Economic uncertainties have done little to stymie Chicago's robust real estate market, according to year-end numbers for 2004 from the Chicago Association of Realtors. The local trade group recorded a 9 percent increase in the number of properties sold in the city during 2004, and a 7 percent increase, to $251,000, in the overall median home price (the "median" price marks the mid-point, with half the homes selling for more and half for left, and is not an average). (more…)

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage stood at 5.81 percent this week, up from 5.75 percent the week before, capping a year of record-low rates that spurred a booming real estate market, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. (more…)

What will the 2005 real estate market look like in Chicago?

While the Gold Coast remains the biggest market in the booming downtown area, "new" neighborhoods such as the West Loop, South Loop, Loop, River North and New East Side will continue to receive a growing amount of attention, according to Gail Lissner, of Appraisal Research Counselors. (more…)

Fueled by a reviving American economy, the apartment rental industry is turning the corner toward a rebound, experts say, but the job picture will have to improve if the apartment market is to fully recover. (more…)

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage stood at 5.7 percent this week, down from 5.8 percent last week, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. (more…)

While real estate investors generally express cautious optimism about industry performance in 2005, concerns over the economy and job growth coupled with the likelihood of higher interest rates are curbing expectations for a robust year, according to Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2005, a new report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. (more…)

Homeowners in Cook County have until Monday to pay their property taxes, according to the Cook County Treasurer. Late checks for the second payment of property owners' 2003 tax bills will result in a 1.5 percent charge for each month they're overdue.

Mailed payments must be postmarked no later than Monday. Property owners also can pay online at www.cookcountytreasurer.com, at the treasurer's office or at 138 LaSalle Bank locations. (more…)

Chicago's housing market continues to break records for both the number of units sold and median prices, according to a local trade group. (more…)

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage stood at 5.69 percent this week, down from last week, when it averaged 5.74 percent, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. (more…)

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage stood at 5.72 percent this week, up slightly from last week when it averaged 5.7 percent, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Last year at this time, the 30-year rate averaged 5.98 percent. (more…)