While I do use more clip-art and Creative Commons images for most of my posts, I have taken a few photos of my own. Since I love showing off my beautiful hometown, I thought I would go ahead and share a few here and take you on a brief tour.

One of the things that I like most about Chicago is that you can live and work here

and be just steps from lacing up your ice skates and enjoying yourself here

Lake Michigan and The Chicago River are very important to the city's commerce and to it's residents' quality of life. Condos and townhomes with water views are some the most desired. Tiers facing the water will be priced at a premium over those that face city-side.

These condos and townhomes are in the Streeteville area, just north of The Loop and just south of The Magnificent Mile/Gold Coast.

They overlook the city's waterside highway, Lakeshore Drive and it's top attraction, Navy Pier.

Just a brief drive north on Lakeshore Drive, you'll find Lincoln Park...

with it's relaxing North Pond...

and famed Lincoln Park Zoo.

The city founders designed Chicago so that green spaces, especially those along the lakefront will always be preserved for future generations. Chicago is definitely a city of skyscrapers, but it's also a city that seeks maintain a balance of nature among it's concrete canyons.

Chicago is a wonderful, dynamic city to live and work in. Thanks for joining me on this tour.

The Chicago City Council has announced significant changes to the Condominium Refuse Rebate Program. Among the most important is the change in the date for accepting applications. The final day that 2011 refuse rebate applications will be accepted is January 31, 2012.

If your association or property management company does not file the proper paperwork with your Alderman's office by January 31, the city council will not recognize you, the condo owner, as a participant of the rebate program and you will no longer be eligible...period. You will lose your eligibility to seek future rebates. There will be no extensions, and you will not be able to try again next year.

Since your Alderman's office must submit the paperwork on your behalf, it would be a good idea to get the application to their office before the January 31st deadline. There will be no grace period. If you miss this date, you have lost your eligibility for any future rebates. Contact your association or the property management company of your building and make sure they are on top of this.

Photo credit: danperry.com

New Real Estate Related Illinois Laws for 2012

As of January 1, 2012, there are several new and modified laws that will impact real estate in Illinois.

Eviction(HB 1209/PA 97-0247):
Gives landlords the right to request rent be paid during a pending an eviction, if the eviction has been put on hold by a judge.

Green Energy(HB 991/PA 97-0105):
Under the Homeowners' Solar Rights Act, wind, composting systems and rain water collection will be included in an association's energy policy statement.

Landlord Lock Change Requirements(HB 1233/PA 97-0470):
Requires landlords in Cook County to change or re-key locks on their rental units between tenants. Must be done before the new tenant moves in unless the new tenant has been authorized to change locks themselves. Under this law, landlords would be liable for any theft that is attributed to the failure of the landlord to re-key or change the locks.

Property Maintenance Violations(HB 1909/PA 97-0561):
When there are repeated violations of a county's property maintenance code, service of process against the owner of the property may act as a notice to appear.

Property Transfer(HB 1153/PA 97-0555):
Creates a statutory framework to allow for the transfer of residential real estate upon death through a transfer deed. Outlines under what circumstances this would or would not apply.

Tenants Radon Protection(HB 141/PA 97-0021):
Requires landlords to provide tenants with notice of radon tests that indicated a radon hazard.

CITY OF CHICAGO ONLY:
City of Chicago Condominium Conversion Ordinance

Requires developers that convert apartment buildings into condominium buildings to complete a Disclosure Summary and Property Report and provide that summary to buyers. There are also several requirements the developer must meet when converting tenant occupied, existing apartment buildings, including notice to the tenant of their intent to convert. In some cases, tenants may also qualify for relocation assistance.

photo credit: smlp.co.uk

*The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed as to its accuracy. Any information of special interest should be obtained through independent verification.

In December, Illinois launched a new program to assist Illinois military personnel in the purchase of a home. The new program is called Welcome Home Heroes and provides:

• A $10,000 loan towards a down payment and closing costs. This loan is forgivable over two years

• A 30-year fixed rate mortgage. As of mid-December the interest rate was 4%

• The option for a mortgage tax credit allowing buyers to use 20% of their annual mortgage interest as a direct federal tax credit

Required to Be A First Time Homebuyer?

• Veterans - no

• Active military personnel, Reservists and Illinois National Guard members - yes

Other Requirements

• Must purchase a 1 unit, or 2 unit home

• Can be new construction or resale

• Must be the buyer's primary residence
  

• Income and purchase price limits apply.

For more information, or to find a participating lender, visit the website of the Illinois Housing Development Authority at http://ihda.org/homeowner/heroes.htm

Santa has come and gone.

The gifts have been opened.

The guests have left.

And your beautifully decorated Christmas tree is looking a little less than "festive." Where can you recycle your Christmas tree?

Starting this weekend, you can recycle your live Christmas tree at any of 23 Christmas Tree Recycling Locations around Chicago. The locations will operate from Saturday, January 7^th through Friday, January 20^th, turning the donated trees onto mulch. Beginning on Friday, January 13^th, each location will have a limited amount of mulch on hand to distribute to residents. For more details, visit the city's website at cityofchicago.org.

Click Here To Find A Christmas Tree Recycling Location Near You

photo credit: kugelfish