVERS CHEER! Here in Chicago , in Illinois , and in other parts of the country, having your name plastered on highly-viewed signage, or in prominent ads or city-sponsored
Read More...
