tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36184995117399052322011-04-21T23:26:08.893-05:00Come on! This is an open discussion about the ups and downs of the Chicago Real Estate Industry and how it effects EVERYONE! Add your comments, questions and concerns to any of our posts! Gwendolene Newton and Kristin Collins are the phenomenal realty group The NewtonCollins Group of Sudler Sotheby's International Realty in Chicago.Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.comBlogger91100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618499511739905232.post-11625825889784222912008-07-07T18:47:00.003-05:002008-07-07T19:10:51.022-05:00

The Newton Collins Group is very excited about the times we are in...relating to the housing industry of course. Many real estate agents and lenders are falling by the waist-side. I have bumped into quite a few at several retail stores wearing a uniform and assisting me with my purchases. I am not gloating or glad that they have to work at Target, Starbucks, etc...I am just glad that there are

Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618499511739905232.post-25035857798379187602008-05-07T11:05:00.003-05:002008-05-07T11:17:37.256-05:00

How much do you really need to buy?Here is an article by Millard Fuller, President and Founder of Habitat for Humanity International. It really hits 'home' in terms of sitting down and REALLY thinking about your wants vs. needs... Even though a lender might think you can afford to buy a certain house, you must always consider the ramifications and decide what you really can and want to afford

Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618499511739905232.post-63233729015076708612008-04-16T13:41:00.009-05:002008-04-21T13:05:56.086-05:00

Be sure to come see us at the Chase Bank Home Buyers Legacy TourDate: Saturday, May 3, 2008 Location: UIC Forum at the University of Illinois in Chicago, Illinois Address: 725 W Roosevelt Rd. , Chicago, IL 60608Meal: FREE LUNCH will be served!8:30 to 3:30pmThe home lending environment is changing.Are you making all the right decisions? The tour is an interactive day of informative workshops,

Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618499511739905232.post-50342531154217608852008-04-16T13:05:00.004-05:002008-04-16T13:22:14.448-05:00

The Newton Collins Group is doing well in this market and you Chicago real estate buyers should be doing well also! Even though this IS considered a 'Buyers Market' here in Chicago, there are things buyers should know: 'Lowballing' (putting in a bid for a property that is WAYYYY below market value) can quickly put a bad taste in the sellers mouth; EVEN if it turns out you were willing to to bid

Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618499511739905232.post-20282441450679413452008-04-16T12:59:00.003-05:002008-04-16T13:04:36.074-05:00

Gwen and I would just like to say that business has been pretty good and we are loving that the Chicago sunny weather looks to be headed our way. For our sellers out there: Curb appeal is VERY important! Do your best to keep your walk ways clear of trash, leaves, branches, etc. Also keep those hedges trimmed. It's about time to start planting flowers and keeping your lawns trimmed also.

Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618499511739905232.post-65027139631960703832008-04-16T12:56:00.003-05:002008-04-16T12:59:28.545-05:00

Hello all!So how many dismal reports about the horrible state of the real estate industry must we indure? Can anyone out there please type in a GREAT experience they have had in regards to buying and or selling real estate in the 'down' market? We woould LOVE to hear/read your stories!

Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618499511739905232.post-41529980344366051282007-11-19T09:46:00.000-06:002007-11-19T10:13:46.720-06:00

We have been hearing it everyday for the past few months..."It's a BAD real estate market!", "How are you guys making any money?", "I feel sorry for you having to be a REALTOR in THIS market!"....WHAT????? Our business is booming! The great thing about a market like this is that the REALTORS who are/were just dabbling in this business as a part time hobby have gone out to find...as they say, 'A

Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618499511739905232.post-25836088539826656222007-06-23T20:25:00.000-05:002007-06-24T20:05:53.850-05:00

As real estate agents we always have our eyes and ears open for the next opportunity to list or sell. The thought of having the Olympic games in Chicago has the eyes and ears of real estate agents, brokers, investors and anyone else who deals in real estate wide open. But what are the TRUE positives in terms of real estate and what are the TRUE negatives? Will the apparent surge of investing and

Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618499511739905232.post-69090773175775177632007-06-18T10:11:00.000-05:002007-06-18T10:44:41.267-05:00

If you think there is a big difference between South Loop and Bronzeville, you would be mistaken. Both are historical areas that are being rebuilt in a way only Chicago can do. With it's diverse mix of people; young old, black, brown, tan, white, peach, pink, green and blue (ok, scratch the green and blue...) and ethnic groups abound, Bronzeville and South Loop are THE hottest spots to live in

Craig Collins & The Chicago Stridershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019821628129375826noreply@blogger.com3