the pinnacle team newsletter
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Pinnacle Team Newsletter
March 2009
Hello Friends,
As we kick off March, we Chicagoans can see the light at the end of the tunnel – only about 6
– 8 weeks left of our lovely winter season! We’ve already seen a ton of pickup in activity this
spring, and we’re looking forward to all of the business that’s come our way as a result. We
only anticipate it to get better as we approach the summer months.
One positive element that’s come about since the last newsletter is The Stimulus Plan. We’ll
discuss that more in detail below and how it affects you.
For this month’s newsletter, we decided to reach out to some of our clients for tips and
information that would be of value to you. We are very grateful to Michael Fineman and Todd
Johnson for this month’s contributions.
If you have any friends or family that would appreciate the following information, please
forward the newsletter or send us their email and we will be happy to send them a copy.
Thank you so much for your business and interest in our newsletters.
Have a great March and be well!
Ryan & Sarah
1. You Have a New Friend Request
2. Get Your Green On!
3. $8,000 from Uncle Sam
4. Restaurant of the Month – Mixteco Grill
5. The Pinnacle Team Listings
You Have a New Friend Request
Today’s economic environment has proven that almost every industry and profession provides
little job security. Whether we work for a Fortune 500 corporation or start-up business, we are
all “self-employed.” Corporate downsizing, outsourcing, and consolidation are ever increasing
the volatility in our employment and the frequency of our job changes. Networking, both social
and professional, is one of the most important skills you need to survive these uncertain
times.
Modern technology has created a variety of ways for us to build our social and professional
networks. All you need is a laptop and WiFi to make new “friends” or connections every day
via Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and the many other networking websites. According to the
Wall Street Journal, leading networking websites attract approximately 110 million unique
visitors each month. While these virtual connections are helpful, they have become
commoditized due to the saturation of networking websites on the internet.
Building your social and professional capital is as important today as ever. You should consider
your network to be as valuable as your education, industry certifications, and professional skill
set when it comes to career advancement/placement. While virtual networks are good,
tangible networks are better. As the popularity of social media continues to grow, I believe
that it will only revive the need for face-to-face networking as a means to differentiate oneself
from the rest. While it’s easy to ‘Accept a Friend,’ it’s certainly worth the effort it takes to
meet people in-person. Join networking groups, professional associations and social clubs;
even something as simple as volunteering can introduce you to new and interesting people.
I’m a bit biased, but I would of course recommend joining the Young Professionals of Chicago
(YPC) as a way to quickly expand your network. More information on YPC is available at
www.ypchicago.org, but in short, YPC is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, dedicated to
building a better Chicago. Comprised of motivated, energetic young professionals, YPC
encourages members to get involved and make a difference by becoming active participants in
the professional, civic and social aspects of their city. The group is the one professional, civic
and social organization that drives positive and real change in Chicago, while giving young
professionals a chance to make a significant impact in the community.
A few other tips to help develop your network:
- Expand your horizons. Meet people from different companies/industries. You never know
when you might consider switching career paths or might meet a potential customer/client.
- Never eat alone. It’s a bit cliché, but lunch and afternoon coffee breaks are great
opportunities to arrange quick meetings with new contacts. Take full advantage of this
downtime.
- Scratch their back. Always look for opportunities to help the people that you need help
from. If you can make a connection for them, they are more likely to return the favor.
- Ask questions. It’s not an interrogation, but make sure to ask new people you meet about
their background (ie. Where else have you worked?) and current involvement in the
community (ie. What groups are you a member of?). You never know how a person’s past
might help you in the present.
Michael Fineman
Young Professionals of Chicago, President
mfineman@ypchicago.org
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Get Your Green On
It’s March in Chicago, and that means one thing (besides the everlasting winter weather) – St.
Patrick’s Day, the one day, when everyone feels the Luck O’ the Irish! Chicago just might be
one of the best places to celebrate, other than good old Ireland. Blanket yourself in green, and
check out these great events:
http://chicago.metromix.com/home/producer_guide/chicago-st-patricks-day/309483/content
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$8,000 From Uncle Sam
There is a great incentive for some homebuyers in the economic stimulus bill signed into law
by President Obama. First-time homebuyers can claim a credit worth the lower of $8,000 or
10% of the home’s value on their 2008 or 2009 taxes.
Applying for the credit will be as easy as doing your income taxes. Just claim the credit on
your return. No other forms or papers have to be filed. The credit can be claimed on your
2008 or 2009 taxes. Taxpayers who have already completed their returns can file amended
returns for 2008 to claim the credit.
One major advantage of the $8,000 credit compared to the previous $7,500 credit is that this
credit does not need to be repaid if the buyer does not sell the home within 3 years. The
home must remain the buyer’s primary residence for 3 years. The previous $7,500 credit was
basically an interest free loan that had to be repaid over 15 years.
Below are some highlights of the $8,000 credit:
- The tax credit is only available to first-time homebuyers who purchase a primary residence
between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. Purchasers (and purchaser’s spouse) may
not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.
- The tax credit reduces the tax liability. If the credit is more than the tax liability, the
unused credit will be issued as a check to the person claiming the credit.
- The full credit is available for individuals with an adjusted gross income of no more than
$75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers).
Please go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com or contact your CPA for more details.
Todd Johnson
Guaranteed Rate, VP of Lending
Todd.johnson@guaranteedrate.com
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Restaurant of the Month – Mixteco Grill - Ravenswood
1601 W Montrose
773.868.1601
http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurantdetails?restaurantid=52995
Excellent, creative, and affordable Mexican food! Mixteco Grill, while packed every weekend,
is still undiscovered in my opinion. They have recently expanded into the space next door to
accommodate the drones of people that flock there every weekend, but I am afraid the word is
continuing to spread.
We have been there three times now and the food is phenomenal. It would be great to have
some margaritas with the food, but the current BYO policy certainly makes this place a great
value. From what our server told us, most of the folks in the kitchen have spent some time
working for Rick Bayless, so that certainly explains the quality of the food.
The appetizers range from $6 to $8 and we normally get pretty full on 3-5. My favorites are
the Tacos Ensenada, Uchepos Gratinados, and the Trio De Empanadas. I have had the
Cochinita Pibil, slow roasted pork with an amazing orange sauce, from the entrée list, and it
was also amazing.
If you are interested in living on the border of Ravenswood, Uptown, and Lakeview, within .5
miles of Mixteco, there is virtually everything available from size, style, quality, price, etc. For
1 bedroom condos, there are 34 available, ranging from $150k to $280k. For 2 and 3
bedroom condos, there are 188 on the market, ranging from $165k to $800k. If you are
interested in single family homes, there are 46 available ranging from $390k to $2.5M.
Don’t forget that you can check out our other restaurant reviews at:
http://livechicago.wordpress.com
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The Pinnacle Team Listings
New! 2629 N. Dayton, #1N - $599,900
2100 square foot 3 bedroom/3 bath duplex down in a fantastic location. Living room with
fireplace opens to kitchen. Kitchen with granite and stainless with eat-in area and breakfast
bar. Oak floors throughout main level. Master with walk-in closet. Lower level with huge family
room with fireplace, 3rd bedroom, bath, laundry room with side-by-side W/D and tons of
storage. Includes a private deck and garage. Convenient walk to everything! Freshly painted
and carpeted. www.atproperties.com/listing/7154914
New! 3443 N. Lincoln, #4B - $424,900
This is a 4-year-old condo that looks brand new! With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this
stunning condo has it all – open floorplan with a huge kitchen that boasts granite and stainless
steel. Other amenities include a wood-burning fireplace, balcony, side-by-side washer dryer,
rooftop deck, and heated garage parking. This particular niche of Lakeview has exploded in
the last couple of years and is now surrounded by great restaurants, new condo buildings and
a brand new Paulina El stop just a block away. http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7132766
New! 1148 W. Roscoe, #3W - $395,000
This extra wide, sunny 2 bedroom/2 bath unit is in an unbeatable location and only steps to
the Southport corridor, Wrigley, and public transportation. Built in 2005, this unit has it all - a
kitchen that boasts stainless steel, granite and a large island, open living/kitchen combo, large
bedrooms, in-unit W/D, balcony, great storage, and garage parking.
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7154898
New! - 55 E. Monroe, #4217 - $369,000
This is brand new construction and not yet lived in. Located in the financial district, this
building transformed its upper floors to luxury residential retreats with an array of amenities –
a penthouse with state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool, whirlpool spa, sundeck, big
screen DVD theater, and an entertainment suite with catering kitchen. This large 1 bedroom/1
bath unit boasts floor to ceiling windows, sweeping western city views from the 42nd floor,
surround sound, and an open floorplan. 24-hour doorman. www.parkmonroe.com
New! – 5140 N. Albany, #2 - $299,000
Welcome home! This 1400+ sq ft 2bed/2bath condo offers everything, including hardwood
floors throughout, washer/dryer, garage parking, etc. The separate dining room is perfect for
entertaining and the living room is huge with loads of windows and natural light. Deck access
through kitchen. Located in a cul-de-sac, this location is close to Lincoln Square and steps
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from a great park. Large gated lot is a dog owner’s dream. Check out the room sizes!
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7145078
PRICE REDUCTION! 4434 N Racine #1- $389,500
This exquisite, 1700 sq. Ft. 2 bedroom, 2.1 bath condo features a spacious layout,
contemporary finishes & classic vintage charm thru-out. New gourmet kitchen opens to formal
dining room w/ original built-in hutch & walk-in pantry. Back deck extends off kitchen/dining,
great for entertaining. Bright sunroom leads to huge living room w/ fireplace & attached
bookcases. Both bedrooms feature private baths. washer/dryer in unit, garage parking &
private storage are included! FHA Financing Available! www.atproperties.com/listing/7118582
6400 N Sacramento 5 Units $139,900 - $199,900
These wonderfully finished 1 & 2 bedroom, 1 & 2 bath condos offer luxury and affordability.
The intimate 16 unit building offers parking included in the price, storage, and an elevator.
Each condo is finished standard with double ovens, marble baths, Kohler fixtures, granite
counters, central heat & air, oak floors, 42” cabinets, and Jacuzzi tub. Exceptional value! FHA
Approval underway!
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118931
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118958
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118942
For our commercial investors, we also have a storefront for sale:
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118973
PRICE REDUCTION! 1528 W Jonquil D3 - $294,000
This amazing 2 bed/2 bath condo is just under 1500 Square feet. Built in 2005, this 6 unit
building is on a beautiful tree-lined street on Chicago's northern edge. Just steps from the
beach, the red/purple line, Evanston, and Jarvis Square, this Rogers Park find is one of the
best deals in Chicago! Featuring hardwood floors throughout, cherry cabinets, and garage
parking - this condo is ready for its new owner! FHA Financing Available!
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7098410
1060 W. North Shore, #1 - $239,000
Rare opportunity to live lakeside! Vintage charm with modern updates and only 60 steps to
the beach. Large 1 bedroom with sunroom that could double as an office/guest room.
Separate dining room and large living room that is wired for surround sound. Hardwood floors
throughout, updated kitchen with newer cabinets, and ss appliances. Tons of built-ins
throughout. Two custom closets in master. Parking included. FHA Financing Available!
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7096852
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