If your weekend plans involve walking, driving or exploring the Gold Coast or River North neighborhoods this weekend, please be advised of the following activity taking place that might cause a slight disruption to whatever plans you have.  Forewarned is forearmed!

FILMING NOTICE July 16-18 

“Transformers 3” will be filming the weekend of July 16, 17 &18 on the Michigan Ave Bridge. An aerial photography unit will also be flying in the vicinity of Trump Tower at Wabash and the Chicago River.

 STREET CLOSURES

• Michigan Ave will be closed from Ontario St to Wacker Dr
• 8:00pm on Thursday July 15th through 5:00am on Monday July 19th
• Lower Michigan Ave will be closed from Lower Wacker to Hubbard
• 8:00pm on Friday July 16th through 5:00am on Monday July 19th

VEHICLE DETOUR

• Michigan Ave southbound will be diverted at Ontario and detoured to Clark Street
• Ohio St will be open to east and northbound traffic only at Michigan Avenue
• Michigan Ave northbound will be diverted at Randolph and detoured to Dearborn
• Water St and Lake St will be open for Local Traffic only
• Businesses and garages between Wacker and Randolph will be accessible
• Upper E North Water St and City Front Plaza Drive will be open to Local Traffic only

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

Michigan Ave sidewalks will remain open to pedestrians between Ohio & Illinois. Stores and buildings will remain open. To cross the Chicago River, pedestrians will need to access the Wabash and Columbus Street bridges. 

SPECIAL EFFECTS

The Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Department will supervise the use of special effects and pyrotechnics, including:

• -simulated gunfire
• -smoke
• -fireballs
• -explosions 

HELICOPTERS

For brief periods between the hours of 8:00am – 8:00pm on both Saturday & Sunday, helicopters will be used for both aerial photography and stunt parachutists in the vicinity.

I found a great article on www.suntimes.com that features sage moving advice for people packing up to move either in or out of a new place.

Sun Time Moving Article

Many of the tips mirror those on my website www.OnlineChicagoRealEstate.com and you can find my Moving Guide  below!

Liane’s  Moving Guide

Liane’s Moving Guide for Pets

Well, I’ve a got the perfect solution to ease the daily stress of buying and selling Chicago real estate.  A snow bird whispered in my ear that for the month of February Renew Spa  located at 980 N. Michigan Ave in the Gold Coast  is offering  discounts on services.

My favorite, a one-hour massage, manicure, and pedicure package for $99 to those who mention “Sales Check.”

Renew Spa

Adopt a Dot

I read about this in ChicagoMagazine Online and I while I know it is not real estate related, the Art Institute holds a special place in my heart and I think this is one of the most cleaver fundraising campaigns ever!

They are offering the opportunity for people to adopt one of the painted pointillist pinpricks on Georges Seurat’s beloved masterpiece, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. Ten bucks will get you one of the six available colors, pick three for $25, or get the entire spectrum for $50. All donors receive a pin in the selected color and a card indicating the location of your own private polka-dot on the 125-year-old canvas. It’s a cute, giftable idea for crafty kids who are sure to get a kick out of finding their dots, or a little bouquet of dots would also make an interesting Valentine’s Day present, period. February is free admission month at the Art Institute, so it’s a great time to warm up and check out the Modern Wing, or revisit some old favorites.

Then check out these great deals offered by Scoozi, a River North mainstay for almost 25 years!

Scoozi’s Weekly Specials!

Monday night with 10 entrees for only $10 each.
Tuesdays, enjoy $5 glasses of wine and Wednesdays, $5 pizzas at the bar.
Visit Sundays where kids create their own pizza and eat for free!
312-943-5900 for Reservations.

Congratulations to my clients and to the new Lessee’s.  I know the next 18 months are going to be wonderful!

If you have an questions regarding the rental market in Edgebrook, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, River North, Wrigleyville, South Loop, Lakeview, Old Town or Streeterville , please email me at lpruchnik@rubloff.com!

I wish you a joyous and safe New Years Eve and hope that 2010 brings you good health, abundant happiness and great success!  Cheers!

 Liane Pruchnik ~ Prudential Rubloff Properties

I read a great article in Chicago Realtor  magazine that offered sound advice on how to get your credit under control and ready for a New Year. 

Here are the highlights: 

1. Know what your credit report says. Order a new one for 2010. You are allowed on free credit report each year.  www.AnnualCreditReport.com

2.  When reviewing your credit report, check for inaccuracies and work diligently to remove them. Not just bills or charges that might not be yours, but simple things such as correct address, spelling of names and middle initials.

80% of all credit reports contain errors.

3.  Pay your bills on time.  35% of your overall score is based on timely payments. 1 30 day late payment can effect your credit score by 22 points.

4.  Lower the amounts owed your bills.  Balances that are 31% higher then the available credit can effect your overall score.

5.  Ask to be alerted by your debtors should your credit lines decrease. That way you are prepared and no surprises will ensue.

6.  People believe that once they bring an account to a zero balance closing it will be a good idea, but not so!  Keeping your account open with a zero balance actually helps increase your credit score. 

For example, if you close an account that you have had open 10 years it can drop your credit score by almost 40 points!

7.  Don’t open new accounts. It takes a full year for a new account to show positively on your credit report.

8.   It helps to use your credit. Don’t just let it sit there.  Buy something and pay it off in full.  It shows accountability.

9.   Don’t allow numerous credit inquiries.  They can show on your credit report for 2 years and can drop your score considerably.

FYI’s

• Your personal inquiry into your credit does not adversely effect your credit score.
• When shopping for a mortgage there is a 14 day grace for inquires. If credit is pulled on the 15th day, then it works against you.
• It takes a year to reverse the damage of just on 30 day late payment.
• Check your credit report BEFORE you apply for a large loan or a mortgage.
• Be patient, it takes time to build strong credit.
• As for help if you need it. Credit counselors are available.  Email me at lpruchnik@rubloff.com for recommendations.

I hope the above list has been helpful to you.

Should you be walking along Clark at Addison on the west side of  Wrigley Field you will see a “The Rink at Wrigley Field”.  Being constructed today, the rink will be open to the public for the next three months. Closing February 28, 2010.  Adult admission is $10 and children sake for $6.

This is a great way to get out and enjoy the Wrigleyville and Lakeview  neighborhood as well as get a Chicago Cubs fix!

Whether you are a budding Kristi Yamaguchi or Jonathan Toews lace up your skates and get out and enjoy this unique Chicago experience.

Oh, and don’t forget the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink  at Millennium park is FREE admission.