A Well-Kept Secret in Chicago ... Old Town School of Folk Music - 10/23/09 10:56 AM
                                                
    
     Living in the Chicagoland area is great.  You can enjoy the best of both worlds ... a little city and a little country.  Drive into the city and you can enjoy museums, zoos, the lakefront, theatre, the Magnificent Mile, major league sports, music entertainment of all kinds, and more.  Yet, you can drive a relatively short distance and enjoy farm fields, open spaces, and nature in its abundance.
    
     About 3 years ago, my wife and I ventured into the city and discovered the "Old Town School of Folk Music".  Located on North Lincoln Avenue, it's smack in the middle of … (11 comments)

10 Commandments Home Buyers Must Follow - 10/21/09 08:40 AM
The following article is so very important that I just had to hit the re-blog button when I discovered it!
If you're in the process of buying a home now (or soon will be) ... or if you are working with a buyer as their agent ... please read this and follow the "Commandments" listed.  Dr. Saucier is NOT KIDDING when she says you can totally derail your transaction with something you think a simple purchase or a single late payment of just one day.  Rules and regulations for obtaining final approval for closing are that strict now!
These important tips are offered … (4 comments)

Putting Together the Right Team ... Will You Be Ready to Compete? - 10/20/09 10:09 AM

    
    
      In the past, I've mentioned countless times that I love sports and see   a direct correlation between my participation on team sports during my past and my philosophy of "team" within my present business.  For me personally, this concept just seems natural and works well.
    
    
    
      
    
     Presently, I am in "team"-building mode.  I am actively seeking to expand  and strengthen my team by reaching out to those I wish to broaden and build  strong relationships with.  This includes referral  partners, co-workers, and new loan officers.  I'm planning and building the foundation for a new improved expansion team.
     … (3 comments)

Wine, Fall and Scenic Drives in Northwest Illinois - 10/12/09 02:15 PM
                                      
 
      Recently, I received a great comment regarding one of my blogs from Karen Cooper, a mortgage banker/broker from Ashland, Oregon.  She mentioned that she hosted wine tastings using local wines as a way of bonding and marketing to her referral partners.  What a great way to promote not only your business, but other businesses and features of your local area! 
      Karen's region of the U.S. is noted for its wonderful wineries, but did you know that Illinois also can brag about its wine growing and harvest?
     
     Most people think of Bordeaux in France, California's Napa … (14 comments)

Friday is Going to the Dogs! To bring a smile to your face ... - 10/09/09 10:05 AM
 Just had to post this today ... seemed like a Friday thing to do!
            This was sent to me courtesy of my good friend (and referral partner) Richard Stringham of                Stringham Insurance Agency in Mokena, IL.  The best "dog-gone" insurance man I know!
Thanks Richard!
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
… (11 comments)

Time is Running Out on the First-Time Buyer's Tax Credit. Are you looking for a way to assist those last minute shoppers? - 10/07/09 05:58 PM
    
     There have been many articles written recently regarding the looming tax    credit deadline for first-time home buyers.  A real debate has been raging ... should or shouldn't the tax credit be extended?
     In the meantime while the pros and cons of this are being debated, I'm experiencing a great number of phone calls asking ... "Can I still take advantage of this credit"?  And ... "Do I still have time to get a deal closed before the cut-off date"?  As the clock ticks down on this program, it is getting harder and harder to answer in the … (6 comments)

FORE! the Good of My Business ... - 10/01/09 09:14 AM
                                                                                                                                                
       A couple of weeks ago, someone asked me if I ever tried to talk business or truly market myself to the others in the group while on the golf course.  Did I view it as part of my overall marketing plan?
     Now my wife and I have had this "argument" and marketing discussion since time eternal.  Bottomline, she thinks I"m full of hooey when I'm telling her my upcoming golf round could mean business for me down the road.  It's become sort of a joke between us over the 32 years of our marriage.
     But, truth be told ... we both DO view the golf as part of the marketing … (22 comments)

 

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