rice property management: New Eviction Procedures for Illinois - 08/07/07 12:52 PM
We received this fax a few days ago from our Attorney whom we use for evictions:
After a week or two of rampant rumors, the Sheriff of Cook County, Thomas Dart, has published new rules concerning enforcement of entered Orders for Possession, On July 30. 2007 the Sheriff announced by publication that commencing August 6, 2007, the Sheriff 's office will no longer provide moving crews.
While the procedure is somewhat confused and convoluted In the Sheriffs documentation, it appears that the new procedure will parallel that which has been in effect for commercial evictions in Cook County and both commercial … (8 comments)

rice property management: KEEP MOVING!! - 07/26/07 07:52 AM
There are successes AND failures each of us will encounter in our lifetime.... not just in the Real Estate field, but in every field.  It's the way of life.  How we handle it when it happens pinpoints our levels of maturity.  We get to do the choosing!
Choose to personalize and stew over a FAILURE - lose foresight and face detours!Choose to gloat over a SUCCESS toooo long - miss the preparedness needed for the NEXT challenge!Choose to get over a FAILURE quickly - get strength and strategy needed to win next time!Choose to celebrate a SUCCESS (keeping it within the correct balance) - win the next race, & get the ROSE!I encourge everyone whether.. facing a … (27 comments)

rice property management: HOMES in the SPIRIT - 07/21/07 05:05 AM
                                          
Before land materialized, it was first "in the SPIRIT" prior to being "spoken into existence."  This is true with anything.... it has to be conceived, before the birthing. 
The "land" was placed here in it's manifested state prior to man's arrival, and purposed for man's future habitation.  As REALTORS, we have a responsibility to keep it real with clients seeking the home designated for them.  We have the privilege of being able to assist in ushering them to their piece of "heaven on earth!"  What an arduous task ahead for us!  How can this be done successfully?  For the answer, let us go to … (10 comments)

rice property management: CLOSED DOORS - 07/18/07 02:34 PM
For the past several months, we have been facing CLOSED DOORS! In the natural, it would appear that we chose the wrong field, and that we should pack it all in and CLOSE SHOP!!!  
I've experienced at least 12 deals this year that fell apart because of change of heart by the buyer or seller.  No use trying to coerce, pry, manipulate, convince, plead, preach, threaten, grab by the neck, chastise, sweet talk, or whine!!  These deals went totally sour! 
No need to rationalize, rehearse, retrace tracks, go figure, relive, pinpoint, blame, disdain, accuse, kick self in butt, have tantrum, or bury head in embarrassment...... THESE DOORS … (38 comments)

rice property management: Active Rain's Dave Cheatham Visits the Rice Property Management Team! - 07/16/07 10:41 AM
Rice Property Management & Realty was  privileged to have none other than Active Rain's own......
 
                                                 DAVE CHEATHAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Dave Cheatham visited the office of Rice Property Management April 16, 2007 and shared with our team in Calumet City, Illinois.  He, along with Attorney Kenneth B. Roseman gave insights, advantages, and understanding from the client perspectives pertaining to servicing in the Real Estate market.  Dave Cheatham, a Loan Officer, and Attorney Roseman were specifically selected because of their knowledge and sensitivity to our clientele.
We are looking forward to having them participate in the upcoming workshops with the opening of our new offices.  In preparation to serve the expected influx of buyers and sellers, Rice Property … (9 comments)

rice property management: THE SOLUTIONS (tenants with bad credit) - 07/16/07 08:43 AM
There are SOLUTIONS when dealing with tenants that have bad credit..... they do not necessarily have to be turned away......!  EVERYONE needs a place to stay..... even if it's NOT YOURS!
In the market areas we serve, many "would-be-tenants" apply for rentals having poor credit.  Rarely have we  seen scores over 700.  The reasons given are listed on the previous post written July 9, 2007.  We have seen a commonality that we have grown to expect..... but MUST deal with!!  We simply cannot turn EVERYONE away in expectation of the ideal tenant showing up with excellent credit! 
('Scuse my vanucular... but, it "JUS AINT GONNA HAPPEN!!!")
SO..... what do … (20 comments)

rice property management: Calumet City House For Rent - 07/15/07 04:47 PM

Available August 1, 2007. Cozy two bedroom front entrance Duplex - equipped with new stove, refrigerator, new carpeting, washer, and dryer. Wall unit air conditioner. Grass mowing service provided. Quiet residential area - Walking distance of Thornton Fractional North High School. For more information, and inside pictures, visit us HERE.
Rice Property Management & Realty, LLC has Rent to Own programs, voucher acceptance plans, and Buyer and Seller services.  Servicing the South Suburban Illinois and Indiana Communities with opportunities for all!
 
… (2 comments)

rice property management: Calumet City Realtor Tour & Breakfast - 07/15/07 04:25 PM
We were honored to have been selected to attend the First Annual Realtor's Tour and Breakfast presented by Calumet City and Mayor Michelle Qualkinbush.
The Rice Property Management Team with other guests were royally treated to catered breakfast by Villa de Bruno  held in the Council Chambers.  Jim Gigliotti, Calumet City's Community and Economic Development Director introduced various speakers who shared informative highlights for the gathered REALTORS®. 
Some of the attendees were; TF North High Principal, Dwayne Evans,  General Manager Dennis Gilliam, of The River Oaks Center , Janice Kutz, President of the Calumet City Chamber of Commerce, Harris Bank representatives, Calumet City Park District personnel, and others.
The exceptional bus tour, narrated by … (2 comments)

rice property management: Calumet City Summer Concert Series - 07/14/07 06:47 AM
The Calumet City Council, headed by Mayor Michelle Qualkinbush along with the Calumet City Park District is hosting a series of summer concerts for it's citizens and guest visitors.
The "SUMMER UNDER THE STARS 2007" information is listed here ----> Stars 2007
"Lynne Jordan" is sheduled to appear at Thursday, July 19th Concert in Downey Park. 
  
The concert is FREE!
… (1 comments)

rice property management: Matteson Illinois Home for Rent - 07/09/07 09:34 AM
If it's privacy or land you're looking for..... this one could be it......
All brick 3 bedroom home in Wooded and secluded area of Matteson. Home has central air, a heated sunroom, 2 car detached garage with enlogated driveway, 1 and 1/2 baths, updated kitchen with all new counter tops, and all newly refinished hardwood floors throughout. This is a "Nature Lovers" dream!  More information -----> Matteson IL Home
… (2 comments)

rice property management: Rent To Own in Dolton, IL - 07/09/07 09:21 AM
 
 
4 bedroom brick Cape Cod with 2 full baths! Rent to Own this updated home! Recently landscaped and renovated! Master bedroom has an enclosed room perfect for baby quarters. Home is larger than it looks....  has family room, partially finished basement, eat-in-kitchen and seperate dining room. Home is on tree-lined street of established neighborhood.  More information ------>  Dolton Home
… (4 comments)

rice property management: Are you "Prepared" to become a homeowner? - 06/13/07 12:47 PM
Are You "PREPARED" To Become A Homeowner?
 
Before there was land...... there was GOD. When God created land, He caused it to appear right in the midst of water.  Elements followed, tempered precisely.... God then created man to rule His land.  
This was the order from the beginning and it has not changed.  God spoke creation unto existence with His mouth. He spoke... then there was.  He transferred that power over to man when He assigned him to reign on His earth.  He also gave him choices that would produce consequences.... either good or bad. 
One of them was;  "If you'll be … (8 comments)

rice property management: Local REALTOR® Association Working for Sellers & Buyers in Illinois - 03/19/07 05:04 PM
Last fall, the City of Calumet City, in Illinois refused to issue transfer stamps for a sale of residential property as a result of the point of sale inspections.  This action interferred with the buyer purchasing the home, and the seller's attempt to close.  A lawsuit was entered in August, 2006 by the RWSSC, our local Illinois South Suburban Board of REALTORS® on behalf of this regard. 
In this past week, the courts granted favor to the seller and broker finding the closing was interfered with.   Damages can be awarded as a result of the harm caused.
This victory for the seller and buyer shows power in demonstration... another advantage for choosing a … (2 comments)

rice property management: Home Loan Assistance Available in Illinois - 03/18/07 02:52 PM
Assistance for qualified first time home-buyers is available through the Partnership for Homeownership, Inc, in the State of Illinois.  Qualified buyers who have not owned a home in three years are eligible to apply also.
Access to the Home-Power Mortgage Assistance Loan is available through Certified Realtors only.  The loans are low interest rate mortgages with minimum down-payments plus grants for up to $10,000.00 toward down-payment, closing costs, or repairs. 
The "Mortgage Payment Protection Plan" may be available on this loan.  Major repairs of electrical, furnace work, or roofing may be financed into the loan on an existing home.
 
For more information, please call one of our Certified Realtors  … (3 comments)

rice property management: Riverdale, Illinois Special Community Meeting - 03/17/07 01:43 PM
The Village of Riverdale will conduct its first Landlord & Tenant Special Community Meeting:
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 6:30 P.M.
This special meeting will be held at:
The Ivanhoe Park District Community Center - 14401 S. Stewart Avenue, Riverdale, Illinois
TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
Crime PreventionSafety Quality of life issuesALL LANDLORDS AND TENANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
(For more information call 708-841-2109)
                                    
… (2 comments)

rice property management: From "RUDE" to "WOOED" - Make 'em Smile the BOB SLOOP Way! - 03/16/07 04:53 PM
After buying $68.00 worth of groceries at our local Strack & Van Til's Grocery, Wednesday, i remembered i hadn't purchased the seasoning i needed.  I asked the cashier if i could leave my full cart parked until i returned with the item.  She directed me to a spot near the service counter.  It took me about 3 minutes to find the aisle, locate the seasoning, and make my way back to the check-outs. 
The store was filling up with after-work shoppers looking to grab something for dinner quickly and get out.  Every open check-out lane had long lines, and the 8 items or less lane was … (33 comments)

rice property management: I'm a Real Estate "VIRUS" - 03/04/07 09:10 AM
Brande Bradford wrote a blog titled "Are we Like a Virus"  
I hope this next statement does not impair our fellowship.......but.... I AM G U I L T Y..... been exposed!  I AM that VIRUS Brande is referring to!  I tell E V E R Y B O D Y about Real Estate  EVERYWHERE I GO!
Please don't be disgusted with me Brande....but i do not pass up opportunities...i use them.  Now, i do not believe in throwing stuff at others disrespectfully, however in conversation, i simply ask:
Do you know of someone looking for an apartment or house to rent?No? We sell … (22 comments)

rice property management: WHEW! SHE'S GONE! - 02/25/07 01:55 PM
I suppose we've seen just about ALL of it in Property Management: 
the tenant from hellthe tenant from heaventhe sob storythe slob storythe slum lordthe good lordthe squattersthe plottersthe pleadersthe cheaters.....and the list goes on.....
We are thankful for the lessons we've learned which have assisted us in becoming wiser stewards over the properties we manage for others.  The excitement of renting to a grateful tenant seeking a nice place to live is still with us.  It's what we enjoy!
We answer the phones with anticipation of interviewing yet another family, couple, or single person.  We are optimists and expect the right match  for our home or apartment, understanding … (14 comments)

rice property management: Good Help At Our Local Illinois Board of Realtors - 02/25/07 08:35 AM
The Realtor Association of West South Suburban Chicago-land is our local Real Estate Board located in Tinley Park, Illinois.  We are pleased to have access to the professional staff provided.
I wish to spotlight our Customer Relations Director, Connie Pierrepont. Some of her responsibilities include setting up information sessions for Brokers, keeping members abreast of current news regarding Fair Housing, conducting their training, serving as liason for the Housing Affordability Task Force, and a host of other positions.
Connie has gone beyond caring in her efforts to motivate Realtors to participate in sponsored events and education.  This is our little attempt to appreciate her for the small and great things … (5 comments)

rice property management: Matteson Illinois Market Survey - 02/25/07 06:46 AM
  … (1 comments)