Today is the LAST DAY TO VOTE for the 2011 Chicago Agent's Choice Awards!

Have you voted yet?

It's time for the 2011 Chicago Agent's Choice Awards! I don't know about you, but my votes are in! I'm sure all of my savvy readers have some brilliant choices in mind already for their favorite agents. And I must say, in this market agents have been working harder than ever to turn things around. Don't you think they should be acknowledged for all those MLS searches, open houses, showings, negotiations and (with any luck) incredible closings?? I know I do. 

The most important thing is that you vote, no matter who you vote for I can't tell you how much agents appreciate your support. But in case you're curious to know how I voted, here's what my ballot looked like:

Best brokerage website:
ColdwellBankerOnline.com

Luxury Broker - city:
Coldwell Banker Lincoln Park Plaza

Best Dressed:
Ilona Mikula

Rookie of the year - city:
Grace Goro

Best Agent Website:
StraubMilitoGroup.com

Developer of the year - city:
Restoration Remedies LLC

Managing broker of the year-city:
Chuck Goro

Agent MVP - city:
Akos Straub

Best Assistant:
Agnieszka Wojtas

Of course, I'm supporting my team and my brokerage. Like I said, vote for who you think has done the best they can do all year. I look forward to reading the results!

30-Year Mortgage Rates Drop Below 4%

The 30-Year Mortgage is the most popular financing option for homebuyers today. And with Freddie Mac lowering rates to an all-time low of 3.94%, the amount of homebuyers taking out loans for purchase is expected to double, according to Inman News.

For those of you who aren't very familiar with Freddie Mac and the different types of home loans available, the New York Times features a great, comprehensive article I would recommend to anyone.

Check it out at http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/freddie_mac/index.html

Looking for a Vacation home? Experts Say Now is the Time.

The number of vacation homes for sale has risen to historic highs in the Midwest, and reduced prices could mean that the opportunity you've been waiting for has finally arrived.

Don't wait for your neighbors to beat you to the punch. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, broker Karen Stohl from Prudential Rubloff's Harbor Country office says that 90 percent of second-home buyers are from the Chicago area. 

"The selling season for vacation homes is in September and October," said Strohl. "That's when sellers drop prices."

For more information on what's available, and most importantly for how much, go to the Contact tab and leave a message for Grace. She can get you started on the journey to purchasing your very first vacation home.

To read the full article, click on the link below:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/buy/ct-mre-0904-vacation-homes-20110902,0,697756.story