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