Summer Fun At The Glenview Park District

Summer is full of fun and excitement for people of all ages to enjoy in Glenview to the Glenview Park District.  The Park District not only provides camps and activities for kids, but also concerts and fitness classes for the whole community to enjoy.  Not a week will go by without an event taking place at one of the many facilities.  The multitude of Glenview homes for sale will allow any home buyer to be in close proximity to all of these incredible Park District programs.

Highlights at the Glenview Park District this summer include, outdoor movies in Flick Park where friends and family can come together to enjoy the summer weather and a family film all at once.  Another highlight presented by the Park District is “Civil War Living History Days” at The Grove.  Here, the whole family can travel back in time to “meet” Abraham Lincoln and participate in blue vs. gray skirmishes.

The Glenview Park District is thought of as one of the best in the Chicagoland area, so if you’re looking to enjoy exciting activities and beautiful surroundings, then Glenview is the place for you!

Upcoming Events Presented by the Glenview Park District:

July 23

  • “Flick @ Flick” (Flick Park, 3600 Glenview Rd. @ dusk): Outdoor movie night under the stars featuring Raiders of the Lost Arc. Bring your own picnic to enjoy during the movie!

July 24-25

  • “Civil War Living History Days” (The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave. @ 10 am): Bring the whole family to learn about the Civil War.  Activities include Candle Light Camp tours and the opportunity to ‘meet’ President Lincoln, General Grant and Jefferson Davis.

Tags: glenview homes for sale
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Taste Chicago From The Gold Coast

Summertime in Chicago is full of annual outdoor festivals, concerts and other events for Chicagoans and tourists to take advantage of in and around the downtown area. Located a few miles from Grant Park and Millennium Park, Gold Coast Chicago condos are so close to the excitement you can practically taste it from your doorstep. One of the most popular summer attractions in Chicago is Taste of Chicago. This year will be the 46th annual installment of the festival which begins on Friday June 25, 2010 in Grant Park and runs until Sunday July 4, 2010. The Taste features booths from several well known local and national franchise restaurants. People come from all over the country to taste food in small portions and engage in activities and promotions that take place during the 10-day period.

In addition to food and fun, there are live performances that take place on the Petrillo Music Shell stage featuring a variety of nationally known recording artists. The concerts are free for spectators, patrons are encouraged to arrive early to get a good spot near the stage. Gold Coast residents can take a nice walk or short cab ride to Grant Park to enjoy the festivities.  Below is the complete lineup of talent for the Taste of Chicago 2010.

Petrillo Music Shell Schedule

  • Friday June 25th (5:30 p.m.): Rob Base, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Salt-n-Pepa, Bell Biv Devoe
  • Saturday June 26th (5:30 p.m.): Gavin Rossdale, opening act TBA
  • Sunday June 27th (3:00 p.m.): Allstar Weekend, Emily Osment
  • Monday June 28th (6:00 p.m.): Broadway in Chicago “Best of Broadway to Chicago”
  • Tuesday June 29th (5:30 p.m.): Los Lonely Boys, Los Lobos
  • Wednesday June 30th (5:30 p.m.): Brett Dennen, Mat Kearney
  • Thursday July 1st (5:30 p.m.): Teairra Mari, Trey Songz
  • Friday July 2nd (5:30 p.m.): Rob Thomas
  • Saturday July 3rd (3:00 p.m.): Steve Miller Band
  • Sunday July 4th (12:00 p.m.): Carney, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Passion Pit

For a complete listing of Taste of Chicago Vendors and additional information Click here.

Tags: chicago north shore agent, gold coast chicago condos, taste of chicago
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Never A Dull Moment on The North Shore

There’s No Place Home on Chicago’s North Shore

There won’t be a dull moment in the North Shore area near Chicago during the month of May. There are many events and festivals taking place that are absolutely perfect for lovers of culture and the arts. Not a weekend will go by without events or activities that the entire family can joy on Chicago’s North Shore.

Chicago North Shore homes for sale are in close proximity to many attractions that are suitable for people of all ages.  The North Shore area is home to places like The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe or the Exploritorium in Skokie. There are also museums the entire family will enjoy, such as the Kohl’s Children’s Museum, Illinois Holocaust Museum or the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. The list of attractions and festivities nearby Chicago’s North Shore goes on and on; the only thing missing from the equation is your home. If you’re looking to settle in an area that’s nice and relaxed yet in the middle of the excitement, it would be in your best interest to purchase in the area.

Now- May 16, 2010

  • WAR WITH THE NEWTS at Next Theatre (927 Noyes St.): An entertaining yet spooky theatrical piece on the discovery of a race of giant salamanders. War with the Newts is based on a trip to the Czech Republic and is brought to life by use of projection and puppets.  For specific show times and prices please contact venue at 847.475.1875 or go to www.nexttheatre.org

May 15th

  • Mark Russell Live at Centre East (9501 Skokie Blvd.): Well known Comedian Mark Russell who has been seen for the last 25 years on PBS with his famous comedy special will be bringing his comedic talents to the North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Centre East Theatre in Skokie. Performance times are set for 5pm and 8pm. Prices may vary, please contact venue at 847.673.6300 for more information or go to www.northshorecenter.org

May 22nd- May 23rd

  • Skokie’s Festival of Cultures (4701 W Oakton St.) was created in order for patrons to experience the entertainment and cuisine from more than 20 countries and cultures all in one place. The festival will consist of live entertainment, a merchandize bazaar, arts and crafts and other activities for the entire family to enjoy.  For more information call 847.674.1500 ext 2180 or go to www.skokieculturefest.org

May 27th- July 3, 2010

  • Low Down Dirty Blues at Northlight Theatre (9501 Skokie Blvd.): The world premiere of the Musical “Low Down Dirty Blues” is opening Memorial Day weekend at the Northlight Theatre in Skokie. This musical is brought to you by the creators as classic Blues musicals such as “Fire on the Mountain” and “It Aint Nothin But The Blues” and is anticipated to do just as well.  For pricing and schedule information please call 847.673.6300 or go to www.northlight.org

Tags: Chicago North Shore homes for sale, Chicago North Shore real estate, Chicago North Shore real estate agents, Chicago real estate
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The Short Sale

When looking for Highland Park homes for sale, one way to find a relatively cheap property is to find a property undergoing a short sale.

Many people don’t understand short sales, but it’s actually rather simple. To save a home from foreclosure, a bank or mortgage company may allow owners to sell the home for less than the owed amount. This saves the bank from foreclosing on the property and ensures someone will be living in the house.

image

Sellers like this because they receive some sort of compensation in a situation when they could have easily received none. In addition, their credit doesn’t take nearly as big of a hit, which can be extremely important in today’s economy.

Often times, short sales houses will be flipped rather quickly. Many times the seller is being faced with foreclosure and has very little time to sell a home. This can mean several things. First, you could easily be receiving a home for less than the intended value, which is a great thing for you, the buyer.

But you must be careful. Just because you have a short time to buy a particular home, do not forego the traditional inspections. It does no good to get a great deal only to discover that your new home has basic foundation problems.

There is sometimes a stigma attached to short sale homes, since they go for so much less than the intended value. It should be noted that a short sale never means something is actually wrong with the house. All it means is that the homeowner is facing foreclosure. The house itself does not come into play.

It is important, when buying a short sale house, to make sure you are completely aware of any renegotiations the lender might try to make. Since the window of time is so small for a short sale, often a lender will try to change the negotiations. Don’t get rushed into anything. If the sale isn’t for you, do not go for it because it seems like a good deal. This is the easiest way to get duped on the short sale.

Also, make sure you know what the closing costs will be. Often times, lenders will have higher closing costs than sellers. These don’t necessarily make up the difference that you benefit from in a short sale, but it is something to be aware of when going into a transaction.

Otherwise, a short sale can be a wonderful way to get a home at a low price in a great neighborhood in Highland Park. Just stay on your toes, and you can walk away with a great deal.

Tags: highland park homes for sale, Short Sale
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Now is the Time to Buy Chicago Real Estate

There isn’t a better time to buy Chicago North Shore homes for sale.

The real estate market is a buyer’s market, and many real estate professionals predict it will continue on as such.

According to RISMedia, predictions set Illinois at the third highest spot for places real estate prices are expected to drop in the next ten months. This is an impressive prediction, especially considering there was a 30.5 percent rise in the number of homes sold this past February as compared to February of 2009. Additionally, potential buyers made a purchase in, on average, 160 days as opposed to 180 days this past year.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Chicago North Shore homes for sale, Chicago real estate
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North Shore Homes For Sale: Market Activity

Here are a few interesting trends that will make buying North Shore homes for sale in the coming months an activity that you should undertake with a knowledgeable realtor on your side.

North Shore Homes For Sale: How Foreclosure is Affecting Price

According to Chicago Real Estate Daily, foreclosures were up in 22% in the month of February. Additionally, it’s not just the urban market that is suffering from the foreclosure crisis– it’s happening in the suburbs, too. Toward the end of 2009, increased foreclosure rates were occurring in the affluent suburban areas of North and Northwest Chicago, instead of being focused in the downtown condo market and southern suburbs. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Chicago North Shore homes for sale, chicago real estate market activity, federal housing tax credit, foreclosures, north shore chicago real estate, north shore homes for sale, north shore real estate, short sales
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Owners of River North Chicago Condos: New Dining Options in your Neighborhood!

New and Upcoming Restaurants for River North Condo Owners to Try If you own a River North Chicago condo, you know that the neighborhood’s culinary scene is one of the best in the city. Within walking distance from a River North condo are some of Chicago’s most famous restaurants like the Chicago location of the international chain Fogo de Chao, award-winning chef Rick Bayless’s newest Mexican joint XOCO, and the home of Graham Elliot’s groundbreaking experimental cuisine.

graham elliot

Inside Graham Elliot, a River North Chicago culinary hotspot.

According to the Chicago Tribune, “The Near North Chicago neighborhood has 25,000 new residents occupying 10,000 new housing units built since 2000. Along with them have come offices, hotels, eateries, clubs, art galleries and shops. The central location makes whatever isn’t there an easy walk or cab ride away.” This, of course, explains why so many new restaurants, and home owners, are settling in the exciting area.

This spring, River North greeted three new additions to the already-varied eating scene: Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: chicago culinary scene, chicago cut steakhouse, chicago gastropubs, chicago restaurants, chicago steakhouses, double a, gilt bar, mastro's, new chicago restaurants, river north chicago condos, sable bar and grill
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Illinois Home Sales Up 35% in Fourth Quarter of 2009

The Illinois Association Realtors reports the sales of single family homes improved in the fourth quarter of 2009. This is probably due largely to the original First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit deadline, which fell in November 2009. Sales were also spurred by Illinois buyers’ increased confidence and low mortgage interest rates.

However, with the 6 month extension of the credit, will this increase in Chicago home sales sustain? More importantly, with home sales increasing, is it still a buyer’s market and a wise time for you to make an investment in a North Shore home for sale?

According to the Illinois Association of Realtor’s report:

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Tags: chicago homes for sale, Chicago real estate, federal housing tax credit, first time home buyers, first time home buyers resources, first time homes buyers tax credit, illinois home sales, illinois homes for sale, north shore homes for sale, north shore real estate
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North Shore Homes for Sale and The Updated Tax Credit: Can You Use It?

I’ve talked about the extended tax credit here before, but I found another informative article and want to bring as many resources to potential Chicago home buyers as possible.

North Shore homes for sale might not seem like the Chicago properties that you would be buying with Federal Housing Tax Credit– however, since it was updated last November, the Tax Credit can help with substantial purchases, even  if you aren’t actually the targeted first-time buyer.

And, since you have to close by June for the tax credit to apply, now is high time to start looking for a new North Shore home. Read on to learn about using the tax credit to purchase a new home. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: chicago home buyer advice, chicago home buyer resources, chicago home buyers, chicago north shore properties, chicago real estate agent, extended housing tax credit, federal housing tax credit, north shore homes for sale
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Gold Coast Chicago Condos

Gold Coast Chicago condos are some of the most fun properties to show and sell for a real estate agent. Whether they are fabulous new construction or vintage condos filled with character, showing a potential homeowner a gorgeous condo on the Gold Coast is always a treat. Close to downtown but with a residential feel, the Gold Coast area houses some of the greatest real estate in Chicago — what can be better than condos right on the Lake?

Gold Coast Chicago Condos on North Astor Street

For many condo owners, especially in areas like Chicago’s Gold Coast, the building you live in is as important as the condo itself. The people surrounding your purchase become your community, and many Gold Coast condo buildings have events and shared amenities for their residents. Condo buildings usually require approval by the condo association for you to buy the condo. This built-in community can be a great bonus to living in a condo building that you like.

For some home buyers, stairs can pose a problem. In fact, many older couples move from townhouses to condos simply for the convenience of  living on one floor. A single-floor condo can be perfect for those who plan to age in place, and in many condo complexes, a lot of the home’s maintenance is taken off your hands. Plus, with generally less space, a one-floor condo takes less cleaning.

Ready to being looking for perfect Gold Coast Chicago condos? Start your property search here!

Tags: Chicago condos, Chicago real estate, chicago townhomes, chicago townhouses, downtown Chicago, gold coast chicago condos, gold coast condos, old town. lincoln park, River North
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