Luxury townhomes near completion at Lakeshore East

The Parkhomes at Lakeshore East are some of the most luxurious townhomes to come to the market in Chicago in recent memory.  The development is led by Magellan Development Group, which is currently development the Lakeshore East master planned community in the heart of the Chicago Loop.

Buyers can choose from several floor plans at the Parkhomes at Lakeshore East.  A total of 24 units will be available upon completion.  The most affordable unit is a two-bedroom and 2.5-bath townhome that is priced at $1.6 million.  Buyers looking for more space can find a four-bedroom and five-bath unit that is priced at $2.5 million.

Residents enjoy all of the finest amenities at the Parkhomes at Lakeshore East, including gourmet kitchens, a master bath that is more like a spa, and hardwood floors throughout the main living areas.  Each unit also offers park and lake views.

Residents will also enjoy the Shore Club, a full-amenity club that offers everything from a lap pool to a business center.  Get a massage or work out in the modern fitness center in this luxurious private club.  Residents also enjoy a public park in front of their home.  These units at the Parkhomes at Lakeshore East are among the most luxurious Chicago Townhomes currently on the market.

Technorati Tags: Park Homes at Lakeshore East, Chicago Townhomes, Chicago Real Estate

Don’t forget that condo inspection

The process of buying a new condominium can be overwhelming.  From finding the right home to obtaining a mortgage, it can be one of the most stressful experiences.  However, forgetting to perform a condo inspection before signing on the dotted line can help save you thousands of dollars.

There’s a lot to keep in mind when performing a condo inspection.  Problems in plumbing can be a difficult task.  A fresh coat of paint can cover up serious problems.  A trained professional can help find those problems before they become yours.  Make sure that all faucets are in working order and that the water pressure is up to par, before you take your first cold shower in the dead of winter.

Other issues to look at during a condo inspection include electrical outlets, floors, walls, appliances, a fireplace, and windows and doors.  These seemingly small issues can turn into a major headache if you don’t take the time to review all areas of the condo.

If you’re planning on buying a condo, don’t forget to browse through our list of the best professionals to perform a Condo Inspection in Chicago.  Taking care of these details before you sign will save you money in the long term.

Technorati Tags: Condo Inspection Chicago, Chicago Condos For Sale, Chicago Real Estate 

Going green – trade show highlights new technologies

High tech homes used to focus primarily on giving the owner all of the conveniences dreamed of in old sci-fi movies.  However, today going high tech may have a different meaning for many homeowners.  Green technologies have moved to the forefront of the battle for homebuyers.

The trade show ‘Chicago Market: Living and Giving’, was recently held at the Merchandise Mart.  Homebuilders, architects, and many others were out in force to see the latest design and technology breakthroughs in the area of Green building.

Those showing their wares at the Merchandise Mart ranged from people recycling things that would usually be thrown away into useful pieces for the home to those showcasing the latest developments in environmentally friendly technology for the home.

Many homeowners are looking for ideas to get their home more environmentally friendly, while others are simply unable to cope with the rising price for heating oil and electricity.  Green features in a home can save owners hundreds of dollars a year.

Chicago Homes with energy saving glass, doors, insulation, and other features are getting more attention from buyers looking to save a few dollars every year.

Technorati Tags: Chicago Homes For Sale, Chicago Green Homes, High tech homes

Home sales hit new low in Warrenville

Sales of single-family homes continued to fall in Warrenville.  The area saw a new low for the first quarter, one of many suburbs around the Chicago region to see an all time low during the quarter.

According to data from the Chicago Association of Realtors, a total of just 14 homes were sold in the area, including both new and re-sale units.  This is down from 23 units sold during the same period a year ago.  It was the lowest total sales seen in the neighborhood in the last 17 years.

However, the drop in sales didn’t lead to lower prices in the area.  The average sales price was up by 1 percent during the first quarter.  However, buyers could start to see lower prices as homes sit longer on the market.

Homeowners and developers are seeing one of the slowest markets in recent memory.  If you’re planning on selling your home in Warrenville, it will now take you an average of 177 days to find a buyer, up from 170 days a year ago.  Just four years ago it took an average of 57 days to find a buyer.

If you’re looking for great deals on Chicago Homes, Warrenville could start to see some low prices for single-family homes in the coming months.

Technorati Tags: Chicago Homes For Sale, Chicago Real Estate, Warrenville Homes For Sale

Home prices down 16 percent nationwide

The home price index fell yet again in May, but this time at one of the fastest rates in recent months.  The index by Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller measures prices in the 20 biggest metropolitan areas around the nation.

According to the index, prices were down by 15.8 percent from the same month last year, while another index of the 10 largest metropolitan areas showed a drop of 16.9 percent in prices from the same month last year.  However, some cities showed signs of an early recovery during the month.

Boston showed the best improvement during the month.  Prices in the area were up just over 10 percent in May, a great sign for the real estate market in the region.  Meanwhile, the hardest hit cities were no surprise.  Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Miami saw huge decreases in prices during May.  The areas were the most common for speculative buyers who are now seeing their interest rates climb, resulting in a high rate of foreclosures.

However, the drop in prices is starting to bring out bottom feeders looking for great deals on homes around the country.  Buyers are starting to see low prices for Chicago Homes For Sale around the Chicagoland region.

Technorati Tags: Chicago Homes For Sale, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Home Prices