You’re probably well aware that there’s more to real estate than just owning your home. There are countless success stories of people who made a fortune, or even just a comfortable extra income, by investing in real estate. Here’s an overview to get you thinking about an investment property.

Improving A Home
Quickly flipping a home is one way to make money off a real estate investment, but it can be risky. A safer play is to buy a fixer upper and carefully manage costs over a year or so as you improve the property. You’re likely to get a great return.

Rental Properties
Instead of selling your investment property, you can rent it and make a good monthly profit if the rent exceeds your costs. Renting to a stable, reliable tenant can put extra money in your pocket every month for years on end. You can even hire a property manager to handle repairs, rent collection, and other administrative tasks. And if you’re ever ready to stop dealing with tenants, you can sell the home and profit on the improvements and appreciation of your asset.

Multi-family Rental Properties
Renting out a single family home is a good starting place for investment properties, but you can get an even better return once you learn the ropes and move on to multi-family homes. Buying an apartment building or dividing a larger home into several apartment units comes with some added complications with taxes and regulations, but it also comes with huge income potential.

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all from Dean’s Team Chicago. We are thankful for you! In this holiday season, we wish you warm memories, good health, and glad tidings.

Friday, November 26 is known as ‘Black Friday’ the world over. But only Lincoln Square celebrates ‘Plaid Friday!’ The Lincoln Square/Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce created this new, fun, and enjoyable alternative to the ‘Black Friday’ consumer frenzy.  “Get comfy, wear PLAID, and come out to show your support for our locally owned businesses!” say they. 

Holiday magic reigns on Saturday, November 27 for ‘Small Business Saturday’ in Lincoln Square. Shop to the holiday tunes of Victorian Carolers, Santa Claus, and of course, the annual lighting of the holiday tree. Check the website for details!

Hollywood meets Chicago in a new production at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. From now to January 30, Melissa Gilbert (‘Little House on the Prairie’) and Dan Butler (‘Frasier’) star in ‘When Harry Met Rehab.’ According to the website, the play is based loosely on the real-life experiences of Chicago sports radio personality Harry Teinowitz. Described as a comedy that takes sobriety seriously, Harry ends up in the hands of four imperfect strangers who caught him every time he stumbled and made his denial and excuses disappear. In the end, the website says, it is a story of redemption, perseverance, and hope. Ticket prices vary, check website for details.

For more indoor fun than you can imagine, take the kids to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Ave., for ‘Light Up the Lake,’ starting Friday, November 26.  Chicago’s biggest indoor light garden features visits with Santa on Santa’s Merry Main Street, an Alpine ice rink, holiday light sculptures; a holiday beer garden, kiddie train rides, and a gift market. Tickets during Discount Days (now through December 16) are $15 for children and adults on Monday’sChildren are $19 and adults are $21 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

On Saturday, November 27, Sequence Chicago, highlighting the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, presents three musical acts from 3pm-6pm. First is American alternative soul singer/songwriter Sharmon Jarmon from 3pm-4pm, followed by indie-pop duo Violet Crime from 4pm-5pm, and Bob’s Country Bunker, who describe their music as ‘hillbillyrockinsurfcountrydeathpunk’ from 5pm-6pm. Free.

So, the website asks…What’s winter without a WNDRland? Wonder no more as the WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St., transforms into a Winter WNDRland. Take a photo with the world’s first LED-interactive Saint Nick, starting Saturday, November 27, and continues Tuesday, 4pm-8pm,  and Saturday, 10am-2pm. Santa will land his light-up sleigh within the walls of WNDR. Other events of wonder include an Ugly Sweater Party, a wreath making workshop, a WNDRland of the Sweets, and more! Tickets are $30.

Work off those Thanksgiving Day pounds and find inner peace during this busiest of seasons with Chicago’s ‘highest’ weekly yoga class, presented by 360 Chicago Yoga, on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave. Two one-hour class sessions every Sunday, starting November 28 through December 20. Registration is $25 (plus taxes and fees) and includes a General Admission ticket to the observation deck.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

The Real Estate market certainly took a hit during the lockdowns and rise of the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, this year it came back with a vengeance! 

Although it’s certainly cooled down since the crazy multiple offer market earlier in the year, there are still instances where a particularly nice home may put you in a multiple offer situation. 

Here are a few tips to remember when you start your home search, whether it’s this week or next year: 

Sign on with a Buyer’s agent. Of course, you can deal with the Seller’s agent but having your own representation is invaluable as you navigate a hot market. From their knowledge of the market to negotiating expertise, you’ll find signing with a buyer’s agent is an all around good move. Seller’s agents’ fiduciary responsibility is to the owner, not you. They can also help you to prepare before viewing homes. Speaking of preparation…

Get pre-approved. Your agent can recommend a lender depending on your circumstances. It is imperative for your offer to be complete in a hot market. The lender will tell you what you can afford and what you will need for a down payment and closing costs. A good pre-approval can compete with cash offers when other items in the offer are favorable to the Seller such as a closing date. 

Do research BEFORE showings. Know the area well! Drive by at different times of day, as areas that look just fine during the day can change after dark. There may be parking difficulties, or maybe that bar on the corner has some sketchy patrons? You never know, so it pays to investigate! When the market is hot you may have to see the home the first day on the market and make an offer immediately to have a chance, so do your homework.

Know your must-haves. What are the things you can’t live without? Do you have the means to replace components like roof, furnace, and appliances if necessary? Can you live with 3 bedrooms instead of 4? Or, one and a half baths instead of 2 or more? Do you have kids and pets, and so a good size yard is a must? Remember in a multiple offer situation you will need to move fast! 

Writing a short letter to the Seller. Your agent will advise you when writing your offer as to price and other components of the contract to make it as attractive as possible to the Seller. However, writing a personal letter to the Seller can add a nice touch that may be all the difference! Tell them how much you love their home and how it will be so wonderful to raise your family there. We have been doing this for years, and I can tell you: selling a home is an emotional experience. Most Sellers appreciate selling to someone who will take care of the home they lived in for many years. It may be what puts your offer at the top!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Come One, Come All to the official start of the 2021 holiday season! 

Here in Chicago, this weekend before Thanksgiving, expect lots of festive fun as many of our traditional, annual events return live after being on hiatus last year!

On the Saturday before each Thanksgiving, the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave. between Wacker Dr. and Oak St.) turns into a winter wonderland to kick off Chicago’s holiday season. This year, the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will once again grace Michigan Avenue with more than one million lights adorning 200 trees. But this is not the only attraction within this festival. This event-filled day begins at 11 a.m. with a festive thoroughfare of booths and family activities until 4 p.m. The grand tree-lighting parade starts at 5:30 p.m. featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the Grand Marshals, fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, celebrities, and much more. As if this wasn’t enough, the festival draws to a grand conclusion with spectacular fireworks over the Chicago River (7 p.m.) at the DuSable Bridge!

Not a big fan of Black Friday? Avoid that mad rush at all costs? Well, this weekend brings not one but two shopping events for you:

Taking place in a tent on the north end of the Chase Promenade (east Randolph St. between Michigan Ave. and Columbus Dr.) this Saturday and Sunday, the Millennium Park Art Market will feature 30 local artists selling a variety of creative items which include jewelry, paintings, sculptures, pottery and more! In addition to the professional artists, this Market will also feature student artists from organizations such as After School Matters along with a café, pop-up programming, and a special visit each day from 1-3 p.m. by Dreezy Claus. Come support our local artists and avoid the Black Friday rush!

Shop local artists and makers while enjoying seasonal beers that include Holiday Bock and Glühkriek (warmed, spiced Kriek) at Dovetail Brewery’s (1800 W. Belle Plaine Ave.) Holiday Market this Sunday (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) in the North Center neighborhood!

If you happened to have missed the ceremonial tree-lighting at The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza this past Friday, you can still kick off the holiday season at the Lakeview Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday (6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.) at St. Alphonsus Church (1429 W. Wellington Ave.). This ceremony will also include live performances, a special visit from Santa, free hot chocolate and coffee, and more!

Returning this Saturday (3 p.m. – 6 p.m.) to the Andersonville neighborhood is the Viking Pub Crawl for those not ready to kick off the holidays. Over 200 revelers clad in full Viking attire descend upon this neighborhood for their annual pub crawl inspired by the Swedish holiday St. Martin’s Day. Check-in begins at 2 p.m. at @mosphere (5355 N. Clark St.). Each ticket includes a lanyard for drink discounts at 14 participating bars and restaurants, a free appetizer at check-in and a commemorative Viking Pub Crawl beer glass which can be used during the event. There’s also a costume contest for best group and best individual Viking costume!  And, if you really want to lean into the Viking theme, nab one of the pub crawl’s cow horn-shaped drinking vessels!

Finally, here’s a link for Thanksgiving Day 2021 Chicago next Thursday! Gobble, Gobble!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House is a Gold Coast staple for upscale seafood, and famous for crab cakes, frog legs, and enormous desserts. Thanks to Hugo’s next-door proximity to its sister restaurant, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, patrons of Hugo’s can also order Gibsons prime-aged steaks and other specialties at Hugo’s, which is owned by the same company.

Reviews of the venerable spot, which celebrates 25 years in 2022, trend toward impressive, with both service and menu. 

“I ate crab cake and was delicious… Lots of crab meat!” read one Google review. “My friend had a Halibut and was also really tasty. The location and good and if you feel like having a drink after lunch/dinner, lots of options around. Definitely would come back.”

Start your Hugo’s adventure with a cold appetizer, such as Wild Caught Sea of Cortez Shrimp, or Tuna Ribbons Yuzu with whipped avocado. Or, if you prefer, hot appetizers include a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, served with a colorful hot pink mayonnaise. Or, try the pan-roasted P.E.I. Mussels with saffron, chorizo, and grilled Italian bread. Hugo’s signature Sautéed Frog Legs appetizer is served with drawn lemon butter.

Seafood entrées include Alaskan Red King Crab Legs, which come chilled or steamed, while Shrimp DeJonghe is paired with Garlic & White Wine. Faroe Island Salmon is served with an Heirloom Tomato vinaigrette and basil. Togarashi Seared Tuna Steak is paired with summer squash and soy ginger vinaigrette. Other seafood pairings include a Planked Lake Superior Whitefish, served with mashed potatoes, grilled tomatoes & red onion. Miso-Marinated Chilean Sea Bass is served with Hon Shimeji mushrooms, peas, and soy lemon butter.   

Other popular entrées include Grilled Marinated Wild Caught Shrimp, served with lemon butter & Basmati rice. For those who enjoy their steak and seafood together, Hugo’s offers a ‘Steak & Cake’ pairing a 7oz filet with their impeccable Crab Cake. Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes are served with hot pink mayonnaise, French fries & coleslaw.

“Best steak & ribs I ever had in Chicago” said another reviewer.

Steaks come virtually every way you could love them. Filet Mignon come in 7-14 ounces of tender goodness. New York Strip steaks are 13-19 ounces. Other choices include a 16-ounce Bone-In Strip, a 22-ounce Chicago Cut, or a 26-ounce Porterhouse. 

Grass-fed Australian Steaks come in your choice of Ribeye, New York Strip, and Bone-In Filet. 

Ala carte potato and vegetable choices include a double-baked potato, baked potato, mashed potatoes or French fries. Sautéed spinach is served with olive oil and garlic. Traditional creamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and grilled asparagus with parmigiano & lemon vinaigrette are among the choices.

Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House is located at 1024 North Rush Street, Chicago, and is open daily 3pm-Midnight. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago