[VIDEO 2013] WARREN BUFFETT ANNOUNCES BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY MERGER…KOENIG & STREY – PRUDENTIAL RUBLOFF JOIN FORCES

On Tuesday November 12, 2013, billionaire Warren Buffett made an exciting announcement; about two legendary Chicago real estate firms set to merge this spring.  Luxury home sales powerhouse Koenig & Strey Real Living and Prudential Rubloff will join forces under his Berkshire Hathaway brand.  They are set to become one of the top real estate brokerage firms in the entire Chicagoland area, gaining a huge percentage of market share.

Essentially, Prudential Rubloff sold its ownership interest in their company to Home Services of America; a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.  Making this the most notable real estate merger in Chicago’s history.  Both firms are leaders in the luxury housing market and their similar styles make this a perfect fit.

Over 400 agents showed up to a last-minute surprise meeting at the Drake Hotel, after receiving an email invitation late in the day on Monday (including me!).  It was a shock to hear about the merger, not because it was unexpected, but due to the complete secrecy of this news.  There were no rumors nor talks in advance throughout the company, at least not at an agents level.

The exciting part about this merger, is that they will now both fall under the prestigious Berkshire Hathaway brand.  The company was named “The World’s Most Admired Companies” which offers buyers and sellers even more confidence when using its services.  Major backing of these exclusive firms by Buffett was confirmed; since it is the FIRST time he has allowed a real estate affiliate to fall under the prestigious Berkshire Hathaway name.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE via 2013: WARREN BUFFETT ANNOUNCES BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY MERGER…KOENIG & STREY – PRUDENTIAL RUBLOFF JOIN FORCES.

 

(VIDEO) WHO WON THE VOICE 2013? YOUNGEST CONTESTANT DANIELLE BRADBERY OF COURSE!

The Voice season 4 was full of talented singers and the season finale did not disappoint.  It probably was no surprise that the youngest contestant, 16-year-old Danielle Bradbery, ran away with the prize.  This gave Blake Shelton a “three-peat” which sort of annoyed me.  He already seems to have a huge ego, so this just makes it bigger.

While the final stretch included, The Swon Brothers and Michelle Chamuel, who were equally talented, a young fresh face is probably what the producers were pushing to win.  Bradbery may have had the teen voter’s backing her and texting away, but I do believe the show has some influence on the outcome.  Well, at least Michelle came in second place, giving Usher runner-up status.

It was a great finale with guest performances by incredible artists including; Bruno Mars, Pitbull featuring Christina Aguilera, and legendary singers Bob Seger and Cher.  Yes, you heard it right!  After 10 years she came out with the full 80’s gear and a hit song, targeting a younger audience.  Was it just me or did Cher look a bit too much like she was trying to go back 30 years?  And is Bruno a hit maker or what?  Love his new song Treasure….it is exactly what he is!

The finale raked in over 12 million viewers and was entertaining, but the loss of Usher and Shakira next season may take a toll.  It really did not seem to have the same impact this year and was down 1%, but bringing back Cee Lo and Christina Aguilera is not the answer.

Are reality singing competitions flooding the airwaves and burning us out quickly?  Not sure, but I do believe the numbers are on a downturn for most singing competition shows, which means viewers may have had enough of American Idol, The Voice, America’s Got Talent and The X Factor.  How many singers can one take watching during a year?

Do you think singing competitions are on the way out?  Chime in below.

 

(VIDEO) 2013: CHICAGO LEGENDARY FILM CRITIC ROGER EBERT DIES AT 70; LEGACY LIVES ON WITH TWO THUMBS UP

It has been while since I have had time to blog, probably due to the Super Computer Virus.  But the loss of legendary Chicago film critic, Roger Ebert, on April 4, 2013 inspired me to take time out for a mention.

This week Ebert lost his long battle with thyroid cancer, but his long legacy of honest film reviews will live on.  I remember a time when the only movies on my viewing list, were those that received his memorable “thumbs up” nod.  If the movie got the thumbs down, it was immediately taken off my list.  Now that is powerful to think about and just how trustworthy he was as a critic.

Although he struggled with his speech and writing during his last several years on earth, his passion for writing was untouched.  He fought through it and continued to wow his fans, which is a true testament of his character.

This was sad to hear, but hopefully he is in a better place.  R.I.P. Mr. Ebert…may you find yourself in a place that you can give two “thumbs up”.  And maybe you will reunite with your ex-partner in crime Gene Siskel and duke it out once again.

He died at 70-years-old, but not before winning a Pulitzer Prize. Check out below video to see what inspired the phrase “thumbs up & thumbs down“…interesting.

READ FULL STORY AT CNN

RENT…BUY….SELL HOUSING IN CHICAGO; CONTACT BRV REAL ESTATE SERVICES TODAY!

 

[VIDEO] 2013: ILLINOIS ST PATRICK’S DAY MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE; WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON MARCH 18, 2013

This year the Illinois Lottery offered its St. Patrick’s Day Millionaire Raffle once again. The results will be posted on Monday, March 18, 2013 and many will find themselves a bit richer.  The odds are some of the best of all games offered by the Illinois Lottery.

The above video shows one of the MEGA winners from last year.  The entire town of Millersburg, Illinois, pulled together and 117 people won one of the four $1,000,000 prizes.  Wow…now that is amazing!   Also astounding is that another million dollar winner from last year, just stepped forward!  With only a few days left a Wood Dale resident claimed their prize.

Most only dream about what they will do with all that cash….trips, expensive cars, fancy homes, charity donations, sharing with family…and the list goes on.  But only four will win the big prize of $1,000,000…what would you do with that huge amount of money?

Check out this link to see if your dreams can turn into a reality.  And yes…I played too:).  GOOD LUCK!  Hope the luck of the Irish is with us all.   And if you happen to win and want to buy a home in Chicago….look me up!

CHECK OUT THE ODDS OF WINNING!

• Only 500,000 tickets were sold and are currently sold out.
  • 4 Prizes of $1,000,000, odds are 1 in 125,000!
  • 5 prizes of $100,000 each, odds are 1 in 100,000!
  • 500 prizes of $1,000 each, odds of 1 in 1000!
  • THAT’S 509 TOTAL AVAILABLE PRIZES WITH OVERALL ODDS OF 1 IN 982!
• The cost is $20 per ticket.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BUYING SHORT SALES IN ILLINOIS HERE!