Apr
24
Agent and Broker Blogs – Let the reader be aware!!!
Posted by Kyle Chang under Chicago, For Buyers, For Realty Professionals, For Sellers, NAR
There are some vast differences between the way one real estate agent works and advises clients and prospects and the type of education they have had. One simple search on popular real estate like Trulia.com’s Q&A Sections will instantly show this difference.
There are alleged and self proclaimed “Real Estate Pros” advising in public forum on legal matters and a tremedous amount of mis-information regarding the escrow laws — this is a practice commonly known as “Practicing law without a law license”. Despite the best efforts of the state’s regulartory department to increase all of the licensee’s education levels with the correct and current information, there are still alleged professionals out there posting incorrect and inaccurate information for un-educated consumers looking for help.
I wonder what their in-house legal counsel and their own managing brokers would think if they read some of these reponses that are clearly incorrect and clearly “Practicing law without a law license”??
In every industry there are those that do the right thing by the books and those who do believe their way is the best and only way. With over 170,000 real estate licensee in the state of Illinois you are bound to find some bad apples who do not take care of their clients properly and who practice the business incorrectly.
I am very happy that our brokerage always offers the clients a direct connection with the managing broker who periodically checks in on the clients to make sure they are satisfactory of how the transaction is progressing and to ensure that the broker they client they are working with is doing a satisfactory job.
Apr
12
Spring Weather & 2012 Season
Posted by Kyle Chang under Uncategorized
Some folks have been thrown off by the weather in the past couple of months which ranged from unseasonably warm 80 degree days in March and back to the colder ranges of April. There has been little moisture of late so some may ponder whether we would have our “May Flowers” bloom as the nursery rhyme states this year.
Regardless of the weather, The City of Chicago’s annual blooming of Tulips can be found all around the downtown loop planters and it’s just one of the many things that makes Chicago a great urban city to live and work in. And as with the yearly blooming of the Tulips it’s a great time for homeowners to think about listing their properties on the market and the buyers to think about purchasing a property again.
In Chicago renters typically move between the months of May thru September. Since most of the condo stock are now rentals again we expect this to be a busy rental season. There are great properties with very nice upgrades and amenities for the renters available in inventory.
We don’t quite know what effects the $25 Billion Foreclosure Settlement with the major banks across the nation will have yet on this sales season. Rumors in the industry are that banks are loosening up their underwriting standards slightly and obligated to process foreclosures much faster to clear the bottleneck of inventory in their holdings.
Here’s looking to a great Spring Season in 2012!
Aug
31
Activities for September 1st – 15th
Posted by Kyle Chang under For Buyers, For Realty Professionals, For Sellers, General Information, Local Events Calendar
Taste of Polonia
Enjoy non-stop live music, food and fun for all ages at the 32nd Annual Taste of Polonia over Labor Day weekend! **Five stages feature music for every taste from rock to dance to classical! Chicago™s own: Abba Salute, Rico, Libido Funk Circus, Hot Rocks, Gentleman of Leisure, Pink Freud, The Tony Ocean Show, Imposter Radio, and more! Polish artists: Sztywny Pal Azji, Lombard, Toony, Carrion! Plus: Maggie D, Fox, Freeze Dried, and Funky Polak! Classical Performances: Paderewski Symphony Orchestra and Chopin Choir. Plus a great line-up of Chicago club DJ’s on the dance stage each night! **Delicious, old-world Polish favorites like polska kielbasa, pierogi, potato pancakes and imported beers will surely satisfy your appetite! **Families can visit œKids World with The Entertainment Project, inflatables, face painting, Disney Princesses and special activities for the youngest guests! **The festival also offers traditional folk dance and theater performances, arcade games, œBig Nick™s Casino, free Polish cooking classes and a Festival Marketplace where you can shop for old-world treasures!
Dates: Sept. 2-4
Hours: Friday, 5p-11p/ Saturday & Sunday, Noon-11p/ Monday, Noon- 10p
Suggested Donations: Adults $7/ Seniors $3/ Kids under 12 are Free
Location: Copernicus Center, 5216 W Lawrence Ave
Public Transportation: visit www.transitchicago.com or www.metrarail.com
Windy City Wine Festival
This festival provides an opportunity to sample more than 270 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are conducted by event sponsors, exhibiting wineries, area chefs and restauranteurs. Some of the area™s best restaurants and caterers will sell their signature dishes. Live music will be performed on the festival stage. This event will take place rain or shine.
Dates: Sept. 9-10
Hours: Friday, 4p-10p/ Saturday, 3p-9p
Admission: Ten Tastings Ticket- $27 in advance $35 at the door/ Designated Driver Ticket- $10/ under 21- Free when accompanied by paid adult
Location: Buckingham Fountain, 200 N Columbus Drive
Public Transportation: visit www.transitchicago.com or www.metrarail.com
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the seventh annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. The Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 on Broadway Avenue, just north of Belmont. Lakeview East is a dynamic and diversified neighborhood community rich in culture, history and the arts. The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce works hand in hand with their local residents and business owners and is pleased to offer its neighbors and the Chicagoland area with one of the premier fine art outdoor festivals. The 2011 Lakeview East Festival of the Arts showcases more than 150 juried artists featuring world class original paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. Artists in almost every medium will be represented including photography, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, clay, collage, fiber, glass, sculpture, furniture and more. Unique and original artwork is on sale in all price ranges. In addition to the art on sale, the Festival features live demonstrations and entertainment stages where some of Chicago’s favorite musicians play throughout the weekend. This year, sculpture artist Lucy Slivnski will contribute her designs to the Christy Webber urban garden. The Festival also hosts children’s entertainment featuring puppet shows, interactive arts and crafts and activities to foster an appreciation of fine art in the youngest participant. Each year the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce selects an artist to create an image for the Festival of the Arts. This year, Ukrainian artist Anastasia Mak features œOwls Over Windy City as the official image of this year™s festival.
Dates: Sept. 10-11
Hours: Saturday, 10a-6p/ Sunday 10a-5p
Suggested Donation: $5
Location: Along Broadway from Belmont to Roscoe
Public Transportation: visit www.transitchicago.com or www.metrarail.com
Aug
31
Activities for September 1st – 15th
Posted by Kyle Chang under For Buyers, For Realty Professionals, For Sellers, General Information, Local Events Calendar
Taste of Polonia
Enjoy non-stop live music, food and fun for all ages at the 32nd Annual Taste of Polonia over Labor Day weekend! **Five stages feature music for every taste from rock to dance to classical! Chicago™s own: Abba Salute, Rico, Libido Funk Circus, Hot Rocks, Gentleman of Leisure, Pink Freud, The Tony Ocean Show, Imposter Radio, and more! Polish artists: Sztywny Pal Azji, Lombard, Toony, Carrion! Plus: Maggie D, Fox, Freeze Dried, and Funky Polak! Classical Performances: Paderewski Symphony Orchestra and Chopin Choir. Plus a great line-up of Chicago club DJ’s on the dance stage each night! **Delicious, old-world Polish favorites like polska kielbasa, pierogi, potato pancakes and imported beers will surely satisfy your appetite! **Families can visit œKids World with The Entertainment Project, inflatables, face painting, Disney Princesses and special activities for the youngest guests! **The festival also offers traditional folk dance and theater performances, arcade games, œBig Nick™s Casino, free Polish cooking classes and a Festival Marketplace where you can shop for old-world treasures!Dates: Sept. 2-4Hours: Friday, 5p-11p/ Saturday & Sunday, Noon-11p/ Monday, Noon- 10pSuggested Donations: Adults $7/ Seniors $3/ Kids under 12 are Free
Location: Copernicus Center, 5216 W Lawrence AvePublic Transportation: visit www.transitchicago.com or www.metrarail.comWindy City Wine FestivalThis festival provides an opportunity to sample more than 270 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are conducted by event sponsors, exhibiting wineries, area chefs and restauranteurs. Some of the area™s best restaurants and caterers will sell their signature dishes. Live music will be performed on the festival stage. This event will take place rain or shine.Dates: Sept. 9-10Hours: Friday, 4p-10p/ Saturday, 3p-9pAdmission: Ten Tastings Ticket- $27 in advance $35 at the door/ Designated Driver Ticket- $10/ under 21- Free when accompanied by paid adultLocation: Buckingham Fountain, 200 N Columbus DrivePublic Transportation: visit www.transitchicago.com or www.metrarail.comLakeview East Festival of the ArtsThe Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the seventh annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. The Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 on Broadway Avenue, just north of Belmont. Lakeview East is a dynamic and diversified neighborhood community rich in culture, history and the arts. The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce works hand in hand with their local residents and business owners and is pleased to offer its neighbors and the Chicagoland area with one of the premier fine art outdoor festivals. The 2011 Lakeview East Festival of the Arts showcases more than 150 juried artists featuring world class original paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. Artists in almost every medium will be represented including photography, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, clay, collage, fiber, glass, sculpture, furniture and more. Unique and original artwork is on sale in all price ranges. In addition to the art on sale, the Festival features live demonstrations and entertainment stages where some of Chicago’s favorite musicians play throughout the weekend. This year, sculpture artist Lucy Slivnski will contribute her designs to the Christy Webber urban garden. The Festival also hosts children’s entertainment featuring puppet shows, interactive arts and crafts and activities to foster an appreciation of fine art in the youngest participant. Each year the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce selects an artist to create an image for the Festival of the Arts. This year, Ukrainian artist Anastasia Mak features œOwls Over Windy City as the official image of this year™s festival.Dates: Sept. 10-11Hours: Saturday, 10a-6p/ Sunday 10a-5p Suggested Donation: $5Location: Along Broadway from Belmont to RoscoePublic Transportation: visit www.transitchicago.com or www.metrarail.com
Aug
31
Activities for September 1st – 15th
Posted by Kyle Chang under For Buyers, For Realty Professionals, For Sellers, General Information, Local Events Calendar
Taste of Polonia
Enjoy non-stop live music, food and fun for all ages at the 32nd Annual Taste of Polonia over Labor Day weekend! **Five stages feature music for every taste from rock to dance to classical! Chicago™s own: Abba Salute, Rico, Libido Funk Circus, Hot Rocks, Gentleman of Leisure, Pink Freud, The Tony Ocean Show, Imposter Radio, and more! Polish artists: Sztywny Pal Azji, Lombard, Toony, Carrion! Plus: Maggie D, Fox, Freeze Dried, and Funky Polak! Classical Performances: Paderewski Symphony Orchestra and Chopin Choir. Plus a great line-up of Chicago club DJ’s on the dance stage each night! **Delicious, old-world Polish favorites like polska kielbasa, pierogi, potato pancakes and imported beers will surely satisfy your appetite! **Families can visit œKids World with The Entertainment Project, inflatables, face painting, Disney Princesses and special activities for the youngest guests! **The festival also offers traditional folk dance and theater performances, arcade games, œBig Nick™s Casino, free Polish cooking classes and a Festival Marketplace where you can shop for old-world treasures!Dates: Sept. 2-4Hours: Friday, 5p-11p/ Saturday & Sunday, Noon-11p/ Monday, Noon- 10pSuggested Donations: Adults $7/ Seniors $3/ Kids under 12 are Free
Location: Copernicus Center, 5216 W Lawrence AvePublic Transportation: visit www.transitchicago.com or www.metrarail.comWindy City Wine FestivalThis festival provides an opportunity to sample more than 270 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are conducted by event sponsors, exhibiting wineries, area chefs and restauranteurs. Some of the area™s best restaurants and caterers will sell their signature dishes. Live music will be performed on the festival stage. This event will take place rain or shine.Dates: Sept. 9-10Hours: Friday, 4p-10p/ Saturday, 3p-9pAdmission: Ten Tastings Ticket- $27 in advance $35 at the door/ Designated Driver Ticket- $10/ under 21- Free when accompanied by paid adultLocation: Buckingham Fountain, 200 N Columbus DrivePublic Transportation: visit www.transitchicago.com or www.metrarail.comLakeview East Festival of the ArtsThe Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the seventh annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. The Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 on Broadway Avenue, just north of Belmont. Lakeview East is a dynamic and diversified neighborhood community rich in culture, history and the arts. The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce works hand in hand with their local residents and business owners and is pleased to offer its neighbors and the Chicagoland area with one of the premier fine art outdoor festivals. The 2011 Lakeview East Festival of the Arts showcases more than 150 juried artists featuring world class original paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. Artists in almost every medium will be represented including photography, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, clay, collage, fiber, glass, sculpture, furniture and more. Unique and original artwork is on sale in all price ranges. In addition to the art on sale, the Festival features live demonstrations and entertainment stages where some of Chicago’s favorite musicians play throughout the weekend. This year, sculpture artist Lucy Slivnski will contribute her designs to the Christy Webber urban garden. The Festival also hosts children’s entertainment featuring puppet shows, interactive arts and crafts and activities to foster an appreciation of fine art in the youngest participant. Each year the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce selects an artist to create an image for the Festival of the Arts. This year, Ukrainian artist Anastasia Mak features œOwls Over Windy City as the official image of this year™s festival.Dates: Sept. 10-11Hours: Saturday, 10a-6p/ Sunday 10a-5p Suggested Donation: $5Location: Along Broadway from Belmont to RoscoePublic Transportation: visit www.transitchicago.com or www.metrarail.com
