Sarah Palin.  These two words can make you smile, feel jubilant, and conjure up all kinds of positive feelings. Unfortunately the same two words also send many into apoplexy.  Regardless of what she and her family has gone through, Sarah remains strong, doesn't act like a victim, and she's no quitter.

I came across this article today by a reformed liberal in Berkeley, no less.  Her thoughts and feelings are not really revelations to me, but if you ever wonder why the left hates Sarah, this might explain it, The Wilding of Sarah Palin. 

(Wilding - an outrageous rampage usually involving sexual attacks by men on women)

I agree with her explanation, what do you think? 

Please read the article before you comment.  Thank you!

Sometimes pictures speak louder than words...

as a candidate from Illinois refusing to pledge allegiance...

as the CinC of the Armed Forces refusing to salute to honor the vets on Veteran's Day. 

Sometimes lack of pictures speak volumes...former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura, without fanfare, visited the families and the victims of the Fort Hood terrorist attack while Obama went to Camp David.

Refusing to pledge allegiance is disturbing; refusing to salute the vets is disrespectful and shows lack of character.  His lack of action is inexcusable...he is vacillating while the troops are dying. 

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended

Great news!  Both Houses of Congress passed the $8,000 Tax Credit extension for First Time Home Buyers from December 1, 2009 when it would have expired to April 30, 2010.  Further, some provisions have been added for eligibility, including increased income limits for individuals or couples, detailed by NAR.

Call Yolanda for more information on the extended tax credit for first time home buyers, 618-407-9195.

FIRST TIME CHARMER!

Take a look at this Cape Cod charmer on 244 Brackett Street, Swansea, IL 62226 perfect for first time home buyers. OK, it's also perfect for any buyers who want a traditional feel with modern amenities and easy access to the many dining and entertaining opportunities available in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Just step in and be greeted by gleaming hardwood floors in the inviting living room. Off to the left is the guest bedroom that can double as a study or entertainment center. Through the arched opening is the dining room and cheerful kitchen with today's appliances and white cabinets. The master bedroom with hardwood floor is tucked away with its own bathroom and dressing area.

One master bedroom suite, a guest room & a full bath on the main floor, and a second master bedroom suite upstairs. Great kitchen with tall ceiling & granite island for eating in. Adjacent to the laundry room for convenience. Open the new French door to the covered screened-in porch in the back to access the shady backyard for outdoor enjoyment.

Updated in 2004, this home has new architectural roof shingles, vinyl exterior, along with plumbing, electric, and up to date AC and furnace. This charming cottage comes with a one car detached garage with updated siding.

244 Brackett Street, Swansea, Illinois 62269 has convenient access to Highway 159 north to I-64 and St. Clair Square Mall in Fairview Heights, and Belleville down south. Why not take a look at www.244BrackettSt.com today?

For Swansea IL real estate and surrounding areas in O'Fallon, Belleville, Fairview Heights, Shiloh, and Scott Air Force Base, Illinois - call Yolanda Hoversten - 618-407-9195, or visit www.YolandaHoversten.com for Swansea IL homes for sale, or mailto:YolandaHoversten@gmail.com for Swansea IL real estate information.

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline

Everybody should know by now about the $8,000 tax credit available to first time home buyers.  It's hard to believe that half of the year is over, and before you know it December 1st will be here and it will be too late to purchase your first home to claim the tax credit.

If you have good credit, haven't owned a home in three years, and earn less than $75,000 annually, talk to a real estate agent and lender to see if you qualify to purchase a home.  They'll also let you know how much you need for a down payment and for closing costs. 

There are many loan programs available to new home buyers, historically low mortgage rates, a high inventory of homes for sale, and lots of motivated sellers.  You'll probably find that there's a home for you at the right price.  Just don't wait too long -- December 1st will be here before you know it.

For help in finding your first home in O'Fallon, Belleville, Fairview Heights, Swansea, including Scott Air Force Base in Illinois -- call Yolanda Hoversten @ 618-407-9195 or log on YolandaHoversten.com.  Check out this new listing perfect for first time home buyer -- 244 Brackett Street in Swansea, IL. 

Foreclosure Help in IL

Last week, IL Governor Quinn signed a bill providing much needed assistance for homeowners facing foreclosure. This bill, Public Act 95-1047 requires lenders to allow a grace period (up to 90 days) to homeowners who are in arrears. Furthermore, homeowners will have a chance to work with any Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counselors to work out a solution to their situation.

Under this act, lenders are required to mail a notice to the troubled homeowner who in turn will seek out a counselor. They have 30 days to find a workable plan to be agreed upon by both the lender and the homeowner. No legal action will be taken against the homeowner during this period. The lender is not forced to accept the plan, but at least they will have to talk to a qualified counselor.

This is definitely a much needed assistance to those who are behind in their payments in their principal residence. Find out more information on this new IL legislation.

Edit: Homesellers in IL should seek an HUD approved counselor and discuss with your lender about this grace period.

For your IL real estate needs including foreclosures, short sales, and the new tax credit for first time home buyers in the St. Clair & Madison Counties including Scott Air Force Base (SAFB) IL, send me an e-mail.

Can you believe this?  Jeff Turner demonstrated his Real Estate Shows at my company office last Tuesday.  I read his name on the intro slide, and I thought "I know that guy!"  But I didn't see his shaved head anywhere.  It turned out that it was a webinar and he was in Cali at the time.  It was still very nice to hear him in real time and I even got to ask him a question.  I bet Jeff still doesn't know where O'Fallon, IL is on the map.

I've seen Real Estate Shows hundreds of times here on AR, but I haven't bought into it since I have a friend who offers a more extensive home tour.  However, Real Estate Shows is  now offered by my company, so I might as well use it.

I just sold this property and thought I would create a show for my buyers to share with their families and friends.  Check it out...

It's fairly easy to use even for me.  Downloading the pictures didn't take much time, and adding/editing titles is painless--nine pictures, nine short descriptions.  What took time for me was choosing the appropriate music since I wanted to hear most of the samples...yeah, my problem not the the show.

In addition, creating a flyer for it is simple, limited only by the short list of choices.  I haven't created a listing flyer yet--that will take more time since it's just like filling out the MLS data sheet only in a much shorter version.

What I like the most is the ability to preview the show at any stage of creation.  Being a visual person, that means a lot.  I think Jeff bent over backward to provide the most use for the show, i.e. offering different options for embedding with branded and unbranded versions, strict MLS compliant show, different HTML versions to fit just about any platform like Wordpress, or AR where they differ, and custom web sites.  There are other features offered, but I have limited time.  You can create as many shows as you're able--for the price, it's well worth it--and it leaves quite an impression on your clients.

Finally, I'm not sure if the Real Estate Shows was created initially just for real estate, but it's obvious that it has expanded to a wider utilization for things like seasonal greetings, and special occasions...and why not?  It's a great tool.

This rural and serene property in Troy, IL closed a few days ago.   Although it was a long six months, I feel that seller and buyers came out winners.  Buyers will renovate the two-story house;  enlarge the intimate kitchen, tear up and replace the flooring, replace the counter tops, install new appliances, and extend the dining area as well  by tearing down the common wall to the garage.  I'd love to see what they've done to the place once it's done.

I'm going to miss the beautiful vista and the long winding driveway surrounded by woods and open land.  I could feel tension leaving me whenever I visited this nine-acre horse property.   

I'll also miss Caesar, the huge, brown haired pointer that always greeted me whenever I drove up to the back of the house.  Typical of country dogs, he's outside most of the time and used to chasing anything that strikes his fancy.  He's rambunctious, but friendly after he gets to know you.  

It's interesting what we get attached to in some of our real estate dealings, most times the clients, the property itself, or the family dog.  Good frisky dog, Caesar...I wish I had taken his picture.

This gorgeous piece of real estate is located in St. Clair County, close to Scott AFB, with convenient access to Interstate 55/70, minutes from St. Louis.  The school districts are all O'Fallon, with its great academic reputation.