The Agent's Perspective

Look down. No really, look down at these two very similar blue houses. They both are blue for starters; in fact they both are ’starters.’ One is on a tract of land that is 33×50 (feet that is), the other is on a half acre. Both have basements. Both are described as ‘Peaceful’ and both are located in Midwest states –the heartland of America, if you will. (Read More…)

Home prices are still rising in Chicago. While other areas of the country continue to see declining home prices, Chicago continues to eke out a modest gain. See: Chicago Housing Continues to Appreciate

There are good reasons for this, too… (Read More…)

I have to share this story with you all!! I recently met a lovely couple at an open house in the West Loop. They were scanning the place and comparing room sizes to their condo down the street . When I asked them if they liked the place, they quickly replied, ” Oh, we are not buying, just trying hard to sell our place.” They told me that they had just purchased 8 months ago and they bought the 1st place they saw without a Realtor®. But, (Read More…)

You’ve heard me say before that it’s only a buyer’s market if your actually buying, so you’re buying right? While we haven’t been inundated with them in the Chicago real estate market, I’m sure you’ve seen or heard more than one ad touting these “great” buyer incentives. (Read More…)

When your in the business of showing real estate, working with relatives can have both “positve” and “negative” components to it. The “positive” aspect of it is “you know where you stand.” It is not uncommon for clients to test the waters of other real estate agents and cheat on you, so to speak. With a relative, you know the loyalty is there unconditionally. If not, your family might need some counseling. The “negative” aspect of it is “you also know where the property stands” in a very blunt way. (Read More…)

Lately, it seems my buyer clients want to know if a seller will accept an offer… even when they have not made an offer.

That is, my buyers have not sat with me and formulated a written offer for purchase. (Read More…)

Ok, everyone has an opinion about the real estate market “bubble” in the Chicagoland area. Here is how I see it:
(Read More…)