Chicago Condo Company Ready to go
The new year is right around the corner and we're looking forward to helping you with anything related to Chicago condos, suburban Chicago condos, rent-to-own condos and all other real estate topics in 2009.
Like many of you, we'll be celebrating New Year's Day tomorrow with some time away from the office, but we'll be right back on Friday, Jan. 2 and over the weekend, so don't hesitate to drop us an email or a voicemail and we'll get back to you as soon as we return.
All the best for 2009!
Chicago Condo Company Wishes Happy Holidays!
The OwnACondo.com family wishes you and yours a very special holiday season, filled with warmth, good cheer and good food!
Our office will be closed Dec. 24 and 25, reopening Friday, Dec. 26. Our weekend hours remain intact, 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
All the very best!
Insure Your Condo
The insurance that you pay for as part of your monthly association fee almost never covers the contents of your condo in case of fire, theft or other loss. What defines "contents?" Well, it's just about everything within your walls, including furniture, appliances, jewelry, personal papers, even sinks, cabinets, carpet, floor tile--everything.
Don't forget about, or skimp on, contents insurance for your Chicago condo or suburban Chicago condo. OwnACondo.com now offers a one-stop insurance resource. Click here to learn more about condo insurance and to get a free quote.
Protect your hard-earned belongings and enjoy the peace of mind you'll have knowing that you are insured.
Condo Association Officers and Directors
Navigating the language and definitions of the condo world becomes pretty easy with some simple exposure and a handy resource, such as the popular Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on our website.
We recently received a couple questions concerning Directors and Officers of a condo association board. What do they do and who are they?
Generally speaking, in Illinois, the Directors make decisions about the association and the Officers carry out those decisions. The Directors and Officers are volunteers from the ranks of the condo owners. These volunteers are nominated for the roles or they nominate themselves. The condo owners vote to select the Directors from among the nominees, and the Directors vote to select the Officers. Officer positions typically include President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Look for a expanded version of our FAQs coming soon.
OwnACondo.com Christmas Party
I want to personally thank everyone who came to the OwnACondo.com Christmas party Thursday evening. It was nice to see many familiar faces along with a number of new friends as well.
With our rent-to-own program in full bloom, I'm really looking forward to an explosive 2009. The buzz is already here and all the signs are in front of us to predict 2009 to be our breakout year.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Warmest Regards,
Brian Kuzdas
Now Is The Time For Condo Buying
The housing market is experiencing a cooling off period from the boom of several years ago, making today's economic environment the perfect one in which to buy a home. Rates are low and inventories are up, meaning more choices for home buyers. In today's market the buyer holds all the aces!
There is plenty of information available to help you make an informed decision.
Decorate A Condo
If you're looking for a way to brighten your Chicago condo as well as your mood in these challenging times, consider that suniest of colors, yellow.
The Pantone Color Insitute, a recognized authority on color for design professionals, has released its "2009 Color of The Year". Specifically, Pantone cites a particular shade of yellow called Mimosa.
"Optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow," said Pantone in announcing its choice for the new year.
Condo buying
With apologies to our friends at the U.S. Postal Service, we'd like to alter their famous unofficial motto just a bit:
"Neither snow, nor bitter temperatures, nor an economic downturn, keeps first-time condo buyers from the completion of their American dream."Â
It's true. There is no shortage of people who want and need to buy houses and condos, even in this challenging market. And they're looking for a way to do it.Â
West Chicago is the the latest community to offer a first-time home buyers' program using the state's Mortgage Credit Certificate Program which allows participants to reduce their federal income tax by as much as $2,000 per year for up to 30 years.
Other communities that have joined the program recently are Downers Grove and Joliet. Condos, townhomes and single family houses are all included. Learn more about the program in this Chicago Tribune article.
2008 Chicago Condo Closings
To date, about 28,000 condos have closed in 2008 so far, as reported by the Northern Illinois Multiple Listing Service. Of the 28,000, about half (14,500) are in Chicago and the other half (13,500) in the suburbs of Chicago.
River North, Lakeview, Lincoln Park and South Loop are some of the leaders of condo closings for 2008.
If you would like to get more information on any area of condo closings in Chicago or any other area, please contact us at 866.696.2266.
