By Agent X
There are plenty of people out there with second homes, but what really gets me excited is the thought of having three or four homes. Imagine having the ability to jet set from coast to coast with a nice pad to lay your weary head at every turn. Be ambitious, why waste your time pitching that second home, when you could be pitching a third or fourth home?
Perhaps your clients don’t realize that they need additional homes, so why not throw the idea out there? If you hear one complaint about the heat, remind them that a second home by the beach on the East Coast would be a perfect solution for those hot summer days. And when winter rolls around, selling that second home in balmy Florida should be a snap. There are 50 states out there, so why should anyone settle for just living in one? Give this some thought after reading the latest gossip that I’ve scrounged up for my loyal readers.
Bad news for Larry Luckett, formerly of GMAC Home Mortgage Inc., who was one of the 67 Chicagoans arrested in the mortgage fraud sting sweeping the nation known as “Operation Malicious Mortgage.” I have to wonder, can a mortgage really be malicious?
Greener pastures might just be out there, as Chicago recently approved a revised development plan for Ricker-Murphy’s Lincoln Park 2520, where seven single-family homes will be added to the condo plan instead of 10, to make room for a larger park space. RMI will also be reducing the total number of units 23 percent. Apparently American Invsco will have nothing to do with these since they were recently kicked off the project and replaced with Rubloff. This may have something to do with its reputation of being connected to over 57 percent of all foreclosure cases filed against original buyers, but that’s just between you and me.
Draper & Kramer has paid $11.6 million for the current site of Hot Diggity Dog hot dog stand where it plans to build a condominium and hotel tower. $11.6 million could pay for a lot of hot dogs.
Agent X is weary from all the events the last few weeks, which is good because it means business must be picking up! Or perhaps all that partying is an effort to drown sorrows?
Last week @properties hosted its first annual internal @expo where agents were able to go around and familiarize themselves with each tool. Insert whatever joke you’d like here, it’s just too easy.
Millie Rosenbloom hosted a broker open for the 100-year-old Taylor Mansion on Dearborn, which is just slightly older than yours truly.
June 23 proved to be a popular day at the golf course, as WCR, RANWC and Harbor Isles Resort in Michigan all hosted a golf outing. One could’ve been blinded by all of of the plaid and argyle everywhere. National City’s Joe McBreen, the preferred lender for Harbor Isles, wins the Agent X award for best outfit.
Crown Heights Realty showcased their available condo hotel inventory with a tour and cocktails at Sixteen, while Camelot Realty hosted a margarita night at its new development at 4809 N. California.
Opera Lofts also held a great party with beverages, tours and opera singers. Nothing is more awkward than touring models where people are already living, though it is a good way to get some interior design ideas. I just wish that elevator hadn’t been quite so slow.
Women’s Council of Realtors served breakfast at the Chicago Yacht Club with featured speaker Professor David Kohler, who spoke about “Effective Negotiating Skills & Strategies.” Agent X plans to use this information to negotiate a raise.
Baer Lofts in Bucktown is giving away free Mopeds with the purchase of units – be sure to check them out July 17 when they hold a broker open. I’ve always wanted a Moped, so you might have to fight me for it. Lastly, rumor has it Jason Palermo is officially single and back on the market. Anyone interested should contact Agent X directly.
People on the move: Tricia Fox left Keller Williams for Sudler Sotheby’s, while Lynne Sott Jackson left her gig at Riha Design group, and is now the senior vice-president of strategic planning at Kopley Group.
You know what time it is! Ellen Davis celebrated her birthday on June 14, so you can see Agent X is a little behind. Tony Inacay, Teri Tuffner and our account executive’s “Mommy” all celebrated on June 19, while Terry Lloyd, Jason Reiner and Jackie Lafferty partied hard on June 21. Then, Lisa Rosengard hopefully wasn’t alone on the 22nd, or Melissa Stasio on the 23rd or even Edd Van Damme on the 26th. Charles Cornelius certainly wasn’t alone on June 27, as he had Holly Kaplan, Becky Meiselman and Roger A. Thompson III all to celebrate on the same day. Last, but never least, Daniel Fitzgerald, Yvonne Carns and C. Bryce Fuller all had some great cake on June 29.
Agent X Keepin’ the “real” in real estate
GOT GOSSIP? Submit it to Agent About Town at agentx@chicago.staging312.com.
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