Tuesday, October 28, 2014

A Porch Light Away From A Deal



Through a Chicago plane window at night












As my mid-evening flight descended over the low-slung grid of Chicago South Side bungalows and skipped along the runway at Midway International, it occurred to me (as it always does) that every light below was a property that had been--at one time or another--listed, bought, or sold (several times over in most cases) to a prospective real estate client. In other words: offers submitted and accepted; escrows established; documents transferred and recorded; checks cashed and written. In even other, simpler words: deals were done. At the very least, leases were executed.

Ever wonder where your next deal or purchase is coming from? The answer may be as close as the light switch to your neighbor's porch light. You just have to see it from the correct perspective.

There, and of course, an easy access Chicago MLS search engine.
















Thursday, October 23, 2014

Abando-minium Alternative

$1500 House

One of the cheapest houses listed on the Chicago MLS.  (No need to call for more details. LOL)
OK...it's $1,500.00. The perfect 'Abando' Alternative. EZ Street Parking.
                                   










And as an old football coach once told me, "Petro, if nothing else, you can always serve as a good bad example!"






Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Chicago's Old Town Funny Bone

Chicago Second City in Chicago Old Town neighborhood
'Better Call Saul!'



(or maybe wander upstairs one evening and check out my buddy, Tim O'Malley's aspiring group of Second City talent.)








Free Chicago Mobile MLS App

My Mobile Chicago MLS App






















I have a nifty new Chicago MLS mobile app that I'm happy to forward on for free.  Search for properties around wherever you're standing, or for any Active Listing in Northern Illinois.  It's a smart phone thing so you can text, tweet, or email me and I'll get it right to you. Then, just open the app in your mobile browser and click the link. Easy like Sunday morning.  Or, if your internet DOC is at a big fat desktop, then click the link below for the same results--only bigger and shinier. Perfect  for a 2 bedroom condo listings search.



Geno Petro | Chicago Realtor



Sunday, October 19, 2014

New Listing Photo Shoot Hint #2

That Funky-Ass Kitchen ---

Underwear in Dishwasher (funny)

















I've shown 10,000+ Chicago apartments, condos, and houses over the past 15 years; upper-bracket luxury, REO deplorable, and everything in between. Without a doubt, the kitchen is the first spot everyone gravitates to. Funny how buyers are reluctant to peek into the master bedroom closet but won't think twice about yanking the fridge and dishwasher doors open to take a peek inside.  Even in the nastiest hovel. They can't help themselves.

So here are a few tips for you man cavers (most other sellers already know this) about getting your kitchen photo-ready and show-able to the non-man-cave public.

1) Empty the dirty dishes from the sink and scour the counter tops. Duh.

2) "Stage" the inside of your refrigerator: ditch the half-empty take-out boxes and back-wash juice containers. Re-arrange the few things (beer and hot sauce selection) that remain.

3) Defrost the freezer and neatly stack all your frozen pizzas, 99 cent burritos, and microwave dinners. Toss all the half-used corn and mixed vegetable bags and re-locate your ganja stash to a less conspicuous place. (Hint--not in that carved wooden Welcome to Jamaica "jewelry" box on the living room coffee table, either. In fact, ditch the coffee table too, while you're at it.)

4) Open each kitchen cabinet and---well, figure it out.

5) Organize your spoon, knife, fork, plate, and collection of Chicago Bears Big Gulp containers. Toss all previously used red Solo Cups.

6) Put the litter box (we know, you're really a 'dog' person--your ex stuck you with the cat after your last lame Valentine's Day gift) behind the sofa or something.

7) Empty the damn trash.

And finally, as previously advised in my last post, The Can, keep it this way until you get an offer and the home inspection is complete.









New Listing Photo Shoot Hint #1

The Can ---

Geno Petro bathroom

















Okay all you man cave condo sellers: toilet seats down and scrubbed clean (or at least, disinfected). Blast the shower tiles, grout, and moldy basin corners with Lysol and wipe the hair--long, short, and otherwise--from the sink, tub and all other visible surfaces.

Empty that nasty little trash basket next to the vanity and spray some Windex on the mirror, for crissakes. Oh, and a new shower liner would be nice (seriously, less than $8 out the door @Target--you know, the place where you do your monthly grocery shopping). And while you're out and about, pick up a new bar of Coast. Now go back and scrape off the old blue-speckled slivers from the soap dish and discard.

Wash that funky bath mat--on second thought, just toss it. "Borrow" some guest towels from your mother's linen closet (just grab an armful of them while she's doing your laundry--she'll never know until the holidays) and hang them, nice and pretty. Or better yet, let your girlfriend do it.

Replace that one burnt out Hollywood light bulb above the mirror, swipe a damp towel across the fuzz ball exhaust fan cover on the ceiling, and put a fresh roll of TP on the spinner.

Finally, keep it this way until you get an offer and the home inspection is complete. Sounds simple, right?

You'd be surprised.