Jim Gramata

I'm a:	Real Estate Professional
Location:	60614
Web sites:	Chicago's Real Estate News Source
	Chicago's Gramata Home Team Real Estate Website

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About Me

Jim Gramata | Broker Associate | M.Arch. Gramata Home Team of Keller Williams Lincoln Park Realty
773.315.6103 (c) | 866.251.2176 (o) | 773.346.6462 (f)
rememberjim@kw.com
http://www.rememberjim.com

Request a Neighborhood Market Snapshot : http://www.homeinsight.com/Widget/default.asp?5XQCWYJMTWMO
My MLS Search Site : http://www.mlsfinder.com/il_mlsni/jamesgramata

EXPERIENCES (http://www.jimgramata.com/cv.htm#SlideFrame_1)

Corporate manager and sales executive for over 15 years
Diverse experience as a buyer, seller, investor, developer and marketer of residential real estate
Founded and manage a design-build development company since 1991
Developed preliminary design schemes for a commercial and residential design competition
Design and construct residential housing throughout metropolitan Chicago
Represented the developer in final phase of construction of two twelve-story mid-rise and one forty-story high-rise commercial & residential complex in downtown Chicago
Daily site management, trade coordination, supervision, and project scheduling
Final punch-list reviews, walk-through and certificate of occupancy inspections
Building code and zoning analysis
Land and property research for investment or real estate developments
Proforma analysis, land acquisition and project financing
Architectural design and construction document production
Interior finishes selection
Project timeline and coordinated budget analysis
Property traffic sales reports and follow-up reports
Contract Administration
City building permit approval and acquisition
Trade bidding and contract negotiations
Daily site management, trade coordination, supervision, and project scheduling
Project financial management and accounting
Title company escrow procedures and bank site inspections
Construction budgeting and fiscal reviews
Creation and implementation of the marketing campaign and advertising strategies
Sales negotiation and Contract Execution
Client contract negotiation, change orders and contract accounting
Client project interaction and project updates

RECOGNITIONS

Habitat for Humanity Housing a Community Design Competition, Honorable Mention
Chicago Institute for Architecture and Urbanism: Gallery Exhibition of Design Project
Henry Adams Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Graduate Studies
American Institute of Architects/American Architectural Foundation Scholastic Award
University of Illinois School of Architecture Faculty Citation for Excellence in Design
Hubert Award for Excellence in Research
Chicago Tribune, February, 2007
Chicago Tribune Magazine, April, 2002
Chicago Tribune, April, 1999
Chicago Tribune, March 1999
Chicago Tribune, May 1998
Chicago Tribune, November 1998

EDUCATION

Illinois Real Estate Broker's License
Illinois Real Estate Agent's License
Masters of Architecture, University of Illinois Chicago, Cum Laude
Doctorate Program, Ergonomics (40 hrs), University of Illinois Chicago
Bachelor of Arts, University of Cincinnati, Cum Laude

SEE MY DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE AND THE QUALITY OF THE WORK I HAVE DONE OVER THE YEARS.

MY EXPERIENCE + RECOGNITIONS+ EDUCATION ALL EQUATE TO QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE.

I BELIEVE THERE IS A CONSISTANCY IN EVERYTHING I DO AND THAT INCLUDES MY WORK FOR YOU

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Jim Gramata's Questions (0)

Jim Gramata's Answers (10)

I'm looking for a condo for my son in 60611 area and I noticed that there are so many units at 10 E. ontario

Asked earlier today by Cathy - 60611 - Home Buying - 2 answers

Jim Gramata answered:

Great question. Many times investors are given incentives to purchase units in the building then when they can't afford the payments or taxes are raised but rents stay stable, they just walk away from the deal. This is an older property so who knows if its investors or not but with 440+ units in the building there are bound to be some short sales and foreclosures in this building.

While you may have found a great deal it is wise as you are doing to see what the overall market climate is not only of the area but of the building. In this case it is a great location building but 64 units for sale in the building does raise questions about the stability of the investment no matter how good a deal you are getting. You are entitled to review the condo docs after your contract is accepted (if it ever is) and you can back out at that point, but it tends to put your home search on hold for a while and can be a long process.

Now to the good news on the area you are looking: Last quarter saw a median price increase of 2.44% from 2007 however sales volume was down almost 15%. The macro climate looks good...the micro building/unit needs a bit more scrutiny. - Earlier today

I'm looking to build a SF home in Bucktown, who should I go to for plans? Also, how would recommend finding a

Asked Sat Feb 9 2008, 16:42 by David - Bucktown - Home Buying - 6 answers

Jim Gramata answered:

I live and work in Bucktown and there are several choices depending upon your budget, design requirements and if there are other factors such as environmental design options (green), interior finishes, contemporarty/traditional etc etc

I know several of the top builders in the area and could recommend both the GC and an architect depending as I said on your requirements and budget. Specialty professionals who match most closely with these two factors are your best bet in getting a successful development/home to completion (oh and it helps to tell the alderman what you;'re up to too-grease the wheel so to speak). - Fri Feb 22 2008, 20:19

What do you think will happen to Chicago's Southside if and when we get the Olympics?

Asked Thu Feb 14 2008, 05:55 by Jocelyn - Chicago - Market Conditions - 4 answers

Jim Gramata answered:

We will get the Olympics and you bet the entire area along the lake will go nuts due to the massive invested capital. I already see a difference in savvy buyers who are asking the same questions. There was a recent announcement of a massive commercial and residential development just south of McCormick Place which will include restaurants, housing...an instant neighborhood. It will be a great area for investment regardless of the Olympics if that development starts because of the convention traffic needing a place to walk .

Bronzeville, South Loop Lake Meadows and Prairie Shore....its a great questions and I would recommend a long term investment in that area. - Fri Feb 22 2008, 15:14

When is the best time to put my condo on the market - we're thinking a weekend in February?

Asked Sun Jan 6 2008, 09:50 by Diana - 60614 - Home Selling - 8 answers

Jim Gramata answered:

ASAP! condos are taking 120 days (mostly because sellers are not being given accurate information on market conditions and homes are still being put on the market overpriced).

If your home takes 90-120 days to sell (sorry for that grim advanced news) and July is the peak selling month in Lincoln Park (which it is), then March 1 or sooner....ASAP. If you've signed with someone make sure they tell you what the absorption rate is for your specific home.

If they ask what an absorption rate is fire them and give me a call. Good Luck! - Fri Feb 22 2008, 15:05

Is this a good price for this condo?

Asked Wed Feb 13 2008, 00:49 by Annie Tran - 60660 - Home Buying - 3 answers

Jim Gramata answered:

The only 3BR 2BA condo in Edgewater that's sold in the area similar to the one you described sold for $245,000 at 6145 N Sheridan - 1900 SF. This unit did need work (finishes were dated). With more information on your location and finishes, this may not be an exact comparable to yours. Feel free to email or call me - Fri Feb 22 2008, 15:00

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