The Richard Ives Blog

Why Pay Rent when you can own a home of your own?

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:36:29 -0600

On average, the value of a home nearly doubles every ten years

- Over the last ten years, the cost of rental housing in the U.S. has increased an average of 3% per year.

- The apartment or home that you rent for $750 a month will cost you more than $978 a month 10 years from now

- The National Association of REALTORS estimates that on average, the value of a home nearly doubles every ten years.

- As a homeowner you earn appreciation on your purchase price, something you cannot earn as a renter.

- In Illinois, the median home price has increased more than $40,000 since 2002. This value, paired with low interest rates and plentiful inventory makes now the perfect time to transition from renter to owner.

For all of your real estate needs Make An Intelligent Move and contact Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD, RECS, AIREE, REEA

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

(C) RICHARD IVES 2009

*Stats from NAR

Looking for a new home?

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:29:42 -0600

Free advanced search tools for home buyers

Compliments of Richard Ives, RE/MAX At Home

If you are currently in the market for a home, you will find my website an excellent resource. The site is continually updated with new and valuable information to aid in your decision making process.

The search feature allows you to filter thousands of listings based on attributes that you select. You can simply search for houses in a certain area and price range, or you can look for houses that fit your specific style. If you know you want a brick house with gas heat and a garage, you can get the results you're looking for. Most real estate websites don't offer that degree of choice.

By signing up with the Property Research Center, which is free, you have access to features that will help you find and organize the listings that best fit your needs:

Saved Searches allow you to preserve your searches for reference at a later time. You can easily maintain lists of properties that match your criteria without having to re-enter any information, and there is no limit to the number of searches you can save.
The Favorites Folder allows you to save the individual listings that you find appealing. You can save favorites from different searches into sub-folders, giving you the power to organize your favorite listings however you see fit. This is a great way to put in order those specific listings that interest you most. Again, you may save as many favorites as you wish.
With the New Listing Notification service, you can be updated via e-mail as to new listings that match the criteria of any saved search. There is no need to check back for updates to your searches. All you have to do is decide whether you want daily, weekly, or bi-weekly notifications of the most recent listings.

I always strive to make the home-buying process as smooth as possible. With the Property Research Center you have the tools at your fingertips that can get you started in the right direction. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions; I would love to be of assistance.

Again, thank you for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Working with a RE/MAX REALTOR

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:27:42 -0600

36 Years Above the Crowd!

Learn more about working with Richard Ives, Broker RE/MAX At Home Click Here

Richard Ives, Real Estate Broker & Instructor

The real estate network that has the most competitive advantages to offer both homebuyers and sellers will be an industry leader, and RE/MAX is that network. No one in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.

When you look for the highest quality real estate service, look toa RE/MAX Associate. Here's why RE/MAX Associates are "The Real EstateLeaders":

RE/MAX Market Share
RE/MAX Associates, as a group, have more exclusivelistings and more customers than agents with any other competing real estatenetwork.

Advertising
On average, a RE/MAX Associate spends about $5,000 eachyear on personal promotion and on individual and group advertising. Personaladvertising plus national television advertising and Internet exposuregenerates the highest number of prospects in the industry.

Network Size
The revolutionary RE/MAX Concept of enabling real estateprofessionals to maximize their business potential has evolved into anorganization of more than 78,000 Sales Associates in 4,300 offices.

RE/MAX Sales Associates
RE/MAX Associates, on average, lead the industry inproduction and professional designations.

The RE/MAX Balloon Logo
The red, white and blue RE/MAX Balloon, with its"Above the Crowd!®" slogan, is one of the most recognizable businesslogos in the world. With nearly 90 RE/MAX Hot Air Balloons around the globe,RE/MAX has the world's largest balloon fleet.

An Industry Leader
RE/MAX was the first real estate network to be involvedin more than 1 million transaction sides in a single year. Each transaction orsale consists of two sides, the listing side and the selling side.

Global Expansion
With offices in 43 countries worldwide, RE/MAX is one ofthe fastest-growing real estate franchise networks on the planet.

"The Hometown Experts With a World of Experience"
Being locally owned and operated, RE/MAX offices arestaffed with professionals who live in the area they work in. Thus, committedto their local community, they have a deep personal interest in the customersthey serve.

Committed to Real Estate Service
In a business environment of mergers and acquisitions,RE/MAX is the only major real estate network still owned and directed by itsfounders. The excellence of RE/MAX Broker/Owners and Sales Associates has ledto an ever-increasing number of accolades from the business community at large."Worth" magazine honored RE/MAX with its prestigious "Readers`Choice" award in both 1999 and 2000, naming RE/MAX the No. 1 real estatebrokerage. "Entrepreneur" magazine has ranked RE/MAX the No. 1 realestate services franchise for three consecutive years.

35 Years Above the Crowd
RE/MAX - now an established industry leader - celebratesits 35th anniversary in 2008 and looks ahead to even greater real estate achievementin the years ahead.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Looking to buy or sell a home ?

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:22:12 -0600

Free advanced search tools for home buyers and home sellers

Compliments of Richard Ives, RE/MAX At Home

By signing up with the Property Research Center, which is free, you have access to features that will help you find and organize the listings that best fit your needs:

Saved Searches allow you to preserve your searches for reference at a later time. You can easily maintain lists of properties that match your criteria without having to re-enter any information, and there is no limit to the number of searches you can save.
The Favorites Folder allows you to save the individual listings that you find appealing. You can save favorites from different searches into sub-folders, giving you the power to organize your favorite listings however you see fit. This is a great way to put in order those specific listings that interest you most. Again, you may save as many favorites as you wish.
With the New Listing Notification service, you can be updated via e-mail as to new listings that match the criteria of any saved search. There is no need to check back for updates to your searches. All you have to do is decide whether you want daily, weekly, or bi-weekly notifications of the most recent listings.

Again, thank you for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Help A Homeless Pet This Holiday Season

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:18:10 -0600

So did you watch the Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie A Dog Named Christmas that aired on CBS on Sunday, November 29, 2009?

Did you like the idea of giving a homeless pet a home for the holidays?

Would you like to help a homeless pet this holiday season?

You can give a lonely pet the gift of
love and affection this Christmas, too.

Learn more about fostering a homeless pet for the holidays at

http://www.petfinder.com/blog/2009/11/17/foster-a-lonely-pet-for-the-holidays/

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Thought For The Week: December 7, 2009

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:09:27 -0600

To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven.

Karen Sunde

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Quote of the week

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:07:47 -0600

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Pearl Harbor Day: December 7th, 1941

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:04:18 -0600

Today we remember Pearl Harbor Day

December 7, 1941

68 years later,

we remember

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Free tools for home buyers and sellers

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:26:29 -0600

Free advanced search tools for home buyers and sellers

Compliments of Richard Ives, RE/MAX At Home

By signing up with the Property Research Center, which is free, you have access to features that will help you find and organize the listings that best fit your needs:

Saved Searches allow you to preserve your searches for reference at a later time. You can easily maintain lists of properties that match your criteria without having to re-enter any information, and there is no limit to the number of searches you can save.
The Favorites Folder allows you to save the individual listings that you find appealing. You can save favorites from different searches into sub-folders, giving you the power to organize your favorite listings however you see fit. This is a great way to put in order those specific listings that interest you most. Again, you may save as many favorites as you wish.
With the New Listing Notification service, you can be updated via e-mail as to new listings that match the criteria of any saved search. There is no need to check back for updates to your searches. All you have to do is decide whether you want daily, weekly, or bi-weekly notifications of the most recent listings.

Again, thank you for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Thought For The Week

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:13:22 -0600

Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience.

-Victoria Holt

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

From our home to yours, all of us at the Richard Ives Team wish you a safe and Happy Holiday and a very Happy 2010!

Sincerely,

Richard Ives

December 2009 Real Estate News

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:00:09 -0600

Expanded Tax Credit is Good News for First Time and Repeat Home Buyers Alike!

Home sellers and potential buyers nationwide welcomed the recent news that Congress had decided to extend and greatly expand the Home Buyer's tax credit in an attempt to further stimulate the economy. Not only does the new legislation extend the existing first time buyer's credit until mid-next year, but it also creates a tax credit for qualified repeat buyers. The change in legislation will relieve home buyers scrambling to meet the original deadline and may encourage a wider range of buyers to consider purchasing a residence.

What Has Changed with the New Law?

Deadline: Whereas the original tax credit was set to expire on December 1st, buyers now have additional time to find their dream home! Buyers must have a contract to purchase a residence in place before May 1 2010, and the deal must close before July 1, 2010 in order to take advantage of the tax credits. At this stage, no additional extensions are anticipated.

Sale Price Limit: A ceiling has now been set for the sales price of homes eligible for the tax credit. For purchases made after Nov. 6, the tax credit is only available for any homes costing less than $800,000.

$6,500 Credit for Repeat Buyers: Homeowners considering a new home purchase may now be eligible for their own tax credit. Taxpayers who have lived in the same residence for five consecutive years out of the past eight can now qualify for a tax credit of as much as 10% of the purchase price of a new principal residence (up to a maximum $6,500). The new residence need not be a single-family home, and there is no requirement that the new residence must cost more than the previous residence. Note: the credit for repeat buyers does not apply to homes purchased prior to November 6th of this year.

More Accommodating Income Requirements: The tax credit was designed to phase out based on income levels, meaning the amount of the tax credit decreases as the filer's income approaches the maximum limit. Under the previous format, income restrictions called for the tax credit to begin phasing out for individuals making $75,000 annually, (modified adjusted gross income*), with no credit available to individuals making $95,000 or more. For married couples filing jointly, this "phasing out" range was $150,000 - $170,000 under the previous law. The income limits set within the new law are far more liberal. For single filers, the credits now begin phasing out at $125,000 up to $145,000 of modified adjusted gross income. For married couples filing jointly, the range begins at $225,000 and ends at $245,000.

The existing phase-out ranges of $75,000 to $95,000 or $150,000 to $170,000 for joint filers still apply to purchases on or before Nov. 6, 2009.
(*For most people, modified adjusted gross income will be the same as adjusted gross income.)

Anti-Abuse Measures: The new law contains anti-abuse measures designed to address and prevent fraudulent applications for the home-buyer tax credit. Persons who are under the age of 18 or who are claimed as dependants by other taxpayers will not be qualified for the tax credit program. Taxpayers taking the credit will also have to furnish proof of purchase. After filling out IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, buyers must attach a copy of their HUD-1 settlement form (i.e. closing statement) as proof of the completed home purchase.

Additional Limitations on Buyer-Seller Relationship: Under the previous law, buyers were not eligible for the tax credit when purchasing a home from a lineal ancestor or descendent. The new law applying to purchases made after Nov. 6 also prohibits buyers from taking the credit if the home is purchased from a spouse or the spouse's lineal relatives.

What Aspects of the Original Credit Remain?

Up to $8,000 Credit for New Buyers: First-time home buyers remain eligible for a credit of as much as 10% of the purchase price of a new principal residence, up to a maximum $8,000. "First-time" is still defined as buyers who haven't owned a principal residence for a three year period prior to the home purchase (including both partners of a married couple).

Three Year "Principle Residence" Window: Neither the New Home Buyer Credit nor the Repeat Home Buyer Credit needs to be repaid provided that the buyer(s) reside in the home for a period of three years following the purchase. If within 36 months of the date of purchase the property is no longer used as the taxpayer's principal residence, the taxpayer is required to repay the credit. Repayment of the full amount of the credit must be included with the income tax return for the year in which the home ceased to be the taxpayer's principal residence. The full amount of the credit is reflected as additional tax on that year's tax return.

Tax Credit <> Not Deduction: The credits offer a refundable dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. For example, a taxpayer who owes $10,000 and qualifies for the full $8,000 tax credit would only owe the IRS $2,000. This offers a greater savings than a tax deduction.

The term "refundable" means that either of the home buyer credits can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little to no federal income tax liability to offset. If the qualifying credit exceeds the taxpayer's liability, the government would refund the excess portion of the tax credit. For example, if you qualify for an $8,000 credit but only owe $5,000 in tax, you could receive a $3,000 check from the Internal Revenue Service.

Tax Return Filing Options: 2009 home buyers may claim the credit on either their 2008 or 2009 returns, while 2010 buyers can claim the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 returns.

*As always consult your tax professional regarding your tax questions

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

From our home to yours, all of us at the Richard Ives Team wish you a safe and Happy Holiday and a very Happy 2010!

Sincerely,

Richard Ives

Winter 2009

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:56:11 -0600

Is your home ready for winter?

As the weather outside continues to remind us, summer is in the past. You may be considering some repairs around the house to prepare for the cold months of winter. I've compiled a list of fall maintenance ideas to help you get started! Gutters and downspouts Check to make sure they are working properly. Fireplace and flue Repair cracks, and crumbling mortar. Check and replace gasket on woodstove if necessary. Siding Inspect exterior caulking, and repair if necessary. Storm windows and doors Check for any cracked or broken glass. Tighten or repair loose or damaged frames and repaint if necessary. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers, and check for broken or missing glazing. Weather-stripping Inspect and repair stripping around windows and doors. Hot-water heating system Lubricate pump and motor; bleed air from radiators or convectors. Forced warm-air heating system Vacuum heat exchanger surfaces; clean and lubricate blower blades and motor; check fan belt tension and adjust if necessary. Gas burner Clean burners and ports. Oil burner Lubricate fan and motor bearings. Thermostat Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts; check accuracy and replace if necessary. Garage Doors Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers, and tracks; tighten screws. Foundation Check grading for proper slope away from foundation wall. Trees Trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from roof. Heating For steam heating, check shut-off valve for leaks and drain lower water cut-off per manufacturer's instructions. Roof Inspect roof surface, flashing, and eaves; repair if necessary. I hope you've found this list helpful.

If you're doing any repairs or preventative maintenance that requires the help of professionals, I'd be happy to give you some referrals. I'm also available to answer any of your real estate or home owning questions. You can also find more tips for homeowners on my website! Call if I can be of help to you.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

From our home to yours, all of us at the Richard Ives Team wish you a safe and Happy Holiday and a very Happy 2010!

Sincerely,

Richard Ives

Wesołych Świąt

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:01:53 -0600

Wesołych Świąt

Wishing you and your family the gifts of Peace, Hope and Joy this Holiday Season and throughout the coming year.

http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/23429/154545/154545.swf

From all of us at The Richard Ives Team

From Our Home to yours we would like to wish you all a very Happy Holiday and a great 2010!

Holiday Greetings from,

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Joyeux Noël

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:59:29 -0600

Wishing you and your family the gifts of Peace, Hope and Joy this Holiday Season and throughout the coming year.

http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/23429/154545/154545.swf

From all of us at The Richard Ives Team

From Our Home to yours we would like to wish you all a very Happy Holiday and a great 2010!

Holiday Greetings from,

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Moving?

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:53:15 -0600

When relocating or buying a new home, there is one thing that most people dread: moving day. While it can indeed be a hectic day, planning your move weeks in advance can make things much smoother. It's also important to know what to expect on moving day itself. Here are some things to keep in mind:

# 1: Make final preparations
Strip bedding and put into a "load last" box. Unplug all appliances, leaving cords clearly visible. If you haven't done so already, defrost your refrigerator and freezer, leaving the doors open.

# 2: Clear a path
Keep packed boxes in a room close to the door but out of the way. Survey for any obstacles that could block carried furniture such as railings or fence gates. Place non-slip rugs in any high traffic areas.

# 3: Call the sitter
Your family pet should be confined, or better yet, left with a friend. Even the nicest of animals will find a way to be dangerously underfoot. You may also want to leave small children with a friend or sitter during the bustle of the move itself.

# 4: Keep everyone refreshed
Whether you're using professional movers or just your friends, make sure that everyone is comfortable and hydrated. If it is a hot day, provide lots of cold beverages and snacks. On cold days offer hot chocolate and coffee. Ordering pizza for lunch is a nice way to show everyone you appreciate all the hard work.

# 5: Keep neighbors (old and new) happy
Keep the moving truck from blocking other driveways, and make sure not to walk through your neighbor's lawn. Move during the day to avoid disturbing the neighborhood.

# 6: Last walkthrough
Be sure to leave your old house as clean as you'd hope to find your new one. Check one last time for any forgotten items, leave one or two lights on (to make the home seem warm) and lock all doors and windows.

# 7: Coordinate your move
If using professional movers, ask any remaining questions, finalize all contact information, and sign both the bill of lading and inventory sheet after careful review. Go over the destination address and projected route, as well as expected travel time.

I hope these tips help you as you near your own moving day. You'll also find more resources for relocation on my website.

If you need any help or have questions about moving companies, I'd love to be of assistance. Together, we can ensure that your move becomes a smooth and successful one.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Quote of the week

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:13:46 -0600

Richard Ives,ABR,e-PRO,RECS,AHWD,SRES
Broker/Instructor
RE/MAX

Quote of the week:

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Feliz Navidad

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:32:54 -0600

Wishing you and your family the gifts of Peace, Hope and Joy this Holiday Season and throughout the coming year.

http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/23429/154545/154545.swf

From all of us at The Richard Ives Team

From Our Home to yours we would like to wish you all a very Happy Holiday and a great 2010!

Holiday Greetings from,

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Quote of the week

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:26:57 -0600

Richard Ives,ABR,e-PRO,AHWD,SRES
Broker/Instructor
RE/MAX

Quote of the week:

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
-- Eleanor Roosevelt

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

This Christmas Help Support Community Partners, It is Free easy and you will be helping a school

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:24:33 -0600

Does anyone shop at an Albertson's Grocery store in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nevada, Florida, or Idaho?

If so there is a FREE and easy way to help St. Joseph School. All you have to do is scan a community partners card every time you shop at Albertsons and the school will receive money from Albertsons.

There is no charge for the Community Partners Card. If you would be interested let me know.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Is Your Home Ready For Winter?

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:18:03 -0600

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

http://www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

FREE Home Search Tools For Home Buyers and Home Sellers in Northern Illinois

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:10:27 -0600

Free advanced search tools for home buyers

Compliments of Richard Ives, RE/MAX At Home

By signing up with the Property Research Center, which is free, you have access to features that will help you find and organize the listings that best fit your needs:

Saved Searches allow you to preserve your searches for reference at a later time. You can easily maintain lists of properties that match your criteria without having to re-enter any information, and there is no limit to the number of searches you can save.
The Favorites Folder allows you to save the individual listings that you find appealing. You can save favorites from different searches into sub-folders, giving you the power to organize your favorite listings however you see fit. This is a great way to put in order those specific listings that interest you most. Again, you may save as many favorites as you wish.
With the New Listing Notification service, you can be updated via e-mail as to new listings that match the criteria of any saved search. There is no need to check back for updates to your searches. All you have to do is decide whether you want daily, weekly, or bi-weekly notifications of the most recent listings.

Again, thank you for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Buying A Home in Today's Real Estate Market

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:07:19 -0600

These days home buyers who have good credit can get a mortgage with a fixed rate of less than 6%.

Homeownership is a great long-term investment and paying rent will not make you rich.

Home is where families create their memories. It is where they can rest, and create their own personal retreat.

Homeownership does work! Buying a home does generate wealth for all homeowners as a long-term investement.

The time to get in the real estate market is now before it is too late. Buyers markets like the one that we are in now do not come around that often and when they do they do not last forever. Contact me to see how you can make homeownership work for you.

Your Realtor,

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, RECS, AHWD

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

From our home to yours, all of us at the Richard Ives Team wish you a safe and Happy Holiday and a very Happy 2010!

Sincerely,

Richard Ives

Seasons Greetings

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:57:59 -0600

Wishing you and your family the gifts of Peace, Hope and Joy this Holiday Season and throughout the coming year.

http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/23429/154545/154545.swf

From all of us at The Richard Ives Team

From Our Home to yours we would like to wish you all a very Happy Holiday and a great 2010!

Holiday Greetings from,

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Help Homeless Pets This Holiday

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:54:43 -0600

I would like to invite you to send your empty ink and toner cartridges to PetsMart Charities. Your empty ink and toner cartridges can make a difference in the lives of homeless pets. Each empty ink and toner cartridge is directly donated to PetsMart Charities to support their lifesaving work. 100% of the money goes to help homeless pets.

Not only will you be helping to make a difference in the life of a homeless pet it is also GREAT for our environment as well. It is FREE easy and you will be helping homeless pets and our environment. Everybody wins!

To order your recycling supplies e-mail petsmartcharities@cashforcritters.com or visit their web site at www.petsmartcharities.org.

Thank You for helping to make a differnce for our environment and in the lives of homeless pets.

For all of your real estate needs Make An Intelligent Move and contact Richard Ives of RE/MAX At Home.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Care Package to our Illinois Troops in Iraq This Holiday

Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:51:33 -0600

In my blog today I would like to ask you all for your help with Sending a Care Package to our Illinois Troops in Iraq

Helping Our Heroes is currently sending care packages to soldiers overseas. They have shipped over 75 boxes to our heroes since Thanksgiving week. They are currently looking for additional items to send abroad.

The items the soldiers can use:

personal hygiene items
movies (DVD)
music CD's
dried fruit
hard candy
nuts
playing cards
games
books
even Twinkies, Nutty Buddy and Hostess cupcakes! (we all know Twinkies last forever)

They will try and tailor a package to a specific soldier. For example:

They are supporting a Staff Sergeant who is working with local families and children in Iraq. They have been sending school supplies to her.

They are also working with a chaplain who is with a troop of 5500 soldiers. He has been giving candy to soldiers as he ministers to them.

So as you can see, the sky is the limit. PLEASE NOTE: Flammable items cannot be sent. But they were able to send some manicure/pedicure kits and hydrating lotion to a troop that is stationed high in the mountains.

Every thank you note that they have received had stated that the soldiers are sharing the goodies with their tent or room mates! Everything is appreciated.

Please deliver these items to Richard Ives at RE/MAX At Home 3215 Algonquin Rd. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 and he will be delivering them to the REALTOR Associtaion of Northwest Chicagoland/Helping Our Heroes who will be sending the items to the troops in Iraq. Thank you in advance for your help. Together we can make a difference.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD, RECS, AIREE, REEA

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

From our home to yours, all of us at the Richard Ives Team wish you a safe and Happy Holiday and a very Happy 2010!

Sincerely,

Richard Ives