Weekend Sweets and Treats

Looking for something to do this weekend (besides real estate)? "Daily Candy" has some suggestions.

The Other Gold Coast (no, not Australia)

Have a look at this new blog about life and real estate on the Gold Coast of Zurich, Switzerland. Did I mention it is written by my daughter?

Prairie Avenue Remembered

The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is hosting an evening with two Prairie Avenue historians tonight. Visit their website for more details.

How to Sell in Today's Market?

Just in time for the weekend, some good advice on how to approach selling your home under current conditions. Rule Number One: find an excellent and experienced agent!

Empty Nest: Loss or Opportunity?

"The New York Times" has a great article today about the psychology -- and the decorating decisions -- of empty nesters. Well worth a look!

New Development in the Media

Please click on this image to see the 2 page spread we did to pre-launch our exciting NEW development at State and Huron.

Top Ten: Zip Code Edition

Always fun to compare and contrast!

New Addition to the Family

Watch this space for info on our new building, THE HURON! The Sales Office will be opening in early October. We can't wait to introduce this great opportunity at the corner of Huron and State.

In more personal news, my new grandson George Gumz Patterson arrived ahead of schedule on Wednesday, September 12! Welcome George, and special congratulations to big sister Edie!

Chicago not Second, Third or Tenth City

Chicago is NOT one of the top ten cities with overextended homeowners, whose housing payments of more than 50% of their income put them at great risk of foreclosure. As The Real Estate Blogger points out, the cities represented on the list are also those with the most dramatic (illusory?) gains over the past few years. Turn to "USA Today" to read the source story in full.

Dodging the Recession Bullet

The latest Anderson Forecast predicts a "bumpy ride" ahead during which recession is -- narrowly -- avoided. Inman news has an informative report (click on link to read). Illinois is not on the list of states expected to bear the full brunt of the crisis. Nevertheless, the author of the Forecast anticipates "a whole new mortage finance system when it's all over."

High-Rise Architecture

Good 9/11 reading on the state of high-rise architecture in America a year ago today.

The Rich to the Rescue

Daniel Gross has an interesting piece in "Slate" about the state of the economy. A good read to start out the week!

What Is Your Favorite Chicagoland Landmark?

Follow the link to cast your vote for the Chicagoland landmark most deserving of funding for restoration and preservation. I know my grandsons are going to be rooting for the Viking Ship! Others in the running include the Chicago Cultural Center and the Fountain of Time Sculpture.

And More Listening

Here is a great interview with Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams Realty.

More Listening: American Heartland Escapes Housing Bust

Today's "Morning Edition" on NPR reports on the solid real estate market in the Midwest.

Listen Up: Real Estate Guys on OPM

Click on the link for informative radio shows on real estate topics that you can listen to on your computer or download onto MP3 players. The most recent topic is "Using Other People Money to Invest" -- it's well worth a listen.

Steve and Barry's

Steve and Barry's is planning a Magnificent Mile store. (You may need to register with Crain's to read the entire article).

Trump Tower

After Labor Day, we start to get reflective. This was the Trump building just a year and a half ago. How time flies!

Mortgage Malaise

How do pessimistic reports on the national housing market translate into opportunities for investors? Click on the link to find out, and don't forget to let us know your opinion.

How We Got Here

For those of you who like to work your way through holidays, here is another historical perspective piece from the Wall Street Journal: "How Credit Got So Easy." It sounds like a ditty that Brad Paisley should record, but in fact it is very informative (no disrespect to Mr.Paisley intended).

Self-Watering Plants

For Labor Day, we thought we'd share something that can save you some work. "Domestik Goddess" has drawn our attention to these little planters that come with their own IV drip. A great gift idea for the doctor, patient, or "black thumb" in your family -- if the drip is empty, it's time to refill! Have a good holiday.

Bash on Wabash

Looking for something to do today? The Bash on Wabash has something for everyone, from toddlers on up. Click on the link for details of this festival in the South Loop.

Real Estate and the Stock Market

Today's The New York Times Magazine has a historical take on property investments in America, the "topic du jour" in the wake of President Bush's remarks on Friday. Has the real estate market of our time become like the stock market of yesteryear? Let us hear your opinion.