Illinois can be divided into Chicago and rural areas. Alas, the same can be said for Illinois real estate prices.
Illinois
The birth home of President Lincoln, Illinois is a state with two identities. Chicago is an overwhelming presence and essentially a state unto itself. The rest of Illinois can be classified as much more rural with the down home atmosphere such places take on. This presents you with a unique living opportunity as you can choose to live in low stress towns and venture into impressive Chicago on weekends or for word. On the other hand, you can live in Chicago and take tranquil weekends outside of the bustling city. In short, Illinois offers a little something for everyone.
Chicago
Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago really need no introduction. Gothic architecture. The home of the blues. Da’ Bears. Sears Tower. John Hancock Building. Water Tower Place. Navy Pier. Shedd Aquarium. Frank Lloyd Wright. The Wrigley Building. Chicago Botanical Gardens. Wrigley Field. The list just goes on and on when talking about Chicago and I haven’t even mentioned the food. Chicago is simply a world unto itself.
Food is a central theme to Chicago. If you’re looking to stay thin, good luck. The legendary eating establishments are to numerous to list, but a good way to introduce yourself to the delicious delicacies of Chicago is the Taste of Chicago Festival at Grant Park in late June. 10 pounds. No, maybe 20 pounds. That’s what you’ll gain at this slice of eating heaven attended by thousands of people.
The third most populated city in the country, Chicago is immensely impressive. Despite the number of people, you’ll find getting around fairly simply due to excellent public transportation and excellent planning. Little shops and ethnic neighborhoods dominate the city and it is really a place to just get out and explore. A major economic power, Chicago is home to numerous major corporations and typically has a strong job market.
If sports are your thing, welcome to nirvana. Chicago residents are mad about Da’ Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks. For baseball, there is the lovable loser Cubs and the World Champion White Sox. For the non-professional, recreation leagues throughout the city contribute to a thriving sports scene.
If you’re looking for the big city life, Chicago should be near the top of the list. You could spend years exploring the city and still be missing out on gems.
Springfield
The state capital, Springfield is known best as the hometown of President Abe Lincoln. You’ll find all types of attractions related to President Lincoln including his home, burial location and so on. Roughly 200 miles south of Chicago, Springfield is a quiet town with a relaxed atmosphere. When you think of the Midwest, this is the place. The town has plenty of open areas and can best be described as a fairly basic town. Outside of it, you’ll find beautiful lakes and prairies giving rise to lots of outdoor activities.
Illinois Real Estate
Illinois real estate prices range dramatically depending upon the location. At the low end of the scale, you’ll find homes in Springfield costing roughly $200,000 while Chicago real estate averages in the $800,000. The average for Chicago homes is deceiving as prices are highly dependent upon the particular part of town you are in.
Overall, Illinois real estate has appreciated at a rather disappointing 9.5 percent in 2005. These numbers, however, can be misleading since the rate is dependent on the specific location.
Raynor James is with FSBOAmerica.org - a FSBO homes for sale by owner site. Visit our "Sell My Home" page to list your FSBO Home or visit our home buying page to see homes for sale.
This is a free article from http://www.amazines.com
Tuesday
Illinois Real Estate - Chicago and Rural Areas by Raynor James
Monday
Chicago Properties - Title Insurance Tips By Johnny Mayer
If you plan to buy a Chicago property, the sooner you learn about title insurance, the better. For many first time Chicago real estate buyers, the first time they hear about title insurance at the closing of their Chicago property. This article presents the basics of title insurance for protecting your new Chicago real estate acquisition.
What is Chicago Properties Title Insurance?
When you buy a new car, do you insure your car? Of course! When you apply for car insurance, does the agent ask to see your title? Of course! That’s the basic idea behind Chicago Properties title insurance - to protect your Chicago real estate investment. The mortgage lender requires proof you own the Chicago property and no one else has a lien on your property. The chances or securing a Chicago real estate mortgage without title insurance are like the Chicago Cubs winning the pennant this year –only better!
Title Insurance - NOT Casualty Insurance
Casualty Insurance such as car insurance assumes risks for damage to your car or other property. When you have a covered accident or loss, they pay you. Title insurers earn their money by finding and eliminating risks to your Chicago property BEFORE you sign the contract. The amount of money involved is so LARGE, there is no room for mistakes. The Chicago real estate buyer and Chicago real estate seller both want the deal for the Chicago property to go through and title Insurance is the vehicle to close the deal.
Title Insurance Benefits Chicago Properties
First you should be healthy and live to a ripe old age in your new Chicago property… Because the problems that could befall you without title insurance could endanger your health such as investing your life savings in a Chicago property only to find you don’t have a clean title to it and wind up in court. The lawyer fees alone will set up back a small fortune or a big one depending how long and costly the fight to secure title to your Chicago property.
Chicago Properties Title Insurance Policies
Title insurance policies come in two types of policies: An "owner's" policy which insures you, the homebuyer and your heirs . The other type is a "lender's" policy to protect their security interest in your Chicago real estate acquisition. As opposed to car insurance, the title insurance premium is a one time payment based on the size of your Chicago property purchase. Also, shop around for title insurance to save money better spend on your new Chicago property. Happy Home Hunting!
Rising Realty is a full-service Chicago Properties brokerage, investment, management and development company for Chicago and the surrounding area. Contact Rising Realty - your professional Chicago Properties Agency. For more info, visit Rising Realty.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnny_Mayer
Chicago Neighborhoods - Chicago Real Estate By Johnny Mayer
Are you in the market to buy a home in Chicago? Do you know where you plan to live? Chicago’s many neighborhoods have their own unique identities and customs. Which Chicago property is right for you? The only way to know is get out and view some Chicago real estate in different areas. Here are a few communities to visit in your Chicago properties search.
Skokie - Chicago Real Estate
Skokie (formerly Niles Centre) is a suburb of Chicago about 15 miles from the famous "Chicago Loop". If you are looking for a Chicago property it's a great place to live. There are about 65,000 people in area. Have your Chicago real estate agent show you homes on Old Orchard Road, Golf Road, Dempster Street, Main Street and Touhy Avenue. Also, check out people that want to sell a home in Chicago on Skokie Boulevard, Crawford Avenue, and McCormick Boulevard. Major diagonal streets are Lincoln Avenue, Niles Center Road, and Gross Point Road. Happy house hunting
Rogers Park - Chicago Real Estate
Rogers Park began as a farming community in about 1830 with immigrants from Germany. There are excellent Chicago properties that reflect German, English, Irish and Jewish families that moved to Rogers Park. The 2000 census showed Rogers Park is one of the most diverse American communities. If you're into diversity, have your Chicago real estate agent arrange some house showings in Rogers Park.
Oak Park - Chicago Real Estate
Oak Park offers easy bus and train service to downtown Chicago, a good place to start your Chicago real estate quest. About 50,000 people live in Oak Park. Some famous Oak Park residents are Carl Rogers, Ernest Hemingway, Betty White. Got that? There's going to be a test when you close on your Chicago property! (just kidding)
Evanston - Chicago Real Estate
Evanston is located right on Lake Michigan just north of Chicago also belongs on your Chicago real estate house hunting list…. It's close to Wilmette, another popular place for buying a Chicago property. A few famous people from Evanston include Marlon Brando, John Cusack, Joan Cusack and Charlton Heston. As soon as you close on your Chicago property, I'll add you to the list!
Rising Realty is a full-service Chicago Properties brokerage, investment, management and development company for Chicago and the surrounding area. Contact Rising Realty - your professional Chicago Properties Agency. For more info, visit Rising Realty.
Johnny Mayer is a content writer for Compucall Web Marketing Ltd.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnny_Mayer
