Sometimes home sellers leave the best things behind

A couple gems left in a house by sellers from a closing today.  Although most deals require all personal property to be removed prior to closing there are often happy exceptions.

These buyer clients told me a photo of the Pope left in the last home they bought in the same neighborhood about 7 years ago... and they kept it.  I have many picture frames, tools, a vase and an awesome lamp I use in my office from the house we bought.  The seller had been in the home for over 70 years!

Make money in real estate today!

No Smoking While Walking!

Photo Bob DePalma, Kale Realty while in Japan this year

I bet you the citizens also cross at the light.

How many people can your neighbor stuff in an elevator? (Or, it's time to buy a home)

Photo Bob DePalma, Broker, Kale Realty

We saw this sign posted at client's Lakeview rental building.  Sure, there are rentals on the quiet side but the reality is many of Chicago's well located rental buildings can get a little festive. Next time you see over 10 people on your elevator give us a call!

The most spiritual house in North Park

This house located across from Peterson Park in the North Park community area of Chicago may be able to see into your soul.  It sits among a group of typical boxy Georgian style homes common for the area. I don't believe I've ever seen another house with a face.

Chicago quotable: Bus accident

Bob: "Minor bus accident just now. Driver made left turn in front of bus and is claiming the bus hit her. Some people fell on the bus".

Me: "Put on a neck brace!".

Bob: "I think people on the sidewalk just ran over and laid in the street".

Realtor at work: The coffee shop buddy system

The coffee shop buddy system is imperative for sales road warriors, study sessions, loungers and free WI-Fi hoarders.  We are brothers and sisters at the cafe. Photo last month at Dolce Casa Cafe in Ravenswood (Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty).

Here's to you coffee shop buddy for watching my stuff while I use the washroom.  I will always pay it forward with a wink, nod and total attention to your laptop and messenger bag.

Seen in Ravenswood: Learning new cultures

... or water closet.

Indignity at a title company closing

 Bob attended a closing on behalf of our clients yesterday at a downtown title company where he suffered the bathroom key spatula.  Oh, the shame.

Find your happy place

My love/ hate relationship with Chicago birds

I caught this scene of momma feeding her babies outside my bathroom window (photo Eric Rojas)

I mostly hate birds.  They make nests everywhere and in everything.  They zig and zag across my yard "doing their business" on my sidewalk, patio and furniture.  Every spring I wonder why it seems we have so many entitled birds in our yard... then I look across at the 100 bird houses in my neighbor's tree.

I don't trust the birds.  Any conspicuously close swoop can be deemed intentional.  But, how can you not love this little vignette above?  I opened the bathroom window just long enough to take this shot.  I figured if I took any longer that bird would be in the bathroom with me.

 

Tesla "plugged-in" at Old Orchard

We occasionally have business or a closing in Skokie.  Bob took this shot of a Tesla car plugged in for charging at the popular Westfield Old Orchard Mall near by the title company offices.

When Bob sent the photo, I thought it was for this "Tesla"

Tax Man!

 Enjoy!

Chevy captures home buying experience

Very funny depiction of home buyers and their real estate broker looking for homes.  Check out the broker at about the :23 second of the commercial. We've been there!

Million dollar curb appeal: How about a porcelain fountain?

Wow, look at those porcelain fountains. Where does that guy park his jet?

With spring around the corner and the housing market competition more fierce than ever, you need an edge selling your home. Increase your curb appeal with a porcelain fountain.

Read more selling tips here!

Grammar Police in Wicker Park Chicago

These guys in this Tribune story are cool. Hope they don't take a peruse of these here pages for spelling and grammar. Any regular reader of the Chicago Real Estate Local should know I've sent several English professors running away screaming.

Let these guys be an inspiration to me to proof read.

Image from Green Chair Press blog

The Chicago blog that wasn't

Market activity has been swift in the New Year already and there are several stories to tell of the early goings. However, since switching to the New Blogger, I have not been able to access my account from home. With the bulk of business in the field, I have not been in the office for a few days... thus the shortage of posts.

Today I'll spend some time catching up on the last two week's action. I've represented several clients in their first purchases, while also selling my home and purchasing a new one. But, it seems my first priority is too get someone (maybe our brokerage's computer gurus) over to my house and get me onto Blogger!

I scanned and I swept, but to no avail. Something must be wrong with my machine. Who will pass on Chicago market knowledge to the masses if I can't log on at 2:00AM to post about Lincoln Square new construction?

I know that you were worried. And I feel humbled. But, before you know it, this problem will be fixed and I'll have tales of the great Northwest Side of Chicago once again.