Dean Moss - Dean's Team Chicago Real Estate Team

Chicago - my home town! A strange and wondrous place!

That's especially true each winter, where seemingly-never-ending snows could lead to traffic turmoil, ungodly travel times, or perhaps imprisonment in your own detached garage!

Over the years, Mayoral Elections here have been won or lost on the basis of how effectively streets are plowed. Many of us older Chicago Residents remember back to the storied Blizzard of 1967, which kept all of our roads blocked for days afterward, prompting a Snow Ordinance Revolution from then Mayor Richard J. Daley - the "Old Man", and our current mayor's father.

Twelve years later, then Mayor Michael Bilandic decried, "(God Himself) Couldn't Plow All the Snow from Chicago Streets!" during a multi-blizzard winter. He was dumped as Mayor in April, 1979, by the feisty Jane Byrne, who ran on an "I'll Keep The Snow Plowed" Platform - or, at least, one of the main planks in her platform.

Year, after year, the City of Chicago stockpiles tons of road salt. And they keep dozens of ten-ton trucks at the ready at the first hint of the white stuff falling, with drivers ready to tackle and plow the piling snow to keeps our main streets, our side streets, and our labyrinth of expressways free and clear.

During the 2008-2009 Snow Season last winter, it seemed the residential side streets got the short end of the stick. Budget cuts and layoffs - in part due to the Teamsters Union not agreeing to contract givebacks and unpaid days off - left many residential streets unplowed immediately after major snows. The snow then froze solid, leaving the side streets in ice-rink condition for several weeks afterward.

For the coming winter, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley wanted to privatize side street snow removal - leaving the higher-priced union workers free to hit the major streets and expressways across the city. That plan to privatize - in much the same way as Chicago's much maligned privatization of Parking Meters and the Chicago Skyway Bridge to Northwest Indiana - failed to generate adequate interest. The proposal was shelved.

Instead, as reported in the Chicago Tribune last week by reporter John Byrne, the usual, city-blue, ten-ton Chicago Snow Removal Trucks - big dump trucks containing piles of salt and a salt spreader in the rear, and a big plow up front - will patrol all city streets - big and small - this winter.

Bowing to High Technology, the plow trucks will contain special meters measuring out how much salt was actually spread across city streets. Cameras on the streets will monitor plow activity, and, supposedly, keep the drivers honest during their plow shifts.

Should the drivers need extra time to keep all Chicago Streets clear of snow - overtime will kick in! However, Mayor Daley explains that some of the overtime can be completed by Plow Supervisors, not subject to the heaviest overtime rate of pay.

Will this work? Will the City of Chicago keep all of its streets clean and free of snow this winter?

Will long-time city residents keep up the venerable Chicago tradition of saving recently-plowed parking spots with old ironing boards, patio chairs, two-by-fours,, and headless department store mannequins (crazy, but true!)?

Check with us in February, and we'll give you an update!

See our post today via BlogChicagoHomes.com.

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Rejoice! Rejoice!

The First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit has not only been extended until next year - it has been EXPANDED to include certain current homeowners as well.

To date, the National Association of Realtors estimates 1.8 Million Homebuyers have taken advantage of the program. Many more are likely to until the extended purchase deadline - next April 30th. By now, you've read all of the details on the program extension and expansion. We wrote about it the day it happened, via BlogChicagoHomes.com.

The stimulus is incredible - the $8,000 First Time Buyer Credit Continues. Plus, there is a new, separate credit - $6,500 - for qualifying repeat home buyers who have resided in their home five out of the last eight years.

Here in Chicago, Realtors continue to chant, "Get off the fence folks! It's a great time to buy!"

Now, I don't want to be a party-pooper by any means . . . but, what happens as the new deadline approaches next spring, then expires? Will there be a hangover in the Real Estate Market? Perhaps one of staggering, chilling proportions?

Naahh, you say?

What happened with "Cash for Clunkers"? Great spurts in new car sales while it was going on. But now - sales are way down. In some cases, close to the low levels of before the incentive.

Are you old enough to remember the Gerald Ford Price Freezes of the mid-1970s? They were done under the mantra "Whip Inflation Now!" After the Price Freeze Program ended, way back in the day?

Prices on many items skyrocketed - overnight. Inflation - not whipped!

Quite frankly, I'm concerned that the expiration of the program - most feel confident it won't be renewed once again next spring - may chill any housing market rebound happening at that time.

It likely won't kill it - but it might slow it down.

Because eventually, by definition, every"Stimulus Program" must come to an end.

Are we waiting out a ticking time bomb here? Or, am I just a nervous old lady?

Please share! (Don't foment - just share!)

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Good Evening, folks!

As my Down Home Texan Blooging Friends might say, "Howdy" from Chicago!

Halloween is over, the kids are long back in school, and it's just shy of a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. A bit early for Christmas Cheer . . . but that doesn't mean there aren't lots of things going on in Chicago this weekend.

Here is a partial rundown, from our Team Member, Sue Moss -

In charge of bringing the wine this Holiday Season and haven't got a clue? Well you're in luck. This Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Navy Pier will be hosting their 3^rd Annual Pinot Days Chicago Grand Festival featuring more than 300 pinot noirs. They'll even have winemakers on standby to assist with a selection. Click here for more details.

In charge of the dog or dogs this weekend? Well, leash ‘em up, put on their best holiday attire and head on over to the Goodman Theatre for Pooch on Scrooge this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. for a chance to win a Goodman Theatre gift basket with tickets to "A Christmas Carol". Reservations are recommended, so click here, because an advanced registration includes a David Sutton pet calendar!

Have the need, or should I say urge, to shop? Discounts of up to 75% can be had on luxury home furnishings and accessories at the Merchandise Mart in the River North Neighborhood for their Merchandise Mart Sample Sale. Hurry, click here and get all the details.

In the mood for some music? The Fab Faux will be appearing this Saturday, 8:00 p.m., at the Vic Theatre/Brew & View in the Lakeview Neighborhood. They're a Beatles tribute band who will be performing the entire White Album and much more. Click here for more information.

In the mood for an eight-hour marathon of horror flicks? Then head on over to the Portage Theater in the Portage Park Neighborhood this Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. for the Zombie Outbreak Film Festival. Besides the flicks, there will be a zombie makeup contest, vendors, trivia and much more. So click here for a list of movies being shown and more details.

Looking for something really unique and different to do this weekend? Don't miss the Great Thanksgiving Turkey Hunt Road Ralley this Saturday at 6:45 p.m. at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. and cost is $10 per vehicle. Click here if you're curious to know what this is!

Enjoy the weekend, folks. Hopefully . . . you're here in Chicago!

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

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Congrats!

It looks as if those of us in Chicago survived another Friday the 13th - the third such Friday of 2009! But, today, from our office in the Lincoln Square Neighborhood of Chicago, I did notice a few people deliberately avoiding walking under ladders, or crossing the street swiftly in advance of the occasional black cat.

But . . . we all made it!

Here is this week's edition of Chicago Neighborhood News, from our Team Member Cathy Mallers. This week, Cathy covers the Chicago Neighborhoods of Norwood Park, Lakeview, The West Loop, and The Gold Coast, as well as the Chicago Suburb of Naperville IL.

Do you have something going on - in any Chicago Neighborhood or Suburb? Let us know, and we'll help you spread the word.

Dean's Team offers the Number One Rated Active Rain Blog in the City of Chicago!

NORWOOD PARK

Mark your calendars now for a special presentation by area historian Anne Lunde, titled "Digging Into the Past." This presentation is free, requires no reservations and will be held on November 18 at 7pm at the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House, 5624 N. Newark Ave., Chicago.

In her presentation, Lunde illustrates how readily available resources--as well as more obscure ones--can be used to paint a picture of a community through maps, architecture, photographs and oral history. The program also includes a rare glimpse inside the walls of the Historical Society's own headquarters and oldest surviving home in Chicago, the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House.

LAKEVIEW

Do you like the taste of a really great gyro in the afternoon? Lucky for us, Melanthios Greek Char House, a homey taverna which opened Monday for long nights of flaming cheese, Greek beer, and whole lamb and pigs spinning over an open fire.

Not all people enjoy the traditional Greek foods, even though this locale appears as part of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, so you can always order a 20-ounce porterhouse or 16-ounce bone-in ribeye. Either way, it's a definite must-see new restaurant in Lakeview.

WEST LOOP

Starting this Thursday, you can see Collaboraction in full swing with their new world premiere of G.I.F.T. You'll be taken on an interactive and immersive adventure through the act of gifting with the world.

Guests will explore the nature of gifts, community and culture on this journey through a sprawling warehouse compound an soundstage at Firehouse Square, 459 N. Wolcott, Chicago. If you want to get discounted tickets, send an email to jeffrey@collaboraction.org with the subject line "GETOUT" and you'll get $5 off the suggested donation price.

GOLD COAST

Have you ever wanted to ask the creator how the fountain in Millennium Park was created or at least his inspiration?

This Wednesday night you have just the opportunity. Spanish sculptor, Jaume Plensa, will discuss this work and his other internationally renowned projects from across the globe. The lecture is free and will be held at the Rubloff Auditorium, The Art Institute of Chicago, 230 S. Columbus Dr. starting at 6:30 pm.

NAPERVILLE

The Naperville Sun is giving local residents a chance to celebrate your veteran on their site. You submit a picture and story about him or her, which will then be published.

It's very easy to participate. Go to their submission page. Fill in your name, home town, email, phone number and story. Your information will then be added to the photo gallery of all service men and women who are serving our country.

Have a Great Weekend!

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

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG!

Aaahh . . . those wistful summer days hangin' out with my Human Dad, Team Leader, Dean. Those days are now gone for a while - it's about 38 degrees here tonight - down right chilly, even with our fur, you dogs!

Perhaps you lived here in Chicago in the 1970's and 1980's. Back then - about 100 dogs years ago - two anchors were the kings of local news. Anchors Bill Curtis and Walter Jacobson co-chaired the WBBM CBS 2 News in those days, and they were the most-watched human newscasters of the era here, each night on the 10 O'Clock News.

Well, the famed news duo is reuniting - for one night only!

Just announced on the WBBM CBS 2 Website today, as reported in the Chicago Tribune Tower Ticket Blog by Reporter Phil Rosenthal, Curtis and Jacobson will handle anchoring chores on the 10 PM Local Chicago News on Friday night, November 13th. The station's regular news anchor, Rob Johnson, is taking a scheduled day off to attend a wedding.

The Friday Night Channel 2 Newscast will be the first time the duo will present the news together since 1989. They started as a news team way back in 1973 - way before my great, great, great, dogmother was even born

The 72-year-old Jacobson's last news gig was at rival FOX 32, from which he retired in 2006. Kurtis, now 69, most recently, has been a pitchman for AT & T Internet Service.

Attempting to capture its old allure, Channel 2 News recently added Veteran Chicago Reporter Harry Porterfield as a part-time anchor and reporter. Porterfield was a well-known reporter during the Kurtis-Jacobsen days, before bolting to the ABC Channel 7 News back in 1985. Virtually without exception, the ABC News has been the ratings leader each night at 10 for over two decades.

Is the News Anchor Reunion simply a publicity stunt, meant to attract viewers during the important Pre-Holiday Rating Period? Regular Anchor Johnson and others at the station say "no."

But I don't know, you dogs. It'll be an interesting news show, but I can't believe those at the station didn't have a little notoriety in mind when they brought back to locally-famous pair.

Enjoy the weekend with your humans! If you behave, perhaps they'll give you an extra walk or two, and rub your bellies extra-long!

Please read my post today via BlogChicagoHomes.com.

YOUR ACE REPORTER ON FOUR PAWS,

BUDDY HOLLY MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO