Genie Birch, President, C.A.R.Something happened to me that I wanted to share with all of you.

On Friday afternoon I hopped into a cab after taping an interview about Chicago foreclosures for CLTV at Trib Tower. (One of the perks as President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS.) I was running late and had to get to the garage to get my car to get to my next appointment. During the cab ride I took out my Blackberry and checked my messages. We got to the garage and I paid for the ride, the change got complicated, I asked the driver for a receipt and got out. As the cab pulled away, I had that sinking feeling when your heart falls to your stomach and started to panic. I'd left my phone in the cab.

I got my car and went back down Michigan Ave hoping I would either recognize the cab company or the driver. No luck. The receipt, which was blank, had advertising from “The Elysian Hotel.”  I decided to go there and see what cab companies it provides with receipts. All I knew was that it was a white cab. It was the first time I realized there are so many different companies with white cabs. The manager told me he would get back to me with information. So, with a sinking heart and already late, I went home to see if I could and track down my phone. 

This is where the miracle happens.

I got home and called my phone. It rang and rang. And then guess what, Sue Lewandowski picked up. I let out a scream, "Oh my gosh! I can't believe it! A human being on the other side. You found my phone." She responded, "Genie?" I said, "yes." Sue told me she was catching a cab, saw something pink on the seat and reached for it. She saw it was a Blackberry. In the meantime, because I am in real estate, she was getting calls for me. 

One agent thanked her for picking up the phone and explained to her that our phones are our lifeline in this business. Sue thought about taking messages for me but then told all of the callers I had lost my phone and they should call my office. She also scrolled through my address book hoping to find a home phone and luckily that is exactly how I had made the entry. She had called my home and left a message. I just called before I picked up the messages. So of course I couldn't thank her enough and wanted to know how or where I could retrieve the phone.

She told me she worked in the marketing department at radio station WTMX, which I listen to. She is an angel in disguise. Just when we lose faith in our fellow human beings or become jaded, we get lucky and are graced by a Sue Lewandowski. She saved me. I don't know how I would have been able to reconstruct my calendar let alone my contacts. Worst of all, I would have lost all of my pictures. She was so kind. She met my husband at an intersection so he wouldn't get lost finding her address. 

I don't know if there is anything I can do for such an extraordinary person but I am sure going to try. This was more than just being a Good Samaritan. The only way I can repay her is by paying it forward. I needed everyone to know that I personally and publicly acknowledge Sue Lewandowski. Especially for going the extra mile.  G-d bless her.  

Genie Birch, ABR, GRI, CIPS

2009-2010 President

Chicago Association of REALTORS®

Koenig & Strey GMAC

Nothing says “welcome” more than a good neighbor. And in Chicago real estate, there isn’t a better way to thank a good neighbor than to nominate it for the C.A.R. Good Neighbor Awards.

C.A.R. is seeking nominations for its 2010 awards through Monday, Feb. 22. Candidates include exceptional examples of rehabbed or repurposed properties that have increased the vibrancy and economic diversity of their neighborhoods, in Chicago and the region.

These types of properties are essential to healthy urban living. Did you know that abandoned or otherwise neglected properties can actually take a toll on human health, not to mention decrease property values and create eyesores? According to the National Housing Institute, properties in poor shape, including vacant lots, can also encourage criminal activity and raise the risk of fires.

The Good Neighbor Awards nomination form can be completed online at www.ChicagoREALTOR.com, where you will also find judging criteria and other information. Award winners will be announced at a reception to be held Thursday, May 20, 2010, at The Crystal Gardens, Navy Pier.

-- C.A.R. Staff

Luke Arnold, Jameson Real EstateAs REALTORS®, we’re generally inclined to invest in our communities. The most obvious reason why is because we understand the financial value of doing so. However, other reasons go much farther. We, as REALTORS®, are passionate and often very involved in what’s going on around us. If you love where you work and/or live, why not be a part of it and give back? 

In the spirit of giving back to my community, I recently committed to raising $1,000 for The Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago! To show my support and raise awareness of the importance of fighting lung disease, I’m climbing 94 flights of stairs in this year’s “Hustle Up The Hancock” challenge, Feb. 28th. If you’d like to learn more, please visit my fundraising Web site to read about lung health and how you can help those in need:

http://my.imisfriendraising.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=36431

Every bit helps – even your words of encouragement. Thanks for reading. To Your Health!

Luke Arnold, Jameson Real Estate



Changes to the Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000, signed into law Dec. 31, stand to benefit home buyers, sellers and Chicago REALTORS®. Key provisions in the new law include:

• Changing the category of “Salesperson” to “Broker” and “Broker” to “Managing Broker.” (These changes will be implemented through April, 2010. You have time to make the transition!)
• Increasing the education required for Illinios licensure.
• Enhancing consumer protection and enforcement measures.

As you might assume, new forms and amended language on some old forms accompany the law. It’s important that you use the correct forms. Find them, and additional information about the changes, at IAR, here.

If you’d like the original word on the new law, see the news release from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.

-- C.A.R. Staff

Kimberly Quintana Is this a good time to invest in real estate? Are people actually investing in real estate in this economy?

Wow. Although these questions crack me up I must admit that most people are asking them. They crack me up because I cannot imagine a time when it would not be advantageous to invest in real estate. Now is probably one of the best times to invest …and I should know. I have been selling real estate for 26 years!

Remember the 1980s? When I got into the market, interest rates were 14 ¾ percent and THEY HAD BEEN HIGHER! Guess what. People invested in real estate. Ask anyone who bought a property in the 80s if they were glad that they did. 100 percent would say yes…and interest rates were almost triple what they are now.

I have had people question whether they should sell their properties in this market. I will admit that most property values in our area are lower than they were a few years back. Does that mean they should not sell?

My question in response to these people is, “are you planning to purchase another property?” If so, YES, you should buy now. Why? Because the price of what they want to purchase is also lower than it was a few years back. People may get less for their properties but can buy much more on their next purchase.

Are people investing in real estate now? Let me tell you. The first 11 years of my real estate career involved full-time sales. I then went into management for 15 years. My husband and I decided to go into sales again for one major and simple reason: we feel that now is the BEST time to assist people dealing with this market. Agents are running away from the business in droves. But consumers need experts, ESPECIALLY now. 

Are people investing? We had two different clients out on Friday, January 1^st (yes New Year’s Day). We had a client out the 2^nd, the 3^rd and the 4^th.  I am writing this on the 5^th and no, I do not have a client going out today…yet. With the first-time homebuyer tax credit of $8,000 for a written contract in place by April 30, 2010, buyers are looking. In addition, buyers who’ve lived in their current homes for five of the last eight years can also get a tax credit of $6,500 on their next purchase.

Is this a good time to invest in real estate? Are people investing in real estate in this economy?

YOU TELL ME!!! 

Kimberly Quintana

708.289.4623

 www.kimberlyquintana.com   kquintana@ksgmac.com