Category: Uncategorized
Preparing for changes in the FHA process
On Nov. 1, several changes to the FHA approval process will go into effect, including the elimination of spot approval for condos, the addition of t [...]
A pro's POV: A home inspector's take on the market and construction issues
I'm running into more people buying foreclosures or distressed buildings than before -- situations where the previous owner can no longer afford their [...]
Shark bites: taking hefty chomps out of three Gold Coast condos
Every week we scan Matt Garrison's CondoShark.com to check out the biggest price cuts on homes in Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods. Here are jus [...]
When Rogers Park was a dirty word
Michael Glasser of Magellen Properties was one of the founding members of the Rogers Park Builders Group in the early '90s, when "Rogers Park was a [...]
Five easy pieces: Laurie Kocal
I met Laurie Kocal of Prudential Rubloff at a brokers open house at Superior 110 in River North on Wednesday evening, and asked her to take part in [...]
The nearly news: a Rogers Park garden
Last weekend while touring Rogers Park open houses, I found this two-bedroom / one-bath condo resale that was completely rehabbed a year ago. Unit G [...]
Following Francesca: Sweeping views from 600 North Fairbanks' southeast corner
This two-bedroom condo on the southeast corner of 600 North Fairbanks boasts a curved wall of nine 7' x 10' windows, giving its owner a sweeping vie [...]
Debunking common mortgage myths
Changes in the market, shifts toward and away different types of mortgages, and a lack of experience with brokers can all create misconceptions in t [...]
The most important thing: Renting to own in Rogers Park
A few years ago there was a lot of development here, conversions. Some buildings were fully gutted with new electrical and plumbing, others, with the [...]
Keep your friends close in guest suites at Streeter Place
Rachel Brandstaetter, Director of Leasing and Marketing for Streeterville rental high-rise Streeter Place, gives me a few more details about this pr [...]
Web presence: SoNo, fo' sho!
Once a week we'll check out the "Web presence" of one residential development, from Web sites for the building and its developer, architect, condo ass [...]
Following Francesca: The evolving amenities in Streeterville buildings
A war is raging in Streeterville, one whose trenches are found in the lobbies, fitness rooms, private theaters, and terraces of the neighborhood's c [...]
Designing for a cure at 565 Quincy
Through Sunday, Oct. 11, four newly furnished lofts and condos will be open for public viewing at 565 Quincy, Belgravia Group's combo loft conversio [...]
What's happening with jumbo loans?
Jumbo loans are loans larger than those that qualify for conforming, FHA, and VA programs -- typically more than $417,000 in today's market. During [...]
Five easy pieces: Emily Sachs Wong
Koenig & Strey agent Emily Sachs Wong is one of the top-producing agents in North Side neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, River North, L [...]
Streeter Place: furnished with views
After we took a look around at Club 355, Director of Leasing and Marketing for Streeter Place Rachel Brandstaetter walked me through a one-bedroom m [...]
Customize a condo at West Sherwin Place
This weekend I took a look at some rehabbed condos at Baird & Warner's West Sherwin Place in Rogers Park. A sign out front exclaims "60% Sold!" [...]
Floor plan faceoff: lakeside living in two Rogers Park two-bedrooms
Turn east off of Sheridan in Rogers Park and you'll quickly run out of road, as just about every street cul-de-sacs at the edge of a beach or a lak [...]
The shift to FHA-backed financing
"Three years ago nobody would touch it. Now everybody is clamoring to get it." That's how Joe Zekas opens this segment on FHA-backed loans with Amer [...]
'L' stops and home sales in the 27th Ward
We were concerned about there not being a stop between Clinton Street and Ashland, which is more than a mile if I'm not mistaken. There's nothing in t [...]