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Chicago Mark Nash real estate author and columnist says hype surrounding the real estate bubble hasn't played out in the Chicago real estate market and if recent sales numbers are any indication Authentic Ken Daneyko Jersey , good old Midwestern values have spared home buyers and sellers here from any hissing sound from deflating bubbles. While there has been conservative appreciation in home prices in the metropolitan Chicago market, speculation was never as large or as rampant as in California, Florida or New York. After all, the heartland doesn't see gambling with real estate investing as a good or a sure thing.


The National Association of Realtors(R) expect both prices and sales to rise this year in Chicago. Recent numbers bear this out. In March of 2006 The Illinois Association of Realtors(R) reported that total home sales in March outperformed all previous years and set a new record for the month. Median home prices in the state were also up from 2005.


Condominiums and single-family homes both enjoyed median price and total unit sales increases in 2006 versus 2005. Year-to-date numbers also are up over 2% from 2005 for the period January through March. The volatile east and west coast housing markets have seen larger increases in median prices the last several years Authentic Marcus Johansson Jersey , recent steep price and demand declines in those markets have made the Chicago market a stand-out for "tried and true" investors.


Forecasters are predicting rises in Chicago home values in 2006 between 4% and 11%, depending on location and housing type. A strong diverse local economy and strong demand maintain real estate bubble hype here as a mirage. Mortgage rates continue to remain historically low and the mortgage options available to buyers has grown in the last few years to help the Chicago housing market steam ahead at a slow but steady pace. It's hard to put all the bubble mantras out of mind, but here in Chicago, hype has never sold well. The Chicago housing stats say buy.






The following conversation was overheard during a recent job interview:

Employer: "I notice you put three different names on your application: Saint Nicholas Authentic Jesper Bratt Jersey , Kris Kringle, and Santa Clause. What shall I call you?"

Kris: "Kris is fine."

Employer: "So, Kris, tell me a little about yourself."

Kris: "I'm a jolly old elf who lives at the North Pole. I love children and reindeer. I'm good at making lists. And I don't mind travel."

Employer: "Hmmm... You've got a spotty employment history. You've worked at Macy聮s and many other stores Authentic Miles Wood Jersey , but only for a few winter weeks. Why is that?"

Kris: "I can only get work in November and December. I tried applying in person during other times of the year, but they just gave me an odd look and shook their head. I think it might've been age discrimination."

Employer: "How are your team-building skills?"

Kris: "OK. I once had trouble with a new member of my team. The other team members used to laugh and call him names. But I had him lead the team one foggy night, and afterwards the rest of the team loved him; they even shouted out with glee. It was pretty weird at the time, but everything's cool now."

Employer: "What are your greatest strengths?"

Kris: "My listening skills are excellent. I have a strong lap. I'm good with kids. And I'm not afraid of heights."

Employer: "What are your biggest weaknesses?"

Kris: "Milk and cookies. They're the reason I have this belly that shakes like a bowlful of jelly!"

Employer: "Why should I hire you?"

Kris: "I see you when you're sleeping. I know when you聮re awake. I know when you've been bad or good. So be good Authentic Pavel Zacha Jersey , for goodness sake, and hire me! Otherwise, I'll have to put you on my 'Naughty' list. Believe me, you don't want that."

Employer: "Are you threatening me?"

Kris: "No. I'm not very good at threats. With the cost of gas and electric heat these days Authentic Cory Schneider Jersey , people actually look forward to receiving a lump of coal. I'm just saying it's better to be on my 'Good' list, because I send a copy of my 'Naughty' list to the IRS."

Employer: "When can you start?"

Kris: "Ho, Ho, Ho!"

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