http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts Chicago Rentals Direct Blog 2011-07-22T12:06:21Z Subscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with PlusmoSubscribe with The Free DictionarySubscribe with Bitty BrowserSubscribe with Live.comSubscribe with Excite MIXSubscribe with WebwagSubscribe with Podcast ReadySubscribe with WikioSubscribe with Daily Rotation http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/how-to-score-your-dream-apartment-in-a-tight-market 2011-07-22T12:06:01Z How to Score Your Dream Apartment in a Tight Market CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p>This rental season, we’ve witnessed the rental market tighten up as fewer apartments become available and more people are looking to rent them. As a renter, you might be thinking, how can I compete with all of the other people trying to rent the same apartments? Our friends at Jameson-Sotheby’s International Realty, active bloggers on Chicago Now and the authors of the blog entitled “The Condoist”, have written a great article with tips on how to snag your dream apartment in a competitive market.</p> <p><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/the-condoist/2011/07/rental-market-heating-up-tips-for-getting-that-apartment/">View the full article here</a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=243C6JwzhwU:tH19RNcV4gQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=243C6JwzhwU:tH19RNcV4gQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=243C6JwzhwU:tH19RNcV4gQ:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=243C6JwzhwU:tH19RNcV4gQ:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/243C6JwzhwU" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/how-to-score-your-dream-apartment-in-a-tight-market http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/rent-prices-still-on-the-rise 2011-07-07T09:32:59Z Rent Prices Still On the Rise CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Rent Prices Still On the Rise</strong></p> <p>In Chicago as well as nationwide, rent prices continue to increase as occupancy rates rise. According to a report from <a href="http://www.axiometrics.com/">Axiometrics Inc.</a>, a provider of data and analysis on the multi-family housing sector, it is estimated that effective rents will rise by an astounding 5.9% in 2011. This increase in effective rents is the highest the United States has seen since 2005, when effective rents increased 5.8%.</p> <p>As a result of supply and demand, when occupancy rates rise, landlords are able to increase rental prices while keeping apartments filled. In Chicago, as well as other hot metropolitan areas such as New York City, Denver, Orange County, Austin, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and San Jose, occupancy rates are at or above 95%, meaning that only 5% of apartments in these areas are currently vacant.</p> <p>What does this mean for renters? If you’re looking to rent an apartment in the second half of 2011, there are a few important strategies to keep in mind to locate the best apartment for your needs. First, get an idea of the neighborhood you wish to live in, and hone in on just one or two particular areas. Also, make a list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal breakers. If you can describe on paper the particular space you’re looking for, it will be much easier to choose an apartment and know it is the right place for you. It is also important to stay on top of the market, as prices and availability can change very quickly, especially in the summer months. Browsing listings online is a good way to get a feel for what your target area has to offer, and once you locate an apartment that is a good fit for you, don’t hesitate! Waiting to see what else is out there often results in disappointment and regret. Do your research and as soon as you find the place that is right for you, be ready to sign the paperwork and take the apartment off the market before anyone else does.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=ajMqGfJLhYE:wpe1La63XTw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=ajMqGfJLhYE:wpe1La63XTw:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=ajMqGfJLhYE:wpe1La63XTw:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=ajMqGfJLhYE:wpe1La63XTw:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/ajMqGfJLhYE" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/rent-prices-still-on-the-rise http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/check-out-chicago-s-movies-in-the-parks 2011-06-28T12:07:07Z Check out Chicago's Movies in the Parks! CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Check out Chicago’s Movies in the Parks!</strong></p> <p>Summer is a great time to take advantage of the many outdoor events that Chicago has to offer, including street festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts. Movies in the Parks is a series of outdoor movies that occur weekly from mid-June to September at various locations throughout Chicago. Admission to these shows are free to patrons and the series is sponsored by the Chicago Park District and Charter One.</p> <p>This summer, Movies in the Park offers something for everyone, including kids’ movies. This season Chicagoans can view more than 160 films almost daily at parks located throughout the city ranging from current hits to classics. All movies are free and begin at dusk. Be sure to bring a blanket and snacks to complete a beautiful summer night out!</p> <p>You can download a complete schedule of Movies in the Parks <a href="http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/docs/14ccb53a-8955-4128-aed8-f4a2ef6f4c38_document.pdf">here</a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=li7JkdViD7A:_rU8ILAfN9w:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=li7JkdViD7A:_rU8ILAfN9w:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=li7JkdViD7A:_rU8ILAfN9w:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=li7JkdViD7A:_rU8ILAfN9w:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/li7JkdViD7A" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/check-out-chicago-s-movies-in-the-parks http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/rents-continue-to-increase 2011-06-02T15:41:17Z Rents Continue to Increase CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Rents Continue to Increase</strong></p> <p>Although home sale prices in Chicago continue to remain steady or even decrease in some cases, it is no secret that rental prices have continued to rise. As we have been discussing in recent months; the lack of new rental inventory coupled with the increase in renters is keeping vacancy rates to low and driving prices up. Rental rates were predicted to rise by about 10% in 2011, and this has been validated when assessing the <a href="http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20110526/CRED0701/110529908/pricey-apartments-benefit-from-condo-slump">top 10 most expensive rental buildings in downtown Chicago</a>. Affordable rental units aren’t the only ones in high demand this season. The Bernardin, located at 747 N Wabash, has raised rents in the building an astonishing 21.4% in the first quarter. Additionally, one of the newest top-of-the-line buildings to hit the market in the West Loop has announced that rental concessions are decreasing and prices are increasing. The average increase is $75-$100 on all available units per month which is equivalent to $900-1200 annually.</p> <p>The surge in rental prices has not only been seen in Chicago, but throughout the country. As reported by the American Apartment Owners Association, the average apartment rent is set to increase by another 3.4% nationwide for the remainder of 2011 and another 4.3% in 2012. Locally, according to Crain’s, rents in Chicago could increase by an additional 10% this year.</p> <p>Roughly 12 new rental buildings are slated to open in the next few years in the downtown area and Chicagoans hope the increase in available rental units will be enough to slow price increases before they get out of hand. Subscribe to the <span class="caps">CRD</span> blog to stay on top of rental information news and analysis.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=X9lBWuulVjY:S8_Fb0tMYdM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=X9lBWuulVjY:S8_Fb0tMYdM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=X9lBWuulVjY:S8_Fb0tMYdM:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=X9lBWuulVjY:S8_Fb0tMYdM:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/X9lBWuulVjY" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/rents-continue-to-increase http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/calling-all-farmers-market-lovers 2011-05-20T08:44:02Z Calling All Farmers Market Lovers CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Calling All Farmers Market Lovers</strong></p> <p>Finally some warm weather has arrived and that means its time to look for fresh fruits, veggies and homemade goods from local providers.</p> <p>We had no idea there were so many options! Check out this <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-05-11/features/ct-food-0511-farmers-listings-20110511_1_chicago-area-farmers-markets-link-cards-listing">article in the Tribune</a> for a farmers market near you.</p> <p>Although there is no formal code of conduct, if you have never been to the market before, be sure to check out these <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-05-09/features/chi-10-at-10-20110506_1_farmers-market-grass-fed-beef-favorite-purveyors">tips</a> also from the Trib.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=YaccHfhsQkM:ShPQAEfnjUY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=YaccHfhsQkM:ShPQAEfnjUY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=YaccHfhsQkM:ShPQAEfnjUY:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=YaccHfhsQkM:ShPQAEfnjUY:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/YaccHfhsQkM" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/calling-all-farmers-market-lovers http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/downtown-prices-already-higher-than-2010 2011-05-17T14:23:26Z Downtown Rental Prices Already Higher Than 2010 CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Downtown Rental Prices Already Higher Than 2010</strong></p> <p>Rental prices are already up 6% from the first quarter 2010, what will happen this summer and in years to come?</p> <p>Some experts weigh in, read the full article at <a href="http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20110516/CRED02/110519893/downtown-apartment-rents-approach-2007-high">Crain’s Chicago Business</a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=PlToLM-WY5E:5DIFewpJguw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=PlToLM-WY5E:5DIFewpJguw:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=PlToLM-WY5E:5DIFewpJguw:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=PlToLM-WY5E:5DIFewpJguw:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/PlToLM-WY5E" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/downtown-prices-already-higher-than-2010 http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/is-chicago-the-new-hollywood 2011-05-12T08:56:55Z Is Chicago the New Hollywood? CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Is Chicago the New Hollywood?</strong><br /> <br> Summertime in Chicago always brings familiar activities, from the <a href="http://www.navypier.com/things2do/fireworks.html">Navy Pier Fireworks</a> to endless <a href="http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/crd-best-neighborhood-fest-schedule-2010">outdoor festivals.</a> In more recent years residents have also noticed the increasing number of film casts and crews that flock to the city, which has become a destination for movie locations.</p> <p>This summer “Superman: Man of Steel” is on deck. After an estimated 10 weeks of set up, Superman is slated to begin filming in August in the western suburb of Plano. The location was presumably chosen because it resembles Clark Kent’s home town of Smallville, Kansas. Kevin Costner and Diane Lane will play Jonathan and Martha Kent, foster parents to the Man of Steel played by up and coming actor Henry Cavill of HBO’s “The Tudors”.</p> <p>With an estimated budget of $175 million, Superman promises Chicago an economic boost equal to the one generated by “Transformers 3,” which filmed here last summer. Although the noise and mess were a lot to handle, the film had ad an estimated $20-million impact on the local economy and created about 1200 jobs.</p> <p>Superman isn’t the only film considering Chicago in 2011; rumors that a number of movies have been considering the windy city for locations have been circling recently. Enter Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, occupying more than 1.2 million square feet at 2558 W 16th, the former site of Ryerson Steel. Cinespace Toronto, the parent company of the Chicago location, is owned by Nick Mirkoupoulos who said he&#8217;s building out the first, 450,000-square-foot phase of the project for about $45 million. Cinespace Chicago is set to become the area’s largest host for creators of movies and TV shows and is already busy with its first job — shooting for a cable drama called “Boss” that stars Kelsey Grammer as the mayor of Chicago.</p> <p>This massive location can house up to 7 stages and is attractive to producers because of the attached office space. Cinespace Chicago received $5 million of state aid on Tuesday, announced during a visit from Governor Quinn saying that that it will be “a real job-creator.” While it remains to be seen exactly how many new jobs will be created, Mirkoupoulos hopes he can generate thousands, many of which will be for union workers involved in set construction.</p> <p>Governor Quinn’s announcement came along with record spending levels by movie and television makers in Illinois. In 2010, production companies spent $161 million in the state, 54 percent more than in 2009. Last year’s spending totals were buoyed by production of “Transformers <span class="caps">III</span>,” “Contagion,” “The Dilemma” and “The Chicago Code.”<br /> “This demonstrates Illinois is attractive not just to traditional businesses and corporations but also to major Hollywood productions.” Quinn spokeswoman Annie Thompson said. “It shows the state’s film tax credit has been a really effective tool in spurring growth of our film industry here.”</p> <p>For a chart of the economic impact of moviemaking in Illinois, check out: <a href="http://www.chicagobusiness.com/Assets/legacy/downloads/20110328superman.htm">http://www.chicagobusiness.com/Assets/legacy/downloads/20110328superman.htm</a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=bjyKKk6Y6jg:XZ9WM_PTyYM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=bjyKKk6Y6jg:XZ9WM_PTyYM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=bjyKKk6Y6jg:XZ9WM_PTyYM:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=bjyKKk6Y6jg:XZ9WM_PTyYM:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/bjyKKk6Y6jg" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/is-chicago-the-new-hollywood http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/grants-up-to-10-000-available-from-the-chicago-tobacco-prevention-project-for-going-smoke-free 2011-05-10T08:51:07Z Grants up to $10,000 available from the Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project for going smoke-free! CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Grants up to $10,000 available from the Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project for going smoke-free! </strong></p> <p>Going smoke-free is legal, profitable and easy, and the Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project is offering grants of up to $10,000 to help you transition your property to smoke-free.</p> <p>Everyone deserves to breathe clean air, especially at home. In apartment buildings, between 35 and 60 percent of air is shared air that comes from other units and common areas. So if just one person in your building smokes, each of your tenants is breathing in the dangerous toxins found in secondhand smoke.</p> <p>Having a smoke-free building doesn’t mean that you don’t allow smokers. Simply put, a smoke-free building is one in which smoking is not permitted in any indoor units or common areas.</p> <p>The market for smoke-free housing is growing. Renters are becoming increasingly aware of the health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke, and health-conscious and eco-friendly renters want to live in smoke-free buildings. A recent poll of Chicago renters found that 32% were willing to pay more to live in a smoke-free environment.</p> <p>It’s legal. Just like your policies regarding noise and pets, you can create policies to prohibit smoking to create a better, safer living environment for your tenants.</p> <p>It’s profitable. Compared with a unit where smoking is allowed, smoke-free units cost significantly less to turn over. Smoking is hard on a building, and owners incur substantial costs from the painting, caulking and general cleaning to remove tobacco odor, plus replacing damaged items such as filters, countertops, carpet, or drapes.</p> <p>It’s easy. Once implemented, smoke-free policies are generally self-enforcing and require little staff time. By choosing to make your buildings smoke-free, your tenants can breathe easier and you can protect your investment.</p> <p>The Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project is providing technical assistance and other resources to property owners and managers who wish to explore and implement smoke-free policies. For a limited time, grants of up to $10,000 are available to apartment buildings and condominium associations who adopt smoke-free rules. These grants can support resident education and marketing efforts, and even smoking cessation programming for tenants. For more information, please visit <a href="www.ChicagoSmokeFreeHousing.com">www.ChicagoSmokeFreeHousing.com</a>.</p> <p>This guest blog post was written by James Meerdink of the Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=gpK3WQy-cso:cDo7mvOp05I:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=gpK3WQy-cso:cDo7mvOp05I:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=gpK3WQy-cso:cDo7mvOp05I:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=gpK3WQy-cso:cDo7mvOp05I:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/gpK3WQy-cso" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/grants-up-to-10-000-available-from-the-chicago-tobacco-prevention-project-for-going-smoke-free http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/landlords-need-a-refresher-new-online-courses-just-announced-from-the-chicagoland-apartment-association 2011-05-06T08:52:31Z Landlords: Need a refresher? New online courses just announced from the Chicagoland Apartment Association CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Landlords: Need a refresher? New online courses just announced from the Chicagoland Apartment Association </strong></p> <p>One of our favorite organizations, the Chicagoland Apartment Association, has just announced this week that they are partnering with the National Apartment Association and CallSource to launch a universal online-based Learning Management System (<span class="caps">LMS</span>).</p> <p>There are over 40 course topics offered in both English and Spanish including Fair Housing, Bed Bugs, Customer Service, Internet and Sales Strategy. The interactive online classes are available 24 hours a day and are designed to last about an hour each.</p> <p>We highly recommend these courses to anyone looking to expand their knowledge it seems like there is something for everyone and at an introductory rate of $39* who could resist?!</p> <p>You can see a full course list and descriptions <a href="http://www.callsource.com/assets/Uploads/Course-catalog-mini2009-1159-6.pdf">here</a></p> <p>*Rates are set to increase after June 1 to $59 for <span class="caps">CAA</span> members and $79 for non-members.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=9YID8h0ivTg:q60pQ-VJzvc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=9YID8h0ivTg:q60pQ-VJzvc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=9YID8h0ivTg:q60pQ-VJzvc:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=9YID8h0ivTg:q60pQ-VJzvc:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/9YID8h0ivTg" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/landlords-need-a-refresher-new-online-courses-just-announced-from-the-chicagoland-apartment-association http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/renting-more-expensive-than-ever 2011-05-03T09:56:00Z Renting: More Expensive Than Ever! CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p>How much should you be spending on rent? When budgeting, it is recommended that renters spend no more than 35% of their gross income on rent each month. According to a recent study reported by Harvard University, one in four renters spend half their income on rent and utilities. This statistic is reportedly even higher in Chicago, with almost half of all renters spending 50% of their income on rent.</p> <p>Renting is hot right now. According to Reuters, the U.S. rental vacancy rate fell to 9.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010 from 10.3 in the quarter prior, which is the lowest rental vacancy rate recorded in the past 4 years. The vacancy rate in Chicago is even lower, and rents across the U.S. are expected to increase by an average of 4.5%.</p> <p>The trend of high rents is correlated with the poor economy and housing market and the resulting demand for rental accommodations. Since the housing market has been in a slump, would-be buyers are increasingly choosing to rent rather than buy a home. Other potential buyers may not qualify for a mortgage under today’s stricter lending requirements.</p> <p>Some homeowners have been forced out of their homes and into rental properties as a result of foreclosure. An additional problem that the poor economy brings is the reduced number of new rental housing being built and the fact that the majority of the units that have been built are higher-end, luxury rentals. According to a report by the Joint Center, it is estimated that the number of renter households in the U.S. could increase by 360,000 to 470,000 each year between 2010 and 2020.</p> <p>What can you do to help your finances and avoid paying exorbitant rents? Consider searching for apartments in up-and-coming neighborhoods further away from the city center, downsizing to a smaller space, or downgrading to an apartment with less amenities. You may want to think about staying in your current apartment. Many landlords will raise rents modestly or not at all if they are able to retain quality tenants. Consider cutting out expenses such as premium cable, dinners out, and gym memberships to ease tight budgets.</p> <p>Unfortunately, there is not a lot that renters can do to lower rent prices, but it is important to be aware of the rental market and how it can affect you.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=NXPP9h1xHI0:ZRPiy8ONcv0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=NXPP9h1xHI0:ZRPiy8ONcv0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=NXPP9h1xHI0:ZRPiy8ONcv0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=NXPP9h1xHI0:ZRPiy8ONcv0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/NXPP9h1xHI0" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/renting-more-expensive-than-ever http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/our-favorite-neighborhood-grocery-store-set-to-open-2-new-chicago-locations 2011-04-26T08:49:32Z Our favorite neighborhood grocery store set to open 2 new Chicago locations CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Our favorite neighborhood grocery store set to open 2 new Chicago locations</strong></p> <p>Ever since the Dominick’s on Broadway and Wellington burned down in June 2005, East Lakeview and Lincoln Park residents have been waiting for an easily accessible, go-to grocery store within a walkable distance. With the exception of The Marketplace (521 W. Diversey) and the Lincoln Park Market (2500 N. Clark), residents of the area have quite a ways to travel to shop for groceries.</p> <p>There has been talk for months about a Trader Joe’s opening at the intersection of Diversey, Broadway, and Clark, on the border of Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Multiple sources claim that the store, located at 667 W Diversey, will indeed open on May 6! It will consist of a ground-level store with two upper levels dedicated to parking for Trader Joe’s patrons. Trader Joe’s is an affordable, hip, specialty grocer where shoppers will find great deals on unique items, including organic and locally produced products.</p> <p>On the other end of town, in the South Loop, residents enjoy a greater selection of grocery stores, including Whole Foods (1101 S Canal St), Dominicks (1340 S Canal St) and Jewel (1224 S Wabash Ave). Trader Joe’s is slated to open across the street from Jewel in the former Sam’s Wine and Spirits location, and will be the fourth choice for groceries within about a one mile radius. Although construction is underway, an exact date for the South Loop’s store opening has not yet been determined.</p> <p>The two new locations will round out the city’s coverage and bring the total number of stores to 6, including Oak Park. For existing TJ locations, please visit their store <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/stores/index.asp">index page.</a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=vA0r1XAnLZg:H5vqFCtehEc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=vA0r1XAnLZg:H5vqFCtehEc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=vA0r1XAnLZg:H5vqFCtehEc:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=vA0r1XAnLZg:H5vqFCtehEc:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/vA0r1XAnLZg" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/our-favorite-neighborhood-grocery-store-set-to-open-2-new-chicago-locations http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/crd-best-neighborhood-fest-schedule-2010 2011-04-19T10:56:52Z CRD Best Neighborhood Fest Schedule 2011 CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p>Eat, drink, and experience the best of local music and merchants all summer long at the various Chicago neighborhood street festivals. The street fests are some of the most anticipated events of the summer, and you’re sure to find one that appeals to you. Here is the best of this year’s lineup, sure to keep you busy all summer long!<br /> <br> <strong>May 2011:</strong><br /> 6-8: Cinco De Mayo Festival (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 20-21: Wine Riot<br /> 20-22: Mayfest <br /> 28-29: Randolph Street Market Festival<br /> 28-29: Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival<br /> <br> <strong>June 2011:</strong><br /> 2-5: Mayfest (Lincoln Square) (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 3-5: Eastside Millennium Art Festival (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 4-5: Printer&#8217;s Row Lit Fest (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 4-5: June Jam<br /> 4-5: Do Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale<br /> 4-5: SausageFest (Formerly Lake View Music Fest)<br /> 10-12: Chicago Blues Festival (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 10-12: Ribfest Chicago<br /> 10-12: Party at St. Mike&#8217;s<br /> 11-12: Old Town Art Fair<br /> 11-12: Wells Street Art Festival<br /> 11-12: Andersonville Midsommarfest<br /> 14-19: Fiesta Puertorriquenas (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 14-18: Just for Laughs Chicago<br /> 15-Aug. 20: Grant Park Music Festival (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 17: Peace Fest (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 17-19: Taste of Randolph Street<br /> 17-19: Festa Pasta Vino<br /> 18-19: Custer&#8217;s Last Stand Festival of the Arts<br /> 24-25: Chicago Pride Fest<br /> 25-26: Green Music Fest<br /> 25-26: Randolph Street Market Festival<br /> 25-26: Chicago Summerfest<br /> 25-26: Fountain Square Art Festival<br /> 24-July 3: Taste of Chicago (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> <br> <strong>July 2011:</strong><br /> 1-4: African-Caribbean International Festival of Life<br /> 24-July 3: Taste of Chicago (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 9-10: Chicago Folk and Roots Festival<br /> 9-10: Gold Coast Art Fair (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 9-10: Rock Around the Block<br /> 9-10: Roscoe Village Burger Fest<br /> 9-10: West Fest<br /> 14: Bastille Day 5K Run, Walk and Block Party<br /> 15-16: Old St. Pat&#8217;s World&#8217;s Largest Block Party<br /> 15-16: Pitchfork Music Festival<br /> 15-17: Windy City RibFest<br /> 15-17: Taste of River North<br /> 16: Edgewater Arts Festival (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 16-17: Lincoln Park Arts and Music Festival<br /> 17: Chinatown Summer Fair (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 23-24: Wicker Park Fest<br /> 23-24: Celebrate Clark Street Festival<br /> 28-31: Fiesta del Sol Festival (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 30-31: Randolph Street Market Festival<br /> 30-31: Summer on Southport<br /> 30-31: Taste of Lincoln Avenue<br /> <br> <strong>August 2011:</strong><br /> 5-7: Lollapalooza<br /> 6-7: Retro on Roscoe<br /> 11-14: Taylor Street Festa Italiana<br /> 13-14: Chicago Korean Festival<br /> 13-14: Wrigleyville SummerFest<br /> 13-14: Northalsted Market Days<br /> 14: StreetFood Artistry (<span class="caps">NEW</span> <span class="caps">FEST</span>!)<br /> 20-21: North Side Summerfest<br /> 20-21: Chicago Air &amp; Water Show<br /> 23-27: Chicago Dancing Festival<br /> 26-28: Uketoberfest<br /> 26-28: Boulevard Bash<br /> 27-28: Taste of Greece<br /> 27-28: Randolph Street Market Festival<br /> 27-28: Bucktown Arts Fest<br /> <br> <strong>September 2011:</strong><br /> 2-4: Chicago Jazz Festival (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 3-4: Ravenswood Remix (<span class="caps">NEW</span> <span class="caps">FEST</span>!)<br /> 9-10: Windy City Wine Festival<br /> 9-11: Festival de la Villita (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 9-11: German-American Festival (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 10-11: Ukrainian Village Fest<br /> 10-11: Wells Street Fall Fest<br /> 10-11: Renegade Craft Fair (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 16-17: Oyster Fest<br /> 16-18: Harvest Jam<br /> 23-25: Oktoberfest Chicago<br /> 24-25: Randolph Street Market Festival<br /> 24: Humboldt Park Art Fair (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> 24: Hyde Park Jazz Festival (<span class="caps">FREE</span>)<br /> <br> For more information on Chicago’s summer street festivals, visit <a href="http://chicago.metromix.com/events/article/chicago-festival-guide-2011/2450230/content">the Complete Metromix Fest Guide</a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=CiHmODhSoLg:2Z24R0zyOiY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=CiHmODhSoLg:2Z24R0zyOiY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=CiHmODhSoLg:2Z24R0zyOiY:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=CiHmODhSoLg:2Z24R0zyOiY:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/CiHmODhSoLg" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/crd-best-neighborhood-fest-schedule-2010 http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/the-latest-on-bedbugs-in-chicago-what-you-need-to-know 2011-04-15T09:36:19Z The Latest on Bedbugs in Chicago: What You Need to Know CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p>With all the things we need to worry about these days, the issue of bedbugs might not be at the top of the list for many renters, but should it be? In the last year, across the country, there has been an increasing number of horror stories about these little guys. Once thought to be more of an annoyance than a health hazard, recent studies indicate that bedbugs may be responsible for the spread of over 40 different diseases! Keep reading to learn more, including how to identify bedbugs and what to do if you suspect bedbugs are living in your apartment uninvited.</p> <p>There are a few things to look for if you suspect that bedbugs might be present in your home: First, they do bite, so you will likely see small red dots or larger red bumps on your skin. They are fairly small, but visible, and they grow larger each time they molt or consume a meal. You may be able to see the bugs lurking on bedsheets, clothing, or in cracks and crevices. It is hard to see them during daylight hours, but they do sometimes leave behind evidence of their existence, such their molten skins, reddish-brown droppings, or leftover blood.</p> <p>According to the Chicago Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, landlords are required to maintain the condition of apartments by, “Protect(ing) you against rodents and insects by exterminating”. Although bedbugs have become a recent problem in Chicago, local landlords and management companies are prepared to fight back. The Chicagoland Apartment Association has scheduled an education seminar in early May to help landlords become informed and prepared to prevent, treat and manage this problem. If you suspect that you might have a bedbug infestation, contact your landlord immediately and give him or her a chance to fix things.</p> <p>Bedbugs can be killed using heat, extreme cold, or pesticides but attempting to exterminate the bugs on your own could actually unknowingly spread them even more. Contact a professional bedbug exterminator, wash all clothing and bedsheets in extremely hot water, and seal clean clothing in plastic bags to prevent infestation. You can run but you can’t hide; these pests do travel easily by hiding in clothing, on backpacks, or by running from one location to the next.</p> <p>You can research and report bedbug infestations on the Bed Bug Registry at <a href="http://bedbugregistry.com">http://bedbugregistry.com</a>, or get more information about these pests by visiting <a href="http://www.badbedbugs.com">http://www.badbedbugs.com</a>.</p> <p>Good night and sleep tight.. you know the rest.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=FuuQVyry_eQ:o3L54njBoCM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=FuuQVyry_eQ:o3L54njBoCM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=FuuQVyry_eQ:o3L54njBoCM:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=FuuQVyry_eQ:o3L54njBoCM:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/FuuQVyry_eQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/the-latest-on-bedbugs-in-chicago-what-you-need-to-know http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/the-runners-are-coming 2011-04-08T10:31:55Z The Runners are Coming CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>The Runners are Coming</strong></p> <p>As you may or may not know, Chicago has many sister cities around the world. Beginning in 1960 with Warsaw, Poland, Chicago now has a total of 27 sister cities. Our newest sister city is Bogota, Columbia which joined us in 2009. Sister city affiliations are enacted by a signed agreement between mayors of both cities with the goal of building bridges between governments, businesses and individuals. These cities help promote Chicago globally as well as bring their own cultural flair to the Chi.</p> <p>One of the most recent contributions comes from our sister city Athens, Greece, in the form of a statue. “The Runners”, designed by Greek sculptor Theodoros Papagiannis, was erected this week on the O’Hare International Airport grounds. The work consists of 5 runners and 5 “negatives” which look like cutouts shadowed behind the runners. We have yet to see for ourselves, but the picture on the Trib website looks awesome!</p> <p>The project has been a work in progress by the Chicago-Athens Sister City Committee for some time now and even thought it took longer than expected, it was definitely worth the wait. &#8220;The Runners is a symbol of emigration, moving — the Greek people in America,&#8221; says Papagiannis. The Runners stand along the highway and point downtown with the flow of traffic.</p> <p>Check out the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/art/ct-live-0407-the-runners-sculpture-20110406,0,3418156.story">full story from the Tribune</a></p> <p>To learn more about Chicago’s sister cities visit the <a href="http://www.chicagosistercities.com/">Chicago Sister City Website</a></p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=rCXMysPC3mw:ev0Ml9HD6Lo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=rCXMysPC3mw:ev0Ml9HD6Lo:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=rCXMysPC3mw:ev0Ml9HD6Lo:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=rCXMysPC3mw:ev0Ml9HD6Lo:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/rCXMysPC3mw" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/the-runners-are-coming http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/rental-deal-of-the-day-series 2011-04-01T10:31:05Z Rental Deal of the Day Series CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><a href="http://yochicago.com/21042/21042/">Rental deal of the day: East Lakeview 2/2 for $1,550</a></p> <p>We are so excited about our new Deal of the Day series with <a href="http://yochicago.com/">Yo Chicago</a></p> <p>Yo Chicago is an awesome website and <span class="caps">CRD</span> looks forward to providing great deals on Chicago apartments for this series!</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=7jTBg8EhD2g:gc8wKwPcbXM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=7jTBg8EhD2g:gc8wKwPcbXM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=7jTBg8EhD2g:gc8wKwPcbXM:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=7jTBg8EhD2g:gc8wKwPcbXM:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/7jTBg8EhD2g" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/rental-deal-of-the-day-series http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/tips-for-renters 2011-03-29T09:37:23Z Tips for Renters CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Tips for Renters</strong><br /> <br> Spring is here! When the temperature soars, so does the number of people who are looking for a new apartment to rent in Chicago. Whether you are a first time renter or a seasoned veteran, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind along the way.</p> <p><strong>Know what you want.</strong><br /> Make a list of the desired features and amenities for your new apartment and prioritize them. Think about what is a “must have” and what is a “preference” before you begin your search.</p> <p><strong>Set your budget.</strong><br /> In Chicago, the recommended rental rate is 30-35% of after tax income. Know what you can afford before you start looking.</p> <p><strong>Get ready.</strong><br /> With your rental application you will be asked to submit proof of income and rental history. Some units may require references as well. If you think you might need a co-signer, get one lined up.</p> <p><strong>Be decisive.</strong><br /> Rental units come and go quickly; if you find one you want, don’t hesitate. Owners will keep an apartment on the market until your application is approved and your security deposit is received. Complete your application and turn it in as quickly as possible.</p> <p><strong>Ask questions.</strong><br /> Be sure to find out which utilities are included and which will be your responsibility. Ask about building policies such as move in and out fees and parking options. Make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.</p> <p><strong>Check out the area.</strong><br /> Use our convenient neighborhood guide to get information on what is in the area. Be sure you are close to the type of transportation or roads you will need as well as the local amenities you enjoy.</p> <p><strong>Get insured.</strong><br /> Renter’s insurance is highly recommended and may be required by certain landlords or buildings. It is inexpensive and easy to obtain through companies such as State Farm, Geico, All State etc, and can usually be added to an existing policy.</p> <p><strong>Update utilities and services.</strong><br /> Activate or transfer your gas, electricity, cable, and Internet services to your new residence. Also, visit <a href="http://www.usps.com/">http://www.usps.com/</a> to have your mail forwarded to your new address.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=BUnis5bS1nA:JQxgVgzIJjk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=BUnis5bS1nA:JQxgVgzIJjk:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=BUnis5bS1nA:JQxgVgzIJjk:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=BUnis5bS1nA:JQxgVgzIJjk:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/BUnis5bS1nA" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/tips-for-renters http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/a-shift-in-the-rental-market-expected-this-spring 2011-03-24T12:59:34Z A Shift in the Rental Market Expected This Spring CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong> A Shift in the Rental Market Expected This Spring</strong><br /> <br> This rental season, Chicago will experience a shift in the market that will favor landlords and property managers much more than in recent years. Concessions, such as free rent and bonus gifts, have almost completely disappeared and rent prices are projected to increase by 7 to 8 percent, according to an article written by Mary Ellen Podmolik of the Chicago Tribune. Check out the full article below:</p> <p>“Dodged a rent increase in 2010? Don&#8217;t assume you&#8217;ll be so lucky this year.</p> <p>Demand is outstripping supply, meaning landlords both downtown and in the suburbs have many existing and prospective tenants just where they want them. And property managers know it.</p> <p>Last year, landlords were able to push through rent hikes of about 7 percent. This year, rents are expected to rise by an additional 7 percent to 8 percent, particularly in newer buildings downtown, according to a forecast by Appraisal Research Counselors.</p> <p>For the prospective tenant looking for a bargain, that means the time to shop for a lease that includes a free month of rent or a flat-screen television is now. By spring, those rent concessions are likely to evaporate, and leasing managers expect to hear back from prospective tenants who thought they&#8217;d find a better deal across the street but didn&#8217;t.</p> <p>&#8220;The concessions are still out there, but as soon as you hit that April market you&#8217;re going to start seeing a lot of push on rents,&#8221; said Ron DeVries, vice president at Appraisal Research Counselors.</p> <p>Many leasing agents say they&#8217;re seeing more prospective renters walk through their doors than they typically do at this time of year, and available inventory in some properties is already tight.</p> <p>&#8220;It&#8217;s busier than it&#8217;s ever been for this time of year,&#8221; said Jon Perlman, of State Street Properties Chicago <span class="caps">LLC</span>, a real estate brokerage. &#8220;The myth everybody has is there are so many apartments and condos out there. The reality of the situation is there are more renters than apartments in downtown Chicago.&#8221;</p> <p>The 2,356-unit Presidential Towers, which just completed a $2 million renovation of its lobby and common areas, anticipates rents this spring will be as much as 8 percent higher than in May 2010.</p> <p>&#8220;Last year everybody dropped the rates to get someone in the door,&#8221; said general manager Phyllis Kempton. &quot; Now, everyone is raising their rent. People are accepting of 8 percent.&quot;</p> <p>Meanwhile, at Flair Tower, renters will see renewal rates increase 4 percent to 6 percent, and new renters will see fewer concessions, said general manager Amanda Kopko.</p> <p>Landlords &#8220;never hit the renewals as hard as the new tenants,&#8221; DeVries said. &#8220;But if the building is 98, 99 percent occupied, they&#8217;re going to take a more aggressive stance because they can sign another tenant at the full rate.&#8221;</p> <p>A combination of factors is responsible for the current leasing environment. Consumers with the financial resources to buy properties remain leery and continue to wait for the housing market to bottom; other people are forced into apartments because they&#8217;ve lost their homes to foreclosure.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the supply of individually owned condos rented by their owners, called the &#8220;shadow&#8221; market, reached a record 5,718 units last year. But with condo construction at a virtual standstill, little new inventory is expected. Also, some potential tenants are fearful of renting condos, fearing that the owners may fall into foreclosure.</p> <p>Woodstock Institute, a Chicago research and advocacy group, reported Thursday that condominiums accounted for 42.5 percent of all foreclosure activity in the six-county Chicago area in 2010.</p> <p>Also, delivery of new apartment projects downtown has plummeted in the near term. More than 2,500 new downtown apartments came online in 2010. This year, the only new building is Randolph Tower, with 312 units, followed by potential additions of 650 units in 2012 and 2,000 units in 2013, the year in which rent increases may moderate.</p> <p>Also, the national unemployment rate for people over age 25 with a college degree was 4.5 percent in January, according to the Labor Department, compared with 9 percent for the population as a whole, so they have the financial footing to seek out, and afford, apartments.</p> <p>From the fourth quarter of 2009 to the same period last year, 2,000 more apartments were rented in downtown Chicago.</p> <p>&#8220;That&#8217;s a huge number,&#8221; DeVries said. &#8220;Absorption downtown is phenomenal.&#8221;</p> <p>The rental trends aren&#8217;t expected to extend to all corners of the city and suburban markets or to every building. Rent increases in older buildings, those generally built before the 1980s, are trailing behind those of newer buildings.</p> <p>And not everyone has enough confidence in Chicago&#8217;s job market to test a rent increase. Arnell Cordero, leasing director of Group Fox Property Management, which manages 2,500 units in Chicago, Evanston and Hoffman Estates, has seen fewer job transferees from other states and more of his younger renters move back home.</p> <p>&#8220;We&#8217;re a little more open to negotiation,&#8221; Cordero said. &#8220;We can ask (for a rent increase), but it doesn&#8217;t mean it&#8217;s engraved in stone.&#8221;</p> <p>~Mary Ellen Podmolik, Tribune Reporter</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=K2oR6L1uZ0U:-nAMDC_lNgY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=K2oR6L1uZ0U:-nAMDC_lNgY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=K2oR6L1uZ0U:-nAMDC_lNgY:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=K2oR6L1uZ0U:-nAMDC_lNgY:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/K2oR6L1uZ0U" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/a-shift-in-the-rental-market-expected-this-spring http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/crd-in-the-press 2011-03-17T13:52:57Z CRD in the Press! CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p>Chicago Rentals Direct is already making headlines!</p> <p><strong>Highland Park Native Launches Website Community for Chicago Apartment Seekers</strong></p> <p>If your son or daughter is graduating from college, looking to leave the nest, or just move to another city neighborhood, a website launched this week by young Highland Park native Stephanie Konow provides an invaluable assist. Chicago Rentals Direct (<span class="caps">CRD</span>) www.chicagorentalsdirect.com is a unique website that enables renters to eliminate the middleman and connect directly with landlords, and use tools previously available only to rental agents. It&#8217;s a tool that will be especially needed for this spring&#8217;s tough market, with occupancies in Chicago rising steadily, and expected to reach at least 94%.*</p> <p>“This is a totally new concept for apartment rentals in Chicago. Allowing apartment searchers to act as their own agents saves both time and money,” says Konow, who founded <span class="caps">CRD</span> with partner Katie Bommarito. Currently, apartment seekers have limited options: either use an apartment finding service and risk incurring hidden fees, or search websites that offer incomplete and spam-filled listings of available rentals.</p> <p>“We have eliminated the hidden fees associated with apartment finding services, which is of enormous benefit to renters, potentially saving them $100 or more per month,” says Konow.</p> <p>Chicago Rentals Direct is working with hundreds of the city’s landlords to compile the most comprehensive list of available rental units in the city. Potential renters join <span class="caps">CRD</span> for free and gain unlimited 60-day access to listings of the city’s most sought after apartments, many of which are not listed with any other service.</p> <p>Chicago Rentals Direct is offering an additional benefit to renters to use the site. “We believe so strongly in this concept that we will reward renters with $100 when they find an apartment through <span class="caps">CRD</span>,” says Bommarito.</p> <p>Both former leasing agents, Konow and Bommarito created <span class="caps">CRD</span> as a solution to a knotty problem in the city’s apartment rental industry. “Landlords want to directly find tenants, and renters want to directly find landlords, but there was no resource available to make that happen until <span class="caps">CRD</span>,” explains Konow. “We have created an online community exclusive to renters and landlords that also streamlines the entire process, from initial searching through signing the lease.”</p> <p>Chicago Rentals Direct offers apartment seekers many valuable tools, once available only to agents including:<br /> • Customizable map tool that allows seekers to draw exact boundaries <br /> • “Virtual Agent” sends members new rental alerts daily according to their saved preferences<br /> • Comparison basket provides a side-by-side view of unit and building features<br /> • Walkability score for each listing indicates nearby amenities and transportation options<br /> • Rental tips, moving facts and informational pages on Chicago neighborhoods</p> <p>*According to Jerry Gawlik of Berkshire Property Advisors, <span class="caps">LLC</span>, who serves as the current President of the Chicagoland Apartment Association, occupancy is steadily rising and is expected to reach at least 94% first quarter of 2011. Additionally, net effective rents are predicted to increase by 2-3%.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=UiXu_aotFXo:mAzkzUvkxYA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=UiXu_aotFXo:mAzkzUvkxYA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=UiXu_aotFXo:mAzkzUvkxYA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=UiXu_aotFXo:mAzkzUvkxYA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/UiXu_aotFXo" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/crd-in-the-press http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/shoutouts-from-crd 2011-03-15T19:48:27Z Shoutouts from CRD CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p>Shoutouts from <span class="caps">CRD</span></p> <p>Chicago Rentals Direct wouldn’t be what it is today without the help of so many people. While our full time team is only two, we would not have made it without the support of those standing behind us, to all of whom we are eternally grateful:</p> <p>First, our investors, who recognized a great idea and never doubted us for a second. Our fabulous design team at Chromatic, for doing amazing, detailed work and always being there at any hour to answer our (million) questions. Our awesome development team, Parallactic, for building out this website and honoring our many requests, changes and last-minute revisions. Our PR expert, Mindy Kolof, for her wonderful insight and innovative ideas. Our third leg, Ted, for his advice, expertise and business knoweledge. Our master editor, Debbie, for her incredible editing skills and continuous support. Our graphic designers: Angela, for creating our beautiful flyers and business cards (through countless revisions); and Karina, for creating our awesome neighborhood maps. Our friend, Michael R, for all of his enthusiasm and willingness to help. Bin-Donated founder, Judson, for his great ideas and inspiration. Brent, of Sanders New Media, for his help getting the ball rolling, teaching us about the industry and always having a good solution to any problem. Jason and the Sherwood Law Group, for always having our back. Bill Keller, definitely the most fun accountant we know. Our friend, Jeff, at Web 312 for his help and enthusiasm. Our photographer, Stephanie Sherva, for capturing us in the best possible light :) Our Social Media Expert, Brandon of Dough Nuttz, for teaching us that there is more to life than Facebook. Marketing expert, Jessica Swanson, for teaching us how to market on a “Shoestring” budget. Bryan and Bryan, at Aspiring Solutions for help with many aspects of the business. Our friend Lauren, for her knowledge and always being a great friend. Andrea, Danielle, Rhea and Chris, for all of their valuable feedback on the website. To our first landlords, for understanding our vision and spreading the word to others. Last but certainly not least, our amazing families and friends, for the never-ending support, patience through the rough times and unwavering faith in us.</p> <p>We cannot thank you all enough.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=BHlI0jYspc0:lG5eKTg_leQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=BHlI0jYspc0:lG5eKTg_leQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=BHlI0jYspc0:lG5eKTg_leQ:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=BHlI0jYspc0:lG5eKTg_leQ:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/BHlI0jYspc0" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/shoutouts-from-crd http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/power-to-the-renters 2011-03-09T09:32:30Z Power to the Renters! CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Power to the Renters!</strong></p> <p>Chicago Rentals Direct was designed with you in mind. As former leasing agents, we know that renters today are savvy, know the market and know exactly what they are looking for. The only thing missing was a reliable way to find new properties and meet landlords. We set out to create a safe place for you to connect with landlords in an open forum without the hassles of spam, middlemen and all the other obstacles that can get in your way.</p> <p><strong>Direct contact with landlords puts <span class="caps">YOU</span> in control.</strong></p> <p>As a member of Chicago Rentals Direct, you get all the tools you need to find your dream apartment. Search and compare to identify which properties are the best fit for you. Set up alerts so you won’t miss out on new, hot properties! All listings include property addresses and the owner’s contact information so you can go right to the source. Meet with landlords directly and negotiate the terms that work best for <span class="caps">YOU</span>. Save time and money by renting direct. And that’s not all; members who rent through Chicago Rentals Direct receive a $100 reward!</p> <p><strong>The truth behind those “FREE” apartment finding services.</strong></p> <p>Yes, it’s true, you aren’t charged directly by the apartment finder to use their services because they make money by charging landlords. Apartment rental agents can earn anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per rental. Why let someone else benefit from your apartment search? As a member of Chicago Rentals Direct, you get all the benefits of having an agent with none of the hassles. By acting as your own agent you can take control of your search and ensure the best outcome.</p> <p><strong>Discover the difference.</strong></p> <p>Chicago Rentals Direct offers renters everything you need to search for, contact, compare and locate the apartment of your dreams. Members have access to up to the minute listings 24/7. This rental season, try being your own agent and discover the power of Renting Direct.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=7AaBx8tk_Bs:sB1F8sC6R1M:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=7AaBx8tk_Bs:sB1F8sC6R1M:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=7AaBx8tk_Bs:sB1F8sC6R1M:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=7AaBx8tk_Bs:sB1F8sC6R1M:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/7AaBx8tk_Bs" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/power-to-the-renters http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/the-changing-world-of-apartment-leasing-in-chicago 2011-03-01T10:24:24Z The Changing World of Apartment Leasing in Chicago CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>The Changing World of Apartment Leasing in Chicago</strong><br /> <br> For the past few years, the apartment rental market in Chicago has been dominated by leasing agents and apartment locating services. It is easy to see why these services have become so popular: in a perceived “renter’s market”, supply exceeds demand and landlords have an excessive number of apartments available and a smaller pool of tenants looking to rent. Landlords have had to make sacrifices in order to keep their apartments filled, including price cuts and other incentives, increased spending on advertising, and the use of leasing agents to help rent their properties.</p> <p>Many recent events have influenced both availability and pricing of units in the Chicago rental market. A number of new high-end rental buildings have been completed downtown, and brand new buildings designed as condos have been converted to rentals due to sluggish sales. Renters entering the market in 2009 and 2010 were greeted with a seemingly endless supply of top-of- the- line rentals. In an effort to “lease up” these buildings substantial rent and move in incentives were offered, skewing the perceived market values for comparable units. With the state of the economy unknown, plans for new residential buildings in Chicago are very limited, which translates into a higher demand for existing apartments. According to Jerry Gawlik of Berkshire Property Advisors, <span class="caps">LLC</span>, who serves as the current President of the Chicagoland Apartment Association, predictions for the first quarter of 2011 are looking up. Occupancy is steadily rising and is expected to reach at least 94% this quarter. Additionally, net effective rents are predicted to increase by 2-3%.</p> <p>What does this news mean for renters and landlords in Chicago? Now that the dust from recent events is settling, most renters who signed with 1 or 2 months free may find out that renewal prices are brought back up to market value. This will straighten out the comparable values for existing rental units and individually owned condos. Generally, when market rent prices and occupancy levels increase, landlords are able to keep their apartments filled with less effort. These owners may choose to cut back on expensive advertising methods, such as apartment locators, who charge a full month’s rent to fill their vacancies. This shift will likely lead landlords to look for less costly alternatives to apartment finding services and new ways to directly connect with renters. This is exactly why Chicago Rentals Direct was created. Welcome to the new world.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=a5CgxBlmzjM:GcR1wkVlu_A:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=a5CgxBlmzjM:GcR1wkVlu_A:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=a5CgxBlmzjM:GcR1wkVlu_A:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=a5CgxBlmzjM:GcR1wkVlu_A:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/a5CgxBlmzjM" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/the-changing-world-of-apartment-leasing-in-chicago http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/tips-for-negotiating-with-landlords 2011-02-23T13:21:20Z Tips for Negotiating with Landlords CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Tips for Negotiating with Landlords</strong><br /> <br> The key to a successful negotiation is to figure out what both parties want and to try and facilitate the best possible outcome for both.</p> <p>There are a few essential things to remember when negotiating with landlords:</p> <p>Timing is everything. If a unit is vacant a landlord can be more willing to negotiate with someone who needs to move quickly, as opposed to negotiating for a move in that is 6 or 8 weeks away. Owners want to keep their properties occupied (as consistently as possible), so they can be more willing to negotiate terms on a vacant apartment if you are able to move right away.</p> <p>Consider the length of lease term you are willing to commit to. Often times a longer lease period works out better for both parties; the landlord is guaranteed a tenant, and you lock in the current rate for a longer period of time.</p> <p>Quality of tenants is an important consideration for landlords. Prospective tenants should always portray themselves in the best possible light. Landlords look for tenants with strong credentials such as credit scores, employment history and references. Just as you don’t want to waste time seeing units that don’t fit your needs, landlords don’t want to waste time with renters who are “just looking”. It is best to have your qualifications in writing prior to beginning negotiations.</p> <p>The most effective lease negotiations happen without a middleman, who can complicate negotiations with their own agenda. By negotiating on your own behalf, you can explain your unique situation to be sure the landlord understands. You have the best chance of achieving the results you want by having a face-to-face conversation with your potential landlord.</p> <p>Following these guidelines can put you in the best possible position to negotiate with your next landlord. Stay tuned for more insider information from your friends at Chicago Rentals Direct!</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=qKyokc0yif8:BZczx2vjYII:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=qKyokc0yif8:BZczx2vjYII:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=qKyokc0yif8:BZczx2vjYII:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=qKyokc0yif8:BZczx2vjYII:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/qKyokc0yif8" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/tips-for-negotiating-with-landlords http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/when-is-the-right-time-to-start-looking-for-an-apartment 2011-02-17T14:38:13Z When is the Right Time to Start Looking for an Apartment? CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>When is the Right Time to Start Looking for an Apartment?</strong></p> <p>Ask this question to five different people, and you will likely get five different answers, ranging anywhere from months to a few days. Your apartment rental experts are here to give you the lowdown on when is really the right time to start looking for an apartment.</p> <p>During our time spent helping people look for apartments, we have found places for people looking as far out as two months in the future, a week from now, and even that very same day (although we don’t recommend this!) It seems to be ideal to begin looking somewhere from 6-8 weeks prior to your desired move in date. It is roughly 6 weeks out when you’ll find the most available inventory, but yet wont be looking “too early”.</p> <p>A little insight on how the rental market in Chicago works will help to illustrate this point. When a landlord knows they have a lease that is about to expire, they ask their tenants to give written notice as to whether they’ll be renewing their lease or moving out. Landlords require these notices be returned anywhere from 30-60 days prior to the lease expiration date.</p> <p>Based on this information, landlords know whether or not to re-list their property for rent. Therefore, if you search too far in advance, you will limit your available options because some potential properties won’t have hit the market yet. On the other hand, if you wait until you have only 2 or 3 weeks left before you need to move in, the selection has been picked over and options will be limited.</p> <p>The science of renting an apartment may seem complicated, but is easy to understand if you remember one thing: looking too early can be just as bad as looking too late. That is why Chicago Rentals Direct offers our members a 60 day membership, the ideal window of time to find your dream apartment!</p> <p>Stay tuned for more great rental information from the experts at Chicago Rentals Direct. We have a wealth of information to share with you and we will update our blog often. We would love your feedback on this topic and suggestions for others you would like to see discussed.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=HL9pMLIzZKM:G5w1jzTAMhM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=HL9pMLIzZKM:G5w1jzTAMhM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=HL9pMLIzZKM:G5w1jzTAMhM:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=HL9pMLIzZKM:G5w1jzTAMhM:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/HL9pMLIzZKM" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/when-is-the-right-time-to-start-looking-for-an-apartment http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/welcome-to-the-chicago-rentals-direct-blog 2011-02-02T14:33:18Z Welcome to the Chicago Rentals Direct Blog! CRD Admin info@chicagorentalsdirect.com <p><strong>Welcome to the Chicago Rentals Direct Blog!</strong></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=eNuYUzmDJCQ:WYwOCsqpWQA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=eNuYUzmDJCQ:WYwOCsqpWQA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?a=eNuYUzmDJCQ:WYwOCsqpWQA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/chicagorentalsdirect?i=eNuYUzmDJCQ:WYwOCsqpWQA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/chicagorentalsdirect/~4/eNuYUzmDJCQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://chicagorentalsdirect.com/posts/welcome-to-the-chicago-rentals-direct-blog