Homescout is hiring a Creative Marketing Intern!

August 20th, 2010 · General, Homescout Realty News

Homescout Realty is looking for a ROCKSTAR intern!

If you want hands on experience and the chance to add some amazing experience to their resume, look no further. We want someone with a large skill set that is over the hypothetical college work and wants get their hands dirty working on real projects, with a real brand, and see real results. Chicago’s fastest growing Real Estate company is looking for part time interns, 15+ hours a week, depending on schedule and skill set for this fall semester. The internship will be paid and if you exceed our expectations there will be bonus opportunities at the end of the internship along with the possibility of staying on part-time through the school year. You can also take this internship for school credit. We prefer someone studying PR/Marketing with experience in design as well. Please still apply if you have a killer resume/portfolio in 1 category as we might hire 2 part-time interns.

  • Desired Qualifications:
    • Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Dreamweaver.
    • An extreme interest in social media and how all of the different channels work together.
    • Strong writing skills with an engaging personality A creative soul with the ability to think outside the box
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Great problem solving skills and an enthusiasm for learning
    • Confident personality
    • Extremely organized, responsible and detail oriented
    • Ability to jump from the creative side of marketing to analytical side
    • Moderate knowledge of HTML is an extreme plus but not required.
  • Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
    • Maintain all of Homescout Realty’s social networks (Facebook, twitter, youtube, etc.) along with writing for the Homescout Blog.
    • Assist with promotion/logistics for events with sister company
    • Make changes/updates to website
    • Graphic design projects
    • Assist with SEO (backend website, link building, content writing etc…)
    • Online brand monitoring and Industry trends research
    • Stocking and managing all office marketing materials
    • Assisting the marketing manager with all ongoing projects

Homescout was named the 16th best place to work for Gen Y’s in Chicago and we are excited to have someone on board with the energy to keep up with our fast office and industry. Have the chance to build your portfolio add the following to your resume:
• Assisted in launching and maintaining a comprehensive social media marketing plan.
• Effectively promoted and helped plan a 400+ person networking event.
• Brand monitoring and industry research Blog management and writing
• Real life marketing experience in a fast paced environment

If this sounds like the perfect internship for you then send a cover letter, resume and a few examples of your design/writing work that reflect your personality to Marketing Manager Erin Wasson at ewasson@homescoutrealty.com.

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Take a stroll down Armitage Ave

August 18th, 2010 · Chicago Attractions, Chicago Neighborhood-Lincoln Park

armitage aveEveryone knows Chicago’s Magnificent Mile THE shopping destination for both Chicagoans and Tourists alike.  It’s a big, busy street crowded with every store imaginable, and millions of people.  On a Saturday, it is nearly impossible to get an appropriate amount of attention from a salesperson because there are so many shoppers.  There is a secret shopping destination hidden from tourists in Lincoln Park, on the stretch of Armitage Ave between Halsted and Racine that locals have been coming to for years.

Over the last few years, this area has seen some major changes.  The small independently owned boutiques such as Art Effect and Lori’s Shoes have been joined by some big names.  Intermix, BCBG, and Kiehls are just a few of the recent newcomers to this area, making Lincoln Park a major shopping destination in Chicago.

From cosmetics to coats, you can find it all on this quaint little street.  Lori’s, a local favorite is the place to find that perfect accessory.  The store is jam packed with shoes from a wide range of designers, from Prada to Steve Madden.  Handbags occupy just about every inch of free wall space, and headbands, jewelry, wallets, gloves, and hats can be found near the front.  All sizes are out on the floor, making self service a breeze, but there are also plenty of sales people available for those who need a little extra help.

Just across the way is Intermix, which houses all of the best pieces from designers, such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Twenty8Twelve, Pency, and Vince, just to name a few.  One stop shopping at its best, Intermix is a blend of work, date, and lounging around outfits for the city girl!

For the gift giver, Art Effect has EVERYTHING one could possibly ask for from jewelry, to dishes, to art, to clothing. With a motto of “A modern day general store” the people behind this Armitage Avenue staple have gift giving down to a tee!

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Tax Credit Deadline Extended

July 1st, 2010 · Real Estate News

First Time HomebuyerJust announced!  Congress has passed a bill extending the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline to September 30, 2010!!

The extension applies only to transactions that had ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, and have not yet closed.  There will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law.

Additionally, Congress has extended the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through September 30th.  The bill is retroactive and will cover the lapse period from June 1, 2010, to the date the law is enacted.  NAR will continue to work with Congress on the NFIP Reform bill, and we will keep you posted on those efforts.

For additional information on both the tax credit deadline and the NFIP, visit Realtor.org/Government_Affairs.

Contact our Brokerage Manager Joel at 312-256-0861 if you would like more information on our educational program, “Urban Upgrade” helping people make the move from renting to buying!

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Be a Chicago “tourist”

June 23rd, 2010 · Chicago Attractions

Chicago Architecture Tour By: Katie Anderson

Looking for fun things to do while your friends/family are visiting?  Do you like staycations?  Chicago is a city full of interesting things to do… from babies to grandparents, this city has it all!

  • Chicago Architecture Tours:  My favorite summertime activity is heading down to Navy pier and catching a boat tour down the river.  There are TONS of tours to choose from, and no matter how many times I’ve been, I always learn something new.  Check out Wendella Boat Tours, they have been around since 1935, and really know their stuff!  Insider tip:  take the last tour, its still daylight heading into the river, but on the way back, the sun has set, and you can see the city lights.  Two different views for the price of one!!
  • The John Hancock Building:  A staple feature of the Chicago skyline, the John Hancock Building stands 100 stories high, and is the 6th tallest building in the United States.  There is an observatory showcasing fantastic views of the city (pricing starts at $15), but I always head to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor.  Drinks are pricey ($6 for a soda, $10 for a cocktail), but still cheaper than the admission into the observatory, with the same view!
  • The Green Mill:  Stepping into this famous Chicago Jazz club is like walking into a time machine.  Looking around the room, you almost feel like Al Capone is still sitting in “his” booth.  Opened in 1907, and originally called Pop Morse’s Roadhouse, The Green Mill has been home to mourners (it’s very close to the St. Boniface Cemetery), musicians, comedians, gangsters, and actors/singers (Frank Sinatra!) over the last 100 years.  Today you can find an eclectic mix, from Saturday night dates to young hipsters. 

  • Wrigley Field: Chicagoan’s love baseball so much, there is an entire neighborhood dedicated to Wrigley Field!  Nicknamed the friendly confines, Wrigley was built in 1914 and is the 2nd oldest major league ball park in America.  Tours are available on non-game days.  The tour costs about $25 per person, and takes you through the dugouts, locker room, press box, and you can even walk on the field!  An amazing way to see Wrigley, and WAY cheaper than a game!

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Welcome to the new Homescout Realty Blog!

June 4th, 2010 · General

homescout logo

Looking for ways to Upgrade Your Lifestyle on a daily basis? Homescout Realty is officially announcing the launch of our Blog!

We will blog about things that our clients and Chicagoans alike are interested in.  Neighborhood guides, lifestyle tips,  new hot properties, Chicago Real Estate news, events in the city and everything in between!  Homescout Realty wants to be your resource for all of your real estate needs in Chicago and much more.  Our consultants and staff are experts on the city of Chicago and will strive to keep you enlightened on a daily basis with everything going on in our great city! Here is a just a taste of some of the things you will find as we help you Upgrade our Lifestyle:

  • Neighborhood Guides: From the best sushi places in Lakeview to the newest attractions of the South Loop, we will highlight everything happening around Chicago’s favorite neighborhoods.
  • Lifestyle Tips: Similar to our “Upgrade Your Lifestyle” section of the newsletter, we will provide design and living tips for the urban dweller.  Previously featured articles include “Entertaining for a Small Space” or “3 Ways to Decorate When You’re Always Packing”, enough tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your city home.
  • Real Estate Market Trends: If there is something going on in Chicago’s Real Estate industry we break it down and let you know what is important to you.  Let us weed through all of the clutter and bring the information to you when you need to hear about it.
  • Hot Properties: If an AMAZING new home joins our inventory we will make sure you are the first to know!  Whether if it’s for you, or if a friend is looking and you want them to be indebted to you forever for finding their perfect apartment, you will be in the loop on the diamonds in the rough.  Also, with new buildings coming up left and right, we will introduce them to you and keep you informed about new Chicago home options.
  • Chicago Events: Stay up to date with all of the best events going on Chicago! Form networking, to charity or just plain social, we will keep you in tuned on the places to be around the city.

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