Illinois

Hey, folks!

Our Team Member Sue Moss just wanted to catch you up on some of the fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Hope you can enjoy them!

The Allstate Arena will be welcoming "The Greatest Show on Earth" this weekend - the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus. There's always fun to be had at a circus for both young and old. For me, it's eating tons of cotton candy until my stomach hurts! Click here for show times and tickets.

The Museum of Contemporary Art in the Gold Coast neighborhood (220 E. Chicago Avenue) offers a Hide and Seek free with general admission. The admissions desk can provide you with a guide containing clues for an art scavenger hunt. Click here for more details.

Don't know a thing about Chicago's theater district? Well, you're in luck! The Broadway in Chicago Historic Theater Touris offered on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. This tour will enlighten you with folklore and quirky facts about two of the following -- Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre; the Bank of America Theatre, and the Cadillac Palace. Click here for more information.

Speaking of the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph Street) in the Loop, this Sunday evening is opening night of Young Frankenstein, you know, Mel Brooks' classic film where Dr. Frankenstein creates The Monster. It'll be interesting to see how well it's been adapted for Broadway. So, click here to get your tickets. It only runs through December 13^th!

Sheffield's(3258 N. Sheffield Avenue) in the Lakeview neighborhood will be hosting their 2^nd Annual Chili Cook-Off this Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the beer garden. It's for amateur cooks, so if you wish to compete for the $200 gift card, your entry must be received by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Click here for further details.

Since this very well may be the last weekend of mild temperatures and no rain for a while, why not take Bobby's Lakefront Neighborhoods Bicycle Tour, which includes bikes and helmets. In fact, yours truly, took this tour in July and thought it was well worth the price. I had such a great time I'm going to do it again next year! But hurry, this tour only runs through November 30^th, so click here to get more details on this guided tour.

Lastly, there is one Holiday event taking place this Saturday at Noon, and it's Macy's 103^rd annual Great Tree Lighting celebration in the Walnut Room. But don't fret if you can't make it, the tree will be on display through January 10^th. Click here for further information.

Don't live in Chicago? You jealous?

Here's a link to Sue's This Weekend in Chicago Blog Archives, via BlogChicagoHomes.com.

Move here!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

If your search to purchase a home for the first time had you in a flabbergasted state to hastily make a choice from what's available on the market... guess what? GOOD NEWS!! The deadline date for qualifying for the tax credit awarded to home buyers has been prolonged!

Agents and buyers can both cease from holding their breath... a bit, for Congress has extended AND expanded the tax credit for qualifying buyers. The official last day for filing (income) taxes with the IRS is April 15Th, 2010. The official last day to have a written binding purchase contract for a home is April 30Th, 2010. As long as the house closes by July 1, 2010, the credit can be taken.

If you are a CURRENT homeowner, and will buy a new home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, a tax credit benefit of $3250 or $6500.00 (depending upon your filing status) has been made available for you also! This is EXCEPTIONAL news for homeowners who have used their principal residence for 5 of the prior 8 years consecutively.

BEST NEWS OF ALL?? THE TAX CREDIT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PAID BACK!!

Confused? Do not fret. The National Association of Realtors, has a more thorough explanation at their website. A helpful chart denoting the distinction between the old tax credit rules and the new extended tax credit has been issued by Governors Affairs Division and can be accessed here.

We encourage you to contact your local REALTOR® to acquire personalized information tailored to your needs. To start your search for available homes in the South Suburban or Chicago-land Area, click the Rice Property Management logo below.

"Where the RIGHT Price is the RICE Price!"

Rice Property Management & Realty, located in South Holland, Illinois, has agents that work with first time home buyers seeking homes in Illinois and Indiana. Give us a call at 708-862-7423

(Images courtesy of Bing)

Compliments of Richard Ives, Broker/REALTOR RE/MAX

REALTOR: Richard Ives, RE/MAX At Home www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Attorney:

Mortgage Consultant:

Insurance Agent:

Home Inspector:

Contractor:

United States Posal Service: Change of Address Form/Mail Forwarding, stop by your local post office

Telephone Service: AT&T formerly SBC-Ameritech 1-800-244-4444

Electric: ComEd 1-800-334-7661

Gas: Peoples Energy formerly Peoples Gas 1-866-556-6001

Gas: Nicor 1-888-642-6748

Cable: Comcast 1-888-266-2278

Water: Contact your local city or village

Garbage: Contact your local city or village

Newspaper: Chicago Tribune 1-800-874-2863

Newspaper: Chicago Sun Times 1-888-848-4637

Newspaper: Daily Herald 847-427-4300

Update your drivers license, vehicle registration, and city and/or village stickers

Change your address and/or update all bank, credit cards, charge accounts, IRA's and Investments

Update your property, life, health and auto insurance

Update your medical, dental and pharmacy records

Update your school records

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

(C) 2009 RICHARD IVES

Read about what my satisfied customers have to say about me and see what I have done to make them happy.

Richard Ives, Broker/Instructor

RE/MAX AT HOME

Testimonial 1

We had been looking for a home since October 2007 and found nothing that we liked! Unsatisfied with our current agent we were recommended by our lender to contact Richard Ives and after all the tools that he provided we found our first home within a month! We were so GLAD to have met Richard and look forward to working with him in the future for all of our investments. Thanks for all your help Richard!

Sincerely,

Shikh & Rahat

Testimonial 2

Richard,

Thanks again. It was, as always, a pleasure to work with you.

Josh

Testimonial 3

Dear Marilyn and Richard:

It is cold and windy out, and I am sitting in my new home. Thank you so much for all the work you did. I never had a question that wasn't answered in less than 12 hours, and most of the time you had answers before I had questions. You handled every detail and kept me informed and educated me as well. This was a really great and fun experience. Not like the horror stories of house buying, but smooth, easy and exciting. You two make a great team and I am so very luck to have met you. I hope that you get to have fun with this profession, because you sure helped me to have fun with house buying.

Thank you.

Terry M.

Testimonial 4

Dear Richard:

Wow! You listed and sold our property in just 11 hours. We wanted to thank you for your informative tips prior to placing the home on the market. Your knowledge and expertise of the market was key in our success. When we are ready to sell another home we will be calling you. Thank you again for all you did to make the sale go as smooth as possible and taking care of all the details throughout the entire transaction.

Sincerely, Dan L.

Testimonial 6

Richard,

Relocating from the East Coast to your area was much easier because of your professional and informative services. Viewing houses to select for my new home in the area was greatly facilitated by the advance coordination you provided during my tow house hunting visits. Once I identified a home to purchase and I returned to the East Coast to pur my home there on the market, you kept me advised of the latest status on my home purchase and also provided many helpful reminders regarding relocation and establishing new utility accounts. I greatly appreciated the fact that you personally checked on the status of various items that were yet to be completed by the builder. This, alone, made me feel that I was in good hands with you as my representative. Your services were thorough, responsive, informative and professional. Thank you for making my transition go smoothly.

Sincerely,

Connie

Testimonial 7

Good afternoon Richard,

It was a pleasure working with you! I am very impressed with the level of service that you provided with our clients! I look forward in working with you again.

Thanks,

Mike F.

Testimonial 8

Richard,

Thank you. I enjoy working with you and your clients on home financing.

Janene T.

Testimonial 9

Good Morning Richard:

I wanted to let you know that I was also very impressed with your professionalism during the transaction. It was nice not having to hunt the Realtor down at any point during the transaction. It was almost like you were one step ahead of me at all times. I will definitely be recommending you to future clients!!

Thanks again Richard

Troy

Testimonial 10

Dear Richard, It is always a pleasure working with you. I have heard nothing but good things about you from our mutual clients. The way you look out for their every need has always impressed me. There are very few real estate agents who work as hard as you representing your clients throughout the home buying process. Your diligence and attention to detail reflect the type of customer service that I am sure anyone would appreciate. I cannot stress enough how the extra effort that you put into watching out for your clients' well being is appreciated. I would confidently recommend you to anyone in need of a professional Realtor.

Sincerely,

Mike M.

Testimonial 11

Through a business association, I had know Richard Ives for quite some time. He had always been friendly, thoughtful, and energetic and we enjoyed a very pleasant relationship. When it came time to sell my business, I immediately thought of him as the most likely person to represent my interests. Richard justified my faith in him by using all the tools at his disposal to inform the public of the sale of my business and to locate and interview potential buyers. Richard's efforts paid off in short order and the sale was completed to everyone's satisfaction. At all times, he was attentive to the events and circumstances which affected the sale and kept me informed nearly daily of developments. Besides his work at actually selling, he also kept the paperwork current and made the legalities clear to me. His wealth of knowledge of the real estate business is well above average and his "desk-side" manner was above reproach. My thanks go to Richard for caring enough to provide the very best.

Dianne

Testimonial 12

Dear Richard,
You were there when you were needed the most. Thanks for all the time, effort and devotion you contributed to make this house happen. It will always be appreciated. You're the best Realtor!
Luke

Testimonial 13

Dear Richard:
You made the sale of our home go so smoothly. We appreciate your hard work, Richard. Thank you again,
Chelsea

Testimonial 14

Dear Richard:
A very belated thank you is in order for the coffee mugs you sent us. They have become our mugs of choice and are used daily!
We have been in our house for over a year now and still love it. You sure made our move and transition to this area smooth. For that we are very thankful.

John

Testimonial 15

Testimonial letter:

Richard Ives sold our home in record time. It was only on the market for six days. Since we were relocating to the East Coast due to a job transfer, Richard handled every aspect of our transaction. He was available to open the house for all inspections and kept us up to date on all that was going on. We are so glad he was at our side. Selling a home can be a nightmare, but Richard guided us through as a real professional. He made the entire transaction very smooth and pain free. We now consider him a friend. Thank you Richard for all of your help! We will definitely recommend you to any who is planning on buying or selling real estate.

David

Testimonial 16

Dear Richard,
We wanted to thank you and tell you what a pleasure it was working with you on the purchase of our new home. Our experience with you was just wonderful. Since we were first time home buyers who were relocating from Minneapolis it could have been stressful at times but you were right there to help us with all of the details. From start to finish you coordinated the home inspection, and closing as well as handling every detail of the transaction. We felt very comfortable with you and never felt "High pressured" in any way, and the home you found us was perfect. We could not have been more pleased with you and all of your hard work and we could not have asked for a better Realtor. Rest assured you will be highly recommended to all our friends and family. Catherine It was a pleasure to have Richard as my Realtor; he worked hard and found exactly the property I wanted and could afford. Because I was single and female, many Realtors assumed that I would not be able to purchase any property and therefore totally ignored me, or worse, told me that I was financially inadequate (before they know anything about me or my finances). Richard was the only Realtor in town who took me seriously and treated me with respect as a legitimate business client. I truly appreciate that. Thank you Richard!

Sincerely,
Kathy

Testimonial 17

Dear Richard:

Richard Ives was very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. He provided information about local schools, hospitals and details about the area. Richard coordinated the rent-back of the property, finding a lender and setting up the closing of the property. Richard was always available to answer questions, show multiple properties and keep us informed about details and developments of our transaction. I would highly recommend Richard Ives as a Realtor to anyone buying or selling property for a worry-free and enjoyable transaction. Thanks for all of your help Richard!
Alan & Linda As a home inspector I have had the opportunity to work with a large number of realtors, one of those realtors is Richard Ives. In the instances I have dealt with Richard he has always proven himself to be competent and thorough person who has performed in a professional manner. While RichardÕs main goal has always been his customer it has been a pleasure to work with him. I would ask Richard to represent me in any home transaction and therefore would recommend him to anyone who has need of his services.

Sincerely,

Scott

Testimonial 18

Dear Richard:
Just a note to let you know that I enjoyed working with you on your recent closing. You were efficient and helpful when it came to our insurance problem. Hope to see you soon at another closing. Thank you for all your assistance. Sincerely,
Coleen

Testimonial 19

To whom it may concern:
This letter is to recommend Richard Ives as a highly professional real estate agent. He assisted me with the purchase of a 1973 mobile home so the commission was a small one. The long distance transaction was stressful and difficult and Mr. Ives went above and beyond the call of duty in helping me complete the transaction. Very truly yours,
Pat
Montana

Testimonial 20

Dear Richard,

Thank you so much for all your help and patience!!

Thanks! Karen

Testimonial 21

To Prospective Clients of our Friends, Richard and Marylin Ives:

We are writing to tell about the great job Richard and Marylin Ives have done selling our House. We were relocating to Pennsylvania, and needed to sell our house in a hurry. Richard and Marilyn went above and beyond the call of duty. Their advice was critical in arranging a sale to meet the special needs of the buyer in a situation, which would have otherwise been very stressful. Finally we were able to sell the house for a fair profit after having lived in it only 2 and half years. We found them readily available, and kept us well informed throughout the entire process of selling our house. Knowing Marylyn and Richard as both realtors, and also as our friends, we strongly recommend them based on their solid work ethic for a worry free transaction. S

Sincerely
Mark and Joan

Testimonial 22

To whom it may concern:
I have been a mortgage lender for the past 19 years and I am pleased to recommend Richard Ives as a real estate professional who provides excellent service to his customers. I recently closed a loan for a customer of Richards and I was very impressed with his attention to details throughout the loan process. He maintained close contact with all parties involved and kept me informed to any changes as they occurred. I believe that he provides an excellent level of service to his customers as well as his real estate colleagues. I would not hesitate to recommend Richard Ives to anyone who is in the market to buy or sell real estate.

Sincerely,

Jan

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, RECS, AHWD, SRES, REEA, AIREE

Accredited Buyer Representative

Broker/Instructor

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

(C) 2009 RICHARD IVES

Good Morning!

This week, in her Chicago Neighborhood News Post, our Team Member Cathy Mallers covers the Chicago Neighborhoods of Portage Park, Lincoln Park, The Loop, and The Gold Coast, as well as the Chicago Suburb of Evanston IL.

Planning something special in your Chicago Neighborhood or Suburb? Let us know, and we'll help get the word out!

Dean's Team offers the Highest Rated Active Rain Blog in Chicago!

PORTAGE PARK

Make sure you mark your calendars now because coming to Portage Park in 10 days is the Horror Society Film Festival. I have to say better late than never.

The Portage Theater will be showcasing classics like 'The Return of the Living Dead,' 'Fleshbeast,' 'Colin,' 'Zombie Girl' and more.

Be sure to get your tickets now.

LINCOLN PARK

Who doesn't like a good laugh? One of Chicago's favorite locations for fun and frivolity is Second City. With an amazing lineup (including Steve Carrell, Stephen Colbert, Jim Belushi and more) just released this week, tickets are going to be at a premium for the event billed as "The Second City Alumni: One Night Only."

The show will be staged in both of Second City's mainstage and e.t.c. theaters. Tickets go on sale Thursday morning at 10am and will cost $125. Be sure to call early if you want to get tickets because the only show is at 7 pm with the late night slot being private for alumnae only.

LOOP

According to its website, Block 37 is a premier development encompassing an entire city block bordered by State, Randolph, Dearborn and Washington streets in the heart of Chicago's downtown Loop. Block 37 will have direct access from the City's Pedway as well as the CTA Red Line and Blue Line subway system.

The Block 37 building continues to build its resident listings. With new leases totaling 20,700 square feet and featuring tenants such as Sephora, Michelle Tan, Claudia Kleiner Malabar Collection, Simply Thalia, iCandylicious, and more.

Developer Joseph Freed & Associates LLC remains optimistic about filling the 280,000 square foot shopping center. In a recent press release the developer states that Block 37 is "on track to open this new shopping and entertainment destination for consumers before Thanksgiving and to complete Block 37 by the end of 2010."

GOLD COAST

Gentlemen it's now time to update your wardrobe and move out of the t-shirt and jeans look. Local store, aptly named Haberdash, has undergone a complete makeover and is offering new looks to men who want to update their wardrobe.

Of particular note, the shop now carries everything from dress socks to office-ready Hugo Boss suits and even its own exclusive line of vintage-inspired button-downs.

Be sure to stop by the newly remodeled location with its men's club feel and urban chic inventory.

EVANSTON

What if you could write your own story based on illustration only? At the Evanston Public Library in the children's section you can now visit the "Imagination Library" for just that.

On the second and third floors of the library you will see 75 original paintings, sketches and drawings accompanied by a description of what the illustrator envisioned for the story - but the story itself is left up to the imagination of the viewer.

Thanks to the efforts of Jeff Garret, Associate Librarian for Special Libraries at Northwestern, Evanston Public Library was able to showcase the international exhibit which has already appeared in Japan, Greece, and Iran.

Here's a link to Cathy's Chicago Neighborhood News Archive, via BlogChicagoHomes.com.

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO