Nov

4

Indian Summer in Chicago

Filed Under Chicago, Chicago Events, Commentary | Comments

These past few days, Chicago has enjoyed an “Indian Summer,” a period of unseasonably warm weather in autumn. In short order, we’ve gone from 50 degree weather last week to 60 and 70 degree temperatures these past few days. It’s heavenly!

This fair weather brings to mind the old “Injun Summer” cartoon from the famed Chicago Tribune cartoonist John T. McCutcheon. While McCutcheon’s verbiage is unfortunately politically incorrect in hindsight, his wonderfully drawn cartoon is a good reminder of just how long beautiful autumn weather like this has been appreciated.

One thing that isn’t politically incorrect, however, is voting, and today’s Election Day weather is ideal for that. Reports from the polls tell of long lines out the doors at some polling stations, but that’s almost a blessing on a day like this. Of course, many polling stations are moving much smoother. I voted myself today and made it in and out in ten minutes.

The rally in Grant Park tonight for Chicago’s native son, Barack Obama, had obtained permits to sell hot chocolate, but there may be little demand for that tonight. Back when it was chilly, Mayor Daley predicted a million attendees for the event. Who knows how big the crowds will be now?

Whatever your plans for these next couple days, be sure you get out and make the most of this Chicago Indian Summer.

Sep

22

Don’t Let the Turkeys Get You Down

Filed Under Commentary | Comments

There is no doubt that these are turbulent times. A presidential election in full swing, one of the worst drops on Wall Street (followed by one of the biggest rallies) last week, and a continued major reshuffling of the real estate and financial landscape - it’s enough to raise one’s blood pressure.

While I am not an expert on stress, anyone who knows me knows I maintain a full plate, and most days, I do it in stride. I thought I’d share what works for me.

First, don’t overdose on the media. Do what it takes to keep yourself informed, but don’t obsess over every development and every talking head commentary. Thomas Jefferson once said, “I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel myself infinitely happier for it.” That may be a bit extreme in today’s world, but in this case, I feel strongly that less is more and definitely healthier.

Second, seek out the people in your life who are most important to you. It’s no secret that a strong social network is the ultimate stress-buster, so spend more time with your children, your family and your best friends. When it comes to my kids, the miracle of their daily progress takes my breath away and puts the rest of the world into an entirely different, diminished perspective.

Third, take care of yourself. When you are stressed, regular exercise and a healthy diet are even more important. There is something to the expression “blowing off steam.” Exercise provides physical relief which in turn can help relax your psyche. Also, watch your intake of caffeine, alcohol (a depressant), and junk food. If you let yourself go, you’ll only feel worse.

Fourth, find your silver lining. Change creates opportunity. When my showings slowed during the summer months of July and August, I finally had the time to pursue some new marketing initiatives that have been on my “to do” list for much too long. One of those projects was to start this blog. Now that I am busy again with fall market sales and showings, I am still making the time to write my posts because they give me such pleasure.

Last, cut yourself some slack. It is okay if you don’t feel great all the time. That is part of what makes us human. Do your best in what you do, but when things get to be too much, take a deep breath and treat yourself to a walk along the lake, a hot bath, a nice dinner, or a funny movie on TV.

Now, don’t laugh at this (although humor is also therapeutic), but I was flipping through the newest edition of The Costco Connection looking for coupons, when I came across an article entitled, Don’t Stress, Decompress. It is based on the notion that too much pressure can rule your life and ruin your health. The article has some great additional pointers to offer, which you can read by browsing to page 22 on Costco’s online reader.

Finally, I’d like to remind you of the sage advice of cartoonist and writer Sandra Boynton: “Don’t let the turkeys get you down.” The illustration on the cover of her book by the same name (shown above) shows a cartoon elephant lying flat on the ground with a bunch of turkeys standing all over him. It has been 22 years since she wrote that adorable little book, but it is in times like these that it seems more appropriate than ever.

Sep

5

Up in a Puff of Smoke

Filed Under Commentary, Family Events, Home Renovation and Maintenance | Comments

Not long ago, on my way to show a Lincoln Park home, all traffic came to a halt. Fire trucks with lights flashing had blocked the intersection of Fremont and Webster in Lincoln Park, and I could not get by. Eventually, I turned around and pulled down an alley so I could continue on to my appointment. As I passed the scene of the fire, I saw lots of trucks, equipment, and activity, and I overheard one of the men saying that the fire was now out. I drove on.

I thought nothing more of this until I listened to my voicemail the next morning. A friend had called to say that it had been his home that had caught fire, and he and his family were now scrambling to find temporary housing. They were hoping I could help them.

I was shocked at the immediacy of the crisis. This is a family I know well and whose home I have visited. It had been substantially improved and showed beautifully. I remembered how much they had invested of themselves in their home, and I realized how hard this would be for them.

The fire department believed the fire was started by an extension cord connected to a printer. The heat of the fire was so intense that the roof collapsed into the home’s upper level. What did not burn was ruined by smoke or water.

The good news is that my friends were out of town with their two children and everyone was safe. But it made me stop and ask myself, “What if the fire had been in my home?” My husband and I have never discussed what to do in the event of a fire. We live vertically in a three-story home (as is typical of single-family homes and condos in downtown Chicago) and we don’t have a plan. I realized that not only do we need to think about this, but we need to discuss fire prevention and emergency procedures with our nanny so that she is prepared as well.

Thankfully, there are many resources for home fire safety including the Home Safety Council. Their website includes valuable tips on developing a home fire escape plan. Here are some of their major points:

Make a fire escape plan. The best exit from your home may seem obvious today, but if you awaken in the middle of the night to a smoke-filled, burning home, all that can change - especially for small children. Plan in advance how you will get everyone out. Know what you will do if your primary exits are blocked, and where you will meet once everyone is out. Then, practice your plan together as a family.

Install and check smoke detectors. Chicago building code requires smoke detectors in residential dwellings. When you buy a home, your professional home inspector will verify that the home includes properly positioned, working smoke detectors. But after closing, it is your responsibility to maintain them. Just a month ago, a Chicago man died of smoke inhalation during a fire in his home. His house had smoke detectors installed, but they were not working. Press the test button on your smoke detectors each month to ensure they are operating, and replace the batteries or unit if necessary.

Get a home fire extinguisher. For small, contained fires, a home fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a few hundred dollars in damage and losing your home. Adults in the home should be familiar with the extinguisher’s use, including the PASS acronym (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

Protect the irreplaceable. Your family’s safety is the top priority, but it’s also important to be able to pick up the pieces after a fire. This means protecting important documents, photos, and possessions from destruction. Keeping a safe deposit box at a bank or a fire-proof safe in your home are two ways of accomplishing this. Now that we are in the Internet age, digital photos and documents can also be regularly backed up to email accounts or Web storage services - and thereby out of harm’s way.

For a more comprehensive guide to home fire safety, see the Chicago Fire Department’s page on the topic.

In an earlier blog entry, I wrote about how seeing the AIDS orphans in East Africa really struck a chord with me. Hearing about the fire that destroyed my friends’ home reminds me again to appreciate the many blessings in my life. It is frightening to contemplate how quickly our lives can change, regardless of how safe we feel.

One of my real estate clients ends every call with a reminder to “hug your children today.” I cherish that sentiment, and I do try to hug my children and tell them I love them every single day. But the night after this fire, I hugged them a little tighter and a bit longer.

Aug

18

Shopping Successfully (in Fashion and Real Estate)

Filed Under Chicago, Commentary, Shopping | Comments

Busted! If you saw this month’s Chicago Agent magazine, you know that Lindsay Wolfe from my residential real estate sales team and I recently attended a shopping event.

Truth be told, I hate shopping. I would rather visit the dentist than the average department store. With three young children and a full-time career, I just don’t have the time to shop. Moreover, I find the volume of options in most stores completely overwhelming. So instead, I have a closet full of dusty clothes I don’t wear, with just a few things that I love and wear frequently.

Held at Nordstrom’s Chicago downtown store, the cocktail event was sponsored by the Women’s Council of Realtors, but it was not just any shopping event. The presenter was wardrobe consultant and personal shopper Julie Watson, and she talked about how to build a wardrobe. She explained that the architecture of your collection (I laughed, because my wardrobe is hardly a “collection”) should be comprised of three layers in the shape of a pyramid: a base layer of essentials, a second layer of novelty style essentials, and a top layer reflecting today’s trends. (You can read her full strategy here).

Better yet, Julie is not just all talk. She will come into your home and go through your closet, helping you decide what to keep and what to give away. She will then work with you to make a list of what you are missing and schedule time to take you shopping to buy exactly what you need. In the meantime, Julie will deliver your better quality hand-me-downs to Bottomless Closet, a charity that assists under privileged women by providing business attire for their interviews and new jobs, as well as image and career skills coaching. She’ll even mail you the receipt so you can take the tax deduction for your donation.

As Julie explained her services, I could not help but remember a classic scene in the hilariously funny play about the differences between men and women, Defending the Caveman. Rob Becker was explaining the difference between how women and men shop: women are “gatherers,” he said. They go to the mall, look around, and gather ideas of what they might buy. They touch, smell and try on all sorts of clothes. He said that in contrast, men are “hunters.” In his finest caveman voice, he explained that if they need a shirt, they go to the mall, buy their shirt, and then leave.

What I find appealing about the idea of working with Julie is the idea that together we could efficiently “hunt” for the basics I need. The idea of spending hours or even days checking out every possibility is torturous.

In many ways, Julie and I offer the same professional service to our clients. One of my roles as a residential real estate agent is as a “personal shopper” for my buyer clients. Time is our most precious resource, and I do my best to respect my clients’ time and not drag them though every available house or condo in the city. It is my job to understand “what’s in stock” and what is a sound investment and to efficiently present only those options that meet my clients’ needs and tastes. I am definitely not an expert at when it comes to assembling a wardrobe, but I know Chicago like the back of my hand and feel confident my buyer clients would whole heartedly recommend my services.

Update (10/08/08): I’ve just learned about another charity similar to Bottomless Closet. They’re called Bridge to Success and they provide a similar service but to both women and men.

Aug

15

My Favorite Homes

Filed Under Commentary, Luxury Homes, Real Estate | Comments

I was recently asked what my favorite properties have been among the hundreds I have sold over the course of my residential real estate sales career. It was an intriguing question, and I was still thinking about it as I put my kids to bed that night.

First, however, I had to ask myself, “Just how many homes have I sold?” Was it hundreds? Thousands? Just for kicks, I checked.

Since I received my real estate license in 1994, I have sold 792 properties including 589 “attached” properties (condos, coops, lofts, and townhomes) and 192 single-family homes. In 63% of my sales, I represented the seller, and the buyer was my client for the other 37%. There were a small number of sales where I was a dual agent representing both sides in the same transaction. My average sale price to date is $771,574 which is quite high considering that when I started my career in the 1990s, prices were considerably lower than in recent years. To date, I have sold $612 million worth of homes.

But which of these 792 had been my favorites? I had to sit down and scan the pages of homes sold, remembering each one as I read down the list. Looking at the properties, I recalled each of my past clients - the persons or families who had sold or bought these homes. As I started to narrow my list, I realized that my favorite homes were the ones that best reflected the spirit of their owners.

Here are some that rank high on my list.

Ultra Cool

After just two years in the business, I had the opportunity to list 2124 W. Grand, a very unique property in Ukrainian Village which was at that time pretty gritty. A former automotive repair shop, this bland, industrial-looking 50 x 125 foot building had been transformed inside by architect Anthony Moss into a sleek, sun-filled 5,000+ square foot home with an attached 2,000 square foot 3-car garage. Featured in a Chicago Tribune Magazine story by Victoria Lautman, this cool, loft-like oasis included a 40-foot long industrial skylight, huge tropical plants, and a waterfall. My client was a prominent designer, and it fit with his clean, clutter-free aesthetic. It took me 298 days to sell (an eternity in that market), but it was so much fun. I loved seeing people’s reactions as they stepped inside.

A Home with a Soul

In 2004, I met a couple about my age over the Internet. They were relocating to Chicago from Mill Valley, California as a part of his career path at Citadel. We connected immediately, and I showed them everything that seemed to fit their criteria. They were looking for a sophisticated yet comfortable home that would be suitable for entertaining, for their two dogs, and for their hobbies which included woodworking (his), gardening (hers), and wine collecting (theirs). It quickly became clear that the only way to get exactly what they wanted was to build, and they were already enamored with the craftsmanship offered by one of the city’s top builders, Melrose Partners. We put the deal together and 18 months later, my clients moved into their dream home at 1724 N. Dayton (brochure).

I had the pleasure of attending several dinner parties in their home, and with each visit, it was exciting to see how they had made this home their own. Among other things, she had exquisite taste, cultivated beautiful gardens and was an extraordinary cook.

I was sad when they called one day to let me know they were moving to a ranch in Montana, but I was not surprised when their home sold quickly with multiple offers. This was not just a house; it was a home with a soul.

Pre-War Reinterpreted

I am a big fan of Chicago’s pre-war architecture. Many of the buildings constructed in the 1920s are exceptional. When I got a call to list an 8,000-square foot cooperative apartment at 2450 N. Lakeview, I was excited. With only eleven homes in that building and minimal turnover, it was a rare opportunity to step inside. My client and her late husband had engaged Chicago interior designers Marvin Herman and Bruce Gregga to complete a spare-no-expense renovation, and it was spectacular. The photos speak for themselves.

A Secret Garden

Last year, I met a couple who were contemplating a move. We photographed their Lincoln Park home and prepared all the marketing materials in anticipation of listing in the immediate future. In the meantime, their plans changed, and they decided to build a new home - a process that would take a couple years. I sold them a large lot in the neighborhood and we deferred our plans to list until they finished constructing their new home. When the time comes, I know their home will go fast!

When I first arrived at this home, I stood before the heavy front gate. I could not see over the massive masonry wall, and I started to wonder what I was getting myself into. What I found on the other side of the wall was a complete surprise… it was a magical garden completely out of context for a city home. My clients love their outdoor space and it showed. Features included a child-proof fountain, a corner sandbox, and a romantic terrace for outdoor dining with a vine-covered pergola.

Perfection

I am one of the listing agents for 1524 N. Astor (brochure), an exquisite Gold Coast single-family home offering unobstructed east views of historic Astor Street, and north views of the Cardinal’s mansion and Lincoln Park. This Art Deco-inspired residence is currently on the market for $9,995,000. Built for an empty nester couple, this is the most finely finished home I have seen ever. Every detail is perfect. Highlights include elegant metalwork, state-of-the-art Smart wiring, luxurious fabrics, antique and imported lighting, three outdoor venues, and a one-of-a-kind natural stone countertop on the kitchen island that is filled with large natural fossils.

Aug

6

My Take on Luxury

Filed Under Commentary, Luxury Homes, Real Estate | Comments

The master bath at 1845 N. Orchard

I was interviewed recently by Chicago Agent magazine for their cover story on Chicago’s luxury residential real estate market. The piece discussed some interesting trends such as a shift towards smaller homes, younger buyers, and the demand for quality outdoor space.

The most significant shift I see among today’s luxury buyers is that they are looking for quality, not just a laundry list of expensive stuff dropped into a gigantic space. They expect their homes to be thoughtfully designed, meticulously constructed, and comprised of high quality (but not necessarily flashy) finishes. In terms of style, affluent buyers are embracing both traditional and contemporary finishes, provided they are well executed. Key “ingredients” include amenities that make people’s lives easier and more comfortable: smart home technology; functional, kid-friendly combination kitchen / family rooms; soothing, spa-like baths; elevators; plenty of storage; inviting outdoor space; snow melt systems; and parking for at least a couple of cars. There is also a keen interest in living on wider lots, a pushback against Chicago’s standard which is just 25 feet in width, lot line-to-lot line.

Given that there are fewer buyers in the market today, there is more pressure than ever for builders (and home renovators) to have a keen grasp of buyers’ needs and desires. Every once in a while, we are called to list a completed property where the builder completely missed the mark on this point. If the design and/or finishes in a home are “off,” the home is much harder to sell, and it may ultimately go for a lot less than expected - sometimes less than the builder’s investment. The better developers understand this and do their research before undertaking a new project. My real estate sales team and I prefer to get involved as early as possible so that we can offer input on everything from the floor plan to the selection of cabinets, appliances, light fixtures, paint colors, etc. Given that we sell 75+ properties a year with an average sale price in excess of $1 million, we are uniquely qualified to provide insight into what is and isn’t in demand.

Environs Development’s 1807 Honore

We offer the same consultative services for our clients who are selling their homes. While most people don’t renovate to sell, small improvements can yield big results. Conversely, buyers will discount the value of a home (and the price they are willing to pay) by the cost of what they believe needs to be done, and the discount is rarely dollar for dollar. One colleague of mine suggested that buyers will discount their offer by up to four times the actual cost of anticipated repairs/improvements - a pretty stiff penalty for not replacing that black toilet or taking down your once-favorite wallpaper.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling or are just plain curious about the luxury market, the Chicago Agent piece is worth a read.

Jul

31

Field Notes from East Africa – Putting Our Woes into Perspective

Filed Under Commentary | Comments

My husband and I recently returned from a photo safari in Kenya and Tanzania. It’s been a decade since I was in East Africa. In 1998, I enjoyed one of the most exhilarating and empowering experiences of my life; I climbed the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Kilimanjaro. This trip, however, was quite different. We spent most of our time driving in national parks and looking at the abundant wildlife. The game viewing was tremendous.

Now that I am home, I keep thinking about what we saw outside of the national parks. Every village had an orphanage…or two or three. Many children have lost their parents to AIDS, alcoholism, or a combination of the two. Our driver explained that some people just feel hopeless about their future, and they don’t think twice about engaging in reckless behavior, despite the potentially fatal consequences. I don’t know if the situation has deteriorated in the last decade or if I saw it differently now that I am a parent, but the challenges they face are beyond my comprehension.

We spent an hour visiting an orphanage near Lake Manyara, Tanzania - one of three in a small village about the size of two city blocks. We had collected extra food from our lunch boxes, along with pens, paper, a first aid kit, and anything else we could find in our luggage that might be helpful. The children inhaled the food and drinks that we provided in a matter of minutes. I peeled a hardboiled egg for one of the younger boys. After he ate the egg, he went back and ate the tiny pieces of egg white that were stuck to the shell. When they were finished eating, they sang and showed us what they were studying. My teenage niece befriended a four-year-old girl who was one of three children in the orphanage that is HIV positive.

The caregivers were very friendly, welcomed our group and gave us a tour of their facilities. For perspective, consider this: if the habitable space were added together, it is probably no larger than the size of my basement. The kitchen consisted of a shed with an open fire and two shelves for cookware. There were no appliances and definitely no food pantry. The bath was an outhouse with only a hole in the ground. These facilities were shared by twenty-eight children who lived in triple-stacked bunk beds in two tiny bedrooms. I don’t know how many adults lived there or where they stayed. In addition to the bedrooms, there was a covered porch, a classroom, an office, and two half-built (abandoned) small rooms overgrown with weeds. The orphanage ran out of money before they had the opportunity to build a roof over those last two rooms.

We did not see as many orphanages in Kenya as in Tanzania, but the living conditions there are as bad if not worse. One of our drivers (an elderly gentleman) was raising 25 grandchildren on his own. His children all died of AIDS. Tourism in Kenya has all but dried up due to the political unrest that occurred there earlier this year, which has caused a major contraction in their economy. People who were barely getting by now have less or nothing at all.

The experience of this trip put the challenges of today’s economy into perspective. Yes, food and gas prices are up and home values are flat to down depending on where you live. For families who are engaged in the selling the process (including my own), these can be frustrating times. Nonetheless, the discomfort from our current market correction will never approach what is being experienced in countries like Kenya and Tanzania. A few points of inflation here can mean twenty extra bucks at the grocery counter or the gas pump. In Africa, it can be the difference between life and death. No matter where you’re caught in this current credit and housing “crisis”, you still have much to be thankful for.