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Debra Kukulski's November Real Estate Cyber Tips

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:29:29 -0600

Debra Kukulski CDPE, RECS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO
RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest

November 2009

SHARE YOUR FILES WITH EASE!

Sure, it’s happened to you -- you need to get a large file or a bunch of photos to a friend, associate or Grandpa. But your email provider bounced the message with the files attached because the big files exceed its protocols. And you’ve tried some of the services that let you send big files but it's often a big hassle.

This neat service lets you set up a folder on your desktop at home plus folders on any other computers you use –or even on your iPhone. Getting files from one computer (or phone) to the other is as simple as dragging a file between folders on your computer.

You can also get access to all of your files when you are on the road (even without your computer) from your on-line folder set up with this service. And Grandpa can see your photos instantly!

What's really neat is that this great service has lots of additional bells and whistles --- and it’s yours to use without cost!

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

We are always pleased to be of service to our Cyber Friends and to provide you with these monthly CyberTips. As members of the Real Estate CyberSpace Society we are always current on ways to expand our normal high standards of service with the very latest Internet and other CyberSpace strategies and tools. Click Here for hundreds of Cyber Tricks and Great Places in back issues.

NEVER FORGET ANOTHER BIRTHDAY!

Oh, the pain of it! You just forgot a birthday or other special event that is very important to someone close to you!

With this valuable service that should never happen again. You’ll receive an e-mail reminder well before any special event you choose. There is no limit to the number of events you can choose and no charge for the reminder service. Of course you will also have access to a wide range of greeting cards and other services at a modest cost!

With 52 million members they must be doing something right!

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

FIND THE TICKETS YOU WANT!

Do you have a "must see" event coming to town – a great play—the sporting event of the century – a "can't miss" concert? Then you need to stop by this ticket/event search engine!

The numbers change from day to day, but generally at any one time you can search in the range of 11 million tickets to over 30,000 separate events. Once you find the tickets of your dreams you can chose you seats and purchase the tickets directly from the ticketing site.

These folks take away the time and grief of traipsing all over the web by centralizing your search to this one great place.

Click Here for This Great Place

PBS VIDEO AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!

If you are a fan of the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) (or want to be) then this is a very worthwhile place to visit.

Frontline -- Masterpiece Theater –Nova -- American Masters -- this great place has full length videos at your fingertips – on demand! You can watch your favorite shows and catch any episodes you may have missed -- all on your schedule. You can also send your favorites to friends and post them to social networks.

And best of all it’s all on the house!

Click Here for This Great Place

Debra Kukulski
Email: deb@debrakukulski.com
Phone: 847-516-6760
Fax: 847-639-6666
Web: www.debrakukulski.com

RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest
7107 Pingree
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of service, please call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will make sure to follow up and take great care of them. My business is over 87% referral and repeat clients and I am so grateful it keeps growing from your loyalty and referrals:-)

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Speechless Sunday-"Sunset Over Pistakee Lake On The Chain O Lakes, Fox Lake, ILLINOIS "

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:24:18 -0600

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

FOTO FRIDAY-Happy Log:-)

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:31:18 -0500

Photo taken by Debra Kukulski, ABR, RECS, GRI, EPRO, Realtor with RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest Cary-Crystal Lake IL, provides highly professional levels of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in McHenry, Lake, Kane or Cook Counties in Northern Illinois. Visit my www.TheresNoPlaceLikeYourPlace.com to search for homes for sale in Northern Illinois. "Happy Log:-), Fox Lake, ILLINOIS " by Debra Kukulski Cary IL, Crystal Lake, IL, Barrington, Fox River, Fox Lake, Chain of Lakes, IL ©2009. Property of Debra Kukulski, All Rights Reserved. Photo may not be used or reproduced in any way without express written permission from Debra Kukulski.

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Wordless Wednesday- "SMOKE ON THE WATER, Pistakee Lake, Meyers Bay, Fox Lake, Chain of Lakes, ILLINOIS "

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:09:39 -0500

Photo taken by Debra Kukulski, ABR, RECS, GRI, EPRO, Realtor with RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest Cary-Crystal Lake IL, provides highly professional levels of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in McHenry, Lake, Kane or Cook Counties in Northern Illinois. Visit my www.TheresNoPlaceLikeYourPlace.com to search for homes for sale in Northern Illinois. "SMOKE ON THE WATER, Pistakee Lake, Meyers Bay, Fox Lake, Chain of Lakes, ILLINOIS " by Debra Kukulski Cary IL, Crystal Lake, IL, Barrington, Fox River, Fox Lake, Chain of Lakes, IL ©2009. Property of Debra Kukulski, All Rights Reserved. Photo may not be used or reproduced in any way without express written permission from Debra Kukulski.

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Real Estate Is ON SALE! There Is A Reason We Call This A Buyer's Market!

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:27:04 -0500

There is a reason we call this a BUYER'S MARKET-Real Estate is ON SALE!

There is a reason we call this a BUYER'S MARKET...

Actually, there are MANY reasons! I have always LOVED representing buyers, but I have never had so much fun and success with my buyer clients as I am now in this BUYER'S MARKET.

There IS An UPSIDE To This Market: True, it may not be the best time to sell, unless you need to or if you are moving UP in price. (That could be a whole other blog post!) If you pay attention to the media, you may get the idea there is nothing GOOD about this market and the best thing to do is to just stay away from real estate. But, as in anything, everything has silver lining, and in this case, it just may be the silver cup! There is a reason we call this a Buyer's market, and that is because current real estate conditions are VERY favorable to buyers. Yes, it is a GREAT time to buy, for many reasons. I will just highlight a few here.....

Time Of Year: We are now going into the "holiday season", which is traditionally the slowest time of the year. Most well informed sellers and their Realtors know that as the upcoming weeks tick by, they have more of a chance of being stuck without a buyer through winter. Let this work in your favor now.

Choices Galore: In my 16 years career as a Realtor, I have never seen such an abundance of well priced homes on the market. In a seller's market, I have seen my buyers stressed out by the lack of choices. On the flip side, these days there are almost SO many choices that my buyer clients actually sometimes feel overwhelmed because there is so much to choose from. This is definitely a better problem!

Real Estate is ON SALE!

We Can Negotiate: I love to go to bat for and negotiate for my buyer clients. This is one of the many professional services I do for my clients that really I love doing the most! And I am having more fun than ever doing this because now, in this market, we really CAN negotiate great prices and terms for buyers.

VERY Well Priced Inventory of Homes On The Market: Not only can you negotiate once you find the home you love, but the market is also abundant with a housing inventory that is ALREADY very well priced.

Great Deals: In my opinion, the best deals are not just the foreclosures, REO's, pre-foreclosures and short sales. Most of the best deals are the sellers that actually have some equity in their homes and have the ability and desire to sell. And you not only have less risk than with bank/corporate owned homes, but you can negotiate more and they are definitely easier to work with.

Less Competition: In a strong seller's market, ALL the buyers come out....which of course, is WHY it is sellers market then. In a seller's market, all of the buyers are competing for the best homes.....homes that are priced well and in great condition. When the buyers should REALLY come out is now, that is why we call it a BUYER'S MARKET. Real Estate market conditions are very favorable to BUYERS now. Don't miss your chance by waiting until the market heats up again.

More Motivated Sellers: Once again, we can negotiate! Sellers are much more willing to negotiate on price, terms, and inspection/repair issues now because they KNOW how valuable an offer from a ready, willing and able buyer is these days. They are much less likely to turn down your offer and just wait for the next one because it may be a long wait.

Time Is On Your Side: No longer do you have to put in an offer immediately when see a home you like to beat out the other buyers. You can take a little more time looking, deciding and finding one that is just right for you. Do not get me wrong; even in this market we do still see multiple offers on well priced homes. But you do not always have the pressure of feeling you have to make an immediate decision or you will lose out. You can get comfortable with your decision first before moving forward.

Rates ARE Great: We have been spoiled in recent years because we have had low interest rates for so many years; we almost forget how lucky we are they are still so low NOW. Does anyone remember the days when mortgage loan interest rates were at 18%? Coupled with the lower home prices in today's BUYER'S MARKET, you can really score a great deal now.

Financing: Yes, there are plenty of loans available and loan options for buyers today. From listening to the press, you just may think all of the mortgage money dried up and no one can get a loan. It is NOT true! There are many options and lenders able and eager to earn your business and help you get into a home now.

Buy What You Love, Not What You Like: In a strong seller's market, buyers had to make choices between the few homes that were acceptable to them. The market did not allow the luxury of shopping to find a home you LOVE. Now you can!

The thing is, no one has a crystal ball and no one knows when the market will "hit bottom". Many speculate on when this will be. But we are definitely already in the low part of the cycle. Real estate values are cyclical and historically it shows that after we have a period of increasing values, it is always followed by a "correction" period. We had the longest run in recent years of increasing values so this "correction" period is lasting longer as well, of course. But remember, it IS a cycle and values WILL go back up.

The only time we will really know we hit bottom is when the market is on its way back up. At that point, it just may be too late. If you speculate too much, you may miss the really great deals that are out there NOW for you.

No matter what type of market we are in, the most important thing to consider is if it is a good time for YOU to buy. You have to be comfortable with your own situation. But if you are comfortable making a move, don't let FEAR get in the way of the fabulous deals that are there to be had right now. This will not last.

OK...so that is a few really good reasons to jump off the FENCE and in the game today. I could go on and on about this as more points keep coming to mind today, but I do need to get back out of my office to meet the next smart and savvy buyer clients I am working with today! Have a wonderful fall Saturday:-)

There are fabulous buys on the market....now is a GREAT time to buy real estate in Northern Illinois, especially for MOVE UP Buyers, Waterfront Buyers, Vacation and Second Home Buyers, Investors and First Time Buyers!

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure! By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of service, please call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will make sure to follow up and take great care of them. My business keeps growing from your referrals.

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

I look forward to the opportunity to earn your business.

Just Listed! Quaint Home Near Downtown Hebron!

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:50:12 -0500

Small Town Living!

Two Blocks to Quaint Downtown Area and School.
In Town Home with Basement.
HUGE Eat-In Kitchen With Tons of Cabinets, Pantry, Newer Kitchen Floor.
Family Room PLUS Den!
1st Floor Laundry.
Very Large 1st Floor Master Bedroom With 2 Closets and Private Bath.
Attached 2 Car Garage.

Upstairs Windows Have Been Replaced.

Rented Now, Needs a Little TLC. Short Sale,Please Allow Time 4 Bank Acceptance.

SELLING "AS IS"

Debra Kukulski Cary IL Real Estate

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

October Real Estate Cybertips

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:56:55 -0500

Debra Kukulski CDPE, RECS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO

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Debra Kukulski CDPE, RECS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO
RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest

October 2009

IS THAT NAME TAKEN?

Are you getting ready to jump into the fun – or business applications of Social Networking? Wondering how to get a user name that you can use across many networks?

This could be a daunting task if you had to visit a myriad of sites – and then revisit when your user name of choice shows up taken.

Here’s a way to check to see if your desired username is available at over a hundred popular Social Networking and Social Bookmarking sites. This can help you to promote your brand consistently by registering a username that is still available on the majority of the most popular sites.

A little bonus is the popup from each site name giving a Twitter length description of its area of appeal. Oh – and it’s on the house!

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

JOIN THE BAND!

Are you a musician wannabe? If so this is the place for you to vent all of your syncopation frustration! In three minutes flat, you’ll be playing the instrument of your choice such as the piano, sax, organ, flute, guitar or steel drums – all accompanied by any one of several drum beats.

Great relaxer in between tasks!

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

NETWORK FOR REAL ESTATE TECHIES!

Ever want to rub shoulders with the real estate folks who know all about using the Internet for finding out all there is to know about real estate?

This great place is where they hangout. It is loaded with lots of real estate and tech information including commentary, videos and tips. It’s kind of like Facebook only for real estate thinking tech types.

Neat place!

Click Here for This Great Place

SEND YOUR FAXES FROM THE WEB!

You’re on the road and need to get a quick fax off to Istanbul (or lots of other places including across town).Don’t want monthly fees to access this type of service? These folks give you a simple way.

Use the simple form at their site and just enter the recipient’s name and fax number along with your fax message and click "Fax it!" You will receive an e-mail when the fax has been delivered. These folks also provide a way to send your fax directly by e-mail – but the web form is easier to use.

And there is no cost to use this service (even to Istanbul!).

Click Here for This Great Place

Debra Kukulski
Email: deb@debrakukulski.com
Phone: 847-516-6760
Fax: 847-639-6666
Web: www.debrakukulski.com

RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest
7107 Pingree
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Just Listed! Darling In Town Ranch in Cary, IL

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:29:28 -0500

Cute As A Button And Ready For You Now!

Darling Cary In Town Ranch With Huge Full Basement And Attached 2 Car Garage. Not A Foreclosure, Just Priced To Sell In Today's Market.

Remodeled Kitchen With Gorgeous Birch Cabinets And Ceramic Floor.

Ceramic Tile Entry Welcomes You Into This Warm Home.

Large Fenced In Back Yard With Cement Patio And Built In Gas Line for Grill.

Quaint Front Porch Framed By An Abundance Of Mature Landscaping.

Newer Roof/Furnace/Air Conditioner/Hot Water Heater/Driveway and Windows! All Appliances Included.

Town, School, Town And Train Only A Couple Of Blocks Away! Great Buy!

Additional Information:

-Roof was replaced in 2000/Complete Tear Off

-Furnace/Air Conditioner/Hot Water Heater Replaced in 2006

-Driveway Replaced in 2007; Re-Sealed in 2009

-There Is Currently No Senior Exemption On Taxes-So That Will Not Contribute To A Tax Jump For New Owners

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Foto Friday-Sunset on Fox Lake, Chain of Lakes, ILLINOIS

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:04:53 -0500

Photo taken by Debra Kukulski, ABR, RECS, GRI, EPRO, Realtor with RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest Cary-Crystal Lake IL, provides highly professional levels of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in McHenry, Lake, Kane or Cook Counties in Northern Illinois. Visit my www.TheresNoPlaceLikeYourPlace.com to search for homes for sale in Northern Illinois. "Sunset on Fox Lake, Chain of Lakes, ILLINOIS " by Debra Kukulski Cary IL, Crystal Lake, IL, Barrington, Fox River, Fox Lake, Chain of Lakes, IL ©2009. Property of Debra Kukulski, All Rights Reserved. Photo may not be used or reproduced in any way without express written permission from Debra Kukulski.

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

My Real Estate Cyber Tips

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:04:34 -0500


What's this? <!-

FIGHT BACK ON CREDIT CARD FEES!

Have you received a note in the mail recently informing you of new terms? With all of the craziness going on it’s hard to keep up with how the credit card companies are grabbing our hard earned dollars with all sorts of new fees and charges.

This neat place will help you make sense from the movin’ and shakin’ going on. They research thousands of credit card offers and rates and rate the best credit cards. They provide a list of the top cards in each of several credit card categories along with an unbiased opinion on every card.

In addition they compile the "Complete Credit Card Index" where you will find the current rates of all of the thousand plus credit cards available.

Good stuff in this day and age!

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

We are always pleased to be of service to our Cyber Friends and to provide you with these monthly CyberTips. As members of the Real Estate CyberSpace Society we are always current on ways to expand their normal high standards of service with the very latest Internet and other CyberSpace strategies and tools. Click Here for hundreds of Cyber Tricks and Great Places in back issues.

MAKE THE WEB TALK TO YOU!

This one is fun and can come in handy from time to time. Once this little program is downloaded and installed, you simply highlight any text you see on your internet browser. Then just right click and choose "speak text" ---and Shazam – the text is spoken aloud from beginning to end!

It's easy to use and gives you a personal reader any time you want to rest your eyes! Oh, and yes, it's on the house.

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

GIVE YOUR DOCTOR A CHECKUP!

Do you have a great Doctor? Or maybe your last visit was a horror show. Here's the place to let folks know about the good ones and warn them about the clunkers.

Just type in your Doctor's (or Dentist's) name, location and specialty (not all are necessity unless your Doctor has a very common name). Up comes information on the Doctor plus any patient ratings that have been entered regarding knowledge, helpfulness and punctuality. Even the Doctor's staff gets rated.

There are lots of additional tools at this great place – and, unlike many similar sites, there is no cost to use this service. This is worth a bookmark!

Click Here for This Great Place

CHECK HOLIDAYS AROUND THE GLOBE!

Traveling this year? Want to find out what the holidays and cultural events are at your destination? This neat resource lists over 200 counties along with a calendar of holidays celebrated there during the year.

You can search for holidays and celebrations around the world in several categories including country or by date. These folks define a "holiday" as any day that recognizes a cultural event, and not necessarily a day when businesses are closed.

You’ll be looking for this the next time you plan a trip!

Click Here for This Great Place

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Wordless Wednesday Photo-Late Summer Bloom

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:27:52 -0500

Photo taken by Debra Kukulski, ABR, RECS, GRI, EPRO, Realtor with RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest Cary-Crystal Lake IL, provides highly professional levels of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in McHenry, Lake, Kane or Cook Counties in Northern Illinois. Visit my www.TheresNoPlaceLikeYourPlace.com to search for homes for sale in Northern Illinois. "Late Summer Bloom " by Debra Kukulski Cary IL, Crystal Lake, IL, Barrington, Fox River, Fox Lake, Chain of Lakes, IL ©2009. Property of Debra Kukulski, All Rights Reserved. Photo may not be used or reproduced in any way without express written permission from Debra Kukulski.

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

My September Cyber Tips Newsletter

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:19:23 -0500

Debra Kukulski CDPE, RECS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO
RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest

September 2009

ARE THEY TELLING YOU THE TRUTH?

Wouldn’t it be useful to know when someone in not telling you the truth? This interesting service uses technology has been evaluated by various governmental, security and law enforcement entities and it is easy to use and understand.

Once you have your pin number you just dial the toll-free access number, put in your PIN and provide the destination phone number of the party to be analyzed. Once your call begins, you'll be able to engage in a natural conversation. A buzz is played when the called party is suspected of not telling the truth. In addition you can view a web-based dashboard to watch a truth indicator move as your subject is speaking.

We usually lean toward programs that are free in this column – but this one ignited our curiosity – and the price/value ratio isn’t exorbitant!

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

WALK AWAY FROM YOUR CELL CONTRACT!

Are you stuck in a cell phone contract and want to get out? Maybe you want to get a snazzy new phone that a different network is offering but have a year to go on your existing agreement – with a penalty that could cost up to $200 to cancel.

These folks have a neat way to help you transfer your contract to another consumer for the remainder of the contract period. You are fully absolved of all responsibility and are free to initiate a new plan with a different carrier. This system also provides an incentive for those looking to start a wireless service plan with a short-term contract and no activation fees that otherwise could run as high as $45.

Kiplinger liked this one. Maybe you can get that snazzy phone after all!

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

TRACK YOUR WARRANTIES!

This happens to us all – and if it hasn't happened yet – it will -- guaranteed! You buy that great appliance, TV, cell phone – whatever. You get a warrantee (say 12 months). Then on the 368th day you decide to call and find out why the frober switch hasn’t been working for the last couple of weeks. You’re "outa luck"!

These folks have a site that will help you avoid this type of dilemma and keep you on top of your warranties. They help you to organize your warranty information on anything you purchase. And you’ll get reminder emails at 3 months, 1 month and 1 week before your warranty expires. This way you can check your item to be sure it is in good working order. If it isn't you will have all the information needed, right in front you, to arrange for warranty service.

Neat site ---and it's on the house!

Click Here for This Great Place

SAVE ON YOUR SHIPPING COSTS!

Do you habitually fill out the usual form to ship your stuff to the next town -- or around the world? The Wall Street Journal says that to find the best shipping deals we would do well to check this shipping comparison site.

Here you can check rates for your package with Google like ease by comparing the major carriers, including UPS, DHL, FedEx, and the U.S. Postal Service. Just enter your zip code and the zip code for the recipient plus the weight of the package. In a millisecond you’re looking at all of the options available with a neat cost comparison.

Easy way to save—and the nice folks bring this service to you with their complements.

Click Here for This Great Place

Debra Kukulski
Email: deb@debrakukulski.com
Phone: 847-516-6760
Web: www.debrakukulski.com

RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Explained!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:56:36 -0500

This is a GREAT video explaining the first time buyer's tax credit, from the Illinois Association of Realtors. Time is running out to take advantage of this excellent incentive! Leet me know if I can help:-)

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

There are fabulous buys on the market....now is a GREAT time to buy real estate in IL, especially for MOVE UP Buyers, Waterfront Buyers, Vacation and Second Home Buyers, Investors and First Time Buyers!

So Why The Clock AND Is It The Right Time? Which clock should be used?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:33:40 -0500

This is re-posted from one of my associates on Active Rain. Unless the first time home buyers tax credit is extended (which the Realtors are fighting for), the tax credit expires on 12/1/09! We do not know if it will be extended or expanded to include all buyers at this point, but we DO know that we DO have this great incentive now. Do you really want to gamble with 8000. and wait?

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

Via Don Rogers REALTOR®, GRI O'Fallon MO & St Charles County MO homes (RE/MAX Gold):

So Why The Clock AND Is It The Right Time? Which clock should be used?

I have been using this clock, below, for some time now on my weekly market updates to draw attention to how much time is left until the $8,000 Tax Credit expires.

Countdown Clocks
And to the best of my knowledge, right now, the Tax credit is set to expire at the stroke of midnight on November 30, 2009.

So here is my dilemma…..On Friday I was talking with a friend and managing broker from another company. Yes we can have friends that work in other companies, but I digress. He brings up a very interesting point and one that we need to look at when presenting this topic to our eligible homebuyers. That is:

November 30, 2009 is a Monday

November 29, 2009 is Sunday

November 28, 2009 is Saturday

November 27, 2009 is the day after you guessed it

November 26, 2009 which is a Thursday and a HOLIDAY (THANKSGIVING)

Does anyone see a possible problem here? Or is it just me?

Are we considering the possibilities of potential problems with funding, to where the property has closed by the prescribed time?

Title companies/Attorneys can handle just so many closes in a day even if they have extra closers on hand to handle the rush and where will they come from?

Banks are still going to close at 5pm, maybe 6pm in some areas!

What about getting the wire transfer of funds in time to close before 5pm, maybe 6pm in some areas?

What happens if there is a change to the settlement statement that will affect the APR at the last minute? Remember the RESPA changes that have taken effect just recently.

And the list could go on and on.

So should we be looking at, at the latest unless it is an all cash deal, closing on Friday November 20, 2009? Just so we will have a little bit of a cushion in the event of a problem!

That being the case, if we figure 45 days to close on a home then this is what the clock would look like to have an accepted contract as opposed to the one above.

Countdown Clocks

Just sayin’………………………

Don Rogers is a licensed REALTOR® in Missouri. I specialize in St. Charles County. If you are looking to buy or sell or you are relocating to the area and would like information about the St Charles County MO area do not hesitate to give me a call at 314-954-6775 or if you would prefer to send me an email at Don@DRogersHomes.com.

Foreclosure Help In Illinois

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:20:30 -0500

This is a great video from the Illinois Association of Realtors, detailing many solutions and places to find help if you are having trouble making your mortgage payments or facing a possible foreclosure specific to Illinois. Excellent information and resources here:

Don't let your home go into foreclosure. I have heard through the Certified Distressed Property Experts (which I am one of a group of 10,000 and growing Realtors whose goal is to save as many homeowners from foreclosure as possible) that more than 7 out of 10 homes go all the way through the foreclosure process with out ever being listed for sale. I know it is hard to reach out for help, but there are probably much better options for you than letting that happen. Most people think it is too late when it is not! If you or someone you know owes more on your home than your home is worth or is having trouble meeting mortgage payments, call me and let's explore some options. A short sale is only one alternative to foreclosure. Of course I will not charge you for the consultation, I am here to help.

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

Mortgage Modification Scams and Resources

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:13:29 -0500

HOMEOWNERS, Don't be taken advantage of!

We hear so much about mortgage modifications for homeowners who are having trouble keeping up with their mortgage payments. There are many scams out there and you really have to be careful! There are companies out there who will take your money, even if you are not qualified for a loan modification, and will tell you that they will apply for it for you. That's just what you need now, right, to be taken advantage of?

Please beware of companies out there now that are soliciting homeowners for mortgage modifications and asking for a large fee upfront. You do not have to pay someone to get a mortgage modification. The best thing to do is to contact your lender. They will need to know your current financial information, your current income, and your hardship. In other words, they need to know WHY you can not keep up with your mortgage now.

To find out if you are eligible for a refinance, loan modification and information on loan modification SCAMS to watch out for, visit:

Making Home Afordable or call 888-999-HOPE, if it is urgent that you speak with someone right away. No matter what you find out here, it is also a very good idea to still contact your mortgage company directly and see if they will work something out for you.

Some of the loan modifications are being approved, but it is not easy to get done. You must find out what information your mortgage company needs from you, get it them ASAP, AND diligently follow up with them. This little video from CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Experts of which I am proudly a member, shows you where you can get some help and to see if you qualify for a mortgage modification. Another important thing to know is that you have to be able to show that you can afford the new mortgage. A modification would be very tough to get if you do not currently have income or resources to pay the new amount.

If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a loan modification, don't let your home go into foreclosure. Call me and let's explore the option of a short sale as an alternative to foreclosure. Of course I will not charge you for the consultation, I am here to help.

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

Buy A Foreclosure, get Up to 3.5% Closing Costs and a 2 Year Home Warranty!

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:00:49 -0500

Another FANTASTIC Incentive For Home Buyers From Freddie Mac!

Down Payment Assistance and Warranty from Freddie Mac!
Freddie Mac's new "Smart Buy" Program can offer a 2 year home warranty on Freddie Mac foreclosures, appliance discounts and help with the home buyer's closing costs as well, up to 3.5%! These foreclosures are listed with Realtors, so work through your Realtor (Or me if you do not have a Buyer's Agent yet:-) on this program.

There are deadlines for this program...you have to have your offer accepted by 10/30/09 and close by 12/31/09.

To qualify and get all of the information on this GREAT program see this article and then see me!
http://www.homesteps.com/smart_buy.htm

This can also be used in conjunction with the 8000. First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

How can a CDPE help you when you are facing foreclosure?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:03:43 -0500

How can a CDPE ( Certified Distressed Property Expert ) help you when you are facing foreclosure?

In addition to helping people with selling resale properties, I also work with homeowners who are in distress or owe more on thier homes than what they are worth. As a CDPE, I am a member of an organization of over 8000. professionals that work with homeowners in distress, as Realtors.

This little video explains how CDPE's are trained to help. If you are facing foreclosure or know someone who may be, please give me a call (I am a CDPE), I'd like to try to help more people to avoid foreclosure.

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

Do You Qualify For Short Sale As An Option To Foreclosure?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:49:19 -0500

Do you qualify for a short sale?

I have spoken with many homeowners lately, who are either facing foreclosure now or think they may be soon. Many have wondered if they would qualify to do a short sale and if I can try to help them do one to avoid foreclosure. I can definitely try to help a homeowner that qualifies and this video explains it really well. I am trained as a Certified Distressed Property Expert, CDPE, and if I can help you or someone you know, or if you'd just like to discuss your situation with me, please give me a call and it will be my pleasure to assist you and do all I can to help you to try to help you avoid foreclosure.

Remember, in addition to a Realtor that is trained in doing short sales, you also need to consult with tax professional and an attorney.

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

Foreclosures can cost MORE!!

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:35:26 -0500

So many buyers think the best deals out there are foreclosures and short sales, but they can actually cost MORE!

Here are just some of the additional costs you may incur with a bank/distressed sale:

Survey: Approximately 150.-300. (usually a seller cost)

No Tax pro-ration: (usually 105% of the last tax bill in this area, banks only will usually do 100%)

Usually no negotiation on repairs, so if you do your inspection and it is not satisfactory, you talk with your attorney regarding canceling the contract if it is within the contingency dates, but no one will give you back the 300. or so you may have spend on a home inspection.

Not closing on time can also cost you a Per Diem, as banks usually have this in their contract addendums. This is more of a risk now with underwriting and appraisals taking longer and daily changes in the banking industry.

Appliances: Banks usually say there is “no bill of sale on personal property”, so what you see when you write an offer may not be what you see before closing.

No disclosures: Since they have never lived in or in most cases, have never even seen the property, they are exempt from having to do the usual disclosures.

Deferred maintenance: When someone can no longer pay their mortgage, many times they also have not been able to properly keep up with maintaining their home.

Timing: Many times there is a very long wait to get a response on an offer, and it is usually worse with short sales than REO’s, which are properties that have already been foreclosed on. You could be risking closing on time to be able to take advantage of the first time home buyers credit, which expires 12/1/09.

These are just some things to keep in mind when considering your options. Foreclosures and distressed sales can be great opportunities for the right buyer who is not trying to closely watch their costs, who has a lot of time and patience, and the ability not to get too attached to or emotional about the property. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great deals out there to be had right now, but don't make the mistake of thinking that the only good deals are distressed sales. Sometimes, a truly motivated seller with equity in their home can also offer a wonderful buy with less cost, less waiting and less hassles!

It is a GREAT TIME TO BUY REAL ESTATE in McHenry County, Cook County and Lake Counties in Northern Illinois. There are fabulous homes for sale at great prices!

***especially for first time buyers, investors and move up buyers.*** Rates are great, too!

We are having a "HUGE sale" on our large inventory of VERY well priced HOMES!

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Debra Kukulski's July Real Estate Update

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:59:53 -0500

****TO VIEW THE "FULL CLICKABLE" VERSION, PLEASE CLICK HERE!***

July Real Estate Cyber Tips

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:49:34 -0500

Debra Kukulski CDPE, RECS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO

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Debra Kukulski CDPE, RECS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO
RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest

July 2009

HERE'S THE SCOOP ON YOUR AREA!

Last month over 2 million people got (and shared) a wealth of information using this valuable resource. Here you can check on Restaurants, Shopping, Food, Health and Medical, Nightlife, Home Services plus dozens of additional categories.

You can also get lots of additional information including reviews, maps, directions and special offers. There is also a special application for iPhone users that gives all of this good information for most major cities right on your phone screen.

Great information on your area – and the iPhone app is spectacular!

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

WARNING -- MAKE SOME SIGNS!

Want a fun place to make some very official looking warning signs? In three quick steps you can make up a warning sign to cover any real or imagined potential disaster. Then when it is done you can simply save the sign and use it at will.

These folks also have some additional functions available allowing you to make warning labels, street signs – and even tombstones! Must be good stuff – over 1,600,000 warning signs alone have been generated using this unique tool!

Click Here for This Cyber Trick

WHAT DOES YOUR NAME REALLY MEAN?

Ever wonder where your first (given) name came from? There are currently over 15,000 names in the database at this great place and it contains given names from all cultures and periods. Just type a name in the site search box and get a wealth of information on its usage and historical significance.

For example, search “Brett” and you will learn that this name is from a Middle English surname meaning "a Breton", referring to an inhabitant of Brittany. Or try "Diana" and you will find that this comes from Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan, German, Dutch, Romanian, Russian, Lithuanian, and Roman mythology and was probably derived from an old Indo-European root meaning "heavenly, divine"

Good information – and fun too!

Click Here for This Great Place

GET YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED NOW -- FREE!

Do you know any aspiring authors? You may be aware that it a rough world out there and getting one's deathless prose published is often a thankless task – and that "self publishing" can weigh heavily on the pocketbook.

These folks now bring you a way to create, publish and share your tome in e-book format with their powerful, browser-based, builder software. You can publish your book with a single button and release it to the world before the (virtual) ink is dry! You can create as many publications as you want. And it's all free.

We'd guess you’d better jump on this quickly though as this great place is in fully functional beta and these folks may not be this generous forever. After all they have to feed the children!

Click Here for This Great Place

Debra Kukulski
Email: deb@debrakukulski.com
Phone: 847-516-6760
Fax: 847-639-6666
Web: www.debrakukulski.com

RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest
7107 Pingree
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Wauconda-A Day At The Lake and Venetian Night

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:08:36 -0500

Don't Miss Venetian Night and A Day At The Lake This in Wauconda, IL!

It is taking place this Saturday 7/25/2009 Starting at 7 a.m.

The Wauconda Chamber of Commerce and Wauconda businesses and merchants have put together a really fun day including:

Click Here for details, times, and a list of activities and have a great time!!

It is a GREAT TIME TO BUY REAL ESTATE in McHenry County, Cook County and Lake Counties in Northern Illinois. There are fabulous homes for sale at great prices in Wauconda, IL

***especially for first time buyers, investors and move up buyers.*** Rates are great, too!

We are having a "HUGE sale" on our large inventory of VERY well priced HOMES!

There are fabulous buys on the market....now is a GREAT time to buy real estate in Wauconda, IL, especially for MOVE UP Buyers, Waterfront Buyers, Vacation and Second Home Buyers, Investors and First Time Buyers!

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Wauconda IL Real Estate Market Update

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:08:10 -0500

How is the current market in Wauconda, IL?

Wauconda IL Market Conditions:

As of today, per MRED MLS, for the past 3 months:

We currently have 176 Single Family homes on the market in Wauconda that are active and available.

•· They have been on the market for an average of 232 days.

•· The average list price is $$316,483.

•· During the past 3 months, 42 Single Family homes in Wauconda have successfully closed with the help of their Realtors. They took an average of 152 days on the market to get SOLD.

•· The average list price of the SOLD Single Family homes in Wauconda was $275,499 and the average SOLD price was $263,045 .

•· The successfully closed sales in Wauconda took an average of 216 days on the market.

•· With the help of their REALTORS, successful sellers in Wauconda have been getting 95% of their asking prices!

We are still experiencing a Buyer's Market in Wauconda. It is a GREAT time to buy!!

We currently have 56 Attached homes on the market in Wauconda that are active and available.

•· They have been on the market for an average of 199 days.

•· The average list price is $180,423.

•· During the past 3 months, 5 Attached homes have successfully closed in Wauconda with the help of their Realtors. They took an average of 109 days on the market to get SOLD.

•· The average list price of the SOLD Attached homes in Wauconda is $$177,740 and the average SOLD price is $170,280.

So, on the average over the past 3 months, Attached homes in Wauconda have been getting an average of 96% of their list prices, with the help of their Realtors.

We are still experiencing a Buyer's Market in Wauconda. It is a GREAT time to buy!!

By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of service, please please do not hesitate to call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will make sure to follow up and take great care of them.

I appreciate YOU and your referrals!

Information deemed accurate and reliable but not guaranteed. Source MRED MLS.

Fantastic Buy In Sought After Falcon Greens In Upscale Lakewood!

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:04:31 -0500

.NOT A Bank Sale, Just Priced To Sell!

Immaculate, Elegant And Upgraded End Unit Overlooking Beautiful Natural Area. Sparkling And Impeccably Maintained Home And Area With Popular Crystal Lake Schools.

Quick Close Is OK! Looks NEW! Custom Window Treatments And Fresh Paint In Today's Designer Colors.

It is a GREAT time to buy, especially for first time buyers, investors and move-up buyers!!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

Debra Kukulski
Email: deb@debrakukulski.com
Phone: 847-516-6760
Fax: 847-639-6666
Web: www.debrakukulski.com
RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest
7107 Pingree
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of personal service and success in the current market, please call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will be sure to follow up and take great care of them. Thanks to you and your referrals, my business keeps growing:-)

I can be reached at my direct number at the office: 847.516.6760. I look forward to hearing from you!