I think that it is great that I have a voice in government with the NAR but as an individual I don't agree with many things in your 4 point plan. Obviously the NAR thinks that the government should help calm the nerves of the people by creating such incentives to help sell houses and that is a great way to stimulate the economy and that could possibly happen. It would also keep realtors in a job, but many of the people that would be qualified to purchase a home with such incentives plans would find themselves in trouble down the road just like the country is in now. What ever happened to 20% down? If you don't have it then you should wait to purchase your American dream home until you do have it. Our country is on a runaway train with credit. That train is sure to crash if credit is not restrained. It is too easy for mom and dad to go to  Wal-Mart or K-mart and use their charge cards to buy a bunch of crap that is not necessary in their lives. Don't get me wrong using a credit card is a great convenience but pay off the bill in full when it comes to you. If you don't and you only pay the minimum that is what creates the runaway train effect.  If they put themselves in the hole using credit what makes you think that they will be smart enough or less greedy in the future. I have been working pre-foreclosure short sales and selling many homes. Many of my clients got in way over their heads financially with the purchase of their homes. Some have told me that they were duped when it came to the type of mortgage they had. They were not educated in financing and types of mortgages.  They should have known or been counseled before they made the purchase! I always hear that we must educate the consumer but no one is doing it. Dangle that home contract with a shinny new home in front of a buyer and they only see the home not the financial burden that will be theirs once the payments start. Not everyone should have a Dream Home. I am sorry to say that but that is the Department of Commerce's propaganda that got America into the current crisis. Just because I am a member of the NAR does not mean that I agree with all you spew out. I hope for the sake of the country the new administration in the White House and the Congress will be able to put the country on the right path and post haste or our great country may fall like other countries have because of finance.

Rodney Sterne

I have been asked this question many times. I have owned and operated a painting and decorating company ( RS Painters L.L.C.)  in McHenry County in Illinois for almost 30 years. I have been a Real Estate Salesman for the past 2 years.  As a painter, Before I got my RE license I had  been referred to many of my painting  clients by  Real estate Agents and Brokers. This was during great and bad market times. If the inventory of homes is high as with a buyers market it only makes sense to have your home in the best possible condition so that your home will stand out and leave a great lasting impression. Buyers are very choosy and will remember the well kept homes. Many buyers don't  want to move into a home that needs a lot of work. This is also True in a sellers market! when inventory is flying of the shelves at a rapid rate the buyers still remembered the well kept homes. Location might be the number one reason to selecting a home but if that home is in a great location but is shabby in appearance you can bet that it will be over looked by many buyers. My suggestion is if it is in need have it painted, especially in a down market time. Thank You, Rodney Sterne, owner RS Painters L.L.C. Cary Illinois 847-639-2649  & Sales Associate Exit Platinum Realty  Lake In The Hills Illinois 847-854-3800

With The Village of  Cary being only about 5.3 square miles in size and the population being right around 19,000 people it is one of the smaller communities in north eastern Illinois. The community may lack in size and  population but it has many beautiful  parks and areas of interest to offer to all that want to enjoy. The Cary Park District  has everything from scenic walking parks , fishing, baseball, soccer, public swimming, summer camps to name a few for all ages and genders. For a small community Cary has a very friendly and neighborly atmosphere. This is a great place to live and raise a family. I highly reccomend Cary as a place to move because it's s atmosphere. The Cary park district is also associated with the following organizations: You can click on these links to get a better idea of each organization.

This was posted by Rodney Sterne Sales Associate  Exit Platinum Realty 847-309-4563

For many of us when we are considering relocating  our families to another community, the  the type of home itself is not the only issue. Schools, churches, health care  facilities to name a few are also very important. For many of us an even bigger need is the availability of Out Door recreation! Those of us who  have children want them to be able to grow up in an environment that has structured activities such as baseball,  soccer, football, golf,and possibly summer camps to name a few. The opportunity to take advantage of open spaces created by your local park district is the beginning of the quest.  The Crystal Lake Park District has been around for decades developing many parks and areas of recreation. With roughly 30 different areas developed for use by all residents, Crystal Lake has to be one of the leading communities for recreation in northwest Illinois.  To get a real good feeling about the parks  and programs that crystal Lake has to offer its residents just click on the link above and I am sure that you will find everything you are looking for in a community from the recreation aspect.

This was posted by Rodney Sterne Sales Associate Exit Platinum Realty  847-309-4563 

There are many scenic and challenging golf courses in the towns of Cary & Crystal Lake Illinois

The first being Cary Country Club.  Carry out your greenest desires at the Cary Country Club, one of the oldest golf courses in McHenry county.

Established in the early 1920s, the course has endured as a scenic landmark featuring rolling hills, plush surroundings and the occasional visits of friendly wildlife. The nature of the golf courses is very hilly and will give you quite a workout while you walk.

  The 18-hole course makes for a unique playing experience offering dramatic elevations on 4 holes. Over 350 members share the course with daily fee players.  Cary Country Club is also known for its sponsorship of various charitable events.

The 2nd and without a doubt the most challenging is Chalet Hills Golf Course.

Chalet Hills, completely re-designed by Ken Killian in 1993, ranks as one of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the Chicagoland area. With each hole offering unique problems, the #1 hdcp. Par 4, 5th hole presents a particularly stiff test for any golfer. At the spectacular 14th, a Par 4 carved through heavy timber, the green is surrounded by water on three sides. The par 4 ninth and par 5 eighteenth, which share a double green, encircle a large lake and tempt big hitters to bite off big chunks of the fairway. Chalet Hills, now a semi-private course, was given a 5-star rating by Golf Digest in 1998, 1999, and 2000. A new clubhouse offers great views from inside or out; and the food and beverage staff can accommodate groups of 25-150 for special outing

The third and just a tad easier than Chalet Hills but quite a  challenging is Foxford Hills Golf Course This course is breath taking

Foxford Hills Golf Club opened mid-June of 2002.  Located in Cary, Illinois, the course was designed by architect Tim Nugent and is a 7,023 yards, par 72, 18-hole golf course with a 32 station driving range that offers grass and mats. The course is owned by the Cary Park District.

The course was designed to be a player-friendly course that attracts the avid as well as the novice golfer. If you like golf, this course is a must play. The golf course is carved from exceptional wooded topography near the Fox River in eastern McHenry County on the western edge of Lake County. The first 6 holes can be described as an open, links style and prepares the golfer for the final 12 holes that are played through mature woodlands, natural wetlands, and elevation changes that enhance and offer unique challenges to each golfer.

There are five sets of tees, allowing players to choose yardages from 5,040 from the front tees to 7,023 from the back tees. The landing areas are a minimum of 40 yards wide; rough is maintained relatively short, and fescue areas border the primary rough with minimal penalizing effect. Greens average an undulating but fair 6,500 square feet and are A-4 bentgrass, which is a variety of bentgrass developed to providefast, smooth putting surfaces.

There are wetlands, but Nugent designed the course with few "forced carries." However, if a hole is impacted, bailout areas provide an opportunity for fair play.  The bunkering on the course is beautiful and strategic and may be the best in the Chicagoland area.  The bunkering concept and design was taken from the great and famous architect, Alister Mackenzie, designer of Augusta National and other famous venues.

The 4th of  the five Golf Courses  is Prairie Isle Golf Course.It is located in Crystal Lake and has a great layout, especially the 10th thru 13th holes which seem to be the most challenging holes on the course.   

Prairie Isle's design includes an unequaled blend of varied and assorted course features which combine to provide a challenging, yet fair golfing experience for players of all skill levels. The variety of yardages, angles of play and layout of holes present significant flexibility to encourage the golfer with an abundance of shot-making situations. The visual presentation of the course, together with its fairness, gives all players a rewarding and enjoyable experience

The last of the 5 Golf Courses  is Red Tail Golf Course  This golf course is Located in the Village of Lakewood Designed by Roger Packard, the 18-hole championship golf course has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest, 4 1/2 stars by Chicagoland Golf, and has been voted one of the best values in all of Illinois. The Roger Packard designed, 18 hole championship layout features bent grass tees, greens, and fairways, two island greens, and many natural wetlands.  bentgrass tees, greens and fairways, two island greens, four sets of tees and a multi-tiered,bentgrass practice facility with numerous target greens.

  The modest clubhouse offers a fine selection of high quality apparel and equipment, and fresh food selections are served up daily in the Hawk's Nest Bar and Grill. Golf programs at RedTail include permanent tee times, annual memberships, PGA instruction and a complete schedule of club-sponsored events. The club offers an excellent golf outing package that includes tournament scoring, on-course contests, personalized cart staging and prizes from the golf shop. For more information visit http://www.redtailgolf.com/.

If you are a golfer,  want to become a golfer and live in the Northern Illinois these 5 golf courses are a must. If you are looking to move to the McHenry county area and you enjoy golfing the communities of Cary and Crystal Lake are very accommodating. You will find these golf course a challenge and breath taking so why not book your tee time today . Just go to the links for each course and enjoy! 

Posted by Rodney Sterne Sales Associate Exit Platinum Realty Lake In The Hills Illinois 847-309-4563