Pinnacle Team August Newsletter

Pinnacle Team Newsletter INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Last Hurrah

Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Homemade Pizza Company

Dog Lovers

A U G U S T

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No Time Like the Present 1

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Hi Friends, We probably sound a little redundant at this point, but there really is no better time to buy than the present. There are some unbelievable deals out there, as well as some attractive incentives for first time home buyers. The numbers speak for themselves—in most cases, we can prove that

it’s cheaper to buy right now than to continue renting. We’d be happy to provide you with a custom analysis proving just that. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss in more detail.

we can provide you will all of the necessary tools to make the smartest decision for YOU. Have a great August, and be well! Ryan, Sarah & Nadine

In this type of market, it’s imperative that you educate yourself about what opportunities are out there. We encourage you to reach out to us so that

Last Hurrah Mortgage Update

Pinnacle Team Listings

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Use the last few weeks of the summer as an excuse for a quick, inexpensive getaway. Chicago is conveniently located to many nearby options that allow you to escape the busyness of the city: Kohler Spa: Located in Kohler, Wisconsin, the Kohler Waters Spa is conveniently located (approximately 2 hour drive from Chicago) so you can drop in for a nourishing treatment, or step into a robe and experience all-

day immersion. www.destinationkohler.com

Chicago worth checking out.

Beach house: There are some amazing Michigan beach towns just about an hour drive from Chicago – Lakeside, New Buffalo, Union Pier, etc. Rent a quaint beach cottage for a quiet weekend away from the city. http:// www.vrbo.com/vacationrentals/usa/michigan/ southwest

Chicago, IL: www.wildblossomwines.co m

Wineries: While we’re nowhere near Napa, we do have some wineries near

Roselle, IL: www.lynfredwinery.com Cedarburg, WI: www.cedarcreekwinery.co m Prairie du Sac, WI: www.wollersheim.com

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Recipe: Fruit Pizza Libby Jones, Andersonville 1 box yellow cake mix 2 whole eggs 1/3 cup oil 1 teaspoon vanilla 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened Assorted cut fruit 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix together cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Place in pizza pan sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool. Mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Spread on prepared crust. Top with assorted cut fruit.

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Homemade Pizza Company While this is not an eat-in restaurant, it’s one of my favorite spots for pizza in the city. I’ll be honest - I thought the concept was a bit hokey, but my reservations were quickly shot down the first time I tried Homemade Pizza Company. This pizza place offers fresh, made-to-order pizza that you bake at home. It’s not your typical cheese and pepperoni pizza – they offer unique pizzas such as The Georgia (cuminscented Santa Fe chicken sausage with poblano peppers and Ricotta cheese). You can also create your own pizza with

inventive toppings such as barbeque chicken, prosciutto, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and pesto. The pizzas cook on parchment paper (provided) at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes in your oven. This is the best way to ensure that your pizza is as fresh and hot as possible, something you can’t get with delivery or even take out. They also offer delicious salads, which is a rarity at most local pizza joints. My favorite is the Pear and Blue Cheese Salad (their balsamic dressing is a must!).

You can expect to pay about $25 for a pizza and salad for 2 people – worth every penny! There are 8 convenient locations throughout the city, all of which deliver. Find out more at www.homemadepizza.com

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Chicago Dog Lovers

Riley Gossett relaxing at home.

Having lived in Chicago now for a cumulative 9 years and having owned a dog or two the entire time, I can assure you that the Windy City is one of the most “Dog Friendly” cities. In fact, I would say all that we are lacking is a good dog friendly taxi service, anyone know of one?

Following are some of my favorite spots/activities/ places I visit to keep Riley and Porter happy living in the big city!

Chicago’s north side neighborhoods all offer unique services, businesses, parks, attractions, etc. that are sure to keep your best friend both entertained and exercised, provided you are willing to be his/her escort.

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Loyola Beach – 6900 N Sheridan, Rogers Park (Before 9am) Walking path between Montrose Harbor & Belmont Harbor Stay Dog Hotel – www.staydoghotel.com Frasca – www.frascapizzeria.co m Sola - www.solarestaurant.com Most Chicago Street Festivals

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Green City Market www.chicagogreencity market.org Wiggly Field – Sheffield & Schubert Roger’s Bark Pet Salon – www.rogersbark.com Secret Beach between Evanston & Chicago on Sheridan City Soles www.citysoles.com

For more information on dog friendly spots, visit: http:// www.dogfriendly.com/ server/travel/uscities/guides/ us/cities/ usonlinecityILChicago.shtml

FHA & First Time Homebuyer Credit Over the past 12-18 months, we all witnessed the conventional lending world bury its head in the sand. The FHA loan, which is a conventional loan insured by the federal government, took the lead in aggressive lending for first time buyers, down payment, and credit-challenged borrowers. At a time when 20% down payments and 700 credit scores became the rule, FHA seemed to be keeping a very large segment of the market afloat by allowing 3.5% down payments and credit scores as low as 580. And perhaps the granddaddy of ‘em all: FHA announced earlier this summer that they would allow the monetization of the Federal First Time Home Buyer Credit to be used as part of the required 3.5% down payment.

To date, only the Illinois Housing and Development Authority (IHDA) has announced a program that puts this allowance into play, but even without this added bonus the Fed credit coupled with an FHA loan is a pretty darn good combo. As of today, no other major lender has announced that it will go along with FHA’s new concession but many believe that the industry is waiting to see if the first time buyer credit will be extended past November 30th of this year. That’s a very big “if”, as we continue to see housing prices heading in the right direction, jobless claims falling, and stock markets rising. While the federal government seems intent on pouring money and tax incentives into the economy, it may also sense that

pulling back the first timer credit would be a way to show the American people that our housing market is healthy enough and needs no more help. Currently, we’re in a buyer’s market with favorable interest rates, solid loan programs such as FHA, and very advantageous tax credits. If you’re still sitting on the proverbial fence waiting for someone to hand you a free home, this is about as close as you’re going to get to that. For more information on FHA loans, tax credits, and the state of the lending market, please call me at (312) 799-1071 or email me at [email protected].

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Pinnacle Team Listings New! 450 E. Waterside #1610 - $525,000 + $50,000 for parking Views, finishes, amenities, this condo has it all. Located in the luxurious Chandler, this 1 bedroom + den, 1.1 bath home has almost 1150 sq ft of living space and beautiful views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and the City. This practically new building features two rooftop patios and an indoor pool with breathtaking views and a fitness center, rooftop hot tub, doorman and business center. The condo features everything you would expect, including granite counters, hardwood throughout, a luxurious bathroom retreat, and two walk in closets in the master. Don’t miss this opportunity! 2045 N. Larrabee, #7104-$349,900 3 year old rehab! 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo in the heart of Lincoln Park, located in Oz Park Gardens. Kitchen boasts granite and stainless. Hardwood floors throughout. Private outdoor patio and parking included. Steps to restaurants, shopping, and public transportation—a must see! http:// www.atproperties.com/listing/7272749 SOLD in 30 DAYS! 1330 W. Hubbard, #2 $465,000 2 years old! Approximately 2400 sq ft duplex with 3 bed/3 bath. First floor boasts living room, kitchen, master bedroom, 2nd bedroom, 2nd bath. Lower level has family room, 3rd bedroom, 3rd bath and laundry. 3 outdoor spaces, hardwood floors throughout, fireplace, close to public transportation. Garage parking included! http://www.atproperties.com/ listing/7208341 SOLD! 4434 N Racine, #1N - $375,000 This exquisite, 1700 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 2.1 bath condo features a spacious layout, contemporary finishes & classic vintage charm thru-out. New gourmet kitchen opens to formal dining room w/ original built-in hutch & walk-in pantry. Back deck extends off kitchen/dining, great for entertaining. Bright sunroom leads to huge living room w/ fireplace & attached

bookcases. Both bedrooms feature private baths. washer/dryer in unit, garage parking & private storage are included! http:// www.atproperties.com/listing/7118582 4022 N. Monticello, Unit G - $169,900 Beautiful 2 bedroom garden unit on a tree lined street in popular Old Irving! This fabulous split floor plan condo gets great light and features hardwoods throughout, w/d in unit, Jacuzzi tub w/ glass door, and plenty of closets w/ additional storage in building. Street parking is a breeze, the trains are a short walk, and the expressway is just minutes away. Great outdoor space out back door. Well managed bldg. http:// www.atproperties.com/listing/7171825 10832 S. 76th, #2J - $169,900 Gorgeous, bright and exceptionally maintained 8 yr young condo has it all! 2 bed, 2 bath, huge family room with fireplace, spacious in-unit laundry room, large closets, 1 car att. Garage with storage space, and additional parking in back. All oak kitchen with island. Open, airy floor plan w/ beautiful view of trees. Enjoy the outdoors on extra large balcony! Quiet area, newer building. http:// www.atproperties.com/listing/7179806 1528 W Jonquil, D3 - $286,000 This amazing 2 bed/2 bath condo is just under 1500 Square feet. Built in 2005, this 6 unit building is on a beautiful tree-lined street on Chicago's northern edge. Just steps from the beach, the red/purple line, Evanston, and Jarvis Square, this Rogers Park find is one of the best deals in Chicago! Featuring hardwood floors throughout, cherry cabinets, and garage parking - this condo is ready for its new owner! FHA Financing Available! http:// www.atproperties.com/listing/7098410

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Pinnacle Team Listings SOLD in 7 days! 2245 N. Lawndale $245,000 Single family home in Logan Square. Home features hardwood floors, natural woodwork, natural wooden side porch, large fenced year, 37 ft wide lot, 2 legal apartments, in-law suite on first floor, 2 car garage. http:// www.atproperties.com/listing/7272546 Price Reduction! 6400 N Sacramento, 5 Units $129,000 - $199,000 These wonderfully finished 1 & 2 bedroom, 1 & 2 bath condos offer luxury and affordability. The intimate 16 unit building offers parking included in the price, storage, and an elevator. Each condo is finished standard with double ovens, marble baths, Kohler fixtures, granite counters, central heat & air, oak floors, 42” cabinets, and Jacuzzi tub. Exceptional value! FHA Approved! http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118931 http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118958 http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118942 For our commercial investors, we also have a storefront for sale: http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118973