How Long Will the Bank Own this Gold Coast 3-Bedroom? 190 E. Walton
We last chattered about this bank owned 3-bedroom at 190 E. Walton in the Gold Coast in February 2011.
See our prior chatter here.
The chatter evolved into a discussion about using videos to market upscale properties- as Joe Zekas from YoChicago did a video on this property last winter.
Some of you (myself included) thought it would be just as effective to cut the price to make the sale (instead of doing the video).
In February, the property was listed at $1.25 million. Some of you thought it would sell around $900,000.
It has since been reduced about $100,000 to $1.149 million.
If you recall, the 3000 square foot unit has hardwood floors throughout and custom built-ins.
The kitchen has granite counter tops and a stainless steel breakfast bar.
There are marble baths and a 8×22 terrace.
Parking is included.
This building is a mid-rise which doesn’t have a doorman or any other amenities.
The bank has already owned this property for 10 months.
How long will the bank have to be the owner?
Tina Culver at Sergio & Banks still has the listing. See the pictures here.
Unit #501: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3000 square feet, 1 car parking
- Sold in October 1998 for $765,000
- Sold in September 2005 for $1.575 million
- Lis pendens foreclosure filed in September 2009
- Bank owned in October 2010
- Originally listed in October 2010 for $1.395 million
- Reduced
- Was listed in February 2011 at $1.25 million
- Reduced
- Currently listed at $1.149 million
- Assessments of $919 a month (includes water, building maintenance)
- Taxes of $17,162
- Central Air
- Bedroom #1: 14×13
- Bedroom #2: 10×12
- Bedroom #3: 11×13
- Family room: 14×20
Large space, great location, horrible view. If this had any sort of view it would sell for ask. I bet it goes for $950k.
Here’s the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aN6KPHyAg8
The issues are a terrible view, low floor, cheap kitchen, somewhat small bedroom, and slightly dated look but still listed for over a million dollars. Apparently potential buyers for this unit are deciding that is just not worth it for that price.
Slide the price down 20 to 25% and a buyer will surface. $825K should get it done.
First let me say, this is beyond my price range. That being said…
For 1 million, I want 2 car parking. For $900 monthly, I want many amenities. IMO
By the way, Sabrina, anyone involved in marketing real estate will have a good laugh at your “cut the price instead of doing the video” line. Why not go without brochures, floor plans and photos and cut the price?
The video comes out of the agent’s pocket, not the seller’s. And most home buyers see it as a net benefit, and a time saver.
Hmmm… only 17 units in the building? I wonder what a place like this costs to maintain even without a doorman or other amenities.
Nice square footage for the price, but I also would expect a second parking space for this price.
it does not feel like a home. staging might really help a place like this.
how much does the video cost to make? They look fine and convey the message nicely but the budget cant be too high, it’s not like shooting water world. ( Joe Zekas does have a nice gravely voice)
I agree with miumiu: stage and it will look at little more inviting- it looks a bit raw
Other than a Gold Coast address, and maybe 3000 sq feet – I don’t see this as a million dollar + property. There must be 200 linear feet of Lowes track lighting in that place!
I am heavily involved in RE purchase/renovation/resale transactions and have to say video productions (foreclosed properties pr not) DO NOT have any effect on the re-sale time. In Chicago we can’t even get agents to list correct sq ft, floorplans, exposures or even somewhat accurate photos…not to mention brochures (Thank you Ames for your high quality brochures) and you are asking for videos?
I think the only purpose these videos serve is it gets some free promotion for the agents (or RE bloggers). Nothing more.
“You might recognize me from one of my many You Tube RE videos…” sounds like a good pick up line for use in the Viagra triangle.
Why would any agent who is not making a decent commission on foreclosed units be willing to spend their own money to produce them?
Want a quicker sale? Chop the price. Plain and simple.
My cell phone takes HD video. My cell phone has internet and a direct youtube posting app. HOw much does it cost to walk through an empty condo?
I like seeing completely empty properties. It’s easier for me to imagine where I could put my things.
The odd thing about this place is that a few house plants remain, but everything else is gone. I wonder if they are real and if so, who takes the time to water them. I wonder if they come with the property.
“The chatter evolved into a discussion about using videos to market upscale properties- as Joe Zekas from YoChicago did a video on this property last winter.”
Why did you do that? We all know that a certain person is three times more efficient than Candyman. Just say his name once and he immediately appears.
“how much does the video cost to make?”
Nobody is getting an Oscar for that one! It’s sort of like the NPR chicks on SNL filming the Blair Witch Project. I think the video tour (sans agent and commentary) on the property website is far more effective than a Youtube video. It’s just awkward to watch for 6 minutes when someone is traversing an 18″ balcony telling you about the parties that are to be had on the expansive terrace! I’m with the price choppers on this one.
You guys once again prove you don’t know much about real estate or this area. Sure the views are bad, but remember, people are paying this much a few doors down (palmolive) for much less space and much higher assessments (and MUCH MUCH worse views – ie the westin). The only reasons this isn’t selling are because;
1, 2 and 3. the building is not famous – a little publicity and some well-known residents would solve that problem.
4. the unit is not well decorated.
5. the listing agent may not have the connections with other agents to draw in the clientele that want to live in this area.
Condo developers would be smart to offer celebrities a steep discount and then use the celebrity to sell the status of the building – it works…every…single…fucking…time!!!!
“Some of you (myself included) thought it would be just as effective to cut the price to make the sale (instead of doing the video).”
Or just do both:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Toshiba-CAMILEO-S20-1080p-HD-Digital-Camcorder/190559597873
of course joe thinks videos are a benefit, its how he pays the bills
any listing that leads with a photo of the exterior and the building lobby is a dead giveaway for bad things to come.
the place is weird and you stare a few feet into another building every window.
at $383/Ft whatever benefit of living in this location is completely wiped out by the horrid views from every window. not to mention the odd interior (track lighting everywhere and a kitchen that is lost in the flooring)
one could acquire sweeping, unobstructed city-views at a similar price in different, comparable neighborhoods. with much nicer layout/finishes.
there is no video that could be made to save this place.
I don’t understand how one can close in Sept 2009, most likely with the first mortgage payment due in November…unless they did an interest credit, so first payment would be due in October…How can Lis Pendens Foreclosure file in the same month as purchase..Does anyone know what bank owns it!
I’m with the who cares about a video crowd. And frankly, a video could only hurt this weird place with the carpet and lighting from HOBO’s. And with no amenities, what is the $900 assessment include? Also, there is a crack in the terrace concrete. Hello special assessment.
It’s a 3,000 sq ft place, with parking and an elevator. How much SHOULD the assessments be? $900 does not seem unreasonable.
“Some of you (myself included) thought it would be just as effective to cut the price to make the sale (instead of doing the video).”
Although I doubt how effective videos are in securing a buyer, what is the harm in doing one? As HD said, give me 10 minutes and I could do this on a cell phone, although I would cut out the agent and commentary.
Of course cutting the price would help more, but that costs money, a lot of money. The video is inexpensive (or free), so any little it helps is gravy.
JUM on July 28th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
I don’t understand how one can close in Sept 2009, most likely with the first mortgage payment due in November…unless they did an interest credit, so first payment would be due in October…How can Lis Pendens Foreclosure file in the same month as purchase..Does anyone know what bank owns it!
I am curious about that also. Who looked up the mortgage history??
“Condo developers would be smart to offer celebrities a steep discount and then use the celebrity to sell the status of the building – it works…every…single…fucking…time!!!!”
ATTENTION ALL CHICAGO RE SELLERS!!! MAKE YOUR BUILDING MORE FAMOUS AND YOU ARE GUARANTEED A SALE!!!
# 1, 2 and 3 are all wrong…well other than in clio’s world.
It has little to nothing to do with RE, esp now that ppl are more savvy in their purchasing. Celebs don’t make a difference. LOL… give celebs a discount. Besides, anonimity is required when real celebs are hunting and Agents (in NYC at least)are required to sign non-disclosure forms forbidding them from mentioning so and so lives in the building. A HUGE NO NO!!!
#5 can be considered invalid as well. In the era of internet listings playing such a huge part of house hunting, agent connections are no longer that important. If it were, as well placed and connected as you supposedly are, wouldn’t all your places be sold pronto? How’s that farm, BTW??
Once again you are WRONG clio…
IMO, the lack of any views are not helping with this listing.
When you have a unit like this, staging is of little value. The floors are fantastic and you wouldn’t see them with furniture in place.
I am a big believer in proper staging, but in this case it wouldn’t matter.
The video is a turnoff to me personally. all the time spent in the hall made me keep thinking it was a tight place and some of the shots in other rooms did not dispell that.
Joe, I cannot imagine that this video was a capital investment. There did not appear to be any sort of editing, lighting, voice narration concerns which can really make it expensive. As mentioned upthread our cel phones can record HD video so I am sure that the 25-40 demographic can tell when something isn’t as well produced and would appreciate a well lit, better narrated, professional appearing video.
Of course I really don’t spend much time beyond stills and floor plans bceause I am local, I’ll just go see it. When I had to do a cross-country re-lo I really appreciated some well made video walk throughs.
so let me see if I understand you, “if the floors are nice in a place, no staging is required”? Staging if done well almost always helps especially in a no view place like this where interior is the only thing that can sell it. Also the more weird a place is cut, the more important staging becomes to detract from unattractive features and accentuate the good ones.
Simply put, a nice hair do and clothes aways helps a woman, the more beautiful and perfect she is the effect is less necessary of course. But if she is not perfect, the right clothes make a big difference.
Not to defend clio here but I think we was getting at was the whisper mistique, we all know Vince Vaughn has/had a place in the Palmolive – a realtor does not need to tell us these things.
Joe – surely it’s obvious that your video isn’t helping to sell this place because:
Originally listed in October 2010 for $1.395 million
Reduced
Was listed in February 2011 at $1.25 million
Reduced
Currently listed at $1.149 million
It hasn’t sold.
vince vaugh has put on some girth. hardly recognized him walking down the street a few months back. he’s a tall fellow.
wetloop – celebrity status ABSOLUTELY makes a difference when people buy. As frv pointed out, a few celebrities live in my building which, in my opinion, drove prices up (why else would units in my building be SO much more expensive than the subject property – which is only a few buildings down). Honestly, I KNOW rich people – they are not always looking for value – they are looking for attention/prestige, etc. (why else would someone buy a ferrari/lamborghini – there are much better values out there). To say that you live in the same building where Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughan, Lou pinella and others live adds “credence” to a property (for God’s sake, people in my other condo building were constantly bragging that Jane Byrne lived there)!!!!
Clio, Jane Byrne lived in Cabrini–you didn’t live there did you?
“cabrini green where the mayor sleeps”
No – 111 e chestnut
Hmm.. I would rather avoid the buildings where celebrities live. I wouldn’t want to deal with their fans waiting outside to get an autograph or paparazzi waiting to take their pictures. My friend lived in Oprah’s building and she said it wasn’t an issue, but I would still rather live far from attention grubbing celebrities.
What about Steadman?
Oh Betty beat me to it.
I think Rosie starts filming any day. She’s in town already.
…the only celebrity worse than Oprah is Rosie O’Donnell.
If I lived in a condo building and Rosie O’Donnell moved in, I would be want to instantly put my home on the market.
Ok which one of us is going to have to change posting names?
Jerry Springer has a condo in downtown Evanston. A friend used to see him regularly at a nearby 7-11.
“…the only celebrity worse than Oprah is Rosie O’Donnell.”
Really? Worse than all the reality and fake reality show “celebs”?
“Ok which one of us is going to have to change posting names?”
Even icarus figured it out, so I think you’re ok.
“Jerry Springer has a condo in downtown Evanston. A friend used to see him regularly at a nearby 7-11.”
What was he buying? Does he still have a place in Hancock?
I am sorry but I don’t buy Jerry Springer living in Evanston. I just don’t buy it. People don’t leave a downtown Chicago condo to buy a downtown Evanston condo. A house, yes. Another condo? No.
I think Joan Cusack also has a condo in my building (111 E chestnut).
““Jerry Springer … regularly at a nearby 7-11.”
What was he buying? ”
You seriously ask this about a guy who wrote a *check* to a hooker while on the city council (or was he mayor then?)?
“You seriously ask this about a guy who wrote a *check* to a hooker while on the city council (or was he mayor then?)?”
I guess he was getting cash out? (W/o fees, from his citibank account, bob.) If only ATMs had been widely available at the time.
Saw Jerry walking out of a Marriot downtown by himself late in the evening. I’d have to guess he just got some super hot a$$.
We don’t have the celebrity culture here that people have in L.A. Did celebrity connections, prevent a foreclosure in the Palmolive? Is a celebrity connection going to stop future foreclosures wherever they live? Not likely.
Another thing is that celebrities and their advisers are wising up that renting is a much better deal, even in Chicago. How will potential buyers feel when they realize that even wealthy celebs aren’t dumb enough to fall for the RE swindle.
“I guess he was getting cash out? (W/o fees, from his citibank account, bob.) If only ATMs had been widely available at the time.”
I was thinking a different direction, but didn’t want to sully our august forum with my prurient suppositions.
Brad F – please go back and listen to your friends…..you can’t think straight without them….
I like the bank’s reduce it by 50k every six months strategy. This means they will be sure to sell at/near the bottom.
“I think Joan Cusack also has a condo in my building (111 E chestnut).”
Per various media reports- she owns a 8,000 square foot Gold Coast mansion purchased in 2007.
miumiu,
I am saying the lack of views of any kind are a…THE…main negative here.
The place is very nice and a strong point are the floors, (which draws your attention in the same way nice staging would do) but when you come in and see nothing out of the windows you sort of just lose interest…at least I do. Nice staging would ‘fool’ interested buyers for a bit but I see it only as a distration for awhile and I think most others would as well.
Since you brought it up, I have always thought of staging the same as I think of woman relying on hair/makeup/clothes and accessories. Nice hair and make up ‘enhance’ a woman’s own natural beauty…they do not make the woman herself. When the women is not ‘made up’ does she still look beautiful?
Would this (or any) place be that much different staged? Or does staging only serve to cover the negatives?
I guess it just comes down to personal tastes. When I first started in this industry, I had several storage units filled with some extremely nice furnishings and I spent so much time moving the items from house to house to help selling the places. After a few years of doing this, I realized the only thing it accomplished for me was to cover the work my team and I were doing. Now we just leave the units bare and let our work speak for itself…and sales became much easier for us.
I have to agree with fruitloop – I did the same thing with my renovations – the ones that I did superficial cosmetic renovations, I staged – but the ones I did a deep thorough complete gut job, I left bare – I wanted people to see the three part moldings, the single slab granite, the extra thick/tall baseboards.
I guess it all comes down to what differnt groups of people look for when trying to validate themselves. For the REAL rich people you know (and yourself) living in a celebrity ridden building might be a draw and makes them feel more valuable.
To the REAL rich people I know and for me personally, they are a huge distraction. Their (and my) privacy is invaded and it is more of a negative issue.
I think it just comes down to what we all value in our lives. To me, celebrities are people just like us…they just have more benefits in their lives. I don’t need material things in my life to feel valuable. You do.
I don’t appreciate that new moniker. As much as we might dislike each other, there is no need for petty nicknames. But, if you want to play such juvenile games, I can get pretty dirty.
Just a warning.
fruitloop – that’s not true – I don’t need material things to feel valuable – I just use them to get what I want….. same things with the way a person looks – sure a fatass can say they feel beautiful, but only an in-shape, good looking person understands what it is like to reap the benefits of actually looking beautiful.
ok -sorry westie – didn’t see that last post (and no, I did not mean that as an insult to sexual orientation at ALL) – but I will stop it.
Oh, and westie – I actually like you – you are fun to banter with.
“I don’t need material things to feel valuable – I just use them to get what I want…..”
I don’t know, you’ve used that ‘my lambo brings joy and smiles to faces’ too many times for us to believe you are a non- materialistic person. The whole basis of your persona is driven by materialistic pursuits and achievements.
Everyone’s posts tell alot about who that person really is.
In terms of rich people showing their wealth and wanting to reside in a prestigious house/building/suburb – most of it has to do with image. And while most here would dismiss this concept, it actually is very important. If you want to be included in certain social circles (which, in turn lead to several opportunities you would not otherwise have) you NEED to abide by these “social rules”. The opportunities of which I refer to are not only related to education (connections to get your kids into schools), but also business (introductions to people who can help you in your career) as well as social (introductions that may lead you to a well placed suitor/partner). These things are AS important (and even moreso, I think) than what CPS your child goes to. THIS is why people choose to live on ELSD, the Palmolive, Kenilworth, Hinsdale, etc. Honestly, do you think you are going to be invited to “the casino” if you lived in Schaumburg (even if you had millions of dollars?).
“just have more benefits in their lives. I don’t need material things in my life to feel valuable. You do.”
I’ll address in the order stated.
No they don’t have more benefits if you don’t consider fame and constant aggrandizement by people you don’t even know a benefit. Can you imagine someone trying to strike up a conversation with you in the hall/elevator because they’ve seen your movies and think they “get” you? Yeah as a mostly uncommitted guy it sounds great having hot chicks do this and that’s probably the idealized version of it. But truth be told you don’t get to choose which losers/psychos become “into you” when you’re famous.
Secondly from your posts here while you may say you don’t need material things I beg to differ: your life has centered around trying to maintain wealth via a very hard route to do so.
RE ain’t easy, long term wleo, I at least recognize that. Especially short-term these days. If you awoke and found yourself a pauper tomorrow I don’t think you’d be much of a happy camper in the least. Just sayin’.
I wouldn’t mind being rich, I’d quite like it. And perhaps from here I wouldn’t mind being rich & famous so long as the rich part could cover all of the additional expenses that would come along with the fame. Not even sure I’d even want that though.
But being famous and not rich: hell no that would be hell on earth to me.
Fame sucks but a lot of people can deal with it or are drawn to it for whatever reason (ego/wealth/etc). A steep price to pay for losing your privacy, IMO.
“I don’t know, you’ve used that ‘my lambo brings joy and smiles to faces’ too many times for us to believe you are a non- materialistic person.”
Westie, I like my lambo simply because of the attention is gets me – it is more a vehicle for attention than a vehicle to get me from point a to point b. I actually HATE driving that car. I only drive it when i go downtown – you would actually be shocked if you saw what my favorite car was (and the one I drive 99% of the time). My point is that I use my material wealth (as most people do) to further my life (again, in terms of social interactions/friends which then promotes business, education and social introductions). I don’t personally care about the size of my house – after all you can only live in one room at a time. I find most truly rich people are exactly like me – personally, they could live in a trailer, but don’t for social/business reasons.
i feel bad for famous people. I remember in Chicago a few summers back. 3 of the most famous brasilian soccer players were in the city. Guys that couldn’t easily walk down the streets of any city in most of the world without getting mobbed. When they were interviewed, on mich ave, all were smiling ear to ear saying how nice it was that they could be out enjoying themselves unrecognized.
Privacy is priceless. The other way draws mostly the wrong people for the wrong reasons. Everyone wants to be your friend when things are good. Dangle the superficial lures and the inside of most of the fish you’re going to attract is gunna be nasty.
I ignore RE videos. Who wants to listen to realestatease and look at non-professional moving images, …. boring. A lower price always gets my attention.
“…most of it has to do with image. And while most here would dismiss this concept, it actually is very important.”
Oh I totally understand the weight of having an image that is bolstered by having only the best of everything and being recognized for that fact. It is all about image…for those who feel the need to be accepted in that rarefied world which only 1% of Americans live.
But for those who are confident in WHY and HOW they achieved wealth…who they really are (meaning good solid human beings with high morals and true compassion for others less fortunate) behind the cash and penthouses, it really does not matter to them how others think of them. This superficial display of excess is only makeup on an unattractive woman (or man). If they lost their wealth and addresses, they would still be good solid humans. To most of their circle, they would still be the top of the list. To those ‘hangers on’, they would now be considered the scum of the earth for allowing themselves to be placed in a lower social circle.
I realize the materialistic things and how having all of this brings a person into a different world…I got that point. But in the end, those who are good honest and intelligent humans with or without the money are those who are the most content with their lives.
westie – you can have both (you can have a good value system, stable life, high self-worth, self-esteem and STILL use money to attract more people). I have seen great great great men and women get overlooked (socially, professionally, etc.) because they didn’t project a certain outward appearance. In today’s world – you need both – quality/self-esteem/good values AND a presence. Sure you may succeed (professionally, socially) if you don’t, but your success will be magnified several fold if you do…… but I DO agree you NEED both.
in that world then, i guess being sikh holds you back?
“in that world then, i guess being sikh holds you back”
Not really, you can always put a big diamond in ur turban or something – or maybe you can change the color of the turban? And then turn that into the topic of conversation. Remember, all attention can be used to your benefit!!
Bob,
I too will address the topics in response to your post in order.
“No they don’t have more benefits if you don’t consider fame and constant aggrandizement by people you don’t even know a benefits.”
By ‘benefits’ I mean they have the world at their call. There is not one thing they cannot possess due to the fact they are ‘placed on a pedestal’ by mere mortals. The endless pursuit by hangers on to be a part of their world is a huge negative for them I agree. But it is not a burden that cannot be handled with some thought.
“…your life has centered around trying to maintain wealth via a very hard route to do so.”
I have to strongly disagree with you here. As told through an anonymous internet blog, sure it might seem my life is centered around trying to ‘have it all’. But actually that is not at all true.
Thanks to my entire families involvment in RE, I found early in life a career that I LOVE LOVE LOVE. I realize every day I awake how fortunate I am to be in this position. There are not many people who enjoy their live’s purpose…or even their means of survival.
For me there is nothing better than taking something in total neglect and disrepair and rebuilding it to it’s former glory to be appreciated by others and by the next generation.
The fact that I have had my wealth build with each project, to me, is just an added benefit of my work. Do I enjoy the financial part of it? Of course I do but it is not why I do what I do nor am I motivated by that fact.
I am extremely fortunate to have all the material things I do in my life and I use them to the max not only for myself but for those in my social circle. If it were all to vanish tomorrow I would not be devasted as the memories of what I have accomplished will never vanish.
The biggest advantage of having some wealth is that I am able to give back…and I enjoy this tremendously…to society in several ways. I use my hard earned wealth, (thank you for realizing exactly how hard my life’s work really is) to help improve our world. This is what really drives me on a daily basis.
While I probably should not reveal this on the ‘net, not one dime of my $$ will be passed on to a family member or friend. As my will stands now, it will be divided amongst a number of causes I care deeply about and what I work for as long as I have a heartbeat. The things I enjoy while alive will be used to enrich those humans and animals who need it the most.
I don’t want to sound like I am a saint, but I do deeply care about those who have not been dealt, for whatever reason, a fair hand in life. Anything I can do to help those humans and animals who suffer I have committed a huge share of my life to do so.
It takes $$$ to make serious change in our society and what I have and enjoy now will go a long way to furthering the causes I support. I have my parents and grands to thank for allowing us to realize our wealth is not only what you own but what you use to help society.
That said, there is nothing like driving one of the worlds fastest cars and living in one of the, if not the, most desired neighborhoods in the country. Those material things I am deeply thankful for and fortunate enough to have. And as long as I am alive, I will enjoy the hell out of it!! But again, I am not centered on living this life…it is the reward for hard work and dedication to what I have chosen to do.
clio,
I totally agree with 99% of what you say in your last post. But I do have an issue with this comment and belief:
“…STILL use money to attract more people…’
Those kinds of people are not who I want to attract or have in my life. The kind of people I enjoy the company of realize this as well and because of it, IMO my world and my social circle are the best to be had.
westie, if you want to do good in this world, you can do so many times over by being popular – this is the whole foundation upon which most fundraisers build their life around. If you are XXX person who everyone in the Gold Coast knows – and you have a beloved charity Y, think of the money the XXX person can generate from being popular and well-known. It is incredibly selfish to live a concealed life when you have the ability and responsibility to use ur wealth to generate more donations to charity.
I have an extremeley cute dog. And I can’t walk down the street in peace without so many people coming up and telling me how cute he is, what kind of dog is he? What is his name? How old is he? Forget walking on the beach with him and I can’t even walk down Wells street in Old Town. I take no pleasure in walking my dog because people won’t leave me alone. So, if I can’t handle this, I can only imagine what famous people go through. I couldn’t handle it.
BettyBoop, this reminds me of a physically unattractive person I knew – someone told her to get a cute dog and, lo and behold, she was getting so much attention!!! I guess the dog took attention away from her face. She actually ended up very happy from the secondary gain she got from that dog!!!
Clio, well, I’m not unattractive at all and I get enough attention as a blonde blue eyed female. But, I had no idea that a cute dog would generate this much attention and I’m kind of surprised that people feel free to stop me to discuss the dog with me. In all honestly, he is an unusually cute dog and has even won contests but still. Even my elderly mother took the dog for a walk and was surprised by the attention. Anyway, though, I”ve had the dog for 10 years so I’m used to it and now when we go out, I have the dog wear giant sunglasses so you can’t see how cute he is so we can walk in peace. (Just kidding, I wear earphones now and don’t make eye contact and that pretty much does it).
BettyBoop – rent your dog out for 50/hour and maybe you will bring some happiness to some ugly people (while making money for yourself and giving your dog more attention) a win-win-win situation!!!
“But for those who are confident in WHY and HOW they achieved wealth…who they really are (meaning good solid human beings with high morals and true compassion for others less fortunate) behind the cash and penthouses, it really does not matter to them how others think of them. This superficial display of excess is only makeup on an unattractive woman (or man).”
This pretty much rules out the Pritzker heirs who today feel so insecure (still) that they need to plaster their names on plaques on practically every square inch of anything they “donate” to (in a form of vulgar display).
People come up to me while I walk my dogs and ask me if my dogs bite, I tell them “only stupid people” the look they give me is priceless
Clio, well, the problem with your idea is my dog isn’t part of the “win win”– and he counts too. And honestly, my dog doesn’t like the attention either…he really only likes me–and other than that, he likes to be left alone. But your Rent A Pup idea has some legs–maybe market that idea on craigslist and see where it goes!
lol…to BB and Sonies comments.I am one of the chatty ones. Now I am all self conscious : ) Actually I have noticed that most folks especially guys love it when one pays a complement to their dog and then go on and on asking me where I am from and so on. I guess CC crowd is more reserved.
Miumiu, after 10 years though of answering the same questions, it’s too much. Just keep in mind that if you see a really cute dog, his owner knows the dog is cute and you don’t have to tell the owner what he/she already knows. Just look at the dog, enjoy the cuteness, smile to yourself and keep walking. However, if you really want to get to know the owner–I guess you can use the dog cuteness as a conversation starter…but to just stop people to tell them their dog is cute–it’s been done to death. Really.
BettyBoop – the same thing happens with me when I go out with my lambo – just learn to appreciate the attention and turn it into something positive for yourself.
“It is incredibly selfish to live a concealed life when you have the ability and responsibility to use ur wealth to generate more donations to charity.”
You are assuming way too much about how I live and operate my philanthropic events. I never said I live a concealed life, actually very far from it, I said I do not have any need for hangers on/poseurs in my private life.
I do quite well with the charity events and the type of people Marcus described
“feel so insecure (still) that they need to plaster their names on plaques on practically every square inch of anything they “donate” to (in a form of vulgar display).”
do not have a large part of it.
Charitable giving is best done when done for the sake of the betterment of people and animals lives, not solely for the sake of bettering one’s social standing.
NYC is divided on this topic, pretty evenly I might add. There are those of us who do it with only the best of intentions and the rest do it as a part of their social standing. Admittedly I do still socialize with the latter but only for the sake of charity. That is where the line is drawn in my social life.
clio,
your comments about getting a dog for the sake of making yourself more attractive are unsettling to say the least. I can only hope this is not how you live your life or these are not your real thoughts.
“Admittedly I do still socialize with the latter but only for the sake of charity. That is where the line is drawn in my social life.”
Exactly – most people only have a few close friends – everyone else is there for a purpose – nobody has 20 best friends. This is nothing new to anyone – my point was that one should use their wealth to develop connections so that they can enrich the lives of themselves and others. You cannot do this by isolating yourself and only interacting with your few close friends.
Clio, well I can see if you get attention for your pet lamb–farm animals always attract attention–do you shave the lamb and make wool scarves? If so, I’d order one from you–now that’s a win win win–you make some money, I keep warm and your pet lamb feels useful!
“…the same thing happens with me when I go out with my lambo – just learn to appreciate the attention and turn it into something positive for yourself.”
WOW just WOW. If all you have to operate your life is a car (or dog)…well, what can be said?
westie – have you seen my dogs? they are very cute – but unfortunately, I only pay attention to them when I walk them downtown (for the attention, of course). At home (in the burbs and while I am in my condo alone with them, they are a pain in my ass).
BettyBoop: take your pooch (I am assuming it’s a small cute dog) to the local dog park instead for exercise. More often then not, there are larger dogs there, and the owners of larger dogs don’t think much of little dogs, and they won’t even comment or barely pay attention to lapdogs.
“You cannot do this by isolating yourself and only interacting with your few close friends.”
You only have to learn how to prioritize the people you chose to have in your life. As I have repeatedly stated, I do not have any need for poseurs in my personal life. I am in NO WAY isolated and I do interact with, what at times seems like, half of NYC.
“I only pay attention to them when I walk them downtown (for the attention, of course). At home (in the burbs and while I am in my condo alone with them, they are a pain in my ass).”
I don’t know who I feel more pity for, you or your dogs??
I can only think you are pulling all this stuff out of your ass for a reaction…at least for you and your dogs sake.
Please tell me I am correct in assuming this??!!??
miumiu, I don’t mind talking to people about my dogs but when people ask stupid fucking questions like “do your dogs bite” I get a bit annoyed
westie – the next time you are in chicago, I would love to buy you a drink – I have some great charities that you might be very interested in getting involved with.
Marcus: Two things: First, small dogs are, or at least mine is, very aggressive and he goes after the big dogs and gets beat up. But the truth is, I don’t want to hang around dog parks myself and either does my dog. I want to be able to walk on the beach or walk down Wells, or walk wherever I want without being constantly stopped to discuss my dog with complete strangers. But, I’m not looking for solutions–I already manage it–I was simply commenting on the “celebrity thread”–that I have a tiny idea of what it must be like to walk down the street and have strangers coming up to you and saying the same old thing and boring you. Over and out. I”m already bored with this dog string. Let’s move on.
BB… the lamb comment was funny. I wanted to send you for a beer with clio, but i think ze will appreciate your sense of humor. You are right about the cute comment, I will try and shut up next time : )
Sonies, do you happen to have huskies? They are my favorite breed.
no, another breed that people think bite a lot
“no, another breed that people think bite a lot”
A chow? Aren’t they like 60+lbs. That’s a big dog in a small apt, I dunno how your hypothetical teenager will fit.
“small dogs are, or at least mine is, very aggressive and he goes after the big dogs and gets beat up.”
Small dogs need to get socialized more. Those that are aggressive or at least yappy, do so b/c there aren’t enough consequences.
DZ, not sure what you know about dogs but my dog’s aggressiveness is based on the fact that he looks in the mirror and sees a lion not a little 12 pound dog. And, not sure what you know about males, but as much as us ladies try to “socialize” the weaker sex, boys will be boys, men will be men. And the smaller the male, the more likely he is to fight. (Whether its a male dog or a male human). Have you heard of the “Napolean effect”?
“my dog’s aggressiveness is based on the fact that he looks in the mirror and sees a lion not a little 12 pound dog.”
Well it’s that and the fact that he hasn’t *really* had the crap beat out of him consistently by bigger dogs b/c he’s been kept away or relatively safe from them. (I’m sure he’s gotten into scuffles.)
“A chow? Aren’t they like 60+lbs. That’s a big dog in a small apt, I dunno how your hypothetical teenager will fit.”
no, my dogs are 35 and 50 lbs. I would hope they live long enough to see our hypothetical teenager, since they are 6 years old already but i’m not exactly counting on it…
DZ, how can you make comments like this when you don’t even know us? I hate calling people dumb but come on you are going to tell someone on an anonymous board all about their dog? Really? You are very wrong. He did get the crap beat out of him. He got his eye torn out! He can’t be shown now because of his glass eye. I call him Sammy Davis Junior when I feel like teasing him. Oh and once a giant dog came and bit him right in the face and I had to rush him to the ER. Blood all over the car, it sucked! He had 10 stitches. And he goes back for more. The other day we went to a family picnic where everyone brought there dogs–5 total–he was the littlest one and he didn’t let any dogs go near their food dishes–he went from dish to dish eating their food and they all were intimidated by him. So sometimes my little soldier wins but often he loses. But he has definitley had consequences, that is for sure.
“He can’t be shown now because of his glass eye.”
Maybe people on the street want to get a closer look at the eye?
My serious point is that small dogs that have grown up around other dogs, including larger dogs, generally don’t exhibit suicidal aggression (in part b/c they’d no longer be around). Obviously there can be exceptions. Small dogs that are excessively aggressive had not had enough socialization (and they generally can be socialized, especially if starting from a younger age).
mm.. I did like BB’s comments. Maybe i can invite her over for some chevre, rack of lamb, and homemade Fourex. Really get some use out of that animal.
Btw… Love when people give my pups attention, makes them too happy. If i were a girl, totally different.
Oh…now I really like to meet BB’s dog. Sounds so cute…sorry BB ; )
@ ze, make sure you lock up your dogs when BB comes to visit.
“@ ze, make sure you lock up your dogs when BB comes to visit.”
One of my pups took out 4 of my ducks yesterday with the precision of a trained assassin. She is punished, and not allowed to play with anyone for a while. My other 2 are allowed.
lol…it is brutal in your crib : )
“Honestly, I KNOW rich people – they are not always looking for value – they are looking for attention/prestige, etc. (why else would someone buy a ferrari/lamborghini – there are much better values out there).”
Sounds like the kind of “rich” people you know are of the nouveau riche ilk, Clio. Most people with real wealth don’t fall for such crass gimmicks. People of real wealth don’t like attention. Maybe we have different definitions of “rich.” I can think of two celebrities in my neighborhood who can’t even sell their own homes. Then again, my neighborhood (Gold Coast) is not crawling with the types of “rich” you reference.