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Still......We Still have Three Quarters of the Year Ahead of Us!!!! - 03/31/11 08:12 PM
Gotta say, I'm enjoying working over spring break, but also spending a few hours off with the kids on Spring Break. We're having a ton of fun together. However, while driving with my wife and kids this week, we noted that
ONE QUARTER OF THE YEAR IS OVER ALREADY! Amazing! Really! For whatever reason the snow still sits around me. The year has started off slowly. I have dug down deeply and made a very focused plan for 2011. Dodd-Frank is one day away, but the best part for people who like me, have been living on purpose is that.....
Three … (7 comments)
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Wordless Wednesdays - Da Coach! - 03/30/11 11:44 PM
Was a lot of fun, going to this session with Da Coach, Mike Ditka. Really, even as hard core Packer Backer, I had a lot of fun seeing Da Coah, talk about faith, life and even Da Bears. Really, I was and am a hard core Packer Backer, but in reality, there was so much fun and drama and history with the 1985 Chicago Bears, taht even as a Cheesehead, it's hard to say no to someone so great!
… (11 comments)
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When the Judge Criticizes Your Credibility.....Vote LeBlanc - 03/29/11 12:08 AM
I hate to keep harboring on the negative, but again, who's doing what to save our community? I remember going to the hearing between with Kristin and Patsy. The attorney questioning her kept asking if the judges on the disconnect hearings had issues with her credibility. She said yes they did. It's unfortunate that we have to deal with these things. I just don't get it. How blind can the voters be.
Again, we need a leader we can trust. Patsy, in my opinion, and, in the opinions of some courts, can't be trusted.
Please.....citizens of Wasco, Unite for a vote … (4 comments)
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Voting Time is Almost here in Campton Hills .... What used to be Wasco - 03/28/11 08:37 AM
Voting time is almost here. I"m sure that Patsy and her kronies will win because so many people sit on the sidelines and don't care while she runs amok with our trust. Kristin LeBlanc is the natural choice, but she needs to be voted in as a write in candidate. A few things stick out to me about Patsy.
I remember her telling the world that life will continue with the Saint Charles addresses. It's ridiculous. Nothing out here is Saint Charles. Every customer service number you call has us as Campton Hell.....er, Campton Hills. One more promise, one more lie. … (6 comments)
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Speechless Sundays - Daddy Daughter Rock N'Roll Dance - 03/28/11 12:32 AM
Another one of my pictures from our Daddy - Daughter Rock and Roll Dance. We had a lot of fun, Claire and I. Of course, I got to play air guitar in front of everyone to AC/DC's Back in Black. Let's just say that Claire was impressed wiht my moves! It was a lot of fun. But just seeing her getting dolled up a bit makes me nervous for my future. I want to be her dad, but I want her off the market too! We had a blast!
… (11 comments)
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One More Major Blow to Illinois - Caterpillar considers leaving ILLINOIS! - 03/26/11 11:54 PM
So, in today's news, Caterpillar C.E.O., Doug Oberhelman writes....
"I want to stay here. But as the leader of this business, I have to do what's right for Caterpillar...The direction that this state is headed in is not favorable to business." Of course, I've been blogging about this for a long time. Two recent posts that I've written are:
ILLINOIS PLAYS RUSSIAN ROULETTE AGAIN - 2 MORE TAXES THIS WEEK!, and Illinois & Quinn Make it official! More Taxes for everyone! My wife and I lived across the "Cat" plant in Montgomery, Illinois when we first got married. They're a staple … (17 comments)
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85th Referral from Active Rain is My Milestone Today! #100 is coming soon! - 03/26/11 06:35 PM
Very simple, but very bold. Today I received my 85th referral from Active Rain. No, Active Rain didn't call me and say here's a referral, but I did get someone directly from Active Rain. Today, I had a phone call from someone in Elgin, Illinois. They said,
"Larry, My wife and I are putting an offer in on a house. My wife and I have been following your blog (on Active Rain) for quite sometime. You're local and we think a lot a like. Can you finance my house?" I thought about it for about 8 one-thousand's of a second and … (9 comments)
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Average Wisconsin Teacher's Salaries..... - 03/26/11 11:19 AM
The current budget repair bill would have them paying about 5.8% towards their own retirement....right now, we the taxpayer, pay 100% of their generous retirement, and most of us pay 100% of our own retirement too. I hopped on snopes then I hopped on the Wisconsin websites to see if this was true. It's all public information. Amazing really!AVERAGE WAGE AND BENEFITS (remember this is for about 9 months of work)TEACHERS:Milwaukee $86,297Elmbrook $91,065Germantown $83,818Hartland Arrwhd $90,285 (highest teacher was $122,952-lowest was $64,942)Men Falls $81,099West Bend $82,153Waukesha $92,902Sussex $82,956Mequon $95,297Kettle Mor $87,676Muskego $91,341STAFF:Arrowhead - Bus Mng - Kopecky - $169,525Arrowhead - Principal … (7 comments)
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Friday Night Tunes - Meaningless Relaxation - "Concrete Blonde's" JOEY! - 03/26/11 12:09 AM
Joey.....I love this song by Concrete Blonde. I have the original plus some garage band doing the cover. The band is nothing special, but the singer has a set of pipes that I'm actually jealous of. I play and I sing....but I can't sing at all compared to her. Here's the original from Concrete Blonde first. Like I said, I love the original, but this chick can sing! And I mean sing! I'd like to know who what and where for her! See what you think about the lead singer! … (5 comments)
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USDA says ADIOS to NO Monthly Mortgage Insurance - 03/25/11 09:10 AM
It's official. USDA has burped and thrown up all over us! Finally, USDA announced that this October "loans obligated" under the Guaranteed Loan Program will be smacked with a .3% annual fee. No annual, one lump charge as it's spread out over the full year payment cycle. This is an "add on," if you will. The ADD ON is addition to the upfront guarantee fee (G fee) the USDA currently charges.
SILVER LINING? I SUPPOSE.... The up front fee for USDA is dropping a bit, just like it did with FHA. Overall, I"m not a fan of the new rules, but it's not like … (16 comments)
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Reverse Mortgages are Great for BUYING HOMES TOO!!!!! - 03/24/11 09:27 AM
While the typical retiree uses a Reverse Mortgage to eliminate debts, pay for healthcare and cover daily living expenses, a growing segment of the senior population is using it to purchase a home that better suits their needs.
The advantage of using a reverse mortgage is that the new home is purchased outright, using funds from the sale of the old home, private savings, gift money and other sources of income, which are then combined with the reverse mortgage proceeds.
A traditional reverse mortgage is often described as a "need-based" product, because the typical borrower is a female widow in her … (5 comments)
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Wordless Wednesdays - A Touch of Heaven!!!! - 03/23/11 08:43 AM
Yes....I used to live and work here. Just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's called Saint Malo. I was just out there recently and personally head out there about 4 times a year. Last fall I brought the entire family there. It was so much fun! It's a place where God comes down and gives a kiss to whoever is there for the time. When I hit my next million, I think I"m going to move back there!!! We all need to experience a kiss from God more often!
… (13 comments)
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If You Need to Capture It, SNAGIT! - 03/22/11 10:24 AM
So, in my quest for becoming some sort of tech geek (given the fact that I'm anything but that), I have made it a quest to learn weekly. About two years ago I started using Go to Meeting (check it out at www.gotomeeting.com) to host meetings. What this has done is allowed me less travel time and very comprehensive meetings from my computer. Enough about that.
This year, I've started doing more presentations to larger groups. You know what that means? It means that I'm now living on power point by Microsoft. The problem with my lack of the right kind … (20 comments)
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3 Issues You Need to Know About Closing In Trust - 03/21/11 11:39 AM
As an attorney and as a lender I've seen more and more people buying and selling in trust. A trust is a great way to own property. It affords ownership, while protecting the individual in many respects. There are a few things that people need to know when doing a trust and getting a loan.
1) For any lender to allow title to be held in trust, the trust must be revocable. What this means is that the person creating the trust (the trustee) must also have the benefits of the trust as a trustee. This assures the lender that they … (17 comments)
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Vote Kristin LeBlanc in Campton Hills Election - 03/20/11 09:13 PM
Let's be honest here. Most of us know very little about Kristin LeBlanc. I have seen her in her argument to get on the ballot against Patsy Smith in front of some hearing committee. Patsy, sat there looking like she was the next contestant on the Survivor.....Dumb as a box of rocks? Not really Dumb as a fox, I'd say. She plays dumb when it's convenient (either that or she's dumb at all the right times).When watching her testimony in front of her friends, she conveniently forgot anything that no normal human being with an IQ over 85 would forget. I'm … (3 comments)
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Speechless Sundays - Clowning Around in the Kindergarten Play - 03/20/11 11:56 AM
OK....another Speechless Sunday photo. My guy is on the right. Grant! His buddy is on the left. They had to play in a kindergarten circus for the annual circus parade. Some were elephants. One was the Master of Ceremonies or Ring Leader. Monkees abounded, but I think my kid hit the jackpot when he got labeled the clown. Wonder if it's a sign of things to come!
… (11 comments)
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Friday Night Tunes - Meaningless Relaxation - Message in a Bottle - 03/18/11 11:33 PM
I'm about ready to pass out here. Long day, long hours culminating from a long week. I'd been debating about posting this one b/c there's a little to much skin in the vid, but, I have to tell you, I fell in love with this cover of Message in a Bottle when I first heard it. A lot of times, covers won't cut it! Here? except for the video, the "Reggaeness" of the recording is awesome! I like this version better than the original, and I loved the original. Let's just say.... forgive me for the video, but again, this version … (3 comments)
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Get Counseling When You Consider a Reverse Mortgage - 03/17/11 09:46 AM
Reverse mortgage counseling remains steady, indicates data from Ibis Software Corporation, released in February. The data, which tracks monthly RMA counseling ... shows the number of people receiving counseling using Ibis's software, has leveled above 10,000 per month with an average of roughly 11,500 over the past six months.
In counseling, there's definitely an uptrend," says Ibis CEO Jerry Wagner. The industry can see the trend as a positive one as counseling has gained recent attention with new HUD requirements and use of the Financial Interview Tool (FIT), introduced last year. Nationwide, HUD lifted the counseling fee cap after counseling sessions … (3 comments)
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Wordless Wednesdays - Summer's Almost Here - 03/16/11 10:52 PM
So Grant's kindergarten teacher has a baby. She comes back and brings the newbie to our house. My guy is thrilled....first to see his teacher, but also to hold her first child. What makes this special for me is that my guy, Grant, is my 4th. Yet he doesn't have a younger brother. He's always been the little brother, but here.....he gets to act like the big man! Big bro....dad's little big dude!
P.S.....how do you like the Air Soft Gun Pellet shot in his head? Amazing...yes....little brother = victim!
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Japan's Situation & The News - 03/14/11 12:15 AM
FIRST, let me say that what has happened in Japan is atrocious. No pictures here. I'm not into sensationalism. I'm looiking at ABC Channel 7 right now. Two major things are going on in my mind.
First and foremost, this is tragic. I don't need to say the obvious, but for the first time around for me and my family, I really cant say anything other than the fact that this is tragic. I think of the "end times." I think of how blessed I am. I tell my kids about the modern history of the world, Chernobyl, etc....and we pray. … (16 comments)
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Speechless Sundays - - 03/13/11 04:21 PM
In less than a month my daughter, Claire goes for her First Communion. Yesterday, she had 4 hours of training. Don't ask what they do for 4 hours, but hey, they did it! So....while thinking of the Speechless Sunday photograph, I found the one of my 2nd oldest, Jake, and mom! Well.....this dude's past 1rst Communion and is off for a basketball tournament today, but he is learning how to be a competitive athlete why trying to let Christ direct his heart! Tough to merge together, but once he does, he'll be dialed down!
… (7 comments)
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One More Late Night (Early Morning Tune!) - 03/13/11 12:40 AM
Sitting here doing the late night chill. My wife passes out early. I was teaching my 3 oldest how to play the game "Clue" tonight, but it all ended early because of the new time change. I already posted some late night great music, but I have to do just one more. This is Bob Mould and Sugar for the mid 90's. I was in law school cranking this. Tonight, it's nothing more than a memory, but the melody.......let's just say, it's awesome! … (4 comments)
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Weekend Relaxtion - - - Two Awesome Women / / Two Awesome Songs - 03/12/11 10:14 PM
OK.....I should have done this for my Friday Night Relaxation, but I didn't. Needless to say, I didn't. I've been obsessing about this all week. Lately I've been listening to some great 80's and 90's "Oldies", if you will, but I can't stop listening to Chicago's own Rachael Yamagata. Don't stereotype her because of her name. She's got a good tune here! The second one I saw at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. She's awesome. Her name? Wendy Woo! The produced version is great, but I fell in love with her when I saw her singing this song live! I … (5 comments)
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ILLINOIS PLAYS RUSSIAN ROULETTE AGAIN - 2 MORE TAXES THIS WEEK! - 03/11/11 10:02 AM
FIRST!!!!! Wednesday, Governor Quinn said that he wants to tax those who are retired, provided they are recieving $100,000 or more in income during retirement. So what's the beef? No other state is hitting the elderly. Cook County Illinois has the highest retail sales tax in the United States, now this!
SECONDLY!!!! QUINN is introducing a bill to tax certain online purchases (that means a lot) for companies doing business in Illinois. During the interview with Chicago businesses, some with an online presence will are saying that they are prepared to move to Indiana even though they don't want to.
Last … (10 comments)
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FHA & Chapter 13's.....FROM THE CHURCH LADY - 03/10/11 01:13 PM
Bankruptcies and homebuying.....
Now isn't that special? Hmmmmmm....I know the reason why many folks can't get mortgages when they declare bankruptcy. Hmmmmmm....maybe it's SATAN! I just love that skit.
So, here's the gig. Most lenders and most lending programs say that you can't buy for years if you have a bankruptcy. Just plain and simple....BANKRUPTCIES ARE BAD for your quest for homebuying.
CHAPTER 13s and FHA CAN BE YOUR SALVATION THOUGH! HOW CAN YOU BUY UNDER A CHAPTER 13? Well, you don't have to sell your soul to the devil. Here are the parameters for buying under a Chaper 13!
Right … (6 comments)
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That is Low.....REALLY LOW & I'll never do it again! - 03/10/11 09:29 AM
OK......I went low, really low on this one! Don't know why I did it. I know, for a fact, that I'll never do it again. I'm not sure why I did it, but I really wanted to get the business of this one realtor. When I got the referral, I got low, real low!
How low? I went down to $15,000. Yes....I just took a mortgage application for a $30,000 purchase where I'm doing a $15,000 mortgage. THAT'S LOW.....REALLY LOW! Sure, I'll make about $300 for a month or two of work, but hey. When you want someone's business, sometimes you … (13 comments)
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Wordless Wednesdays - Best Friends!!!! - 03/09/11 12:04 AM
One of my ALL TIME FAVORITES! I love this Grant, at 5, and Tessa, at 3, are still best friends. My wife and the older three kids all say that they're like a married couple. They're unlike any of our other kids. At dinner they sit next to each other, gaze in each other's eyes, they kiss and crack each other up. All my kids fight from time to time. They always have. THESE TWO????? NEVER!
I hope it's a sign of things to come! My prediction???? Friends for life!!!!!
… (22 comments)
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Mortgage Fraud....ON THE DECLINE! - 03/08/11 09:39 AM
It seems that every time you turn around there is another story about mortgage fraud or another guy getting arrested for scamming a client. I'm not sure how many people have actually put the two together. In other words....could there be high defaults within the mortgage industry because of so much mortgage fraud? That seems to be a great parallel.
I don't get it. I want to make a buck as much as anyone. I keep telling God to give me patience, but damn it, give it to me now. In other words...I'm an impatient kind of guy. Anyway....I've always been … (8 comments)
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The Lawsuit is Filed for a Stay on Dodd-Frank; Bank Of America blocks TBWS! - 03/07/11 04:51 PM
OK...it's official. A lawsuit was filed in federal court to "stay" or postpone the execution of the Dodd-Frank Rule. The suit was filed in Washingtoin, D.C. While it's encouraging, I'll tell you that, at best, I really think that this will only stall the implementation of the law. I do think one positive purpose would be to get further clarity on how the rule is to be interpreted. We'll see though! Only time will tell. Stay tuned.
On another note Bank Of America was blocking the viewing of TBWS (think big, work small), specifically because of this video. They didn't want … (5 comments)
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Three Critical Things You Can Do to IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT NOW!!!! - 03/07/11 09:38 AM
CREDIT - SCMEDIT! Most peope have some sort of credit issue. They do! Here are 3 sure fire ways to get your credit scores up!
1. FIRST AND FOREMOST - YOU GOTTA KNOW IT TO FIX IT! If you done so, get your credit report. It'll serve as a baseline. There are a lot of free services that allow you to go and check it out without impacting your credit in a negative way. When you get it, check it out. Look for errors.
Often times your credit report has a lot of errors. Even minor errors can have a major impact. Every … (8 comments)
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Speechless Sundays - Dad's Dude! - 03/06/11 11:43 AM
What can I say????? This is a repeat, but hey, it's one of my favorites. This is my son, Grant, when he had just turned 5. Now he's going on 6, but for me, it's a family classic. He's in kindergarten and seems to be loving life in it's fullest. Needless to say, I'm blessed to have a great guy like him.....he's my youngest male and I'm a bit bummed that he'll be 6 next month. However, I'm glad to have this memory!
… (14 comments)
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Does Your Lender TRULY Invest Into The Realtor Partner? Really? - 03/06/11 12:07 AM
I run a region, run a branch and yes, I originate loans as well. I spend a lot of time recruiting on top of that. I'm amazed at what I hear from lenders. Realtors want loan officers to help them build their business. They don't want them to create their business. If lenders could do that they'd be realtors, but we've been called into lending and not real estate sales.
I've interviewed well over 200 lenders since I began recruiting folks a few years ago and am amazed that there is such a disparity in lender capabilities. As individuals, there are … (15 comments)
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I Would Never Be a Realtor! - 03/04/11 11:17 AM
I can't, I won't....no way, no why, no way in hell! My wife was one....for the sole purpose of being able to buy and sell properties that she owned before we were married. I work with them all the time. I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather eat a plate full of worms that do real estate for a living.
WHY, YOU ASK? Seriously!!!! First, you guys have patience. I know that I have patience, heck, I have a great marriage and 5 kids. But I don't have realtor patience. In lending, I know that people are going to be … (215 comments)
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Dodd-Frank isn't the End....Fair Lending Act Changes start soon thereafter! - 03/03/11 11:21 AM
I can't believe the compensation changes are just one month away. I've had the privilege of talking to so many people who are concerned about this new law. There may be a last minute injunction that stalls the bill, but unless something drastic happens, we all need to be prepared to deal with the Dodd-Frank Act as well as the Fair Lending Act (which gets implemented a few months after Dodd).
If your company isn't clear on how they are going to address both acts, there is cause for concern.
Both acts have liability to the originator if violations occur.... even … (6 comments)
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Wordless Wednesdays - I remember when this was me! - 03/02/11 06:25 PM
Seems like yesterday I was doing just this. Isn't it amazing that life comes full circle. My pictures, however, are black and white and some austere off color snap shots. Here's my little love having a great time at the playground. Sure is nice to be dad. Love the enticement of a great weather shot to get me moving today. It won't be too long before I'll be chasing her around until I run out of gas!
… (18 comments)
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Freddie Mac has some immediate changes for refinances. - 03/01/11 01:08 PM
Effective immediately with Freddie Mac and it's underwriting enging, Loan Prospector (or LP), purchase money mortgages must be seasoned for 120 days from the original note date in order to be refinanced as a "No Cash-Out" refinance. In many ways, this looks like a move to some of the benefits of the more favorable days of lending. Also, Freddie Mac & LP requires verification of funds on all refinance mortgages. This, however, is a more stringent requirement. Funds are to cover all reserve requirements and cash to close. Good tips for those who are refinancing to know.
… (3 comments)
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Larry Bettag Illinois FHA Specialist
Saint Charles,
IL
More about me…
Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage
Address: 40W310 LaFox Road, Saint Charles, IL, 60175
Office Phone: (630) 524-9677
Cell Phone: (630) 417-7172
Email Me
1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” ( John 14:1-4, New King James Version)
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