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There are healthy signs in the Chicagoland real estate market.  According to the Illinois Association of Realtors, pent-up demand and a tax credit drive, have pushed sales up 33.3% in the Chicago area, as of October ‘09.  Statewide, numbers are also up in the double digits, at 24.2%.  These are encouraging signs for sales that have been on the decline over the last couple years.  Between the record low interest rates offered on mortgages and the tax incentives, buyers are stepping off the curb to take advantage of the buyers market.  For more on this latest trend, click here.

Interested in seeing what’s available in Chicago or the North Shore?  Call or email Jason Hartong of Prudential Rubloff.  Tel. 1.847.512.2781 or email. jhartong@rubloff.com

The Evanston Symphony Orchestra will hold it’s holiday concert at Evanston Township High School auditorium, on December 6th 2009 at 3:00 pm. Located at 1600 Dodge Avenue in Evanston.

“An Evanston Symphony Christmas”, will showcase music selected by Director of Music, Lawrence Eckerling.  The selection will include, festive holiday carols, Winter from Vivaldi to Handel’s Messiah.  The chorus of 100 voices should be a joy to the auditory senses.  The concert attracts well over a thousand visitors annually.

Tickets are $23 for general admission and $10 for children.  There is special pricing available for families.  For more information, visit the Evanston Symphony website.  The event is sponsored by Romano Brothers & Co., an Evanston financial firm.

There are endless ways to add a little something, to spice up a bland living space.  New homes offer many desirable characteristics but many times lack anything to distinguish themselves, from the rest of the pack.  A great way to solve the cookie cutter syndrome is to buy antique salvage.  Anything from the kitchen sink to an ornate vintage mantel can be found and easily installed.

I’m rather fond of AGA stoves.  This native kitchen appliance of the British Isles, has a long history in cottages and country homes.  AGA cookers or as we call them in North America, stoves, have begun to emerge in stylish living spaces across the US.  Favoured for their sturdy construction and multitude of colour choices, they have a vintage look that lends well to the brands versitility in a modern dwelling.  Apart from being bought new, the older ones are very collectible.  For more about AGA stoves, visit aga-ranges.com

A great source for a vast range of antique salvage is, Salvage One.  The company is located in Chicago and carries everything from lighting fixtures to Victorian door knobs.  Plan to spend several hours there, as they have three full floors of showroom.  For further details, click here.

I’m finally back from a four month long trip to Africa.  Check in for exciting news from Chicago North Shore Home & Beyond.

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Recently, I was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune for a story about the fall in property values. The market that sticks out like a sore thumb, is the upper-bracket multimillion $ homes dotting the shores of lake Michigan. I have seen property values in this sector plummet by nearly half their values from the market peak. Just a few years ago these homes were selling for top Dollar, with multiple offers as the wealthy had to find places to secure their investments.

Now, with the stock market and property having gone through major corrections, most potential buyers are finding it hard to come up with the cash to invest in property. Many have their capital tied into their own property and over the last couple years, many of the properties they own have lost significant value, making it hard to trade up the property ladder.

For more on this phenomenon, here’s a link to the Chicago Tribune.

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The Fountain Square Arts Festival is one of Evanston’s top events of the Summer season. It runs from 6/27/09 to 6/28/09. The hours are from 10am to 6pm. It’s a free festival with an optional $5 donation.

Sunday’s weather is predicted to be pleasant with plenty of sun.  I can’t think of a better way to see a multitude of artists with fine art for sale.  I’d highly recommend having a look. For more details, click here.

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Open House 6.7.09 from 2pm-4pm.  807 Davis Street #410, Evanston, Illinois.  Recent price reduction!

Bright 2br. 2bth. condo in the heart of downtown Evanston.  Live within steps of Evanston’s lake, restaurants, shops, public transportation and Northwestern University.  The condo offers several luxury upgrades and custom Italian lighting fixtures.  Large 1601sf floor plan with a private master suite, includes two walk-in closets, large second bedroom with wall to wall closet, separate laundry room and bright eastern exposure.  Come have a look, it offers everything you would want in a condo.  Click for more details.

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Open house Sunday May 17th 2009 from 1pm-3pm, located at 807 Davis Street #410, Evanston, Illinois 60201.

Highly desirable 1,600 sq ft loft condo in downtown Evanston. This East facing luxury unit overlooks an inviting rooftop terrace garden. The floor plan provides an open kitchen and living room facing floor to ceiling windows. Separate dining room, laundry room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms all finished with top of the line fixtures and finishes. Spotless hardwood floors, stainless appliances and stone kitchen surfaces.  Reduced taxes for 2008. Please ask for more information.

For details, contact Rubloff Residential Properties, 1 847 512 2781 or click here.

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Interested in a yacht or a fine set of teak terrace furniture?  Well, the Luxury Living Expo 2009 is the perfect event to taste the good life.  There will be interactive displays and plenty of eye candy to delight the senses.  The event is going to be held from Friday, April 24th through Sunday, April 26th at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre in Rosemont, IL. The show hours are from 9:30am to 5:00pm for all three days.  For further details and directions to the event centre, visit www.luxurylivingexpo.com.

Landscape Design

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Hartong International Landscape Design has updated it’s website with more project photos in the portfolio section.  Looking to build a garden/landscape to enjoy the outdoors and entertain guests?  Hartong International provides landscape design services to meet the needs of many homeowners. Whether it’s a small city space or a large suburban property, Hartong International offers design experience to make the most of your outdoor living space.  No property is to small or large for maximizing it’s function and beauty.  While based on the Chicago North Shore, Hartong International has been commissioned to create landscapes in both Europe and North America.  For more information about setting up a consultation, visit Hartong International Landscape Design.

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