Category: Columnists
Chicago market defies housing bubble but ultra-luxury sales are slowing down
Reports of a "housing bubble" may have been greatly exaggerated in downtown Chicago compared with other housing markets nationwide, real estate expe [...]
TV home makeover shows give "DIY-ers" false confidence in renovation ability
The makers of home improvement shows like This Old House and Extreme Makeover have a lot to answer for. These programs give the impression that you ca [...]
Exotic mortgages are "time bombs" for moderate-income homebuyers
With mortgage interest rates on the rise, it's becoming more of a financial struggle for cash-strapped Americans to step across the threshold of a n [...]
Sales still strong as downtown condo building continues at record levels
The pace of condominium development in downtown Chicago continues at record levels, and despite rumblings about softening demand, sales of new units [...]
Don't rely on city to ensure quality of construction on your new house or condo
In a way, the function of the home inspector is to confirm that the price being paid for a property makes sense based on its condition. Home inspecto [...]
High-rises push south to Cermak Road as red-hot South Loop bursts its borders
With a lakefront location and plenty of vacant land for residential high-rise development, Chicago's red-hot South Loop neighborhood is about to burs [...]
Live the high life without headaches by thoroughly vetting high-rise condos
Chicago is in the midst of a high-rise condo boom, but before signing on the dotted line, buyers should look away from the enchanting skyline views a [...]
High-rise condominium boom fuels Manhattanization of downtown Chicago
The Manhattanization of Chicago likely will accelerate in the second half of 2006 as a record number of new high-rise condominium projects moves from [...]
Green roofs bring savings, peace of mind and protection – if installed correctly
Green roofs have been sprouting up on residential and commercial buildings across the city, especially since Mayor Richard M. Daley began offering dev [...]
Buyers should look for the construction features that wow home inspectors
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Over the years, I've talked at great length about the problems that arise when developers cut corners or settle for sloppy workmanship. This month [...]
Homeowners might see property taxes skyrocket in 2006 as Springfield battle brews
A real estate donnybrook is shaping up in Cook County in 2006, with homeowners pitted against the owners of big apartment buildings, office towers a [...]
Downtown condo development continued at record-breaking pace in first quarter
Talk of a housing bubble lingers, resales soften, and other major real estate markets slow, but in Chicago, sales of new downtown condos continue to [...]
Seven sins to watch for in new-construction condos
New Construction Corner
I recently completed my 650th inspection of a new-construction condominium and found seven problems that significantly affec [...]
Heavy competition forecast for ultra-luxury condos downtown in 2006
City Homes
Developers of ultra-luxury downtown condominium buildings had better buckle their seatbelts in 2006 because experts say marketers of high- [...]
Electrical and plumbing systems are not always new in conversions
New Construction Corner
Most vintage condominium conversions in Chicago these days are "gut rehabs." This means that the developer keeps only the she [...]
Massive housing projects planned in emerging Chicago neighborhoods
City Homes
New-home buyers will have a potpourri of housing choices both in hot downtown enclaves and in emerging neighborhoods in 2006, real estate [...]
Don't play with fire – use caution in operating that new fireplace
New Construction Corner
Despite advances in heating technology, the humble fireplace remains a feature of many new homes, and with good reason. Nothi [...]
After record year in 2005, builders continue downtown condo boom
Housing Watch
Encouraged by record-breaking condo sales in downtown Chicago last year, when nearly 8,200 new units sold, developers are gearing up fo [...]
Attractive rehabs, pricing and locations let conversions compete with new condos
By the end of 2005, more than 4,000 rental units in downtown Chicago will have converted to condominiums, according to estimates by Appraisal Research [...]
Professional punch list now can save buyers money later
Recently, when a Tomacor home inspector tried to complete a home inspection with our client the builder became outraged. "You can't bring that guy in [...]