Chicago Real Estate by Thomas Reid

Interest Rates for July 4, 2011

2011-07-02T19:35:00.001-05:00

Here is the latest rate sheet from my colleagues at Wells Fargo. Rates are holding steady from last week.

With rates at historical lows, now is a terrific to time to buy a new home or refinance your current place. Don’t let these rates pass you by. If you are ready to benefit from today’s low rates, call Lenka Duffy @ 773.680.5282. She will guide you through the process and make you feel at ease. Work with a professional and you won't go wrong.

Conforming Loans not exceeding $417,000 60 day Lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.625%

15 Year Fixed Rate 3.775%

5/1 ARM 3.150%

Non-conforming Loans exceeding $417,000 60 day lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.500%

5/1 ARM 3.250%

Pet Adoption for July 2, 2011

2011-07-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

Angel is a very beautiful, sweet, friendly, energetic, and extremely responsive, 18-month-old, 50-pound, female, Black Lab-mix looking for a loving guardian.

This lovely girl is great with people of all ages – she rolls over for belly rubs, and is sweet and snugly. Angel needs a dog-lover to train her in formal commands, but she is very lovable and eager to learn.

Angel is healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, micro-chipped and heart worm-tested. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact Ray at colonelchisholm@sbcglobal.net or 847-639-6801. Her adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued dogs. Angel is being kenneled in Ringwood, Illinois.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Bogie is a very playful two-year-old, 16-pound, male, black and tan Dachshund looking for a loving guardian.

Bogie does best with females of all species: dogs and humans. Rescued from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky where he was found as a stray, Bogie appears to have flashbacks of being abused. When cornered or frightened, Bogie can bite, so he’s looking for a dog-experienced Dachshund-lover to take him under their wing for gentle, yet strong leadership.

Bogie is looking for a quiet home where someone has time to work on his trust issues. He is a fun dog, but not good with children or cats. He’s quiet, so he’d be fine in an apt, condo, house or townhouse.

Bogie is housebroken, good on leash, loves car rides, and is very healthy, de-wormed, neutered, heart worm-tested, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. His adoption fee of $150 benefits the Coalition to End Animal Suffering. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact his foster mom Julie at dogcrazy623@comcast.net or 847-497-3061.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Kiki is a very special, handsome, regal, calm, and affectionate, 10-year-old, 12-pound (thin) male, Maine Coon cat looking for a loving guardian.

Kiki was left homeless when his elderly human passed away. He loyally stayed with his body for two weeks in the house until his death was discovered. Neighbor’s heard the cat’s cries through the window and Kiki was rescued.

He lost a lot of weight during his ordeal but survived by drinking water from a bucket collecting water during the recent heavy rains. Kiki is a very loving and lovable cat who is fine with other cats, but he does not like dogs.

He likes to find quiet and dark hiding places, but comes out immediately when called. He loves sitting in windowsills, and snuggling in bed with his human. Kiki uses his litter box like a good boy, is non-destructive and doesn’t scratch furniture.

He is hoping for a situation like he had before … in a home, without dogs with a devoted human, and perhaps another cat.

He is neutered, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, virus-tested, micro-chipped, he even had a recent dental with three teeth pulled, and a professional grooming. His blood work is perfect for a cat his age. His adoption fee of $50 benefits rescued pets. To meet and possibly adopt Kiki, please contact Sheri at sheri@petraits.com or 312-961-4571.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Rapture is a snugly, gentle, loving and sweet, six-month-old, eight-pound, golden/green-eyed, male, black kitten looking for a loving guardian.

Rapture was caught in a feral cat trap which is why his ear is tipped. However, Mr. Rappi is very people and cat-friendly. He’s just a little shy. He has impeccable litter box habits, is well-behaved and a good house guest at his foster home. He is absolutely wonderful with all the other cats, loves rolling on his little sisal rug, and enjoys playing with his toys.

Rapture loves to be pampered, brushed and adored by his people When you pick him up, he doesn’t struggle, he just melts into your arms. He’s also really good about letting you trim him nails. He’s just a mellow little fellow.

Rapture is very healthy, neutered, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped, and virus-tested. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact Anna at oinkypig@attention.net or 847-966-4256. His adoption fee of $88 benefits rescued pets.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Open House 1856 N Halsted #3S

2011-06-26T06:11:00.003-05:00

Open House this Sunday June 26th, 2011 at 1856 N Halsted #3S from 12 to 2 pm.

Come see this spectacular top floor 2bedroom/2bath, duplex up with huge rooms, great light and gorgeous finishes! This home has inlaid espresso finish wood floors throughout main floor, new trim, doors and lighting. Recently updated white isle kitchen with granite tops, glass subway back splash and Kitchen Aid professional series SS appliances will start your day off right. A large living/dining room with columns, a giant, bay window, Master suite w/ double marble vanity, marble baths, and glass subway surround porcelain flooring and big walk-in closet are just some of the wonderful features included in this home. A new furnace was installed in 2010. Garage parking included!

Pet Adoption for June 25, 2011

2011-06-25T07:09:00.001-05:00

Cassie is a gorgeous, healthy, friendly, snuggly and sweet, nine-year-old, Toy Poodle looking for a loving guardian.

When Cassie turned nine, her family decided to retire her from breeding and have her euthanized. The vet tech at the animal hospital asked if she could find the adorable dog a new home instead.

Cassie seems to enjoy the company of people of all ages. She’s a cute, fun dog who is happy to have you carry her around in your arms all day. In fact, if you hold her close and pet her, she closes her eyes and seems to go into a happy trance. She loves to be loved, and she enjoys sitting or dancing for treats.

Cassie is great with cats and good with most dogs - except for dominant females. She is non-destructive in the house and usually uses pee pee pads. She’s enjoys walks and is fine on leash.

Cassie is healthy, spayed, and up-to-date on vaccines. She walks with a limp due to a luxating patella in her left rear leg. The vet says she’s lived with it for most of her life so it’s okay as is and not causing her pain. To meet and possibly adopt Cassie, please contact her foster mom Alicia at aliciaobando@sbcglobal.net or 773-430-2812. Her adoption fee of $100 supports rescued pets.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Lili is a beautiful, calm, and sometimes crabby, six-year-old, female, front-declawed blue-eyed Himalayan cat looking for a patient and loving guardian.

This lovely girl was brought to a Chicago shelter when her people could no longer care for her. She was horribly matted, and stopped eating in the stressful shelter environment.

Lili is now living in a wonderful foster home where her foster mom patiently waited for her anxiety to melt away in her new surroundings. She can be a bit tense at times, but can also be affectionate. Lili will do best in a patient cat-loving all-adult home, as the one and only feline resident.

Lili uses her litter box like a good girl. She is healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, virus-tested, micro-chipped, and de-wormed. Her adoption fee of $50 benefits rescued pets. To meet and possibly adopt Lili, please contact her foster mom Jan at jansdellinthebox@gmail.com or 312-661-1770.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Pea and Pod are incredibly gorgeous, friendly and sweet, blue-eyed, 10-week-old, two-pound, lilac point Siamese kittens looking for a loving guardian – as a pair.

These two adorable brother and sister kittens landed at Chicago Animal Care and Control. I’m not sure if they were found as strays or given up by their “human.” But, someone had cut the ends of their tails off. The little boy Pea had the tip of his tail cut off; the little girl Pod’s tail is docked halfway.

Luckily these resilient and lovely kittens harbor no ill-will toward the human race. They love everyone and everything. They are wonderful with other cats, and friendly with people. Pod is shy, sweet, snugly and gentle girl. Brother Pea is a fun, playful, active fellow.

They are both litter box-trained and healthy. They will be spayed and neutered during the first week of July and then ready to go home with some lucky family. Their adoption fee of $75 each benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control. To meet and possibly adopt Pea and Pod, please contact their foster mom Julia at julia0608@comcast.net or 312-375-5227.

To help “Friends” rescue more cats like Pea and Pod from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat, rabbit or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-265-0601.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Willow is an adorable, friendly and sweet, golden-eyed, six-year-old, female, white patch tabby cat looking for a loving home.

Willow landed at Chicago Animal Care and Control through no fault of her own. This nice girl was so stressed in a cage for two months that she started pulling out her hair. Luckily a feline lover brought her home as her foster cat so she can live in a home rather than a cage. Willow gets along with the other cat in her foster home and all her hair has grown back. She is not super active; her real love is people, treats and being pet.

Willow uses her litter box and scratching post like a good girl. She is healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and virus-tested. Her adoption fee of $75 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control. To meet and possibly adopt Willow, please contact her foster mom Anne at at cornchip60608@yahoo.com or 312-545-6023.

To help “Friends” rescue more cats like Willow from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-265-0601.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Finally, if you know of an animal that needs a home please call me at 773.572.6512 and I will do my best to find that animal a home.

Pet Adoption for June 4, 2011

2011-06-04T07:52:00.001-05:00

Chevy is a very handsome, sweet and friendly, two-year-old, 45-pound, male, chocolate and vanilla speckled Lab/Pointer/Terrier-mix looking for a loving guardian.

Chevy gets along with other dogs, knows the command sit and down, and takes treats gently from your fingers. Chevy was rescued in Gary, Indiana, and was found to have heartworm. He has gone through treatment and is now waiting for a foster home, forever home or a rescue group to take him in.

Chevy is healthy, neutered, heartworm-treated, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines. To meet and possibly adopt, foster, or rescue him, please contact Melia at melia88@comcast.net or 708-224-1900. His adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued pets. He is currently being kenneled in Steger, Illinois, and would love to get out of a kennel and into a home setting.

Greta is an utterly adorable, friendly, playful and sweet, five-month-old, 25-pound, tan and white female hound/terrier-mix puppy looking for a loving home.

Greta has a wonderful temperament and is living in a foster home in Chicago where she has quickly mastered the commands sit and down, and takes treats gently from your fingers. She is crate-trained, and doing really well on her housebreaking. Greta is cuddly, and has a gorgeous coat with beautiful markings.

Greta is playful and friendly with other dogs, okay with dog-friendly cats, and great with children. She’d make a wonderful family dog. Greta sleeps in her crate all night, and is quiet after a couple minutes, so she’d even be fine in an apartment or condo.

Greta is extremely healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, micro-chipped and de-wormed. Her adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control Rescue Group. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact her foster mom Amber at amabre@gmail.com or 616-826-0783.

To help “Friends” rescue more dogs like Greta from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-265-0601.

Lucy is an affectionate, shy, loving and extremely sweet, golden-eyed, four-year-old, plush grey female cat looking for a loving home.

Lucy landed at Chicago Animal Care and Control through no fault of her own. This lovely girl has a lovely loud purr but spent her time at the shelter sadly staring at the back wall of her cage … she was so depressed. Luckily she was chosen to be a foster cat for Friends of CACC, so she can get out of a cage and live in a home and enjoy having a real family.

Lucy has perfect litter box habits, loves being pet, and even though she has all her claws, she doesn’t scratch anything … not even her scratching post. She chooses one room of the home to hang out in … her favorite room is the bedroom. She loves riding on her foster mom’s shoulder and getting scratches under the chin.

She may be very shy at first, but when she’s comfortable, Lucy loves her toys and treats. She throws her little toy mice in the air, fetches them, and plays with feather toys.

Lucy is healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and virus-tested. Her adoption fee of $75 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact her foster mom Kathy at kbwilson60612@yahoo.com

To help “Friends” rescue more cats like Lucy from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-265-0601.

Cheeto and Yuppy are affectionate, cuddly, easy-going and extremely sweet, four-paw-declawed, brown tabby cats looking for a loving guardian.

Cheeto is a golden-eyed, seven-year-old, male. Yuppy is a green-eyed, nine-year-old, female.

Yuppy is indifferent to Cheeto. But Cheeto adores Yuppy. It is an imperfect relationship, so they can be split up into two different homes. While they are not related by blood, they have lived together for the past seven years.

They are both healthy, talkative, friendly and have gorgeous glossy coats. Sadly, they need to find a home due to the birth of a child with breathing problems. They are wonderful with the two very young children – aged seven weeks, and 22 months. They are very tolerant and gentle.

They are healthy, completely de-clawed, neutered/spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and virus-tested. Their adoption fee of $75 each benefits the Feline Friends Rescue Group. To meet and possibly adopt Yuppy, Cheeto, or both, please contact Lisa at eward@spencerstuart.com or Toni at tonimcn@rcn.com or 312.855.1225.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I want to find every animal a home that needs one. As always, if you need a hand with your real estate needs, whether your are buying, selling or leasing, please don't hesitate to call.

Thomas Reid @773.572.6512 or Treid@rubloff.com

For more Pet Adoption posts, click here.

Open House 906 Hermitage #2

2011-06-04T07:16:00.005-05:00

We will be holding an Open house on Sunday June 5th 2011, from 11am to 2pm at 906 Hermitage #2.

Come see this lovely 2 bedroom with parking on one of the prettiest streets in the East Village. You won't be disappointed!

Asking price $300,000

Open House 606 W Aldine #2W

2011-06-03T07:19:00.004-05:00

Open House at 606 Aldine #2W this Saturday, June 4th, 2011 from 12 to 2pm. Asking price $380,000

2 Bedrooms, Dining room, Fire place, Huge yard, with Parking. Don't miss a chance to see this gem in East Lakeview.

Price vs. Cost

2011-06-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

I understand what I am saying might be hard to grasp, but when you buy a house the ultimate cost of your new home is more important than the price. The price you pay for a home is only the start. Your mortgage, insurance, maintenance, taxes and utilities are just some of the additional costs you will incur. The biggest will be your mortgage.

Unless you are buying your home with cash, you are going to a lending institution of some sort to borrow the money you need. The interest you pay on this loan will be the largest cost you will incur. With interest rates at historical lows, your cost for borrowing money will never be lower.

Many people are waiting on the sidelines for home prices to fall, and I agree, prices might go down as much as 5% to 10% in the next year. That $100,000 condo might be available next summer for $95,000 or less. But as the economy recovers, interest rates will rise as much as 1 or 2 percent. Rates will still be very low, but a lot higher than they are today.

In short, even though you might pay less in price, you will pay more in cost. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy wonderful properties at rock bottom prices. Act now. Call me, Thomas Reid, @773.572.6512 so you don’t miss the boat.

Single Family Home Sales in Lincoln Park

2011-05-31T12:44:00.000-05:00

As of April 30 2011, there were 28 homes sold in Lincoln Park with an average price about $1,550,000. During the first four months of last year, 46 homes were sold with an average price about $1,750,000.

Prices continue to fall across the board, but the prices are starting to stabilize as the economy recovers. Will prices continue to fall? Yes, for a little while. Buyers are sitting on the sidelines because they believe prices will continue to fall. Folks, it's time to get off the sidelines and get into the game. There has never been a better time to buy a home. Interest rates have never been lower. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Call me @ 773.572.6512

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-30T14:11:00.000-05:00

I want to thank everyone who is serving or has served in the military. Because of your sacrifice, we can live free. Thank you. Happy Memorial Day.

Pet Adoption for May 28, 2011

2011-05-28T07:10:00.001-05:00

Ralphie and Allie are best friend kittens looking for a loving guardian.

Ralphie is a four-month-old, friendly, playful and happy, brown and white, male, tabby kitten who gets along with everyone. He was born the day his mom was brought into Chicago Animal Control – January 29th. He went to a foster home where he fell in love with his foster sister Allie - a magnificent one-year-old, female, calico. They snuggle, play and roughhouse endlessly – so they are looking for a home together.

They are both very affectionate, playful, snugly and sweet – though Allie takes just a tad longer to warm up. Ralphie sleeps in bed with his foster mom, while Allie typically prefers the window sill. They both use their litter box like good kitties.

Ralphie and Allie are very healthy, neutered/spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, micro-chipped, and virus-tested. To meet and possibly adopt them, please contact their foster mom Charlie at cpropsom@sbcglobal.net or 773-743-5760. Their adoption fee of $75 each benefits the rescued pets of Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Echo is a beautiful, playful, quiet, and very responsive, eight-month-old, 40-pound, female, black and white tuxedo pit bull terrier with cropped ears looking for a loving guardian.

Echo is living in a wonderful foster home where she has proven herself well-behaved with other dogs, cats and older children. She is housebroken, crate-trained, high-energy and loves dog parks and dog beaches. Echo is good on leash and loves to go for walks. Echo sleeps on the floor in her foster parents’ bedroom. She is a young mouthy puppy, so training is a requirement of adoption.

Echo is healthy, spayed, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped, and heart worm-tested. Her adoption fee of $250 benefits the Cause 4 Paws Rescue group. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact the rescue group at Cause4Paws@gmail.com or her foster dad directly at 301-803-9574.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Priscilla is a beautiful, playful and very social, 18-month-old, petite, seven-pound, female, tuxedo torbie (tortoiseshell tabby) cat looking for a loving guardian.

Priscilla is a gorgeous cat with a great personality. She is living in a foster home where she runs to the door to greet her foster mom. She gets along with all the other cats at her foster home, but would do fine as the only cat as well. She is happy to curl up on the desk while you’re working, and she lets you carry her around on your shoulder.

Priscilla is healthy, spayed, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped, and heart worm-tested. She is on a prescription diet due to allergies. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact her foster mom Charlie at cpropsom@sbcglobal.net at 312-203-7950. Her adoption fee of $75 benefits the rescued pets of Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for reading this post. If you want a pet, please consider visiting your neighborhood shelter and fine the pet for your family.

Interest Rates for May 23rd ,2011

2011-05-23T07:22:00.001-05:00

Here is the latest rate sheet from my colleagues at Wells Fargo. Rates are holding steady from last week. Apparently the government inability to borrow money hasn’t affected the markets yet.

Conforming Loans not exceeding $417,000 60 day Lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.625%

15 Year Fixed Rate 3.875%

5/1 ARM 3.250%

Non-conforming Loans exceeding $417,000 60 day lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.500%

5/1 ARM 3.375%

Open House 2700 Hampden Ct #23B

2011-05-22T07:11:00.001-05:00

We will be holding an Open House on Sunday, May 22, 2011 from 1 to 4 PM at 2700 Hampden Ct Unit 23B. Asking Price $239,000

Pet Adoption for May 21, 2011

2011-05-21T07:21:00.001-05:00

George is a gorgeous, playful, fun and very friendly, 37-pound, three-to-five-year-old, male, Beagle/Lab-mix looking for a loving home.

George was found as a stray in Terre Haute, Indiana. He’s a big Beagle-sized boy who loves to play with toys and balls. This nice boy is housebroken, crate-trained, good with dogs, cats and older children. While he’s fine with other animals, his true love is people. He is good in the car, good (but strong) on leash, and will sit for a treat. He is very food-focused which will help in his training.

George is very healthy, neutered, up-to-date on rabies, distemper and bordatella vaccines, micro-chipped and heartworm-tested. To meet and possibly adopt him, please e-mail Carol at weluvpawsilrescue@yahoo.com or call 773-772-9329 after 6 p.m. His adoption fee of $225 benefits the rescued pets of We Luv Paws Rescue.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Gus is a very handsome, playful clown of a 10-month-old, 78-pound, male Mastiff or mix looking for a loving guardian.

Gus was found as a stray in Gary, Indiana. He did his time at Animal Control and is now living in a wonderful foster home in Chicago where he is doing well with all the other dogs, and playful with dog-friendly cats. He’s a gangly pup who’s quick to catch on to new commands and new routines. He learned to sit on command, and take treats gently in just 24 hours.

Gus is well-behaved in the home and car; housebroken, crate-trained, and good on leash (but strong). He loves playing with other dogs, toys and balls.

We’re not sure what Gus’ life was like before he was rescued, but he is a little fearful at times, so he’s recommended for someone with dog experience, without small children in the home, who has time to exercise and train a big lug of a pup.

Gus is now healthy, neutered, heartworm-tested, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact his foster mom Kelly at kelly@dogsplaychicago.com or 773-251-3090 His adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued pets.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Maisey is a beautiful, snugly, sweet, and responsive, nine-year-old, 39-pound, female Shar Pei looking for a loving guardian.

Maisey was found as a stray in an Illinois cornfield in January. When she was found, it was obvious she had recently had puppies and was horribly ill. She was urinating blood and covered with fleas. Her rescuer brought her to a vet and found out she had polyps in her bladder. Maisey has had surgery and is now recovered.

Maisey is wonderful with other dogs and people. She has the typical aloof and reserved, yet extremely loyal personality of a Shar Pei. She has proven herself housebroken and crate-trained in her foster home.

To meet and possibly adopt Maisey, please contact her foster mom Debbie at kruegerd55@gmail.com or 847-571-1860. Her adoption fee of $300 benefits rescued pets. She is now healthy, spayed, de-wormed, up-to-date on vaccines, micro-chipped, and heartworm-tested.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Poppy is a very friendly, happy, bouncy, two-year-old, 40-pound (chubby but tiny), red and white brindle, female, American Staffordshire Terrier looking for a loving guardian.

Found as a stray in Gary, Indiana, Poppy is full of kisses for people and other dogs. She is great on leash and loves going for walks. Because she still needs some training and likes to greet people by jumping up, she may do best in a home with older children she won’t know down with her enthusiasm.

Poopy appears to be housebroken, and is crate-trained. She is healthy, spayed, heartworm-tested, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines. To meet and possibly adopt her, foster her, or take her into your rescue group please contact Melia at melia88@comcast.net or 708-224-1900. Her adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued pets. She is currently living in a kennel in Steger, Illinois, and would love to move to a home setting.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thanks for taking the time for reading this post. If you know or animal that needs a home, call me @ 773.572.6512 and I will find that animal a home.

Condo Sales in LP are Lagging Behind Last Year

2011-05-18T07:24:00.007-05:00

According to MLS data, As of April 30, 2011, there were 175 condo/townhouse closings in Lincoln Park with an average price of $407,722. In comparison, Last year, during the first quarter, there were 230 closings with an average price of $427,369. Additionally, the first quarter of this year there were 854 active listings on the market for an average of 184 days, while last year in the same quarter, there were 691 active listings on the market for an average of 169 days.

What does this mean for you, the Lincoln Park buyer? Prices continue to fall, and there are fewer closings compared to this time last year. More homes are available today and stay on the market longer. Buyers have more room to negotiate and can move on to another property if sellers are unrealistic about the value of their home. We at Prudential Rubloff understand where the market is headed and we will help you find the right home for the right price. Call Thomas @ 773.572.6512 today and you will find what you want, right now.

Interest Rates for May 16th, 2011

2011-05-16T07:24:00.003-05:00

Here is the latest rate sheet from my colleagues at Wells Fargo. Rates continue to fall. With rates at historical lows, now is a terrific to time to buy a new home or refinance your current place. Don’t let these rates pass you by. If you are ready to benefit from today’s low rates, call Lenka Duffy @ 773.680.5282. She will guide you through the process and make you feel at ease. Work with a professional and you won't go wrong.

Conforming Loans not exceeding $417,000 60 day Lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.625%

15 Year Fixed Rate 3.875%

5/1 ARM 3.250%

Non-conforming Loans exceeding $417,000 60 day lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.625%

5/1 ARM 3.375%

Pet Adoption for May 14, 2011

2011-05-14T07:17:00.001-05:00

Dipity is a beautiful, friendly, playful, fun and loving, 18-month-old, 39-pound, female pocket pit bull (possibly with some French bulldog) looking for a loving home.
Found as a stray in Terre Haute, Indiana, Dipity is already housebroken, crate-trained, wonderfully playful, submissive and friendly with other dogs. She’s very energetic and jumps really high with her canine buns of steel.

Dipity is more accustomed to running and doing her business in a yard, but can be trained on leash. She’s no couch potato. She is full of tail wags, kisses, muscles and smiles for all. When she’s all worn out, she is fun to snuggle with because she’s got an incredibly glossy soft coat.

Dipity knows the command sit and takes treats incredibly gently from your fingers. She’d probably be best with older children due to her energy level. To meet and possibly adopt Dipity, please contact her foster mom Debbie at kruegerd55@gmail.com or 847-571-1860. Her adoption fee of $250 benefits rescued pets. She is very healthy, spayed, de-wormed, up-to-date on vaccines, micro-chipped, and heartworm-tested.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit

http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Glinda is a beautiful, playful, sweet, happy, and friendly, three-year-old, 42-pound, female, blue and brown-eyed cattle dog/pit-mix looking for a loving guardian.

Glinda was rescued along with her four puppies from Chicago Animal Care and Control. She is living in a foster home where she sleeps at the foot of her foster dad’s bed. She is extremely loving and cuddles up and rolls over for belly rubs. She is housebroken, and non-destructive in the home.

Glinda would be wonderful as the only dog in your home. She’s full of kisses, and loves to plop herself down in your lap for hugs and kisses. She loves to play with balls and toys. Her foster dad is training her in commands like sit and down; she is very gentle taking treats from your fingers. She just loves to snuggle, cuddle and hang out.

She may be okay with select dog friends, but she does have a high prey drive, so she’s looking for a home without cats. And, she’s best with older children as she can be enthusiastic when she greets you and can knock down a toddler.

To meet and possibly adopt Glinda, please fill out the CCR adoption application at: http://chicagocaninerescue.org/
You can follow up on your application at info@chicagocaninerescue.com or calling 773.697.8848.

Glinda is very healthy, de-wormed, spayed, micro-chipped, heartworm-tested, and up-to-date on vaccines. Her adoption fee of $205 benefits Chicago Canine Rescue.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Momi is a very beautiful, shy, and loving, one-year-old black and white tuxedo cat looking for a loving home.

Momi was found outside with a litter of kittens. If she looks a little crabby, maybe it’s because all her kids have found homes and she hasn’t. She doesn’t ask for much … a soft bed to sleep on and a window to look out at birds and squirrels.

Momi is fine with other cats and fits right in … In fact, she may prefer their company to that of people. Do you blame her?

Momi is very healthy, spayed, de-wormed, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped, and virus-tested. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact Anne at almaclaren@sbcglobal.net or 773-576-5085. Her adoption fee of $50 benefits rescued pets.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Patches is a beautiful, loving, spunky, snugly and friendly, 14-to-16-year-old, female, calico cat looking for a loving guardian.

This sweet senior was brought to the Chicago Animal Care and Control shelter when her people could no longer care for her. She is living in a wonderful foster home through the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control group. She is a true lap cat who loves nothing more than to sit in the laps of her favorite humans - she would do it all day if you let her.

Patches uses her litter box like a good girl, and the vet says that based on her teeth she may actually be younger than her listed age. She still plays with toys and has a lot of love to give. She would really enhance the life of a feline-lover looking for a sweet companion. Patches is being fostered in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. Her adoption fee of $75 will help the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control rescue more pets from an uncertain fate. To meet and possibly adopt Patches, please contact her foster mom, Kathy, at kbwilson60612@yahoo.com

Patches is healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, virus-tested, micro-chipped, and de-wormed.

To help “Friends” rescue more pets like Patches, please consider fostering a dog and cat in your home by contacting Kathleen at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

Don’t miss the Creature Comfort Fundraiser tomorrow night (Saturday, May 14th) at 7:00 pm at the Atlantic Pub, 5062 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. For more info, please visit: http://fcacc.org/fcacc_home/events/event-calendar/details/12-creature-comfort

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you know of an animal that needs a home, call me, Thomas Reid @ 773.572.6512 and I will find that animal a home. Thank you.

Establishing Credit and Repairing Credit

2011-05-10T07:10:00.002-05:00

Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your life. This number will determine how much money you can borrow and how much you will pay for it. It can help land that dream job, and the perfect apartment. A good credit score can open doors, while a bad credit score slams them closed.

Take the necessary actions to protect your credit. There are a number of steps you take to get your house in order.

1^st Get your credit report and fix any errors. Go to Annualcreditreport.com. This is a free centralized service for consumers. Fill out the form and request a report from each of the three credit-reporting companies. In 2004, a survey discovered that 79% of all credit reports have errors. Chances are yours does too. Go through each account with a fine-tooth comb and challenge any errors in writing.

2^nd, Automate all your bill payments, so you never miss a payment again. Missing payments can destroy your FICO score; a long record of on-line payments will dramatically improve it.

3^rd Keep your credit card balances below their limits. Don’t “max” out your credit cards. Pay off your highest cards first. After you pay off your credit cards, leave them open even if you don’t use them.

These are just some of the things you can do to improve your credit score. One great source I want to recommend is David Bach. His website, www.finishrich.com is a treasure trove of wonderful advice that will improve your financial well-being.

Buying a home today is one the best investments you can make. Take these simple steps to improve your home buying leverage. If you think I might be able to help you with your real estate needs, call me @773.572.6512

Interest Rates for May 9th,2011

2011-05-09T07:18:00.001-05:00

Here is the latest rate sheet from my colleagues at Wells Fargo. Rates have dropped a little bit from week before. With rates at historical lows, now is a terrific to time to buy a new home or refinance your current place. If you are ready to benefit from today’s low rates, call Ken Dickerson @ 312.882.1866 or Lenka Duffy @ 773.680.5282. They will guide you through the process and make you feel at ease. Work with a professional and you won't go wrong.

Conforming Loans not exceeding $417,000 60 day Lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.750%

15 Year Fixed Rate 3.875%

5/1 ARM 3.250%

Non-conforming Loans exceeding $417,000 60 day lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.625%

5/1 ARM 3.375%

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T07:20:00.001-05:00

I'm taking a moment to thank my Mother for all the love and support she has given to me over the years. I am so grateful to you. Thank you.

Pet Adoption for May 7, 2011

2011-05-07T07:09:00.001-05:00

Chaco is a handsome, muscular and fun, one-year-old, 65-pound, male fawn and white Am Staff-mix with warm brown eyes looking for a loving home.

Chaco has a very pleasant demeanor. He knows how to sit on command and takes treats gently from your fingers.

Chaco is healthy, neutered, heart worm-tested, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines. To meet and possibly adopt, foster, or rescue him, please contact Melia at melia88@comcast.net or 708-224-1900. His adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued pets. He is currently being kenneled in Steger, Illinois, and would love to get out of a kennel and into a home setting.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Johnny Rocket is an absolutely gorgeous, happy, friendly, energetic, and sweet, one-year-old, 45-pound, fawn brindle American Staffordshire Terrier looking for a loving home.

Found as a stray in Chicago, Johnny’s tail is always happily wagging. He is great on leash and gets along with other dogs and cats.

He is crate-trained, housebroken, very healthy, neutered, micro-chipped, heart worm-tested, de-wormed, and up-to-date on vaccines.

To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact his foster mom Nancy at plaidpjs@sbcglobal.net or 773-631-8999. His adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued dogs. He is living on the northwest side of Chicago.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Luci is an ultra snuggly, extremely friendly, gentle, sweet, and adorable, ten-month-old, female Calico kitten looking for a loving home.

Luci has some Oriental qualities … she’s talkative, has a pointy face, and a very long tail. She is wonderful with people of all ages, other cats and dogs.

Luci is not one to hide; she loves attention. She’s very playful, but loves to be held in your arms, and will follow you around the house like a puppy dog.

Luci is very healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and heart worm-tested. To meet and possibly adopt her, please phone, e-mail or text her foster mom Katye at singsingkitty@yahoo.com or 815-603-1157. Her adoption fee of $75 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control.

To help “Friends” rescue more kittens like Luci from a cage at Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a dog, cat or rabbit in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Palmetto and Frond are a pair of mother/daughter cat and baby kitten looking for a loving home together.

Palmetto is a four-year-old, loving, cuddly, extremely friendly and talkative, black and white female tuxedo cat. Frond is her gorgeous golden-eyed, 10-week-old, sleek and sweet, 2.2-pound, black female kitten.

The two adore each other and love people too. Palmetto is affectionate, active and cuddly. Frond is extremely playful and fun – she has just discovered how fun toys can be and she’s loves to bat her toys around or jump for a feather!

They were relinquished to Chicago Animal Care and Control when their family could no longer keep them. They are now living with me and have proven perfect litter box habits … and perfect little house guests – they even get along with my rabbits! They would love to find a wonderful new home together. Their adoption fee of $150 - as a pair - benefits Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control rescue group. To meet and possibly adopt them, please contact me directly at sheri@petraits.com or 312-961-4571. They are very healthy, spayed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and virus-tested.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you know of animal that needs a home, please call me, Thomas Reid at 773.572.6512 and I will find that lovely creature a home.

Pet Adoption for April 30, 2011

2011-04-30T07:29:00.001-05:00

Aqua is a gorgeous, friendly, happy, energetic, affectionate and fun, female, 10-month-old, 40-pound, black and tan, female mixed breed pooch looking for a loving home.

I was walking down the street in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago when a man approached me “Want a dog?” I figured there are probably worse people he could be approaching if I said no, so the pooch came home with me. She was timid and shy at first, but now she’s a happy, silly, friendly and loving girl.

Aqua had been abandoned in an apartment when the family was evicted. He had tried to bring her home to his family, but his landlord said no. She is crate-trained and housebroken when kept on a regular schedule. She also knows the commands sit and down, and crate. Aqua loves other dogs, adores people, and plays well with others.

She’s scheduled to be spayed, micro-chipped and vaccinated this Thursday and then she’s ready to go home to a new dog-loving family. To meet and possibly adopt Aqua, please contact me directly at sheri@petraits.com or 312-961-4571. Her adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued pets.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Bella is a very beautiful, sleek, sweet, playful, calm, gentle and loving, two-year-old, 55-pound, chocolate and vanilla, female Am Staff/Pointer-mix with cropped ears looking for a loving home.

Bella has the warmest brown eyes, and a glossy chocolate coat with the white ticking of a Pointer on her feet, chest and the tip of her tail. She is living in a foster home where she has proven to be housebroken, well behaved in the home, and good with other dogs. She even knows the commands sit and down, and she takes treats very gently from your fingers. She is full of kisses and tail wags for everyone she meets.

Bella is very healthy, de-wormed, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm-tested, and micro-chipped. Her adoption fee of $200 benefits the rescued dogs of OTAT. To meet and possibly adopt Bella, please fill out an adoption application at http://www.onetail.org/adoption/survey/ and follow up by contacting Elizabeth at elizabethotat@gmail.com or 773-480-4062.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Palmetto and Frond are a pair of mother/daughter cat and kitten looking for a loving home together.

Palmetto is a four-year-old, loving, cuddly and extremely friendly, black and white female tuxedo cat. Frond is her gorgeous golden-eyed eight-week-old, sleek and sweet, two-pound, black female kitten.

The two adore each other and love people too. Palmetto is affectionate, active and talkative. Frond is extremely playful and fun – she has just discovered how fun toys can be and she’s loves to bat her toys around or jump for a feather!

They were relinquished to Chicago Animal Care and Control when their family could no longer keep them. They are now living with me and have proven perfect litter box habits … and perfect little house guests. They would love to find a home together. Their adoption fee of $150 - as a pair - benefits Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control rescue group. To meet and possibly adopt them, please contact me directly at sheri@petraits.com or 312-961-4571. They are very healthy and happy and are scheduled to be spayed on May 10th.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Frank is a snugly, sweet, affectionate 10-year-old, blue-eyed male Siamese-mix cat looking for a loving home.

This loverboy lap cat is looking for a quiet, feline-loving household as the one and only cat. Frank likes to have all your attention all to himself. He likes to sleep and cuddle with you. And, he also likes to play. Pull out a feather toy and he’ll leap in the air.

Frank is healthy, neutered, front paw de-clawed, up-to-date on vaccines, virus-tested, de-wormed and micro-chipped. His adoption fee of $50 benefits rescued pets. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact his foster mom Catherine at westsidechgo@gmail.com or 312-513-4099.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you know of an animal that needs a home, call me @ 773.572.6512 and I will find that animal a home.

What is my Credit Rating?

2011-04-27T06:59:00.001-05:00

Your credit rating is simply a number that reflects your ability to borrow money, to purchase a good or service, with the promise to repay the lender over time. The interest rate you pay is a reflection of the lender's confidence in your ability to repay the loan. The greater the chances of default, the higher the interest rate. That's if you get the loan at all. Lenders decide your credit worthiness predominantly from your credit score.

What does your credit report say? If you don't know, you need to check your credit right now. Go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com. This free credit service allows you to check all three credit services once a year. Generally, you should check each service every 4 months. Each report will be a little different. What's important is to challenge any errors you might find. You need to challenge any errors you find right away. This site will walk you through the process.

After discovering your credit score, take the necessary steps to protect and improve it.

Next: Establishing credit and repairing credit.

Look for more "Buying a Home" post here.

95% Loans from RWF

2011-04-26T07:23:00.001-05:00

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is still offering 95% financing for condos in Cook County and some surrounding counties. This means that FHA is not the only low down payment financing vehicle for city condominiums, which is great news for units in buildings that don't have an FHA Approval.

95% financing can help you with buyers but can also help you with listings by allowing you to advertise low down payment Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conventional financing options.

Here are the stipulations for obtaining 95% financing:

- minimum credit score of 700

- maximum debt-to-income ratio is 41%

- maximum loan amount $417,000, the conforming loan limit

- purchase transactions only; not available for refinances

- available in the following counties: Cook - DeKalb - DuPage - Grundy - Kane - Kendall - McHenry – Will

Contact Lenka Duffy @ 773.680.5282 or Ken Dickerson @ 773.572.6540 They will help you get the process started.

Price Reduction! 906 Hermitage #2

2011-04-26T07:07:00.002-05:00

This sunny 2 bedroom, 2 bath home nestled on one of the prettiest streets in the East Village, has just been reduced to $300,000!

This unit has everything you could want and garage parking. This place is priced right. If you would like to take a closer look, shoot me an email or call me at 773.572.6512 so we can we can arrange a showing for you.

Buying vs. Renting

2011-04-25T07:28:00.001-05:00

"Should I buy a place for myself or should I rent?" This is the classic question people ask me all the time. Well, let's look at the difference between the two. Renting is an expense and buying is an investment.
When you rent, you give your money to your landlord for the privilege of living in his apartment or house for another month, nothing else. That money is gone for ever.

Buying a home is an investment. Buying the right home can be a great investment. When you own your own home, you can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest and the cost of your property taxes from your federal income taxes. Over time, your home can go up in value. Buying a home, especially at today's low prices is the simplest way to build wealth.

The most important aspect is you'll enjoy having a place that's yours. You can personalize it anyway you like and tell your friends just who you are.

If your sick and tired of paying the man another month's rent and want a place you can call your own, Give me, Thomas Reid, a call at 773.572.6512 and together we can find the right home for you right now.

For more "Buying a Home" posts just click here.

Interest Rates for April 25th,2011

2011-04-25T07:09:00.001-05:00

Here is the latest rate sheet from my colleagues at Wells Fargo. Rates have held steady from the week before. With rates at historical lows, now is a terrific to time to buy a new home or refinance your current place. Contact Ken Dickerson @Wells Fargo today. 773.572.6540

Conforming Loans not exceeding $417,000 60 day Lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.875%

15 Year Fixed Rate 4.125%

5/1 ARM 3.375%

Non-conforming Loans exceeding $417,000 60 day lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 5.250%

5/1 ARM 3.625%

Get Organized!

2011-04-24T06:19:00.005-05:00

So you want to buy your first home? The next step is to get organized. Keep all your records in one place. A number of things must be collected/gathered In this file:

Credit reports: This is very important. Take the time to check your credit report and fix any discrepancies you might find. A poor credit rating will cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest payments over the life of the loan, if you can get a loan at all. The banks have tightened lending standards. Your mortgage options are limited with a poor credit report.

The next step is to get pre-approved by a lender. Any good, reputable realtor will want to know if you can afford to buy the home you want. He or she will call the lender and verify the pre-approval information. No one will accept an offer without a pre-approval letter.

What is needed to get pre-approved? This will vary from lender to lender but includes your latest pay stub, W-2s and tax returns from the last 2 years, last 2 monthly asset statements from your bank, 401k, and loan and payment information on any outstanding loans. Also, they will want to know how much you spend on rent and the landlord’s contact information. The loan officer will open a file and determine how much home you can afford. With that information in hand, you can start the home search.

You can work with any lender you choose, but I recommend Lenka Duffy at Wells-Fargo. You can reach her @773.290.2105. She will take the time to guide you step by step through the process. It will be fast, fun and best of all, it’s free.

Read more "Buying a Home" posts here.

Pet Adoption for April 23, 2011

2011-04-23T07:26:00.001-05:00

Cocoa Puff is a beautiful, happy, friendly, sweet and playful eight-month-old, 45-pound, female brindle Pit Bull-mix with warm brown eyes looking for a loving home.

Cocoa Puff would make a wonderful family dog. She is living in a loving foster home where she has proven herself well-behaved with children - even four year olds! And, she’s great with other dogs her size … although probably best with a male dog in the home. She is crate-trained and housebroken when kept on schedule.

Cocoa Puff is very healthy, de-wormed, spayed, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. Her adoption fee of $200 benefits the Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue. To meet and possibly adopt Cocoa Puff, please fill out an adoption application at
http://chicagolandbullybreedrescue.org/application0.aspx

Cocoa Puff has a high prey drive, so she would do best in a home without small dogs, cats or rabbits.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Greta is an utterly adorable, friendly, playful and sweet, 14-week-old, 19-pound, tan and white pit bull/hound-mix puppy looking for a loving home.

Greta has a wonderful temperament and has quickly mastered the commands sit and down, and takes treats gently from your fingers. She is crate-trained, and doing really well on her housebreaking when taken out often. Greta is cuddly, and has a gorgeous coat with beautiful markings.

Greta is playful and friendly with other dogs, okay with dog-friendly cats, and great with children. She’d make a wonderful family dog. Greta sleeps in her crate all night, and is quiet after a couple minutes, so she’d be fine in an apartment or condo.

Greta is extremely healthy, spayed, up-to-date on age appropriate vaccines, micro-chipped and de-wormed. Her adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control Rescue Group. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact Amber at amabre@gmail.com or 616-826-0783.

To help “Friends” rescue more dogs like Greta from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kathy at kbwilson60612@yahoo.com

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Tibby and Rey are gorgeous, sweet, social, and very playful, 19-month-old, male, brother cats looking for a loving home.

Tibby is a white tabby and brother Rey is a classic tabby with magnificent markings and the softest fur. These sweet boys love each other and love people too. They are living in a foster home where they have proven to use their litter box, and scratching post like well behaved feline gentlemen.

Tibby rubs up against your legs, and Rey is also super affectionate and loves to talk to you. They would be fine with another friendly cat or dog in the home.

These boys are indoor cats, have their claws, and would like to keep it that way. They are extremely healthy, neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, virus-tested, and micro-chipped. To meet and possibly adopt Tibby and Rey, please contact their foster mom Heather at heather.fee@gmail.com or 847-644-3579. Tibby and Rey’s adoption fee as a pair is $75 and includes everything you need to care of the boys … covered litter box, bowls, their favorite food, toys, scratching post and carrying case.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Sookie is an adorable, snugly, loving and playful, ten-month-old, 45-pound, female, black and white Am Staff-mix puppy looking for a loving home.

This girl is amazingly calm, sweet, short, long, sleek and sweet. She sits for treats and takes them especially gently. She is full of kisses and tail wags. She is reserved, loyal and completely loving. She is living at a doggie daycare center where she has proven herself phenomenal with other dogs – big, small, old and young. She is very well-socialized with people and other dogs. She loves toys, playing fetch, and is looking for a loving family to continue her housebreaking and training.

Sookie is healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, micro-chipped, heartworm-tested, and de-wormed. If you are interested in adopting her, please contact Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930. Her adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control.

To help “Friends” rescue more dogs like Sookie from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kathy at kbwilson60612@yahoo.com

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you or someone you know have an animal they can not take care off, contact me, Thomas Reid @ 773.572.6512 and I will do my best to find that animal a home.

I Want to Buy my First Home. Where do I Start?

2011-04-22T07:12:00.003-05:00

First, congratulations on realizing today is a great time to buy a home. But, buying a home is a big deal and you need to prepare yourself.

Ask yourself a few questions. One, why do I want a new home? Wat are your long term goals? I recommend a wants list versus a wish list. Are you expecting a child? Do you want to be closer to your family?

You should expect to live in your new home at least 3 years. If you might be moving before then, because of a job transfer, etc., renting might be a better option. It takes at least 2 to 3 years to break even when you purchase a home.

Second, how much of a down payment should you put on your home? My answer to you is, as much as you can. Although many programs exist today that will allow you to buy a home with as little as 3.5% down, I recommend at least 20% down. This will lower your monthly payment, (Saving you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan) and save you the cost of PMI insurance, and will greatly increase your chances of getting a loan.

As a general rule, your total monthly mortgage payment (Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) should not exceed one third of your monthly gross income. Over the past couple of years the banks have tightened their lending standards significantly and generally won’t let you borrow more than you can afford.

Whatever you decide, stay informed about your local market. Ask lots of questions and trust your instincts. Buying your first home is a big deal and the decision should not be taken lightly. If you think now is the right time to buy, call me @773.572.6512 or you can email me @ Treid@rubloff.com. I will do my best to serve you and help find the best home based on what you want.

Next: Get organized!

Lincoln Park High School

2011-04-19T07:18:00.001-05:00

Lincoln Park High School (9-12), located at 2001 N Orchard St, is home to 2215 students and one of the best high schools in Chicago. Nestled next to OZ Park, LPH is made up of four smaller schools. The International Baccalaureate Program, the Fine Arts/ Performing Arts Program, the Honors high school program and of course, the neighborhood high school program. Many students participate in classes from each school. LPH is ranked an 8 out of 10 by Greatschools.org. Also, Newsweek ranked LPH #96 out of 100 schools nation wide in 2010. Only 2 schools in Illinois were ranked in the top 100. Lincoln Park High School is a college preparatory school committed to excellence in all the subjects they teach. The faculty provide a quality education for all their students. They are on spring break right now, but they'll be hard at work on Monday!

Interest Rates for April 18th,2011

2011-04-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest rate sheet from my colleagues at Wells Fargo. Rates have fallen from last week. With rates at historical lows, now is a terrific to time to buy a new home or refinance your current place. I urge you to call Ken Dickerson TODAY. He will guide you through the process and make you feel at ease. Work with a professional and you won't go wrong.

Conforming Loans not exceeding $417,000 60 day Lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.875%
15 Year Fixed Rate 4.125%
5/1 ARM 3.250%

Non-conforming Loans exceeding $417,000 60 day lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.750%
5/1 ARM 3.750%

Open House 871 Cornelia #2

2011-04-17T06:19:00.001-05:00

I'll be hosting an Open House today at 871 W Cornelia #2, April 17th, from 11 to 2 pm. If you are in the market for a well-priced 2 bedroom unit in great condition, I urge you to stop by today. This home offers loads of natural light, and Northern and Southern exposures. The unit was rehabbed approximately 6 years ago. Maple cabinets, a dish washer, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops really make this kitchen shine. Sound insulated bedroom windows, in-unit W/D, central air, and a wood burning fireplace are some of the other features this condo has to offer. A super convenient location offers access to fun and transportation. Parking is available in the area. FHA APPROVED! I hope to see you there.

Pet Adoption for April 16, 2011

2011-04-16T07:09:00.006-05:00

Katie is a happy, beautiful, energetic, friendly, fun, playful and extremely loving, 60-pound, five-year-old, female black and white American Stafford shire Terrier looking for a loving home.

A volunteer favorite at the rescue group, Katie is very well-trained and absolutely loves people. She’s snuggly, sweet, and full of kisses and tail wags. She knows the command sit, and come, and takes treats nicely and appreciatively. She is housebroken, crate-trained and would love to learn more!

Katie loves to go for walks and is fantastic on leash. She would thrive in a home with a fenced in yard where she can play with her people. Due to her size and strength, she’s probably best with children over the age of nine. She’s looking for an experienced dog-lover preferably as the one and only pet in the home - although she may enjoy the companionship of a laid-back male dog.

Poor Katie was found as a stray with a litter of puppies. She was a wonderful mother and all her babies found homes, now it’s her turn to be loved and adored.

Katie is very healthy, spayed, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. Her adoption fee of $150 benefits the Angel4Cause Rescue. You must be at least 25 years old, and live in the state of Illinois to adopt from this rescue.

To meet and possibly adopt Katie please fill out an adoption application at http://www.angel4causerescue.com/Volunteer.html

You can follow up on your application by contacting Pat at phangel3@aol.com or 708-715-8471.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Meadow is a playful, wiggly, friendly, responsive, and loyal, 18-month-old, 50-pound, black and white, female American Stafford shire Terrier looking for a loving home.

Meadow was sitting in a cage at Gary, Indiana, Animal Care and Control with a fractured knee when Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue saved her. She went to live in a foster home where she proved herself well-behaved with all the other dogs, cats and children (aged 3, 5 and 6). She would do best in a home with a laid-back male dog, and dog-savvy cats that don’t being chased.

Meadow has healed from her ordeal, and loves to play tug-of-war, and often walks around with a rope toy in her mouth. She is a wonderfully loyal and loving dog at home and is trained on an electric fence system. Meadow is crated during the eight hours that her mom is at work, but is perfectly house-trained and non-destructive. She knows the commands sit and down and takes treats gently from your fingers.

Meadow is very healthy, de-wormed, spayed, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. Her adoption fee of $200 benefits the Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue. To meet and possibly adopt Meadow, please fill out an adoption application at
http://chicagolandbullybreedrescue.org/application0.aspx

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Pilot is a gorgeous, playful, happy, high-energy, intelligent, fun, and friendly, nine-month-old, 50-pound, male, English Springer Spaniel looking for a loving home.

Pilot was found as a stray with a deep cut to one of his hind legs. He has since healed and has proven to be crate-trained, and doing great on his housebreaking. He knows the commands sit, and down and takes treats nicely from your fingers. He walks well on a leash, loves to play, adores people and loves to play rough and tumble with other dogs. Pilot would love a home where he can continue his training; he has already achieved his canine good citizen certificate!

Pilot would do best with an active family with a home and fenced-in yard. Since he can be known to bark when crated or left alone, he may not be ideal in an apartment or condo.

To meet and possibly foster or adopt Pilot, please fill out the CCR adoption application at: http://chicagocaninerescue.org/
You can follow up on your application by e-mailing info@chicagocaninerescue.com or calling 773.697.8848.

Pilot is healthy, de-wormed, neutered, micro-chipped, heart worm-tested, and up-to-date on vaccines. His adoption fee of $205 benefits the Chicago Canine Rescue.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Pumpkin is an affectionate, lovely, sociable, playful and sweet, golden-eyed, four-year-old, front declawed, female orange tabby cat looking for a loving home.

Pumpkin landed at Chicago Animal Care and Control through no fault of her own. She was emaciated and had severe dental disease when her family brought her in.

Pumpkin was lucky to get out of a shelter cage and into a loving foster home where she could thrive. It was discovered that she has food allergies, so she is currently on a low dose of steroids, special food, and she even had a full dental with extractions … now she feels great and is loving life!

Pumpkin gets along with the other cats in her foster home, and she seems fine with gentle-natured dogs. She loves to play with her toys, jump in the air for a feather, roll in catnip, and has a very delicate meow. She uses her litter box like a good girl, is spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, derenenapier@gmail.com or 708-250-8181

To help “Friends” rescue more cats like Pumpkin from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-265-0601.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you know of an animal that needs a home call me, Thomas Reid @773.572.6512 and I will do my best to find that animal a home.

Interest Rates for the week of April 11, 2011

2011-04-11T16:39:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest rate sheet from my colleagues at Wells Fargo. With rates at historical lows, now is a terrific to time to buy a new home or refinance your current place. If you need the help of a mortgage banker, I urge you to call Ken TODAY. He will guide you through the process and make you feel at ease. When you call my people, you will work with a professional in every step of the way.

Conforming Loans not exceeding $417,000 60 day Lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 5.125%
15 Year Fixed Rate 4.125%
5/1 ARM 3.625%

Non-conforming Loans exceeding $417,000 60 day lock

30 Year Fixed Rate 5.625%
5/1 ARM 3.875%

Open House 2125 Armitage #2

2011-04-10T07:04:00.002-05:00

If you are in the market for a big beautiful condo in Bucktown, I urge you to stop by 2125 W Armitage #2 this Sunday from 1 to 3pm. You will not be disappointed! This unit is fabulous! It is 40’ wide and contains 2400 sq. ft. of space that takes up the entire floor. Hardwood floors, big, beautiful eat-in kitchen with a granite island, Master suite with walk-in closet, marble bath with whirlpool tub and double vanity, a full, custom laundry room with cabinets, two fireplaces, a balcony and two large decks are just some of the amenities you can enjoy. One garage parking spot included in the price. Live here and you’ll be close to boutique shopping, parks, fabulous restaurants and so much more.

Pet Adoption for April 9, 2011

2011-04-09T07:04:00.001-05:00

Cuddles and Crayola are a pair of playful, shy, sweet, affectionate, inquisitive two-year-old, golden-eyed, sister lap cats looking for a loving home together.

Crayola is a gorgeous Tortoiseshell cat; her sister Cuddles is a Torbie (Tortoiseshell/Tabby-mix). These girls are very loving to people, and to each other. They would love a home where they are the only pets which would allow them to thrive. They do best with older children; they are living in a foster home with adults and a teenage boy who they adore.

Crayola is the more outgoing of the sisters and loves everyone equally. Cuddles adores men.

These cats are very healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines for the next three years, de-wormed, and virus-tested. Their adoption fee of $75 as a pair benefits rescue. To meet and possibly adopt these beautiful felines, please contact their foster mom Heather at tnrferalcatz@yahoo.com or 773-456-7835.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Marcilene is an adorable, active, snugly, friendly, playful and fun, 16-week-old, 23-pound, fawn and white, female Boxer/American Bulldog puppy looking for a loving home.

Marcilene has huge paws and will probably grow to be a 70-pound adult. She is living in a foster home with other dogs, cats, rabbits and children. She loves everyone! She is crate-trained, working on her housebreaking, and learning to sit on command.

Marcilene is healthy, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. She is scheduled to be spayed in April. Her adoption fee of $250 benefits the Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue. To meet and possibly adopt Marcilene, please fill out an adoption application at
http://chicagolandbullybreedrescue.org/application0.aspx

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Misty is an adorable, active, snugly, energetic, friendly, playful and fun, six-month-old, 37-pound, blue and white female pit bull puppy looking for a loving home.

Misty is tail-waggingly friendly and living in a foster home with other dogs and children. She loves everyone – especially children and is living with three kids aged three, seven and nine. She is crate-trained, and doing well with her housebreaking – at least she sits at the door to go out most of the time! Misty knows the command sit and takes treats gently from your fingers.

Mistsy is healthy, de-wormed, spayed, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. Her adoption fee of $250 benefits the Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue. To meet and possibly adopt Misty, please fill out an adoption application at
http://chicagolandbullybreedrescue.org/application0.aspx

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Moggy is an extremely friendly, well-socialized, handsome, happy, playful and loving, 10-month-old, golden-eyed male tuxedo tabby looking for a loving home.

Moggy showed up in a feral trap on the south side of Chicago. His rescuer got him neutered and went to release him post surgery. Instead of flying like a true feral cat, he came back, circled his rescuer, and rubbed all over her legs … “please don’t make me stay outside!” So, she brought him back inside her home where he got along famously with her other cats, and eventually accepted her dogs.

This boy loves being an indoor cat, playing with his catnip toys, and watching TV.

Now, it’s time for Moggy to find his own home. He is extremely healthy, neutered, de-wormed, vaccinated for rabies and distemper, micro-chipped and virus-tested.

To meet and possibly adopt Moggy, please contact his foster mom Yvette at ympina@gmail.com or 773-789-0119. His adoption fee of $75 benefits rescued pets.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Pet Adoption for April 2, 2011

2011-04-02T07:12:00.002-05:00

Curly, Larry and Miller are adorable, friendly, playful and lovable, 14-week-old, pit bull puppies looking for loving homes.

These marvelous puppies super sweet, full of kisses and are quite cuddly. They are crate-trained and on their way to being housebroken because their foster mom has been diligently taking them out every two hours.

They are delightful babies looking for dog-lovers who have the time and energy to housebreak, train and exercise a puppy.

They are healthy, neutered, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on age appropriate vaccines. Their adoption fee of $250 each, or two puppies for $400, benefits Angel4Cause Rescue. You must be at least 25 years old, and live in the state of Illinois to adopt from this rescue.

To meet and possibly adopt any of these pups, please fill out an adoption application at http://www.angel4causerescue.com/Volunteer.html

You can follow up on your application by e-mailing Pat at phangel3@aol.com

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Lucy is an affectionate, shy, loving and extremely sweet, golden-eyed, four-year-old, plush grey female cat looking for a loving home.

Lucy landed at Chicago Animal Care and Control through no fault of her own. This lovely girl has a lovely loud purr but spent her time at the shelter sadly staring at the back wall of her cage … she was so depressed. Luckily a feline lover brought her home as her foster cat so she can live in a home and enjoy having a real family.

Lucy has perfect litter box habits, loves being pet, and doesn’t scratch … not even her scratching post. She chooses one room of the home to hang in … her favorite room in her foster home is that of a teenage boy who she sleeps in bed with. She also loves the mom of the family. She loves riding on her shoulder and getting scratches under the chin.

When comfortable, Lucy loves her toys and treats. She throws her little toy mice in the air, fetches them, and plays with feather toys.

Lucy is very healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and virus-tested. Her adoption fee of $75 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact her foster mom Jen at paigetwo@yahoo.com or 773-612-0588.

To help “Friends” rescue more cats like Lucy from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-265-0601. To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Willow is an adorable, friendly and sweet, golden-eyed, six-year-old, female white tabby cat looking for a loving home.

Willow landed at Chicago Animal Care and Control through no fault of her own. This nice girl was so stressed in a cage for two months that she started pulling out her hair. Luckily a feline lover brought her home as her foster cat so she can live in a home rather than a cage. Willow gets along with the other cat in the home and all her hair has begun to grown back. She is not super active; her real love is people, treats and being pet

Willow uses her litter box and scratching post like a good girl. She is healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and virus-tested. Her adoption fee of $75 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control. To meet and possibly adopt Willow, please contact her foster mom Anne at at cornchip60608@yahoo.com or 312-545-6023.

To help “Friends” rescue more cats like Willow from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-265-0601.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Tucker is a shy, loyal, loving and protective, 15-month-old, 53-pound, male, white pit bull terrier looking for a loving home.

Tucker was rescued in Gary, Indiana, where he must have faced some abuse at the hands of a man. He loves woman and children, but is fearful and hand-shy of men.

Tucker is good with other dogs (especially female) and cats, housebroken, crate-trained, good on leash and loves going for car rides. He knows the commands sit and off, and takes treats gently from your fingers. He really loves the grandchildren of the home and sleeps with the three-year-old on the couch.

Tucker is healthy, de-wormed, neutered, micro-chipped, heart worm-tested, and up-to-date on vaccines. His adoption fee of $200 benefits the Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue. To meet and possibly adopt Tucker, please fill out an adoption application at
http://chicagolandbullybreedrescue.org/application0.aspx

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking the time to look at these animals. They all need a home and if you can help, it be so appreciated. If you know an animal that needs a home, call me at 773.572.6512 and I will do my best to help you and that animal.

Open House 906 Hermitage #2 60622

2011-03-27T06:13:00.023-05:00

I will be hosting an Open House this Sunday, March 27th from 1 to 3pm at 906 Hermitage #2.

Come see this sunny 2 bedroom, 2 bath home nestled on one of the prettiest streets in the East Village. It has the kitchen you want. Stainless steel appliances, marble counter tops and back splashes will allow your creativity to blossom. This home has a nice sized living area, hardwood maple floors throughout, high ceilings and large windows. The master suite has walk-in, organized closets for all your unmentionables. Marble bath, separate shower and tub, double vanity sink, Private deck, and garage parking are just of the other wonderful features this home has.

The best feature this home has is not what's inside, but what is just outside. The neighborhood is very walkable. With a walk score of 89, everything you need is right outside your door. to see what the neighborhood has to offer, click here.

If your looking for a wonderful place in a lovely neighborhood, stop by this Sunday and see what we have to offer.

Pet Adoption for March 26, 2011

2011-03-26T07:06:00.000-05:00

Marshmallow and Graham are a pair of incredibly sweet, playful, friendly, and fun, eight-week-old, kitten siblings looking for a loving home together.

Marshmallow is all white, and her brother Graham is a striped tabby. These gorgeous babies were dropped off at a Chicago shelter in a plastic
container. What are people thinking?

These kittens are luckily very healthy and active. They’ve received their first vaccines and de-worming and are scheduled for their spay and neuter surgeries next month. Their adoption fee of $100 each benefits rescued pets. To meet and possibly adopt them, please contact Sheri at sheri@petraits.com or 312-961-4571.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Phil is an adorable, golden-eyed, black and white, male cat looking for a loving home – preferably with another cat because he LOVES other cats.

This handsome fellow landed at Chicago Animal Care and Control and was taken home as a foster cat so he can live with other cats rather than a cage. He has a little little black goatee and a delightful personality. Phil loves people of all ages and other cats, in fact, for attention he'll come over and head butt you. Phil is about one year old, and a hunky 16 pounds. He loves to wrestle, fetch tennis balls, play hide and seek, and groom other cats.

Phil is healthy, neutered, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and virus-tested. His adoption fee of $75 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control. To meet and possibly adopt Phil, please contact his foster mom Kathy at kbwilson60612@yahoo.com

To help “Friends” rescue more dogs like Monkey from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-265-0601.

If you’ve ever considered fostering a pit bull, please visit CACC this Saturday, March 26th from 8:00 to 10:30 am at 2741 S. Western Ave. in Chicago. The FCACC is hosting a “pittie party” for potential foster caregivers and rescuers. Come for breakfast and meet some puppies and dogs in need of rescue and foster care.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Sweetie Pie is an extremely friendly and energetic, playful, and fun, two-year-old, 40-pound, female, Orapei or Sharpei/Pug looking for a loving home.

This unique-looking girl just adores people. Sweetie Pie thinks she’s a tiny lap dog and will climb into your lap for plenty of kisses and tail wags. So, She’s looking for a dedicated dog-lover to take her under their wing and funnel all that drive into her training and exercise.

Sweetie Pie is very healthy, spayed, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped, heart worm-tested, and on heart worm preventative. Her adoption fee of $250 benefits the rescued dogs of the We Luv Paws Shar Pei Rescue group. To meet and possibly adopt her, you can contact her foster mom Jen at peachesash@aol.com or 630-553-7829.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Tucker is a happy, loving, extremely friendly, playful and energetic, four-year old, 70-pound, Rottweiler/Setter-mix looking for a loving home.

Tucker was relinquished to rescue by a family when the other dog in the home would not accept him. He is great with children (currently living with five kids aged 4 to 17), other dogs and cats … He is fantastic on leash, and loves to go for walks and runs.

He is also well-trained, perfectly housebroken, and well-mannered; he knows the commands sit and down, and takes treats gingerly from your fingers. His only vice is occasionally chewing the kids’ toys (and one remote control). But, if you provide him with his own chewables, he’s great! He has shown no aggression towards anyone and has no food aggression … he’s an all around excellent family pet.

Tucker is very healthy, neutered, heart worm-tested, de-wormed and up-to-date on vaccines. His adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued dogs. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact Ray at colonelchisholm@sbcglobal.net or 847-639-6801. He is living in a foster home in Park Ridge, Illinois.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. These animals all need a home and if you can help, I would really appreciate it. If you know someone who has a pet but they just can't keep them, call me, Thomas Reid @773.572.6512 and I will find a home for that animal. As a member of Realtors to the Rescue I pledge to find a home for every pet that needs one. I encourage you to visit our website and see what we are all about.

Pet Adoption for March 19, 2011

2011-03-19T07:09:00.001-05:00

Allie is a beautiful, friendly, sweet, cuddly, energetic and fun two-year-old, 60-pound, female Doberman/Shepherd/Husky-mix looking for a loving home.

Allie is shy at first, but she loves people and enjoys cuddling up and giving kisses. She also enjoys playing with other dogs. She is housebroken and crate-trained.

Allie knows the command sit and takes treats gently from your fingers. She is quite agile and can jump really high while playing so she may even make a good agility dog. Allie is crate-trained and housebroken when kept on schedule.

To meet and possibly adopt Allie, please contact Samantha at palsplace1@hotmail.com or 773-615-9864. Her adoption fee of $250 benefits the rescued dogs of Pal’s Place. Allie is healthy, spayed, heart worm-tested, up-to-date on vaccines, and micro-chipped.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Honor is very affectionate and enjoys giving her favorite people kisses. Her tail is always wagging and she loves to play with other dogs - especially her foster brother a rottie/lab-mix. She also likes to hang out at home and play with her squeaky toys. She’s a laid-back cuddly girl who loves to snuggle. She’s a loyal dog who bonds tightly with those she loves and trusts.

Honor is well-trained, housebroken, crate-trained, and knows the commands sit, down, come, and takes treats gently from your fingers.

Honor landed at Chicago Animal Care and Control in October. She weighed a skeletal 35 pounds, and had her nine puppies in tow. She was lucky to find a foster home in which to raise her babies. She was a wonderful mom, and all her pups found homes; now it’s Honor’s turn.

Honor is cautious at first in new situations and with new people. But, within minutes, she warms up and is quite trusting. She is looking for patient dog-lovers who will continue her training and be worthy of her trust.

Honor is extremely healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, heart worm-tested, micro-chipped and de-wormed. Her adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control Rescue Group. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact Angela at fcaccfostermom@yahoo.com or 847-809-3816.

To help “Friends” rescue more dogs like Honor from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

Cyrus is a sweet, energetic, happy, playful, cuddly and lovable 33-pound, one-year-old puppyish Beagle/Lab/Shepherd-mix looking for a loving home.

Cyrus walks beautifully on leash and loves everyone he meets – people and other dogs. He is full of tail wags and kisses for all. At home he loves to play with his toys, and fetch balls. It’s like he has two modes … he’s either running and playing or cuddling and snuggling. When my cat hissed at him, he ran away and then barked … I didn’t see anything aggressive at all.

Cyrus rides beautifully in the car. He is crate-trained and housebroken when kept on schedule. He would certainly benefit from some training as he is still puppyish in his manners. He does know how to sit on command and takes treats gently.

To meet and possibly adopt this joyous, goofy fellow, please contact Sheri at sheri@petraits.com or 312-961-4571 His adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued pets. He is neutered, up to date on rabies, bordatella and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped, heart worm-tested and on monthly heart worm preventative.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Rocky is a friendly, lovable and playful four-year-old, 23-pound, male Beagle looking for a loving home.

Rocky loves toys, enjoys the company of other dogs, chases cats a bit, and adores people. He gets under the covers with his foster family in bed.

Rocky is housebroken and detests being crated. He’s good in the car, and quiet in the home except when he’s excited about an upcoming walk. He tries to get all the other dogs (no matter what their age) to play with him. He also loves all people, but probably best with older children.

Rocky is extremely healthy, neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, heart worm-tested, micro-chipped and de-wormed. His adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control Rescue Group. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact Brenda at bjlveggie@yahoo.com or 312-259-0077.

To help “Friends” rescue more dogs like Rocky from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kat at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

Don’t miss the Art for Arf’s Sake Fundraiser, an exhibit and reception to benefit FCACC on Thursday, March 24th from 6 to 8:30 pm at Gallery Provocateur, 2125 N. Rockwell Street in Chicago. For more info, please visit http://www.FCACC.org

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Sandy is an incredibly soft, shy, calm, docile, and sweet, two to three-year-old, 27-pound, female Beagle looking for a loving home – preferably with another dog.

Sandy is housebroken, and detests being crated. She knows the commands sit and paw, and takes treats extremely gently from your fingers.

I’ve never met a more peace-inspiring and amiable dog. She enjoys hanging out on her dog bed, or snuggling with you on the couch. True to her Beagle nature, she can sniff out a snack a mile a way.

Sandy would really be happiest in a home with another dog. She’s not very playful but she really likes to have canine company.

She is very healthy, de-wormed, spayed, up-to-date on rabies, distemper and bordatella vaccines, micro-chipped, heart worm-tested and on preventative.

Her adoption fee of $250 benefits rescued pets. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact sheri@petraits.com or 312-961-4571.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking time to read this post. If you know an animal that could use our help, please call me @ 773.572.6512 and I will do everything I can to find that animal a home.

Trouble with the Banks

2011-03-17T07:12:00.035-05:00

Let me say this right off the bat. Nowadays, most banks are a pain in the ass to work with. Short sales, REOs conventional loans, everything. What should be routine, is taking weeks, even months.

Notice I said most banks. If you need a new home loan or you just want to refinance your current place, I recommend to talk to my friend Ken Dickerson at Wells Fargo. He'll tell what he's going to do and then he does it. He will work with you. No surprises. No Games. No excuses.

Ken, Thank you for your hard work. You do a great job. I will continue to recommend you to all my clients.

Happy St Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Happy St Patrick's Day! Here's a few photos from the parade last Saturday. A great time was had by all. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and get outside! Spring is here!

Pet Adoption for March 5, 2011

2011-03-05T07:07:00.001-06:00

Annie is a sweet, happy, shy, and loving, two-to-three-year-old, 40-pound, female border collie-mix looking for a loving home.

This girl has a wonderful disposition, is gentle and kind with all people, dogs and cats. She even grooms the cat in her foster home. She loves attention, cuddling and gives gentle kisses and plenty of tail wags.

Annie’s foster mom reports that she is perfectly housebroken, smart, food-motivated and gentle when taking treats. She knows her name, has learned to “sit” and go to her bed.

Annie and her two sisters got off to a rough start in life. They were part of a hoarding situation where they didn’t receive much human interaction. When she arrived at the shelter she was timid and unsure. But being in a foster home has allowed Annie to enjoy the simple joys of being a dog like chewing on bones and tossing around stuffed toys. She is becoming more curious, adventurous and playful every day.

Annie is healthy, spayed, de-wormed, up-to-date on vaccines, heart worm-tested, and micro-chipped. Her adoption fee of $200 benefits the dogs of Chicago Canine Rescue.

To meet and possibly adopt Annie, please fill in the CCR adoption application at:
http://ccrf.xenowize.com/index.asp?HTMLPAGE=YES&HTMLREF=cc_AdoptApplication

You can follow up on your application by contacting CCR at info@chicagocaninerescue.com or 773.697.8848.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Brandi is a very gentle, sweet, loving, playful, affectionate and shy, two to three-year-old, 36-pound, female, cinnamon brush coat purebred Shar Pei looking for a loving home.

Brandi is a very quiet girl who has not yet barked in the two months her foster family has had her. She is a bit shy with strangers, but quite lovely and loving with those she loves. She is crate-trained, and housebroken once she’s adjusted to her new home.

Brandi is respectful of children and LOVES to run and play in a fenced-in yard. She prefers people to other dogs.

She is very healthy, spayed, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped, heart worm-tested, and on heart worm preventative. Her adoption fee of $275 goes towards the rescued dogs of the We Luv Paws Shar Pei Rescue group. To meet and possibly adopt her, you can contact her foster mom Jen at peachesash@aol.com or 630-553-7829.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Mikki is a beautiful, friendly, sweet, and playful, three to four-year-old, 10-pound, black and white, female tuxedo Maine Coon cat with gorgeous golden eyes, and a magnificent plume of a tail looking for a loving home.

When a friend became ill it was clear that she could no longer care for all her cats, so I agreed to take Mikki in as my foster. I picked her up last Monday and in a week, she has become so loving and friendly. She talks to me, plays with toys, uses her litter box and scratching post, and is just an all around delightful girl.

Mikki is the kind of cat that greets you at the door, comes when called, and follows you around the house. In her previous home she lived with three other cats. I think she will be fine with other pets upon careful and patient introduction. At first there’s a little bit of hissing and growling – but nothing more that I noticed on her part.

Mikki is extremely healthy, spayed, vaccinated, and virus-tested. Her adoption fee of $75 benefits rescued pets. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact Sheri at sheri@petraits.com or 312-961-4571. She is being fostered in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Pal Joey is a handsome, one to two-year-old, 10-pound (chubby) male Yorkshire Terrier looking for a loving home.

Joey may be best as the only pet in the home. He sometimes gets along with select other little dogs like himself, but not cats, and not larger dogs.

Joey appears to be housebroken and crate-trained. He is healthy, neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and heart worm-tested. To meet and possibly adopt Joey, please contact Rosemary at 773-348-0042. His adoption fee benefits rescued pets.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Rio is a handsome, quiet, very friendly, energetic, playful, and happy 18-month-old, 60-pound, male fawn brindle and white American Staffordshire Terrier looking for a loving home.

Rio is living in a foster home where he has proven to be housebroken, crate-trained, and knows the commands sit, stay, down, crawl, drop it, and roll over. He is especially good about sitting patiently and waiting for a signal before going through doors and crossing the street. His favorite things are a dab of peanut butter, a carrot, or a belly rub. He has done well with children and other dogs.

Rio is full of tail wags and smiles. He loves water, swimming, and would adore a home with fenced-in yard to run and play fetch in. His adoption fee of $200 benefits the rescued dogs of Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue.

To meet and possibly adopt Rio, please fill out an adoption application at http://chicagolandbullybreedrescue.org/application0.aspx and you can follow up by phone at 773.418.3286 or e-mail info@cbbr.info

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you or someone you know is thinking about getting a pet, please consider adopting. There are so many wonderful animals that need a home. If you have an animal you can no longer keep, give me a call, Thomas, at 773.572.6512 and will help find that animal a home. Thank you and have a nice day!

LaSalle Language Academy

2011-03-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

LaSalle Language Academy (K-8), located at 1734 N Orleans, is a highly ranked magnet elementary school right in our neighborhood. If your child attends LaSalle Language Academy, they speak one of the following five languages. Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Chinese are all spoken here. Language is as much a part of that child's education as math, reading, science or social studies. With multi-lingual education as the cornerstone, this school challenges their students to strive for excellence.

LaSalle Language Academy serves 571 students and is ranked 9 out of 10 by Greatschools.org This school is one of the few schools in Illinois to receive this honor.

If this school offers the kind of education you want for your child, contact me at 773.572.6512 or Treid@rubloff.com so we can explore the possibilities.

Pet Adoption

2011-02-26T07:06:00.002-06:00

Mousie is a very sweet and snuggly, three-year-old, green-eyed, female, gray and white tabby cat looking for a loving home.

Mousie gets along beautifully with other cats at the shelter. She was found as a stray and dropped off at the shelter. She was already spayed and micro-chipped, however the chip wasn't registered, so her original family could not be found.

Mousie is very healthy, has all her claws, is spayed, de-wormed, and vaccinated for distemper. Her adoption fee of $55 benefits the cats and dogs of Kendall County Animal Control.

To meet and possibly adopt her, please visit the Kendall County Animal Control Shelter in person at 802 John Street in Yorkville, Illinois. You can e-mail Christine at http://www.blogger.com/cmjohnson@co.kendall.il.us or phone the shelter at 630-553-9256. The shelter is open for viewing and adoption 8:30 am to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and 8:30 to 11:30 on Saturdays.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Jack is a handsome, energetic, playful, and smart, six-month-old, 30-pound, red male pit bull puppy looking for a loving home.

Little Jack is living at a doggie day care where he interacts with and plays with lots of other dogs. When he’s done, he loves snuggling up with his favorite people, or going for walks around the neighborhood.

He is also enrolled in training class. He already has an auto-sit when asked, or if he sees a treat, he also knows stay, down and he comes when called. Jack is learning good doggie manners and takes treats very gently from your fingers.

Jack is looking for a dog-lover who will continue his training. Jack is extremely intelligent and just graduated from “elementary school.” He’s hoping for a family that will encourage him to pursue a masters or PhD! But he’s also athletic and looking to continue his after school sports, and lots of playtime.

He is crate-trained and doing well in his housebreaking. He’s going to be a big boy and he’s still in training, so he’d do best in a home with children over the age of 10.

Jack’s mom was confiscated during a drug raid. He and his siblings were born in a cage at Chicago Animal Care and Control. Jack owe’s his socialization, training and manners to his fabulous foster family.

Jack is very healthy, neutered, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, and de-wormed. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact his foster mom Sue at http://www.blogger.com/sunnysue365@aol.com or 630-542-3559. His adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control. He is being fostered in Lombard, Illinois.

To help “Friends” rescue more puppies from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a dog or cat in your home by contacting Kathleen at http://www.blogger.com/kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

Iggy is an adorable, energetic, playful and friendly, two-year-old, 11-pound, tiny terrier-mix looking for the perfect home.

Iggy is already housebroken and he loves people - including children. He is a clever, and fun fellow who loves attention. He always has a smile on his face and is up for a walk or game of fetch at anytime. He is an “A” student in class having learned sit, stay, down and touch.

Iggy is very treat motivated and would love to continue his training. This sweet boy can be reactive on leash, so he’s looking for a dedicated and patient dog-lover preferably with a fenced-in yard. Iggy would do best as the only pet in the home.

Iggy is very healthy, neutered, de-wormed, up-to-date on vaccines, heart worm-tested, and micro-chipped. His adoption fee of $200 benefits the dogs of Chicago Canine Rescue.

To meet and possibly adopt Iggy, please fill in the CCR adoption application at:
http://ccrf.xenowize.com/index.asp?HTMLPAGE=YES&HTMLREF=cc_AdoptApplication

You can follow up on your application by contacting CCR at http://www.blogger.com/info@chicagocaninerescue.com or 773.697.8848.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Giselle is a beautiful, gentle, snugly, sweet, and petite, one-year-old, dark tortoiseshell cat with a cute little pointy nose looking for a loving home.

When a woman was evicted from her apartment, she left 19 cats behind … poor little Giselle was one of them. She had a litter of kittens and actually helped another cat in the home take care of her kittens.

Giselle is extremely healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, virus-tested, and de-wormed. Her adoption fee of $75 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control Rescue Group. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact Charlie at http://www.blogger.com/cpropsom@sbcglobal.net or 312-203-7950.

To help “Friends” rescue more cats like Giselle from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kathleen at http://www.blogger.com/kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you want a new pet, please consider adoption. There are so many animals that need a home. Thank you.

Election Results

2011-02-23T08:06:00.009-06:00

The results are in from yesterday's elections and Rahm Emanuel has won the mayoral race with 55% of the popular vote. Rahm dominated a crowded field of candidates, preventing a runoff.

I wish our new mayor the best. I know he is capable of leading this city through the tough times that lay ahead.

This election cycle has been the most exciting I've seen in quite some time. With a new mayor and city council, I'm interested to see the direction our leadership will take us.

In the 43rd ward Aldermanic race, there will be a runoff between Michele Smith and Tim Egan, in April.

As for the runoff election in our ward, I'm pleased with the choice of candidates we have. Both Michele and Tim are smart and capable of doing the right thing for our neighborhood.

Remember, don't forget to vote in April!

Pet Adoption

2011-02-19T12:17:00.004-06:00

Daryl is an adorable, affectionate, sweet, and very playful, snugly and friendly, two-year-old, 50-pound, male, Lab/Boxer-mix looking for a loving home.

Daryl was found as a stray; when his original family couldn't be located, this nice dog was put up for adoption. It’s very obvious that Daryl had a loving family at one point. He is housebroken, great with other dogs, knows the commands sit, and down, and takes treats gently from your fingers. He has not been cat-tested. He gives kisses, and he loves to play ball!

Daryl would do well with someone who has the time to for play and exercise. Daryl is very healthy, neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, heart worm-tested, and micro-chipped. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact Gloria at fido@famousfidowholesale.com or 773-907-0305. His adoption fee of $100 benefits the Famous Fido Rescue & Adoption Alliance. To learn more about the Alliance, please watch this video: http://vimeo.com/19709772

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html
Gus is a gorgeous, friendly, playful and fun, two-year-old, male, golden-eyed, black and white tuxedo cat looking for a loving home.

This poor fellow was found on the street emaciated and beat up by other cats. He only weighed five pounds. A cat-lover brought him to a veterinarian who recommended euthanizing him because of his poor condition … but she disagreed. She brought him home, cleaned his wounds, fattened him up, and eventually brought him to another vet to complete his vetting. He is now an incredibly healthy and happy 15-pound cat!

Gus loves people, enjoys playing with his toys … and thoroughly enjoys eating. After being on the street and getting abused by other cats, he is happiest as the one and only feline in the home.

He has excellent litter box habits, lets you clip his nails, and is very well-behaved in the home. Gus is extremely healthy, neutered, vaccinated for rabies and distemper, de-wormed, and virus-tested.

Gus needs at least a week to settle into a new home, so he needs someone who will be patient with him. He is extremely sweet, but he’s incredibly talkative when he first arrives!

To meet and possibly adopt Gus, please contact me directly, sheri@petraits.com or 312-961-4571. His adoption fee of $50 benefits rescued pets.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.petraits.petfinder.com
Lacie is a very beautiful, energetic, happy and playful, two-year-old, 65-pound, female, shepherd-mix looking for a loving home.

Lacie is a spunky girl looking for the usual things that a young dog wants - a dog-lover to take her under her wing to train, exercise, and adore her. She is housebroken, knows how to sit on command, and is good on a leash; she loves to go for walks and runs. She enjoys the company of people of all ages including children, and other dogs, but not cats.

She is very healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, heart worm-tested, de-wormed, and up-to-date on rabies, bordatella, and distemper vaccines.

To meet and possibly adopt Lacie, please contact Ray at colonelchisholm@sbcglobal.net or 847-639-6801. Her adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued dogs. She is currently living in Dwight, Illinois.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Romy and Michelle are a bonded pair of adorable, snugly, sweet and affectionate three-year-old, sister tabby cats looking for a loving home together.

Romy is a talkative, nine-pound, green-eyed, brown tabby. Michelle is a playful, 10-pound, golden-eyed, grey tabby.

These two lovely cats were adopted as kittens and have been loved and well-cared for by their adoring human family. Unfortunately their human mom developed worsening allergies, and asthma. So, the cats had to go to rescue.

When you sit down, Romy and Michelle will come sit in your lap. They are so friendly and dog-like, they even playing fetch! They love each other, sleep together, wrestle and play together. They have two modes … sleeping on the couch, or sprinting around the house. Michelle likes to ride around on your shoulder, and they both are respectful and gentle with children of all ages. They are also good with dogs in the home.

Romy and Michelle have been strictly indoor cats. They use their litter box and scratching post like good girls. They are extremely healthy, spayed, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped and virus-tested … all they need now is a loving permanent home.

To meet and possibly adopt these lovely felines please contact Linda at linda@puppylove-lovecats.org or 312-636-1200. Their adoption fee of $150 as a pair benefits the rescued cats of PLLC Rescue Group.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thanks for taking the time to help these animals that need a home.

Pet Adoption

2011-02-12T06:48:00.003-06:00

Theo is a very handsome, loving, active, snugly and lovable, 18-month-old, male, golden-eyed black and white spotted cat looking for a loving home.

Poor little Theo huddled petrified in the back of a cage at Chicago Animal Care and Control for six months. A volunteer knew that this gorgeous guy would do better in a home environment so she brought him home to foster.

At home, he’s very playful and enjoys playing rough and tumble with other young cats. He loves toys, and he loves to snuggle and purr on his foster mom’s shoulder. Theo is shy at first, but comes around after a short while.

Theo would be fine as an only cat, with other cats, or with a cat-friendly dog. He is great with his litter box and scratching post. Theo is very healthy, neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, virus-tested, micro-chipped, and de-wormed. His adoption fee of $75 helps the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control rescue more pets like Theo. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact her foster mom Sara at sara728@live.com or 561-414-4625. He is being fostered in Chicago.

To help “Friends” rescue more pets like Theo, please consider fostering a rescued dog and cat in your home by contacting Kathleen at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

Don’t miss the Martinis & Mutts Fundraiser on Thursday, February 24th from 7 to 9 pm. For more info, please visit www.FCACC.org

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Sammie is an extremely loving, friendly, fun and happy, three-year-old, 48-pound, female, fawn Pug/Shar Pei-mix or Ori-Pei looking for a loving home.

This beautiful girl never leaves your side. She does well with people of all ages including children. Sammie looks up at you for love and attention and is full of kisses and tail wags. She knows how to sit on command and takes treats gently from your fingers. Sammie has select dog friends in her foster home, but she has not been cat-tested.

Sammie came into Chicago Animal Care and Control as a stray after a recent litter. It’s obvious she was used for breeding. She is housebroken and non-destructive and quiet in the home.

Sammie is very healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, micro-chipped, and heart worm-tested. Her adoption fee of $250 goes towards the rescued dogs of the We Luv Paws Shar Pei Rescue group. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact her foster mom Carol via e-mail for an adoption application at weluvpawsilrescue@yahoo.com and you can follow up on your application or ask additional questions, by phoning after 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, or on weekends at 773-772-9329.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Patches is a beautiful, loving, spunky, snugly and friendly, 14-year-old, female, calico cat looking for a loving home.

Can you imagine living with a cat for 14 years and then giving it up to a shelter? Patches found herself in exactly that situation. Luckily after spending ten days in a cage at Chicago Animal Care & Control, she moved to a loving foster home through the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control.

She has gained a couple pounds and is very comfortable napping in the sunshine, snuggling in her foster mom’s lap for petting, cuddling in bed, and exploring her new household. Patches uses her litter box like a good girl, and the vet says that based on her teeth she may actually be younger than her listed age. She still plays with toys and has a lot of love to give. She would really enhance the life of a feline-lover looking for a sweet companion as the one and only pet in the household.

Patches is being fostered in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. Her adoption fee of $75 will help the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control rescue more pets from an uncertain fate. To meet and possibly adopt Patches, please contact her foster mom, Kathy, at kbwilson60612@yahoo.com

Patches is healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, virus-tested, micro-chipped, and de-wormed.

To help “Friends” rescue more pets like Patches, please consider fostering a needy dog and cat in your home by contacting Kathleen at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

Don’t miss the Martinis & Mutts Fundraiser on Thursday, February 24th from 7 to 9 pm. For more info, please visit www.FCACC.org

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html
Ericka is a charming, playful, active, and fun one-year-old, 40-pound, female, brindle and white Basenji-mix looking for the perfect home.

Ericka LOVES other dogs … big, small, old, young … she works her charm on all. She lives with four other dogs and goes to work with her mom at a doggie daycare. She works the room at play, and snuggles with other dogs at home.

She is crate-trained, housebroken, not a chewer, and not destructive. She loves to hang out and chew on her toys and bones. She knows the commands sit and down, and takes treats gently.

Her foster folks think she would make a phenomenal agility dog. She’s just so agile and motivated. She’d do best in a home with older children and without cats.

Poor Ericka sat in a cage at Chicago Animal Care and Control for three months before she caught the eye of the folks at Lake Shore Animal Shelter. She is healthy, spayed, de-wormed, up-to-date on rabies, distemper and bordatella vaccines, heart worm-tested, on preventative, and micro-chipped. Her adoption fee of $150 benefits the rescued pets of LSAS.

To meet and possibly adopt Ericka, please contact her foster folks: Mike at m8lesch@aol.com or Lisa at L8mills@aol.com or 312-543-0579 or 773-278-4339. She is being fostered in Chicago.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. As always, adoption is best option if you want a pet.

Abraham Lincoln Elementary

2011-02-09T07:06:00.005-06:00

Lincoln Elementary (K-8), located at 615 W Kemper Pl, is one of the few public schools in Illinois rated 9 out of 10 by Greatschools.org. Abraham Lincoln Elementary is home to 661 students. Giving it a student to teacher ratio of 20 : 1. The teaching at Lincoln is a model for other schools in the Chicago public system. Educators set the bar high for their students and help them succeed. Students at Lincoln experience the best possible education.

Lincoln is organized around a School-within-a-School (SWAS) framework. The school inside Lincoln that sets it apart from others is the Ecole Franco-Americaine de Chicago. EFAC is a tuition supported school for native French speakers, allowing Lincoln Elementary to offer a wonderful French language program for the rest of their students. If you are considering Lincoln Elementary for you children, you will not be disappointed.

Pet Adoption

2011-02-06T12:07:00.006-06:00

Olivia is a snuggly, friendly, wiggly, energetic, and adorable, one-year-old, ten-pound, female Chihuahua/Pug-mix (Chuggle) looking for a loving home.

Olivia is good with other dogs and cats. She is very food-motivated and a quick learner. Her foster mom says she is so smart that she learned to sit in five minutes. She is crate-trained, great on leash, and doing well with her housebreaking.

Olivia is very healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and heartworm-tested. To meet and possibly adopt her, please phone, e-mail or text her foster mom Katye at http://www.blogger.com/singsingkitty@yahoo.com or 815-603-1157. Her adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control.

To help “Friends” rescue more dogs like Olivia from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a dog, cat or rabbit in your home by contacting Kathleen at http://www.blogger.com/kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Mick is a very handsome, playful, active and fun, one-year-old white spot tabby cat looking for a loving home.

Mick is a social cat who really needs another cat to play with, roughhouse with, and hang out with. And, as you can see in the photo, he’s good with tiny kittens too!

Mick is very healthy, neutered, de-wormed, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, micro-chipped, and virus-tested. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact Anne at http://www.blogger.com/almaclaren@sbcglobal.net or 773-576-5085. His adoption fee of $50 benefits rescued pets.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Dudley is a very sweet, smooshy, mellow, playful, snugly and lovable, two-year-old, 61-pound, male, brindle and white, Boxer/Mastiff-mix looking for a loving home.

I just love this boy. During our photo shoot, he came over, sat down beside me and snuggled against me … so sweet.

Dudley is living in a foster home where he has proven himself housebroken and crate-trained. His happy little tail just never stops wagging. He is fantastic with children, other dogs and cats. He knows the commands sit, down and shake and takes treats very gently from your fingers.

Brutus is a very sweet, super snugly, playful, and fun, five-month-old, male, golden-eyed, grey and white kitten looking for the home of his dreams.

Brutus is well-behaved in the home, and loves other cats and dogs. He also snuggles into your lap and purrs and purrs. He actually loves to play rough and tumble with other cats, and cat-friendly dogs.

To meet and possibly adopt Brutus, please contact his foster dad Charles at
http://www.blogger.com/cccrailcar@msn.com or 312-953-2610.

Brutus is very healthy, de-wormed, neutered, up-to-date vaccines, micro-chipped, and virus-tested. His adoption fee of $75 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control.

To help “Friends” rescue more kittens like Brutus, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home by contacting Kathleen at http://www.blogger.com/kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

If you could help one of these animals or if you know someone looking to adopt a pet, please forward them this post.

If you know of an animal that could use our help, call me, Thomas Reid, at 773.572.6512. Please make sure to leave your contact information so I can reach you.

Thank you

Blizzard of 2011

2011-02-06T06:57:00.000-06:00

The Blizzard of 2011 has passed and the aftermath is still with us. Overall, the city managed the storm quite well. (Though our alley could use a little work.)

Everyone was in my neighborhood was taking pictures and I was no different. I wish Fullerton avenue was always this calm.

Chicago looked like a winter wonderland. May it be a long time before it happens again.

Prescott Elementary

2011-02-02T07:12:00.002-06:00

Prescott Elementary, (PK-8) located at 1632 Wrightwood, is considered a "neighborhood school" focused on literature and writing. Prescott is committed to a rigorous and high-quality, education, preparing students for high school, college and beyond.

225 students call Prescott home With a 14:1 student to teacher ratio, which is fantastic for any school.

In 2009, Prescott was honoured to have 3 award winning teachers.

2009 Office Max A Day Made Better Teacher - Priscilla Lindsey

2009 Illinois Science Teacher Association Outstanding Teacher of the Year - Kathy Eggert

2009 Golden Apple Award Winner - Jennifer Phares

These are just some of the wonderful teachers who have dedicated themselves to making Prescott Elementary one of the best schools in Chicago.

Newberry Elementary

2011-02-01T07:01:00.000-06:00

Newberry Elementary Math and Science Academy, located at 700 W Willow, is home to 532 students. GreatSchools.org has given this school a 7 out of 10 ranking, making it one of the best schools in Chicago. The teachers and staff should be commended on their achievement.

Newberry is a truly unique school. Here the faculty and students strive for academic excellence in everything they do, stressing math, science, and problem-solving. The teachers provide every student with the resources they need to succeed.

The Kindergarten science lab is one feature of many that stands out in my mind. I think it's so wonderful to expose children at an early age to the wonders of science. This continues all the way through graduation.

If you're thinking of about Newberry Academy for your child, you won't be disappointed.

Interest Rates 01/31/11

2011-01-31T17:19:00.006-06:00

Interest Rates remain unchanged from a week ago.

Conforming Loan amounts Not Exceeding $417,000 - 60 day locks

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.875% APR 5.026%
15 Year Fixed Rate 4.250% APR 4.506%

FHA Loans Amounts Not Exceeding $410,000 -60 Day Locks

30 Year Fixed Rate 4.750% APR 5.314%

Interest rates are at historic lows. If you are looking to buy a home, or refinance your current home, give Ken Dickerson, Home Mortgage Conslutant at Wells Fargo, a call today. He will take the time to expain all your options and find the best solution for you. I recommend him to all my cleints.

Alcott Elementary School

2011-01-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Alcott Elementary, located at 2625 N Orchard, is one of the few schools to earn an 8 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools.org. Louis May Alcott Elementary is home to 465 students allowing a student to teacher ratio of 20 : 1.

Alcott Elementary offers its students a nurturing and challenging environment with a host of extra-curricular activities getting every child involved in his or her education. The Alcott Elementary Mandarin language program has been honored as innovative and creative.

The teachers and parents of Alcott are doing wonderful things right in our neighborhood. If you're looking for a school for your children, Alcott would be a wonderful choice.

Pet Adoptions

2011-01-29T06:38:00.000-06:00

Here are this week's animals that need a home. If you can help, please do so.

Shelly is a beautiful, docile, sweet and loving, one-year-old, medium-haired, female, grey and white cat with magnificent golden/green eyes looking for a loving home.

Shelly is a wonderful lap cat who loves to be brushed and held, which is good because long-haired cats need a little extra grooming.

Shelly is healthy, has all her claws, is spayed, de-wormed, and vaccinated for distemper. Her adoption fee of $55 benefits the rescued cats and dogs of Kendall County Animal Control and includes a micro-chip if requested.

To meet and possibly adopt her, please visit the Kendall County Animal Control Shelter in person at 802 John Street in Yorkville, Illinois. You can e-mail Christine at cmjohnson@co.kendall.il.us or phone the shelter at 630-553-9256. The shelter is open for viewing and adoption 8:30 am to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and 8:30 to 11:30 on Saturdays.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Memphis is an absolutely adorable, gentle, extremely snugly and very friendly, 10-week-old, male, white tabby kitten looking for a loving home.

Little Memphis is big and stocky for his age, so he’s going to be a huge kitty. He is very playful and gets along great with other cats and dogs. He’s often seen running around his foster home playing with his toys with his big white mitten paws.

Memphis was dropped off at Chicago Animal Care and Control and was lucky to get out of a cage and into a wonderful foster home. He is very healthy, neutered, micro-chipped, up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccines, de-wormed, and virus-tested. To meet and possibly adopt him, please phone, e-mail or text his foster mom Katye at singsingkitty@yahoo.com or 815-603-1157. His adoption fee of $75 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control.

To help “Friends” rescue more kittens like Memphis from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a dog or cat in your home by contacting Kathleen at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Jack is a handsome, energetic, playful, strong and smart, five-month-old, 25-pound, red male pit bull puppy looking for a loving home.

Little Jack is living at a doggie day care where he interacts with and plays with lots of other dogs.

He is also enrolled in training class. He already has an auto-sit when asked, or if he sees a treat, and he comes when called. Jack is learning good doggie manners and takes treats very gently from your fingers.

Jack is looking for an experienced dog-lover, familiar with the bully breed who will continue his training. He is crate-trained and doing well in his housebreaking. He’s going to be a big boy and he’s still in training, so he’d do best in a home with adults and teenagers, and best with a female dog in the home, or as an only dog.

Jack’s mom was confiscated during a drug raid. He and his siblings were born in a cage at Chicago Animal Care and Control. These poor puppies grew up with little interaction during their first four months of life. They are taking a crash course in socialization, training and manners thanks to their fabulous foster family.

Jack is very healthy, neutered, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, and de-wormed. To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact his foster mom Sue at sunnysue365@aol.com or 630-542-3559. His adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control. He is being fostered in Lombard, Illinois.

To help “Friends” rescue more puppies from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a dog or cat in your home by contacting Kathleen at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Allie is a beautiful, friendly, sweet, cuddly, energetic and fun two-year-old, 60-pound, female Doberman/Shepherd/Husky-mix looking for a loving home.

Allie is shy at first, but she loves people and enjoys cuddling up and giving kisses. She also enjoys playing rough and tumble with other dogs her size. She pretty much ignores little dogs. She is housebroken and crate-trained.

Allie knows the command sit and takes treats gently from your fingers. She is quite agile and can jump really high while playing so she may even make a good agility dog. Allie is crate-trained and housebroken when kept on schedule.

To meet and possibly adopt Allie, please contact Samantha at palsplace1@hotmail.com or 773-615-9864. Her adoption fee of $250 benefits the rescued dogs of Pal’s Place. Allie is healthy, spayed, heart worm-tested, up-to-date on vaccines, and micro-chipped.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Animals make our lives more enjoyable and fun. If you can help one of these animals find a home please do so.

Old Town School of Folk Music

2011-01-28T07:06:00.001-06:00

What sets the Old Town School of Folk Music, located at 909 W Armitage in Chicago, apart from other music teaching programs is their philosophy that music is for everyone. It's a place where people young and old, from different walks of life, come together to enjoy and make music.

The Old Town School of Folk Music hosts a number of event designed to promote music and community involvement. For example, just about every Friday, they host a six-string social. This evening, January 28Th from 6:30 to 8:00pm The theme will be "Elvis (The Dead One.)" with Andrea Bunch. The cost is just $5. Check upcoming dates and themes on their website. All we need to do now is fix the first string on Maureen's banjo!
Oh yes, check out Different Drummer Music Store next door. It's a great place to buy that first instrument.

Living in a Dream (Home)

2011-01-27T07:19:00.001-06:00

This luxury Lincoln Park home was purchased in 2006 for just under $2.7 million. This home is truly stunning including a state of the art kitchen, sun drenched penthouse with a conservatory and terrace; Everything you could want in a home is here. ( I love the staircase!)

This home was recently put back on the market for $3 Million. A 12% increase in 4 years. When this property came back on the market we knew it would never sell at that price and unfortunately, we were right. I don't want to single out these fine people for the decision they made. They are not alone. This mistake is being made every day by individuals all over the country.

That mistake- "The value of everyone's home went down except mine." In today's market, you can't over price your home if you want it to sell. There are more sellers than buyers and if you're are over-priced, they will pass you by without a second look. The rules of the market apply to everyone.

This may not be the right time for you to sell. If you need to sell your home, price it right.

Talk to an expert; You need someone who will tell you the truth about the value of your home. I will take the time to show just what your home will sell for. If you think I can help you sell your home, call me today at 773.572.6512 or email me at Treid@rubloff.com

Agassiz Elementary

2011-01-25T07:14:00.001-06:00

Agassiz Elementary is, a public magnet school located at 2851 N Seminary, in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Chicago. Agassiz Elementary is home to 355 students. The class size is a very manageable 17 students per teacher.

The teachers at Agassiz promise a nurturing environment for every child where academic excellence is promoted. They certainly deliver in this regard. Neighborhood residents are fortunate to have one of Chicago's finest schools right in their mists.

If you are parent considering Agassiz Elementary you will not be disappointed. Currently, there are 16 family homes and 71 multi-bedroom condos available within the Agassiz attendance boundaries. If you think this neighborhood would be right for you and your family, just give me at 773.572.6512 or e mail me at Treid@Rubloff.com. This is a small, local school that can provide the education your child deserves.

The are a number of merchants who will give anywhere from 4% to 15% of your purchases to Agassiz Elementary. If you would like help Agassiz Elementary raise money for their programs, just follow this link.

Lincoln Hall

2011-01-23T12:12:00.003-06:00

Lincoln Hall, located at 2424 N Lincoln ave, is such a wonderful venue! Maureen and I really enjoyed ourselves last night.

Our thanks to the staff. You make Maureen and I fell right at home every time we come to your place. You go the extra mile for us. Thank you.

We saw Lissie, our favorite Quad city rocker, and she was fantastic! Look out world! We eagerly await her return to Chicago.

Here's a link to her video "When I'm Alone." Enjoy!

Interest Rates for 01/23/11

2011-01-23T06:58:00.000-06:00

Interest rates are up slightly over last week.

Conforming Loan Amount not exceeding $417,000

30 year fixed rate 4.875% APR 5.026%
15 year fixed rate 4.250% APR 4.506%
5/1 ARM 3.250% APR 3.223%

If you are interested in in purchasing a new a home or refinancing your current residence, call Ken at Wells Fargo today.

Ken has worked with a number of my clients and I recommend him to anyone.

Pet Adoptions

2011-01-22T07:30:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone. We have more animals looking for a home. If you are looking to get a dog or cat please consider adopting an animal from your local shelter. There are so many animals that need a loving home. Here are a few we are featuring this week.

Peanut is an utterly adorable, curious, smart, and playful nine-week-old, male, Terrier-mix puppy looking for a loving home.

This adorable puppy was confiscated during a drug bust and landed in a cage at Chicago Animal Care and Control. This lucky boy was able to get into a foster home where he can hang out with other dogs and get a taste of the good life. He is absolutely wonderful with other dogs, and since he’s so young, he should be easy to socialize with cats.

Peanut is a typical puppy in need of daily exercise, training, and housebreaking. He is already quiet in his crate, good in the car and learning to walk on leash.

Peanut is very healthy, neutered, up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccines, micro-chipped, and de-wormed. His adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control Rescue Group.

To meet and possibly adopt Peanut please contact his foster mom Anne at cornchip60608@yahoo.com or 312-545-6023.

To help “Friends” rescue more pets like Peanut, please consider fostering a cat or dog in your home, or making a donation to FCACC by contacting Kathleen at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Maya is a very fast, friendly, cuddly, energetic, and adorable, 18-month-old, four-pound, female Chihuahua looking for a loving home.

Maya is a very sweet dog who gets along with everyone including dogs cats and people of all ages including children. She loves to fetch, play with her toys, and walks nicely on leash. She loves to snuggle under the covers in bed. She is crate-trained and working on her housebreaking.

Little Maya was dropped off at Chicago Animal Care and Control as a stray. She was lucky to get out of a cage and into a wonderful foster home.

Maya is very healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on vaccines, de-wormed, and heart worm-tested. To meet and possibly adopt her, please phone, e-mail or text her foster mom Katye at singsingkitty@yahoo.com or 815-603-1157. Her adoption fee of $95 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control.

To help “Friends” rescue more dogs like Maya from Chicago Animal Care & Control, please consider fostering a dog or cat in your home by contacting Kathleen at kbudrean@hotmail.com or 312-823-9930.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Hercules is a big love of a friendly, bouncy, three-year-old, 70-pound Black Lab-mix looking for the perfect home.

This good-natured fellow was rescued from a high-kill shelter in the South. Hercules knows the command sit, loves to give kisses and play with his toys.

Hercules is fine with some dogs, but can be reactive with some larger male dogs, so he may be happiest as the only dog in the home. He loves to go on long walks and would enjoy a home with a fenced yard to romp.

Hercules would do best in a home with older children as he still enjoys jumping up on people. With a little training this diamond in the rough will be quite the gem. So, he’s looking for someone with the time for training and exercise. Hercules is very healthy, neutered, de-wormed, up-to-date on vaccines, heart worm-tested, and micro-chipped. His adoption fee of $200 benefits the dogs of Chicago Canine Rescue.

To meet and possibly foster or adopt Hercules, please fill out the CCR adoption application at:
http://ccrf.xenowize.com/index.asp?HTMLPAGE=YES&HTMLREF=cc_AdoptApplication

You can follow up on your application by e-mailing info@chicagocaninerescue.com or calling 773.697.8848.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Dash is a very sweet, playful, and energetic, chocolate and vanilla, 18-month-old, 55-pound, male Am Staff Terrier looking for a loving home.

Poor Dash was found as a stray in Gary, Indiana, and was lucky to find a rescue group to take him under their wing.

Dash is friendly and loving with people, and enjoys the company of other dogs his size. He knows the command sit, and takes treats ever so gently from your fingers. He is living in a foster home where he has proven to be crate-trained and housebroken.

He is healthy, neutered, heart worm-tested, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines.

To meet and possibly adopt him, please contact Nancy at plaidpjs@sbcglobal.net or 773-631-8999. His adoption fee of $200 benefits rescued dogs.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Thanks again!

Selling your House

2011-01-21T07:14:00.001-06:00

The other day I recommended you get rid of all that clutter in your house. Today, I'm going to give you a few ideas about what to do with it.
First, stop and visit Buy Popular Demand located at 2629 N Halsted. They specialize in Women's clothing and accessories.

The second place I recommend is Elliott Consignment at either one of their two locations, 2465 N Lincoln Ave or 3015 N Broadway. They specialize in high end Men's and Women's apparel. They are a top rated Ebay seller and their merchandise is always changing. If you're in the mood for shopping, visit both locations because the inventory is different in each shop.

Drop off everything else at The Salvation Army for big tax deduction. Your donations will not go to waste. They are located at 2270 N Clybourn, right in our neighborhood.

Remember, you're moving anyway, so get rid of all the stuff you don't need any more.

3 Dog Bakery

2011-01-20T06:48:00.001-06:00

I asked Promise, my black lab, what local business should I feature today? She promptly dragged me to the 3 Dog Bakery located at 2622 N Halsted. Everyone loves fresh baked goods, even a dog. The 3 Dog Bakery is a fully functioning bakery just for dogs. They bake wonderful treats that are all-natural and healthy for your dog. No salt, sugar, animal fat or chemical preservatives are used in any of their products. Three Dog bakery was started way back in 1989 with a passion to make a dog biscuit that wasn't loaded with preservatives. Over 20 years later, they grown so much! With a full line of treats, you'll find the perfect reward for your pooch.

Selling your House.

2011-01-18T06:43:00.002-06:00

I had a good friend ask me today when is a good time to sell my house? The answer is as soon as you are ready. There is no point in waiting.

Where do you start?

First, You need to declutter your house.

If you haven't used it in the past year, I bet you don't need it. Why not give it away to charity or recycle it?
Pack up your knickknacks.
Start the task of packing your belongings. You'll need to do it anyway.

Second, Depersonalize your house.

Pack up your heirlooms and family pictures. When potential buyers come to your home you don't what them thinking, "I wonder who lives here?" Instead, they should say, "I could see myself living here." Buying a home is an emotional experience. Don't mess it up with your personal mementos.

Thirdly, Make those minor repairs.

Fix everything you've been meaning to fix for years but just kept putting off.
Replace the cracked tiles. Fix the leaky faucet. Repair that door or drawer that never closed right. Caulk the tub. You get the idea.
Consider repainting the rooms neutral colors. Don't make your house memorable for an out-of-date orange bathroom.
As a real estate agent, I remind my clients to look past eyesores. I can tell them those "little items" can be taken care of. Most people have a hard time looking beyond the little things. The market is very competitive today. Don't provide a reason to eliminate your house. Remember, it's an emotional experience.

These are just a few of the things I do to ready a home for sale. If you think I can help you, don't hesitate to call.

MLK Day

2011-01-17T06:50:00.002-06:00

Happy Martin Luther King Day.

I hope you take a few minutes think about how he changed this country for the better.
If he had lived, he would have been 82.

I've enclosed a link to youtube so you can watch the entire "I have a Dream Speech" if you like. After that, I hope you take the time to volunteer in your community.

Take Care!

Pet Adoption

2011-01-15T07:08:00.006-06:00

Hello. It's time to talk about all the animals that need homes. If you can help, it would be appreciated so much. Thank you.
Wills is a cuddly, snugly, playful and lovable, one-year-old, 10-pound, male Border Terrier-mix looking for a loving home.

Wills loves dogs, cats, people and squeaky toys. He is housebroken and crate-trained. His foster mom says he’s a prince of a dog.

This sweet boy was found as a stray in Chicago with a fractured leg. He had orthopedic surgery and is supposed to regain full use of his leg.

To meet and possibly adopt Wills, please contact Samantha at palsplace1@hotmail.com or 773-615-9864. His adoption fee of $250 benefits the rescued dogs of Pal’s Place. Wills is healthy, neutered, heart worm-tested, up-to-date on vaccines, and micro-chipped.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit: http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Trixie is a lovable, friendly, sweet, and very handle able, three to four-year-old, female, full-figured, orange tabby cat with golden eyes looking for a loving home.

Trixie is good with most other cats and is snugly and affectionate with people.

Trixie is healthy, spayed, de-wormed, and vaccinated for distemper. Her adoption fee of $55 benefits the rescued cats and dogs of Kendall County Animal Control and includes a micro-chip if requested.

To meet and possibly adopt Trixie please visit the Kendall County Animal Control Shelter in person at 802 John Street in Yorkville, Illinois. You can e-mail Christine at cmjohnson@co.kendall.il.us or phone the shelter at 630-553-9256. The shelter is open for viewing and adoption 8:30 am to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and 8:30 to 11:30 on Saturdays.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Peaches is a very sweet, well-behaved, and lovable one-year-old, 30-pound, chocolate and vanilla female Pit Bull-mix looking for a loving home.

Little Peaches looks like a pocket pit bull. She’s perfectly proportioned but just half size.

Peaches gets along with other dogs, not sure about cats. She’s crate-trained and doing well on her housebreaking. She knows the command sit and takes treats gently.

Peaches is healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, de-wormed, and up-to-date on vaccines. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact Samantha at palsplace1@hotmail.com for an adoption application, or her foster mom Sandi with any questions at sandifitz@yahoo.com or 773-991-4004. Her adoption fee of $200 benefits the rescued dogs of Pal’s Place.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit: http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Fiona is a very timid and shy, sensitive and loving six-month-old, 35-pound, female Great Dane-mix looking for a loving home.

Fiona loves people and is full of kisses and tail wags. She also enjoys the company of all the other dogs in her foster home.

Fiona is very fearful at first in new situations and needs a true dog-lover to take her under their wing for training to boost her confidence.

Fiona is very healthy, spayed, micro-chipped, de-wormed, and up-to-date on vaccines. To meet and possibly adopt Fiona, please contact Samantha at palsplace1@hotmail.com for an adoption application, or her foster mom Sandi with any questions at sandifitz@yahoo.com or 773-991-4004. Her adoption fee of $250 benefits the rescued dogs of Pal’s Place.

To see other pets for adoption, please visit: http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter72998-pets.html

Oscar Mayer Magnet School

2011-01-14T07:05:00.000-06:00

Oscar Mayer Magnet school, located at 2250 N Clifton Ave, is home to 472 students. Oscar Mayer is Montessori school. The program begins with pre-school children starting at 3 year old. This promotes a well rounded education featuring Music, Art, Drama, Spanish and Physical Education. Children are not separated by age so they can learn from one another. This method allows children to develop at their own pace.

The most interesting aspect of Oscar Mayer elementary is their garden. Each class has their own garden plot. One class has even planted a salsa garden! With the help of Depaul students, the kids learn about biodiversity, worm bins, pollinators and what plants are native to our area. ( I wonder how they handle summer vacation?)

Finally, I would like to congratulate all the students for their devotion to recycling. Good job!
If you would like to see how this school ranks against other schools in Chicago, click here!

Bunches Flower Shop

2011-01-13T07:24:00.001-06:00

Here's another local gem I think you should know about. The place? Bunches Flower Shop located at 2456 N Lincoln Ave. Bunches has been in business in the Lincoln park area for over 35 years. Marc has owned the shop for over 10 years.

Holiday candles are currently on sale!

Do you need to know the history and meaning of each flower before you buy it? Marc and his staff can answer those questions for you.

Fresh flowers of every variety, every day.

Philip is the man I turn to when I need help with a floral arrangement. He knows his stuff and always has time for me. He makes me and Maureen feel special. Talk to him today. You won't be disappointed!