Pinnacle Team Newsletter

Inside A p r i l 2 0 0 9
this
issue:

Three’s Company
Nadine 1
Hello Friends, to prepare for the and Shirley Feldmann for
upcoming market change. this month’s contributions.
April brings us great things Ryan and I brought on a If you have any friends or
- baseball in Chicago, new team member, Nadine family that would
warmer weather, new and Shehaiber, in March. We appreciate the following
improved El stations, and a feel that she’s going to be information, please forward
Find Your 2
Place in recovering real estate a great addition to our the newsletter or send us
Chicago market. already thriving team. We’ll their email and we will be
introduce Nadine in more happy to send them a
We are feeling great about detail below… Welcome copy.
the status of the market Nadine!
and definitely seeing Thank you so much for
Cashing in on 3
eBay
movement. The Pinnacle For this month’s your business and interest
Team is excited about this newsletter, we decided to in our newsletters.
growth and what the spring reach out to some of our
and summer seasons will clients for tips and Have a great April and be
bring. information that would be well!
of value to you. We are
Healthy 3-4 On that note, we’ve very grateful to Brad Ryan, Sarah & Nadine
Condo
Associations decided to grow our team Lazarus, Kathy Gillespie,

Tapas Las 4
Nadine Shehaiber
Ramblas
Nadine comes to properties she sells. She Chicago. She has also
@properties after working works with her sellers to taken management level
with Coldwell Banker optimize the presentation courses in real estate,
Residential Brokerage for of their home, identify their international business and
Pinnacle
five years in the southwest target market, develop a finance at Northwestern
5-6
Team Listings suburbs. strategic marketing plan, University. Nadine
analytically assess market currently lives in the west
Nadine’s background in value, and prepare all loop. She is fluent in
technology, real estate, marketing materials Arabic, English, and
sales and management including brochures, Spanish.
consulting, along with an photography, and virtual
outgoing personality and tour photography. For more on Nadine,
enthusiasm, has led to a please visit: http://
successful and award- Nadine is originally from www.atproperties.com/
winning career. Dubai, in the UAE and agent/nadineshehaiber
came to the US twelve
Nadine makes a significant
years ago. She attended
investment in the
Loyola University in
Find Your Place in Chicago Page 2

Building on existing public- a few of these outstanding interest you pay on your
private partnerships, the City incentives. To learn more, mortgage each year.
of Chicago and its partners visit TaxSmart is also available
have assembled a variety of www.findyourplaceinchicago. for home improvement loans.
resources to maximize com. TaxSmart can be used by
benefits for homebuyers and eligible homebuyers citywide
communities. The incentives TaxSmart Mortgage Credit to purchase one to four unit
are available to homeowners Certificate buildings – single family
across a spectrum of If you’re buying a home in homes, condominiums,
incomes to purchase a home Chicago, you can save townhomes or 2, 3, or 4 flats.
that is right for them. The thousands of dollars in Applicants must meet income
partnership between the City, federal income taxes with and purchase price
philanthropic partners such TaxSmart, a mortgage credit guidelines. Homebuyers in
as the Partnership for New certificate program offered by non-target areas must be first
Communities, developers, the City of Chicago in -time homebuyers or have
and lenders makes “Find partnership with local not owned a home in the last
Your Place in Chicago” a lenders. TaxSmart turns your three years.
historic initiative that offers a mortgage into one that gives
great opportunity for home you a federal income tax
buyers. Below are details on credit equal to 20% of the

Income Limits

Non-Target Area Target Area

Written by
1 Person Household $60,320 $72,384
Brad Lazarus

2 Person Household $75,400 $90,480 Omega Advisors, LLC

brad@omegafeeonly.com
3+ Person Household $86,710 $105,560

Lender Incentives • A 30-year fixed-rate areas. Depending on their

mortgage with 3-5% down employer’s EAH program a
The City of Chicago is depending on credit score. buyer may benefit from
working with partner lenders NOTE: Buyers are not programs that:
to offer special mortgage required to purchase a • Provide down-payment and
products to buyers of Find mortgage through a partner closing-cost assistance in
Your Place in Chicago lender. They may still receive amounts ranging from $2,500
homes. Most developments other incentives if they to $10,000.
are eligible for this incentive. purchase a mortgage • Leverage additional
Harris Bank will offer the through another lender. matching funds from the
following incentives to State of for eligible
buyers: Employer-Assisted households, depending on
Housing Grants household income.
• For households purchasing • Prepare them for
a home in a target area: a Through Employer-Assisted homeownership with a step-
grant of $1,500 to help cover Housing (EAH) programs, by-step homeownership
closing costs various public and private education course.
• For households with an employers in Chicago and • Help resolve poor credit
annual income equal to or the suburbs offer housing history.
less than $57,280* assistance grants or
purchasing outside of a forgivable loans to
target area: a grant of $500 employees who buy homes
to help cover closing costs in certain geographical
 Page 3

Cashing in on eBay
Whether you are Here are some recently If you don't already have
organizing for a move or completed listings: an Ebay account, the
just spring cleaning here process is fairly simple.
are some tips on Coach "Carly" Log onto https://
putting extra cash in Handbag $350 scgi.ebay.com/ws/
your pocket. eBay is a 7 For All Mankind "Edie" eBayISAPI.dll?
great venue for turning Jeans $90 RegisterEnterInfo and
your cast offs into cash. get started!
JCrew Argyle Cashmere
Sweater $152

As a long time eBay Power Seller ,I have some insider tips that may be helpful:
Written by
1. Name brand items are the most sought after and easiest to sell
Kathy Gillespie
2. Be honest with your descriptions, and make full disclosure of any flaws
Whimrose Projects eBay
store 3. Give all measurements of the item you wish to sell

gillespiek@yahoo.com 4. Start listings on Sundays at 5 p.m. PST

5. Start your listings at $9.99 to get the bidding started - early bidding is key

For crafty upscale fashion 6. Check your listings everyday, and answer questions ASAP
projects visit Kathy at:
www.froogal.blogspot.com 7. Ship as soon as possible after payment is made and be in contact with buyer

8. Don't forget to leave positive feedback to encourage customers to do the same

Healthy Associations
In today’s competitive multi-million dollar value of $5 million, which
real estate market, a corporation that it is. If could be considered a
smart buyer will be not, it could negatively large business to
assessing more than just impact all owners by manage in any industry!
the size, amenities, decreasing the value of
location and cost of their what may be one of their An association managed
new home. A well-run largest investments. like a well-run business
Written by association with stable Take the approximate will provide a better
finances and efficient value of each unit in the return on investment.
Shirley Feldmann management procedures association and add Improperly managed
will quickly surface to the them together to get an associations run the risk
Association Advocates, Inc. top as a better idea of the value of the of budget shortfalls,
investment—for both property. For example, a unanticipated special
Shirley@associationadvocat sellers and buyers alike. 20-unit association at assessments,
esinc.com $250,000/each would inconveniencing owners
Every association should have an approximate and developing a poor
be run efficiently like the industry reputation.
 Page 4

Associations, cont.
• Healthy Reserves held in a • High owner-occupancy
separate interest-bearing
account • Responsive,
communicative and
(Note: If low Reserves, it is knowledgeable Board &
possible that a large repair Property Manager (if
Checklist for a Well- project was recently applicable)
completed.)
Managed Association: Association Advocates Inc.
• Regular and organized • Maintenance Plan is in helps homeowners protect
board meetings with agendas place for annual and long- their investment and
term needs specializes in Board & Self-
• Typed, well written and Management Training,
concise minutes • Well-maintained common Developer Turnovers,
documenting board decisions areas Management Searches &
Transitions, and Project &
• Decisions are made by the • Rules & Regulations are in
Loan Management. To learn
Board and not by a place and enforced
more about how Association
consensus of all owners consistently
Advocates can help your
• Low delinquencies and association or for many free
• Budget is not unrealistically resources available, visit:
low and includes a monthly strict enforcement of
Collections Policy www.AssociationAdvocatesIn
transfer to Reserves c.com

Tapas Las Ramblas

Sarah Lawrence

This wonderful tapas vegetables, bacon wrapped on the south, Peterson on

restaurant is brought to you dates, and grilled lamb the north, Broadway on the
by a former partner of Twist. chops. We finished the meal east, and Damen on the
After studying in Spain for a with the carmelized banana west.
summer in college, I became and ice cream, which was
intimately familiar with good heavenly. Andersonville is comprised of
tapas-style eating. While restaurants, boutiques, bars
there are many tapas options This restaurant has it all – it and both walk-up condos and
in the city, I found Twist (in sits amid the hot single family homes.
Lakeview/Wrigleyville) to be Andersonville strip, has a fun
my all time favorite for its and inviting atmosphere, is a There are currently 65 2
quality, price, and ambience. great value, has great bedroom/2 bath units on the
service, and serves market that range from
A friend who lives in consistently delicious fare. $229k to $479k, with the
Andersonville turned me onto You can expect to pay about average being $350k.
Tapas Las Ramblas, and $25 - $30 a person with
now it’s right there up there alcohol. There are currently 47 single
on my list of favorite tapas family homes on the market
spots. The neighborhood: that range from $449k to
Andersonville, an old $2M, with the average being
Tapas Las Ramblas has a Scandinavian neighborhood, $700k.
menu with wide variety. lies just north of Uptown.
Some favorites among my 5101 N. Clark
group of 4 included: baked Its borders are loosely 773.769.9700
goat cheese, grilled defined by Lawrence Avenue www.tapaslasramblas.com
Page 5

Pinnacle Team Listings

NEW! 4022 N. Monticello, Unit G - $174,900 2629 N. Dayton, #1N - $599,900 - Open
House 4/19 11:00 - 1:00
Beautiful 2 bedroom garden unit on a tree
lined street in popular Old Irving! This 2100 square foot 3 bedroom/3 bath duplex
fabulous split floor plan condo gets great light down in a fantastic location. Living room with
and features hardwoods throughout, w/d in fireplace opens to kitchen. Kitchen with
unit, Jacuzzi tub w/ glass door, and plenty of granite and stainless with eat-in area and
closets w/ additional storage in building. Street breakfast bar. Oak floors throughout main
parking is a breeze, the trains are a short level. Master with walk-in closet. Lower level
walk, and the expressway is just minutes with huge family room with fireplace, 3rd
away. Great outdoor space out back door. bedroom, bath, laundry room with side-by-side
Well managed bldg. http:// W/D and tons of storage. Includes a private
www.atproperties.com/listing/7171825 deck and garage. Convenient walk to
everything! Freshly painted and carpeted.
NEW! 720 Fairmont, Westmont - $449,900 http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7154914

Like new construction, 4 bed/2.5 bath PRICE REDUCTION! 3443 N. Lincoln, #4B -
townhome. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, it $419,900
boasts gorgeous high end finishes throughout.
Huge, open, fully finished basement with rec This is a 4-year-old condo that looks brand
new! With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this
room and bedroom. Main level master suite
stunning condo has it all – open floorplan with
with walk in closet. Family room with fireplace, a huge kitchen that boasts granite and
eat-in kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, stainless steel. Other amenities include a
separate dining room. Second floor has 2 wood-burning fireplace, balcony, side-by-side
bedrooms with a full bath and office area. A washer dryer, rooftop deck, and heated
must see! http://www.atproperties.com/ garage parking. This particular niche of
listing/7182513 Lakeview has exploded in the last couple of
years and is now surrounded by great
th
NEW! 10832 S. 76 , #2J - $169,900 restaurants, new condo buildings and a brand
new Paulina El stop just a block away.
Gorgeous, bright and exceptionally http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7132766
maintained 8 yr young condo has it all! 2 bed,
SOLD in 13 DAYS! 1148 W. Roscoe, #3W
2 bath, huge family room with fireplace,
spacious in-unit laundry room, large closets, 1 This extra wide, sunny 2 bedroom/2 bath unit
car att. Garage with storage space, and is in an unbeatable location and only steps to
additional parking in back. All oak kitchen with the Southport corridor, Wrigley, and public
island. Open, airy floor plan w/ beautiful view transportation. Built in 2005, this unit has it all
of trees. Enjoy the outdoors on extra large - a kitchen that boasts stainless steel, granite
balcony! Quiet area, newer building. http:// and a large island, open living/kitchen combo,
large bedrooms, in-unit W/D, balcony, great
www.atproperties.com/listing/7179806
storage, and garage parking. http://
www.atproperties.com/listing/7154898
Page 6

Pinnacle Team Listings

PRICE REDUCTION! 5140 N. Albany, #2 - http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118958
$280,000
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118942
Welcome home! This 1400+ sq ft 2 bed/2 bath
condo offers everything, including hardwood
floors throughout, washer/dryer, garage
For our commercial investors, we also have a
parking, etc. The separate dining rooms is storefront for sale:
perfect for entertaining and the living room is http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118973
expansive with loads of windows and natural
light. Deck access through kitchen. Located in
a cul-de-sac, this location is close to Lincoln PRICE REDUCTION! 1528 W Jonquil, D3
Square and steps from a great park. The large $289,000
gated lot is a dog owner’s dream. Check out
the room sizes! http://www.atproperties.com/ This amazing 2 bed/2 bath condo is just under
listing/7145078 1500 square feet. Built in 2005, this 6 unit
building is on a beautiful tree-lined street on
Chicago's northern edge. Just steps from the
4434 N Racine, #1N $384,900 - Open House beach, the red/purple line, Evanston, and
4/19 1:00 - 3:00 pm Jarvis Square, this Rogers Park find is one of
the best deals in Chicago! Featuring
This exquisite, 1700 sq. Ft. 2 bedroom, 2.1 hardwood floors throughout, cherry cabinets,
bath condo features a spacious layout, and garage parking - this condo is ready for its
contemporary finishes & classic vintage charm new owner! FHA Financing available! http://
thru-out. New gourmet kitchen opens to formal www.atproperties.com/listing/7098410
dining room w/ original built-in hutch & walk-in
pantry. Back deck extends off kitchen/dining, PRICE REDUCTION! 1060 W. North Shore,
great for entertaining. Bright sunroom leads to #1 - $224,900
huge living room w/ fireplace & attached
bookcases. Both bedrooms feature private Rare opportunity to live lakeside! Vintage
baths. washer/dryer in unit, garage parking & charm with modern updates and only 60 steps
private storage are included! FHA Financing to the beach. Large 1 bedroom with sunroom
Available! http://www.atproperties.com/ that could double as an office/guest room.
listing/7118582 Separate dining room and large living room
that is wired for surround sound. Hardwood
PRICE REDUCTION! 6400 N Sacramento 5 floors throughout, updated kitchen with newer
Units $139,400 - $199,400 cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Tons
of build-ins throughout. Two custom closets in
These wonderfully finished 1 & 2 bedroom, 1 master. Parking included. FHA Financing
& 2 bath condos offer luxury and affordability. Available! http://www.atproperties.com/
The intimate 16 unit building offers parking listing/7096852
included in the price, storage, and an elevator.
Each condo is finished standard with double
ovens, marble baths, Kohler fixtures, granite
counters, central heat & air, oak floors, 42”
cabinets, and Jacuzzi tub. Exceptional value!
FHA Approved!
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118931