House swap likely to run afoul of tax regulations Q: I am fed up with paying taxes to our greedy and burdensome governments who rob the masses. If I can find somebody I trust and we both don't have liens, can I sell my property for a minuscule amount and the second party sell his to me for a minuscule amount to reduce property taxes. In a year or less, we sell back to each other. Is this legal?
Proposal asks Chicago residents to 'out' vacant buildings Unable to keep tabs on every vacant, untended building within Chicago, the city may be getting ready to ask neighborhood residents for help, and they'll get paid for their efforts.
Low-maintenance living at West Point Gardens First-time buyers, empty-nesters and others seeking affordable single-family homes with freedom from exterior maintenance should check out the new Park Series at West Point Gardens.
Former Pulte execs venturing into new territory Two former executives of Pulte Homes, who happen to be husband and wife, are teaming up with a privately held real estate investment firm to get back into the homebuilding business.
A legal look at community association issues The legal workings of a community association are confounding, and professional help is expensive. Attendees at the recent annual conference of the Association of Condominium, Townhouse and Homeowners Associations had their questions answered during the popular "Ask An Attorney" session. Let's listen in:
Condo spas that raise the bar on amenities Pressure and stress are natural byproducts of the mile-a-minute world in which we live. Ringing phones, traffic jams and last-minute deadlines jangle our nerves, put us on edge, and leave us yearning for peace and quiet.
"Gypsies, pickpockets and even a man walking around with a chicken on his head. This was an edgy neighborhood back then. It was not for everybody," said Bill Lavicka, rehabber and preservationist.
