Real Estate as a Hedge against Inflation

We haven't heard a lot about inflation recently. However, prices have started to creep upward over the last year. As examples, here are a few categories that increased from November 2010 to November 2011:

Food at home – up 6.2%Housing fuels and utilities – up 3.5%Transportation – up 9.2%

Today, we want to address the issue of inflation and the advantages of owning real estate. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) took an historic look at the impact of inflation. Here are some inflation numbers over the past 30 years:
 

We can see that real estate has fared very well. The most important number is the $0 increase in mortgage amount. The study assumed that the homeowner took a 30 year fixed rate mortgage thereby locking in the housing expense for the thirty years.

NAR then looked at inflation moving forward over the next thirty years. Obviously, if it remained the same as the last thirty years the percentage increase would be the same. They looked at a low inflation scenario and a high inflation scenario. The graph below shows the findings:

Bottom Line

We can lock in the housing costs of our primary residences and vacation homes at all time lows if we purchase today. Either would be a great hedge against future inflation.

Copyright Keeping Current Matters Blog

18% Homes under contract fail to close

4827 North Fairfield 1 Lincoln Square Condo

Large sunny light-filled 2bedroom 2bath Lincoln Square located at 4827 North Fairfield Avenue Unit 1, Chicago IL. This home features a large corner condo with jumbo living room & open kitchen. Large bedrooms with spacious master suite with organized closets. Oak floors. Newer windows. Central heat/air. In-unit laundry. Extra storage. Few blocks to Rockwell Brown Line. Next to Gross park and near Ronan river walk. Rear deck off kitchen. Ample street parking. Solid association.

A real gem worth seeing.

www.4827NFairfield1.info for more information. 

Contact us for your appointment today. Gramata Realty Group Chicago, Illinois

Modern Bucktown Living 2321 W McLean Ave Chicago, IL ModernBucktownLiving.com

Welcome home to this renovated luxury single-family residence just off of the Armitage Avenue in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood.

www.ModernBucktownLiving.com for more info.

This home is ready for the most discerning buyers who appreciate contemporary design with quality, value and location. Single-family masonry residence in the Bucktown community which features a modern multi-level home with a central open riser steel staircase and a three story tall atrium space with roof skylights allowing light to pour into the homes central core. Brazilian cherry hardwood floors on three levels. Large Great Room level includes custom cherry cabinets, granite tops and a back wall of windows letting the southern light pour into this primary living space. Full side by side laundry on this level too. Walk out french doors leads to one of the three outdoor deck spaces and landscaped yard including an outdoor pond with fountain and fenced yard with 2 car detached garage. Three bedrooms upstairs with two bedrooms and second bath on second level and large master suite steps above second level with a walk through organized closet system, large master sleeping area enough for an office or seating area and with walkout deck overlooking rear landscaped yard. Master bathroom includes a large twin whirlpool tub and walk-in shower with multi-head shower features. Dual vessel sinks with Philipe Starck fixtures.

Lots of privacy and separation yet everything is close and well laid out and proportioned. Another original superior quality design from the Gramata Development Corporation.

Great location near shopping, theater (3 blocks) the Metra (5 blocks) the Blue line El (one block) to downtown and airport, I-90 expressway (5 blocks) and public transportation (one block). Three blocks to Holstein Park with outdoor pool, courts, swing sets, activities for everyone. Walkscore.com has rated this home a 95/100 “Walkers’ Paradise” because of its close proximity to restaurants, schools, parks, grocery stores and there are nine transportation options nearby including two train options making this home a commuters dream whether by car, bus or train.

Gramata Realty Group

LuxuryLakeviewLiving.com at 3531 N Bosworth Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

Welcome home to this renovated luxury single-family residence on the highly desirable Bosworth Avenue just off of the Southport Corridor in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.

This home is ready for the most discerning buyers who appreciate quality and value and of course location on this most desirable of Lakeview streets. Located on a 37 1/2 foot extra wide lot (and building), this jumbo solid masonry home is not your cookie cutter home. Oversized rooms flow together nicely and all fill with natural light. Quality finishes and updated systems awaits the buyer of this home. Formal living room and dining room with a fully renovated kitchen with huge adjoining great room and sunroom are great for the day to day living as well as when entertaining. Much of the original woodwork remains in this home however most of the major systems including the roof and mechanical systems have been improved in recent years making this home move-in ready.

The upper level includes a central sitting room with three bedrooms including the huge front room with side sitting room and closet. The master bedroom suite will not disappoint. Large room sizes and a completely renovated bathroom completed in 2010 again make this move-in ready to enjoy today! The lower level can remain a separate residence with its two additional bedrooms, full kitchen and large recreation room or an easy ‘no work’ conversion to a single-family residence. Could also be an in-law or au paur option too.

Walkscore.com has rated this home a 95/100 “Walkers’ Paradise” because of its close proximity to restaurants, schools, parks, grocery stores and there are thirteen transportation options nearby including three train options making this home a commuters dream whether by car, bus or train.

Where Did Americans Move?

Forbes published this really great interactive map features which shows where Americans moved in 2008.

http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/04/migration-moving-wealthy-interactive-counties-map.html?preload=48113

Pretty messy at times but a nice visual of what cities people are moving out of and where they are going!

Old Town Featured Condo Broker Tour

Please visit us at our Open House July 13 from 11-1p next Tuesday! Anyone welcome.

Must see this Buyers and Agents!! Come visit this new featured 2 bed 2 bath with parking (listed at $389,000) inOld Town, Chicago, Illinois top floor two bedroom two bath corner condo for sale. Open House July 13 from 11-1. Phenomenal spacious top-floor southwest corner two bedroom two full bath featured condominium with private outdoor terrace and unlimited city and sunset views is now offered for sale in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. The large open living rooms/dining room offers ample space for any living arrangement. This leads to the private terrace with room for table, chairs and the grill while enjoying the breathtaking skyline views. The master suite includes a large walk-in closet with organizer system and full bathroom including walk-in shower and soaking tub. 

The building is part of a 2005 MCL Old Town Village Community including condos, townhomes and single-family homes in this private planned development. The quality construction includes all brick exterior with concrete floors and cinder blocks between residences for quiet living.  Assessments include the heat (gas) as well as water, snow removal and landscaping. One deeded garage parking space is included with this offer price with an easy direct access to the spot when entering the garage. 

The area amenities are too great to include but 24 hour Dominick’s Supermarket is across the street, bus stop right outside or the Red/Division stop is only three blocks away and the Purple/Brown lines close too! 10 minutes to downtown. Walk Score.com has ranked this location a 92/100 “Walkers’ Paradise”. DogPads.net ‘certified’ dog-friendly building too! The building reserves and association are solid.

www.OldTownChicagoCondos.com for more information

Luxury Lincoln Park Home

Luxury Lincoln Park Living Home

Welcome to our next Lincoln Park Luxury Home being offered for sale in Chicago. Welcome home to this luxurious recently renovated single-family home on the tree-lined Montana Street just east of Sheffield and north of Fullerton in Chicago’s desirable Lincoln Park DePaul neighborhood. 


This residence offers three large upper-level bedrooms and three full baths with an additional main level powder room.  The residence offers a nice blend of modern and vintage detailing including the large formal front living room with wood burning fireplace, mantle and full height crown moulding and baseboard. There is also a formal separate dining room which flows into a galley kitchen space and eat-in breakfast area with ample light filling the space making it warm and inviting for daily living which leads to the enclosed rear yard for barbecues and lounging.


There is a new two-car detached two-level masonry garage with an oversized overhead door for any size vehicle and a large storage room on the second level. 

The upper (third) level also offers a 2009 renovated media/family room with Dolby surround sound, retractable movie screen for entertaining or just enjoying a movie, sports event or program. There is also a full wetbar and 2009 renovated full bathroom. In addition to the front media/family room there is a large outdoor rear deck to enjoy drinks and company after the movie ends. A great private unique Lincoln Park space to unwind. The entire home was recently improved with sound attenuation windows to significantly reduce the ambient street and train noises in the area. 

This home is ready for the most discerning buyers who appreciate quality and value and of course location on this most desirable of Lincoln Park streets. For more detailed information please visit our featured property website at www.LuxuryLincolnParkLiving.com today or email me today for a private showing. 

Jim Gramata

Broker Associate

Gramata Realty Group - @properties

1875 N Damen Ave

Chicago, IL 60647

www.GramataRealtyGroup.com

Lakeview Dog-friendly Chicago Condo

Chicago's Featured Dog-friendly Condo 

This bright, sunny rarely available corner-unit dog-friendly condo with stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, surrounding neighborhoods, Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan. 

This split 3 bedroom 2 bath condo includes soaring 14 foot ceilings in the open and sunny living/dining room with hardwood floors and private balcony. This home also includes an updated kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances. In addition to the large master suite with walk-through organized closet and whirlpool tub this condo features a full size in-unit washer and dryer. Included in the price is an indoor heated garage parking space. Enjoy the rooftop deck with panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding neighborhoods too.

Caribou Coffee and XSports Gym is in the main level retail space and Whole Foods Grocery Store is across the street. Also located just down the street is the YMCA with tons of activities & events for adults and kids. CTA buses abound. Paulina Station Brown line 2 blocks away. 

It’s the new heart of West Lakeview and there is always a buzz in the air right outside your front door.

LakeviewChicagoCondos.com

Call Jim at 773-315-6103 send a text or email him at jim @ atproperties.com

Search for more dog-friendly condos at DogPads.net today!

Luxury Lincoln Park Living Featured Home

Welcome to Luxury Lincoln Park Living!

www.LuxuryLincolnParkLiving.com.

We welcome you to this featured quality luxury home for sale in the desirable Lincoln Park neighborhood on Chicago’s north side. The exquisite custom cabinetry and the highest quality woodwork and detailing are throughout the home including the solid Mahogany entry door, raised panel solid cherry doors, carved mantles, fluted columns and custom woodwork and built-ins. This luxury homes gracious layout offers tall floor to ceiling heights, large expansive windows, completely refinished hardwood floors on both the main and upper levels including each of the three upper bedrooms. There is also an expansive lower level recreational room and mud room with a fourth bedroom and full bathroom for guests or perfect for live-in au pair or nanny with a dedicated private lower level entrance.

For more information floor plans and more visit www.LuxuryLincolnParkLiving.com.

This very high end home offers superior value and quality beginning with its newly built front porch with twin columns and covered roof and solid Mahogany exterior door which greets guests as they arrive. Once inside, guests will pause in the foyer and be welcomed to the formal front living room with fluted columns, crown moulding and hand-crafted mantle and wood burning fireplace. Your guests then are led through a tastefully designed fully customized office room including twin desks, large and functional desktops and cabinets offering a storage place for everything out of site when guests arrive. The next arched opening then leads to the formal dining room with pass-through wood burning fireplace flowing into an expansive chef's kitchen/family room with ample southern light filling the space making it warm and inviting for daily living. A swing door connects the butler’s pantry area to both the large working chef’s kitchen and dining rooms for serving family and guests who gather. 

This home also offers a second level with hardwood flooring thoughout, raised solid cherry doors and the same exquisite attention to details as on the main pubic level. The large rear master suite with spa-like stream shower and bath oasis en suite, walk out private terrace and wood burning fireplace are your private oasis. There are also two large bedrooms with ample storage, windows and light. The side by side laundry room is on this level as well for ease and convenience. As if that weren’t enough, a hall door leads to a stairwell from the hall leads upstairs to a massive full unfinished attic space which offers an extensive future renovation or expansion possibility should that meet your future needs.  This home has it all and is ready for the most discerning buyers who appreciate quality and value. 

Brought to you exclusively by the Gramata Realty Group and @properties. 

The Gramata Realty Group

Jim Gramata 

Broker Associate

1875 N Damen Ave

Chicago, IL 60647
773-315-6103 

www.GramataRealtyGroup.com

Lincoln Park Condo under $300K!!! Ranch Triangle; 849 West Willow Chicago, IL 60614

This absolutely spectacular two bedroom, one bath residence ground level condo boasts large combination living and dining room with value and location! This heart of ranch triangle Lincoln Park home looks out over landscaped garden & terrace oasis.

Tall ceilings & built in cabinets. Large open living & dining room with bonus office area. Newer bath. Hardwood floors and wood-burning fireplace. In-unit front load washer and dryer. Easy permit street parking. Red/Brown/Purple trains. Restaurants and shopping at Halsted, Armitage & Clybourn! 849 W Willow Chicago, IL 60614


This is a DogPads.net Dog-friendly residence!

Listen to Warren Buffett’s wisdom: “Don’t wait for the robins or spring will be over!”

Call today for your private showing. By appointment ONLY! Email or call Jim today.

Another residence exclusively marketed by

Jim Gramata
The Gramata Realty Group @properties
1875 N Damen Avenue 
Chicago, Illinois 60614
www.GramataRealtyGroup.com

Logan Square Open House February 6, 2010 11-1

Come to visit on your own or bring your real estate agent to see these brand new construction condominiums in the dynamic and affordable Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. Saturday February 6th, 2010 from 11am to 1 pm or by appointment. '


We have immediate delivery condos and 60 day "build to suit" homes available in the Logan Station Phase II development just off of Logan Blvd in Logan Square. A huge improvement over Phase 1 if you've been there. Have you seen the activity and movement of your buyer clients pushing towards Logan Square? Why? More bang for your buck and a great walking neighborhood [Walk Score: 95/100 "Walkers' Paradise"].  If not, come discover the buzz and see for yourself. 


We are ready to deliver Jumbo 2bed/2 1/2 bath duplex, 3 bedroom/2 1/2 bath duplex and 3 bedroom + den/3 1/2 bath triplex condo options starting at $359,000 and ranging from 1,400sf to over 2,600sf!  Attached or detached garage and outdoor parking options available too.

Live/work clients? Multi-unit clients? You HAVE to contact me! I've got some amazing and unique options for your clients too!

I encourage you to set up an appointment to see these tastefully done, quality homes just off the boulevard on the quiet residential Willetts Court in Logan Square or for a preview go to www.LoganStation2.com (more photos coming).

Model now open and we are taking appointments. Click here for directions. 

More to come...

For more information contact Jim Gramata, from www.atproperties.com  - Bucktown, the exclusive marketing broker for the developer. 

Lincoln Park Dog-friendly Luxury Residence-Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Featured Luzury Lincoln Park TownhomeFirst time on the market since it was built in 1995, this absolutely spectacular three bedroom, three bath residence end unit townhome that shows and lives like a single-family home. These are the original owners and will be the first time since then this home is available. Take advantage of this opportunity and this wonderful and warm four level home.

Walk down the quiet tree-lined residential Seminary Street heading south one-half block and you are at Adams Park. A few short steps to Armitage and head east one-half a block and you are in the heart of Lincoln Park retail shopping, salons, coffee shops, transportation including the Brown Line el stop, restaurants and more.

A perfect location to coincide with a perfect home. Make this rarely available Lincoln Park Opportunity yours today.

Come see for yourself today or visit www.LuxuryLincolnParkLiving.com

Visit our virtual tour for more photos and a 360 tour of this residence.

Listen to Warren Buffett’s wisdom: “Don’t wait for the robins or spring will be over!”

Call today for your private showing. By appointment ONLY! Email or call Jim today on his cell phone at 773.315.6103

Another residence exclusively marketed by

Jim Gramata
The Gramata Realty Group @properties
www.GramataRealtyGroup.com

Logan Square Condos are at the station...Logan Station 2

Next stop...Logan Station 2 in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. Come see the ready for occupancy, newest and nicest condominium options to hit the market in Logan Square.

We have immediate delivery condos and 60 day "build to suit" homes available in the Logan Station Phase II development just off of Logan Blvd in Logan Square.

A huge improvement over Phase 1 if you've been there. Have you seen the activity and movement of your buyer clients pushing towards Logan Square? Why? More bang for your buck and a great walking neighborhood [Walk Score: 95/100 "Walkers' Paradise"].  If not, come discover the buzz and see for yourself.

We are ready to deliver Jumbo 2bed/2 1/2 bath duplex, 3 bedroom/2 1/2 bath duplex and 3 bedroom + den/3 1/2 bath triplex condo options starting at $359,000 and ranging from 1,400sf to over 2,600sf!  Attached or detached garage and outdoor parking options available too.

Live/work clients? Multi-unit clients? You HAVE to contact me! I've got some amazing and unique options for your clients too!

I encourage you to set up an appointment to see these tastefully done, quality homes just off the boulevard on the quiet residential Willetts Court in Logan Square or for a preview go to www.LoganStation2.com .

Model now open and we are taking appointments. More to come...

For more information contact Jim Gramata, from @properties - Bucktown, the exclusive marketing broker for the developer.

Stimulate this! Now buyers and sellers get tax credits

Congress has extended and expanded the homebuyer tax credit and is just waiting for the presidents signature.

First-time buyers basically get the same deal ($8000) but that now defines first time buyer as anyone not having owned a principal residence for three years prior to their purchase (they can be previous owners just not recently). Also, now current homeowners too can benefit an amount up to $6500 from the date of enactment as long as they sell a home they've lived in the home for five of the past eight years and make a purchase (write a binding contract to purchase effective on or before April 30, 2010. Income limits were extended to $125,000 for single and up to $225,000 for married couples which is awesome in our area.   

Below is a link to the proposal (pdf file: 426kb) and what it can mean for you

www.jimgramata.com/2009-NAR-BUYER-SELLER-Tax-Credit.pdf

The modifications in the column labeled “December 1 – April 30, 2010” become effective when President Obama signs the bill. All changes made to the current credit become effective on that date, as well. Any questions let me know (contact info on pdf).

While many may claim this is a continuation of an artificial stimulation of the economy I would say there is some truth to that however it is also acting as method of getting buyers and now sellers off the fence if they need to move for one reason or another but were waiting for the right time.

Well usually when you know the time is right it is already too late to maximize the returns being seen these days. I am so glad we are extending this credit and expanding it to sellers AND increasing the income limits.

Awesome news! It will have an impact!

Can't wait until April 30th. Contracts will be ready to write....

Wicker Park dog-friendly condo

Welcome to affordable living in Wicker Park !

Absolutely stunning newer construction (2001) residence in Chicago’s Wicker Park/East Villiage neighborhood. Retail, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, coffee shops, bars, theaters, expressway and more all nearby. “Walkers' Paradise” Walk Score of 95/100. Visit www.WickerParkChicagoCondos.com

Bright, contemporary and open west facing residence with soaring 10-foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows. Large functional kitchen with eat-in island and large open two story living area with adjoining dining area and adjoining powder room. In addition, this residence comes with three front facing outdoor terraces so no excuses not to be outside on the deck grilling, people watching and enjoying life. Dog friendly condo in WIcker Park East Village so bring the pooch to check it out too. (An Official Chicago DogPads.net Dog-friendly Home). Garage space included.

Call Jim at 773.252.HOME, send a text or email him at jim@rememberjim.com today to make an appointment. This condo is a DogPads.net dog friendly certified Chicago condominium!

West Loop Dog Friendly Condo with Dog Run!!!

Welcome to affordable living in the West Loop !

Absolutely stunning new construction residence in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Retail at street level and restaurants, nightlife, shopping, coffee shops, bars, theaters, expressway and more all nearby. “Very Walkable” Walk Score of 89/100. Visit www.WestLoopChicagoCondos.com

Bright, contemporary and open west facing residence with soaring 10-foot ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Large functional kitchen with eat-in island and large open living area with adjoining dining area for guests with adjoining powder room. In addition, this residence comes with an office/den with floor to ceiling windows and full west exposure with storage closet. Large private master retreat with walk-in closet and beautiful limestone tile and large vanity. Private open-air balcony looking out over the beautifully landscaped 4th floor common open air plaza with pavers, community grills, benches and separate dog run area (An Official Chicago DogPads.net Dog-friendly Home). One heated indoor parking is available.

Sky Cub party room on the 10th floor with an indoor/outdoor recreation area including an open air terrace with gas grills and picnic areas, sun deck with lounge furniture and a large party room with a wet bar, rec room, pool table and large screen tv available for private functions.

Call Jim at 773.252.HOME, send a text or email him at jim@rememberjim.com today to make an appointment. This condo is a DogPads.net dog friendly certified Chicago condominium!

City of Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax Hits Record Shortfalls

The City of Chicago just released the dismal 2010 projections for the revenue projected to be generated from the real estate transfer tax charged to buyers and sellers on any real estate transaction closing within the City.

As I have been projecting real estate sales will continue to decline slightly in 2010 with unprecedented record drop in units sold (and money generated). What I have not reported as a prediction is where the City will look to make up the real estate transfer tax deficit. In my opinion, although illogical and certainly open to appeal, the city of Chicago will increase property valuations and real estate taxes will increase for most neighborhoods and properties within the city limits. Of course, they will highlight as they have done for the recently released Lakeview township tax assessments that four of the areas did see an increase. However in Edgewater for example, my three unit property saw an increase of over 10% in valuation regardless of the fact that median pricing has been down consecutively for multi-unit properties was down 15% in from 2008 to 2009 and an adjusted 5% drop over the past three years.

Here is the transfer tax history over the past seven years and the revenue that was generated from the tax:
Real Estate Transaction Transfer Tax (source: City of Chicago)

Historically -     

2002                             $140 million range                     
2003                              $150 million range                      
2004                              $200 million range
2005                              $230 million range
2006                              $250 million range
2007                              $210 million range
2008                              $120 million range                    
2009                 EST      $55 million range                      
2010                 EST      $53 million range

As you can see this money will need to be made up somewhere and you can rest assured homeowners will not like the consequences of the decision.

Bucktown Dog-friendly Condo For Sale

Bucktown Featured Property

Welcome to affordable living in Bucktown !

Absolutely stunning recently renovated vintage 2BR condo just off of Armitage and west of Damen in Bucktown at 2017 North Leavitt Street (directions). Great Bucktown residence with an unbeatable location at this price. Walkers’ Paradise Walk Score: 91/100.

Spacious, sunny and bright contemporary feel with vintage details. Cherry kitchen cabinets with granite countertops with peninsula with bar stool seating. In-unit laundry and extra storage too. Clean and move-in condition. A true must see. Street parking a breeze or rental parking nearby. Low taxes and assessments are only $201 per month. Click here for more photos.

Call Jim at 773.252.HOME, send a text or email him at rememberjim@kw.com today to make appointment or for more details on this great Bucktown opportunity. Visit www.bucktownchicagocondos.com for more information about this featured Chicago property

Property Features include:

* Renovated residence in 2003
* 2 Bedrooms (split layout)
* 1 Full Bathroom with linen closet
* South-facing into courtyard
* Granite countertops & Cherry cabinets
* Central heat & air conditioning
* Rear deck/stairs off kitchen
* In-unit washer and dryer
* HD CATV included in assessment
* Ample street parking or rental options
* Private Storage and bike room
* Western Blue line “L” stop
* Convenient to shops & restaurants
* Walk Score: 91/100 Walkers Paradise!
* DogPads.net Dog-friendly Condo

A Registered DogPads.net Dog Friendly Condo

Lakeview Featured Condo For Sale

Welcome to affordable living in Lakeview ! 3440 N Lake Shore Drive for only $219,000

Absolutely stunning 1BR condo overlooking Belmont Harbor, Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park. Enjoy the sites of the city from your own private balcony. Updated home with hardwood flooring throughout with a new kitchen (2009).

Assessments include your Heat, Air conditioning, Cable, Fitness room, 24/7 doorman, 3 shift maintenance staff and more. Commercial grade laundry in basement. On site management company and a friendly, courteous door staff to greet you and accept packages. Valet parking available for $140/month. Treasure Island and Broadway street retail and restaurants just west and our most treasured commodity, Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park to the east. Call Jim today for more details.

Sorry, not a DogPads.net Dog Friendly Building.

Welcome home.