Donna Hahn's Blog

What to pack in an emergency kit

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:46:14 -0800

A second wave of swine flu could hit this fall, and health experts recommend creating an emergency kit if the outbreak is severe. Of course, it's a good idea to keep a kit for any emergency.

What you need for emergencies:

Food

At least three days' worth of nonperishable, ready-to-eat foods, such as canned goods, dry cereal, and peanut butter.

Water

At least one gallon per person per day for three days. Bottled water is best because it can be stored indefinitely at room temperature, if it remains properly sealed and is kept dry and away from direct sunlight.

First-aid kit

You can buy a kit or build your own. Include a first-aid manual, antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment, bandages, burn ointment, calamine lotion, cold packs, eye-wash solution, gauze, gloves, hydrocortisone cream, scissors, tape, a thermometer, and tweezers. Also include any prescription and over-the-counter medications your family might need:

Antihistamines for allergic reactions, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy and generic) or loratadine (Claritin and generic).

Pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and generic) or naproxen (Aleve and generic). Children should not take aspirin, except with a doctor's recommendation.

Stomach and antidiarrhea remedies, including loperamide (Imodium and generic).

Antacids, including Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums, and generic.

Remember that drugs do expire; old drugs should not be used.

What you need for a flu outbreak

A two-week supply of food and water in case you're confined to your home. Also stock:

Fever reducers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Cough and cold medications containing chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, oxymetazoline, and pseudoephedrine and lozenges with dyclonine, glycerin, or honey.

Electrolyte drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, to keep you hydrated.

Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, such as Purell, to kill viruses when soap and water aren't available.

Surgical masks with a rating from the FDA of at least N-95 to help prevent spreading the flu. Masks need to be replaced often and disposed of after use.

Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-living/health-safety/emergency-kits/overview/emergency-kits-ov.htm

Checklist for Moving 8-8

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:44:17 -0800

AT YOUR NEW ADDRESS:

Check out service of telephone, gas, electricity, & water and possible cable

Check pilot light on stove, water heater, incinerator & water

Have new address recorded on drivers license or apply for new license

Arrange for medical services; doctor, dentist, etc.

Checklist for Moving 7-8

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:43:28 -0800

ON MOVING DAY:

Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you make open accts.

Carry jewelry and documents yourself, or use registered mail

Plan transporting pets; they are poor traveling companies if unhappy

Double-check closets, drawers & shelves to be sure they are empty

Leave old keys needed by new tenant or owner with Realtor or Attorney (if not going to attend closing)

Checklist for Moving 6-8

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:42:34 -0800

AND DON'T FORGET TO:

Empty Freezer

Defrost Freezer, and clean Refrigerator, place charcoal to dispel odors

Have appliances serviced for moving

Sweep and mop all vinyl or ceramic floors

Sweep garage floor

Clean rugs or clothing before moving, have them wrapped for moving

Check with your moving company:

Insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, & payments.

Plan for special care needs for infants

Checklist for Moving 5-8

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:41:16 -0800

Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories:

Ask doctors, dentists for referrals (if moving out of state)

Transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays

Obtain Birth records, medical records, etc.

Checklist for Moving 4-8

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:01:12 -0700

Utility Companies:

Call the Gas, Light, Water, Telephone and Cable Companies and have the service stopped in your name for the day of closing.

Remember to Get Refunds on any deposits that you may have had to make on the accounts.

Checklist for Moving 3-8

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:14:41 -0700

Insurance: Notify company of new location for coverage's: Life, Health, Fire & Auto

Checklist for Moving 2 of 8

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:35:08 -0700

Things to do at the Bank:

Transfer Funds if needed,
Arrange check-cashing in new city
Arrange Credit Reference
Find out where the closest ATM Machine other than at the Bank

If you would like to search for a new home please go to www.soldalotofhomes.com

Checklist for Moving 1 of 8

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:25:16 -0700

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

Give change of address to:

Post Office, Charge Accounts, Credit Cards

Subscriptions: notice requires several weeks

Friends and Families

About Today's Market...That you'll never hear!

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:47:55 -0700

About Today's Market...That you'll never hear!

Fact: Approximately 30% of all U.S. homes are free and clear and do not have a mortgage.

Fact: Of the 70% of households that do have a mortgage, 96.7% are not in foreclosure.

Source: Mortgage Bankers Association

It seems like every time we turn on the evening news or read a newspaper headline, the bad news deepens our fear and concerns about the economy. With the news media in full throttle, using terms such as "MELTDOWN" and "CRISIS," it's easy to understand why you might lack confidence in buying or selling a home.

We have to remind ourselves that the media reports NEGATIVE news, not positive news. Their key objective is to pull in an audience (and advertisers), not to make you feel good about yourself.

They announce the unemployment rate rising, despite the fact that millions of people are still working, making money, eating at restaurants and even buying/selling homes. In fact, while 3.3% of homes in the United States are in foreclosure, 96.7% are in good standing.

Instead of internalizing the negativity the headlines can cause, choose to be optimistic and focus on the opportunities around you.

Fact: When mortgage rates fall to a record low, housing affordability surges to a record high.

NAR Predictions: 2009 Inflation Forecast: 4.0% to 5.0%
Real Household Income Growth = -2 % to -3%
Consumer Spending Down 5% to 10%

Fact: The Housing Affordability Index is at the highest level of affordability in history.

As of January 2009, the Housing Affordability Index hit 166.8 This means that a typical household earning the median family income ($59,821) would have 166.8% of the qualifying income to purchase a median-priced existing single-family home ($169,900) with a 20% down payment-the highest level of housing affordabilit in history.

Source: National Association of Realtors

First-time buyers:

First-time buyers have more flexibility when entering into the real estate market because they aren'tconcerned about selling an existing home-and given the low home prices, plentiful supply and attractive interest rates, it's an optimal time for entry-level buyers with a long-term view. Plus, first-time buyers can get a tax credit for as much as 10% of a primary residence purchase (up to $8,000) as part of the recently passed Economic Stimulus Bill of 2009.

Move-up buyer:

If you own a home that doesn't fulfill your current needs or you have a desire to change neighborhoods, take advantage of all options in available inventory.It's a perfect time to find a home you really love.

Investor:

Houses are on SALE! Prices have adjusted approximately 12% across the country. If you are looking for along-term investment in real estate, then you should be enthusiastically looking for properties right now. With the built-in discount on prices and interest rates, smart investors can hold onto the property to build equity and long-term wealth.

Source: www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Go get your $7,500 15-year interest free loan from the government

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:30:39 -0800

Go get your $7,500 15-year interest free loan from the government

Tax credit offered to new homebuyers

Expires June 30, 2009!

Who is eligible?

- First-time homebuyers or any homebuyers who have not owned a principal residence in the last three years
How does it work?
- Eligible purchasers can claim the $7,500 credit on their annual tax return form.

•· Amount of credit: 10% of cost of home or a maximum of $7,500

Repayment:
- Two years after the credit is claimed, the homebuyer will have to start paying it back.
- 15 equal annual installments will have to be paid back to the IRS every year.

•· 6.67% of the borrowed amount or a maximum of $502

- If home is sold before 15 years, the remainder of the loan will have to be repaid to the IRS upon the sale.

•· Part of the liability can be forgiven if the gain on the sale is less than the amount of the loan.

Restrictions:
- Home purchase time limit:

•· Homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009

- Home must be a single family residence (including condos, coops) that will be used as a principal residence.
- Home must be located in the United States.
- Home cannot be financed through mortgage revenue bonds.
- Income restriction:

•· To qualify for full $7,500 credit, the taxpayer must make no more than

•a. $75,000 for single returns

•b. $150,000 for joint returns

•· To still qualify for credit but at a lesser amount, the following income caps apply

•a. $95,000 for single returns

•b. $170,000 for joint returns

For more information on the tax credit:

http://www.realtor.org/gapublic.nsf/files/hbtaxcreditqa2008.pdf/$FILE/hbtaxcreditqa2008.pdf

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq.php

Do you know a buyer for these homes?

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:58:15 -0800

1449 Schoenherr Ave, $389,829 4 Br, 3.1 Bths, Bolingbrook Park District, Plainfield Schools, Full Finished Basement - click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=950418

13 Taylor Ct. $290,000 4 Br., 2.1 Bths, Bolingbrook Park District and Schools Click here for a visual Tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1488881 for Sale or for Rent $2000.00

1533 Glenside Dr., $310,000 - 4 Br., 2.1 Bths, Bolingbrook Park District, Plainfield Schools, Click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=949893

770 Lenox Ave., $329,900 - 4 Br, 3.1 Bths, Bolingbrook Park District, Plainfield Schools, full Finished Basement - click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1005659

3013 Kentshire Cr., $187,900 - Naperville, 2 Br, 1.1 Bath Townhome in Naperville, close to the Naperville Train Station, click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1723051

129 Gingko, $298,000 - 4 BR., 2.1 Baths, Bolingbrook Park District and Schools click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1631141

1469 Waterside Dr., $299, 995 - 4 Br. 2.1 Bths, Bolingbrook Park District, Plainfield Schools, click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1584396 For sale or for Rent $2000.00

If you have any buyers that might be interested in one of these homes, please give me a call at 630-759-4839 TODAY!

Somerfields/Fields of Bradford 9th Annual Halloween Parade

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:08:18 -0700

Hello All,

Though the weather didnt cooperate with the Parade as it was soooo windy and cold that I was not able to set up the carnival games but the children enjoyed collecting their candy and meeting with the Fire Department (too bad the Police Department didnt show up) the children also had a great time sitting in the Fire Truck and seeing all thier equipment.

See you all next year for the 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt in either March or April and of course for next years Halloween Parade.

Donna

Somerfield / Fields of Bradford Subdivsions Halloween Parade

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:01:49 -0700

On Sunday, October 26th, 1:30 - 2:30 Residents of Somerfield and Fields of Bradford will attend their 9th Annual Halloween Parade. Come back at the end of the month to see the photos of this GREAT event. Last year I had over 100 children and thier familes come out for parade & carnival games and also visited with Officer Ferry about Halloween Safety and The Bolingbrook Fire Department who shared their Fire Truck allowing children to get inside for a look around. Only Residents may attend, and they must register with Donna Hahn to ensure that they receive their Halloween Bag of goodies.

Home for Sale in Somerfield - 1469 Waterside Dr.

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:57:35 -0700

1469 Waterside Dr, Bolingbrook, IL	send this to a friend
Corner Lot across from park with fenced yard	print this page

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $299,995

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	1,916
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$20 per month

DESCRIPTION

A LOVELY MELBOURNE MODEL WITH 4 BR, 2.1 BTHS, WHITE 6 PANEL DOORS, HARDWOOD IN FOYER & KIT. OAK CABS., BUILT IN MICRO, LARGE CORNER LOT W/FENCED BACK YARD, FIREPLACE, 2FT. EXT. IN LIVING RM, & MB. SECURITY SYSTEM, CENTER ISLAND, 2 STORY FOYER W/ PLANT SHELF, FULL BASEMENT, BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED HUNTER DOUGLASS WINDOW TREAMTMENTS & NO SSA TAX A MUST SEE!

Front View

click on thumbnail to enlarge

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Fireplace	Walk-in closet
Hardwood floor	Family room	Living room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Washer	Dryer
Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Home for Sale in Southgate Park - 770 Lenox Ave.

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:24:49 -0700

MLS #: 06790519

770 Lenox Avenue
BOLINGBROOK
Offered at $339,900

4 Bedrooms
3.1 Bathrooms
2918 Sq Ft (approx)
Full Finished Basement with Bath & Bedroom
First Floor Den

Seller says their ready to close & priced it to do that. Buyers check the compitition and see how below market this home is priced. Home offers many upgrades, 42" Cabinets, Ceramic Tile in Kitchen, Foyer, & Bths, Center Island, Full Finished Basement w/ 5th Bedroom & Full Bath. Pergo Flrs in 1st Floor Den & FR, Beautiful Landscaping. Large Brick & Concrete Patios. Ceiling Fans, Large Master BR, Great Landscaping, Quick Close Possible & Plainfield Schools.

Donna Hahn
Keller Williams Realty
1271 Rickert Drive #111
Naperville, IL 60540
Direct:(630) 759-4839
Personal Fax:(866) 844-6325
SOLDALOT@KW.COM
soldalotofhomes.com

Keller Williams Realty

All measurements and figures are approximate. Source of information is deemed reliable, but not verified.

Topic 409 - Capital Gains and Losses

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:40:50 -0700

Topic 409 - Capital Gains and Losses

Almost everything you own and use for personal or investment purposes is a capital asset. Examples are your home, household furnishings, and stocks or bonds held in your personal account. When you sell a capital asset, the difference between the amount you sell it for and your basis, which is usually what you paid for it, is a capital gain or a capital loss. If you received the asset as a gift or inheritance, refer to Topic 703 for information about your basis. You have a capital gain if you sell the asset for more than your basis. You have a capital loss if you sell the asset for less than your basis. Losses from the sale of personal-use property, such as your home or car, are not deductible.

Capital gains and losses are classified as long-term or short-term. If you hold the asset for more than one year before you dispose of it, your capital gain or loss is long-term. If you hold it one year or less, your capital gain or loss is short-term.

Capital gains and deductible capital losses are reported on Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF). If you have a net capital gain, that gain may be taxed at a lower tax rate. The term "net capital gain" means the amount by which your net long-term capital gain for the year is more than your net short-term capital loss. The highest tax rate on a net capital gain is generally 15% (or 5%, if it would otherwise be taxed at 15% or less). There are 3 exceptions:

The taxable part of a gain from qualified small business stock is taxed at a maximum 28% rate.
Net capital gain from selling collectibles (such as coins or art) is taxed at a maximum 28% rate.
The part of any net capital gain from selling Section 1250 real property that is required to be recaptured in excess of straight-line depreciation is taxed at a maximum 25% rate.

If you have a taxable capital gain, you may be required to make estimated tax payments. Refer to Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, for additional information.

If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, the amount of the excess loss that can be claimed is limited to $3,000, or $1,500 if you are married filing separately. If your net capital loss is more than this limit, you can carry the loss forward to later years. Use the Capital Loss Carryover Worksheet in Publication 550, to figure the amount carried forward.

Additional information on capital gains and losses is available in Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses, and Publication 544, Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets. If you sell your main home, refer to Topics 701 and 703, or to Publication 523, Selling Your Home.

Source: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc409.html

3rd Annual somerfield/Fields of Bradford Easter Egg Hunt a HUGE Success!

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:09:25 -0700

Though it was a little cold on March 15th, 2008, the kids had a great time. The Easter Bunny was hopping all around and the Adults were enjoying the Carabou Coffee, Hot Apple Cider and Cookies that Store Manager Barb Berry donated for our event. Click on the link below to view the Visual Tour and see how much fun we had.

http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1431902

Have a wonderful Easter,

Donna Hahn

Somerfields/Fields of Bradford 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:50:09 -0700

3rd Annual Somerfield & Fields of Bradford Easter Egg Hunt

Sponsored by: Donna Hahn of Keller Williams Realty, Eric Hamilton of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Connie Butcher Attorney at Law, Jim Mazzuca of Boyer-Rosene Moving & Storage (Bekins)

Place: Somerfield's Sunset Park (Dalton Lane & Scarlet Dr..)

When: Saturday, March 15, 2008 Weather permitting, No Rain Date! If Raining please plan on Picking up your child's treat bag under the Park Pavilion at 11:00 am

Who may participate: Children or Grandchildren who live in either of the subdivisions (due to the amount of children participating we must restrict who may attend, thank you for your understanding)

Time: 11:00 a.m. Sharp

Age Groups: 1 - 3, 4 - 6 and 7-11

You MUST sign up for this event by March 8th to ensure I have enough eggs for all, please email me with your Child's(ren) Name, & Age, to Soldalot@kw.com or go to estatesofsomerfield.com to sign up there. Please bring a basket for your child to put their eggs in, we again will be asking for the eggs back afterwards.

Event Coordinator - Donna Hahn

Great News to Seller, A Buyer may now qualify for your Home

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:20:31 -0700

Great News to Sellers, A Buyer may now qualify for Your Home

With The Temporary Raise In FHA Loan Amounts

- Effective Friday, March 7, at 7 a.m. Central time -

Current Max Mortgage $275,200 New Max Mortgage $410,000.00

Limits increase.............Credit policy parameters are the same The biggest benefit of the FHA limit increase is offering borrowers the higher loan amounts with the same credit policy parameters - all credit requirements, LTV's, and debt-to-income ratios remain just as they are today.

Benefits of the Temporary FHA limits

Pricing is currently lower than standard Conventional 30 YR Fixed.
No Minimum credit score!
FHA loans are fully assumable
FHA loans allow gift funds for down payment = 100% Financing
FHA loans help capture the low-to-no down payment clients. These programs have continued to be very limited and carry much higher interest rates.
FHA loans allow non-occupant co-borrowers
FHA loans allow Flex/Fixed Buydowns!
FHA loans will help First Time Homebuyers buy homes

If you are a buyer looking for a new home this is good news for you as well! Call myself or your real estate agent today to start your home buying experience.

Ignore the Headlines! Except this one.

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:46:11 -0800

Sure housings in a hole. But there's a potent case for buying now, weather it's real estate or stocks.

While today's market plays to your advantage as a buyer, with reduced housing costs and favorable interest rates, are you sitting by waiting?

When the market turns, today's bargains will be yesterday's missed opportunities.

While it is conceivable that home prices may drop further, it is likely that the decreased prices will be accompanied by increased financing costs due to rate cuts by the Fed. This means that any money saved on paying less for a house in a few months time will be offset by having to pay off your mortgage at a higher interest rate making "playing the waiting game" a waste of time (and very little fun).

The table below demonstrates how even as home prices may drop, monthly mortgage payments basically stay the same; due to increased interest rates:

Today                                                                               Cost in 12 months
$218,900                              Typical Home price                  $197,010
put 20% down and get a                                                     If prices dop an additional 10%
30-year fixed-rate mortgage

5.5%                                    Interest Rate                          6.0%
Current rates after                                                              Recession ends, and the
recent declines                                                                  Fed starts to raise rates

$994.31                                Monthly Payment                    $994.94

Conclusion: If you waited a year to buy, you would have save nothing and spent a year living someplace you'd rather not be. source: lending tree

Call me today to help me find your dream home.

Source: Dan Kadlec. "Ignore the Headlines!" Time 25 February 2008

Welcome to Donna Hahn's Real Estate Blog

Donna Hahn (Rozanski Realty) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:03:45 -0800

Welcome! Please check back often to find out everything you might want to know about real estate. I will be adding to my blog as much as my time allows, but hopefully once a week if I dont then that is good as it means real estate is going well. :-)

If there is something that you would like to know, please feel free to ask and I will find the resources to answer that question if I can not.

Or if you are are in the market to purchase a new home or would like to sell your present one, please contact me today. I like to work where my clients want me to go as most of my business is by referrals. I do list a lot in Bolingbrook and I specialize in the Somerfield & Southgate Park Subdivision, with which I have 6 current listings ready for your wonderful family to buy them.

Until next time,

Donna