There is a lot of hype about "green living" and "green homes," mostly in relation to increasing the resale value of your home. While it's certainly true that state-of-the-art, environmentally sound products are a great investment, there is something to be said for going green with only your health and the Earth in mind! Of course, if you want to just see bang for your buck, #9 and #10 will boost your home's value to a potential seller and the rest will save you money all year round!

1. Use Healthy Eco-Friendly Cleaners
Many common household products contain toxins that could be affecting your family's health. Buying natural safe cleaning products will help eliminate any risk of unnecessary toxins in your home.

2. Curb Paper Towel and Napkin Use
2.5 million tons of paper towels fill up landfills annually. A great solution is to buy a set of cloth rags, bar towels and fabric napkins to wash and reuse. It may be an added expense up front, but it will pay off in the end.

3. Replace Antibacterial Hand Soaps
Studies have shown that antibacterial soaps are no more effective than simple soap and water. Antibacterial soaps can lead to stronger strains of bacteria that become resistant to antibiotics.

4. Plastic--- Just Say No!
The Wall Street Journal reported that Americans go through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually and making these bags requires an estimated 12 million barrels of oil. To reduce plastic bag consumption, use alternative options such as; re useable bags, paper bags, or even, no bag at all!
 
5. Replace the Sponge!
Sponges are bacteria incubators. Although a sponge seems like a great cleaning tool, it may not be the healthiest solution. Replace your sponge with dish rags!

6. Create a Recycling and Compost System  
If you don't recycle, the best way to get into the habit is to set up a simple system. Get a second trash can for inside your home and put it next to the trash can and label it recycling. If you are ready to take it a step further, composting is a great way to turn your waste into soil like material that can be used in your lawn and garden.

7. Replace Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick cookware releases toxins when over high heat, has a short life-span (nonstick coating usually wears out in a year or two) and the nonstick coating can scratch off into food. Healthy alternatives include stainless steel, cast iron, copper and glass.

8. Buy In Bulk
Buying in bulk means less packaging and fewer trips to the store. You’ll also benefit from financial savings!

9. Update Kitchen Lighting
Kitchen lights are some of the most frequently used lights in the home. Energy efficient lights may be a high upfront cost but they use 75% less energy, generate 70% less heat and last up to 10 times longer.

10. Buy ENERGY STAR Appliances
If you are in the market for new appliances, choose one that has been proved more energy efficient. Many old appliances use a lot of unnecessary energy.

Do you have any green tips you would like to share? Contact us today!

**

Thinking of doing some shopping this weekend? Head out to the Maxwell Street Market to enjoy a Chicago tradition of bargains and bargaining with an international flavor.

February 19, 2012 - 7:00am to 3pm at 800 S. Des Plaines St
(Desplaines St & Roosevelt Road) Chicago, IL. It is free to enter the market.

Email maxwellstreet@cityofchicago.org if you would like to receive the Maxwell Street Market Newsletter

**

Create your own four-course dinner with selections from the regular and seasonal menus at the Custom House Tavern - 500 S. Dearborn St in Chicago's South Loop.

Prices start at $55 with optional wine pairings for $40 extra.

Since everyone should spend Valentine's Day eating food they truly love, Custom House Tavern is encouraging diners to skip the standard prix fixe holiday menus and instead create their own Custom-Made Tasting Menu. For $55, guests can choose their own four-course tasting menu, selecting each course from house favorites and special seasonal offerings from Executive Chef Perry Hendrix and Chef de Cuisine Zach Millican's a la carte menu. For an additional $40, guests can also opt for wine parings.

The Custom-Made Tasting Menu to celebrate Valentine's Day will be available from Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14. The regular a la carte menu will also be available (some a la carte menu items may not be available for the tasting menu). Reservations are highly recommended for this South Loop restaurant.

**

Become an advocate in Chicago's South Loop for issues like anti-smoking legislation, increased physical activity in schools and nutrition policy initiatives to support Heart Health Awareness Month.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, a fact that is just now becoming mainstream knowledge thanks to the efforts of the American Heart Association.

For everyone who loves their wife, daughter, sister, mother, etc, please visit the American Heart Associations website for information on how to be heart healthy.

Do you have any tips that you can share with your Chicago community regarding heart health? Share them with us today!

**

Are ready to buy a home in Chicago's South Loop? If this is not your first move, you know that it can be time consuming, overwhelming and frustrating. Even a good moving plan can be turned upside down with unexpected changes. Being flexible is key when you are planning a move.

Here are some tips that will help you get organized and make moving day a lot easier!

1. Change your address and notify companies before you move. Start by filling out a change of address form in advance of your move. Doing this ahead of time can help you to avoid hassles like past-due bills, service lapses and even identity theft. It is also a good idea before you move to set dates to discontinue your utilities at your old address as well as arrange for these services to be turned on at your new address. .

2. Create a moving schedule.
It is a good idea to set up a moving schedule a few months before you move. Set it up as a week-by-week checklist to manage the process and help to stay on track. A moving schedule helps you to keep track of the little details or things that may be over looked, thus helping you to avoid last minute headaches. 

3. Establish a packing system.
Packing is a major time consumer so thing about coming up with a packing system so all of your boxes end up in the right rooms when they get to your new home. Many professional movers recommend that you use the color code system where you color code each box with a particular room to avoid any confusion with the movers. It is also helpful to give your movers a floor plan of your home with each room labeled.

4. Get rid of unnecessary items.
The less boxes you pack the less you have to move and finally unpack. So it makes sense to thoroughly go thru your items and get rid of the things you just don't need. Items such as unread books, half-empty cleaning products, clothes that you know you wont wear again should be given away or sold at a garage !sale. You don't want to bring the clutter to your new home!

Have you mastered the art of moving? Contact us! We would love to share your tips!

**

Looking for a delicious place to enjoy a relaxing dinner this weekend in the South Loop? Chef Dirk Flanigan prepares a five-course meal featuring a dressed oyster amuse, appetizer, soup, fish, game and dessert at Henri.  Sommelier Shebnem Ince and spirits director Clint Rogers offer beverage pairings.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Dirk Flanigan, assisted by Chef de Cuisine Christopher Cubberley, Henri’s menu is influenced by the refining principles of classical cuisine. Innovative dishes like lobster Wellington and a short rib burger join traditional favorites such as oysters mignonette, steak tartare, Dover sole and roast chicken. Daily specials highlight the bounty of the season, and a rotating plat du jour offering features favorites such as a Monday cassoulet and Friday bouillabaisse. The carefully curated wine list is almost exclusively biodynamic, while cocktails are both creative and classic.

Reminiscent of a European salon, Henri’s decor echoes the building’s turn-of-the-century origins with sea green mohair-covered settees, chocolate velvet-covered walls, herringbone patterned hardwood floors, silk drapery, ornate crown moldings and chandeliers swathed in brown silk shades. Just steps from the city’s cultural landmarks including museums, theaters, Millennium Park and the Symphony, Henri provides an elegant respite from bustling Michigan Avenue. 

Treat yourself to local Chicago South Loop cuisine this weekend! 

**

So, you're ready to buy a home in Chicago's South Loop. Congratulations, this a huge investment for you and your family! Most home owners make mistakes when purchasing a home, especially a first home. Read below about the most common mistakes buyers make - avoid these pitfalls!

1. The “No Money Down” Pitch.  Beware these online or cable TV ‘gurus’ who tell you how to get rich in real estate without a penny down. The only money these guys make is off of you if you buy their CD, book or attend a seminar. It takes experience AND capital to make money in real estate, whether it is one home or ten.

2. All Realtors are the Same, Right? Wrong. Holding a real estate license does not mean that the agent you are talking to is the best one in your market or for your situation. Get referrals, look at the agents sales statistics and interview potential agents carefully.

3. Depleting Your Savings. Most lenders require 20% or more down on a new mortgage. If you don’t have it, wait until you do. Completing wiping out your savings or borrowing a down payment leaves you in a precarious financial situation if something happens.

4. Ignoring Professional Advice. Unless they sound really off base, listen to your realtor and mortgage broker when they offer advice or guidance. You should also do your own homework when looking for the right neighborhood or figuring out the best mortgage package for your family. Let the professionals guide you with their expertise and experience.

5. The “Too Good To Be True” Monthly Payment. Low monthly payments can mean that you are building no equity in your home – even going in the hole on your principal balance. Make sure that you completely understand ALL the terms of your mortgage agreement – from interest rates to monthly payments, and what the consequences are.

6. Landing in the Wrong Neighborhood. Do your homework on the neighborhoods you are looking at. The city should have demographic information, school information and ranking and crime statistics. Is the neighborhood full of foreclosures? It could affect the value of all the homes in the neighborhood. Make sure you understand the comps and the real value of your potential home site.

7. Buying Above Your Means. Tough times mean that everyone has to revaluate priorities. Be sure to carefully consider the features and prices of homes that will really suit your needs and allow you to live comfortably without spending your entire income on your monthly mortgage payment.

8. Foregoing the Home Inspection. Even if the conditions of your loan don’t require a home inspection, go ahead and spend the relatively small sum to get the home thoroughly checked out by an objective third party. You may uncover problems that the seller should be responsible for, and at the very least, you’ll go into the purchase with the right information about the condition of the home.

9. Acquiring More Debt Before Closing. With credit requirements continuing to tighten, rest assured that your lender will run additional credit reports right before closing. If you have made additional credit purchases – from a new car to furnishings for your new home, it can reflect negatively on your credit and your debt to income ratio. In some cases in can cost you your new mortgage, even if you were pre-approved.

10. Sinking Into Debt After Closing. Many people breathe a sigh of relief once the home loan has closed and then immediately begin purchasing for the home or buying items they have been putting off while waiting for the mortgage to go through. Take it easy! You’ve just added a big responsibility with that mortgage payment.

You may not realize it at the time, but many of the decisions you make when looking for a new home will affect your ability to stay in it once the loan has closed. Respect the advice of professionals, do your homework and avoid the common pitfalls of ‘too good to be true' pitfalls.

Contact me today to learn how I can help you with your home purchase!

**

Support local Chicago artists by visiting the Black Gossamer exhibit, running through February 11th, at the Glass Curtain Gallery at Coulmbia College located in the at 1104 S. Wabash Ave., 60605.

This exhibit will showcase work by black contemporary artists who use and draw inspiration from clothing, fashion, textiles and fabrications to explore and uncover recent revolutions in black identity.

Times are Saturday from 12pm-5pm and Thursdays from 9am-7pm. Admission to this South Loop event is free! 

**

Are you looking to take advantage of this buyer's market in Chicago's South Loop?  There is good news for buyers! An incentive to invest in a home today is available with a Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Gift Program!

Buyers who close on a new home and finance their mortgage with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage are eligible for a closing gift valued at $1,000! Buyers can choose from among many items in the online catalog.
 
If you have already been preapproved by another lender, Wells Fargo will reward buyers for allowing them the opportunity to provide their own preapproval decision (generally within 30 minutes or less) so that  buyers can compare and ensure they are getting the home financing option that meets their needs. Buyers will even get a $50 Wells Fargo VISA reward card for allowing us to give a second opinion.
 
 
Borrowers are eligible to redeem this promotion after closing on any new purchase or refinance loan secured by a first mortgage or deed of trust with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage ("New Loan") as specified above, subject to qualification, approval and closing. This promotion is not available for all New Loan programs and New Loan excludes loans originated with a broker or a correspondent lender. Contact a Home Mortgage Consultant to learn what programs qualify.

This promotion is not available with any other promotion, discount, or rebate. Only one gift permitted per New Loan. FHA New Loans are ineligible for a gift card and are only eligible for merchandise valued in the amount stated in this promotion. This promotion is void where prohibited, applies only to designated promotion recipient and is not transferable, subject to the terms herein.  Redemption period ends within 30 days after your New Loan close date. Gifts may constitute taxable income. Federal, state and local taxes, and the use of the Gift not otherwise specified herein are the responsibility of the Gift recipient. Please present your good faith estimate or preapproval letter at the time of your request for your preapproval. If you have a current lock-in agreement, this is not an inducement to transfer your loan. This promotion may not be combined with any other offers, discounts or promotions. 

Contact me if you are interested in taking advantage of this incentive!

**

We've heard that it's a buyers market and that it is challenging to sell your home, but why are some homes on the market for a year while others sell relatively quickly? The better question is, how can YOU sell your home faster? While many people to blame a bad market, a seasoned real estate professional will tell you that very often the listing price is to blame.

If a home is overpriced, buyers will stay away. But, if the price is competitive with similar homes in the area and “shows” better than the competition, it will have a better chance of being sold quickly.

The secret is perfecting a technique that’s as American as apple pie: comparative shopping!

Although comparing houses with different styles, square-footages and locations is challenging, real estate professionals still feel it’s one of the best methods to use when determining a home’s market value.

A responsible real estate agent will effectively evaluate a home’s worth through a process known as Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Taking a look at assets, such as a swimming pool, bigger than normal living spaces, a fantastic view, adjacent city parks and other attractions, the agent will begin to compare your home with similar properties, called “comparables,” that have sold in the area within the last six months. Typically, it is a realistic price range that will ensure you top dollar and a reasonably quick sale.

However, factors such as the amount of time needed to sell your home can affect the agent's price recommendation dramatically.

Assuming you have sufficient time to market the home, here are a few small steps you and your agent can take to finding the right price for your property.

The best comparisons can be made with similar homes that have been sold within the last 45 days as opposed to the standard six months. Any longer, and other factors, such as the economy, could cloud your view of how much your home is really worth.

Another good benchmark is to review the selling prices of homes that have just been sold and are pending closes. Most MLS services provide information on deals pending that most real estate agents should be able to share with you.

A good rule of thumb before setting a price is to make 20 comparisons of comparable properties within a one-mile radius of your house. Once completed you can feel comfortable that the price you’ve picked is a good range of the home’s worth and won’t discourage qualified buyers.

Being open and honest about what you see as the home’s greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses will also help your agent get a better feel for how to best evaluate (or assess) and market your home. Think of your home as if you were the buyer. If your home is listed at the right price, you’re well on your way to a speedy and fruitful sale.

This challenging market can be overwhelming and confusing. Don't go it alone, contact me if you need some tips on selling your home! 

**

If you are considering buying a home in the Chicago South Loop,  and you are looking for the right financing, you should think about getting qualified before you start seriously home shopping. The first step in your home buying experience should be to obtain a pre-approval letter.

Pre-approval can be a very valuable step towards purchasing a home. Many home buyers get pre-qualified for a home loan early on, and then become pre-approved before beginning a serious home search. By completing your mortgage application prior to choosing a home, you can get a pre-approval letter stating how much home you can afford.

Your pre-approval letter lets you know exactly how much you can spend, and it shows home sellers and real estate agents that you're serious about buying a home. This may give you leverage in the negotiation process. Many sellers actually prefer to work with pre-approved buyers, especially in hot real estate markets.

Ready to get pre-approved? Contact me so I can help you with this process and find the perfect home for you and your family! 

**

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King at this annual tribute concert in South Loop which features tenor Rodrick Dixon, soprano Alfreda Burke and alto Karen Marie Richardson with the 150-voice Too Hot Choir and a 50-piece symphony orchestra in a jazz and gospel reinvention of Handel's "Messiah."

The program will be held January 14 at 7:30 p.m.and January 15 at 3 p.m. at the Auditorium Theater, 50 E. Congress Pkwy. Chicago, IL 60605.

 

Support our local Chicago South Loop music programs and celebrate Dr. King's legacy!

 

 

 

 

**

The 2008 Tony award-winning musical In The Heights is on tour and is playing at the Oriental Theater in Chicago, IL from January 10 to the 13th.

This Broadway hit about immigrant dreamers in Washington Heights brings its salsa and hip-hop-flavored score across the USA.  This hit has received four Tony awards and it tells the story of a vibrant community in Manhattan's Washington Heights – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music.

It's a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. 

**

Are you ready to buy a home in the Chicago South Loop? There are ten questions that you and your real estate agent should ask the seller. The answers to these questions may give you negotiating leverage.

1. Why is the seller moving?  This is the one question that every home buyer should always ask the seller when buying a home. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to get an honest answer. Many times even the listing agent doesn't know the real reason the seller is moving.
 
It may help to know why the seller is moving, you can make an offer that will meet his needs. For example, if the seller needs a cash­out sale and cannot help with the financing by carrying back a mortgage, it will help the buyer to know this. However, the seller may want the income that a seller-mortgage provides and could be willing to help finance the sale! 
 
2. How much did the seller pay for the home?  The recorded price paid for a property is public information in most communities. Smart home buyers want to know this because the price paid affects how much negotiating room the seller has. If the seller bought the home many years ago for a very low price, there is a large potential profit and the seller might be willing to sell below the market value.
 
Keep in mind however, if the seller bought recently for a high price, there may not be much room for negotiation because nobody likes to sell at a loss. However, remember that the purchase price has nothing to do with today's market value of the home.
 
3. How much does the seller owe on the home?  Public records also reveal what loans are on the property. The exact loan balance may have been paid down in the years since the home was purchased or refinanced. If the seller has a lot of equity, it may be easier to negotiate a better price.
 
If more is owed on the home than it is worth, the buyer may have to work out a "short sale" with the lender. Your real estate consultant should check out what loans are recorded on the property before you make an offer.
 
4. How did the seller decide the asking price?  This is a serious question to ask a seller or their listing agent when buying a home. A good agent will gladly prepare a CMA (comparative market analysis) for you to review.
 
The CMA shows recent sales prices of comparable homes, the list prices of competitive neighborhood homes currently for sale and the expired list prices of homes that did not sell. After analyzing this information, with the help of their real estate agent, smart buyers can quickly figure out the fair market value of the home they are interested in.
 
5. Has the seller prepared a written Transfer Disclosure Statement?   Most states require sellers and the real estate agents to prepare a written disclosure of material facts about the home. Usually, it's given after an offer is accepted. To prevent surprises, a buyer may want to see this statement before making an offer to purchase.
 
When a home is offered for sale "as is" (meaning the seller will not pay for any repairs), the seller and agent must still disclose all known defects. If the defects are severe, the buyer may decide to not buy the home, or will want a big discount off the market value.
 
6. Are there any nuisances or problem neighbors?  These are important questions for buyers to ask a seller when buying a home. The answers will help you find out if you really want to live in the neighborhood. Find out if a noisy or problem neighbor is the real reason the seller is moving. It will be good to know if there are transportation system noises such as airports and railroads, or if there are any future roads or commercial development planned for the area. These factors can affect the future value of the property.
 
7. Are there any crime problems or is there any litigation?   Savvy buyers will always want to ask sellers this question when buying a home. You can always find out the crime statistics from the police department. Construction litigation is rampant in both condominium and single-family neighborhoods. This can be a hassle and may hold down property values until it's resolved. Be sure to ask sellers about construction litigation. However, at settlement the properties involved in litigation are usually restored. Owners may receive new roofs, windows, siding, etc. and there can even be a welcome cash windfall.
 
8. Ask the seller what past problems have they had with this house?  Seller disclosure forms do not require disclosing past problems that have been corrected. There may be some things that have been fixed that you want to know about. For example, major structural problems, plumbing and electrical defects, roof leaks, fire damage and drainage problems have a habit of coming back. It's good to know about these things so you can check out the remedies and be sure they were resolved successfully.
 
9. What is the reputation of public schools in the area?  If you have children, you will want to know the school rating statistics before selecting a neighborhood to buy a home. But, it's wise to ask the sellers and both real estate agent's about the schools.
 
Nothing adds more value to a neighborhood than fine public schools and in turn, having a low rated public school system can cause buyers to look elsewhere. Sending your children to private schools is expensive, so be sure to check out the public schools during the contingency period.
 
10. What do you like the most and what do you dislike about this home?  Asking sellers this open-ended question when buying a home gives the seller an opportunity to emphasize the home's best features and worst drawbacks. The seller's answers to these key questions will help you decide if you want to own the home or not. 

Which home you buy in one of the biggest decisions you will make for you and your family. Contact me if you have any questions about the home buying process and how to talk with your seller to make sure you know what you're buying!

**



 

Join Chicago South Loop residents to ring in the new year at The Scout! There will be a premium open bar (9 p.m.-1 a.m.) with a midnight champagne toast, passed appetizers, party favors and more.

The Scout Waterhouse and Kitchen is located at 1301 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605.

Paving the way for modern sports bars in the South Loop, this tavern and restaurant  brings together an intimate dining environment with wide-open spaces, warm copper finishes and a rustic, lodge-like vibe, the spot's menu includes sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, seafood items and small plates, bridging contemporary American fare with classic barfood favorites

Have a safe and happy New Year!

**

You’re ready to buy a home in Chicago's South Loop, or so you think. Many home buyers make mistakes when purchasing a home, especially a first home. You have to treat your home as an investment and be careful not to make mistakes that can lead to a bad purchase or even a foreclosure. Here are the top ten pitfalls and mistakes many people make when buying a home – make sure you don't fall into these traps!

1. The “No Money Down” Pitch.  Beware these online or cable TV ‘gurus’ who tell you how to get rich in real estate without a penny down. The only money these guys make is off of you if you buy their CD, book or attend a seminar. It takes experience AND capital to make money in real estate, whether it is one home or ten.

2. All Realtors are the Same, Right? Wrong. Holding a real estate license does not mean that the agent you are talking to is the best one in your market or for your situation. Get referrals, look at the agents sales statistics and interview potential agents carefully.

3. Depleting Your Savings. Most lenders require 20% or more down on a new mortgage. If you don’t have it, wait until you do. Completing wiping out your savings or borrowing a down payment leaves you in a precarious financial situation if something happens.

4. Ignoring Professional Advice. Unless they sound really off base, listen to your realtor and mortgage broker when they offer advice or guidance. You should also do your own homework when looking for the right neighborhood or figuring out the best mortgage package for your family. Let the professionals guide you with their expertise and experience.

5. The “Too Good To Be True” Monthly Payment. Low monthly payments can mean that you are building no equity in your home – even going in the hole on your principal balance. Make sure that you completely understand ALL the terms of your mortgage agreement – from interest rates to monthly payments, and what the consequences are.

6. Landing in the Wrong Neighborhood. Do your homework on the neighborhoods you are looking at. The city should have demographic information, school information and ranking and crime statistics. Is the neighborhood full of foreclosures? IT could affect the value of all the homes in the neighborhood. Make sure you understand the comps and the real value of your potential home site.

7. Buying Above Your Means. Tough times mean that everyone has to revaluate priorities. Be sure to carefully consider the features and prices of homes that will really suit your needs and allow you to live comfortably without spending your entire income on your monthly mortgage payment.

8. Foregoing the Home Inspection. Even if the conditions of your loan don’t require a home inspection, go ahead and spend the relatively small sum to get the home thoroughly checked out by an objective third party. You may uncover problems that the seller should be responsible for, and at the very least, you’ll go into the purchase with the right information about the condition of the home.

9. Acquiring More Debt Before Closing. With credit requirements continuing to tighten, rest assured that your lender will run additional credit reports right before closing. If you have made additional credit purchases – from a new car to furnishings for your new home, it can reflect negatively on your credit and your debt to income ratio. In some cases in can cost you your new mortgage, even if you were pre-approved.

10. Sinking Into Debt After Closing. Many people breathe a sigh of relief once the home loan has closed and then immediately begin purchasing for the home or buying items they have been putting off while waiting for the mortgage to go through. Take it easy! You’ve just added a big responsibility with that mortgage payment.

You may not realize it at the time, but many of the decisions you make when looking for a new home will affect your ability to stay in it once the loan has closed. Listen to the advice of a trusted realtor so that the invesment you make in your home in a good purchase, not something that will get you in financial trouble down the line.

**

In this adaptation of the classic holiday film based on the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepard, a young boy yearns to find a BB gun under the Christmas tree. Peter Billingsley--who starred as Ralphie in the film--is the producer.

The event is at the Chicago Theater located at 175 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60601.

Chicago South Loop residents can bring the whole family out to enjoy this Christmas classic during these dates/times:

December 23 : 11 a.m.
December 24 : 3 p.m.
December 26 : 3 p.m.
December 26 : 7:30 p.m.

 

Enjoy the show, Happy Holidays!

**

The holidays are upon us full force! Last minute shopping, baking and preparations  are underway. If you are planning on what your holiday agenda may hold, have you considered adding a new home to your list? It may seem odd, even unlikely, but

Here’s why:

• Typicall, If a home is listed in December, especially around the holidays, the seller is serious.
• Sellers are usually more open to accepting lower offers on Christmas Day and the days leading up to it.
• Home prices are usually at their lowest in December
• The week before Christmas is a very slow time for home showings, and you won’t be competing against a lot of offers.
• The holiday spirit is infectious and crosses over into negotiations (it's true!)

Most sellers probably have not considered it but you may find that Christmas Day is one of the best days of the year to buy a new home. If you just can’t get it together to add that to your list of holiday ‘to do’s’, then a little patience and the spring thaw brings the second best day of the year to buy a home – Easter Sunday.

Unlike the Christmas holiday, the market is at its peak in the spring, so you will be wheeling and dealing in the midst of a lot of competition. There are typically more homes for sale in the spring than any other season.

However, the action grinds to a halt on the first real holiday since New Year’s Day, and the savvy buyer who gets an offer in before things pick up on the Monday following Easter may find themselves the deal they have been waiting for. 

It may seem a little odd, but these two holidays can present the perfect opportunity for a serious home seller, an aggressive agent and a lucky buyer.  Happy Holidays!

**

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" written by E.T.A. Hoffman.  Although what is seen on the stage today is different in detail from the original story, the basic plot remains the same; The story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads.  

Make plans this weekend to bring the family to enjoy a holiday tradition- The Nutcracker! The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and the Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra perform Tchaikovsky's classic Christmas ballet.  

 

Show times are as follows: December 16 : 7 p.m., December 17 : 2 p.m and 7pm. December 18 : 2 p.m. Cost is $30-$115. This event is not recommended for children under 5.

 

How do you know when it’s time to replace your roof on your  South Loop Chicago home?   Typically, there are three main reasons for replacing roof shingles:  your roof's age, any weather damage, and previously improperly installed roofing.

Start by taking the life expectancy of the type of shingle you currently have then subtracting for age, weathering and weather-related damage to see how many more years you may be able to get out of your roof before needing to replace it.

Roof shingles generally are supposed to last at least twenty years.  Some shingle manufacturers have products that last twenty-five or more years.  Take your standard twenty-year product and subtract the age of your current roof.  If you’re in a newer home, or you are the original owners of your home this is an easy number to get.  If there have been previous owners, or you are otherwise unable to determine the age of the roof, you will have to estimate.

Next, inspect for any physical evidence of damage.  Do your shingles show curling, severe hail damage, cracked flashing or sealer around vents and fireplace flues?  How about brittle shingles due to a southerly exposure?  What about damaged or rotting eves?  The condition of your current roof has a drastic impact on its remaining life expectancy.

Lastly, let’s not forget the obvious.  If your roof is leaking you can skip the process above.  A leak trumps everything else.  You’re going to need some repairs at a minimum, potentially much more.  Keep in mind even newer roofs, if improperly installed, can leak or lose shingles in gusting wind.  Have leaks checked out immediately.

Estimate how much time your home has with your current roof and if you are concerned you’re near the end of its life expectancy, speak only with qualified, experienced, licensed contractors when considering having work done.  You may even weigh the pros and cons of doing the job yourself.  Whatever your decision, don’t wait until you start having roof leaks and other problems.

With a proactive strike on this issue you can keep your repair bills from going through the roof!

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