Trotters-Has it seen it’s heyday come and go?

I just wanted to write a quick review and perhaps help you all save a few hundred dollars.  My dear, loving husband was ever so kind to surprise me with a visit to Charlie Trotters for my most recent birthday celebration.  I have been in Chicago now just over 10 years, and every time I would get into a discussion about Chicago dining, inevitably, the world famous Charlie Trotters would be brought up.

I’ll keep my experience short and sweet, and then let you decide for yourself.  We went on a week night, and arrived a bit early.  As we walked in and were ushered to our table, the place was silent.  The decor was odd, almost as if you were at a grandparents home, except with no windows.  The flowers were amazing, but it still felt extremely stuffy.  There were a few other couples littered along the walls where the tables lined the room.  We sat and were immediately tended to.  The service was exceptional, and I was quite thrilled to be beginning my journey through the tasting menu with suggested wine pairings.

As dinner progressed, through the courses, my husband became increasingly annoyed at the portion size, which would have been just enough for my 15 month old to finish.  I was a bit confused by the flavors, and to be honest, neither of us were impressed.  We finished the meal with 2 different port wines, which were both so strong that I would liken the flavor to that of drinking maple syrup.  The desert paired again some off the wall flavors of chocolate (which I’m a huge fan of) and the agave plant (from which they make tequila).  Needless to say, we didn’t finish our desert.

The bill arrived and although we were prepared for the outcome, we were astonished and disappointed.  For the price of our meal, with wine, at Charlie Trotters, we could have easily sampled 4-5 of the newest hot spots the city has to offer.  In a word, we were underwhelmed.

If you’re looking for a suggestion to celebrate the upcoming holidays in the city or suburbs, feel free to contact us at kjpremier@atproperties.com.  Or, we’d love to hear your favorite, or not so favorite experiences.

A Tale of 2 Cities

It’s the tale of 2 cities.  Forbes Magazine calls it one of the most stressful places on Earth, while Fast Company calls it the “City of the Year.”

Forbes Magazine announced last month that Chicago, IL is the most stressful city in the US to live.  With the economic ups and downs, the upcoming election, the winter drawing closer, and the stock market to think about its no wonder people may be a little on edge here….

However, we mustn’t forget what Fast Company had to say about our Windy City!  Click here for the story!  We are economically one of the most stable cities in the country, we are on the top of the list for the 2016 World Oylmpic Games, we are continually “Greening” ourselves, and residents are soulful and unique.  These are just a few of the reason Fast Company named Chicago, the City of the Year!

So don’t let the economic woes bring you down, get out there and enjoy our gorgeous city.  With the leaves changing to bright yellows and oranges, take a walk thru the acres of Lincoln Park.  Bike along the lakefront for a skyline view like no other.  Enjoy one of the many spectacular resturants, or an undiscovered bar with sounds of a local jazz band.  Dive into the heritage of the city and visit one of our many muesums or conservatories and learn more about why Chicago is 2008′s City of the Year.

For suggestions on local fun or resturants, feel free to contact us at kjpremier@atproperties.com.  And as always, for help with investing in the real estate of our great town, think of KJ Premier Real Estate and home services.

Who Should Buy in This Type of Market?

There are 3 types people who should buy in this market: renters, investors and those who have to move.

Why Should Renters Buy:  

 Renting is just throwing your money away.  Renters do not get the benefit of reducing their income taxes by deducting items such as property taxes and mortgage interests.  As a renter, you are limited on what changes you can make to your living quarters.  As an owner, you can paint, change light fixtures, garden/landscape, and truly put your very own stamp on your home. You can do whatever you want that makes your home a comfortable place for you and your family. It’s your home, not a temporary place to sleep and eat.  Not to mention that homeowners get the shear satisfaction of knowing that they own a home!

Why Should investors buy?

Simply put investors should buy on the age old motto of, “buy when the market is low, sell when the market is high.”  Trust me the market is low.  Our team have secured some unbelievable deals for our clients.  Not to mention in our opinion, at this time the real estate market is a safer place to have some of your assets verses the stock market.  A client earlier in the Spring bought her daughter a place in the city and did so by liquidating some of her stocks.  By further diversifying her portfolio our client estimates that she saved heself about 75K.

 Do you have to move?

The third category of people who should buy now is someone who has to move.  Did you get a new job, get married or is your family growing?  In these situation it is so important to take a look at the whole picture when you are buying and selling.  Look to make your money up on the buy!  Do not get overwhelmed by the fact that your home is selling for less than you would have liked to see it sell for.  Price your home to sell.  The fact is if you do not sell your home you most likely can not buy another.  Make sure you are the best showing and priced home in your area.  Once you sell, look for your own ”GREAT DEAL.”

One reason not to buy in this market:

 A rule of thumb is that it rarely makes sense to buy if you expect to move within two years. That’s because when you do sell, there are costs associated with selling. We’re not just talking about sales commissions to the buying and selling real estate brokers.  Most owners rely on home appreciation to pay those costs and to provide the down payment and closing costs when they buy their next home. So buying a home when you expect to move before too long is a risk, especially in an uncertain market.

Why Not to Wait to Buy:

Do not think about delaying a purchase because you want to “time the market” to get the very best deal, that is almost impossible to do with precision.  Even if you are in an area with declining market prices, the most knowledgeable experts cannot reliably anticipate the “bottom” of a real estate market. Take advantage of the low interest rates. If you wait, interest rates could be higher. That means your monthly payment could be higher too.  The easiest way to accumulate wealth is through home ownership. Three out of four people have more equity in their home than assets in retirement plans, stocks, mutual funds, and savings. Though no one can guarantee your property will appreciate, over time it generally does. Over the long term, you can generally count on it. In the last five years, the median price of homes all across America has increased in value approximately 10%.  The key is that this statistic is over the past five years. 

Lastly, use a knowledgeable Real Estate team like KJ Premier to help find you your best investment.  If you are in the market to buy, talk to one of KJ Premier’s Experienced Realtors.   They have a network of qualified agents in all areas of the United States.  Ask them what the market is like in your area and they will help you further analyze your particular situation.  Call Wendy at 630.514.6615 or Kelly at 312.656.7521.  You can also email KJ PremIer Real Estate and Home Services at kjpremier@atpropeties.com.

Happy House Hunting!

America’s Most Expensive Zip Codes

Well this isn’t necessarily a feel-good article, because most of us probably aren’t reading this from one of the zip codes mentioned, but it does give you good insight to the types of property that rarely get hurt when times are tough.  What does this tell us?  When investing, invest in something unique and desireable.  A home overlooking Central Park-unique.  A home on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean-desireable.  Almost every zip code on the top of the list can offer something unique and desirable about its location and offerings.

View overlooking Central Park, NYC.

Now is a great time to think investment, but remember think unique and desirable.  Buy that mountain home with breathtaking views, buy that beachfront cottage, or that uber trendy apartment in the sky in Donald Trump’s next highrise.  Just think is someone going to see the value in this like I did?

Surprisingly, #1 on the list this year, Fisher Island, a small community  in Florida.  A state where home prices in the last year have fallen at a record pace, and the state leads the nation in foreclosures.  I guess it just goes to show you that amid all the uncertainty and loss there can be positive news and life.  Read the full article here.

For more tips on investing wisely, contact us at kjpremier@atproperties.com.

Best Day Ever!

Well, despite the fact that it was Columbus day, and many Americans had the day off, yesterday, Wall St. saw its best day ever in HISTORY.  I don’t know about you, but that has got to be good news.   Up 11%, stocks crept up steadily all day long following the global lead of other world markets.  Down slightly this afternoon.  Never fear, as most anaylsts are predicting that the worst is behind us.  With Billions (can anyone even fathom how much a BILLION is?) of dollars being pumped into our financial institutions, this will no doubt loosen up the credit crunch and enable banks to start lending again!  Hooray!  Americans will then be able to receive car loans, home loans, equity loans, etc. again (provided you have good credit). 

Gas prices are falling too.  In many areas of the country, you can fill up for less than $3 a gallon.  In good old Chicagoland, still expect to see $3.30-$3.65.  Home prices are low here, so fasten those safety belts and jump in.  Contact us today to learn more about the Chicagoland real estate market or to look into purchasing in other areas of the country, our team can also help.  KJpremier@atproperties.com

Some more good news!

Wednesday, the National Association of Realtors published reports indicating that pending home sales (homes that have gone under contract) rose 7.4% in August, which is the highest level in over a year.  This should show that while prices are down, buyers are still buying as there are great properties out there for great prices.  Why wait?  Take advantage of these lowered home prices, as they are sure to rebound come Spring.

This coupled with the Fed cutting interest rates this week, make it a great time to buy.  The stock market is down, invest in something that we all must have~a place to live.  See the rest of the article here, and call us today to begin seeing some of these fabulous properties available at fabulous prices.

kjpremier@atproperties.com

Garwood Orchard -U-Pick Apple Orchard in LaPorte Indiana!

There is nothing like picking apples on a crisp Autumn day!  Every fall we pack a picnic lunch, load our kids up in our family Suburban and spend the day picking apples.  Our favorite apple orchard is Garwood Orchard in LaPorte, Indiana.  Garwood Orchard is about 80 miles from Chicago.  Tractors and horse drawn wagons take you out into the fields to the different types of apples.  The staff is always friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the characteristics of the apples that are available on the orchard.  There is even a small picnic ground to enjoy a picnic lunch and sometimes a local musician is entertaining the crowd.  As a bonus there is even a good old fashion pumpkin patch that you can hand pick the perfect pumpkin in.   

APPLE TIP - Honey Crisp Apples are ready for picking in September.  Mark your calenders for next year!  If you go apple picking now you will only find them at the orchard’s store.  In my opinion they are the best eating apple you will ever find.  The name says it all!

Homemade Apple Sauce

Place any type of apples that have been peeled, cored and cut up in a sauce pan.  Add cinnamon and some apple juice to the pot. Cook apples over medium heat until they become soft (stirring occasionally.)  Once the apples are soft you can break them up by using a potato masher.  My family loves their apple sauce chunky so I do not over mash the apples but, you can put it in a food processor for a smoother consistency. 

 I also individually package the applesauce in small containers and freeze them.  My son loves taking it in his lunch for fruit break and it has just enough time to defrost.  This apple sauce is healthy and yummy! Enjoy!

Garwood Orchards –

U-Pick 10am to 5pm

5911 W. 50S

LaPorte, In.         219.362.4385

 

8 things to Keep in your Purse (or man bag)!

So, I’m a new mom, and saw this just recently in the October issue of Parents magazine.  Whether your a new parent, or a seasoned vet, these few ideas can help pacify the antsyest of toddlers or impatient kids.  I’ve already starting adhering to the suggestions and thought you might find them helpful too.  Enjoy!

1. Emergency Lollipop or treat!  Even in your munchkins don’t normally get to indulge.

2.  Favorite Book.  The one they could read time and time again.  The one your sick of reading.

3.  Band-Aids.  Let them play doctor and decorate with them!

4.  Travel size games.  Etch a sketch and Magna Doodles are great.

5.  Notepads and Crayons.  Don’t leave home without them.

6.  Audio story.  Whether is a CD or MP3, a story can be a lifesaver during a long wait.

7.  Deck of cards.  Have them teach you a card trick!

8.  Sticky notes.  Doodle on them, make a cartoon flip book, or just stick them on your clothes.

So this weekend as you head out to that fun resturant around the corner from your house with your kids, don’t forget these easy entertainers, and go ahead and enjoy that coffee and a desert in peace!  For other fun tips and ideas, a fun resturant suggestion around the corner, or to discuss the current real estate market, contact us today at kjpremier@atproperties.com.

What a promising sign!

Well, with all the uncertainty that is out there regarding the real estate market, I had to comment on the most positive thing I’ve heard all week!  The @properties sales and marketing team for the Chicago Spire, has sold the Penthouse unit!  Why is this so extraordinary? Well, it’s only just begun sales and construction and is not set to deliver for still many years (2012), and yes, the most expensive unit in the whole structure has just sold!  The top 2 duplexed floors have been contracted to sell to Beanie Babies, Ty Warner for an astonishing $40 million dollars!

Approx 1/3 of the 1,194 units in the tower have sold, which isn’t too shabby in this “troubled economy.”    For more information on the Chicago Spire, or to understand what other investments are turning investors heads, contact us at kjpremier@atproperties.com.