It Ain't All Big Hair and Cadillacs

Block Club Information

Block Club Info BARGE– At its Dec. 2 general meeting, BARGE approved two proposals: 1) Request speed humps for the BARGE stretches of Early, Victoria, Ardmore and Magnolia, and 2) Request a street light upgrade for the BARGE area. For more info please visit www.groups.yahoo.com/groups/barge. barge@yahoogroups.com

NEBA– January 10, 7PM, Thai Grill, 1040 W. Granville, holding elections for new leadership. Norm Cratty, norm60660@yahoo.com

EGA– Monthly meeting, January 8, 7PM, 6044 N. Broadway. Steven Meiss, smeiss@ameritech.net

EPIC– Positive loitering walks each Monday at 7PM. Show a "Positive Presence" in our neighborhood. The walk starts from the NE corner of Thorndale and Broadway every Monday. epicblkclub@yahoo.com

ETNA – January 10, 7PM, Edgewater Baptist Church, 1401 W. Hollywood. Sue Morales, Smorales@aha.org Block Club Contacts

ASCO - Belle Mest, Belle6007@aol.com
EARC - Lynette Vosen, Earc60640@yahoo.com
ENN- Patricia Sharkey, p.sharkey@rcn.com
EBNA- Ann Plewa, 773.271.5248, ebna60646@yahoo.com
NEON - Conrad Suerth, Gnthr1001@aol.com
WANT - Dereck Ottens, 773.275.4680, Dottens@stlarchitects.com
NEW - Amanda Solon, 773.764.9569, Amandasolon@yahoo.com
NET - Nancy Schmitt, 773.465.1916, Netblockclub@comcast.net
LBRC - Catherine Smith, 773.852.8073, Cathylbrc@aol.com
TAHBS - Reginald Griffin, ergriffin@prodigy.net
WEAR - Mary Elizabeth Ferraro, 773.271.2183, WEARpresident@gmail.com

H-Rail

Do you know a senior who would like to remain in their home, but can’t afford the repairs necessary to remain safe and comfortable?

Seniors in need of home repairs should contact David Rowe at ECC for information on the application process for the Housing Repairs for Assisted and Independent Living (H-RAIL) program.

The purpose of the program is to enable seniors (60+ years) to maintain their homes, apartments, condos and to provide aids to assist them in living independently. There is no cost to eligible seniors, but there are some income limits. Examples of repairs and modifications include installing smoke/carbon dioxide detectors; grab bars in bathrooms; patching and painting walls, ceilings and windows; repairing or replacing floors, doors, windows, porch rails and locks.

ECC has been funded by the city’s Department of Housing for this program. Over 300 seniors who prefer to remain in their homes near friends and relatives have benefited from the program.

If you are a senior or if you know a senior that might be eligible, contact David Rowe at 773-381-1340 or davidr@edgewatercommunitycouncil.org.

Community Connections - this information is provided by Edgewater Community Council Newletter

New Sewing Group, Every Tuesday, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at ECC, 6044 N. Broadway. Everybody is welcome. Fabric donations welcome. For questions please contact ECC.

Dog Walking Every Thursday, 6:00 PM, corner of Thorndale and Winthrop. Meet your neighbors, walk your dog, be a positive presence. Contact: Louise Rohr at louiserohr@aol.com

Neighborhood Walks Every Monday at 7:00 PM, northeast corner of Thorndale and Broadway. Sponsored by the EPIC and NEBA Block clubs, dogs are welcome as well.

5700 North Winthrop Block Property Owners Meeting January 9th , 5:30 PM, Steps of 5739 N. Winthrop, Chicago, IL 60640. For questions please contact aidakulasic@edgewatercommunitycouncil.org

Berwyn Book Club January 22nd, 7:00, Pause Café, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave. This months’ book is the “Pope Joan” by Donna Cross Woolfolk. Extra copies graciously available at the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library on Thorndale. Send us an e-mail and we’ll add you automatically to the book club e-mail list. Or join yourself at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EdgewaterBoo kClubs.

Team Edgewater January 18, 9AM, 6044 N. Broadway.For questions please contact aidakulasic@edgewatercommunitycouncil.org

ECC Safety Committee, January 25, 7PM, 6044 N. Broadway, 773-381-1345 Let’s plan for the future. Sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EdgewaterSafety / to get safety updates.

New Ideas? Can we help you start something? Please join our new e-group (it only takes a minute) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EdgewaterCo mmunity and take the poll. Give us your comments

January Calender of Events

Please post for your neighbors who do not have internet access. AA and Al Anon meetings: North Shore Baptist Church, 5244 N. Lakewood, 773-728-4200: AA Sat. 10 am, 4pm; Youth AA, Wed. 6:30 pm; AA/Alanon, Wed. 8 pm; Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Elmdale, 773-743-1800: Al Anon Fri. 10:15 am; St. Gertrude Ministry Center, 6214 N. Glenwood; 773-561-5343: Al Anon Thurs. 7:30 pm, Sun. 7 pm; St. Ita’s Church 5500 N. Broadway, 773-561-7343 : AA Tue. 7 pm; Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster, 773-334-5609: AA Mediation Tue. 7:45 pm, AA Thur. 7:45 pm, AA Fri. 7:30 pm, AA Sat. 7 pm, Women’s AA Sun. 6 pm, Men’s AA Sun. 6 pm.; Church of the Atonement , 5749 N. Kenmore, 773-271-2727: AA Mon: 8 am, 7pm; CA, 8 pm; NA Tue., 7:30 pm; AA Wed. 6 pm, AA Thurs. 7 pm, AA, Fri., 7 pm.

Chicago Public Library’s High Speed Wireless Internet System, Edgewater Library, 1210 W. Elmdale. All you need is a wireless enabled laptop computer, tablet PC or PDA. Library’s network is open to all visitors and free of charge without filters. 312-744- 0718

Edgewater Historical Society Museum, Open every Saturday, 1-4 pm, 5358 N. Ashland, 773-506- 4849

Master Gardening Training will begin in January, 12 consecutive Mondays, 9 am-3 pm, Garfield Park Conservatory, Fee: $225, plus 60 volunteer hours. For more info call Nancy Kreith, 773-233-0476

Register for Winter Programs at Berger Park , 773-761-0376 and Broadway Armory Park, 312-742- 7502

Jean Clough Photographs: The First 30 Years, Continues, on Jan. 6 & Jan 13 from 10 am – 4 pm, North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan, 773-743-4477
3 Community Policing Beat 2433 Meeting, will not meet in January.

6 Saturday Morning Book Club, “I Sailed With Magellan” by Stuart Dybek, 11 am, Edgewater Library, 1210 W. Elmdale, book available at Library, 312-744-0718

6 Your House Has a History, Exhibit at Edgewater Historical Society, 1-4 pm, 5358 N. Ashland, 773-506-4849, also Jan 13, 20, 27

10 Care for Real Committee Meeting, 7 pm, 6044 N. Broadway, 773-381-1345

10 Community Policing Beat 2023 Meeting, 7 pm, Kenmore Plaza, 5225 N. Kenmore, 773-381-1345

13 Former Edgewater Theater, Griffin Theatre, presents “LETTERS HOME: VOICES OF AMERICAN TROOPS FROM THE BATTLEFIELDS OF IRAQ”, 7:30 pm Thursdays through Saturdays, 3 pm Sundays, Studio Theatre, Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, $20, students/Seniors, $15, 312-742-8497

16 Families Together Cooperative Nursery School Admissions Coffee visit classroom, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Elmdale, Reservations required, 773-381-5200, Also on January 18.

17 Community Policing Beat 2013 Meeting, 7 pm, Philadelphia Church, 5445 N. Clark, 773-381-1345

18 Hayt School Local School Council Meeting, Hayt School , 1518 W. Granville, 773-534-2040

20 Writers at Heart, 1 pm, Edgewater Library, 1210 W. Elmdale, 312-744-0718

21 “Stop Kiss” presented by Raven Theatre, 7:30 pm, Regular Performances 8:30 pm, Fri. & Sat., 3:30 pm, Sun., $15, Students/ Seniors $12, 773-338-2177

22 ECC Book Club “Pope Joan” by Donna Woolfolk Cross, 7 pm, Pause Café, 1107 W. Berwyn , Book available at Edgewater Library, 1210 W. Elmdale, 773-381-1345

23 Men’s Book Discussion Group, “The Garden of Secrets” by Juan Goytisolo , 7:30- 9:30 pm, Gerber/ Hart Library,1127 W. Granville, 773- 381-8030

23 Edgewater Beach Neighbors Association, 7 pm, Edgewater Presbyterian Church, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, 773-334-5609

27 Book Sale sponsored by Friends of Edgewater Library, 10 am –4:30 pm, Edgewater Library, 1210 W. Elmdale, Hardcover Books, $.50; Paperbacks, $.25, 312-744-0718

27 Families Together Cooperative Nursery School Open House, 10 am – 12 pm, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Elmdale, 773-381-5200

27 Jazz Supper Club, Doors open at 6:30, North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan, $35, 773-743-4477

28 Northside Catholic Academy Early Childhood Open House, 10 am, St. Gertrude’s School, 6216 N. Glenwood, 773-271-4310

30 Tuesday Morning Book Club, “Sister Carrie” by Theodore Drieser, 10 am, Edgewater Library, 1210 W. Elmdale, book available at Edgewater Library, 312-744-0718 February Deadline is January 15 Call 773-381-1340 or Fax 773-334-1871

In the interest of preserving Chicago's history, the city offers grants and other resources for all historic bungalows.

Follow the link below to learn more:

http://www.chicagobungalow.org/

Check out the article recently published in Illinois Realtor Magazine regarding leading economists' predictions for the 2007 Illinois Housing Market. The good news is Chicago is a major housing market, impacted by a healthy job market and low interest rates. Overall, 2007 looks good for Chicago.

Take a look at the article. The link takes you to a .pdf file.

(pdf): http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/Member/publications/realtor/2007/Jan/Economy.pdf

New Law Makes Mortgage Insurance Tax Deductible

Traditional Mortgage Solution Now Even More Affordable

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Home affordability and the housing industry received a big boost today from Congress, which approved a measure that would for the first time allow lower- and moderate-income homebuyers to deduct the full cost of mortgage insurance from their federal taxes in 2007. The provision was included in the omnibus tax bill approved by Congress early Saturday morning.

"Many homeowners who used adjustable and exotic loans to buy houses during the housing boom of the last few years are now feeling the pinch as their interest rates reset," said Kevin Schneider, president of the U.S. mortgage insurance business for Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW). "This new legislation gives homebuyers the option of choosing a low down payment mortgage that offers both tax deductibility and fixed monthly payments. This is an important step forward for U.S. housing."

The legislation passed today makes all mortgage insurance premium payments deductible for homeowners with adjusted gross household incomes of $100,000 or less. It applies to all new mortgage originations beginning January 1, 2007.

"This tax relief will aid nearly one million Americans looking to buy a home with an affordable mortgage in the coming year," Schneider said. "In today's volatile housing market, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage with mortgage insurance is a more secure option for homebuyers, and it can cost less each month than a combination of two loans."

Private mortgage insurance enables people to realize their dreams of homeownership sooner by making mortgages with low down payments possible. With it, homebuyers can purchase or refinance a house with as little as five percent, three percent or even no money down. Mortgage insurance generally is cancelable after the owner's equity in the home reaches 20 percent.

About Genworth Financial
Genworth is a leading insurance holding company, serving the lifestyle protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage insurance needs of more than 15 million customers, and has operations in 24 countries. For more information, visit http://www.genworth.com.

SOURCE Genworth Financial, Inc.

According to the National Association of Realtors:

Real Estate Rebound Expected in 2007

Doug Duncan, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association, expects the 30-year mortgage rate to hover around 6.5 percent for the remainder of the year, but climb to 6.8 percent by the end of 2008.

Duncan is "optimistic about a rebound" in the housing market next year, citing still-low long-term interest rates, robust capital expenditures, and rising equity prices, among other factors.

Meanwhile, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® expects existing-home sales to slip to just above 6.4 million in 2007 from an estimated 6.47 million this year. But a pullback in construction will spark an 8.7-percent decline in new-home sales to 975,000 from 1.07 million over the same time span.

The median resale price will likely edge up 1.7 percent to $227,500 next year, and the median new-home price is forecasted to climb 1.3 percent to $241,400.

Source: Inman News, Matt Carter (12/18/06)

© Copyright 2006 Information Inc.

According to the Illinois Association of Realtors (IAR):

Illinois housing sector adjusts to more sustainable sales pace in the third quarter, while mortgage interest rates remain near 45-year historic lows. Total home sales were down 14.7 percent in the third quarter of 2006 to 46,759 homes sold.

Year-to-date home sales for January through September totaled 131,826, off 7.4 percent from 142,316 home sales in 2005. The Illinois median home sale price in the third quarter was $209,000. “It’s clear the housing market is stabilizing and is shaping up to be the third best year for Illinois home sales.

Conditions are ideal for buyers as we head into the home stretch for 2006 with more choices and room to negotiate with current inventory levels,” said IAR President Robert Zoretich. Find Illinois county-by-county housing stats online.

Below is the exclusive Chicago Condo Market Indicator for subscribers to ChicagoCondosOnline.com.

Highlights:

Sales of condos, which represent 59% of all residential sales in Chicago, were down 14% in November 2006 compared to November 2005.

New listings were up 2% compared to November 2005.

Average market time was up 11%, to 99 days. For a more-detailed report on the condo market, including month-over-month statistics, showing how the market changed from October to November, go to ChicagoCondosOnline.com. When the sign-in page appears, in the upper left-hand corner, click Market Overview.

source: Ric Cox, President & CEO

Following Mayor Daley’s announcement to run for reelection, he scheduled a series of 10-minute, one-on-one press interviews in his campaign offices at 200 W. Madison St.

In an interview* with Steven R. Strahler of CRAIN’S, the Mayor had this to say:

Crain's: If you're really for the property tax cap extension, as (Illinois House Speaker) Michael Madigan says he is too, why hasn't it passed the House?
Mayor Daley: We're getting closer every vote. We have another vote next month, coming up in January. And we're going to follow through.
Crain's: Are you really going to push for it?
Mayor Daley: Oh, yeah.

HELP THE MAYOR MAKE THAT PUSH.
LET’S TURN “OH, YEAH…”
INTO “YES to SB 2691”

Legislators are getting closer to passing SB2300, but this bill falls dramatically short of the needed $60,000 expanded Homeowners Exemption.

CALL THE MAYOR’S OFFICE AT 312-744-3300
Give the Mayor a message
that Homeowners need real relief.

“Mr. Mayor, push for SB2691"

The Sweet Sale of Success
By Thomas Hall GRI QSC, Broker Associate, Rubloff Residential Properties
thall@rubloff.com


Most people who have been through a move would agree that the relocation process can be stressful. Uprooting ties to a neighborhood, schools, friends and perhaps family can be difficult and emotionally unsettling, topped off with the sale of peoples’ most valuable asset, their home.

While hindsight is 20/20, revisiting the process has provided some great insight into what really matters to people when selling their homes. If a previous relationship with an agent does not exist, often times the decision to choose a realtor is based almost exclusively on the percentage of commission charged. Interestingly enough, sellers that have gone through the process agree that the actual dollars paid in the transaction were perhaps less important than getting their home sold within the original contract terms without unexpected hiccups.

In fact, to make the sales process less stressful, here are some important issues to consider before making the move:

Chose the right agent for you.

82% of sellers used a licensed realtor in the sale of their home. Most folks find their realtor through a referral. In fact, roughly 38% of people entrust the sale of their home through a recommendation from a friend or family member. 31% of people use an agent with whom they already have a working relationship. If you do not have a previous relationship with a qualified real estate professional, consider asking family or friends for a recommendation. Research an agent’s reputation, their knowledge of the area and the reputation of the agent’s firm. The process of selling real estate is complex. The knowledge and skill of an experienced negotiator are important criteria as well. Understanding and explaining local real estate market dynamics, providing tips and feedback regarding making a home market-ready, establishing an appropriate asking price, navigating through the disclosure process, inspections and financing can be confusing. An agent’s attention to detail and ability to facilitate these steps will significantly reduce anxiety through out the process. Communication is critical. You want an agent to keep you up to date on what is happening, consistently and often. Whether it is a quick telephone call, or an email with feedback from showings, you deserve and should expect to be well informed. The value of a real estate professional can be found most often in the management of all of the behind-the-scenes actions. When the process runs smoothly and you are well informed, your agent is doing their job.

2. Establish a realistic asking price.

One of the most important concepts to understand in establishing the appropriate value for a property is that your real estate agent does not establish sales price – the market establishes sales price. The market isn’t always kind, but it is never wrong. While maximizing your return is certainly a goal, setting a high asking price may not always provide the best return in the long run. Sellers must understand local market dynamics when setting a realistic goal and time period for the sale of their home. Not all peoples’ needs are the same. Sometimes your unique needs may dictate a different pricing strategy. Before setting a price, understand your goals and realistic timeframe for selling. A good agent should be able to educate you on the relationship between market time and ultimate sales price. Typically, in many markets, well-priced property tends to sell more quickly. Just because a property may sell quickly doesn’t necessarily mean that it was priced incorrectly or too low. An asking price above what a property’s true value is may delay buyers from making realistic offers, hence extending your days on market. Longer market time may lead to paying unnecessary mortgage payments, tax payments and maintenance fees. In fact, setting an asking price that is in line with the real value of your property at the very beginning could very well net the highest and best return in the shortest period of time.

3. Consider a prelisting inspection.

They say the three most important words in real estate are location, location, location, I might argue that disclose, disclose, disclose could be a close second. In the age of unprecedented litigation, the need for the seller to disclose material information about a property is critical. While it may be true that most inspections are conducted by the party buying a potential property, prelisting inspections for sellers can also be beneficial. Prelisting inspections can identify areas of concern to be addressed before the sale and can assist in disclosure matters. In addition, identifying issues or problems prior to putting a home or property on the market allows you to rectify problems upfront, perhaps avoiding credits to the agreed upon sales price.

4. Properly evaluate bona fide offers

You are not the only person selling in a real estate transaction. Buyers are just as much selling there ability to purchase your home as you are selling your home to them. Whether the buyer is paying cash or financing through a mortgage, insist that the buyer provide proof of their ability to pay. They should have evidence of a loan PRE-approval or bank statements from a mortgage broker or banker. A pre-qualification differs from a pre-approval in that a pre-approval goes further into the process of assessing a buyer’s purchasing power. Generally a potential buyer’s income has been verified as well as their credit score has been reviewed. While it still may not be a guarantee that the buyer will get approved, it does provide some assurance that the buyer is capable of closing. While the existence of 100% financing has become more and more commonplace, be sure the buyer has some skin in the game as well. Depending upon the local market, the percentage of earnest money differs. Earnest money is essentially equivalent to your liquidated damages if your contract fails to close outside of stipulated contingencies. If you plan to take your property off of the market, make sure the buyer is committed to closing on the sale of your home. Because each contract has its own unique challenges, it is usually better to have your buyer put some of their money at risk. In some cases, you may be better off taking a lower price from a stronger buyer merely because they have more of their own money in the deal, significantly improving their ability to be approved for financing and ultimately closing per the terms of the sales contract.

While it may be contrary to conventional wisdom, sometimes the offer with the highest price may not be the best deal for the seller. Be careful to understand contingencies and their impact on the sales contract. A full price offer with a home sale contingency from the buyer may sound great, but it does put your sale “on-hold” until the buyer sells their home. Ideally, try to negotiate only those terms, conditions and contingencies that maximize your return in the shortest period of time.

5. Have a win-win attitude

The National Association of Realtors survey in 2003 found that the three recurring issues that both buyers and sellers agreed to be most important to them while engaging in a real estate transaction are:

1. Make the process easier
2. Make the process faster
3. Save me time and money

No doubt anyone involved in a real estate transaction wants to walk away from the negotiating process feeling that they got a good deal. Needless to say, compounded by the effects of stress involved in the moving process in general, the process of negotiating can be a highly emotionally charged event. Still, when negotiating the sale of your home, try to remain objective. Understand that at a high level, both you and your potential buyer share similar goals, and ultimately, you both want to feel good about the ultimate price. Concessions on both sides of the transactions may be required.

Clearly the sale of your home takes more than signing a listing agreement and putting your property on the MLS. Again the process can be complex and requires an experienced professional to assist and guide you in the successful sale of your home. In light of the demands, lack of time and patience in our day-to-day lives, it is so important to properly prepare for the sale of your home. Following the five steps above is a good approach to leaving you with the sweet sale of success!