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
Tuesday
Business Relocation: Nobody Likes a Double Agent – 5 Tips To Hiring an Honest Tenant Representative! By: John Carpenter
Was James Bond a double agent? NO!
Was Inspector Clousou a double agent? NO!
Was Maxwell Smart a double agent? NO!
Yet, hundreds of thousands of businesses around the world unknowingly invite double agents into their boardrooms and inner circles every year. You know a double agent is ‘trouble’ because they have a built-in conflict of interest.
Does one give the secret formula to Interpol or Scotland Yard? Whichever side ends up with the formula wonders whether it’s the real thing or a cleverly disguised ploy to encourage them to make a poor decision.
Governments, businesses, trade associations and “Mom and Pops” all face similar situations when their organizations reach the dreaded time in the business cycle when their lease is coming to an end or when an expansion or contraction requires them to relocate.
This is always a traumatic time for anyone who leases space for their business or organization.
Today there are over twenty-five million businesses in the United States alone and thousands more governmental agencies leasing space. Many tenants are not aware that most commercial real estate brokerage companies concentrate on providing services to the landlord community. This only makes sense for the brokers who spend considerable time developing relationships with owners who control large blocks of lease-able space, which will be a source of consistent leasing commissions for extended periods. These broker/landlord relationships take time to develop and are jealously guarded once obtained.
Every member of a firm is encouraged to support the relationships that the company develops. This approach is not particular to real estate brokerage; lawyers, accountants and other ‘consultants of trust’ face similar situations. The big difference is -- the real estate industry allows their personnel to represent both sides of a transaction.
Would you choose a lawyer to represent both sides in a divorce or a surgeon to give you both a first and second opinion about your surgical needs?
Many business owners and managers are unaware that “their” real estate agent may be working for a brokerage company that has strong business relationships with multi property landlords. Even worse, the agents themselves may be representing one or more landlords who are offering leased space to tenants in the market. Which landlord does this broker represent or golly, does the broker represent the tenant or one of the landlords. Decisions, decisions, how does one choose?
It is impossible to fairly represent both sides of anything. After all, we wouldn’t have ‘sides’ to consider at all if that were the case.
Landlords hire brokers to insure their best interests are represented regarding such things as which spaces in the building need to be filled, limiting tenant improvements, negotiating landlord oriented leases and getting the best price for their property. Nothing wrong with trying to do the best you can and hiring experts to give you an edge!
The problem is that most buildings have marketing and negotiating specialists representing landlords and many tenants are out in the marketplace un-represented or represented by a firm or maybe even a broker who also directly or indirectly works for the landlord. Because it is more lucrative to work for landlords, few brokerage firms are organized to represent just tenants in the market place. Tenant Representation as a specialty started several years ago and is steadily gaining popularity in this country and overseas as more and more companies become aware that alternatives to dual representation exists.
5 Tips To Hiring A Tenant Representative
First- Find a firm that specializes in just representing tenants. This should be possible in most major cities and suburbs, but tougher in smaller areas where brokers try to do it all. If you’re a larger company and have offices in multiple locations a number a firms specialize in a very sophisticated set of services designed specifically for you.
Second - Get a written commitment that the broker has no conflicts of interest and will represent only your business. Listen carefully for, “we have effectively represented both parties for many years,” “we have a way to handle that,” “no conflicts of interest at the present time.”
Third – Checkout their track record and references. Tenants who have had a good experience with a Tenant Representation broker will be happy to talk about it, because it is a unique experience.
Fourth – Review their tools and services to ensure what they have to offer are what you need. Tools might include strategic planning, lease comparison analysis, lease vs. buy investigation, project timeline management, preferred vendor recommendations, move management, and project and/or construction management.
Fifth – Make sure the tenant representatives working on your account are in fact knowledgeable and experienced in relocating a firm like yours. The good news here is that most of these firms have very experienced personnel and a strong commitment to service.
Article Source: http://www.afroarticles.com/article-dashboard
About The Author: John Carpenter -- Former Regional President of one of the big three national commercial brokerage firms and Principal of Carpenter/Robbins Commercial Real Estate, Inc, can help your organization move with as little pain as possible and not get ripped off in the process. For ongoing real estate support with a professional who has personally sold or leased millions of square feet of commercial properties go to http://www.crcre.com/
Monday
Chicago Real Estate Investing-By Thomas Morva
Donald Trump and countless other moguls built their empires on real estate, and, lately, a lot of people have realized the wisdom behind real estate investments. Chicago real estate investing is a formidable, yet very feasible, business. Chicago is a booming city that is economically sound with prime real estate everywhere. Owning a piece of land at the right location is like owning a gold mine: In just a few years, its value may jump to double the amount you started with in the first place.
But as with any business venture, jumping on the real estate investing bandwagon should be more than just a split-second decision. You must be well prepared before you commit to this daunting task.
First, you have to study Chicago real estate investing. Ask significant questions:
Where is the ideal location?
How is the market doing?
How much start-up capital should I have?
What are the different aspects of real estate investing should I be familiar with?
What type of property do I want to deal in?
When you have the answers to all these questions, then you can start thinking of Chicago real estate investment as a possibility.
When you start your business make sure you cover the important facets of promoting your Chicago real estate investment. Know the importance of advertising and how beneficial it can be for your business. You need to constantly let people know what is out there by advertising your property. There's no such thing as too much advertising-it's the lack of it that can hurt you.
You must also have reliable real estate agents handling your Chicago real estate investing business. If you surround yourself with hardworking and smart people, chances are you'll be in it for the long haul.
Sitting at the negotiation table can be intimidating, but you must realize that you're in this to win. Start your bargains at the lowest possible price: not too low, as this could be insulting for the seller, but low enough so that you'll have a lot of room for haggling.
Be pro-active. Be on the watch for the smallest movements in the market and make sure you are ready to pounce when prime real estate is suddenly brought to the market.
Chicago real estate investing can be a lot of hard work but it can also be very rewarding in the end.
Chicago Real Estate provides detailed information on Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Commercial Real Estate, Chicago Suburb Real Estate, Chicago Real Estate Developments and more. Chicago Real Estate is affiliated with Atlanta Commercial Real Estate.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
Chicago Real Estate Appraisal-By Thomas Morva
The first thing to do before selling your real estate property or buying one is to get an appraisal. This is essential in all situations. Whether you are a first time seller or a savvy real estate investor, you need to get your property appraised before you put it on the market.
Real estate appraisal means determining a piece of property's monetary equivalent based on its highest and best use value. A real property's value differs in many ways: market value, value-in-use, insurable value and investment value.
In order to optimize the sale of your property and get every cent you deserve, refer to a reliable appraiser. An accurate Chicago real estate appraisal is important for loan financing, real estate tax and financial planning.
The real value of property is not in its physical appearance but its use. For example, a certain area of land may be given its highest and best value as a commercial lot rather than as a residential property. So if you are looking for a place for your family, it would be best to opt for real estate labeled as residential. For one, dwelling in a commercial space may not be legal. And two, most commercial spaces are more expensive than residential areas.
So to be on the safe side, acquire a Chicago real estate appraisal before you take action. There are plenty of appraisal companies all over the Chicago area that will put you in touch with qualified appraisers. A quick visit to any appraisal company is all you need to get a Chicago real estate appraisal.
Protect your investment with a Chicago real estate appraisal. Whether your property is a 2-room apartment or a sprawling mansion, a log cabin in the mountains or a high-rise condo-you should get an appraisal before you put it on the market.
Chicago Real Estate provides detailed information on Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Commercial Real Estate, Chicago Suburb Real Estate, Chicago Real Estate Developments and more. Chicago Real Estate is affiliated with Atlanta Commercial Real Estate.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
Read More......
Chicago Real Estate Agents-By Thomas Morva
Are you selling your house? Are you interested in purchasing a home in the suburbs? Then you need a good real estate agent to handle your business.
Selling a house is a tricky business. The seller must make sure that he is making a logical and well thought out decision during each step. This is precisely why, if you are planning on selling your house or apartment, you should consider hiring a good professional real estate agent. If you are in Chicago, it shouldn't be too hard for you to find a Chicago real estate agent. There are plenty of brokerages that have more than enough real estate agents in their roster to help you out.
The same goes if you are planning to purchase a home. First-time home purchasers usually make impulsive decisions that they regret and are left feeling short-changed afterwards. Looking for just the right home in Chicago can be a bit challenging, but with a reliable Chicago real estate agent everything should be a snap.
The first step in finding a Chicago real estate agent is to find a reliable real estate agency. Once you get in touch with the agency and let them know your intent, they will put a qualified Chicago real estate agent in touch with you.
For your agent to be effective, he or she must be familiar with the area in which the house you are either purchasing or selling is located. If you are buying a home, your agent should also be able to help you explore all the possible options available to you and inform you of the economics, i.e., taxes, maintenance, and insurance involved.
Selling something is always a challenge, so your Chicago real estate agent should be able to advise you how to make the best deal possible. Take the following into consideration: 1.) Don't peg your price too high -stick to what's realistic; 2.) Do not push the envelope too far-playing hardball is good, but too much negotiation might discourage the other party completely; 3.) Strut your stuff-advertise your home, have people come in for and make sure it's in tiptop shape.
Chicago Real Estate provides detailed information on Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Commercial Real Estate, Chicago Suburb Real Estate, Chicago Real Estate Developments and more. Chicago Real Estate is affiliated with Atlanta Commercial Real Estate.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
Chicago Suburb Real Estate- By Thomas Morva
The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs is as vibrant as it is in city itself. A large number of residential and commercial real estate are always available for sale or purchase in Chicago's suburban areas such as Cook County, Lake County, McHenry and Boone counties, Kane and DeKalb counties and DuPage and Will counties. There are also other Chicago suburbs where real estate market continues to flourish.
There are real estate firms which deal exclusively with one particular suburb, and others that deal with all suburbs. The south suburbs are relatively new. The real estate prices are high here. Some of the buildings have still preserved the architecture of previous centuries.
Excellent commuting facilities leading into the city have resulted in relatively higher prices for real estate in this area as compared to some other suburbs. The northern suburbs are considered ""elite."" Here we have villages with beautiful houses and magnificent churches, a good choice for those who are looking forward to buy residential real estate. The northwest suburbs cover huge tracts of land. The population density is low. The architecture of most of the buildings reminds one of a typical 20th century urban landscape.
Those looking for commercial real estate can go for vacant spaces in shopping malls. Residential real estate is also available in the countryside as one keeps on moving farther out in these suburbs. In the western suburbs one finds a variety of real estate, as these suburbs have a very diversified culture and economy.
There are affluent sections, as well as agrarian and industrial communities with their feet on the ground. One can get a range of real estate in western suburbs. It is clear that in general the real estate prices might be a bit on the lower side as compared to the main city area of Chicago, but as all of them have good connectivity with the main city area, one can settle down in one of these suburbs without having any major impact on one’s quality of life.
Chicago Real Estate provides detailed information on Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Commercial Real Estate, Chicago Suburb Real Estate, Chicago Real Estate Developments and more. Chicago Real Estate is affiliated with Atlanta Commercial Real Estate.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
Read More......
Chicago Commercial Real Estate- By Thomas Morva
There is currently a booming market for commercial real estate in Chicago. There are local firms and brokers who specialize in commercial real estate in Chicago. In addition, there are online resources available that can help one buy, sell, or research Chicago commercial real estate.
Retail businesses occupy a large percentage of the commercial properties in Chicago. Because there are a numerous federal and state laws that must be followed when to buying or selling commercial real estate, it is advisable to ask the advice of a professional real estate firm and/or attorney before doing so.
A number of websites provide online listings of commercial properties for sale. These lists are regularly updated. One can search these lists to gain a general idea of the quality of the properties that are available within a given budget. (The prices of commercial real estate typically vary according to their location, size, and quality of construction.) If you are planning to put one of your commercial properties up for sale, it might be to your advantage to add your property to one of these lists.
Although it is often more convenient to do research online, there is no dearth of professional service firms that can help one research commercial real estate in Chicago.
Some Chicago real-estate firms deal with only premium commercial properties. Most middle and small level firms, however, deal with all categories of commercial real estate. There are many individual brokers and commercial real estate attorneys who can help a buyer or seller close a real-estate transaction quickly and efficiently.
An attorney will complete and verify the necessary legal documentation. Real-estate attorney fees are usually commission based. The rates of commission vary according to the price of the commercial real estate being bought or sold and the reputation of the individual firm or broker.
Chicago Real Estate provides detailed information on Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Commercial Real Estate, Chicago Suburb Real Estate, Chicago Real Estate Developments and more. Chicago Real Estate is affiliated with Atlanta Commercial Real Estate.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
Chicago Real Estate Developments- By Thomas Morva
Chicago is also knows as the birthplace of skyscrapers, since the first high rise building was built here in 1885. Today, due to rapid strides made in the field of real estate, Chicago is amongst the top three cities in the world which can boast of the tallest skylines - the other two cities are New York and Hong Kong. There are more than 1500 high rise buildings in Chicago. They are lined up along the beautiful parks and beaches.
The suburbs around the main city have also developed both commercial as well as residential real estate at a tremendous pace. This has made Chicago one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the recent times. Of late, the trend of purchasing real estate from investment perspective is catching up. The business in real estate sector has been looking up as many top real estate firms were able to rake up more than $100 million of revenue in the year 2005.
As a number of Chicago builders have been offerings homes and commercial properties, the real estate sector continues to expand. The trend is greater particularly in Chicago suburbs, even though some of the suburbs have still large areas of vacant land, which have the potential of becoming a "hot" property in the near future if developed properly.
In the mean time, since one of the biggest developments in Chicago real estate sector is unearthing of a mortgage fraud, it calls for being well-informed about these developments in order to safeguard yourself from such frauds. Such occurrences have the potential of duping thousands of families who have interests in the real estate developments. But for rendering you a helping hand, there are a number of real estate development experts in Chicago whom you can contact for valid information.
Chicago Real Estate provides detailed information on Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Commercial Real Estate, Chicago Suburb Real Estate, Chicago Real Estate Developments and more. Chicago Real Estate is affiliated with Atlanta Commercial Real Estate.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
Read More......
