Home appraisals often get confused with home inspections — and while both play an important role in the homebuying process, they aren’t very similar.During an inspection (which is optional), the property’s systems and structure are evaluated. The inspector will highlight deficiencies, safety hazards or repairs that may need to be addressed before you buy the home.Appraisers, on the other hand, assess the value of a home to ensure your loan amount is appropriate. If you’re paying for the house with a mortgage, this process is mandatory.Here are some other things to know about appraisals. They’re done by a professional appraiser. Appraisals are conducted by professionals specifically trained in real estate valuation. A subset of appraisers have approval to appraise properties for FHA and ... 07/29/2023

Whether you’re buying a home or selling one (or doing both at once), it’s important to have a real estate professional on your side.After all, there’s a lot of money on the line, and a house is a big investment. An experienced agent can support you as you make your decisions during the process.Are you preparing to buy or sell a home? Here are the benefits of enlisting an agent to help you.For BuyersWhen you’re buying a home, a real estate agent can help you zero in on properties that fit your budget and needs, schedule home tours with you and advise you throughout the mortgage process. Agents also have negotiation skills that can be key to getting you what you want.For SellersAn agent is critical when you sell a house. During the process, they can help you prepare and stage your propert... 07/29/2023

Thanks Jon Hamilton Vice President of The Federal Savings Bank for providing this very helpful information.  Jon can be direct at 312-471-6993 or 708-218-8480 - jhamilton@thefederalsavingsbank.comFirst-time home buyers shouldn’t let themselves be daunted by their loan estimate– a document that estimates the terms, monthly payments, and closing costs associated with the mortgage for which you are applying. If you purchased a home with any lender before 2015, you may have received a so-called “good faith estimate,” which the standardized loan estimate form replaces. Click here to view a sample loan estimate from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.   WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION IS ON THE LOAN ESTIMATE?  The first page of your loan estimate (or “LE”) ought to clearly spell out the mortga... 07/29/2023

Thanks Jon Hamilton Vice President of The Federal Savings Bank for providing this very helpful information.  Jon can be direct at 312-471-6993 or 708-218-8480 - jhamilton@thefederalsavingsbank.comMortgage lenders must issue a closing disclosure at least three business days before you close on your home loan– whether you’re refinancing your current home or purchasing a new one. Closing disclosures (also known as “CD”) are short documents that outline the final terms of your mortgage and make it easy to reference important numbers like your interest rate, your total monthly payment, and your closing costs. Armed with your closing disclosure, you can confidently come to your closing appointment as a fully informed homebuyer.   CLOSING DISCLOSURE 3-DAY RULE  By law, your lender must issue y... 07/29/2023

Who I call “My Most Valued Partner In Crime” my Irene Coleman, who helps me in so many countless ways in managing the Shelter we serve, simply does not like it when our Guys awake to the News on television.  She says “this is such a bad habit and just not good for them!”   Well, this morning the bad habit she fusses every Tuesday morning about affected me so deeply.   The funny thing about afflicted pain, it can haunt a life indefinitely! Disclaimer:  I am about to share a very true story, which may be painful to the Participants and Ancillary Individuals.  If You (and You know who You are) do not think you can handle what I am about to share, please read no further.  My words can be like a piercing 2-edge sword stabbing deeply into the Soul.  It is never my intention to hurt anyone, bu... 02/15/2020

News Release          MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS   For further information contact: Sara Geimer, 312/329-8296 sgeimer@realtors.org   Wes Shaw, 202/383-1193 wshaw@realtors.org Realtor® Good Neighbor Award Finalists Honored for Impactful Volunteer WorkWASHINGTON (August 28, 2019) – The National Association of Realtors® has honored 10 Realtors®, members of the National Association of Realtors®, as finalists for its 2019 Good Neighbor Awards. This award honors Realtors® who have made a positive impact on their communities through extraordinary volunteer service.This year marks the 20th year the Good Neighbor Awards program has recognized Realtor® volunteers. During that time, $1.3 million in grants has been awarded to more than 200 nonprofits led by Realtors®. Their impact has been felt in 40 sta... 08/28/2019

I recently closed a transaction on a Richton Park, Illinois home in which Gene help the Buyer procure financing.  At the closing I asked Gene to continue to include me on his helpful e-blast newletters.  He came through and loves it when I share...First! Thanking Gene Walters for providing this helpful Finaces information.  He can be consulted with at ...HomeTrustGene Walters, HomeTrust Mortgage Corporation, 1475 E. Woodfield Rd Ste 110 Schaumburg, IL 60173, gwalters@hometrustmortgage.com Office: 847.517.1700 Cell: 847.217.7030, NMLS#: 204173 NMLS: 134317 An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee Finances - Money Saving Tips! The topic of saving money is oftentimes discussed between people regardless of age and peer standing, just like parents telling their kids to save up their allowan... 06/25/2019