| Chicago, isn't only Frank Sinatra's "kind of town", it | | | | tall Chicago Spire (now under construction) will be |
| is a city loved by many people. Chicago is as | | | | (upon completion, in 2010) the tallest building in |
| cosmopolitan and as cultured San Francisco, yet | | | | America, and the tallest residential building in the |
| as street-wise as New York; it is the city that | | | | world. For those who aren't thrilled about living |
| unites this great land - the 'heart' of America, if | | | | almost half a mile above the Windy City's streets, |
| you will. In terms of music and art, Chicago has | | | | there are plenty of other housing options in |
| always been ahead of the times: while New York | | | | "Chi-town". |
| shows us "what IS", Chicago shows us "what will | | | | "Rehabbed" buildings account for some of |
| BE". In terms of Industry, Chicago was the | | | | Chicago's most architecturally interesting and |
| fountainhead of the West, and a driving force in | | | | sought-after homes. Rehabbing is simply the |
| the very creation of America. Today, with the | | | | rehabilitation, refurbishment and often restoration |
| city of Chicago still growing, but housing boom | | | | of old buildings that have fallen into disuse, usually |
| settling down, people are wondering about the | | | | for residential use (lofts). Rehabbed buildings |
| state of Chicago real estate. | | | | include former warehouses, factories, and other |
| The fact is, while some Chicago neighborhoods | | | | industrial buildings, many of which have been |
| are showing declines over the last year in both | | | | granted Heritage status by the City. Chicago's |
| asking and selling prices, other areas of the city - | | | | industrial past has left a wonderful selection of |
| notably, Des Plaines - are showing encouraging | | | | beautifully restored loft buildings, and matching |
| increases. And, while the Chicago housing market | | | | neo-architectural condos. |
| is not as "hot" as it was a couple years ago, it is | | | | Another choice open to those looking for a home |
| certainly a great place if you're looking to buy a | | | | in Chicago, is the foreclosure market. While this |
| home that you plan on keeping for a while | | | | can be a tough nut to crack - and an especially |
| (whether a home or a rental property). Here's | | | | difficult for those just looking to get rich quick - it |
| why: | | | | is a viable way to save considerable money on a |
| GROWTH & "REHABBING" | | | | home. Whatever you choose to do, whether it's a |
| Yes, at 3 million inhabitants (9.5 in the Chicago | | | | loft, a condo, or a new family home, if you're |
| Metropolitan Area, or "Chicagoland"), Chicago | | | | looking to buy a home in Chicago right now, the |
| continues to grow. As both a testament to and a | | | | market is on your side! |
| symbol of this growth, the magnificent 2,000 foot | | | | |