Real Estate in Huntley, IL Offers a Wide Variety of Neighborhoods - 03/28/10 06:09 PM
Huntley, IL is a wonderful place to call home.  Whether you are looking for a great place to raise a family or a place to retire, Huntley, IL offers a wide variety of neighborhoods from which to choose. Huntley, IL offers a variety of housing opportunities.  Some of the homes you will find in Huntley will sell for under $100,000 while others will be well over $1,000,000 and rival homes in any neighborhood or area.  Neighborhoods in Huntley, IL will offer just about anything a person is looking for in a Midwestern town.  Several of the more unique communities with a Huntley, IL address … (2 comments)

Huntley, IL Sun City Del Webb Active Adult Community - 03/28/10 05:34 PM
Huntley, IL is a great Midwestern town for retirement.  And thanks to Sun City Del Webb by Pulte Homes there is plenty to do in this 55 and older restricted community.  At least one resident must be 55 years of age or older, no one under 19 (18 in certain communities) in permanent residence, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55.
On the resale market there are currently 103 detached single family homes on the market ranging in price from $164,900 for a 1 bedroom 1 1/2 bath home to $550,000 for a 4,700 square foot 3 bedroom, 3 … (0 comments)

Animal House Shelter, Huntley, IL is Your Local NO-KILL Shelter - 03/27/10 04:21 PM
Animal House Shelter in Huntley, IL is your local No-Kill Shelter that has rescued, rehabilitated or placed over 15,000 animals since its opening in 2006.
My Children and I had the privledge to volunteer over 6 hours this week to the Shelter.  You should have seen how excited everyone was to help out with the dogs and cats.  This is truly a special place in Huntley, IL that attracts volunteers from all over the Chicagoland area.

Right now Animal House Shelter in Huntley, IL has an urgent need of Foster Homes.  On their webpage at www.AnimalHouseShelter.com you will find an application and instructions on … (2 comments)

Trout Valley in Cary, IL - 03/25/10 09:41 AM
Trout Valley in Cary, IL is one of the most beautiful older subdivisions in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  Just the name of the subdivision puts a smile on my face.  As the name may suggest, Trout Valley in Cary, IL offers trout fishing in an area that you wouldn't normally think of for a trout fisherman.
Trout Valley in Cary, IL has a man-made trout stream, exclusively for the enjoyment of the members of the Trout Valley Association and their guests, that meanders the entire stretch of the picturesque subdivision.  This area is known for it's privacy, variety of housing styles and … (1 comments)

5.98 Acre Ranch in Marengo, IL with coveted Riley Schools - 03/24/10 11:39 AM
Here is the 5.98 Acre Ranch in Marengo, IL you have been waiting for! Did you know that Marengo is one of the nicest McHenry County areas in which to live? Check out the city's website, www.CityofMarengo.com, for a must see video of this incredible location. Marengo, IL is all about Location, Location, Location. It is home to Corbins Exotic Pet Store, Mecum Antique Car Auctioneers, Nissan Forklift and much, much more. Located just 80 minutes to Chicago this area offers Country Living with close proximity to City Life! 5.9 Acre Ranch in Marengo, IL with coveted Riley Schools, Walkout Basement, … (0 comments)

I Was 31 Years Old When I Heard The Words . . . "It's CANCER" - 03/23/10 08:58 PM
I ordered 'take out' tonight from our favorite Italian eatery and while checking out I noticed a 'donation box' with the following written on it:
"I was 31 years old when I heard the words "It's Cancer".  Young, healthy, no history, mother of two . . . it affects us all!  And because of foundations like Susan G. Komen* . . . I am a survivor.  Every 13 minutes a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer and without a cure a women will die every 3 minutes . . ."
Dominick, who was completing my order, wondered what I was … (2 comments)

Health Insurance, Critical Illness, Major Medical vs. Limited Medical Plans - 03/16/10 09:10 PM
There is a HUGE difference between Major Medical and Limited Medical Insurance!


Many people that I talk with are pretty happy with their major medical plan.  They pay their monthly premiums (the hard part that they're not too happy about) and know that if something major happens, they are covered!  That's security.  They are insured.  That's what insurance is for.  Protection against losing your assets, equity in your home, retirement funds, etc. should you come down with a major illness.
However, there are quite a few that I talk to that are paying unusually LOW premiums for what they believe … (2 comments)

FREE Homeowner Information Guides by Housemaster . . . - 03/16/10 08:03 PM
Thanks to the great home inspection company, HouseMaster, there are a number of great FREE Downloads available through their easy to navigate website, www.HouseMaster.com.  Several guides I thought were pretty interesting may be downloaded at the following links:
Fireplaces . . . www.housemaster.com/pdf/guide23.pdf Common Electric Concerns . . . www.housemaster.com/pdf/guide22.pdf Radon . . . www.housemaster.com/pdf/guide17.pdf Preventive Maintenance Checklist . . . www.housemaster.com/pdf/guide14.pdf For many other great brochures log onto the HouseMaster website.  You will find many more guides as well as useful, up-to-date information on other relevant topics to the real estate industry.
As always, contact me directly when you're ready … (3 comments)

Need a Builder/Carpenter in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago? - He's GREAT! - 03/16/10 07:49 PM
Recently I had the priviledge of spending most of my day with an outstanding guy.  I have heard him say "Give me a nail gun and a saw and I can do anything".  Well, I believe it!
Marshal Gibson of Marshal Construction comes highly recommended by some pretty impressive folks.  One of his clients has this to say:
"BEST contractor in Chicagoland"
"I had the pleasure of having the BEST contractor in Chicagoland work on my home in North Barrington. Marshal Gibson is ethical, dependable, honors his word, and does incredible work. Marshall is meticulous to a fault and very creative about … (0 comments)

Short Sale, Bank of America and the Squeaky Wheel - 03/15/10 11:02 PM
This is a great positive story from a Realtor who really went to bat for her clients.  She went up against the big dog, Bank of America, and got their attention.
If you're considering buying a short sale read this.  You can read about the effort a Realtor puts into trying to get the bank to accept the offer.  It's disciplined, consistent work that many times does not end on a positive note.  This one did and Jennifer did a great job.
As always, when you're ready to buy, sell or finance your home give me a call at the number below.
Read … (3 comments)

If You're Buying an Illinois Home and Need a Mortgage, Give Me A Call! - 03/15/10 10:42 PM
The mortgage industry is fascinating.  I've enjoyed over 20 years helping 1,000's of homeowners finance or refinance their home.  Even amongst the turmoils that the industry has experienced over the last several years this continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

Helping Homeowners For Over 20 Years
With the changes in the industry came changes to the documentation requirements.  Are you self employed?  Remember the "Stated Income" days?  Well, they are long gone!  Many people called them "Liar Loans" but that really wasn't a fair assessment of these loans.  Those that abused these Stated Income loan programs brought this slang into the … (0 comments)

Can it Be True?!?! Is the $8,000 Tax Credit REALLY Coming to an End? - 03/15/10 10:35 PM
Yes, it's true!  As a matter of fact it's coming to an end very soon!  If you hope to take advantage of this special tax credit incentive you have until April 30, 2010 to have a contract accepted and until July 01, 2010 to close.
I talk with people weekly about the incentives given by the government to encourage people to buy homes.  So many are confused about the extension of the tax credit.  They seem to have much mis-information.  This credit is expiring soon so make your move today!

Below is the current and correct information regarding the tax … (3 comments)

Seller Wants This One Sold - Price Reduced Another $5,000 in Barrington, IL Area! - 03/15/10 10:26 PM
When is the perfect time to buy a home? How about when the values are back down to 10 to 15 years lows. Or when interest rates are at historical lows. And how about when the government creates incentives to buy your first home or move up to another? All of these are happening right now! This is the opportune time to buy a home and the time is coming to an end very soon. Soon interest rates will rise to what some believe will be a full percentage point higher than where they are today. Soon homes will stabilize and … (8 comments)

Incredible Value in this Short Sale near Northern Illinois University! - 03/15/10 10:21 PM
This Cortland townhouse near Northern Illinois University will make a smart buy for it's next owner. This townhouse will have a contract on it by the end of next week. Will it be your offer? Don't delay! This is a GREAT BUY! Short Sale at $99,900 … (1 comments)

Credit Bureau Contacts - Equifax, Experian, TransUnion . . . - 03/15/10 10:14 PM
Many people wonder how they can contact the credit bureaus to check on their credit or fix errors on their report.  Here is information on the Three Major Credit Bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
A great place to go to order a free annual credit report is, www.AnnualCreditReport.com.  If you want your credit score that will cost you a little.  You will need to request those directly from the bureaus or pay a little bit when you order through the above website.
 Three Major Credit Bureaus

Equifax: Equifax is a global leader in turning information into intelligence. For businesses, Equifax … (1 comments)

Pursue a Distressed Property? Are you sure it's really Worth Your Time? - 03/15/10 10:08 PM
As a buyer you may be wondering if it is really worth your time to pursue a distressed property.  Foreclosures and Short Sale Homes continue to be the hot topics these days.  Purchasing one of these proerties can present multiple challenges that is not found when closing on a typical home.
Is it really worth your time?
I have had quite a few clients approach me about buying one of these homes.  There is some information I put together below that you may find helpful as you consider whether or not this is right for you.
You will need a lot of … (4 comments)

Coming Soon - 5.8 Acres, Marengo, IL, Horses Allowed! - 03/15/10 09:47 PM
8914 S. Hill Road in Marengo . . . You're the first to know about this new listing coming to the market.  Read the details below:
 
 
This new, attractive home was just built in 2007 and resides on a gorgeous 5.8-acre country lot! Curb appeal flows from the shingled roof that rests atop the mostly brick exterior. An extended blacktop driveway leads to the attached three-car garage that provides three electric openers, a service door and a window! Inside, 10-foot-high ceilings, hardwood oak flooring and walls with crown molding and a chair rail greet you in the foyer. This chair … (0 comments)

Is it Worth your Time to Pursue a Distressed Property? - 03/14/10 08:25 AM
As a buyer you may be wondering if it is really worth your time to pursue a distressed property.  Foreclosures and Short Sale Homes continue to be the hot topics these days.  Purchasing one of these proerties can present multiple challenges that is not found when closing on a typical home.
Is it really worth your time?  You will need a lot of patience as these can range from being a big time fixer upper to being in great condition.  They can also receive multiple offers which drives up the price and take a long time to close.  It's also quite … (1 comments)

Still Available Until April 30 - Golf Course Home in Algonquin, IL . . . - 03/13/10 09:59 PM
Now is the Time to Buy!  BUY NOW and you'll never have to say "I wish I had . . ."
I wish I had . . .
. . . Taken advantage of today's Buyer's Market . . . Bought when interest rates were near historical lows . . . Taken advantage of the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit . . . Taken advantage of the $6,500 current homeowner tax credit . . . Realized significant savings of buying a new or resale home in this incredible "buyer's market of a lifetime" for many What are you waiting … (1 comments)

Coming Next Week - 5.8 Acre - 3 bedroom Ranch in Marengo, IL - Horse Country - 03/12/10 01:54 PM
The address will be revealed next week.  You're the first to know about this new listing coming to the market.  Read the details below:
 
This new, attractive home was just built in 2007 and resides on a gorgeous 5.8-acre country lot! Curb appeal flows from the shingled roof that rests atop the mostly brick exterior. An extended blacktop driveway leads to the attached three-car garage that provides three electric openers, a service door and a window! Inside, 10-foot-high ceilings, hardwood oak flooring and walls with crown molding and a chair rail greet you in the foyer. This chair rail design … (0 comments)

Simple Consumer Guide to Understanding Foreclosures and Short Sales - 03/12/10 01:02 PM
As a buyer you may be wondering if it is really worth your time to pursue a distressed property.  Foreclosures and Short Sale Homes continue to be the hot topics these days.  Purchasing one of these proerties can present multiple challenges that is not found when closing on a typical home.
Is it really worth your time?  You will need a lot of patience as these can range from being a big time fixer upper to being in great condition.  They can also receive multiple offers which drives up the price and take a long time to close.  It's also quite … (1 comments)

Contacts for the Three Major Credit Bureaus - FREE Annual Credit Reports . . . - 03/11/10 09:05 PM
Many people wonder how they can contact the credit bureaus to check on their credit or fix errors on their report.  Here is information on the Three Majore Credit Bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
A great place to go to order a free annual credit report is, www.AnnualCreditReport.com.  If you want your credit score that will cost you a little.  You will need to request those directly from the bureaus or pay a little bit when you order through the above website.
 Three Major Credit Bureaus

Equifax: Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) is a global leader in turning information into intelligence. … (0 comments)

Near Northern Illinois University - Incredible Value with this Short Sale! - 03/10/10 07:18 PM
This Cortland townhouse near Northern Illinois University will make a smart buy for it's next owner. This townhouse will have a contract on it by the end of next week. Will it be your offer? Don't delay! This is a GREAT BUY! Short Sale at $99,900 … (2 comments)

Another $5,000 Price Reduction Makes This One A GREAT BUY! - 03/10/10 07:11 PM
When is the perfect time to buy a home? How about when the values are back down to 10 to 15 years lows. Or when interest rates are at historical lows. And how about when the government creates incentives to buy your first home or move up to another? All of these are happening right now! This is the opportune time to buy a home and the time is coming to an end very soon. Soon interest rates will rise to what some believe will be a full percentage point higher than where they are today. Soon homes will stabilize and … (2 comments)

When is the Perfect Time to Buy a Home? It's Happening Right Now! - 03/10/10 07:01 PM
When is the perfect time to buy a home? How about when the values are back down to 10 to 15 years lows. Or when interest rates are at historical lows. And how about when the government creates incentives to buy your first home or move up to another? All of these are happening right now! This is the opportune time to buy a home and the time is coming to an end very soon. Soon interest rates will rise to what some believe will be a full percentage point higher than where they are today. Soon homes will stabilize and … (0 comments)

Active Listings in and around McHenry County - Buy or Sell with Mortgage 1st Realty - 03/10/10 06:49 PM
When you're ready to buy or sell a home in and around McHenry County, give one of our experts a call at 224-805-2616. We would love to help you buy or sell a home this year. There are so many great properties on the market and we can show how to make one of them yours. Map these properties   Powered by RealBird.com Powered by RealBird.com … (0 comments)

Time Is Running Out - Golf Course Property Comes off the Market April 30 . . . - 03/09/10 09:46 PM
Now is the Time to Buy!  BUY NOW and you'll never have to say "I wish I had . . ."
I wish I had . . .
. . . Taken advantage of today's Buyer's Market . . . Bought when interest rates were near historical lows . . . Taken advantage of the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit . . . Taken advantage of the $6,500 current homeowner tax credit . . . Realized significant savings of buying a new or resale home in this incredible "buyer's market of a lifetime" for many What are you waiting … (3 comments)

$10,000 Price Reduction - Beautifully Staged Barrington Area Home . . . - 03/09/10 09:38 PM
Prestigious Barrington Riverwalk Subdivision … (0 comments)

Going, going, GONE! The Midnight Hour for the $8,000 Tax Credit is Coming Soon! - 03/09/10 09:31 PM
I talk with people weekly about the incentives given by the government to encourage people to buy homes.  So many are confused about the extension of the tax credit.  They seem to have much mis-information.  This credit is expiring soon so make your move today!

Below is the current, and correct, information regarding the tax credit:
How much is the credit?
 
For 1st-time buyers the credit is equal to 10 percent of the cost of the home up to a maximum of $8,000 (or $4,000 for a married individual filing separately). For longterm homeowners, the credit is equal to … (0 comments)

Welcome New Agent, James Brown, to Mortgage 1st Realty . . . - 03/09/10 12:54 PM
I am pleased to announce that James Brown has joined Mortgage 1st Realty as an active real estate agent.  "Jim" will be serving clients throughout the Fox River Valley including the towns of St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Elburn, Wayne, South Elgin, Elgin, Gilberts and the surrounding areas.
Jim has several years serving clients throughout our area.  He has worked at RE/MAX on a very successful team of agents.  Most recently he joins us from Covenant Realty in St. Charles.  He has always contributed well to the offices he has worked.
In addition to real estate Jim also serves his client base … (1 comments)

Turnberry Area in Lakewood/Crystal Lake . . . Now's The Time To Buy! - 03/09/10 12:15 AM
One of the most beautiful areas in Lakewood/Crystal Lake, IL is known as "Turnberry".  This area has a mix of old and new.  Most of the homes are either surrounded by a Golf Course, Lakes and Meadows or open land.
There are currently only 19 ready to move into homes available on the market in the Turnberry area.  There are some incredible buys awaiting the smart buyer available now.  Now is the time to buy in Turnberry.  This has been a coveted area for many years.  However, the prices have just been a little too much for many who wish to call Turnberry … (0 comments)

Tax Credit Expiring Soon . . . Up to $8,000 Available but Could Be Less . . . - 03/08/10 10:55 PM
I talk with people weekly about the incentives given by the government to encourage people to buy homes.  So many are confused about the extension of the tax credit.  They seem to have much mis-information.

Below is the current, and correct, information regarding the tax credit:
How much is the credit?
For 1st-time buyers the credit is equal to 10 percent of the cost of the home up to a maximum of $8,000 (or $4,000 for a married individual filing separately). For longterm homeowners, the credit is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price up to $6,500 (or $3,250 for … (2 comments)

Need a Mortgage Loan? If Your Property is in Illinois I Can Help - 03/07/10 08:43 PM
The mortgage industry is fascinating.  I've enjoyed over 20 years helping 1,000's of homeowners finance or refinance their home.  Even amongst the turmoils that the industry has experienced over the last several years this continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

Helping Homeowners For Over 20 Years
With the changes in the industry came changes to the documentation requirements.  Are you self employed?  Remember the "Stated Income" days?  Well, they are long gone!  Many people called them "Liar Loans" but that really wasn't a fair assessment of these loans.  Those that abused these Stated Income loan programs brought this slang into the … (2 comments)

Sun City Del Web Huntley IL . . . A Beautiful Active Adult Community . . . - 03/07/10 05:49 PM
Huntley, IL is a great Midwestern town for retirement.  And thanks to Sun City Del Webb by Pulte Homes there is plenty to do in this 55 and older restricted community.  At least one resident must be 55 years of age or older, no one under 19 (18 in certain communities) in permanent residence, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55.
On the resale market there are currently 103 detached single family homes on the market ranging in price from $164,900 for a 1 bedroom 1 1/2 bath home to $550,000 for a 4,700 square foot 3 bedroom, 3 … (0 comments)

Crystal Lake, IL - Available Homes for Sale . . . - 03/07/10 10:42 AM
Have you ever been to Crystal Lake, IL?  This is a beautiful area full of fun and exciting things to do.  Crystal Lake Beach, on Crystal Lake, has many summertime activities to enjoy, including an outdoor ampitheatre for summer concerts.  Some of the best fishing in the area is found in Crystal Lake.
Check out www.CrystalLake.org for more information and photos of the area.  Another great site to check out is www.Localism.com.
There is an abundant variety of homes available in Crystal Lake.  This includes homes on the Lake, on one of the several golf courses, on ponds, on several acres as … (0 comments)

Algonquin, IL - Closed Homes Statistics 01/01/10 - 03/01/10 - 03/07/10 10:21 AM
As anyone knows that lives in or near Algonquin, IL, this is a very nice area to call home.  The Fox River meanders through downtown and offers boating, fishing and other recreational activities.  Less than an hour from downtown Chicago, there is plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the Windy City has to offer.  Not the big city type?  You're also less than an hour from the resort town of Lake Geneva, WI where for less than $10.00 you can place your own boat in the Lake and enjoy a day on the water.
For more information about Algonquin you may … (0 comments)

REDUCED to $99,900 - Cortland, IL Townhome - Near NIU Campus - 03/04/10 11:25 AM
Short Sale at $99,900 … (2 comments)

Illinois Homeowners - Here's Some Good News! - 03/02/10 08:16 PM
The statewide median price for Illinois homes was up for the first time since 2007.  The median price rose .02 percent, the first time it's been up since September 2007.
Now, it may not seem like much, but it's better than another downtick.
During the same time, statewide total home sales (which include single-family and condominiums) in January 2010 were up 14 percent to a total of 5,483 homes sold.  This is compared to 4,809 the year before.

If you would like to know what your home is worth, contact me at the number below.  If you are considering selling your … (1 comments)

What Happens After A Foreclosure? - 03/02/10 06:37 PM
Many people wonder what happens after a foreclosure.  This is a good post by a local Chicago Realtor that you don't want to miss.
As always, when you are ready to buy, sell or finance your next home call me at 224-805-2616.
 
 

Via Ilyce Glink (Think Glink Publishing):
Why are there so many foreclosures? Foreclosure is more profitable for banks than loan modifications.
So when a home goes into foreclosure, the bank may have a greater incentive to move the foreclosure forward than working with the homeowner.
The market may have created incentives that may not seem to work … (0 comments)

Mardi Gras Cancelled! - 03/01/10 06:38 AM
Can you believe it?  Over 1,000,000 attended with only about 5 days to organize this event.  On February 12, 2010, President Préval of Haiti called his nation to 3 days of fasting and prayer in place of the regular Mardi Gras celebration.
Check out this encouraging video from a desparate place: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30rWm84z-zg
If this isn't a Motivational Monday message . . . I don't know what is.

"We earnestly seek your prayers and financial support.
This will be a long road, and we will be there every step of the way, providing Compassion children with everything from the most basic … (0 comments)

 
Randy%20web%20pic Rainmaker_large

Randy Schulenburg

Schulenburg Realty, Inc.

Algonquin, IL

More about me…

Schulenburg Realty, Inc.

Address: 700 So. Randall Road, Suite #5, St. Charles, IL, 60174

Office Phone: (630) 377-7725

Cell Phone: (224) 805-2616

Email Me

Randy Schule… Randy Schulenburg on Zillow View Randy Schulenburg randy.schulenburg@gmail.com's profile on LinkedIn
Mortgages, Home Loans, and Mortgage Quotes at Zillow Mortgage Marketplace
Free Real Estate Clipart obtained from RealtyClipArt.com


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