the pinnacle team newsletter

Pinnacle Team Newsletter

March 2009

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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.



www.ypchicago.org

- 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

[email protected]

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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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mailto:[email protected]

http://chicago.metromix.com/home/producer_guide/chicago-st-patricks-day/309483/content

$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

[email protected]

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www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

mailto:[email protected]

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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http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurantdetails?restaurantid=52995

http://livechicago.wordpress.com

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





www.atproperties.com/listing/7154914



www.parkmonroe.com

from a great park. Large gated lot is a dog owner’s dream. Check out the room sizes!


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!




For our commercial investors, we also have a storefront for sale:


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!


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!







www.atproperties.com/listing/7118582







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