(CHICAGO, IL) Connie Engel of Prudential Rubloff has been named to the prestigious President’s Circle for 2009 by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc. [NYSE:PRU] company. The award recognizes residential sales professionals who exemplified great sales measures in closed residential gross commission income, commercial gross commission income or closed 50 residential units for the year.
Connie was recognized during Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services’ Sales Convention held in Austin, Texas from March 6-8. The annual business event was attended by real estate professionals from the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“We are so proud of Connie and her performance achievement in 2009,” said Michael Pierson, President and Chairman of Prudential Rubloff. “As a President’s Circle recipient, Connie is among the top three percent of the Prudential Real Estate Network, which has approximately 60,000 sales professionals. Connie has always pursued excellence in customer service and serves as an example of the success that can be achieved by having a high standard of integrity and professionalism.”
Prudential Rubloff, which is independently owned and operated, became an affiliate of the Prudential Real Estate Network in 2009. Rubloff was founded in 1930. The company recently received the Gibraltar Circle Award as one of the Top 50 companies in the Prudential Real Estate Affiliate Network.
Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services is Prudential’s integrated real estate brokerage franchise and relocation services business. Prudential Real Estate franchises are independently owned and operated. Companies are selected based upon outstanding performance records, high levels of customer service and shared business values with those of Prudential. Prudential Real Estate provides franchises with business strategies using Operation Reviews as well as numerous benefits, including access to the Online Seller AdvantageSM program designed to provide real-time information to sellers with the touch of a keystroke. Prudential Real Estate is one of the largest real estate brokerage franchise networks in North America, with nearly 1,700 franchise offices and approximately 60,000 sales professionals in the franchise Network as of December 31, 2009.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Chicago Realtor Connie Engel Receives Platinum Service Recognition
Connie Engel of Prudential Rubloff Properties in Chicago, IL has repeated the previous year’s achievement of being granted the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified® Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2009 as measured by Leading Research Corporation (LRC).
A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award status is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. After the conclusion of real estate transactions, clients of QSC agents receive a survey, asking them to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. The surveys are administered and the results are received and compiled by LRC.
Client feedback from the surveys becomes part of the agent’s credentials. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a consumer website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon each agent’s validated record of service satisfaction.
“Nothing is more important to a prospective client in selecting a professional than the service results achieved with past clients,” says Larry D. Romito, President and CEO of QSC. He adds, “Consumers have greater confidence in service reliability, results and satisfaction with a Quality Service Certified real estate professional because they know that the agent’s service record has been validated by an independent third party. 100% service satisfaction record like Connie Engel has achieved is just awesome.”
Connie Engel of Prudential Rubloff Properties in Chicago, IL has repeated the previous year’s achievement of being granted the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified® Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2009 as measured by Leading Research Corporation (LRC).
A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award status is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. After the conclusion of real estate transactions, clients of QSC agents receive a survey, asking them to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. The surveys are administered and the results are received and compiled by LRC.
Client feedback from the surveys becomes part of the agent’s credentials. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on a consumer website (www.QualityService.org) where sellers and buyers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon each agent’s validated record of service satisfaction.
“Nothing is more important to a prospective client in selecting a professional than the service results achieved with past clients,” says Larry D. Romito, President and CEO of QSC. He adds, “Consumers have greater confidence in service reliability, results and satisfaction with a Quality Service Certified real estate professional because they know that the agent’s service record has been validated by an independent third party. 100% service satisfaction record like Connie Engel has achieved is just awesome.”
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wading Through (and Living Through) the Chicago Public School Gifted and Magnet Lottery System
As the parent of a 5 year old this past year has been an eye opener on the ins and outs of trying to get your child placed in a good Chicago Public School (CPS) program. There are gifted schools, gifted regional centers, gifted programs in neighborhood schools, gifted classical programs, magnet programs of every shape, size and color, and, finally, your local neighborhood school. We tried the gifted route, and while our child tested well, he was not one of the few selected from the almost 5000 4 and 5 year olds who took the test this year. What can they possibly test at that age anyway?!
As we were getting all the paperwork in order to get our son tested, we were also researching any and all schools with programs we thought would work for our son (and would be somewhat convenient to our home). Should we tryOscar Mayer Montessori Magnet in Lincoln Park or Drummond Montessori in Bucktown? We tried both. Should it be Newberry Math and Science Academy? Does a math and science academy mean my son will concentrate in only math and science to the exclusion of other areas? What if it turns out he does not even like math?? Or how about Andrew Jackson or LaSalle Language Academies? We were more confused than ever! And while we tried to visit each school we thought might work, in the end we just could not make it to all of them, so we took a shotgun approach and applied to any that might possibly work in terms of program and location.
When the lottery determination letters were mailed out I would race home everyday to see what schools would be offering us a position. In the end, our bestposition was #7 on the proximity wait list at Disney II Magnet School, a new fine arts magnet school located in our neighborhood. There were sibling and general lottery wait lists as well. Could it be anymore confusing? Could we be anymore devastated that our wonderful, caring and bright child was school-less? After a few days of angst, we started looking at other options in the private sector.
Just as we started that plan B process Disney II called and Alexander was accepted off the wait list. We could not be more thrilled! The school is a sweet school with bright, happy hallways, classrooms and children. The population is diverse, the parents involved and the teachers and administrators engaged. It was one heck of a ride, but in the end we believe Alexander is in the perfect program...and we can even walk to school! Of course you can alleviate all of this lottery aggravation by going to your local neighborhood school...which begs the question of whether there are any great neighborhood school programs. The answer is a definite yes, so stay tuned to find out more with my next post. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about working through the CPS lottery maze (or would like more info about neighborhoods with great neighborhood schools!). visiting my website or call 312-264-5864 or e-mail cengel@rubloff.com.
As we were getting all the paperwork in order to get our son tested, we were also researching any and all schools with programs we thought would work for our son (and would be somewhat convenient to our home). Should we try
When the lottery determination letters were mailed out I would race home everyday to see what schools would be offering us a position. In the end, our bestposition was #7 on the proximity wait list at Disney II Magnet School, a new fine arts magnet school located in our neighborhood. There were sibling and general lottery wait lists as well. Could it be anymore confusing? Could we be anymore devastated that our wonderful, caring and bright child was school-less? After a few days of angst, we started looking at other options in the private sector.
Just as we started that plan B process Disney II called and Alexander was accepted off the wait list. We could not be more thrilled! The school is a sweet school with bright, happy hallways, classrooms and children. The population is diverse, the parents involved and the teachers and administrators engaged. It was one heck of a ride, but in the end we believe Alexander is in the perfect program...and we can even walk to school! Of course you can alleviate all of this lottery aggravation by going to your local neighborhood school...which begs the question of whether there are any great neighborhood school programs. The answer is a definite yes, so stay tuned to find out more with my next post. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about working through the CPS lottery maze (or would like more info about neighborhoods with great neighborhood schools!). visiting my website or call 312-264-5864 or e-mail cengel@rubloff.com.
WOW, Positive Cash Flow is Back in Chicago!!
Remember when you and your REALTOR scoured the Multiple Listing Service, trying desperately to find a multi-unit investment building that would come half way close to covering expenses? Remember how you would venture to the corners of Chicago hoping beyond hope to find an investment that made some sort of sense? Remember how you likened it to finding a four leaf clover or a needle in a haystack? Remember the utter dejection, disappointment and depression that hit you when you finally accepted the fact that your friend, Mr. Positive Cash Flow, skipped town without even saying good-bye? Well, your buddy is back in town, so get ready to celebrate!
A couple of examples are worth noting. 1312 W. Barry - this is a great turn-key income property producing 3 flat in the heart of Lakeview. All the leases are through summer 2009 and bring in $4900/month in income. The units all have parking, hardwood floors, central A/C and gas forced air, and tenants pay all their own utilities except water. The units are tastefully rehabbed and maintained in great condition. THESE NUMBERS WORK!!! Likewise, 1806 N. Paulina is an investor's dream. It is a fully rented 3 flat with duplexed coach house with $8700/month in income from 4 nicely rehabbed units in the heart of Bucktown. The two 2-bedroom units and two 4-bedroom duplexed units are spacious, have separate utilities and stable, long term tenants. Seller's need to sell is your gain with this armchair investment. Did I mention POSITIVE CASH FLOW??? These numbers work with 20% down investor financing.
For further information on the loans currently available to purchase these properties, contact me by visiting my website or call 312-264-5864 or e-mail cengel@rubloff.com.
A couple of examples are worth noting. 1312 W. Barry - this is a great turn-key income property producing 3 flat in the heart of Lakeview. All the leases are through summer 2009 and bring in $4900/month in income. The units all have parking, hardwood floors, central A/C and gas forced air, and tenants pay all their own utilities except water. The units are tastefully rehabbed and maintained in great condition. THESE NUMBERS WORK!!! Likewise, 1806 N. Paulina is an investor's dream. It is a fully rented 3 flat with duplexed coach house with $8700/month in income from 4 nicely rehabbed units in the heart of Bucktown. The two 2-bedroom units and two 4-bedroom duplexed units are spacious, have separate utilities and stable, long term tenants. Seller's need to sell is your gain with this armchair investment. Did I mention POSITIVE CASH FLOW??? These numbers work with 20% down investor financing.
For further information on the loans currently available to purchase these properties, contact me by visiting my website or call 312-264-5864 or e-mail cengel@rubloff.com.
American Responsibility
It has become my goal to begin each day with an attitude of gratitude, and as I age it has become even more important to me to do so. I can never predict what the day will bring, but I can decide how I begin it. It seems the times we are currently living through give us more reasons to be reflective and to seek out the positives. And if we can find the time and have the will to do so, the positives are there.
I think back to those who have walked this journey before us: our parents, our grandparents and the footsteps they left for us to follow. And it is in remembering that we find the strength and the guidance to leave footprints for the future generations to follow, just as those who have gone before have done for us. Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball to see the future and, then in further reflection, I am glad I do not. I believe in the good of my fellow man and of the great country and city I am fortunate to call home.
As we approach this all important election, I encourage each of you to make the effort, to wait in the lines, to do whatever it takes to exercise this great right to vote for the next President of the United States. The things that unite us as Americans are far greater than the things that divide us as individuals. I believe in you, in our country and in our future. The footsteps left for us to follow will see us through, just as the ones we leave will be so important to this chapter in our history.
No one can deny that we are facing challenges. Real Estate has certainly seen its share, but the real estate market will recover. The signs are already there. Let us be reminded that the byproduct of panic is opportunity. Let us emulate the late civic and business leader Arthur Rubloff. Arthur was an optimist. In 1930 he started one of the most successful real estate firms in history. He was not deterred by market conditions. He knew that experience and dedication would win the day.
Each and every one of us can rely upon our experience as Americans, as dedicated members of this society, in approaching our future. We are survivors and we will survive, both individually and collectively. For more information contact me by visiting my website or call 312-264-5864 or e-mail cengel@rubloff.com.
I think back to those who have walked this journey before us: our parents, our grandparents and the footsteps they left for us to follow. And it is in remembering that we find the strength and the guidance to leave footprints for the future generations to follow, just as those who have gone before have done for us. Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball to see the future and, then in further reflection, I am glad I do not. I believe in the good of my fellow man and of the great country and city I am fortunate to call home.
As we approach this all important election, I encourage each of you to make the effort, to wait in the lines, to do whatever it takes to exercise this great right to vote for the next President of the United States. The things that unite us as Americans are far greater than the things that divide us as individuals. I believe in you, in our country and in our future. The footsteps left for us to follow will see us through, just as the ones we leave will be so important to this chapter in our history.
No one can deny that we are facing challenges. Real Estate has certainly seen its share, but the real estate market will recover. The signs are already there. Let us be reminded that the byproduct of panic is opportunity. Let us emulate the late civic and business leader Arthur Rubloff. Arthur was an optimist. In 1930 he started one of the most successful real estate firms in history. He was not deterred by market conditions. He knew that experience and dedication would win the day.
Each and every one of us can rely upon our experience as Americans, as dedicated members of this society, in approaching our future. We are survivors and we will survive, both individually and collectively. For more information contact me by visiting my website or call 312-264-5864 or e-mail cengel@rubloff.com.
Connie Engel's Listing in Ravenswood as Featured in The Chicago Tribune
Our own resident blogger Connie Engel was recently featured in The Chicago Tribune's "Sell it to me" section with a lovely home in Ravenswood Chicago. See the entire article here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/chi-sellit-lincolnsquare-1012oct12,0,3836959.story\n\n
Posted By: 
John D'Ambrogio
Disney II Magnet School: Raising the Bar for Chicago Elementary Students on the Northwest Side of Chicago
Disney II Magnet School, located at 3815 N. Kedvale in Chicago's Old Irving Park neighborhood, began operation in September 2008. Modeled after Disney Magnet School located at 4140 N. Marine Drive along the lake, the opening is a much anticipated and welcomed addition to the Old Irving, West Walker and Independence Park neighborhoods. While the school is a magnet school, it derives 30% of the student body from within the 1.5 mile radius surrounding community. The school will ultimately be a K-8 elementary school, but is only K-2 this, its first year.
It will add one grade level per year until it serves K-8. It is amazing to now see all the listings in the MLS that actually cite the school as a major attractive feature of the neighborhood. In fact, 4 active listings in the neighborhood show Disney II as the school! CPS has a long way to go to meet the needs of all the children in the city, but it is heartening to see that the system is finally taking the ball and advancing proven school programs by replicating them throughout the city. For more information contact me by visiting my website or call 312-264-5864 or e-mail cengel@rubloff.com.
It will add one grade level per year until it serves K-8. It is amazing to now see all the listings in the MLS that actually cite the school as a major attractive feature of the neighborhood. In fact, 4 active listings in the neighborhood show Disney II as the school! CPS has a long way to go to meet the needs of all the children in the city, but it is heartening to see that the system is finally taking the ball and advancing proven school programs by replicating them throughout the city. For more information contact me by visiting my website or call 312-264-5864 or e-mail cengel@rubloff.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
