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Surprise Flash Mob Dance on Big Bang Theory

Thanksgiving is not easy...

In the introduction to his new book, Sam Sifton lays it out: "Thanksgiving is not easy." Sifton knows whereof he speaks; he's now the national editor of The New York Times, but before he took on that solemn responsibility, he was the newspaper's restaurant critic and a food columnist for its Sunday Magazine.

Sifton cites Thanksgiving stresses like drunk uncles, tense travel, itsy-bitsy ovens, family feuds and, of course, the dinner itself. But he offers to help with that last bit. He's written an entire book on Thanksgiving dinner — not a thick book, but a thorough one — intended to get you through the last crumb of pumpkin pie.

It's called Thanksgiving: How to Cook It Well, and here's one of Sifton's central pieces of advice: Forget innovation. Be conservative. "There should be no swordfish at Thanksgiving," he tells NPR's Linda Wertheimer. "There should be no beef tenderloin at Thanksgiving. Ham is an abomination at Thanksgiving. There should be a turkey. Turkey is why you are here."

CONTINUE READING OR LISTEN TO THE SHOW...Talking Turkey (and Pie)

            

START THE CELEBRATION

This Saturday, November 17, 2012...Make Your Holidays Magnificent!

Kick off the holiday season and create your special memories on The Magnificent Mile in 2012!
The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the nation’s largest evening holiday celebration, jump starts the holiday season on Saturday, November 17 with a full day of:

• Family friendly activities in Lights Festival Lane
• Rockin’ concerts by top musical artists on the BMO Harris Bank Stage
• The best holiday shopping
• A grand Tree-Lighting Parade down Michigan Avenue marshaled by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
• Fireworks Spectacular show over the Chicago River

Read more details and times of activities...

Possible New Waterfront Homes...but in a very surprising location

Kennedy-Hines team unveils changes to plans for Wolf Point

By: Ryan Ori

The developers that want to build three towers on Wolf Point unveiled a host of changes Monday to the $1 billion-plus riverside project but have left its overall scope intact.

Five months after the first community meeting held by Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), the venture of the Kennedy family and Houston-based Hines Interests L.P. returned to the nearby Holiday Inn to unveil new designs for the residential and office towers. The buildings still would rise 950, 750 and 525 feet but would taper at the bottom, creating more open ground-level space on the 3.9-acre parcel.

 Read more about Wolf Point...

FindLaw Survey – Americans Encouraged by Housing Market

A new FindLaw survey found that American homebuyers are much more encouraged by the housing market in 2012 than in 2010.

By Peter Ricci

Consumer sentiment towards the housing market has been gradually improving in Fannie Mae’s National Housing Surveys, and a new FindLaw survey has found that the situation is improving other notable ways.

According to the FindLaw survey, which sampled 1,000 American adults, the percentage of Americans who reported sitting on the sidelines and avoiding the homebuying process has dropped by more than half from 2010 to 2012, falling from 63 percent to 30 percent.

FindLaw Survey – Americans Encouraged by Housing Market

In addition, the FindLaw survey also found:

• With housing prices at affordable levels and mortgage rates at record lows, the number of respondents who said that economic conditions motivated them to buy a house increased by 38 percent.
• Also, less respondents said that the economy was playing a negative factor in their homebuying decisions, with 49 percent reporting that the economy had no impact on their decision.

Stephanie Rahlfs, an attorney and editor with FindLaw (which is a Thomson Reuters company), said the FindLaw survey results were especially encouraging among higher-earning individuals. 

READ MORE...

/http://chicagoagentmagazine.com/findlaw-survey-americans-encouraged-by-housing-market/

Rearranged for Change: Real Estate Home Staging

New Listing---Amazing 3 unit Bulding

Located at 4529 N. Malden, this beautiful three unit building on a massive 54 x 144 foot landscaped yard, was built in 1920's. The home has been impeccably restored through out with two spacious 2100-2300 square foot units with incredible original details, new plumbing, electric, roof, HVAC, kitchens and baths and laundry rooms. The garden unit is partially completed with the plumbing, electrical and HVA mostly in place. There are also huge decks and 6 parking spaces.

Here are a few interior shots of the top floor unit which is a sprawling 2300 square foor three bedroom with separate sun room, office, walk-in closet, huge eat in kitchen and laundry room.

This property is ideal for a live-in owner who wants exquisite, condo quality space with rentals units to offest the costs. For addtional information, click here to see the property on my website. Or feel free to email me at agersten@rubloff.com or call me directly at 312-368-3280 to schedule a showing.

The History of Chicago's Magnificent Mile

Many don't know this, but Arthur Rubloff, our company's namesake, is responsible for Michigan Avenue the way we know it today. He coined the phrase The Magnificent Mile in the 1940's with a vision of a thriving retail district. Bill Kurtis narrates a brief video on this piece of Chicago history. Click here to watch.

Last of Cabrini Homes Closing

If you have been in Chicago awhile, you have been watching the slow change happening in Cabrini Green. Once a series of several highrises and 500 rowhomes, the decision has been made by CHA to demolish the last that are standing. In the original plan, the hi-rises were coming down and affordable housing would be built throughout the huge site. The rowhomes, however, would be staying....until now. According to the Chicago Tribune, in about two weeks, the remaining residents will be asked to leave. It was likely too costly to remodel the homes rather than tearing them down and starting over.

The 12 year plan was to incorporate a mix of housing and retail. Recently plans were announced for a brand new Target at Clybourn and Larrabee. The ever changing neighboghood is still changing.

A beautiful snow-filled view from 336 W. Wellington #905

Check out this amazing snow-filled view of Lincoln Park and lake Michigan taken from unit 905 at 336 W. Wellington. This unit is on the market for $250,000 and is completely redone with updated kitchen and baths. For a virtual tour of this property, go to 336 W. Wellington #905.

For more information, email me at agersten@rubloff.com or call directly at 312-368-3280

Incredible space in Lincoln Park overlooking the park and lake at 2100 N. Lincoln Park West

Check out this 2700 square foot four bedroom, four bath unit at The Pierre. The entire unit runs across the front of the building with lake and park views from almost every room. Located across from the Lincoln Park Zoo, The Pierre is ideally located in the heart of Lincoln Park and is a full service building with 24 hour door staff and convenient on-site parking.

The views will amaze you. These shots were taken from the unit. You can see the lake and the park from almost every room and on occassionally you can even hear the lions roaring from the zoo across the street. There is also one of the best play grounds directly outside the front door of the building.

This unit does need kitchen and bath updating and is a great opportunity to update a space exactly the way you'd like it. Call me at 312-368-3280 for additional questions, floor plans or to schedule a showing.

Prudential Rubloff Properties Lux Collection

Take a look at the new digital version of the Prudential Rubloff Properties Luxe Collection. Just click and explore. It showcases the best of our city, suburban and Harbor Country properties in a digital format. Basically an online magazine.

And should you have any additional interest, feel free to contact me directly at 312-368-3280

New Penthouse Listing in Lakeview

 Check out this incredible top floor unit at 1640 W. Belmont. This condo is the developers own unit and he has filled it with incredible detail.

 The crown molding, wainscotting, inlaid wood floors are just the beginning. At just over 2000 sqft, this gracious three bedroom unit offers soaring 11' ceilings, two private decks, two parking spaces and excusive roof rights to a 2000 sqft roof that is ready to be finished out.

3rd bedroom/office

Master Bath with steam shower and jacuzzi tub



Master Bedroom with hugw walk-in closet, private deck and in-laid hardwood floors

For more information, click on the property link here or call me at 312-368-3280 for a showing.

Two affordable north side listings on the lake-5100 N. Marine Drive #4E and 4250 N. Marine #1704

I have just listed two well priced condos on the lake front. The first is at 5100 N. Marine Drive just south of Foster. It is unit #4E and is a true one bedroom for $115,000. The bright, south facing unit is in very good condition with hardwood floors, dishwasher and individual heat and air conditioning. The building has an outdoor pool, 24 hour door staff, beautiful redone lobby and is in good financial health. For a complete virtual tour and property details, visit the link at  by clicking on 5100 N. Marine Drive #4E.

Also on the market at $115,000 is 4250 N. Marine Drive #1704. This is a high floor junior one bedroom which also faces south with beautiful lake and park views. If you want bright, this is it. The unit could use minor updating but is a great value for the area. The building has all the amenities you could want including 24 hour door staff, on-site management, outdoor pool, exercise room and immediately available on-site garage parking. For a complete virtual tour and property details, visit the link by clicking on 4250 N. Marine Drive #1704.

For showing or questions on either properties, contact me directly at 312-368-3280.

Fannie Mae to add more loan fees

My good friend Bonnie Vasilion offers some insight into mortgage interest rates and what we might expect in the next several weeks. Many consumers are frustrated with the fees and guidelines lenders and Fannie Mae are imposing in order to avoid any risk at all. The truth is, mortgages are a risk at some point. But to deny strong borrowers is putting real pressure on the housing market.

What happened? Mortgage rates rose; and they rose quickly. (Though rates are still super low, historically speaking!)


Why? Without getting into too many details, it seems that a combination of “fear and panic” on the part of Mortgage Backed Security (bond) traders regarding reaction to “QE2”, concerns about inflation, appearances of an improved economic outlook, etc. all contributed to an increase in rates.


What next? I know some people are hoping that the “fear and panic” subsides and rates come back down. Anything could happen. However, there is a new issue, besides cyclically higher rates, looming on the horizon that could in fact drive the cost of home financing even higher: Proposed increases in Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac “ risk-based pricing overlays”.


In a December 23rd memo to investors, they described changes proposed for the Spring of 2011. We already have “risk based pricing overlays”, for example, lower credit scores = higher rates, “cash out” rates are higher than just refinancing what you owe or making a purchase, lower down payment = higher rates. The overlays are going to get even pricier, and the proposal has even the most ideal borrower paying an overlay just because Fannie/Freddie says ANY loan is a risk these days. (I read ¼ point per loan, just to “get in the door”: that translates to $ 1,000 on a $ 400,000 loan).


Below is an article I found that discusses this. There is not a lot of information available on this yet, but I will share it as it becomes available.


Boston Herald--Fannie Mae to add more loan fees

What’s the point? As you’re heard me say before, If buying or refinancing makes economic sense to you now, it makes sense to act now. Waiting for lower rates to come back seems much less likely than higher rates and financing costs.

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION AT 3800 N. LAKE SHORE DRIVE #13E---NOW $549,000

This beautiful unit at 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago has just been reduced by $50,000. The unit itself has bright south and north exposures has been completely redone with central air, new windows, new kitchen and baths plus original moldings, hardwood floors and gas fireplace. There is also a butlers pantry and separate dining room for easy entertaining. 3800 N. Lake Shore is a terrific building on Chicago's lakefront with only 95 units and rare on-site parking. Check out the virtual tour for a detailed view of the home.

3800 N. LAKE SHORE DRIVE 13E

NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOME LISTING IN BUCKTOWN--OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7th from 12-2pm.

If you are looking for a terrific single family home in Bucktown, check out this new listing at 2138 W. Churchill listed for $985,000. It was built in 2001 and has four bedrooms, a spacious separate family room, brand new master bath and a fantatic rear deck. This is a great location just west of Damen and north of Wabansia. You aren't right on top of all of the activity in the neighborhood, but just around the corner. Just two blocks from this home are two parks, a new Chicago Public Library, all of the great shops and restaurants that you love, coffee shops and of course the blue line which takes you to Ohare and the loop. It has an excellent walk score of a 92 out of 100--a walkers paradise.

The finishes are what you would expect in this price range with hardwood floors on the main level, comfy carpet on the lower level and three bedrooms on the top floor. The lower level also has a nice fourth bedroom and adjacent full bath which is ideal for guests.

The kitchen has that great-room like feeling with an area for a table and sofa and chairs. The appliances are all stainless steel with cherry cabinetry and granite counter tops. This room also walks out onto this fantastic cedar deck which is built over the two car garage.

Additionally, this is an all brick home rather than brick in front and frame or split face block on the sides and rear. Yes, all brick!!!

If you have any questions or would like more detail, feel free to call me directly at 312-368-3280..........

...........OR STOP BY THE OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7th, FROM 12-2PM.

NEW LINCOLN PARK LISTING--2648 N. SEMINARY #2

If you are looking for something affordable in Lincoln Park, check out this new listing at 2648 N.Seminary #2 for $369,000. It is a second floor home in a brick building that was built in 2000. There are only three units in the building and this is a spacious two bedroom, two bath with hardwood floors, granite and stainless kitchen, fireplace, a deck off the master bedroom and tandem parking for two cars that comes with the unit..yes TWO CARS! (If you are curious, tandem means you park one in front of the other.)



The home is located just two blocks from the brand new Diversey El stop and many of the neighborhood conveniences including the all impotant Starbucks, Potbelly and Penny's Noodles. It has an excellent walk score of 91 out of 100--a walkers paradise. If you have any questions, feel free to call me directly at 312-368-3280 or click here for a link to the listing online and a virtual tour.

910 W. Roscoe-PRICE REDUCTION

This beautiful 3 bedroom unit located in the heart of Lakeview has recently been reduced to $700,000 and will be open this Sunday, October 17th  from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, It is impeccably detailed throughout with two outdoor spaces, a separate family room, a beautiful ensuite guest room and attached garage parking. Stop by and visit Sunday.

NEW 3BR LISTING AT 910 W. ROSCOE--OPEN THIS SUNDAY SEPT. 19th FROM 1-3PM

I just listed this beautiful duplex down at 910 W. Roscoe for $710,000. Located on a tree-lined street in the heart of Lakeview just blocks from Wrigley Field and the lake, this 5 year new unit has impeccable details with a unique kitchen design not typical to this layout.

Two bedrooms are up and the master is quite large with room for a sitting area and a fully appointed master bath and private back balcony.

The lower level has a large family room with hardwood floors, wet bar complete with a refrigerator and wine cooler and second fireplace. There is also a third bedroom here with its own ensuite bath, ideal for guests. There is a one car attached garage space included.

CHECK OUT THIS PROPERTY AT THE OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19th FROM 1-3PM.