Chicago Gains an Amazing New Work of Art

There is no doubt that Chicago is a city of extensive and amazing architecture. Skyscapers to bridges, historic to modern. There is great harmony in how everything of stone, brick, steel and glass lives together.

I spent Sunday touring the newest addition, the Art Institute'sModern Wing designed by Renzo Piano (genius behind the Pompidou Center in Paris and others) With over ten years from conception through construction, this light filled master piece it equalled only to the works it houses.

The new wing is 274,000 square feet and has added over 30% more space to the Institute. Open just over a week, I was surprised how quickly the masses were moved to get in.

The lines were sleak and clean, the spaces airy and light filled. The natural and artificial light create an almost perfect setting to illiumiate the works of art within without being blinding.


What was a bit distacting, but in a good way, was how the amazing views of the surrounding parks and architecture could be seen through the window shades.

All this while beign immediately surrounded by rooms filled with a great representation of Modern ( 1900-1945) and Contemporary (1945 to present) art.

In addition to taking a architectural boat tour from the river, or visiting the Hancock and Sears towers, the Art Instutute is a must see stop while visiting the Windy City...

The Las Vegas Real Estate Market - Bottoms Up?

Some people enjoy talking about politics, others religion. My passion is Real Estate. I love it, I live it. Here, there and everywhere...

Last week I was working in Las Vegas. With all of the doom and gloom one hears from the media it is no surprise that I get asked a hundred question about what is going on in various markets, especially Las Vegas.

Is the market down from its peak a few years ago? Absolutely.

Is anything even selling? Absolutely!

Existing home sales for the first quarter of 2009 were up 77% over last year. The more interesting part about this is that two-thirds of them were bank owned properties.

Buyers once again realize that there are great bargains out there and are snapping them up. Partially due to the irregular amount of foreclosures, the median home price is down about 40% from its height a few years ago making home ownership and investor opportunities extremely attractive.

But don't think its because the $200,000 listed for $125,000 is going to sell for $30,000. Banks have become much better at pricing their inventory more realistically and many homes are selling OVER list price due to multiple offer situations. I have a friend that his been trying to purchase a home for his daughter for over three months, has written over 8 offers, has the ability to pay cash, and STILL has not been able to secure a deal. The homes are out there, but like fishing it takes patience a but of knowledge to cathc the right one.

Bargains exist in every market. One just needs to know where AND how to look for them. With interest rates at all time lows and first time home buyer incentives, now IS a great time to buy...