Chicago Real Estate

Ryan Wallenfang

Summer Is Finally Here

Ryan Wallenfang

Ah, nothing like 70 degrees, sunny and living in Chicago. I have a few rules about living here, most of them are about doing more. Some of them I take a little heat for, like not going to Wrigley Field until the Ivey has turned green. There are about 40,000 people in the early weeks of baseball, per game, that disagree with this one. But, we have options here; you can visit some of the pubs in the immediate area, watch the Cubs and still get the feel of the ball park. And, no lines or bitter winds that accompany early season play. But, the cold won’t matter much longer, because it’s starting to warm up and the canopy of green comes pretty fast in Chicago. In a couple more days our weather beaten, barren trees will dawn beautiful new suits of green leaves. There is just so much activity this time of year: smiling people in the streets, sidewalk cafés start to fill up and the outdoor gardens open - it’s Weiss beer season and yes, I’ll have a lemon with that.

At this point it may sounds like all we do is eat, watch baseball and drink beer, but that is just the beginning of summer here. I can’t wait to go sail, watch the first regatta of the year: the NOOD, where everyone is fully clothed, it stands for “National Offshore One Design”. I also make a point of charting a boat from the Chicago Sailing Club for my clients. Last year I took about 60 of my clients on three evening trips to Navy Pier, a beautiful fireworks show and a little wine and cheese.

We have great music venues, too. The Grant Park Symphony is something that I don’t get enough of each year and a trip to Ravinia is a must. And, we have street fairs every weekend with live music and great food. One of the first I make it to is the Andersonville street fair on the north side of Chicago. And, there are many more. Each weekend has several all over the city. Great food and great music are the foundations of summer life in Chicago.

May 4, 2007 11:53 am • In: Neighborhoods
Ryan Wallenfang

Little Fish In A Big Pond - The Business Of Foreclosed Property

Ryan Wallenfang

I have gotten a number of calls recently about buying foreclosed property. Most are people looking for a bargain. I have a few clients who do this for a living and they have been doing it for decades. So, if you think buying foreclosures could be for you, here is what my investor and builder clients have to say about it: “it’s a tough business,” for the pro and novice, alike. (Read More…)

May 2, 2007 3:27 pm • In: The Agent's Perspective
Rebecca Siffel

Chicago Real Estate…. At The Top of the List Again

Rebecca Siffel

There’s no doubt about it I love Chicago….grew up here, went to school in Ohio, lived in Washington DC for awhile, and after that stint decided I need to get back. My now husband was determined on moving to Seattle and all I could say was, “doesn’t it rain there most of the year?” It wasn’t happening. (Read More…)

May 1, 2007 1:44 pm • In: Neighborhoods
Gus Vlangos

Yiasou Greektown Neighborhood!

Gus Vlangos

Did you ever wonder why so many Greeks are in the restaurant business? I’m Greek, first generation born in America, and I didn’t have the slightest idea and my family has been in the business for more than 35 years! I did a little research and found out that back in the late 1800’s, when many Greeks were immigrating to Chicago’s Greektown Neighborhood, it was very hard for them to find work to support there families. What they did know was cooking and baking, Greek staples such as tiropita, spanakopita, souvlaki, and such. What’s great about all these food items is that they are easily portable. It didn’t take them long to figure out that they could take these food items to the streets and offer them to the public for sale. So, to make a long story short, Greek immigrants got there start in the restaurant business as push cart vendors. They saved up there money and eventually opened up brick and mortar establishment’s and the rest, as they say, is history. The Greektown Neighborhood of Chicago is located roughly between Van Buren and Madison along Halsted St. It borders the West Loop Neighborhood to the West and the Loop Neighborhood to the East, just over the 90/94 expressway. What makes this such a great neighborhood is it’s proximity to so many Chicago destinations. You know what the three most important factors in real estate are: Location, Location, Location! At lunchtime during the week the neighborhood is thriving with activity from all the 9-5er’s in the Loop taking their lunch break at one of the many excellent Greek restaurants. On any given night, you have a whole other group of people enjoying the well priced food and great service that Greektown Neighborhood provides as well as free valet parking! How can you beat that? You can catch a bite before the symphony or the Bulls game and be at your event in less than 5 minutes. It’s also one of the few destinations in Chicago where every restaurant is open till at least midnight. Greektown Neighborhood also boasts a thriving nightlife. During the summer nights, you can sit outdoors or on a rooftop overlooking the Chicago skyline while sipping on a glass of wine or an ice cold frappe coffee. When you’re done, you can catch some live Greek entertainment at one of the local bouzouki lounges that are open till 4 a.m. I’ve been known to smash a plate or two, but I would not recommend it. Hey, this is a slice of Greece but it’s not Greece.
March 13, 2007 2:23 pm • In: Neighborhoods
Arika Owens

The Bronzeville Renaissance

Arika Owens

If you ever have the opportunity to speak with those who frequented the Bronzeville Neighborhood in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, take full advantage of it. You will see their eyes light up as they reminisce about how rich and vibrant Bronzeville was in its heydays. Bronzeville, for many African-Americans, was the place to be; and 47th street was the center of culture and life in Bronzeville. During the day, 47th Street was a flourishing commercial area that at night transformed into a pulsating entertainment spot. Men in dress suits and hats and ladies in dresses and high heels would come to 47th street to see and be seen. Celebrities, intellectuals, and business owners were Bronzeville Neighborhood regulars. It was certainly a happening era in Chicago. Then, during the late 60’s through the early 80’s, Bronzeville, like many other inner city neighborhoods suffered from an economic decline. But now with the real estate redevelopment occurring in Chicago, there is a boom of condos, single-family homes, and lofts in this area. In addition, there has been a massive restoration of the numerous brownstones and greystones in Bronzeville and Bronzeville’s renaissance is in full effect. Real estate in this Chicago neighborhood ranges from affordable pricing to the luxury home price. This has made Bronzeville a desirable location for people of varied income levels. Bronzeville’s rich history, current revitalization, and proximity to the lake and downtown make it an ideal Chicago neighborhood for both singles and entire families.
2:20 pm • In: Neighborhoods
Ryan Wallenfang

Lincoln Square Neighborhood History

Ryan Wallenfang

Long before the intersection at Lawrence Avenue and Western Avenue was called the Lincoln Square Neighborhood, the area was mostly tranquil hardwood forest and lush green pasture land. Horse-drawn carts carried sleepy workers up a sandy path that was Western Avenue. It was the outskirts of Chicago where people would camp in the forest as immigrants found work in pickle and onion fields or tended livestock on the farms. After the Chicago fire, strict building codes forbade the construction of wood-frame homes within the city limits. So, people moved to the less congested, green acreage North and West of the city’s center. Many of them German immigrants, they built less expensive wood structures in what became the Budlong Woods Neighborhood, the Ravenswood Neighborhood, and the Winnemac Neighborhood. (Read More…)

February 26, 2007 3:15 pm • In: Neighborhoods
Eric Rojas

Buy A Multi-Unit

Eric Rojas

The Chicago Tribune Real Estate section ran a story about buying multi-unit buildings for investment. The gist is, rents are pretty good again so multi-units offer a good way to invest in real estate. Several local real estate heavyweights were tapped for advice (somehow I must have missed that call). (Read More…)

February 22, 2007 3:43 pm • In: The Agent's Perspective
Geno Petro

One Zero Makes All The Difference

Geno Petro

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…)

10:43 am • In: The Agent's Perspective
Geno Petro
Q


Is The Internet Really As Important A Source For Buyers As What Is Purported?

Is the internet really as important a source for buyers of my property as what is purported?
Catherine, from the Loop

A

Ironically, we are communicating right now via the internet so my answer is yes, indeed. When a website such as ours logs over 100,000 visits a month then it pretty much goes without saying that maximum exposure can only be achieved though the internet—and its real time and accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the year, anywhere in the world.

Geno Petro

February 20, 2007 2:49 pm • In: Ask A Realtor
Rick Bell
Q


What Are The First Steps To Buying A Home?

What are the first steps to buying a home?
Robert, from Wrigleyville

A

Research – Many homebuyers have an idea of where they would like to live, but they do not have an idea about the cost housing. Start your research online. (Read More…)

Rick Bell

February 13, 2007 3:40 pm • In: Ask A Realtor
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