Homeowners’ insurance policies are sometimes not only advisable but required. This past year many homeowners were faced with increased rates and policies that could not be renewed. In this era of unpredictable weather patterns, insurance companies are raising rates, cutting coverage, shying away at some payouts and generally shifting more […]
Lifestyle
128 posts
FHA is lowering its mortgage insurance premiums to help borrowers refinance into lower interest rates. Additional help to military who have been wrongly foreclosed on or denied the opportunity to refinance as well, as announced by President Obama earlier this week FHA is reducing its up-front premium to .01 percent, […]
For the past few years, I have been explaining deconstruction to clients, and lately it seems to be growing in interest and curiosity. Deconstruction is the process of salvaging materials from a home. Both raw and finished materials could be salvaged and reused in a new home, or even donated […]
The Chicago Architecture Foundation is planning a fabulous evening looking inside a Ukrainian Village home on Thursday, January 26. Read the detail on CAF’s website. Spend a special evening exploring the making of Chicago Home + Garden magazine’s new book of beautiful area homes while inside a spectacular Ukrainian Village […]
the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Office of Thrift Supervision announced enforcement actions against 14 large residential mortgage servicers
For clients traveling, or for those out of state interested in learning about solid state lighting. I did see the Solid State lighting display during Greenbuild and it is worth checking out if in the area and have the time! Solid-state lighting (SSL) refers to a type of lighting that […]
City of Chicago Announcement: Department of Buildings Requiring 50 Percent Fee With All Permit Applications Deposit to Increase Efficiency and Recoup Partial Costs for Plans Reviewed The Department of Buildings will start requiring a 50 percent deposit on permit applications on January 3, 2012. The deposit requirement is designed to […]
I have just received my hardcover copy of Giving 2.0: Transform Your Giving and Our World and would like to thank Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen, as well as the Giving 2.0 Team for sending it to me. I believe that many businesses have the ability to transform and influence change. In the […]
Home owners may be able to take advantage of several tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements from this year. But time is running out, the tax credits are set to expire Dec. 31, and Congress has yet to renew them for 2012. “Making efficiency improvements this year will lower […]
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac sued the city of Chicago on Monday over an ordinance that makes mortgage creditors liable for the upkeep of vacant properties. Lenders are liable for fines up to $1,000 if they do not maintain the property, or provide basic care / upkeep. Currently, the city […]
Long term outlook is still largely uncertainty as the Super Committee cannot come to agreement. Without changes, there is some $1.2 trillion in federal programs that will be automatically cut in 2013. Military bases and surrounding communities will be hit as spending is scaled back and surrounding area is impacted […]
The current environment may seem like a haven for home buyers looking to find their dream home. Rates are low. High inventory. Low demand. So why is the market still struggling national? 2.19 million homes were listed at the end of September. Down 20% from a year earlier, and the […]
Dreaded property tax bills are expected to hit Cook County mailboxes the first week of October, and homeowners might find them a bit plumper than last year despite the continued housing market malaise. Figures released Thursday by County Clerk David Orr showed that Chicago residential, commercial and industrial property owners […]
There is a lot of talk in the Wicker Park / Bucktown neighborhood in Chicago with what could add more development into the area and intersection already undergoing many changes. A joint venture of Donald Wilson and Chicago-based hotel developer AJ Capital Partners recently bought the note on the distressed […]
The National Building Museum Lecture Series sponsored by the U.S Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy The National Building Museum is a registered provider of continuing education credit for the AIA, ASLA, AICP, and U.S. Green Building Council. National Building Museum (directions below) Wednesday, June 29, 2011 12:30 […]
With the rise of rental properties on the market along with situational landlords and foreign investors, many are finding themselves unprepared for management of real estate properties when problems arise. Even simple maintenance and preventative issues can be overlooked when no one is at the property to inspect and maintain. […]
Today, there are numerous resources to research properties; and the search has gone beyond looking for just a new home. With the majority of consumers going online, the information can not only be overwhelming but also not current.
Air sealing is a new program and People’s Gas wants to test it out through a small pilot program. The timeline is fast approaching so take action soon if interested. From CNT, a division of Center for Neighborhood Technology. CNT Energy is partnering with the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program […]
I am happy to introduce LaManda Joy, author of the edible gardening blog TheYarden.com and founder of The Peterson Garden Project (which by the way we are raffling off two open bar tickets to their next event) which is a revival Victory Garden in Chicago’s 40th ward. She wants everyone […]
It was recently reported that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has demanded that the Chicago River be cleaned up enough for recreational activities such as swimming, canoeing. The Cal-Sag and Little Calumet River is also included as part of cleanup efforts as reported by the Chicago Tribune. The IL EPA […]
SWING INTO SPRING 2011!!! A fundraiser is being held for the Peterson Garden Project with a portion of the sales from the architectural & artifact sales going to the garden. Subscribers to my blog will have a chance to win a pair of open bar tickets to the event on May 26th.
With homeowners staying longer in their home, and expected buyers planning for longevity, many are coming back to basics – location. Among them, accessibility to transportation, neighborhood walkability and area schools are among the most important. For families, schools are extremely vital factor as they can influence choice of residence/neighborhood […]
(Crain’s) — Four development teams have made the first cut in the competition to redevelop the Children’s Memorial Hospital property in Lincoln Park, a parcel coveted by developers for its location and size. Nine groups submitted proposals for the six-acre site in December, but Children’s Memorial released a short-list Friday […]
The harsh reality of the market today can become a catalyst to drive innovation. Developers, builders and manufacturers alike are looking for ways to not only sustain business, but growth. Though there is much speculation on how to achieve such sustainable business, many have contemplated going the way of cost-effective […]
The harsh reality of the market today can become a catalyst to drive innovation. Developers, builders and manufacturers alike are looking for ways to not only sustain business, but growth. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
World population and demand are increasing, but supply isn’t. Perhaps more than ever, water efficiency and conservation have become vital. Take time to make small repairs and learn how you can lower energy costs while helping to conserve freshwater supplies. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
Buyers have a long list of what they want when home shopping, but one of their biggest desires: A good deal. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
If it’s been a year or more since you’ve checked your credit report, you’re entitled to get a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Checking your credit report helps to identify and address potential problems. By checking your credit report, you […]
The third worst snowstorm in Chicago’s history has reinforced the importance of heating / heat-loss, building envelope and preventative measures.
Beginning home repairs and rehab projects can become overwhelming and costly if you don’t plan the project in full carefully. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
Results for Halloween Poll. What are your plans?
What are your favorite neighborhoods to trick or treat in? Results will be published before Halloween! Polling at https://realtyevolved.net
Many homeowner and builders are planning and developing new green design projects in their developments and existing homes. This first part in a series explores the planning of green developments. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
With many facing economic constraints, many owners are pondering how to keep energy costs low and affordable before putting on multiple layers and a coat indoors. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
New York Gov. David Paterson has signed into law the Bedbug Disclosure Act requiring New York landlords to disclose a one-year history of infestation to potential tenants. Could other cities follow? Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
Are most owners are satisfied with their homes? Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
Many of Chicago’s neighborhoods have been transformed from zoning changes and new construction. What else was changed? Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
The Chicago Tribune’s tour of the Trump Tower International Hotel.