You can't judge this book by its cover...!

Well, so it's not that special on the outside....But, it's what's inside that counts! right?

Check out this top floor, renovated 1 bedroom with parking. It is like new and it is a big, beautiful one bedroom on a great, quiet residential block at 1941 Touhy.

And NOT ONLY is it a Great Buy

at$145,000- it as has low assessments to boot that include just about everything INCLUDING heat and gas.

All of this and it is a really well managed, small association with great reserves.

So if you are looking for a sweet deal this could be it!

Let There Be No Mistake..Chicago Sellers you now pay $4.50 in transfer stamps!

It seems that there is a lot of confusion over the (recently passed) transfer tax that went in to effect on April the 1st.

This tax is assumed by the sellers... Yes, originally it was being passed on to the buyers... BUT then it was changed and passed on to the sellers.

How this breaks out is-

The sellers will now pay a Chicago transfer tax of $3.00 per thousand. This is on top of their responsibilty of the county and state tax of $1.50.

So, that is a Sellers total of $4.50 for every thousand of the purchase price.

For your information, the buyers continue to pay the existing city transfer tax of $7.50 for every thousand of the purchase price. This has gone unchanged.

Chicago Buyer or Seller Real Estate Tax Proposals

Whether the proposed tax is for the seller or the buyer it is TOO much-

Proposed and previously approved, was a City of Chicago real estate transfer tax increase of 40% to be picked up by the buyer. The buyer already paying $7.50 cents per thousand purchase price, would in April begin to pay a hefty $10.50.

Now hold on..

Instead the burden is being moved to sellers. This proposal will be heard in the city council this week. So in turn the sellers, who have already been addressing a challenging market, have been paying their share of transfer taxes from other taxing bodies; would then, have but another expense to bear. Yes, it would be a $3.00 per thousand of purchase price tax for them.

So for the privilege of owning property in Chicago, there is a pretty steep and increasing tax burden. It doesn't matter who gets the increment (buyer or seller) it is just TOO MUCH BURDEN for the homeowner.

Spring forward ..Think Spring

With daylight saving upon and visions of spring why not get out to the 2008 Chicagoland Flower and Garden show. Shake the winter doldrums and head to the Donald Stephens Center in Rosemont. There is a lot to see at this 14th annual event. From themed gardens; a garden market place, seminars, demos to a home lifestyle expo.
This is the opening weekend.
Check it out from tomorrow the 8th of March or anytime through the 15th.

Looking closer to home. The Spring Flower show is underway at the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
The free annual show located, of course, in Lincoln Park has spring blooming plants; both annuals and perrennials. The show continues until May the 11th.
If you have never been to this Chicago city gem it is the perfect get away from the current cold Chicago temps.

Spring forward

Well, it is the Spring Real estate market...with all the inventory and the negative press ...don't be fooled ... All the good stuff, the property that is priced right and shows well is selling... and the rates remain really great!

So get out there, what better time to buy-

I know that winter has a grip that doesn't want to let go BUT spring is around the corner.

In fact don't forget to SPRING FORWARD this Saturday night, the 8th.


It's time to move your clock forward 1 hour... a step in the right direction. Yes, its early this year, 3 weeks and I am all for it. So what if we lose an hour..

More daylight, more of the promise and change that spring offers. I can't wait!

And what better time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Safety first!

Looking for a townhome in Lakeview, Roscoe Village..

Look no further!

New on the market, this three level home lives like a townhome. Located at 1714 Belmont, hidden from the street, in an intimate 7 unit courtyard.

It is like new, and in move in condition. Have it all including generous rooms, roof deck and patio, hardwood floors, granite/ SS K and of course, gfa/cac plus a deed heated garage space.

With true 3 bedroom homes ( so many of these are really just 2 bedrooms with the possibility of converting the den or family room) this is the real deal with all bedrooms on one level and still a family room. So hard to come by this is a winner!

Check out all the photos

And check out the neighborhood. You can walk to it all, enjoy great restaurant, bars , cool shopping and great transportation... Shop at Whole foods, work out at Xsport, dine on Lincoln, on Roscoe and Southport!

Listed at $465,00 with low asseessment of only $156

getting started...looking for an investment?

Been trying to get this blog started ...Well no time like the present!

Great new listing in North Center-Check it out.
It is close to everything you can want for in the best neighborhoods: Roscoe Village (I have lived there for nearly 10 years), and nearby Lincoln Square. And it is in the Bell school district!
Looking for an investment? This is a super clean 2 flat on a wide lot. Move in one apartment and rent out the other; can get decent rent to help pay the mortgage. Has great potential to duplex both units or just one....would also make a great single family home. It's new on the market.

3936 Oakley listed at $589,000 -Take a look lots of photos to view.