New Lenox & Mokena have new requirements for vacant and foreclosure properties - 02/26/10 08:57 PM
Thank you to Tim Ireland (Re/Max All Properties in New Lenox, IL) for this post out of the Lincoln-Way Area of Will County.  It provides excellent information for those within the industry ... as well as the residents of each village.  It contains proof that the local municipalities/governments are addressing the issue of vacant and foreclosed properties within their borders.  It also informs as to what the costs will be and how registration of properties will be handled currently within each town.
For further information, I suggest that you click and read the entire ordinance ... or contact the village hall within each … (1 comments)

How FREE pancakes can save a child's life!! - 02/19/10 07:44 PM
This was an article that I felt greatly deserved reposting.
Please read Lisa's story below ... and then consider taking part in Tuesday's IHOP National Pancake Day Celebration at your local IHOP ... and help the Shriners save lives.
Via Lisa Stafford (McGraw Realtors):
Crazy title there huh????  Well, it is a true statement. 
 I along with many others wouldn't be alive today if not for your help.  

As a toddler, I was wearing a flanel gown and standing next to a gas heater.  When the front door opened, the wind blew my gown into the flame.  My mom fought to get it off before I was … (5 comments)

Property Tax Relief is Available for Senior Homeowners Living in Illinois ... - 02/17/10 12:58 PM
 
     Illinois has a few great options aimed directly at helping senior homeowners living within its boundaries.
     One of those beneficial options, called the Senior Citizen Real Estate Property Tax Deferral Program, allows property tax relief to Illinois residential property owners 65 and over.  In order to be eligible for this particular program, a senior must  own property within the State of Illinois and have an income under $50,000 for the tax year. 
     This property tax deferral program allows individuals that fall within that perameter the opportunity to defer 1% to 100% of their property taxes at 6% simple interest.  This deferrment may be taken … (7 comments)

Don't Be Fooled By a Chinese Drywall Scam! Be Informed and Alert! - 02/16/10 08:18 PM
 
     Think about it ... all the many many homes that were newly constructed during the hey-day of the real estate boom of the early to mid-2000's.  Thousands and thousands of homes ... and businesses too.  Every region of the United States was experiencing a burst of new construction activity during that time.  Millions of Americans took part in this construction explosion.
     Now it is being reported in the latest ConsumerReports issue that more than 2,000 of those new homeowners from 32 states have complained that the electrical equipment within their home is corroding and causing them health concerns and sickness. 
     The villain in this matter has been determined to be the Chinese … (2 comments)

TV TIPOVER AND YOUNG CHILDREN ... BE AWARE AND SAVE LIVES! - 02/12/10 12:47 PM

    
     It's my youngest son's birthday today ... so I guess I was feeling a little sentimental when I read an article from ConsumerReports.org early this morning.
     The article was called "Teaming up to prevent TV tipovover" and addressed the deadly concern of TV and furniture tipovers as they related to the deaths of young children.  I personally can't imagine anything worse than the loss of a child because of something so preventable as this!   
     This CR article was especially timely because of the upcoming Olympic Games.  Seems many families go out and buy new TV's for this event.  Retailers offer attractive prices … (6 comments)

IF YOU'RE A FIRST TIME BUYER & LOOKING FOR ADVICE .... READ THIS! - 02/06/10 05:16 PM

    
     Many times I am asked by young or first-time buyers what my #1 piece of advice for home buying is.  They are surprised to hear my response to that question, because I say something that they probably don't hear from many lenders  ...
     Don't Buy a Home!
     What??????  Blasphemy!
    
     Once I have their attention, I clarify my statement ...
     I tell them ... Don't Buy a Home ...

Just because a tax credit is presently being offered! Just because a tax credit runs out soon!

The timing is not good for you to … (40 comments)

Once Upon a Time in AR-land ... What Writing Style Are You? - 02/04/10 02:42 PM

 
     
     Both of my boys have amazing writing skills.  Not sure where that came from ... but both can express themselves superbly.
    
     Tom, our oldest, is the creative writer and attorney.  He was always quite the wordsmith ... he read at age two.  (How that came about, we'll never know.)  His first-grade teacher predicted he'd become a professional writer.  We were quite flattered, as any parents would be, but little did we know at the time ... she'd be right!  Tom utilizes his writing skills within his career, but is now beginning to also enjoy some success with … (14 comments)

Are You a "Pedigree" or a "Mut"? Read on ... You Might Not Be What You Think! - 02/03/10 12:20 PM
 
 
     Over the weekend, I was reading an article that quoted statistics regarding companies utilizing early retirement options for its "older" workers.  It reported that a great number of companies are currently purging themselves of more mature workers.  They seem to feel it in their best interest. 
     What was considered an older, mature worker?  You are now considered in that category if you're in your mid 40's and up within many industries.
     I don't know if it's because I'm staring down a fast approaching birthday or not, but this really got me thinking and reflecting on my own profession and career.  Okay ... my age … (45 comments)

 

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