I am posting the photo of my daughter and I that I have been using in all of my marketing pieces. She has been instrumental in helping her "Papa" do some marketing.
In coming posts, I'll be posting some of my listings, virtual tours and other fun items from past and current clients.
Enjoy!
Rick
Friday, February 24, 2006
Greetings!
Hello to all of you!
Periodically I like to check in and thank everyone who stops by. Even if you don't post a comment, I hope that you find the information provided here to be helpful and insightful.
If you are in the market for real estate, whether buying, selling or as an investor, I would encourage you to use this blog as a forum for discussion. With over 8 professional years of real estate experience, and as a licensed broker in the state of Illinois, I am knowlegeable and highly qualified to address your real estate needs and concerns.
If you'd like to send me an e-mail, you may do so at rick@saffronrealtygroup.com
If you'd like to search the MLS right now, you can at our website, www.greatchicagorealestate.com or by selecting among the real estate links in the column on this page that says "links".
I'm always happy to help people. I look forward to an opportunity to help you.
Thanks!
Rick
Periodically I like to check in and thank everyone who stops by. Even if you don't post a comment, I hope that you find the information provided here to be helpful and insightful.
If you are in the market for real estate, whether buying, selling or as an investor, I would encourage you to use this blog as a forum for discussion. With over 8 professional years of real estate experience, and as a licensed broker in the state of Illinois, I am knowlegeable and highly qualified to address your real estate needs and concerns.
If you'd like to send me an e-mail, you may do so at rick@saffronrealtygroup.com
If you'd like to search the MLS right now, you can at our website, www.greatchicagorealestate.com or by selecting among the real estate links in the column on this page that says "links".
I'm always happy to help people. I look forward to an opportunity to help you.
Thanks!
Rick
Monday, February 06, 2006
Bubbles, bubbles everywhere.
So. . .
Here is yet another article speculating on the deflation of the housing bubble. This one predicts a soft deflating of the "bubble"
If you analyze some of the data, however, it is really hard to see where the "bubble" actually exists. Sure, market time is up on homes and things have slowed a little from December of 2005 until present. Part of that is normal for this time of the year, at least in Chicago area real estate. The market here definitely has a bit of seasonality.
When you look at the fact that 2005 was yet ANOTHER year of record breaking home sales, the bigger picture suggests that there may not be a bubble at all.
I understand that there are a lot of things to consider whether you are purchasing your first home, or are on a step up or a downsizing phase. So many factors impact the greater economy.
This article is definitely interesting.
http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/P138892.asp
Food for thought.
Here is yet another article speculating on the deflation of the housing bubble. This one predicts a soft deflating of the "bubble"
If you analyze some of the data, however, it is really hard to see where the "bubble" actually exists. Sure, market time is up on homes and things have slowed a little from December of 2005 until present. Part of that is normal for this time of the year, at least in Chicago area real estate. The market here definitely has a bit of seasonality.
When you look at the fact that 2005 was yet ANOTHER year of record breaking home sales, the bigger picture suggests that there may not be a bubble at all.
I understand that there are a lot of things to consider whether you are purchasing your first home, or are on a step up or a downsizing phase. So many factors impact the greater economy.
This article is definitely interesting.
http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/P138892.asp
Food for thought.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Rate hikes, fed chairs and speeches OH MY!!
So the Fed has made another hike in interest rates. It will certainly be interesting to see how this affects the housing market and the choices people will make in the year ahead.
So far, these rate hikes really haven't seemed to have much of an impact on the long term rates given to consumers by lenders but, at some point, the will have to. I am already seeing small shifts upward and the trend may be here to stay.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060131/ap_on_bi_ge/fed_interest_rates_24
Of course, a new Federal Reserve chairman was also sworn in today. I'm sure there is a lot of tension and nervousness out in the financial markets because former chief Greenspan has been there for so long and done a pretty impressive job.
So will the economy be smooth sailing or are there rough waters ahead?
So far, these rate hikes really haven't seemed to have much of an impact on the long term rates given to consumers by lenders but, at some point, the will have to. I am already seeing small shifts upward and the trend may be here to stay.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060131/ap_on_bi_ge/fed_interest_rates_24
Of course, a new Federal Reserve chairman was also sworn in today. I'm sure there is a lot of tension and nervousness out in the financial markets because former chief Greenspan has been there for so long and done a pretty impressive job.
So will the economy be smooth sailing or are there rough waters ahead?
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
"Toddler Fraud"
Here is an amazing, (and quite frightening), story from the December issue of Money magazine.
http://money.cnn.com/pr/subs/magazine_archive/2005/12/STRC.html
The article is "Toddler Fraud" and is a must read for any parent, particularly those of us who get Social Security numbers for our children right away.
I know I was practically forced to apply for a SS# for my daughter shortly after her birth because, without the number, the insurance refused to cover her medical expenses specifically.
I'm sure other parents out there have experieced similar situations. I'm also quite sure that many of you haven't given much thought to the possibility that your toddler might fall victim to identity theft.
This is very thought provoking and, as long as our credit ratings are so important in this world, could have long lasting effects on your children's financial futures.
http://money.cnn.com/pr/subs/magazine_archive/2005/12/STRC.html
The article is "Toddler Fraud" and is a must read for any parent, particularly those of us who get Social Security numbers for our children right away.
I know I was practically forced to apply for a SS# for my daughter shortly after her birth because, without the number, the insurance refused to cover her medical expenses specifically.
I'm sure other parents out there have experieced similar situations. I'm also quite sure that many of you haven't given much thought to the possibility that your toddler might fall victim to identity theft.
This is very thought provoking and, as long as our credit ratings are so important in this world, could have long lasting effects on your children's financial futures.
Greener Acres
Here is another interesting story from this past Sunday.
It illustrates and even more extreme move where some people have chosen to skip the suburbs entirely and have elected a completely rural lifestyle.
A very interesting story!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/realestate/chi-0601220246jan22,1,78205.story
It illustrates and even more extreme move where some people have chosen to skip the suburbs entirely and have elected a completely rural lifestyle.
A very interesting story!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/realestate/chi-0601220246jan22,1,78205.story
Chicago Public Schools
Here is an interesting story from yesterday's Tribune regarding the budget issues facing CPS.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0601230196jan23,1,2511004.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0601230196jan23,1,2511004.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
Monday, January 23, 2006
Welcome!
Hello all and welcome!
My name is Rick and I am your urban suburbanite. I have lived in both city and suburbs and understand the joys and frustrations of both areas.
For those of you who are looking to purchase a home, sell a home or both; whether you are looking to move from city or suburbs or suburbs to city, I can help!
Currently, as far as trends are concerned, I have noticed as I have been selling homes lately, that there has been a bit of a baby boom since 9/11. So many people are having children that it seems like the world has gone a bit baby crazy. As a father myself, I completely understand the joy of having children.
Of course, having children can present a lot of logistical issues when it comes to where you live. I have, personally, observed that couples with young children, in particular, are faced with the decision of staying in the city or moving to the suburbs.
The city, and in particular our great city of Chicago, has so much to offer. The city has tons of culture and so much for an active young mind to absorb. Of course, space is at a premium and it can be tough sometimes. Some parents simply are longing for a bit of room to allow their young ones to grow and flourish.
But what is the right decision? Is there a right decision?
The right decision is the decision that is right for YOU! It is the decision that takes into consideration the best interests of you and your entire family. The right decision is about the big picture.
I understand that decisions like these can be difficult, that is why I have created this blog to help guide and inform people in the process.
So if you have any comments or questions, lay them on me. If you have any interesting articles, or ideas, send them to me.
I'm here to help make the decision that is right for you!
Cheers!
Rick
My name is Rick and I am your urban suburbanite. I have lived in both city and suburbs and understand the joys and frustrations of both areas.
For those of you who are looking to purchase a home, sell a home or both; whether you are looking to move from city or suburbs or suburbs to city, I can help!
Currently, as far as trends are concerned, I have noticed as I have been selling homes lately, that there has been a bit of a baby boom since 9/11. So many people are having children that it seems like the world has gone a bit baby crazy. As a father myself, I completely understand the joy of having children.
Of course, having children can present a lot of logistical issues when it comes to where you live. I have, personally, observed that couples with young children, in particular, are faced with the decision of staying in the city or moving to the suburbs.
The city, and in particular our great city of Chicago, has so much to offer. The city has tons of culture and so much for an active young mind to absorb. Of course, space is at a premium and it can be tough sometimes. Some parents simply are longing for a bit of room to allow their young ones to grow and flourish.
But what is the right decision? Is there a right decision?
The right decision is the decision that is right for YOU! It is the decision that takes into consideration the best interests of you and your entire family. The right decision is about the big picture.
I understand that decisions like these can be difficult, that is why I have created this blog to help guide and inform people in the process.
So if you have any comments or questions, lay them on me. If you have any interesting articles, or ideas, send them to me.
I'm here to help make the decision that is right for you!
Cheers!
Rick
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