Tag Archives: real estate

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

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Roy Hughes, AVP Collateral Underwriting Manager at Wintrust Mortgage hosted a July 16th 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.

What Young Buyers Look For in a Home

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young-professionals-buying-real-estateAccording to a National Association of Realtors survey, Generation Y buyers (those born between 1980 and 2000) are the second largest segment of buyers in the market today. If you have Chicago real estate, it can be helpful to know what these young buyers are looking for in a Chicago condo or single family home. A recent article from ABC News details the ten things these young buyers are looking for.

  1. They want kitchens and bathrooms that are updated.
  2. Rather than a formal dining room, they prefer a larger kitchen and open space.
  3. These young buyers desire locations that are close to public transportation and are safe for walking.
  4. Young buyers want homes that are easy to take care of and are low maintenance.
  5. Home offices are viewed as a plus.
  6. This is a generation that grew up on technology and they want the latest in their homes.
  7. They want homes that are green and energy efficient.
  8. Young buyers expect homes to be staged.
  9. They want low housing association fees and assessments.
  10. They start their searches online so online photos and details are a big plus.

If you are looking to buy or sell Chicago real estate, contact a Chicago Realtor who is experienced in Chicagoland properties. Contact us and let us help you make the most of your Chicago real estate investment.

5 Things To Do in Chicago in May

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While the official start of summer is still a few weeks away, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. With a variety of outdoor recreational options and seemingly endless list of street fairs and festivals to choose from, Chicago’s neighborhoods are already bustling with activity. Here are five events you won’t want to miss this month:marathon resize - 500pixels

Chicago Farmers Market Season Starts May 15 Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.

Browse an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers at the official kick-off of the Farmers Market season.

Chicago Beach Season Starts May 23 Be one of the first to take a dip in Lake Michigan when the citys public beaches open for the season.

Soldier Field 10 Mile May 24, 7 a.m Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive

Lace up your running shoes for this 10-mile race down Lake Shore Drive, featuring a pass through the players tunnel and memorable finish at the 50-yard line. Show up at 6:45 a.m. to catch the Kids Blitz, or stick around for live music and a free beer at the post-race tailgate party.

Chicago Memorial Day Parade May 24, 12 p.m.

Honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. A wreath laying ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza, followed by a parade that will step off at noon and proceed south on State Street from Lake to Van Buren.

Bike the Drive May 25, 5:30 p.m. (earliest start time)

Join 20,000 bikers for nearly five hours of riding time on a vehicle-free Lake Shore Drive, followed by a post-ride festival in Grant Park featuring food, live music and booths with a variety of gear and apparel.

Visit the Choose Chicago site for a complete list of events taking place in the city during the month of May. And if you’re considering renting or buying a home in Chicago this spring, be sure to visit our neighborhood page or connect with one of our experienced Related Realty brokers to discover all that Chicago real estate has to offer!

Related Realty Celebrates First Anniversary with Top-Producing Team

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We are incredibly proud to mark an exciting milestone for Related Realty this spring: the first anniversary of our launch in March 2013. In the last year, we’ve brought together an incredible team of market-leading brokers who are experts in Chicago real estate, and established a unique culture based in elevating the residential brokerage experience for clients and agents alike. Looking ahead, we’re eager to continue to growth as we deliver an unprecedented level of service to our clients. Read more about our first-year accomplishments in this story from Chicago Agent Magazine, and also check out photos from our anniversary celebration below!

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What to Look for When Choosing a Home in Lincoln Park, Chicago

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Things to look for in Lincoln Park Real EstateLincoln Park, Chicago, can be a great place to live. The area has one of the best 100 high schools in the United States and has some great tourist attractions such as Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum and various well known restaurants and music venues.

While there are plenty of homes for sale in Lincoln Park Chicago, finding the right one can be a challenge. Following are three points to consider when choosing which exact part of this suburban area is best to live in.

Safety

Safety is paramount when choosing a home. While this part of Chicago has been rated as being exceptionally livable, some areas of town are safer than others. If possible, choose a home that is located in close proximity to a police station and/or fire station, doing so will not only help keep your family safe but also lower home insurance costs.

Proximity to Work/School

Proximity to work and/or school should also be considered when choosing a home. Gas prices are on the rise, so choosing a home that requires only a short commute could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Cost

Cost is yet another important factor to consider. Lincoln Park Chicago real estate is pricey; even so, some areas are pricier than others. Go over your budget carefully to ensure that you are not spending more than you can afford.

Buying a home is a big investment, which is why working with an experienced and competentLincoln Park Chicago realtor is always a good idea. If you have questions, need assistance or simply want to look over your options, feel free to give us a call.

Chicago Agents Snapshot Broker, Erin Ward

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No two Chicago neighborhoods are alike, and that’s precisely why Related Realty broker Erin Ward loves her job. Chicago Agent recently profiled Erin for its “Agent Snapshot” series, and Erin talks about her experiences as a member of the sales team for Related’s South Loop Luxury condo collection. In the piece, Erin also shares how she went from a wannabe FBI agent to a real estate broker and reflects on her first real estate deal (with some very familiar clients). You can check out the full story here. And if youre considering renting or buying a home in Chicago, be sure to reach out to Erin or one of our other experienced Related Realty brokers to learn more about the Chicago real estate market and all that the citys neighborhoods have to offer.

Real Estate: Wild West

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It’s no secret the West Loop is one of Chicago’s hottest areas. With an influx of new businesses attracting professionals who want a neighborhood where they can live, work and play, its not a surprise this neighborhood continues to grow. The Chicago Sun-Times Splash explored the West Loop’s real estate possibilities in its latest issue and highlighted Related Realty broker Juany Honeycutt’s listing at 106 N. Aberdeen. Juanys property provides a terrific example of the authentic loft style the neighborhood is known for. Check out the story here, and if you have questions about West Loop Chicago condos for sale or Chicago real estate in any of this city’s great neighborhoods, contact one of our expert Related Realty brokers.

Congratulations to the Related Realty Top Producers!

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We had a great time celebrating their success last night at the annual Chicago Association of Realtors® sales awards. The event was hosted by CAR at The Drake hotel and was sponsored by Related’s South Loop Luxury and our lending partner, Wintrust Mortgage. Congratulations to our ten Related Realty agents who were named 2013 Top Producers!

We are incredibly proud of the Related Realty team and their dedication to providing the highest level of client satisfaction. To schedule a meeting with one of our agents, contact us today. The Related Realty team looks forward to fulfilling your real estate needs.

Advice to Making Your 2014 Homebuying Resolution Become Reality

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Make Your 2014 Home Ownership Resolution Come True If youre not a home owner, but youd like to be, then youve probably already had this experience at one point or another: you decide on January 1st that this is definitely the year. Youre not going to see another Christmas in an apartment, youre going to buy your house this year. And then you end the year in an apartment, again.

The first step to fulfilling that resolution isnt simply to make the resolution, it is to make the decision to take the resolution seriously. Simply deciding to buy a home isnt enough, you need to take it seriously as a major step in life.

Start by looking at your resources and your credit and asking yourself whats holding you back. If you have a roadblock in your way, then set that as your goal for the year, and then focus on homes for sale in Lincoln Park Chicago.

From there, you can set realistic goals. Talk to a Lincoln Park Chicago realtor and see what they have to offer. You may be surprised at just how accessible Lincoln Park Chicago real estate can be when your finances are in order. Contact us today!

Why Working With a South Loop Realtor is Easier Than Shopping Alone

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South Loop Chicago real estate advice.If you are looking for one of the most energetic, dynamic neighborhoods in the Chicago area, start looking at the homes for sale in the South Loop district.

Buyers find high-rise condos with spectacular views of the city and enjoy on-site concierge services from pick-up-and-delivery dry cleaning to grocery delivery from the main floor market. Other homes for sale in the South Loop are seeing major rehabilitation to upgrade duplex and apartment homes with modern appliances and granite counter tops.

The neighborhood offers plenty of entertainment venues. Enjoy a visit to the stadium for a Bears home game, visit one of the many museums or Adler Aquarium, or take in a summer concert at the Charter One Pavilion an open air amphitheater on Northerly Island.

Working with your South Loop realtor is easier than trying to find properties on your own with everything you need that fits your budget and financial goals. Why? The neighborhood is going through an expansion period you need a friend that gets listing news early so you wont miss any new listings.

Another reason that working with a realtor is easier, is that your realtor can preview listings and weed out any that dont check all the boxes on your wish list.

South Loop Chicago real estate is popular with people who want to live, work and play in a neighborhood that has it all and then some. Call today to get started on your new home search.