Chitownproperty

The best way to organize and declutter your home is to not let things accumulate in the first place. The most extreme version of this practice goes like this: for every new thing you buy, you should throw out or give away something old. But if you must squeeze more stuff into the space you have, CNN/Money offers a gallery of quick, inexpensive space saving ideas.

Two bedroom West Bucktown condo

Price: $225,000 + 18K parking
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Amazing price for this spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in West Bucktown! Within a four year new brick elevator building situated on beautiful Kedzie Boulevard, this home features many up-grades. The kitchen is gorgeous with 42” maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and granite counters. It overlooks the living space, but is tucked back to allow for a nice dining space.  A hallway leads back to both large and private bedrooms.  The huge master suite has great closet space and a luxurious bath with a double bowl vanity, whirlpool tub and separate shower.  Other unit features include a large balcony, a gas fireplace, hardwood floors, in-unit laundry, extra storage room and an extra large heated garage spot for $18,000. This home truly has it all at the best price in the area.

Talk about useful: the Tribune has posted a checklist of home maintenance tasks broken down month by month for the entire year.

A sampling of news articles on the real estate market this week. In a word: sellers, bad; buyers, good:

• So what’s the incentive? Builders ask – Mary Umberger says builders are cutting back on some of the more ridiculous $70-80,000 incentives they had been throwing in to entice buyers. Builders are more likely now to tailor incentives to a potential buyer’s needs, like financing or home sale contingency options.
• Realty group says it’s time to get off sidelines and seek bargains – Buyers market, right? Sort of. There are deals to be had in this market, but the looming recession means that fewer people are willing to buy anyway.
• Housing: No room for bulls – Unfortunately, the Wall Street suits aren’t optimistic about the market picking up anytime soon either. Again, good news for buyers, if you’re in the market, but seller might face another few tough months.

Tips for bargain-minded homebuyers in the new year

Since there are still many sellers eager to move their homes and mortgage rates are down, getting ahead of the traditional spring market may be an even better opportunity for buyers this year. The Tribune notes that would-be buyers should be ready to make an offer to the more motivated sellers who are still saturating the market:

Two factors are now working in favor of prospective homebuyers. First, sellers still greatly outnumber willing buyers in many neighborhoods and highly motivated sellers abound. Second, mortgage rates remain relatively low.

Sunlit two bedroom Andersonville home

Price: $375,000
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Step into this unbelievable top floor home with unparalleled attention to detail and quality. The beautiful brick building was lovingly renovated in 2005. Enter by way of the private wood staircase and foyer leading to the grand living and dining rooms with fireplace and crown molding. Every room, including the two bedrooms and versatile sunroom, feature 9’ ceilings, hardwood floors and stream with light. The chef’s kitchen is finished with 42” cherry cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Both the master and the second bathrooms include beautiful marble. The gorgeous refinished built-in hutches and hand selected fixtures create a wonderful vintage feel, but are complimented by modern amenities such as central air and in-unit laundry. This home is situated on one of the most beautiful tree-lines streets in Andersonville; steps to restaurants, shops and great public transportation. Deeded parking space included.