AVP Collateral Underwriting Manager at Wintrust Mortgage Hosts Training for Related Realty Brokers

Posted on July 16, 2014 by relatedchicago

Roy Hughes, AVP Collateral Underwriting Manager at Wintrust Mortgage hosted a July 16^th training session titled “Making the Appraisal Process Better and Easier” for Related Realty brokers this morning.

The training outlined valuable tips for agents to follow in an effort to help make the appraisal process as smooth as possible. Roy discussed what action brokers can take in the event that an appraisal comes in low. He also detailed how appraisals have been affected by the multiple bid scenarios that Chicago realtors have been experiencing in this active market.

Today’s training is part of a comprehensive curriculum that Related Realty has put in place. The educational program is designed to offer brokers the opportunity to attend a diverse assortment of training sessions that are led by both internal and external individuals. Topics are carefully selected to support Related Realty’s dedication to keeping their brokers ahead of the game in all facets of the real estate industry. Trainings take place at least twice a month and are held in various locations.

Click here to learn more about Related Realty’s partnership with preferred lender, Wintrust Mortgage.

Chicago Real Estate: Chicagos Childrens Museum at Navy Pier

Posted on July 11, 2014 by relatedchicago

Chicago real estate is hot, and the Navy Pier area is home to some of the best Chicago condo living for active adults and families, especially for those with children. The Chicago Childrens Museum is one of the gems of Navy Pier. This is a place that is filled with fun, education, and exceptional learning for children of all ages, including babies, toddler, and preschoolers.

Features:

Educational field trips to the Childrens Museum that are designed for children of all ages. The focus is on education; the venue is fun. The Childrens Museum is a tool that parents and grandparents can use to spark childrens interest in learning. The theme is about art, culture, diversity, health and wellness, and even language and literacy with some programs that are geared to embrace science, technology, engineering and math. One of the greatest gifts that the Childrens Museum offers parents is the easy to use key that opens doors for improved education.

There are special days throughout the year when admission is free. Currently, Thursday Evenings from 5 8 pm are free for families. For children ages 15 and under, admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. Children under the age of one enjoy free admission. Membership offers free admission.

There are plenty of exceptional reasons to consider living in the Navy Pier neighborhood. The emphasis that is there for children and quality living is amazing. For detailed information about the Navy Pier and Chicago Metro area, contact your Chicago realtor today.

Differences Between Buying a Home and Buying a Condo

Posted on April 11, 2014 by relatedchicago

Anyone interested in purchasing Chicago real estate will want to know the nuances of various types of property, such as condos and houses. Many professionals enjoy the convenience of condo ownership, which has some significant advantages.

Property Ownership

Single family houses include exclusive property ownership rights to the interior and exterior of the structure and the land between the boundaries. Chicago condo ownership is limited to exclusive ownership of the property within the structural walls of the condo unit. Common areas in the buildings and on the grounds are maintained through the homeowners’ association.

Repair Responsibility

Yard maintenance and external building maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowners’ association. All owners pay annual dues to cover these costs, such as property insurance and annual upkeep. Cleanliness of the common areas falls within the responsibility of the HOA. Issues are addressed through prescribed channels.

Improvements

Homeowners have the freedom to modify any aspect of the structure or yard within the terms of zoning ordinances. In stark contrast, the condo owner must comply with covenants, conditions, and restrictions, or CC&Rs set forth by the homeowners’ association. Noncompliance with these rules will not be tolerated. Even interior changes to the condo can be limited to the terms in the contract.

An experienced Chicago realtor will guide the interested buyer through the choice between various condo property CC&Rs, by-laws and articles of incorporation. Owners will want to find the agreement that is suited to enjoying the property while retaining the property value for future resale.

To find out more about condo ownership, contact our Chicago real estate office today!

Happy St. Patricks Day Chicago!

Posted on March 14, 2014 by relatedchicago

Happy St. Patricks Day, Chicago! As we all know, Chicago is the place to be in America on this most Irish of holidays. In fact, its often been said that everyone in Chicago is Irish on March 17 (the date on which the holiday falls every year). The city certainly goes out of its way to make this true.

This is a day when the city comes together to celebrate. Theres something to appeal to everyone of all ages, too. Its not just about drinking, as some people might believe. In Chicago, St. Patricks Day is a family-friendly holiday that everyone can enjoy. Have you ever wanted to see an entire river turned a lucky leprechaun green in color? You can see it when the Chicago River is dyed green on St. Patricks Day each year. Kids love it!

There is also the famous Chicago St. Patricks Day Parade, followed by the St. Patricks Day festival. Both events have Irish music, dancing, gifts, and food available and are must-attend events with locals. They also draw in a large number of visitors to the Windy City each year.

However youre planning to celebrate St. Patricks Day in Chicago this year, keep your Chicago realtor in mind. Your realtor can help you find the perfect homes for sale in Chicago that will allow you the easiest access to St. Patricks Day events while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. Theres plenty of Chicago real estate available that is perfect for families with children. To find out more, contact us today!

“Your Guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago”

Posted on March 5, 2014 by relatedchicago

One of the many perks to living in the great city of Chicago is taking advantage of the exciting events that take place in the city each weekend. This is especially true around holidays like St. Patricks Day, when the Second City transforms into the Emerald City for a few days in March each year. From the green river to green beer and a rich Irish heritage to back it all up Chicago has become the go-to destination for St. Paddys Day revelers. Panning to take part in this years festivities? Here are five events you wont want to miss:

Irish Pubs of Chicago Trolley Tour - Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m.

Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.

Take a trolley to some of Chicagos famed Irish pubs, where a tavern historian will discuss the history of each establishment and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Chicago River Dyeing/Downtown Parade Saturday, March 15

Catch the annual dyeing of the Chicago River at 10 a.m., followed by the St. Patricks Day Parade at noon. The event starts at Balbo and runs north on Columbus to Monroe.

St. Patricks Day Cruise Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave

Learn how the Irish helped shape modern-day Chicago on this 90-minute cruise of the (freshly dyed) Chicago River. Each tour features a cash bar and traditional Irish buffet with favorites like corned beef and cabbage and bread pudding.

South Side Irish St. Patricks Day Parade Sunday, March 16, 12 p.m.

Celebrate the Irish heritage of Chicagos Beverly neighborhood with this South Side tradition. The parade steps off at 103rd and runs south along Western to 115th.

St. Patricks Day Festival Saturday, March 15 to Monday, March 17

Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.

Enjoy live music, dancing, food and childrens activities on Saturday, followed by more family-friendly fun on Monday. Adults can also stop by Sunday for a pint, live music and a traditional Irish menu (21 and over only).

Be sure to check these out and some of the other exciting events taking place around the city this month as you explore all that Chicago real estate has to offer. You can also visit our neighborhood page to familiarize yourself with different parts of the city. Connect with one of our experienced Related Realty brokers if you have any questions about buying or selling a home this spring. Happy St. Patricks Day!

Kathleen Malone Talks Spring Real Estate with Michigan Avenue Magazine

Posted on February 28, 2014 by relatedchicago

At Related Realty were all looking ahead to warm weather and the busy spring real estate market! In the current issue of Michigan Avenue Magazine, Related Realty broker Kathleen Malone shared her insights into luxury Chicago real estate and discussed trends shes seeing in the market. Read the full story here, and contact one of our expert Related Realty brokers if youre thinking of buying or selling a home this spring!

5 Trendiest Neighborhoods in Chicago

Posted on January 17, 2014 by relatedchicago

1. Lincoln Park

The Lincoln Park neighborhood is located next to the park of the same name, which is the largest in Chicago. The neighborhood has a large population of residents in their 20s and 30s, attracted by outdoor activities in the park and the DePaul University campus located in the neighborhood.

2. River North

What was once known as one of the most rundown neighborhood in Chicago is today the artistic center of the city. Art galleries were drawn to the area by affordable rents, and the neighborhood now has one of the highest concentrations of galleries of any neighborhood in the country.

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Tag Archives: Chicago realtor

Chicago Real Estate: Chicagos Childrens Museum at Navy Pier

Differences Between Buying a Home and Buying a Condo

Happy St. Patricks Day Chicago!