During a recent budget meeting, the Council voted "No Change" and eliminated any hope for the reestablishment of the city transfer tax rebate.

I would like to thank the three councilmen who voted to change the status quo: Councilmen Paul Frank, Jim Kirsch and David Naftzger. They got it: the need for positive action to help our residents who are moving.

We have lost one thousand residents. Many others have needed to downsize due to the economic climate we all face. We have our share of vacant homes, short sales, foreclosures, unemployed and sad stories. We, the real estate community of professionals, asked the city to reinstate the rebate to sellers who buy and stay in Highland Park because it makes sense, financially and ethically. People need help and this is a little way of showing people that Highland Park cares.

Every time a seller leaves Highland Park, it hurts the City's economy: one less property sold, one less family spending their dollars here day in and day out. Even Highwood has taken action: it has eliminated transfer taxes to encourage home buyers and help the sellers.

Wake up, Highland Park!

Marjorie Rissman
Broker at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 

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