http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/ http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/229/statistical-snapshot-andersonville/ 2010-10-31 14:26:06








]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/221/looking-for-a-parking-space-garage-spot-in-chicago/ 2010-10-22 07:43:32
click here
Knowing the winter months are ahead, people who have cars without parking, tend to look for a space (who wants to park on the snowy streets or search for a spot in a blizzard..only to find one 4 blocks away, right!?!). More importantly, if you are trying to sell your home in urban city like Chicago & you don't have a parking space to sell, check out this website "parking spotter". Selling a property w/ a parking option just opens up your audience of prospects. And....of course, if one has a VW bug as cute has this one...we would want to protect it from the Chicago cold winters too!
]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/219/andersonville-takes-going-green-to-the-next-level/ 2010-10-17 18:36:09
Go Green! Reduce your Carbon Footprint! Save the Earth! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

These calls to action are prominent in almost every aspect of our lives. We know we only have one planet on which to live, so why not clean it up a bit. These goals are alive in our homes, our work places, schools, and especially within our neighborhoods. The neighborhood of Andersonville on Chicago's north side, has taken "going green" a step further.

The Andersonville Development Corp and the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce have put together a "Code of Green" to further strive for environmental responsibility within the community's plethora of small businesses and local services.

"The business owners and community groups and even our organizations had been already
doing 'green things' and really caring about the environment," said Sara Dinges, managing
director of the Andersonville Development Corp.

Recognizing that sentiment, the Andersonville Development Corporation in December 2007
formed a committee to research ways neighborhood businesses could become green
certified. Unsatisfied with existing projects, in 2009 the committee launched
eco-Andersonville, which has three components: environmental, economic and social."

The full breakdown of this inspiring movement can be found at http://www.eco-andersonville.org/. This is also the location through which local merchants and community members can access and find out what they can do to promote environmental responsibility within their lives!

For the full article from the Chicago Tribune, ]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/216/you-have-a-voice-for-positive-change-in-your-community/ 2010-10-15 11:29:34
Do you have a house that is dilapidated like this one in our neighborhood and is affecting your ability to sell? This pink victorian (that once was probably the crown jewel of the community) in Ravenswood / Uptown area was sold to a developer a few years ago (yes, height of the market). We have been told the home is to be taken down for a very long time. We have reached out to our local Alderman who will be hosting a community mtg to discuss. If you have issues in your neighborhood...reach out to your local Alderman for assistance. Want to know who your Alderman is? Go to http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/about/council.html/. Your Alderman is your resource working with you to make positive improvements to all of our Chicago neighborhoods.
]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/206/uptown-playlot-awarded-tif-funds/ 2010-09-30 11:13:29
The Uptown neighborhood in Chicago's north east side has been undergoing myriad changes over the past few years. Along with a major revitalization of Clark Street from Foster to Montrose, a small Uptown playlot has received a $1,000,000 TIF grant to improve and modernize. The following article from the Chicago Park District explains:

"The Chicago Park District's Board of Commissioners voted today and approved to enter into intergovernmental agreements with the City of Chicago that accepts the transfer of $31,602,000 in tax increment financing (TIF) funds for the reimbursement of funding for various park projects.

The City of Chicagois authorized under the provisions of the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act to finance projects that eradicate blight conditions and conservation factors that could lead to blight through the use of tax increment allocation financing for redevelopment projects. The City of Chicago has set aside TIF funds in certain TIF districts for the acquisition, development or enhancement of existing parks."


Buttercup Park, 4901-03 N. Sheridan Rd.
TIF funds: $1,000,000
TIF: Hollywood/Sheridan
Purpose: playground
Neighborhood: Uptown Community Area (48th Ward)

click here for the full list of parks who have received TIF funding to promote revitalization!]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/202/beautiful-lakeview-3-bedroom-duplex-take-a-tour-on-youtubecom/ 2010-09-19 22:18:56
Click here to take a tour of our listing at 3348 N. Sheffield, Unit 1N. ]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/200/film-festival-for-the-environment/ 2010-09-13 20:41:55
We all care about our environment, right? Do you love independent films as much as we do too? Join the Dorger McCarthy group on Wednesday, October 6th for the Environmental Law and Policy Center's Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival at Columbia College. Just click on the link on our home page to learn more about it and watch a "teaser" trailer below! Tickets are on us!

]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/194/andersonville-farmers-market-final-five-days/ 2010-09-07 09:53:07
Only five more Wednesdays of the season to take advantage of the Andersonville Farmer's Market! This Wednesday the 8th is the final day the market will be open until 8pm.
September 8th from 3:00-8:00PM
Also, listen to the Merry Music Maker Fancy Contraption for some beautiful folk tunes while you shop.

After that, the hours for the remainder of the season are:
September 15-October 6
3:00-7:00PM

The Andersonville Farmer's Market is located on Berwyn between Clark and Ashland. Go pick up some artisan cheese, some heirloom tomatoes, fresh cut herbs and have a great time!
For more information, visit the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce website.

]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/189/easy-on-the-wallet-great-for-the-home/ 2010-08-30 11:38:28













]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/182/weekly-stats-river-north/ 2010-08-24 12:30:18
River North is located directly north of the loop and is bound by Chicago Ave (800N), the Chicago River (300N), State Street (0 E/W), and the Chicago River (400-600W).

River North is a very artsy neighborhood that is known for its plethora of art galleries. People flock to the intersection of Superior and Huron on Fridays for new exhibits, which is sometimes referred to as "SUHU." There is also an abundance of nice restaurants and trendy nightclubs in the area. Themed restaurants like the Rainforest Café and The Hard Rock Café find their homes in River North.

The Merchandise Mart, which is a first-class shopping center, is also in River North. The combination of the mixture of attractions in River North and its proximity to the Magnificent Mile and the Loop make it a highly desirable place to live.

River North is an interesting blend of architecture and transformation. Former warehouses have been converted to loft residences, and new townhouses and mid-rise condominium developments are attracting urban dwellers who love the proximity to the Loop and the Financial District.

The CTA "brown" elevated train line is accessible at the Franklin stop in River North. This elevated train circles the loop allowing open access to downtown. There are also busses that run on Chicago, Grand, and State Streets.

Statistics for River North so far this year are as follows:
From 1/1/10 through 3/31/10, there were 86 total attached units sold with an average sale price of $463,508 at a 97% ratio of sale price to list price.

From 4/1/10 through 6/30/10, there were a total of 167 attached units sold with an average sale price of $$393,772 at a 98% ration of sale price to list price.

Though it appears that the second quarter shows a drop in average sale price, that is only due to the doubling of units sold. There were almost twice as many 2 bedroom units sold along with a 100% increase in studio/jr 1 bedroom sales in the second quarter thus lowering the average sale price. However, the total number sold as well as the sale price to list price increase show a positive upswing for the neighborhood!


]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/170/iar-says-illinois-home-sales-up-10-months-in-a-row-chicago-region-a-full-year/ 2010-08-02 18:16:22
According to the Illinois Association of Realtors and PN Newswire of United Business Media, "Illinois Home Sales Up 10 Months in a Row, Chicago Region a Full Year"!

An excerpt from the article talks about Chicago's growth:

"In the city of Chicago, June total home sales (single-family and condominiums) were up 27.5 percent to 2,526 sales compared to 1,981 homes sold in June 2009, the tenth consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The city of Chicago median price in June 2010 was $234,250, down 3.2 percent compared to $242,050 a year ago in June 2009. We see an increase in the number of units sold in June 2010 over the same period last year, increasing the year-to-date number of homes sold in Chicago by 41 percent for the first half of 2010 versus 2009," said REALTOR® Genie Birch, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and a broker associate with Koenig & Strey Real Living, Chicago. "We believe this is a positive indicator that Chicago's housing market is stabilizing. Motivated buyers and sellers are working toward realistically closing deals at current market values."

Great news! For the full article, click here]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/166/point-of-view-streeterville/ 2010-07-18 22:37:00
Really, the question should be, what can't you do in Streeterville because the list of events and activities could go on and on. Streeterville is described by their Chamber of Commerce as located between the River, the Beach, the Lake and the Mile. Wow! Navy Pier? Got it! Architectural Boat Tours? Done! Some of the world's best shopping on the Magnificent Mile? Gotcha!

As Streeterville sits on the eastern side of Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile, you know there are tons of things to do!Journey to the top of the world and look out over Lake Michigan or the rest of Chicago from observation deck at the John Hancock center. Take a romantic horse and carriage ride with your sweetie! Longing for a little sophistication? Streeterville serves as the home of the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) located at 220 E. Chicago, which brings culture to the fore! As Chicagoans are blessed with the Art Institute, oftentimes the MCA gets overlooked. It is absolutely filled to the brim with beauty, oddity and curiosity for old and new art lovers alike. If you haven't yet been or it's been quite a while, the MCA is a Streeterville MUST! http://www.mcachicago.org/index.php

At the western boarder of Streeterville sits The Magnificent Mile. This stretch of Michigan Avenue showcases some of the best shopping not only in the city but the world as well. Even if you're not in the market for some hot Manolo's, Streeterville can dazzle you with window shopping to your heart's content.

What's another great thing to do in Streeterville? Dine, dine, dine! The list below throws out a few quick ideas to please your pallet after an afternoon in Streeterville.

Fox & Obel—one of my favorite Streeterville attractions could fit in either the dining or the shopping category. Fox & Obel's markets and café are playgrounds for foodies, chefs, and new cooks alike. Visit their charcuterie & smoked fish section before strolling over to their artisan bakery, don't forget to pop by the café for a bite and the spirits shop to wash it down! Sweets and savories, drinks and dinners make this a one stop delicious shop in Streeterville. http://www.fox-obel.com/

To bring it down a notch, stop by MBurger at 161 E Huron St. The super basic burger centric menu offers a no frills LOW price lip smacking burger and fries to satisfy even the hungriest Streeterville shopper. Also, the most expensive thing on their small menu is the Double M Burger featuring bacon, cheese, and secret M sauce for $4.49! Can it get any better? www.mburgerchicago.com

Feel like falling back to the 70's? Well, come and knock on the Reagle Beagle's door at 160 E. Grand. The place is a kitsch-lover's dream with photos of Three's Company, Mel's Diner, The Brady Bunch & more adorning the walls with sliders or sandwiches arriving at the wood paneled booths. Fun, not too expensive, little bar offering good pub food, fun music (sometimes a sing-a-long) and happy patrons. Fun! http://www.reaglebeaglechicago.com

If you feel like matching the sophistication after wandering around Bulgari or Louis Vuitton , pop over to 505 N. Michigan for a superb sip at Eno Wine Room. This high end wine bar also specializes in gourmet cheeses and chocolates. Yum! http://www.enowinerooms.com/
]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/164/the-surprisingly-unsavory-history-of-streeterville/ 2010-07-09 09:16:10
This may indeed shock you but according to the Streeterville Chamber of Commerce, the history of this now beautiful, high-end neighborhood is filled with land fraud, illegal construction waste dumping, gun battles and myriad trials. The history of Streeterville dates back to around 1886 when a man named George "Cap" Streeter and his wife, Maria were confirming the seaworthiness of their boat in Lake Michigan off of the Chicago shores. The couple originally planned to test the boat in the lake before heading to Honduras to become gunrunners. As it happens, plans changed and they decided to make a sandbar off of Michigan Avenue their home. According to Cap Streeter, a strong storm grounded their boat on said sandbar and instead of repairing and moving on, the husband and wife team decided to claim the sandbar as their property and live on the boat. There is some debate on the truth behind the storm claim as good weather was reported during the time surrounding Streeter's landing.

Per the Streeterville Chamber of Commerce:
"After the great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city was rapidly growing and developers were looking for a place to dump their construction waste. Although Streeter did not have the authority to do so, he charged developers to use the sandbar and surrounding area as a waste site. It quickly filled up with debris and Streeter started renting out the land, leading to the establishment of a shantytown. However, the wealthy landowners around "Streeterville" were worried that the shantytown would lower the property value of the area and fought to get rid of it."

In 1889, the Chicago Police attempted to forcibly remove Maria and Cap but were held off by gun play (remember the couple's original career path?) and the Streeters remained on their boat and surrounding land. Multiple law suites were filed by wealthy neighbors of "Streeterville", land developers Kellogg Fairbanks and Potter Palmer (of the famed Palmer House) continually battled while attempting to construct Lake Shore Drive and eventually removed Streeter and his pals from the land. However, after Palmer's death 1902, Streeter regained control of the land with an armed militia. Finally after days of fighting, the Chicago Police succeeded in permanently removing George "Cap" Streeter, Maria and their armed accomplices from the land.

It wasn't until the late 1920's when the Michigan Avenue Bridge was completed that the value of Streeterville real estate began to skyrocket. From that point on, Chicagoans and visitors alike see Streeterville as a stunning beauty and a gem in the crown of the city. Few know the sordid history behind Chicago's most luxurious neighborhood.
]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/161/ooohhhh-say-can-you-seeeeee-chicago-fireworks/ 2010-07-02 11:12:11
Fourth of July is meant to remind us, as a nation, of our ancestors' fight for independence from the British colonizers. However, for me, Fourth of July has always meant one thing… FIREWORKS! So when I heard the Independence Day Eve fireworks display at the Taste of Chicago was cancelled this year, I went on a mad quest for replacement colorful explosions to satisfy my child-like need to "Ohh and Ahhh".

See the short list below to fulfill all of your 4th of July pyrotechnic needs this Sunday.

Navy Pier Fireworks
9:00pm

Forest Park- Park District Fireworks
9:15pm

Evanston Fireworks
9:15pm

Edgewater Neighborhood Fireworks
9:00pm

Palatine Hometown Fest
9:30pm

Berwyn, Il Fireworks
8:45pm

For more information including direction and transportation option on the events listed above along with countless other options, festivals et al, click here!]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/160/weekly-stats-north-center/ 2010-06-30 18:59:25
We keep hearing negative home sale statistics from the national media. There is a general negative trend in the national market. However, not all neighborhoods are the same. Below I have detailed sales statistics pulled from the Multiple Listing Service for the North Center neighborhood on Chicago's north side. North Center is a larger neighborhood comprised of sub-neighborhoods. These include St. Ben's, Roscoe Village and West Lakeview. North Center is bound by Diversey (2800N), Montrose (4400N), Ravenswood (1800W) and the Chicago River (2700W).

Small businesses and distinctive shopping in each sub-neighborhood makes living in North Center ring with vibrancy. The schools are well-renown throughout Chicago and the stable economy in North Center attract families to the area.

North Center's location enables open access to the surrounding neighborhoods and an easy commute downtown. Most streets are tree-lined and there is an abundance of large public parks. The Chicago River runs through North Center and offers pristine views and complements many of the parks which are home to numerous sports and recreation activities.

Each area in North Center has a distinctive style of housing. St. Ben's is a popular, well-established community that is characterized by brick two-flats and frame single-family homes. Roscoe Village, with its small-town feel, has older single-family homes, renovated (and un-renovated) two- and three-flats, newer townhomes and loft conversions.

See table below for details on the positive sales trend when comparing March 2010 through June 2010. As you can see, the number of Sold listings is steadaly rising. Also the pricing, especially on attached listings, is closer to the final sales prices. This bodes well for the comming months in regards to home sales within this great Chicago neighborhood.

Detatched Units (Single Family Homes)
Month||# New|| Avg. New OLP||# Sold|| Avg. Sale $|| Avg. Days||
Mar-10|| 3 || $966,333 || 6 || $788,000 || 144 ||
Apr-10 || 26 || $1,063,884 || 8 || $591,432 || 110 ||
May-10 || 32 || $803,720 || 13 || $917,332 || 103 ||
Jun-10 || 43 || $943,453 || 24 || $704,608 || 120 ||

Attached Units (Condos, Townhomes)
Month||# New|| Avg. New OLP||# Sold|| Avg. Sale $|| Avg. Days||
Mar-10 || 9 || $409,866 || 13 || $387,615 || 117 ||
Apr-10 || 65 || $386,527 || 41 || $359,493 || 106 ||
May-10 || 41 || $404,929 || 43 || $386,271 || 164 ||
Jun-10 || 53 || $379,091 || 54 || $403,689 || 110 ||
]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/153/weekly-stats-lakeview/ 2010-06-14 11:00:53


May Property sales in Lakeview were 194, up 56.5% from 124 in May of 2009 and 27.6% higher than the 152 sales last month. May 2010 sales were at a mid level compared to May of 2009 and 2008. May year-to-date sales of 570 are running 42.9% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 399.

]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/151/point-of-view-lakeview/ 2010-06-09 10:05:07
This Saturday, June 12th, stop by the Nettelhorst School Yard Sale in Lakeview! The Louis Nettelhorst School has been open since 1892 in the same lovely brick building on Melrose and Broadway, just north of Belmont. As a CPS community school, Nettelhorst focuses on multiculturalism as well as the arts. Families and local merchants alike support the school by bringing some fun vintage wares to the sale. All proceeds go directly back into the classrooms. Nettelhorst School offers educational opportunities for children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and you can help! As a Lakeview fixture and a haven for kids of all kinds, the Yard Sale is an opportunity to support a great school while searching for a new favorite trinket or toy!]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/149/five-pubs-of-note-lincoln-park/ 2010-06-07 09:06:13
When planning evening adventures in Lincoln Park, one often thinks of what bar to visit. Sadly, many bars in the neighborhood have overly boisterous crowds, overpriced drinks and standing room only. I've put together a small list of atypical bars in this great neighborhood. These five bars best match the lovely understated side of Lincoln Park.

Rose's Lounge
2656 N. Lincoln Ave
Rose, namesake and proprietor, has been in the same spot since the 70's. She still pours her $1 pints for her low-key clientele with a friendly, down-to-earth smile. This establishment could be classified, happily, as a dive bar. Not the kind of dive that makes you long for hand sanitizer rather the kind that makes you think you've stepped into the past. This fun throw back offers cheap drinks, eclectic décor, laid back patrons, and a jukebox playing old 45's. Rose's Lounge is comfortable respite in Lincoln Park.

Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Low lights, rock and roll, biker jackets and a selection of almost 50 bourbons aren't the descriptors of a typical Lincoln Park bar. This bar features ever-changing selections from local artists and varying musical styles (though punk often takes a step forward). From mohawks to ball caps, button-downs to cowboy boots all from Lincoln Park and beyond are welcome and enjoy Delilah's.

Rocks Lincoln Park
1301 W. Schubert Ave.
Don't let the name fool you. This is not a music centric bar but a good food (um, fried mac-n-cheese bites anyone?), great drinks, sports bar in an out of the way location. The signature 2x2" ice cube Rocks tosses in your drink melts less quickly than multiple cubes while keeping your whiskey perfectly chilled. At least six large flat panels showcase ESPN even while the lovely warmth of the wood fixtures give Rocks a certain old-fashioned appeal. The wide selection of spirits, fantastic beer garden and yummy edible offerings make this a great Lincoln Park bar.

Vintage 338
338 W. Armitage
Well finally, a reasonably priced wine bar in Lincoln Park! This small establishment offers a large selection of wine by the bottle or glass from France, Italy and Spain along with a hefty selection of spirits and micro-brews. Clean, modern décor and easy sophistication lend comfort to the 25 seat spot. This is a good place to stop by for a few glasses of wine with old friends to catch up or perhaps a new friend you're just getting to know!

Wise Fools Pub
2207 N. Lincoln Ave.
This is a dog friendly bar. I repeat, this is a DOG FRIENDLY BAR! Who know? As a dog owner and lover, I am often looking for a place my fuzzy friends and I can enjoy. Along with being animal lovers, Wise Fools also has a blues history. For over twenty years, blues greats Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor graced the brick-walled stage here. Since that time, Wise Fools has been modernized but still offers sports watching and beer drinking with your human and canine friends in Lincoln Park.


If you haven't been to these great, hidden gems, take time away from your usual routine and check out something new in Lincoln Park. If you have, perhaps this is a reminder to make a return trip. Cheers!
]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/148/point-of-view-lincoln-park/ 2010-06-03 23:03:01
Point of View: Lincoln Park

The official start of summer is right around the corner. Since there are only two weeks left to savor the cool breezes of spring, you may be wondering how best to enjoy the great weather while playing in the great neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

I offer two ideas to help you take full advantage of Lincoln Park's outdoor charm before the summer heat moves in.

The first suggestion will benefit both body and soul. The Children's Memorial Hospital's Race for the Kids 5K run/walk is a family activity that gets you up and moving while helping out a worthy cause. The race starts at Soldier Field, travels up the stunning lakefront path and ends at Lincoln Park for live entertainment, food and family fun in the sun! You can raise money and your heart rate while enjoying the beauty of the Chicago skyline and the glorious lakefront. After the 5k, you get to play in the park while listening to live music. How great is that?
For information on registering, donating or participating with the event in any way click here for more info on the race as well as Children's Memorial Hospital.

The second idea is to visit the often overlooked Notebaert Nature Museum located on Cannon and Fullerton. Across from the zoo and nestled between marshy lake inlets and bustling Lake Shore Drive, the Nortebaert takes you somewhere beautiful every time you visit.

On Thursdays and Saturdays at 11.a.m., the museum offers guided nature tours of Lincoln Park showcasing surprisingly diverse wildlife tucked into the picturesque urban oasis of the park. The Nature Museum also offers workshops, crafts, yoga classes, butterfly expeditions and so much more! Please click here for additional details on programs and all of the great activities Lincoln Park's nature museum has to offer!
]]> http://www.thedorgermccarthygroup.com/blog/144/the-end-of-the-tax-credit/ 2010-05-20 19:40:16
Weekly RE-Update: Real Estate Market Update

Heads up fellow Chicagoans because the real estate market is still on the move! According to the popular real estate website Trulia.com, home sales in the Chicago metro are up 33.5% over last month.

What does this mean for you? Well, as with many in the real estate profession, we at The Dorger McCarthy Group were curious to see what the end of the tax credit would bring. Media speculation and economic uneasiness caused many to think the end of the Obama First Time Homebuyer Credit would cause a sharp drop in the number of real estate sales transactions. However, as of May 12th, the Chicago area has shown a continued positive trend.  Additionally, a national survey published on Reuters showed 61% of survey respondents cited low interest rates as the top factor in their decision to purchase real estate rather than the tax credit.

This spells good news for both home buyer as well as sellers!
]]>