May 2008

Dear Friends, Real Estate Update The real estate market continues to be inconsistent in Chicago. Some neighborhoods are realizing sales in a steady fashion, and, even in some cases, properties are selling for slightly more than 2007. Most areas have not fared as well, and, in some cases, properties have lost value. Because all markets are truly local in nature you need a real estate agent to complete a Comparative Market Analysis in order to thoroughly understand the value of a property. When I meet with my clients I provide a CMA that contains data on the specific sales in the area (and, in the building too, in the case of a condo), descriptions of the condition of the properties, timetable of the sales, etc. To accurately evaluate a property sellers need this information to understand how their property compares to others in the immediate area. My company, @properties, has introduced a neighborhood market report on our website www.atproperties.com. This tool provides general information about neighborhoods. It shows area trends. If you have not viewed our site, here is how it works. Click on the @Report on the bottom of the home page. The map shows the various neighborhoods on the city. The twentyone areas that are in a darker shade of green are the ones that now provide data. (In time the entire city will be available to view.) Click on the neighborhood and then choose if you want information on a single family home or a condo. In the case of a condo you can choose the number of bedrooms and the number of baths. With single family homes you can provide price ranges to study. The first information to appear is a general summary of the area. Following this, a graph will appear which shows the average sales for the last three years, the average number of days that the property took to sell, total sales, and, lastly, the percent of increase or decrease in that time period.

If you have any questions about accessing this information from my company’s website, please email me. And, if you want a Comparative Market Analysis for a property that you own, I will be happy to provide it for you. Thad Wong, co-founder of @properties, recently appeared on NBC to talk about the new @Report. Here is the video link www.wellcomemat.com/video/343F096D40 Planning for Spring and Summer Events Nothing shows off the City of Chicago better than the neighborhood festivals! Wandering through the assorted booths of merchandise and food, listening to local, live bands, and drinking all types of beverages in an attempt to combat the sweltering heat provides the citizens of this great city a delightful, fun-filled time for all ages of people. There are many locations to consider almost every day of the week. Be adventurous and try out new neighborhoods. But, most important, write down these dates on your calendar, and go when they appear. There are so many great places to visit, foods to eat, and musicians to hear. Keep track of them so you will not miss them. You are not doing your patriotic Chicago duty if you do not participate in these wonderful events. www.Chicagofests.com This site has many of the City of Chicago events. www.centerstagechicago.com/festival This site allows you to search by a date which is helpful when you have friends and relatives visiting and are looking for just the right places to take them. Ravinia www.ravinia.org

While Ravinia is not in Chicago, it is a nearby music venue of world renown. With the Edens Expressway in the sorry site it is I recommend hopping on the Metra Train (for the schedule go to www.ravinia.org/GettingToRav/ByTrain.aspx) or driving the scenic Sheridan Road route to get to Highland Park. I also suggest getting to the park early allowing more time to bask under the hundred year old oaks that grace the grounds. You can bring a picnic; you can buy food there. You can sit in the theater or on the grass. This is a special place with an amazing selection of performers that play under the stars all summer long. There are many other places to see in Chicago. Enjoy! And, please keep me in mind when you hear of someone needing real estate help. Your referrals of business to me are always appreciated, and they allow me to do what I like best: helping people realize their dreams. Best regards, Pat Spaulding @properties cell: 312-909-8298 P.S. If you were forwarded this email and would like to receive it directly or if you know anyone who would like to receive my emails, please contact me with the email addresses at [email protected]. And, to be removed from future emails, please reply UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading.