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@properties Development Group Offers a Variety of New Construction Options Throughout Chicago
7 Jul 2022 | 6:32 pmA historic drought of for-sale new construction activity over the past 15 years has made it challenging for buyers to find new homes in Chicago, especially in the city. However, @properties Development Group has always been a leader in area new home sales, and three of its current offerings – Alcove Wicker Park, 1400 Monroe in the West Loop, and Wolfram18 in Lakeview – provide luxury options in some of the Windy City’s most coveted neighborhoods. “Over the past two years, as the price gap between new construction and resale has narrowed, the value proposition for these new homes has become very attractive,” said Cyndy Salgado, executive vice president of development sales for @properties Development Group. “Whether you’re looking for the quintessential urban condominium with city views and nightlife, or a single-family home near parks and schools, these developments suit a variety of lifestyles.” The Alcove – Wicker Park Nestled in a semi-private courtyard between Paulina, Milwaukee and Division, Alcove Wicker Park by Vermilion Development is a townhome and condominium community that provides residents the ultimate in privacy, while the surrounding neighborhood bustles with dining and shopping. Ranging in size from 2,895 to 3,475 square feet, the four remaining townhomes feature three bedrooms and three and half baths. The extra-wide floor plans offer multi-functional space that accommodate uses such as a den, home office, exercise room or extra guest room. Additionally, each townhome boasts a large, private rooftop terrace and a two-car garage. Prices for townhomes start at $1.151 million. Condominiums offer either a single-level or duplex plan and are located in an elevator building with garage parking. The 2,315-square-foot single-story plan has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and an additional multipurpose room. The duplex is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath corner residence with 2,430 square feet and a large terrace off[…]
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@properties Christie’s International Real Estate Honors Record Number of Agents at Annual Road to Rolex Awards Celebration
1 Jul 2022 | 8:00 pmA record 169 @properties Christie’s International Real Estate agents were honored as elite producers during the company’s annual Road to Rolex awards celebration, held June 29 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate agents from Chicago, southeast Wisconsin, northwest Indiana, and southwest Michigan were recognized for achieving a minimum of $10 million in annual closed sales volume for their first time with the brokerage. Each agent received a Rolex or Cartier watch to commemorate the accomplishment, joining the nearly 700 agents who have earned a place in the prestigious group since it was established in 2004 by co-CEOs Thad Wong and Mike Golden. Five current @properties staff members also were honored for outstanding contributions to the organization and will receive a watch. “The 2021 real estate market presented incredible opportunities for agents, but also difficult challenges including anticipating and responding to rapidly changing conditions, guiding clients through multiple offers, and managing eager buyers’ and sellers’ expectations. Each one of this year’s Road to Rolex agents more than rose to the occasion, working incredibly hard to reach this milestone,” said Golden. In addition to the 2021 class of honorees, long-time @properties Christie’s International Real Estate broker Larry Giddings was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Giddings joined @properties as a founding agent in 2001 and was among the company’s first 10 agents to achieve the Road to Rolex. In 2011, he was tapped to manage @properties’ Lincoln Park office, which was, at the time, the top grossing office in all of Chicagoland. He resumed his sales career a few years later. pictured: Larry Giddings Throughout his 40-plus years in residential real estate, Giddings has influenced thousands of agents with his kindness, positivity, and knowledge. Giddings also has been a strong advocate for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community,[…]
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@ Loves Local: Sugar Junkie
1 Jul 2022 | 3:58 pm@ Loves Local is headed to Lincoln Park! On Wednesday, July 6th from 5pm-7pm, get a signature ice cream sandwich of your choice at Sugar Junkie, located at 1925 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614. Simply mention @properties, ProperRate or @ Loves Local when ordering to redeem. Sugar Junkie is a local favorite with its trendy and fun atmosphere and delicious ice cream sandwich. We talked to the owner, Amy Arnold, for a look into their story. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: When was Sugar Junkie created? Sugar Junkie: We opened late summer of 2020 @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is the back story to opening Sugar Junkie? Sugar Junkie: I’ve been the corporate pastry chef for 4C for over 5 years. I love playing with gelato because it’s such a great medium for flavor experimenting. When I decided I wanted to open my own gelato shop I went to Matt Menna, co-owner of 4C, and asked if he’d mentor me in the project. He then, being a huge gelato fan, offered to back me financially in my venture. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is your favorite treat? Sugar Junkie: Our Cookies & Cream is exceptional! I have to have a bite every time I’m here. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What was the inspiration for Sugar Junkie? Sugar Junkie: The name Sugar Junkie was a collaborative project with the marketing team at 4C. With all the healthy foods movement we decided to embrace the love of sugar in all of us. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is your favorite part of owning Sugar Junkie? Sugar Junkie: My favorite part of owning Sugar Junkie is the constant ability to be creative and watching the business grow. We went from barely making enough to pay everyone in 2020 to spinning gelato[…]
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@properties Christie’s International Real Estate Donates $5,000 to The Trevor Project
29 Jun 2022 | 8:39 pmA proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate is rounding out Pride Month with a $5,000 donation to The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization that focuses on suicide prevention and crisis intervention among LGBTQ+ youth. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate agents and staff raised over $2,500 through Pride t-shirt sales, an amount that was matched by the company for a total contribution of $5,000. Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project operates The Trevor Lifeline, a confidential service that offers trained counselors through a toll-free telephone number, text, or computer chat. The organization also offers guidance and resources to parents and educators to foster safe, accepting, and inclusive environments for all LGBTQ+ youth, at home and at school. Following their 2022 national survey, The Trevor Project found rates of suicidal thoughts have trended upward among LGBTQ+ youth over the last three years, making the organization’s life-saving work even more imperative. Capturing the experiences of nearly 34,000 LGBTQ+ youth across the United States, the survey also suggested LGBTQ+ youth who live in a community that is accepting and supportive reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide. In addition to The Trevor Project, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate supports a number of nonprofit organizations through our charitable foundation, @gives back. Since 2009, @gives back has collectively raised over $1 million for organizations that are making an impact in our community and beyond. The post @properties Christie’s International Real Estate Donates $5,000 to The Trevor Project appeared first on @home.
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Have A Plan For Rising Mortgage Rates
27 Jun 2022 | 3:03 pmMortgage interest rates have gone up significantly over the past three months, and the changing market has certainly impacted many buyers. But being financially prepared and planning for current and future market conditions can offset much of the uncertainty that accompanies rising rates. Dan Moran, executive vice president of sales for mortgage banker Proper Rate, reminds us that a little perspective can help too. According to Moran, though the national average 30-year fixed rate is now around 6%*, that’s still more than 1.5 points below the 50-year historical average. Following are some helpful suggestions as you embark on – or continue – the search for your dream home. Be Conservative With Your Money Make sure your purchase funds are accessible and secure in a low-risk account. In addition to having your planned down payment, you may want to also set aside extra funds to counter the effect that higher rates can have on qualifying loan amounts or monthly mortgage payments. Additionally, this is a great time to reevaluate your expenditures and cut costs where you can in an effort to grow your savings. Know Your Financial Health You’ll also want to take a second look at your credit report for any mistakes, as your credit score will have a direct effect on the interest rate you can secure. The higher your score, the more likely it is your lender will offer you a lower rate, and vice versa. Be Flexible and Set Boundaries A few months ago, buyers might have been focused on one price point and location. Today, “if/then” scenarios are more common. Work closely with your real estate agent and mortgage broker to understand exactly how interest rates affect your purchasing power and be ready to adapt. Price, home type, location, and loan type could all be in play.[…]
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@ Loves Local: Cafe Fleurette
24 Jun 2022 | 6:20 pm@ Loves Local is headed to Winnetka! On Wednesday, June 29 from 9:00am-11:00am, get a croissant (plain, chocolate or almond) & small coffee on us at Cafe Fleurette, located at 754 Elm St, Winnetka, IL 60093. Simply mention @properties, ProperRate or @ Loves Local when ordering to redeem. Cafe Fleurette is a local favorite with its welcoming atmosphere and mouth-watering, handcrafted croissants. We talked to the owner, Rachel Beaudry, for a look into their story. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: When was Cafe Fleurette created? Cafe Fleurette: I opened up Cafe Fleurette a little over ten years ago. As I say that, I cannot believe it has been ten years!!! Time flies when you do something that you love. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is the back story to opening Cafe Fleurette? Cafe Fleurette: My eldest was going away to college and I had always wanted to have my own business. I went to pastry school so it was a natural leap for me. I saw a bid proposal in the newspaper for the space inside of the train station and thought that would be a great place for a tiny little coffee shop and bakery! Of course my friends all thought I was crazy. Needless to say, I won the bid and the rest is history! Lucky for me!! @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is your favorite drink and pastry? Cafe Fleurette: My favorite drink is easy: I drink a small latte with two shots instead of just one. I serve Intelligentsia coffee and my customers LOVE it!! My favorite pastry? That’s like asking me to choose my favorite child. Not fair at all but I am a tad partial to the almond croissant… just saying. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is your favorite part of owning Cafe Fleurette? Cafe Fleurette: As the owner of Cafe Fleurette,[…]
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LGBTQ+ Artists and Allies Shine During Pride Month and Beyond
22 Jun 2022 | 7:07 pm@properties Christie’s International Real Estate has long been a supporter of the arts. And as we continue to honor Pride month, we had no trouble finding several flourishing LGBTQ+ artists and allies within the Chicagoland area. Utilizing a variety of mediums, here are seven artists that demonstrate their exceptional gifts while also supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Sam Kirk Sam Kirk explores culture and identity politics through various art disciplines. She prides herself on showcasing vivid images of women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who are historically underrepresented. Many of her pieces are public murals used to spark dialogue, and they can be found throughout Chicago. She also recently illustrated a children’s book titled “The Meaning of Pride.” photo credit: @iamsamkirk Faith Phillips Owner of Wish Me Luck Tattoo, Faith Phillips’ artwork comes to life on the human body. She specializes in traditional designs inspired by the American cultural climate and her art is marked by bold lines, solid fields of color, and heavy shading. Phillips believes tattooing can be transformational and credits it with breaking barriers for historically marginalized groups. Kathleen Hinkel Photography has allowed Kathleen Hinkel to explore and document the LGBTQ+ community throughout Chicago. In addition to stunning neighborhood photography, Hinkel is a photojournalist whose work has been featured in a variety of publications. She also has a documentary-style wedding photography business that takes her around the country and beyond. Sandra Antongiorigi Known for her painted murals showcased throughout Chicago, as well as within several galleries, Sandra Antongiorigi often features Latina and transgendered persons in hopes of honoring underrepresented people of color. Drawing from her own life experiences and relationships, her goal is for others to recognize systemic struggles that often go unnoticed. She is also a vocal advocate for the anti-erasure of murals and is spearheading[…]
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