Andrea Geller

Between property values and interest rates, now is th best time for buyers. They can take advantage of great pricing and historically low rates. There are values throughout Chicago's neighborhoods including Lakeview, Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast.

Frank Sommese of American Bank and Trust on this week's action:

The government action that took place on Tuesday helped drive the 30 year fixed rate under 5%. This has caused a rush to refinance mortgages. I feel that if a homeowner can lock into a rate under 5%, they should jump on it. These rates may be the lowest we see for a very long time.

For information contact Frank Sommese at:

American Bank and Trust

312 388-2176

fsommese@ambankqc.com

The current real estate environment and historically low interest rates as well as loan products coming back into the marketplace make it a great time to buy a home. Frank Sommese with American Bank & Trust says:

"Rates on conforming 30 fixed fell to 5.125%. There has been a rush to refinance mortgages. Non-conforming products along with rates are coming back to the market. In certain situations, the non-conforming 5-1 arm has been in the mid-5% range"

Contact: Frank Sommese, American Bank & Trust

T312 388-2176, fsommese@ambankqc.com

Working with an experience Realtor is key to getting the best value on your new home purchase. There are great opportunities throughout Chicago's neighborhoods including Lincoln Park, Lakeview and the Gold Coast. With almost a decade of representing home buyers behind me, I see this time as a one of the best times for purchasing a home in the city.

Contrary to popular belief, there are still many loan product options available for buyers. Frank Sommese of American Bank and Trusts who works closely with the real estate agents of Sudler Sotheby's International Realty speaks to just a few of the mortgages in the marketplace right now.

"American Bank & Trust is a regional Bank that lends in all states. As is the trend throughout the US, the regional banks have been leading the way. AB&T is a portfolio lender which allows us to finance rehab and construction loans for foreclosures and short sales. In addition, AB&T has the ability to utilize many different banks, credit unions, insurance companies and hedge funds to secure financing. This gives us financing solutions for the types of loans. Also our ability to use multiple investments allows us to offer the best rates in the industries."

Here are some examples of the types of loans American Bank & Trust is financing:

•· Jumbo loans below 6% for select properties

•· Construction and rehab loans

•· FHA loans at 97% LTV

•· Lines of credit

•· Investment and second homes

Contact:

Frank Sommese, American Bank & Trust

T312 388-2176

fsommese@ambankqc.com

Janice Corley, CEO of Sudler Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce that Long Barnes and the agents of Urban Domain Realty joined our office located in Chicago's North Center Neighborhood at 3934 N. Lincoln Avenue. Long Barnes will serve as the managing broker of the office. Joining Long are:

Bianca Orlandi

Trish Hernandez

Kelli Rooney

Sara Arana

Kenneth Heard

Juan Elias

Michael Phelan

Sepideh Abtahi

Michael Baber

Meredith Voegtle

Ana Magallon

Sandra Gonzalez

Welcome to all of you!

For Immediate Release Contact: Janice Corley

November 18, 2008 312.706.2300

SUDLER SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY®

HIRES NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Jeff Castner joins Chicago's Sotheby's International Realty Team

Chicago, IL - Sudler Sotheby's International Realty announced today the hiring of Jeffrey D. Castner as its new Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Castner is not new to the Sotheby's International Realty global network; previously, he served as the Regional Vice President for Membership Development at the corporate office of Sotheby's International Realty. In this role, Mr. Castner oversaw the expansion of the Sotheby's Brand in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Western Canada. Prior to his involvement with Sotheby's, Castner held various positions with Realogy and its family of Real Estate Companies (Coldwell Banker, Century 21, and ERA).

The 41-year old Ohio native now resides in Chicago's Gold Coast. As COO, Castner will be responsible for the day to day operations of the company. Janice Corley, President & CEO of Sudler, is thrilled to have Castner's expertise on her team. Corley adds "Jeff brings a wealth of real estate operations knowledge to the company, and will make a fabulous addition to our stellar team."

Sudler Sotheby's International Realty, with offices throughout Chicago, is one of the largest independently owned real estate brokerages in the metropolitan area. The firm was selected as the exclusive affiliate of world renowned Sotheby's International Realty for Chicago. As a Sotheby's International Realty affiliate, the firm benefits from an association with the venerable, 260-year-old Sotheby's auction house and is part of a global luxury real estate network that boasts over 350 Sotheby's International Realty offices and more than 6,500 sales associates. For more information, visit www.sudlersothebysrealty.com.