Discover Chicago's Northwest Side The above title sounds innocent and pedestrian enough, but you should know me better.The Chicago Tribune ran a story concerning the religious epiphany many soon to be buyers/home owners are having; there is a Northwest Side to the city. However, the story misses the boat on where it is really happening and hops to some neighborhoods that will be a tough sell to a Lincoln Parker or Lakeview aficionados. These of the home buyers the author seems to be suggesting are moving to the "sticks".The author of the story more realistically alludes to the corridor of West Irving Park Road west of North Western Avenue (say that three times fast!). The story mentions a few developments. Several at the not- very-far -out locations sprawling from the 2700 block West Ir... 01/18/2007

I found this great article to benefit us Realtors working with clients... What not to say 7 Phrases to Avoid with Clients Change your words and you’ll change your results. Here’s a list of weak phrases to stay away from, along with more powerful alternatives. BY HOWARD BRINTON Words are powerful things. When speaking with prospects, clients, and colleagues, your choice of words and phrases shapes their perception of you; it tells them if you can get the job done effectively and responsibly. However, many people don’t realize they have a habit of using weak phrases that undermine their professional image. Some of these phrases are: “I should,” “I want,” “I need,” “I have to,” and “I don’t know.” These phrases imply that you’re giving up control and accountability and are placing it on so... 01/17/2007

  1442-46 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605This property is for Sale Price: $469,800Neighborhood: South Loop BedRooms: 2 Baths: 2.1 Agent: Akos Straub - 312.730.8719 Request more information >View Virtual Tour >Remarks:Unique & Brand New Triplex Townhomes on Michigan Avenue. Behind the restored Terra Cotta exterior at 1442-46 S. Michigan Avenue, a landscaped private courtyard with spacious terraces await. This urban hideaway offers privacy amidts the bustle of the nearby Loop. A host of standard features including private rooftop sunrooms (per plan), private rooftop decks, exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling windows, high concrete ceilings, in-unit washer & dryer, Grohe fixtures, luxurious cultured marble bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, beautiful granite countertops are just a few... 01/17/2007

 1111 S. WabashUnit: 1603 Chicago, IL 60605This property is for Sale Price: $499,900Neighborhood: South Loop Assessments: $437Sq ft: 1,400 BedRooms: 3 Baths: 2.0 Agent: Akos Straub - 312.730.8719 Request more information >View Virtual Tour > Wow! Gorgeous three bedroom unit in fantastic neighborhood. This 3 beds/2 bath corner unit features breathtaking Lake views! This unit is totally upgraded with real hardwood floors, custom lighting throughout, window treatments, in-unit washer/dryer, plus much more. The kitchen features extra thick granite countertops and island with under mount sink, upgraded fixtures, stainless steel appliances, garbage disposal, plus more. Generous bedrooms. Master bedroom with sitting area and walk-in closet. Private balcony. Very low assessment for this desirab... 01/17/2007

Photo of Chicago's Downtown Skyline, Viewed from 3rd floor of Logan Square listing.Posted by Brian Ortiz, Realtor, Chicago ILChicago Real EstateI am babysitting one of my colleagues listings this week while they are out of town.  By the way, it is a beautiful 1 bedroom condo in Logan Square.  Near California and Logan.  If anyone is interested in taking a closer look at this listing, you can log into my website and from the main page select ALL my listings.  Even though it's not my listing, my website defaults and adds all of my office's listings if you select this option.  Look for the great one bedroom in Logan Square.Anyway, I noticed it had a nice view of Chicago's Downtown West Loop Skyline from the living room and bedroom window.  So here, is a photo of Chicago's downtown skyline,... 01/15/2007

I found this article to be very interesting and great for marketing... here it is for you:WASHINGTON (January 17, 2006) – Technology is transforming how Americans buy and sell homes in unexpected ways, including how they work with real estate agents and brokers, according to one of the largest surveys of real estate consumers ever conducted. The study was released today by the National Association of Realtors®. Nine out of 10 home buyers use a real estate agent in the search process, but use of the Internet to search for a home has risen dramatically over time, increasing from only 2 percent of buyers in 1995 to 77 percent in 2005; it was 74 percent in 2004. The next largest source of information for buyers is a yard sign, mentioned by 71 percent of buyers. When asked where they first l... 01/15/2007

Do you like my Realtor® BAT-BELT?By Brian Ortiz, Realtor, Chicago ILChicago Real Estate                                                                                                         Many, many moons ago I was an up and coming manager in the Hospitality Industry.  I worked for some of the higher-end hotels in Chicago.  It was common that some guests in the hotel were paying over $400 a night.  After 10+ years managing all front of house hotel staff I had accomplished just about all there was on the Rooms side of the industry, aside from the Housekeeping Department.  When it became apparent my career was on a collision course with the Housekeeping Department, I dove right into a large 700 room hotel, with 5+ floors of meeting space.  Once I began in Housekeeping, one of my perso... 01/15/2007

Hello Everyone and Happy New Year!Here is our market report for the 4th quarter of 2006 for single family, condos, townhomes and multi-unit residential properties in our mailing list sorted by zip code. This market report podcast (click on title to listen or Here is a link to my podcast: Chicago HOMEBUZZ Market Report) will show the huge increase in sales volume compared to 3rd quarter, 2006. With a few exceptions the zip code neighborhoods were up and in some case up BIG. The overall increase from the 3rd to 4th quarter was over 35.5% in total sales going from $2,118,059,477 in the third quarter to $3,284,127,045 in the fourth quarter of 2006. Almost all of the neighborhoods in our report showed an increase in sales volume with a few exceptions including the Lakeview 60657 multi-unit s... 01/15/2007

Chicagoland Chamber Survey Reports Economic Confidence Higher in Chicagoland Than Nation The economic confidence of consumers in Chicagoland rose significantly during the fourth quarter of 2006, according to the Rasmussen Consumer Index for the region released today by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. The quarterly reading stood at 121.2 at the end of December, a more than 12-point gain from 109.1 reported at the end of September. And, for the first time, Chicagoland residents were more optimistic about the economy than consumers nationally. The national Rasmussen Consumer Index for the same period is 117.7Here is the full story 01/15/2007

Mistakes to AVOID when buying a homeby Brian Ortiz, Chicago Real EstateChicago IL Real Estate Home buyers need to be very careful to protect themselves from these common mistakes made when buying a home:Not studying insurance issues-  Be sure to purchase enough insurance.  Always consult with an insurance agent who can answer your concerns.Not thinking about long-term needs-  It is very important to think ahead when making a home purchase.  Try to imagine if the home will still meet your needs 3-5 years down the road.Not having a home inspection-  Do not try to save a few dollars by skipping a home inspection.  This can cost you significantly in the future.  Use a qualified home inspector to detect issues an "untrained" eye may overlook.Limiting your search to only open houses and class... 01/09/2007

For Sale By Owner... The risky side of selling your home aloneBy Brian Ortiz, Chicago Real EstateChicago IL Real EstateTypically most sellers list their homes with a Realtor, however some individuals choose to handle the selling of their home on their own. Selling a home under "For Sale By Owner", is absolutely possible, but there are some hurdles and risks involved.  "For Sale by Owner" sellers are motivated to save the cost of the real estate agent's commission. In some cases, however, selling on your own can result in a lower closing price that crosses out those gains. In a recent survey of more than 7,800 buyers and sellers around the country, the 2005 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers demonstrated that the median price for homes sold by the owner ... 01/06/2007

Attention Home Sellers- Get your home ready for the marketby Brian Ortiz, Chicago Real EstateChicago IL Real Estate One of the the first steps in selling your home is ensuring it's ready to be on the market in the first place. Sometimes sellers rush their homes onto the market without properly preparing for the public. It's also very important to consider early on any potential improvements that you may need to make.  This can save you from future headaches or price negotiations down the line.  Typically I recommend the amount and kind of work that you should complete, depend largely on the price you intend to ask, the time you have to sell, and the current condition of the house. If your house is in good condition and you're pressed for time, doing smaller things can make a big differe... 01/02/2007

If you are currently in the market for your first home purchase, you probably have lots of questions. You are about to be making an important decision for your future, plus an investment of both money and time. I have solid experience helping first time buyers like you make sound, informed decisions. Here are some tips that can help make your home buying process successful:Tip #1: Do Your HomeworkThe perfect home won't find you by itself. The key step in buying a home is doing the proper research. Educate yourself on the local schools, neighborhoods, and the kinds of homes available. By reading available materials and talking with experts, you can start to put together your idea of the perfect home. Tip #2: Start PlanningMost decisions benefit greatly from proper planning, and home buyi... 01/01/2007

You've decided to sell your home, so what is next? Pricing your home is obviously a key part of the home selling process. A home that is under-priced needlessly costs the client potential return. An over-priced home can remain on the market for an extended amount of time, forcing the seller to either wait out a long listing period or have to adjust down the asking price. Getting the pricing right from the start avoids these potential pitfalls.To get us started I will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of your home. This compares your house to others in the area that are either currently listed, under contract, or have recently sold. Other things that can factor into the CMA are supply and demand, craftsmanship, and the amenities of your home.The CMA will help us to determine th... 12/30/2006

If you are currently in the market for a home, you will find my website an excellent resource. The site is continually updated with new and valuable information to aid in your decision making process.The search feature allows you to filter thousands of listings based on characteristics that you select. You can simply search for houses in a certain area and price range, or you can look for houses that fit your specific style. If you know you want a brick house with gas heat and a garage, you can get the results you're looking for. Most real estate websites don't offer that degree of choice.By signing up with my Property Research Center, which is free, you have access to features that will help you find and organize the listings that best fit your needs:Saved Searches allow you to preserv... 12/30/2006

If you're considering buying or selling a home, selecting a real estate agent is the first important decision you will have to make. While there are many qualified real estate agents out there, it's important to decide on a professional who will understand your needs and individual preferences, someone who you can respect and trust. Nearly four out of five homebuyers and sellers enlist in the help of a real estate professional or broker.Whether you're looking to buy a new home or sell the one you're in, choosing a professional who best fits your needs is vital.Above all you should choose an agent that you feel comfortable with. Your real estate professional will be your guide through the entire process of buying or selling a home, and can be a valuable resource. Make sure that whomever ... 12/30/2006

In today's real estate market, a good selling plan can truly excel when properly combined with current Internet technology. Modern homebuyers expect on-demand home shopping, and meeting that expectation is a crucial element of marketing a home. My website allows homebuyers to search and sort through thousands of listings to find the home that is right for them. As a seller's agent, I can ensure that your home is listed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Every day countless homebuyers use the resources of the Internet to help narrow their home search. Listing your home with me allows interested buyers to find your property based on the features that are most important to them. My website serves as a great filter, showing buyers the homes that best fit their needs and bringing you those buyers... 12/30/2006

Home sellers who purchase a Home Warranty for the home being sold offer significant advantages to the eventual buyers.  Purchasing a home with a Home Warranty provides the buyers with "peace of mind" should an unexpected repair to an appliance or major mechanical system be required.  Home Warranties are typically 12 to 13-month policies that protect the homes mechanical systems and appliances.  This can include items from plumbing, electrical or furnaces, up to appliances like a refrigerator or dishwasher.  When a covered item needs repair due to standard use, the policy holder calls in a claim with the warranty company, and a repairperson comes to the home to check the item.  If it is an item covered under the Home Warranty, the item is fixed or replaced.  The policy holder at the time... 12/29/2006

Chicago Market Predictions for 2007 Hope we are all enjoying a great holiday season. I'm back in the loop... at least writing again... barely legible, but writing.Good story written by Mary "Zillow" Umberger titled "A market in need of a push: Home buyers and sellers must break stalemate for sector to move beyond post-boom doldrums", in the Chicago Tribune Business section today. If the link goes dead, Google the story. Balanced, but as usual, a little sarcastic bent to the negative.However, the premise is pretty good and the theory posited has been discussed for the better part of the second half of 2006. Sellers are hanging on to, "that last comparable condo/home sold for this much", attitude and buyers, on the other hand, are looking for the deal of the century. We have short memorie... 12/28/2006

To see the flyer of this gorgeous home in full size, you can download it at:   http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/30590/153359/153359.jpgTo see additional pictures, or to take a visual tour of this property please log on to my website, http://www.BrianOrtizProperties.com and click on my featured property.Price recently updated to $547,000To make an appointment to see this home in person OR to have your home marketed in similar fashion, please contact Brian Ortiz.  Contact information is listed at http://www.brianortizproperties.com/.Brian OrtizA licensed Illinois Realtor with RE/MAX Vision IIProviding an enhanced level of service in Chicago's Real Estate market with my personalized approach. If you are planning to buy or sell a property, let me explain what I can offer as your Realtor. 12/22/2006