Moving in Chicago: Call cable way ahead

Okay... it's been way too long from my last post. But I'm back. I promise.
We recently moved from an Albany Park two bedroom condo to a Ravenswood three bedroom duplex down condo with a family room. Jill and I are pretty good movers, having bounced around to many Chicago neighborhoods through the last six years. We like change (but let's hope this is the last move for awhile).

Whatever you do... call your cable company of choice way ahead of time. Most likely Comcast or RCN will service the building. Or so you think. I've been battling this cable thing for two weeks and it's killing me... I pride myself as having access to the MLS and other real estate resources at all times.

The problem has been our building comes up "unserviced" in their "system" (their system is probably a dusty binder on the top shelf of a 1950s steel bookcase). I wish I started the process a month in advance. Two weeks wasn't enough and I still have not been able to get online at home.

Luckily, my smart phone has gotten me through when I'm not in the office. And a good thing too as the spring market has been great. Here is an example of bought and sold properties in which I represented clients in the last month:

-A two bedroom, two bathroom duplex up in Northcenter with an awesome private terrace and garage parking for $400,000.

-A two bed, two bath penthouse in Ravenswood with parking and roof rights for $306,000.

-New, bright and sunny new conversion two bedroom, two bath one block from the Metra Line in Rogers Park for $244,900.

-An enormous and beautiful recent conversion two bedroom, one bath with parking in Ravenswood Manor for $270,000 (awesome deal!).

-A seven year old two bed, two bath condo with garage parking in Lakview on desirable North Kenmore for $380,000.

-Wide and unique new convesion on West Foster in Andersonville... two bedroom, one bath near the Metra and Damen Brown line for $230,000.

So, despite my moving blues, the spring condo market has proven that well priced properties on the North Side, ready to show, are moving fast. This is despite the slow November and December last year. If you think you are seeing a deal this season, it probaly is... and will be gone.