Condo Company Recognizes Earth Hour!
What happens when the lights go waaay down low? Hmm...
Find out this Saturday, March 29, at 8 p.m. (your local time) by joining people around the world in Earth Hour, a 60-minute effort designed to make a positive impact on the environment.
Turn off your lights and all non-essential electric devices for just one hour. Don't forget all the electronic items that might be charging or in sleep mode, like computer monitors, computer speakers, video game controllers, cable boxes, etc. Turn 'em off or just unplug them, because even these low-drain items add up to an enormous amount of wasted electricity when considering the millions of similar devices around the country and the world.
Global climate change is real, and even though research and opinions differ as to the ultimate cause, there's no denying that taking certain steps (during Earth Hour and into the future) can help the environment. That's something worth doing, regardless of theories or politics.
So get involved, have some fun, and save some energy. You'll be joining participants in 25 major cities around the world, including Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix and San Fransico here in the U.S. And of course, your friends at OwnACondo.com will also be taking part. Â
Read this Chicago Tribune article about what's planned in the Windy City, and check in here for the official Earth Hour website.
Real Estate Condo Sales Are on The Rise!
Could it be that there was just too much darn snow and cold weather around for people to shop for real estate?
Maybe there was just so much time spent preparing for the holidays, and then financially recovering from the holidays. Or, perhaps the constant pounding of the negative news--some justified, but much just total overkill--kept people on the sidelines.
Well, the Chicago Tribune reported in today's edition some very encouraging news about housing sales. Sales actually went up 2.9 percent recently. Read about it here.
Lest anyone think we are over-hyping a small triumph and calling an end to the troubled market, let's be perfectly clear. We've said it before and we'll say it again: the housing market is correcting. House and condo value gains in recent years have been enormous and unprecedented. Unfortunately, this pace of growth could not be sustained. Values are returning to earth. There is obvious pain in this. Buyers who purchased at our near the top of the boom are suffering and many other aspects of society have been impacted with the slowdown. But the market has weathered untold number of cycles in the past and, when viewed in the long run, remains a great way to invest.
The Washington Condominiums of Forest Park!
Spring is here and the spotlight is on The Washington Condominiums, 7428 Washington Street, Forest Park. The grand opening is under way and there are open houses every day of the week for you to visit. More on that in just a moment.
But first, have you heard about Forest Park? It's been long overshadowed by its neighbor directly to the east, Oak Park, which is easily one of Chicago's most well-known suburbs. Oak Park is home to Ernest Hemmingway and Frank Lloyd Wright. The community has lots of boutiques, trendy shops and a vibrant arts community. But why the history lesson?
Well, as Oak Park has gotten pricier, its taxes stratospheric and its housing market so competitive, lots of people have decided to live and invest right across the street, in Forest Park. And the community has really blossomed. Madison Street, which is the main drag through town, is lined with restaurants, pubs, antique shops and more. There's an aquatic center in town, a big summer street festival each year and lots of other compelling factors that make Forest Park a community where you'd really like to live. And that's why you should choose The Washington Condominiums.
The Washington has beautifully upgraded one-bedroom condominiums in a spotless elevator building starting at only $128,500. You'll love the granite countertops, ceramic tile, track lighting, plush carpeting, Benjamin Moore paint, flat panel kitchen cabintery, G.E. appliances and more. And that's just the start! An extensive list of upgrades is available to match virtually any taste and affordability.
This is a blog posting, not a sales brochure, and there's so much more to mention that you've just got to make a visit and see these great condos. Drop by Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays between Noon and 5 p.m. Check out the website for pictures, a map and other great information. Hope to see you soon at The Washington Condominiums of Forest Park!
Chicago condo REALTORS
Free, consumer searches of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are common and even expected in today's marketplace. We've got a search right on our own website and it's one of our most-visited pages.
But does that mean consumers don't value, or no longer need, the services of a licensed REALTOR, like the Condo Specialists at OwnACondo.com? Not according to a recent survey which found that about 92 percent of respondents said they appreciated the opportunity to narrow down a property search at an MLS site before working with a REALTOR.
At OwnACondo.com, we know that the free flow of information to our clients and potential clients helps form long-lasting relationships. The service, knowledge and care provided by our Condo Specialists is what brings all the stats, prices and pretty pictures on the MLS into clear focus. Drop us an email or give us a call toll-free at 866-696-2266.
New FHA Loan Limits Increase, good for all condos buyers
Affordable government-backed loans that can be used for purchase or refinance are now available through the FHA.
These refinancing loans can be especially appealing to condo owners and homeowners who may have purchased near the height of the real estate market and are now concerned that the temporary market downtown is leaving them with property worth less than what they owe.
The new loan packages are part of the recent Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. A news release by the Department of Housing and Urban Development explains more about the loans.
