Author Archives: markdollardrealty

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About markdollardrealty

Mark has built a reputation as a responsive and dedicated broker who uses his market expertise and extensive background in finance to identify and close on prime opportunities for his clients. As a multi-year top-producing agent at a boutique real estate firm, he brings an unparalleled level of experience, skills, and customer service to real estate transactions. Whether working with a first-time condo buyer or selling a multi-million dollar investment property, Mark strives to understand each client's unique needs and leads them confidently through all aspects of what is often a complex process. Constantly looking at the long-term benefits, Mark educates his clients with their future in mind, and remains a trusted advisor long after any single transaction has closed.

The Real Mussels from Brussels (Not JCVD): Hopleaf

Posted on September 14, 2011 by markdollardrealty

The title should be a hint: this post will have egregious use of initials.  As any beer nerd in Chicago knows this: Hopleaf is the OG of beer lovers’ gastro-pubs.  Unlike most other GPs, Hopleaf serves some real-deal “ethnic” food … Continue reading →

Posted in Beer, Chicago, Dining | Leave a comment

Hops, Schnapps May Not Even Be the Best Parts: Laschet’s Inn

Posted on September 12, 2011 by markdollardrealty

The craving hits like a ton of bricks.  The weather is changing, football is starting up and it becomes a little less necessary to keep the summertime physique.  What we crave is comfort food (read: gravy) and German food is … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, Dining | 1 Comment

10 Real Estate Necessities: Important Notes for Tenants and Landlords in Chicago

Posted on September 12, 2011 by markdollardrealty

In my roles as a Realtor and landlord I have come across a lot of information about the ins and outs of renting and owning real estate in Chicago.  Anyone who is familiar with the city shouldn’t be surprised that … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, Landlord, Ordinance, Real Estate, Rental | Leave a comment

An Aside: Conference Realignment and Economic Stagnation

Posted on September 6, 2011 by markdollardrealty

As the parallels between the socio-psychological currents stagnating the American economy and the paranoia-fueled activity of BCS Conference Realignment get eerily more similar by the day, we are compelled to take a step back to examine the philosophical inconsistencies in … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Sports | 3 Comments

Red Meat and Mythology: A Visit to Folklore

Posted on September 6, 2011 by markdollardrealty

In Chicago, discovering reasonably priced steakhouses that have substantial upside is a real trick.  For the most part, the well-known places (Morton’s, Ruth Chris, Primehouse, Tavern on Rush, etc.) tend to do an ok steak, but with some variability in … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining | Leave a comment

You Know the Trend is Dead and/or The Only Good Economy in Illinois?

Posted on September 2, 2011 by markdollardrealty

It turns out that the microeconomy of Wicker Park/Bucktown (WPB) seems to be thriving while the rest of the country is mired in stagnation.  The Bucktown six corners (there are multiple claims to that moniker) at North/Milwaukee/Damen is seeing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Real Estate | Leave a comment

Growing Pains and Oyster Delivery

Posted on August 31, 2011 by markdollardrealty

Pseudo-western, pseudo-gastro pub is not the most common descriptor for a bar and grill, but it’s probably the most accurate way to describe Frontier.  It’s a relatively new place that is trying to leverage its proximity to a pretty good … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining | Leave a comment

What’s that smelt? Oh yeah, it’s great pizza.

Posted on August 31, 2011 by markdollardrealty

Anyone that watches the eating channels has probably seen Vito and Nick’s being pimped by Guy Fieri or whoever.  It is one of the few places that deserves TV time.  Here are a few reasons why: 1. My first visit … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining | 1 Comment

Let’s Find the Best Chicago has to Offer

Posted on August 31, 2011 by markdollardrealty

I will be posting here with some of the things that I’ve seen and done around the city.  Most of my time is spent in and around Wicker Park and Bucktown, but I venture out into the rest of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment