Descriptions of “vintage,” “refurbished” and “pre-owned” can persuade a decision toward some purchases—cars, computers, that perfect James Dean-era leather jacket—but for Chicagoland homebuyers, the allure of shiny and new is often too ha…
Nothing stays the same forever. As community standards, attitudes and populations shift and evolve, rules and regulations that once made sense or that reflected the views and standards of their day can become antiquated, irrelevant, or…
In a sprawling urban or suburban environment, people can feel isolated, even though they live close to each other. While high-rise residential buildings and suburban subdivisions put many families near one another, living close doesn’t …
As the housing market in many parts of the country has floundered, many developers have taken creative approaches to stanch the outward flow of cash. In many markets, this means opting to convert portions of developments originally int…
According to the most recent U.S. Census, an estimated 285,000—or roughly 10 percent—of Chicagoland's population is over the age of 65. Older Chicagoans live in all parts of the city, both integrated into their longtime neighborhoods and…
Located right off of Lake Michigan and minutes from the Chicago, the northern suburb of Evanston is home to more than 74,000 residents. This diverse population contributes to the city's unique and extensive cultural scene while at the …
Unless you live in the perfectly utopian condo or co-op (in which case please disclose where), conflict is virtually inevitable. Whether is it a noise complaint or larger issue of governance, disputes between neighbors and board member…
Q I've had an existing leak in my full bathroom since the unit owners above me have moved in. It so happens that their son runs a bath for as long as two hours at a time, blasting the water full force. Over time this has caused damage …
Q A friend of mine is the president of a condo in Wicker Park. She had been working for the superintendent as a secretary when the super started his own business, which is on the condo premises. Although it's just office work, my frien…