MACY'S STATE STREET, CHICAGO, IL.: HOSTS ONE AMAZING AMERICAN FLAG!

Right before Memorial Day, 2014, Macy's Chicago flagship store located on State Street, raised one amazingly large American Flag! The flag is located inside the store and was hoisted and secured all the way to to the top floor. If you have not been to Macy's (formerly Marshall Fields) on State Street, it has 9 floors which wrap around the ground floor and have an open concept.
The flag will be on display until July 4th, 2014, and I highly recommend you visit the store to view this American Flag...you will be overwhelmed!
My son and I visited the store this past weekend to shop and we were very impressed.

10 SMARTEST CITIES IN AMERICA (Cities 1 - 5)

BOSTON, MA

SAN DIEGO, CA

REALTOR Magazine recently published this article from Credit Donkey.com:
CreditDonkey.com conducted a study identifying the top 10 smartest cities in America, and the results may surprise you.

To determine the results, Credit Donkey used U.S. Census data to find the statistical average of residents with bachelor's degrees in each metropolitan area (it's 26% nationally). Then, the site counted how many Mensa chapters there are in the city's state and took a look at the city's rate of property crimes — which Credit Donkey deems "generally unintelligent behavior."

These are the top 10 SMARTEST CITIES in America:

1. San Jose, Calif.
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 45.7%
Mensa chapters in state: 10
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 2,603

2. Boston
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 43%
Mensa chapters in state: 5
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 1,984

3. San Diego
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 34.1%
Mensa chapters in state: 10
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 2,197

4. Raleigh, N.C.
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 41.2%
Mensa chapters in state: 4
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 2,471

5. Los Angeles
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 31.30%
Mensa chapters in state: 10
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 2,297

RALEIGH, NC
http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2014/03/05/10-smartest-cities-in-america

10 SMARTEST CITIES IN AMERICA (Cities 6 - 10)

DENVER, CO

CHICAGO, IL

6. Denver
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 38.9%
Mensa chapters in state: 4
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 2,747

7. Chicago
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 34.4%
Mensa chapters in state: 5
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 2,677

8. Rochester, N.Y.
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 32.3%
Mensa chapters in state: 7
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 2,645

9. Philadelphia
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 33.3%
Mensa chapters in state: 5
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 2,666

10. Richmond, Va.
Population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 32.1%
Mensa chapters in state: 5
Property crimes per 100,000 people: 2,563


PHILADELPHIA, PA
http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2014/03/05/10-smartest-cities-in-america

SPRING, 2014...WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?

The Midwest suffered one of it's most intense Winters this past 2013 - 2014. It started snowing right before Thanksgiving until early May! OMG! We experienced record low temperatures, snow fall of over 6 FEET for the season, one of the worst since the early 1970's. But, we survived, we are tough Chicagoans!
So, we welcomed Spring 2014 with wide open arms.Enjoy these photos of Spring (xoxox).

Living in the Midwest, we cannot wait for the grass and trees to "turn green again". Sometimes, it's a very long wait.

So cliche to say it but...April showers bring May flowers.

How exquisite! One of our bird friends enjoying the beginning of Spring.

Imagine lying in the middle of this spectacular bed and enjoying the scent of these flowers, exquisite!

Splash some color! Breathtaking!

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA # 1.

In the Midwest we live in the Kettle Moraine, which has contributed several hills and valleys to our landscape due to the ice glaciers. Great example on the home which is situated higher than the backyard and meeting the two as one flowing path. Flagstone or wood steps lead you into the brick paver backyard with private seating area and firepit. Tranquil!

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA # 2.

Here you go! Great example of taking a boring rectangle of a yard and creating depth with architectural focal points. So many home owners follow the "square lines". But, all you have to do is consider your grass the focal point of your yard and the boundaries are the picture frame which you can add curves, invert the lines, add height and your yard turns into WOW!

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA # 3.

Ok, I love this garden shed! However, I would attach it to my home with sliding doors from the home to the shed and turn it into a chicken coop! How cool would that be?

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA # 4.

Have a narrow yard? No problem! Add sliders or floor to ceiling windows on the back of your house, plus a deck or patio with an area for dining and relaxing. Fence and/or stucco wall, the two different textures work well with one another as an eye trick (yard looks wider than it really is). Add perennials in individual planters with annuals. Cheers!

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA # 5.

Keep it simple! Add perennial plants and flowers with different textures, heights and coloring. Add a flag stone path (sink the stones slightly into the ground for easier mowing), add a few chairs, potted plants, and voila...a secret garden has been created.

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA # 6.

As a Realtor, I show clients several beautiful homes but, they get stuck with the narrow back yard. This is a fabulous example on how to utilize the narrow yard. Add a deck, pergola or porch, create a quiet sitting area with pebbles or flagstone (note: if you plant grass here you need to move the furniture), add a firepit or keep the area open to toss or kick a ball or add a playset or play house.

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA # 7.

In the Chicago North Shore area many of our lot sizes are 60 x 150. This is a great example in converting a smaller lot into a paradise with very little maintenance required. Bluestone walkway and patio, perennials and shrubs which need an annual trim. I would recommend adding a water feature or koi pond.

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA # 8.

Asian influence transforms this backyard into a visual ecstasy! The covered pergolas add shade and coverage for those Midwestern rain showers, while the bridge zig zags to allow evil spirits to become confused and abruptly end their journey. Notice the stacked fence adds additional focal dimension.

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA #9.

A perfect example of a small space encapsulating and using every inch smartly. Dining room, water feature, garden, sitting area. Notice the different heights of the foliage to define the spaces. And best of all, No lawn mowing!!!

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD RETREATS: IDEA # 10

As a Realtor in Chicago, we have several homes which sit on a postage size piece of land. This is not a negative, rather it is a positive! #1, you get your own private backyard, #2 it is a quiet oasis to relax, enjoy an ice tea, read a book, take a nap and your furry friends can explore their own grass safely! And #3, virtually maintenance free, plant perennials, save $ and get a reel lawn mower (it works on your muscles)...#4, get a workout mowing. Simple!

ENJOY A LITTLE AFTERNOON DELIGHT, CALORIE FREE! IDEAS 1, 2 & 3.

Can't pass on these brownies with a fresh raspberry powdered sugar filling topped with melted choco chips & butter. Don't have raspberries? Use strawberries. Pure heaven!

Super light dessert! Crushed chocolate cookie crust hosts raspberry or strawberry whipped cream filling topped with another layer of pure whipped cream delight balanced with fresh fruit and of course...a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Cute chocolate cupcake! I LOVE cupcakes...large, medium or bite sized! The only requirement I have, it MUST be topped with frosting and a few sprinkles. Combine complimentary flavors with chocolate: strawberry, raspberry, mint, peanut butter, caramel or just a plain white butter cream.

ENJOY A LITTLE AFTERNOON DELIGHT, CALORIE FREE! #4, 5, 6 & 7.

Just the right amount of sweetness for dessert. Choco pudding with a layer of fresh whipped cream. I would probably add sprinkles.

Exquisite! Dark and milk chocolate cake bond with a light whipped cream filling. A chocolate ganache frosting hold all 3 decadent partners together, topped with a dollop of whip cream and fresh berries.

Want to impress someone important in your life? It's so easy! Yes, I said easy! Buy 2 boxes of chocolate cake mix, divide mix into 3 - 4 cake pans, bake, cool and frost with canned vanilla frosting. Buy chocolate & white chocolate chunks (Trader Joes is a good source) and using a vegetable peeler, carefully "peel/curl" chocolate and place on top off the layered cake. Told you, it was easy and impressive.

Love gelato! Especially coffee, chocolate gelato. I have to admit, I usually go to a gelato shop and purchase it freshly made. Buy a pint or quart and serve in a martini glass topped with a fresh mint sprig...impressive!

KITCHEN RE-HAB IDEAS FOR THE: " HELP US! OUR KITCHEN IS STUCK IN THE 80s!' IDEAs 1, 2 & 3.

The open floor plan integrating the family room with the kitchen allows for families to stay in contact with one another.

Is it a kitchen or a dining room? I like the fact that this kitchen is "reversed". Instead of the eat-in area is part of the kitchen, it actually has it's own "space". The padded banquet can include storage under the seats and the cushions can be easily swapped out for the seasons. Do you have one of those traditional rectangle or square kitchens? This could be your new kitchen/dining space. Classy!

As a Realtor, I see so many of these basic kitchen SIZES. It is very difficult to think outside the box but, using apprx room dimensions: 12 x 15 - 20', this is what YOUR kitchen could look like. Seriously!

KITCHEN RE-HAB IDEAS FOR THE: " HELP US! OUR KITCHEN IS STUCK IN THE 80s!' IDEAS #4, 5 & 6

An excellent example of combining the dining room with the kitchen. Remove the wall, add cabinets with light, support posts, counter space and WOW!

Convert your 1980's kitchen into a show piece. Remove some walls for an open floor plan. Pendant lighting can be "works of art".

This kitchen features Carrara marble counter tops, stainless steel appliances, island focal point with extra storage, warm oak floors all overlooking sliding doors to the back yard. Clean, simple and stunning!

KITCHEN RE-HAB IDEAS FOR THE: " HELP US! OUR KITCHEN IS STUCK IN THE 80s!' IDEAS #7,8 & 9

What I like about this kitchen is the fact that the kitchen was "flipped". As a Realtor, I show buyers homes that have the traditional kitchen cabinets, sink, dishwasher on the exterior wall, dull, dark and boring. This kitchen has been dramatically changed/flipped and now the cabinets, sink, dishwasher, etc are on the interior wall thereby adding natural light with floor to ceiling windows or sliding doors. The outdoors becomes the focal point.Pure serenity!

Check out all the detail in this kitchen. Hammered copper farm sink, white washed cabinets with detailed molding, stained glass windows, beveled edge counter tops, single handle faucet, lighted china cabinets with crown molding. Exquisite!

Removing a wall between your kitchen and dining room can transform your home into the 21st century. Add the functional kitchen island which now becomes the table and working space. Great for parties.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2014: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR NORTH SHORE OF ILLINOIS.*

THE NORTH SHORE OF ILLINOIS
....................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.................TOTAL SOLD
Attached ........137.…................68.....…...............$200,000.................$34,049,007
Detached........224….................82........................$420,500….............$107,743,737
TOTAL……..361…….…........77…………....….$330,000……..…...$141,792,744

RENTALS
…………......Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
.......................160.....................37..…………….. $1,825…………….$343,165

APRIL 1 – 30, 2013
TOTALS……453…………..138………….……$325,000………….$178,137,342
Data provided by 2014 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

This Data Includes the Following Areas: Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Glenview/Golf, Mundelein/Ivanhoe, Vernon Hills/Indian Creek and Buffalo

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2014: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR BUFFALO GROVE, Illinois.

BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS
......................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $..........TOTAL SOLD
Attached ...........32.................65……......................$162,500...................$5,532,801
Detached...........30.................58..............................$366,500...................$11,557,200
RENTALS:
………….......Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
............................1.................16.......…………........$3,500...….………...$3,500
Data provided by 2014 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market has a shortage of homes For Sale. If you are considering selling your home, now is a GREAT TIME to list your home!

~PAM DEVENDORF, BROKER. Representing Buyers, Sellers, Investors, Builders and Rentals Locally, National & International. Call me for a confidential consultation.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2014: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, Il.

VERNON HILLS/IVANHOE, ILLINOIS
......................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $..........TOTAL SOLD
Attached ...........16.................29……......................$155,000...................$3,335,080
Detached.............9.................58..............................$338,000...................$2,972,900
RENTALS:
………….......Units...... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
..........................25.................29.......…………........$1,600...….………...$42,790
Data provided by 2014 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market has a shortage of homes For Sale. If you are considering selling your home, now is a GREAT TIME to list your home!

~PAM DEVENDORF, BROKER. Representing Buyers, Sellers, Investors, Builders and Rentals Locally, National & International. Call me for a confidential consultation.