Buckingham Fountain

The Buckingham Fountain is a major attraction in Chicago.
But, of course, you already knew that.
It is located near 500 South Lake Shore Drive.

I decided to visit the Fountain today.
I took a few pictures while I was there.
I would like to share them with you.
I hope you enjoy them!

Chicago Buckingham Fountain

Chicago Buckingham Fountain

Chicago Buckingham Fountain

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, Real Estate, rentals, South Loop | Leave a comment

Closing Costs

Closing Costs in Illinois

The Chicago Tribune published an article today on
the topic of closing costs. According to a recent study,
closing costs average $3,500 in Illinois.
This would be
for purchases which required financing. For cash transactions,
closings costs dropped down to about $2,000.

So keep this in mind when you are getting ready to submit
an offer to purchase real estate. If you are using financing,
you will have to bring about an extra $3,500 to the closing table.
This is in addition to your down payment!

I would suggest asking the seller to contribute 3% towards
your closing costs. This will help reduce your “out of pocket”
expenses. When I say “ask the seller”, I mean have your
Realtor write that in the contract. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Many buyers don’t have enough cash saved up to cover
a down payment AND closing costs.

Be sure to ask your lender how much they will allow the
seller to give back at closing to cover your costs. Some
programs allow up to 6% back. But be careful, the more
you ask for, the less likely the seller is to accept your offer.
The seller is looking at their bottom line. They might feel
that giving back 6% is too much. I have had success with
asking for 3% back for some of my previous valued clients.

If you are submitting a cash offer, I probably wouldn’t ask
for any closing cost credits. Just subtract $2,000 from the
amount you are willing to spend on the property. The result
would be your maximum purchase offer amount.

Closing costs can cover fees like:

Title Search Fees
Title Insurance
Appraisal Fees
Attorney Fees
Survey
Termite Inspection
Home Inspection Fees
Wire Transfer Fees
Loan Origination Fees
Loan Points
Loan Application Fees
Property Insurance
Notary Fees
Document Preparation Fees
Transfer Tax Stamps
etc.

Each title company and lender have their own specific fees
that they charge. So, your actual closing costs will vary.
But just keep the average costs in mind and you should be OK.

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, FHA, financing, Real Estate | Leave a comment

FHA Approved Condos

Many potential buyers don’t realize that most condos are NOT
FHA approved. FHA prefers to insure loans on single-family homes,
two-to-four unit properties, and some mixed-use properties.
So in order to buy most condos, you will have to use conventional
financing. Conventional financing requires a 20% down payment.
FHA only requires 3 1/2 % down. So that is a HUGE difference.
Many buyers simply don’t have that much cash available to use
as a down payment.

However, you can often find a handful of condos on the market
that are actually in FHA approved buildings.

If you are looking for a FHA approved condo, please send me a note
to mark@markkillion.com

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Posted in bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, FHA, financing, HYDE PARK, Kenwood, Real Estate, South Loop | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Million Dollar Homes in Kenwood Chicago

Click here for Million Dollar Listings in Kenwood

Let’s take a quick look at the real estate market in
Kenwood – Chicago. Specifically, let’s look at the
market for million dollar homes. I find the Kenwood
neighborhood fascinating. Many famous people have
called this neighborhood home.

Here’s a quick look at the Chicago – Kenwood market
for million dollar homes:

There are currently 12 Homes on the market
in the million dollar price range.

The average listing price is roughly $1.8 Million.
The average market time is about 9 months.

During the last 12 months, 9 homes have sold in this million dollar
price range. The average selling price was about 1.6 Million.
The average market time for these homes was about 6 1/2 months.
But, half of all listings in this price range do not sell.
But, then again, half of them do :)
So, the glass is half full in the Kenwood neighborhood for
million dollar listings.

If you would like to view current million dollar listings, please click here.

If you would like more information on the Chicago – Kenwood Real Estate
Market, please send me an e-mail or visit my website.

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

773property.com Logo

Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, HYDE PARK, Kenwood, Real Estate | Leave a comment

Bronzeville and Kenwood Real Estate Analysis – Chicago, IL 60653

*Based on sales data from the MLS for JAN-01-2010 through JUL-20-2010

This report is based on sales data from the MLS for JAN-01-2010 through JUL-20-2010.
This is for zip code 60653 only. This zip code includes a few different neighborhoods.
It includes Bronzeville, Oakland, and the north half of Kenwood.

You will notice that there is a wide range of selling prices. This is because foreclosures
are still hitting the market at very low prices. But, at the same time, high end properties
are still selling. Sales prices are mostly determined by the condition of the property.
On the low end, you will have the foreclosures that require a total gut rehab.

On the high end, you will have the recently rehabbed properties and/or newer construction.
The average property will be somewhere in between. It will usually be in fair condition,
but it has not been updated or remodeled in several years.

So looking at the present market, and its wide range of prices, one may conclude that there
is a great opportunity to buy a bank owned property at a very low price, do a high-end
rehab, and put it back on the market a few months later for a much higher price.

Many investors have realized this opportunity and the demand for bank owned properties is high.
It is not uncommon for those properties to sell for 25% to 50% OVER asking price.

==============================================================================
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

Overall: 31 Single Family Homes were sold in zip code 60653.
Prices ranged from $30,000 to $445,000. The average
selling price was $192,000

3 Bedrooms: 11 sold ranging from 60,000 to 415,000
Average selling price: $193,000

4 Bedrooms: 12 sold ranging from 30,000 to 445,000
Average selling price: $190,000

5 Bedrooms: 5 sold ranging from 65,000 to 430,000
Average selling price: $225,800

6 Bedrooms: 6 sold ranging from $41,000 to $301,000
Average selling price: $138,000

CONDOS:

Overall: 96 condos were sold in zip code 60653. Prices ranged from $2,000 to $329,000.
The average selling price was $97,000.

Studio: 1 sold for $33,000

1 Bedroom: 1 sold for $170,000

2 Bedrooms: 30 sold for prices ranging from $5,000 to $250,000
Average selling price: $79,000

3 Bedrooms: 54 sold for prices ranging from $2,000 to $329,000
Average selling price: $104,000

4 Bedrooms: 8 sold for prices ranging from $16,000 to $255,000
Average selling price: $91,000

5 Bedrooms: 8 sold for prices ranging from $179,740 to $250,000
Average selling price: $214,870
=================================================================
MULTI-UNITS (Two to Four Units):

Overall: 27 multi-unit properties were sold in zip code 60653.
Prices ranged from $25,000 to $420,000.
The average selling price was $106,000.

Two Flats: 14 sold for prices ranging from $25,000 to $156,000.
Average selling price: $79,000

Three Flats: 13 sold for prices ranging from $29,000 to $420,000.
Average selling price: $105,000

Four Flats: 0 sold so far this year.

==================================================================
MULTI-FAMILY (5 or more units)

6 Flats: 4 sold for prices ranging from $120,000 to $750,000.
Average selling price: $409,000

Note: Financing for commercial properties is a lot harder to come by these days.
Many commercial lenders are asking for a 25% to 30% down payment.
And most lenders are not allowing sellers to “hold paper”
(finance part of the sale by holding a secondary mortgage).

As a result, sales for multi-family properties are currently depressed.
For this multi-family analysis, I had to look at a couple of nearby areas in
addition to zip code 60653 (i.e. Hyde Park, Washington Park).

However, there are still investors in the market looking for high yield opportunities.
If you have a multi-family property, and it is currently rented and generating
positive cash flow, you definitely have a chance to sale your property.

You just have to offer it at a price point that allows a high return on investment
for the next owner. This doesn’t mean you have to give your property away.
It just means that investors that can buy right now are looking for a high return
on their investment.
Here’s a rough estimate of where you need to be right now with pricing in 60653:

Multiply your annual rental income times 6.5

For example: let’s say you have a 6 Flat and you are getting $1,000 per month
for each unit. Your monthly gross income would be $6,000 and your annual
gross income would be $72,000
6.5 x $72,000 = $468,000

$468,000 would be your estimated marketing price when you put your building on
the market.

This would be for a property that is currently generating income. If your property is
vacant, you will have to sell it for much less. (probably around $320,000)

Many of the six flats that did NOT sell this year had an average price of about $550,000.

=========================================================================
LAND:
Similar to multi-family commercial properties, the demand for land is currently depressed.
This is because land sales and new construction go hand in hand. Since there aren’t many
construction loans available right now, there is no need for developers to purchase land.

However, you will always have a few investors looking for good deals on land in desirable locations.
Two lots were sold this year. One was a standard residential lot. It sold for about $65,000.
The other lot was a much larger commercial lot and it sold for about $390,000.
===========================================================================
RENTALS:

The rental market in Bronzeville and zip code 60653 is booming! Over 400 units have been rented
so far this year. Here’s a summary of average rental prices:

1 Bedroom: $900
2 Bedrooms: $1,200
3 Bedrooms: $1,600
4 Bedrooms: $1,900
5 Bedrooms: $2,600
============================================================================
If you would like a personalized market analysis for your property, please let me know.
I would be more than happy to prepare a FREE report for you. If you have
any questions about the Bronzeville Real Estate market, please call me at
773-469-4943. You may also send an e-mail to: mark@markkillion.com
And as always, if you know anyone that needs to buy, sell, or rent real
estate, please let me know. Your friends and family deserve exceptional
customer service. I am here to serve you!

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

773property.com Logo

Posted in bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Rehab, Chicago Relocation, HYDE PARK, Investment Property, Kenwood, Oakland, Real Estate, rentals | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House in Hyde Park

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House in Hyde Park

<a href=Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House in Hyde Park Chicago‘ />

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

773property.com Logo

Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, HYDE PARK, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Enjoy the Bronzeville Lake Front and Beach – 39th Street – Chicago

Bronzeville Beach pic 1

Bronzeville Beach and Lake Front

Bronzeville Beach and Lake Front

Bronzeville Beach and Lake Front

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

773property.com Logo

Posted in bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, HYDE PARK, Real Estate, South Loop | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Driving Down Lake Shore Drive

Driving down Lake Shore Drive in Chicago

Posted in bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, HYDE PARK, Real Estate, South Loop, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Chicago Rent Price Analysis 2010

Chicago Rent Price Analysis 2010

I decided to analyze Chicago Rental prices for
the 2nd quarter of 2010. This analysis shows
the average rent price by neighborhood and
bedroom count.

This report can be very useful for both
investors and tenants. I also provide assistance
to both groups. I can help investors buy
and sell investment properties. I can also
help tenants lease quality condos and homes.

Click Here For Report

If you have any questions, please feel free to
leave a comment or visit my website:

Bronzeville Real Estate

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

773property.com Logo

Posted in bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Rehab, Chicago Relocation, East Garfield Park, Englewood, HYDE PARK, Investment Property, Logan Square, Pill Hill, Real Estate, rentals, Section 8, South Loop, Uptown, West Loop | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Section 8 Rentals in Chicago

Section 8 Rentals in Chicago

As a licensed Real Estate Agent,
I have access to several Section 8 rentals in Chicago.
A lot of them are privately owned condos. Sometimes you can find a
few single family homes for rent too.

I have access to rentals listed by other real estate
agents too. I also know a few private owners that prefer housing
vouchers. So for current Chicago Section 8 rentals,
you have come to the right place!

If you are an owner, I can offer you a short listing period of only 3
months. Your listing will receive maximum exposure from being
in the MLS. I will also market your property online using various
websites. Your listing will also be featured on my website:
www.773property.com

I also have experience with the critical inspection process.
The fee for service would be equal to one month’s rent.
But, you pay $0 upfront. So, you only pay for results!

For Chicago Section 8 rentals, please click the link below.
www.773property.com

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

773property.com Logo

Posted in bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, East Garfield Park, Englewood, housing voucher, HYDE PARK, Investment Property, Logan Square, Real Estate, rentals, Section 8 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment