Alan D. Lev has a solution for buyers in what he calls the "most challenging real estate market I've seen in 20 years in the business."

Lev is president of Belgravia Group, Ltd, a company whose history harks back 60 years in Chicago real estate.

"Right now," Lev contends, "there is a confluence of a number of things: tight credit markets, consumer confidence issues, high gas prices, an upcoming election, and oversupply in some places. It's like piling on in football."

Other builders are reacting to the current market conditions with price cutting, staff cutbacks and a let's-make-a-deal approach to selling units. Lev is having none of that.

"We're kind of a contrarian when it comes to a number of things," Lev continued. "We've come to that through years of experience. Real estate is now a customer-service business. We don't believe in discounting. That's contrary to what most people think is successful, but success is something we understand. Discounting undermines resale value, and resale value is important to our buyers."

Lev's approach is what industry insiders characterize as "price integrity" - a way of doing business that's critical to maintaining values during a lengthy sales cycle and shielding home buyers from unpleasant surprises.

"If you go into a project, and you're interested in it," says Lev, "and they're negotiating discounts - that sounds good. I'm saying it isn't. The next person may get a steeper discount than you, and your unit decreases in value from the time you bought it even before you move in. Your reason for buying is undermined, and you'll have difficulty appraising and financing your purchase."

Belgravia's 565 Quincy is currently offering buyers a written price guarnatee: if the developer lowers prices, prior to closing, on a unit comparable to what a buyer has purchased, the buyer will receive the benefit of the lowered price. There are a number of subtleties in this type of an offering, so Lev cautions buyers to explore the offer in detail with the sales staff at 565 Quincy.

565 Quincy is located on a quiet street in a close-in West Loop setting, with convenient access to dining and shopping and stunning access to transportation options. Thirty-five separate floor plans are available in this loft and high-rise building. The project also has a variety of on-site recreational options, including a bowling alley.

Visti 565Quincy.com for additional details.