18 September 2009 ? As Chicago enters the last quarter of a very turbulent year in real estate, Chicago?s north side neighborhoods are still be the most widely searched by potential home buyers according to Trulia and the Chicago Tribune. Market values in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Near North Side/Gold Coast, Wicker Park and Bucktown have also outperformed many of the other areas in Chicago with lesser declines and foreclosure rates. All these areas have strong public transportation options, good amenities as well as a strong retail component. With the decline in pricing, it is one of the best opportunities in years for home buyers to buy in these areas.

11 September 2009 ? More signs of improvement in the Chicago housing market according to the most recent Capital Home Data Index Market Report. With the increasing number of sales, the number of distressed properties sold decreased by almost 10% as home prices increased placing Chicago in sixth position among the highest performing major housing markets. Overall the study showed the Lakeview neighborhood to be the best performing neighborhood in Chicago with modest price gains and a very low REO saturation rate. The study showed better numbers for most lakefront neighborhoods. Lakeview is also is favored for quality of life, as well as for its famous resident: Wrigley Field.

24 August 2009 ? With the sale of the Chicago Cubs finalized to the Rickets family, one has to wonder of the future of the Cubs and Wrigley Field. The franchise and the ball park have become Chicago?s most beloved assets. Year round fans flock to the Lakeview neighborhood to take their picture in front of the Chicago landmark. While they are there they enjoy the shops, bars, and restaurants making Wrigleyville one of Chicago?s top tourist attractions. The Tribune Company has faced opposition from some neighborhood groups as they have tried to move Wrigley Field forward. There has been some success in negotiating compromises. Wrigley Field has been home to baseball since 1914. Some residents who have moved into the neighborhood as property values have risen in the last years have tried to control the congestion and modifications surrounding the ball park like it was a surprise they found out about after they moved in. Don?t move by the airport if you don?t like the sound of planes. The question remains how will the Rickets react as they have to battle the few but vocal neighborhood opposition?

17 August 2009 ? September 3rd, 2009 is the deadline for Lakeview township properties owners to appeal their new larger property tax assessments. In a hit and run action following the notices being mailed, James Houlihan, the person responsible for the increased taxes has announced his decision not to run for re-election for Cook County Assessor. Adding to higher property taxes, Mayor Daley is asking for an “abatement” in the Chicago Public School line item on the tax bill defending himself by stating it is not a tax increase although it will raise everyone?s bill. These increases put further burden upon Lakeview property owners in the midst of a declining market that is just beginning to show the signs of leveling off of property values. Higher tax bills in this economy will result in an increase of short sales and foreclosures. On Friday, newly appointed Commissioner Bridget Gainer met with the Chicago Association of Realtors^® Governmental Affairs Committee and engaged in open discussion with its members on this issue as well as others plaguing Cook County. Gainer shows the knowledge and willingness to work on long time Realtor^® issues with the association.