Real Estate Videos | Mario Greco

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Reality TV Shows Love Chicago

December 7th, 2009 categories: Chicago Info/News, Chicago Neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate News, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market, Real Estate News, Real Estate Videos

If you watch enough episodes of House Hunters, Property Virgins, Sell This House and Property Ladder, you’re sure to see just about every hip neighborhood in Chicago. These shows, all “reality” house-hunting or –renovating shows on cable channels such as HGTV, TLC and A&E, frequently feature Chicagoans either searching for, selling or trying to transform their residences into a dream home.

How much, though, do these shows teach us about Chicago’s housing market? Not much. They may be called “reality” shows, but there isn’t much realistic about it.

Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Ellen Podmolik wrote about a local couple and real estate agent who will be featured on HGTV’s House Hunters on Dec. 10. In her column, Podmolik writes that both the agent and homebuyers soon discovered that there was precious little reality in the “reality” TV show.

The premise of House Hunters is that buyers look at three homes and then pick the one that they like best. There’s supposed to be some drama, too, in waiting to see if the couple actually qualifies for and gets the residence of their dreams.

Not surprisingly, as Podmolik writes, most of this drama is fake. For instance, in the episode airing this week, the couple looks at three residences in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. But the buyers had made up their minds on what home they were going to buy before the episode filmed. Of the three homes they looked at, one was already under contract to another buyer.

In the story, the agent working with the couple said that House Hunters doesn’t really teach viewers anything about what buying a home is really all about. I can vouch for that. For one thing, most buyers will look at far more than three houses or condominiums before finding the residence that’s right for them.

There is one important lesson, though, that shows like House Hunters can teach viewers: These shows do a good job cluing viewers in on how much residential real estate typically costs in a given neighborhood. For the House Hunters show airing this week, the three homes that the buyers looked at in Lakeview cost from $355,000 to $415,000. It’s an accurate representation of what these types of attached, single-family housing cost in this neighborhood.

Next time you’re watching one of the cable home shows, remember that not everything you’re seeing is real. Remember, too, that this is a good thing: Do you want to watch buyers look at 15 to 20 houses before making a decision? Didn’t think so.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROPERTIES NOT YET ON THE MARKET.

Spoken by Ryan | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Chicago Magazine: Featuring Mario Greco’s Listing at 600 N. Kingsbury #TH106 – A “River View” in River North

October 30th, 2009 categories: Chicago Neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate News, For Buyers, Mario in the News, Real Estate Videos

Recently, 600 N. Kingsbury #TH106, one of Mario’s elite listings, was featured in a video and article in Chicago Magazine. You can read the article here. 600 N. Kingsbury is a 3 bedroom, 3.1 bath duplex with an amazing view of the river. It is surrounded by a huge, quiet park in the heart of River North.

The property is completely customized – ranging from the exquisite stone, tile, and glass work, to the massive, 2-story windows that promise an unsurpassed view of the river. Even the staircase was designed to be see-through, preserving the views in a sweeping array of steel and wood. There are a number of custom wood finishes throughout the interior, ranging from Wenge (imported from Africa), to pecan, bird’s-eye maple, and black and yellow walnut.

Huge stainless steel columns add a polished, crisp feel to the living areas, which are offset by the incredibly soft 100-knot wool and silk Tibetan rugs. The kitchen features ultra-high end appliances, custom cabinets, and a stainless steel backsplash. Entertainment is provided by a myriad of built-in speakers (14 to be exact) and flat screen televisions, while comfort and relaxation can be found in the custom baths which feature spa-like amenities.

The outdoor space is Christy Webber Designed, featuring trees, flowers, a fountain, and a large park just a step off of the patio. Gas, water, and electricity lines have been run outside, turning the patio into the perfect space for entertaining. Even guests can be treated to heated, indoor parking since 6 private parking spaces are being sold with the unit.

For more information or to schedule a showing, please contact Mario at mgreco@rubloff.com or 773.572.6505.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROPERTIES NOT YET ON THE MARKET.

Spoken by Ryan | Discussion: 1 Comment »

How To Find Good Deals As The Buyers Market Comes To An End

October 30th, 2009 categories: Chicago Real Estate News, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market, Real Estate Videos

At some point in their lives, every home buyer in America has wondered “Is now the best time to buy a home?” In this 3-minute video, NBC’s The Today Show does a good job of answering the question.

The conclusion? Yes, but not if you’re going to overpay.

The Buyers Market is ending, we learn, as home prices rise across most of the country. Pockets of opportunity remain, however, and the focused home buyer can still find a “good deal”.

Some of the video’s tips include:

On what types of homes can you get the best prices
What you can learn from looking in a seller’s closet
How to identify a desperate seller

The piece also goes negative on short sales, noting the amount of time required to buy one. Short sales typically do take longer to close versus a ”traditional” purchase, but that doesn’t mean they should be avoided.

There’s plenty of bargains in the short sale arena, too.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROPERTIES NOT YET ON THE MARKET.

Spoken by Mario Greco | Discussion: No Comments »

The Sellers’ Deadly Sins : How To Keep Your Home From Selling At Maximum Dollar

October 2nd, 2009 categories: Chicago Real Estate News, For Homeowners, For Sellers, Real Estate Videos

It’s a sensational headline — “The Sellers’ Deadly Sins” — but the message is clear. Home sellers make mistakes that not only cost themselves thousands, but sometimes cost the sale, too.

NBC’s The Today Show lays it out cleanly in this 5-minute video:

How to respond to an “insulting offer”
How to handle the first purchase offer you receive
What do when you can’t leave your home for its Open House
What room in the home should be kept the neatest

But, be aware. At the video’s end, there’s a piece of advice that may sound extremely self-serving coming from a real estate professional. Don’t let it turn you off. The video’s overall message is spot-on and the advice is real-world tested.

Selling a home is a process. Make sure to do it properly.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROPERTIES NOT YET ON THE MARKET.

Spoken by Mario Greco | Discussion: No Comments »

3632 Marshfield Video Tour

October 2nd, 2008 categories: Chicago Real Estate News, For Buyers, Housing Market, Real Estate Videos

Check out this video tour of 3632 N. Marshfield, a newly constructed home from renowned builders Spearhead Development. The house features 4 large bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, enveloped in a beautiful brick facade with over 4,200 square feet of prime living space. The finishes are highly upgraded and feature vaulted ceilings, amazing molding and accents, and beautifully stained oak hardwood floors. The developers ensured top-quality meals and entertainment through the addition of a huge professional grade kitchen complete with custom cabinets and appliances by Thermador and Sub-Zero. Radiant heat, full speaker wiring, dual zone heating and air conditioning, and a custom staircase by Chase Stairwerks top off this magnificent property.