Carpe Diem- Thought leadership & July Real Estate Newsletter from your trusted advisor

July 2014     MARKET UPDATE   Prices Up, Inventory Low and Market Times Down While 2014 is still a recovering market, prices are rising, inventory remains low and market times are falling. There is an 8% increase in prices across the board with significant variance in areas. Prices are up as much as 20% for in-demand areas, but there are still many places where growth is much slower.  Market times are down across the entire Chicagoland-area to103 days from 129 days and inventory is at a 24-month low.    Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group Continues to Lead in Luxury Real Estate Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff continues to be a force in the Chicago real estate market. According to the MLS, in comparison to other major brokerage firms in Chicago, KoenigRubloff has the highest average sale prices and has the number one luxury market share in Chicagoland, Cook County, Lake County and DuPage County. KoenigRubloff also currently has the most $2 million and above homes listed, and leads in $1 million and above condominiums and townhomes sold.   KoenigRubloff Cares Foundation As we continue to make our name known in every market, Berkshire Hathway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group’s commitment to public service remains the same as it always has. Our new name is the KoenigRubloff Cares Foundation, because at the core of our mission is the care and compassion we have for those around us. The KoenigRubloff Cares Foundation proudly supports Habitat for Humanity and The Sunshine Kids organization. Our agents and staff consider giving back to the communities where they live and work a high priority and look forward to making an even greater contribution in the future.Please click here to read our informative newsletter.   Good to Know   Homes are Selling Quickly Market time for the entire Chicago-area reflects a 20% decrease overall! Homes on the Northwest side in North Park, for example, are spending on average 46 days on the market, less than half the amount of days a year earlier according to a story featured in Crain’s Chicago Business. Condominiums and townhouses in the neighborhood of West Town have also seen a dramatic decrease in the amount of days spent on the market in comparison from a year earlier.To read the full Crain's story, please click here. Dress Up Your Outdoor Space This Summer As we enjoy the warm summer months and start to spend more time outdoors, Midwest Living has a lot of fantastic suggestions on how to liven up your outdoor space! Try something simple, like adding bright cushions outside, or make your own fire bowl. Check out Midwest Living’s other suggestions for your exterior here.  For those with a small yard, balcony, or roof to decorate, HGTV also offers tips on how to get the most out of the area that you have here.    Newest Affiliation with Berkshire Hathaway-Florida Properties Group   Picture breakfast on your deck watching dolphins play ..Let that break in your busy schedules involve a sunrise  in St. Pete . I am pleased to announce my affiliation with BHHS FLA. I welcome the oppty. to assist you in finding that luxury home or 2nd home on the coast!   Featured Property-1920 N. Clark Open this Sunday 1-3   Carpe Diem Real Estate Blog Chicago to North Shore Luxury Homes Closed this Sizzlin' Summer! http://carpediemrealestate.blogspot.com/2013/06/chicago-to-north-shore-luxury-homes.html 6 Plush Upgrades that wont break the bank! http://carpediemrealestate.blogspot.com/2014/06/6-plush-upgrades-that-wont-break-bank.html 10 Cool Ideas for Backyard Retreats and Playhouses http://carpediemrealestate.blogspot.com/2014/05/10-cool-ideas-for-backyard-retreats-and.html Planning summer Bashes? Light it up! http://carpediemrealestate.blogspot.com/2014/05/planning-summer-bashes-light-it-up.html   Ron Goldstein Broker Associate RGoldstein@koenigrubloff.com 3127717190 www.chicagoluxuryrealty.com