Pinnacle Team Newsletter
Inside
this
issue:
Best Buys
Lower Your 1
Property Hi Friends,
Taxes
We cannot stress to you
how many amazing deals
there are out there right
Financing 2 now, especially for first
Update time buyers (who can get
the $8,000 tax credit if they
purchase by November 30,
2009).
Blue Coral 2 If you or anyone you know
Lounge
Review might be in the market to
buy in the near future,
please contact us. We can
Grilling Tips 3
Lower Your Property Taxes
Lowering your property
taxes is entirely possible,
Pinnacle Team 4-5
Listings and we are happy to help
you do just that.
Property taxes are based
primarily on the value of
your home. It goes without
saying that if you bought
your home in Chicago
between 2003 and 2007
that it is likely your home is
worth less now than what
you paid. Though this is
only a short term loss, it is
important to take any
advantage of that loss that
you can.
help educate you on what’s
out there and just how
easy it is to start the buying
process.
We’re out in the field every
day, and each day we’re
out there, we see more and
more slashed prices, short
sales, and foreclosures.
Although it’s not the best
time to sell right now, life
happens—people get
married, have children,
I just received a notice
from the Cook County
Assessor’s Office letting
me know that I have until
the end of July to submit
any appeal on my property
taxes. The only way to
determine the value of my
home is to identify similar
properties in the direct
vicinity of my home that
have sold in the last six
months.
If you own a home in the
City of Chicago and would
like some help determining
the value of your home so
you can look into lowering
J u l y 2 0 0 9
divorce, relocate for their
jobs—all of which forces
many people to sell.
We encourage buyers to
take advantage of such
great opportunities that are
out there right now!
Have a great July, and be
well!
Ryan, Sarah & Nadine
your property taxes, please
feel free to reach out to us.
We will be happy to help
and provide you with the
supporting evidence you
need to file your appeal.
If you need to find out
when you can appeal your
valuation, please visit
www.cookcountyassessor.
com or call their office at
312-443-7550.
Also, don’t forget to file
your Homeowner
Exemption with the
Treasurer’s office, this is
another way to lower your
tax bill.

Financing Update
95% Conventional
Financing
There are still a couple of
mortgage insurance
companies that are
allowing up to 95% LTV
conventional financing on
condos, SFR and PUDs in
the Chicago area! The
following restrictions apply:
• 700+ FICO
• Max DTI (debt-to-
income ratio) 41%
• Max LTV 95%
• Condo Projects must
meet Fannie Mae/
Freddie Mac condo
warranty guidelines
90% LTV on Jumbo
Loans with no PMI
The maximum loan-to-
value ratios are typically
limited to 80% or less for
loans over $417k. We have
a great program that offers
loan-to-values up to 90%
Blue Coral Lounge
Ryan Gossett
Jazz club meets sushi
restaurant. A lot certainly
went into this Wicker Park
hotspot, and the planning
paid off. The interior is very
industrial, yet comfortable at
the same time. The décor is
modern, yet there are hints
of 70’s flair. The night I was
there, they happened to
have a group of high school
age musicians playing some
of the best live jazz I have
heard in a long time. The
group is playing there again
on July 31st, and I am
hoping to make it there to
catch them.
The wine list is easy and the
menu is very exciting,
certainly not your “run of the
up to a $695k purchase
price with no mortgage
insurance! This program
only has 5 & 7 YR
ARM's. Below are some
general guidelines for this
program:
• 700+ middle FICO
• IL & WI properties only
• Available on condo's,
townhomes and SFR
• For new construction
properties: 70% pre-
sold, all common
areas must be
completed, or the
building must be
Fannie Mae approved
• Maximum DTI (debt-
to-income) ratio of
41%
96.5% FHA Financing
FHA financing provides a
great option for borrowers
with a limited down
payment. FHA currently
mill” sushi spot. I had the
Sautéed Scallop Appetizer
and then and a delicious
tuna roll that I believe was a
special. The roll was very
creative and fresh, and the
presentation was perfect.
Though I didn’t get to try as
much of the menu as I
would have liked, the
experience certainly left me
looking forward to my next
visit.
The neighborhood: Wicker
Park. It’s boundaries are
North to the north, Augusta
to the south, Noble to the
east, and Western to the
west. It has certainly defined
itself as a Chicago staple for
dining, shopping, and
Page 2
allows a little as a 3.5%
down payment. The rates
on FHA loans are similar to
conventional
rates. However, FHA loans
requires a 1.75% UFMIP
(up front mortgage
insurance
premium). Please note that
the UFMIP can be
financed. FHA financing is
generally not available on
new construction condos or
condos that have “first right
of refusal” in the bylaws.
Condos must also have at
least four units in the
building for FHA financing.
Written by
Todd Johnson
Guaranteed Rate
todd.johnson@guarateedrate.com S
nightlife and will certainly
continue to grow in
popularity for years to come
as businesses flock to
Division. There are
currently over 150 two
bedroom condos, ranging
from $200k to $750k with
the median being about
$350k. There are currently
about 50 single family
homes on the market,
ranging from $300k to $4M.
1265 N. Milwaukee
www.blucoralchicago.com
Page 3

Grilling Tips
We’re now in full swing of the summer,
and that means grilling is most likely
your main source of cooking (if it isn’t, it
should be). It’s a great way to cook easy,
healthy, flavorful meals. Here are some
helpful tips:

Keep It Hot. Preheat your grill, otherwise

food will stick. When your gas or
charcoal grill is ready to cook on, you will
be able to hold your hand five inches
above the grate for two seconds if the
fire is “hot” and three to four seconds if
the fire is “medium-hot.”
Grill Safely. Don’t grill in an enclosed
area; use baking soda to control a
grease fire, not water; have a fire
extinguisher, bucket of sand, or garden
hose on hand; and be sure your grill is
on stable ground before firing it up.
Have Everything Nearby. You should
have everything you’re going to need
close at hand before you start cooking
(tongs, platters, sauce, etc).
Keep It Clean. For optimal grilling, clean
in between uses.
Grease Your Grates. Once your grill is
clean, make sure you oil it before
cooking. This helps to keep food from
sticking, and makes it easier to clean up
later.
Decide If You Need a Single-Level or
Dual-Level Fire. A single-level fire heats
the grill evenly, either with all the gas
burners on the same setting, or with the
charcoal equally spread out. This is good
for cooking things fast, such as
vegetables and fish. A dual-level fire
(also called indirect grilling) has most,
and sometimes all, of the charcoal
banked to one side, or the burners on a
gas grill adjusted to high on one side and
the others turned off or set to low.
Leave an Unheated Space on the Grill.
Even if you’re cooking over a single-level
fire, have a small space unheated so that
you have somewhere to move food if you
have a flare-up or if something is cooking
too fast.
Keep the Lid Up for Veggies. The lid
traps moist heat and smoke, which
makes vegetables lose their crunch. Lid-
down cooking is best for large, whole
vegetables that benefit from a little
steam, such as winter squashes or
potatoes.
Sauce Later. Saucing too soon is a
common mistake. If you brush on sauces
at the beginning of cooking, chances are
they will burn and taste awful by the time
the food is done. Wait until the last few
minutes to apply them and you’ll get a
nice glaze instead of a black, charred
mess.
Don’t Forget Food Safety. Check for
proper doneness with an instant-read
thermometer and use separate platters
for cooked and raw foods. If you want to
use a marinade as a sauce, the USDA
says to either reserve some that hasn’t
come in contact with raw foods, or to boil
it first to destroy any bacteria.
Page 4
Pinnacle Team Listings
New Listing! 2045 N. Larrabee, #7104-
$349,900
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo in the heart of
Lincoln Park. Kitchen that boasts granite and
stainless. Hardwood floors throughout. Private
outdoor patio and parking included. Steps to
restaurants, shopping, and public
transportation—a must see!
SOLD in 30 DAYS! 1330 W. Hubbard, #2 -
$465,000
2 years old! Approximately 2400 sq ft duplex
with 3 bed/3 bath. First floor boasts living
room, kitchen, master bedroom, 2nd bedroom,
2nd bath. Lower level has family room, 3rd
bedroom, 3rd bath and laundry. 3 outdoor
spaces, hardwood floors throughout, fireplace,
close to public transportation. Garage parking
included! http://www.atproperties.com/
listing/7208341
Price Reduction! 1245 W. George, #203 -
$357,900
2 bedroom/1 bath in prime Lakeview location.
Recently renovated unit with an open floorplan
that boasts a separate dining area, exposed
brick, bay windows, fireplace, additional
storage in building, and garage parking. A
stunning skyline can be seen from the
expansive common rooftop deck. http://
www.atproperties.com/listing/7214059
SOLD! 720 Fairmont, Westmont - $445,000
Like new construction, 4 bed/2.5 bath
townhome. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, it
boasts gorgeous high end finishes throughout.
Huge, open, fully finished basement with rec
room and bedroom. Main level master suite
with walk in closet. Family room with fireplace,
eat-in kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances,
separate dining room. Second floor has 2
bedrooms with a full bath and office area. A
must see! http://www.atproperties.com/
listing/7182513
4022 N. Monticello, Unit G - $174,900
Beautiful 2 bedroom garden unit on a tree
lined street in popular Old Irving! This
fabulous split floor plan condo gets great light
and features hardwoods throughout, w/d in
unit, Jacuzzi tub w/ glass door, and plenty of
closets w/ additional storage in building. Street
parking is a breeze, the trains are a short
walk, and the expressway is just minutes
away. Great outdoor space out back door.
Well managed bldg. http://
www.atproperties.com/listing/7171825
10832 S. 76th, #2J - $169,900
Gorgeous, bright and exceptionally
maintained 8 yr young condo has it all! 2 bed,
2 bath, huge family room with fireplace,
spacious in-unit laundry room, large closets, 1
car att. Garage with storage space, and
additional parking in back. All oak kitchen with
island. Open, airy floor plan w/ beautiful view
of trees. Enjoy the outdoors on extra large
balcony! Quiet area, newer building. http://
www.atproperties.com/listing/7179806
Price Reduction! 2629 N. Dayton, #1N -
$574,900
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.
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7154914
Page 5

Pinnacle Team Listings

SOLD! 4434 N Racine, #1N - $375,000
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! http://www.atproperties.com/
listing/7118582
Price Reduction! 6400 N Sacramento, 5
Units $129,000 - $199,000
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 Approved!
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118931
http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118958

Price Reduction! 5140 N. Albany, #2 - http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118942

$278,000
Welcome home! This 1400+ sq ft 2 bed/2 bath
condo offers everything, including hardwood For our commercial investors, we also have a
floors throughout, washer/dryer, garage storefront for sale:
parking, etc. The separate dining rooms is http://www.atproperties.com/listing/7118973
perfect for entertaining and the living room is
expansive 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 from a great park. The large
gated lot is a dog owner’s dream. Check out
the room sizes! http://www.atproperties.com/
listing/7145078

Price Reduction!1528 W Jonquil, D3 -

$286,000
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! http://
www.atproperties.com/listing/7098410