Always Perform a Final Walkthrough Right Before You Close

When I bought my condo in Logan Square years ago, my agent didn’t tell us we should do a final walkthrough. Didn’t even know there was supposed to be one until about a year later, when I started to sell real estate.
Now, it was new construction and had been completed by the time I had [...]

Writing an e-Book: Buying and Selling Real Estate in Chicago…Whaddya Think?

Quick one today…I want to write an e-book and am looking to make it:

big
comprehensive
easy to understand
of enormous value
downloadable (obviously)
FREE

Topic will be about buying AND selling in Chicago – specifically the Near Northside of Chicago. At this point, I’m not making any promises, but am in the exploration phase.
Email me: bgarcia@rubloff.com, and tell me what you’d [...]

The Market Dictates What Your House Will Sell For

First off: Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you very much. Now, on to the post….
One of my compatriots at the Rubloff – Lincoln Park office is not only a former teacher (as am I……high school chemistry), but also has been selling real estate for over 35 years. I have heard him say, over [...]

Will Hiring a DJ Spice Up Your Open House?

Open houses are for people that want to sell their house, not hold parties.
I was quoted in an article in the RedEye this past weekend regarding the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of holding expensive, gala-like events to attract people to the property. In places like Miami and the Gold Coast of Chicago, developers with large [...]

Real Estate Contracts Need to be Filled Out Correctly…UP FRONT

I was in a closing yesterday for a new construction condo. We were representing the seller. About four different issues came up, because in the contract, the buyers and buyer’s agent were not specific, nor explicit. Both sides had to re-negotiate their position. A LOT of the issues should have been taken care a long [...]