Did you know that public transportation can actually add to the value of your Chicago condo? It’s true. As more and more cities around the country expand their mass transportation offerings, more and more home buyers have come to rely on public transportation to get to and from work, or simply to get around the city where they live. Nowhere is this truer than in Chicago, where on an average weekday, 1.6 million rides are taken on CTA. In fact, it’s the nation’s second largest public transportation system. Studies show that Chicago condos that are located in close proximity to public transportation and mass transit actually have higher values.

California State University at Fullerton recently conducted a survey of 41 studies of 15 rail systems in the U.S.…

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If you’re looking for a Chicago condo to call your own, look no further than Lincoln Park 2550! It’s the first high-rise condo building to be constructed in Lincoln Park in quite some time, and the unique mix of traditional elegance and modern amenities like the 1.25-acre private park with gardens make it the perfect place to call home in Chicago. It’s like living on the “Central Park” of Chicago!

Architect Lucien Lagrange designed Lincoln Park 2550 to blend in seamlessly with the incredible surroundings, and went to great lengths to preserve a neighboring cathedral. While each condo is outfitted with first-class appointments, there’s no denying that home owners are attracted to the exception location at 2550 Lakeview Avenue, which offers sweeping…

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When you’re living an urban lifestyle, gardening can be a little bit more of a challenge. But for Gold Coast luxury condo owners who have a green thumb, it doesn’t mean you have to forget the idea entirely. Yes, you have to be a little more creative in a smaller space, and there is the Chicago climate to deal with. But with some urban gardening ideas and knowledge, you too can have a fantastic garden on your balcony, terrace, or porch. Here are some ideas!

Get Permission: If you live in a Chicago condo building, make sure you check with your building management or consult the home owners association rules before you head to the nursery.

Keep Space in Mind: Since space is obviously at a premium, select plants labeled “dwarf” or “miniature,” as they will have…

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Chicago condo styleAlexa Hampton is an authority in luxury interior design, and now, the designer will feature a collection on HSN (Home Shopping Network). The collection, aptly named “Alexa Hampton Home,” will feature headboard covers, bedding sets with sheets and throws, bathroom items, and window treatments.

Hampton is often featured in Architectural Digest and has been named to House Beautiful's Top Designer List. She’s also a member of Elle Decor's A-list, and Chicago condo owners will be thrilled to have such easy access to her creations. The styles will be tailored, and feature neutral and blue colors. The entire collection is priced under $200, and will be available on HSN, HSN.com, and HSN Mobile.

Adds Hampton, "Sensible, gorgeous design shouldn't be…

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Chicago condo marketMarch and April were impressively busy months for the Chicago real estate market, with both single-family homes and Chicago condos selling in record numbers. In fact, it was the busiest month on record since 2008.

In addition to an uptick in overall sales, prices of Chicago condos and homes also increased. The median price climbed 9% during the month of March and 10.4% in April versus one year earlier according to the Illinois Association of Realtors. This marks the seventh consecutive month that median home prices rose on a year-over-year basis in Chicago. This news is just the latest bright spot for the Chicago condo market that continues to recover in the wake of the housing crisis.

Inventory issues remain an issue for upper-crust Chicago condos…

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