Linda Lamb

As the Spring Real Estate Market begins and we highly anticipate the impact on real estate from the Stimulus Package; I thought it would benefit my readers to know how the real estate market along Chicago's Lakefront changed from year end 2007 and 2008.

Everyone knows that we are in a strong Buyer's Market. The difference between this one and the others is the people who normally take advantage of the lowered prices are hesitating. A few savvy investors are getting the bargains of their lives!

It is possible to purchase a one-bedroom Gold Coast condo on Lake Shore Drive for less than $200,000; now is the time to buy! Real Estate will continue to be one of the best investments over time.

This chart does not include every community and as you can see, it is not as bad as the media would have you believe. So stop watching CNN (Continuously Negative News) and start your search for that Dream Home or Investment property. It's a Buyer's Market after all and that means it's a GREAT TIME TO BUY! I also have a few excellent lenders who would love to help you.

For information on these or other Chicago communities; you can search my website www.LakefrontLivingInChicago.com or call me at my Rubloff direct line 312-264-5852.

I say now is the time to buy in Chicago. If you are a Buyer and don't yet understand what a Buyer's Market means - it means you need to do your research and start buying! Someone asked me in the Rent vs Own workshop at the Chase Legacy Tour where is the best place to buy. I told the group that you have to pay attention to what is going on in the news. You have to look at where the City of Chicago is upgrading roads, putting in new transportation and building or improving parks and public spaces. We have just opened the new Dan Ryan, they are working on I57 now and it's my opinion that almost any property within 1/2 to 1 mile of these improvements are worth a second and third look. In most cases you have to have vision and staying power. It's back to the good old days of LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION and if the location does not look inviting today, what do you think it will be in 7 to 10 years? The talk about the Olympics coming caused quite a stir. I say even if we don't get the Olympics, there is a non-profit that has been organized for the specific purpose of bringing World Class Athletics events to Chicago. Washington Park is a perfect location for a large stadium. It is located next to Hyde Park, the University of Chicago and it's only a few minutes to the "new" Dan Ryan, Lake Shore Drive and the Loop. I say, do your homework now and don't wait too long or the deals that are in that area will be long gone and you don't want to miss it!

I say now is the time to buy in Chicago. If you are a Buyer and don't yet understand what a Buyer's Market means - it means you need to do your research and start buying! Someone asked me in the Rent vs Own workshop at the Chase Legacy Tour where is the best place to buy. I told the group that you have to pay attention to what is going on in the news. You have to look at where the City of Chicago is upgrading roads, putting in new transportation and building or improving parks and public spaces. We have just opened the new Dan Ryan, they are working on I57 now and it's my opinion that almost any property within 1/2 to 1 mile of these improvements are worth a second and third look. In most cases you have to have vision and staying power. It's back to the good old days of LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION and if the location does not look inviting today, what do you think it will be in 7 to 10 years? The talk about the Olympics coming caused quite a stir. I say even if we don't get the Olympics, there is a non-profit that has been organized for the specific purpose of bringing World Class Athletics events to Chicago. Washington Park is a perfect location for a large stadium. It is located next to Hyde Park, the University of Chicago and it's only a few minutes to the "new" Dan Ryan, Lake Shore Drive and the Loop. I say, do your homework now and don't wait too long or the deals that are in that area will be long gone and you don't want to miss it!