"Live Now: Maryland and Delaware Rate Changes" "As I shared last week, utility energy rates have increased in these markets: Maryland: BGE, PEPCO, PotEd Delaware: Delmarva Illinois: ComEd   Today, in line with their pricing strategy, Stream's rates in Maryland and Delaware have been updated accordingly. However, their rate in ComEd has remained the same, giving you a competitive edge in Illinois.   Despite the rate increases in Maryland and Delaware, our offers remain incredibly competitive within those markets and provide significant value to your customers. As always, you can view current rates http://dtaylorhomeservices.mystream.com   This week's rate change could be the first of more to come.     Just another effort to ensure you are protected from future increases, and make Homeow... 10/10/2018

Now's the Time to Lock in Rates! I have found a quality competitive ultitlity provider adding economic valuable savings to my Valued Clients and Colleagues.   ''Last weekend at Connect, CEO Bouncer Schiro shared details for two new plans in the Northeast and Midwest that would help protect you from unpredictable market fluctuations. He warned that the all-time low rates we've enjoyed for the last three years could increase unexpectedly.   That prediction has come true. Rates in Illinois, Delaware and Maryland markets have increased. These utilities have already announced rate increases, and Stream will respond accordingly with our own rate changes on October 9: Illinois: ComEd Delaware: Delmarva Maryland: BGE, PEPCO, PotEd   Fortunately, you can go to http://dtaylorhomeservices.mystrea... 10/05/2018

Key Questions for Owners Thinking of Selling For many cities throughout the U.S. real estate markets, today undeniably favor sellers. With those markets that are particularly competitive, it can be very tempting to list your home even when you haven't made a concrete decision to sell. Taking the plunge and listing can be an exhilarating decision, but doing so without asking yourself some important questions could leave you scrambling to figure out what you're going to do should your home be a highly sought-after property. If you're toying with listing, ask yourself the questions below before you make your final decision. How much is my home worth? Unless you consistently check real estate prices in your area or are comparing comparable homes in your neighborhood, it's likely you may no... 05/30/2018

T.C. WhitingAVP – Senior Mortgage Banker NMLS# 281672 57 W Grand Avenue, 2nd FloorChicago, IL 60654 Phone: 312.962.8788 Mobile: 312.498.7711 EFax: 866.676.9210 TC.Whiting@drmconline.com       7 creative ways to save for a down payment There are some no down payment and low down payment options depending on your situation. Some may want to look a bit further at ways to save for a down payment to purchase a home. See where you can save money. Scrutinize current expenses. Drop cable for Netflix. Forego the gym membership and work out at home. Forget lattes, shop insurance. Go out less. Just remember, none of these changes are permanent. Sell what you own. From clothes rarely worn to duplicate tools and recreational items, you could have a great yard sale. Put valuable things like furnitur... 05/26/2018

Have you ever had one of those uncomfortable moments when you stop yourself from reacting badly, forcing yourself to think this is a teachable moment?   I better learn everything this moment wants to teach me?   In the last 30 days I have learned couple of lessons helping me to be a better Realtor, ultimately a better person.  The first lesson I will share now.  The second lesson in a follow-up post.   I serve as the President of a Bid-Whist Club.  Bid-Whist is a popular card game in which there is a non-spoken communication between two partners.  There are a total of four players with two sets of partners.  Skill in the game grows from closely paying attention to the cards my partner plays, and when it is my turn to lead in play, I play the cards my partner has silently communicated to... 05/22/2018

I live my life with the mentality I would hurt myself before I would ever intentionally hurt anyone.   So when a Colleague got upset with me for correcting an error made in a very recent Facebook post, I found myself examining how I could have conducted myself better?   I came to the conclusion with the help of a couple real estate Educators advice, who I encouraged to review the post as a possible teaching tool, I could have elected to communicate my concern with this Colleague less publicly initially.   The post was about their being pleased with how low their real estate taxes are in their community.  They boast it was due to the Conservative Republican Leadership.  The Colleague in the next paragraph invited Conservative Republicans to move to their community for this very reason.  ... 04/15/2018

I have created a little refreshment recipe for myself I started to reward myself for cutting my grass weekly.  Over time I have perfected it.   I make enough to last me all week.  It comprises me brewing about 7 of my favorite teas at once with hot apple juice, some cool-aid, lemon juice, and apple-cider-vinegar.   In the process of my giving myself this nice treat, I started researching the benefits of vinegar.  Here is what I have found … Did you know The Secret Weapon for the Homeowner - Vinegar? You've probably heard that vinegar can be used for a myriad of household purposes, but you probably never would've imagined some of the problems it can solve around the house. Check out some of these creative uses for vinegar from home improvement maven, Martha Stewart: Banish odors. Have a ... 04/03/2018

Thanks Claude for reminding us what Buyers have available to them in Illinois! 03/23/2018

I have the good fortune of Serving on the Board of Directors and as a Shelter-Site-Manager for this vital charity deligently working daily to end homelessness.  Our Philantrophy Manager ask me to share .... Some Exciting News for South Suburban Pads!http://sspads.org If you have never shopped with Amazon Smile (it’s the same company Amazon.com—or if you have an Amazon Prime Account), your dollars can do a bit more! If you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate 1.5% on your first eligible purchase (The usual donation is .5% of the purchase). Please share this with whomever you wish!  Happy Shopping, and know that every Amazon Purchase through Amazon Smile has a positive impact!  3x your impact! Amazon is tripling the donation rate on your first smile.amazon.com purchase - through M... 03/22/2018

Credit Score: a number that indicates how much of a credit risk you pose to lenders and other businesses if they lend money to you.   THREE CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES   Equifax (BEACON)   Experian (Experian/FICO Risk Model)   TransUnion (FICO Risk Score, Classic)   CREDIT SCORE BREAK DOWN   Payment History............................................ 35%   Amounts Owed.............................................. 30%   Length of Credit............................................. 15%   Inquiries.......................................................... 10%   Type of Credit Used....................................... 10%   WILL YOUR CREDIT SCORES BE DIFFERENT? The FICO Score ranges from 300-850. Each of the three credit reporting agencies probably has different information about you, and... 03/22/2018

Risk Reduction Strategies for New Rehabbers By Tod Snodgrass  If you think education is expensive, try ignorance. --Derek Bok (past President of Harvard University)   Tens of millions of homes in the US are more than 40 years old.  Every year, thousands and thousands of houses are rehabbed because they need it. However, where there is opportunity, risk is a factor as well. If you are thinking about getting into the buy/fix/sell business, hopefully the following will prove helpful.   1. Get all the knowledge you can. Attend meetings at your local REI affiliate group. Take courses (local college or online). Ask gurus. Get mentoring. Do an apprenticeship with a rehab pro, for low or no pay. Go to websites where the pros write about their experiences. You may even want to consider getting ... 03/18/2018

I worked in another Re/Max office for 12 years.  Next door to my office was a top producing very professional Agent who would curse out her Clients when they stepped out of line with her.  I would be amazed at how they would stay devoted to her.   I learned her family owned a Bar.  Many of her Clients were also loyal patrons of the family bar.  I have pondered perhaps her brutal honesty was accepted because of the type of Clientele she served, but I think ultimately they knew she really cared about them and what was best for them.  Over these last 30 plus years I have very rarely let my Clients know when they have thoroughly irritated me.  I have always kept myself reminded my Charm is my power.   Recently, I let one have it good. I did it in a way I knew it could be shared with others,... 12/20/2017

Today was one of those days I took a moment to visit the Dale who was a couple years in the business trying to figure out how to be successful in this business with balance.   I tend to do this when I am feeling genuine burnout. I really try to fit in a good 15000 or more steps in my day, because there is a nice side-affect besides improving health.  What is it?   I call it just plain old joy possessing me, along with the ability to manage the stress accompanying being a natural problem solver. I had just come off of an extended holiday spent away visiting my daughter and Son-In-Law working the entire time.   They were wanting to leave out to treat me to a dinner, only to hear please give me a minute to finish this email on another fire I must put out! As I write I am thinking of the n... 12/05/2017

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles.                                         Doug Larson  Be sure everything you do allows time for your important things. Make this your best week ever.   Here is the link for the Simple Home Warranty. If SLS Home Inspections does the inspection, your buyers have 18 months of protection, starting the day of close.http://illinoishomewarranty.net/12 month warranty is available if inspected by any other inspector. Same great conditions apply...no waiting period, choose your own contractor, no appliance prorating, no pre-existing conditions.  All these bonuses are FREE with every home inspection.  ​ CHECK OUT  ******* SMART Home Service Plan- Extend the warranty on your home after the inspect... 08/07/2017

I was all of 7 or 8 years old. My Dad had run out of deodorant. He gave my Mom the command to stop what she was doing and run out to the grocery store to get him a new supply. She was probably cooking or working on one of her sewing projects at the time. She did what Moms do, she called out to me asking “Sugar, would you run to the store real quick and get your Dad some more “Arrid” deodorant?”   The local “High-N-Low” grocery store was just around the corner. I was happy to do the assignment, even more proud I found the brand and purchase it.  I rush right home and presented it to my Dad.   When he saw what I had purchased, the look he gave me sent terror through my bones. He began yelling for my Mom commanding her to his presence in the bathroom.  He fiercely scolded her for not carry... 06/06/2017

Volunteering 'a calling' for area real estate agent Dale Taylor received the Humanitarian of the Year award from Re/Max Northern Illinois. Dale Taylor describes the volunteer work he does for South Suburban PADS, which provides shelter for the homeless, as "a calling." In the summer of 2005, the New Lenox real estate agent helped pitch in when the nonprofit was tasked with helping care for 100 Louisiana residents who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina and being housed at the Tinley Park Mental Health Center. Within a few weeks, Taylor found himself managing one of PADS' shelter sites, which he continues to do today. The Frankfort resident said it has "turned out to be one of the most rewarding activities I could do in my volunteer time." An agent with Re/Max 10, Taylor was recently the... 03/31/2017

Sara Springs, Frankfort, Illinois - February 2017 About Sara Springs Sara Springs is a single family home subdivision built starting in 2007. Sara Springs is located in Frankfort, Illinois west of LaGrange Road and north of Steger Road. Average taxes in Sara Springs $7,368 Average association fees in Sara Springs $400 ($0 - $400) Average home size in Sara Springs 4,373 ft2 Average lot size in Sara Springs 0.25 acres Average year built in Sara Springs 2016 Photos of Sara Springs  Homes for sale in Sara Springs Address Beds Baths Built Price 22827 Sara Springs Dr. 4 4.0 2017 $539,000 22795 Sara Springs Dr. 4 5.1 2014 $735,075 11036 Riverside Dr. 0 0.0 0 $125,000 11094 Riverside Dr. 4 3.1 2016 $670,000 Sales Summary for Sara Springs  (Feb 25, 2016 - Feb 24, 2017) # of Sales Average Days o... 02/24/2017

Cobblestone Walk, Frankfort, Illinois - February 2017 About Cobblestone Walk Cobblestone Walk is a single family home subdivision built in 2005. Cobblestone Walk is located in Frankfort, Illinois south of Laraway Road and west of Wolf Road. Average taxes in Cobblestone Walk $14,661 Average association fees in Cobblestone Walk $750 ($750 - $750) Average home size in Cobblestone Walk 4,034 ft2 Average lot size in Cobblestone Walk 0.50 acres Average year built in Cobblestone Walk 2005 Photos of Cobblestone Walk  Homes for sale in Cobblestone Walk Address Beds Baths Built Price 11610 Diamond Ct. 4 4.1 2005 $629,900 Sales Summary for Cobblestone Walk  (Feb 25, 2016 - Feb 24, 2017) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 145 $680,283 $639,000 93.9% HomesByMarco s... 02/24/2017

Real Estate Tips for Buyers and Sellers Thinking about starting a home search or selling your home soon?  The 2017 real estate season is upon us, and if you are anticipating a home search, or selling a property, here are some top tips to help you navigate the real estate market in your area this spring and summer.  For Buyers Don't go overboard with an offer While you might be inclined to get into a bidding war over your dream home (the market is pretty competitive), don't overspend to the point where if the market stabilizes your home will have an overly inflated price and make it difficult to resell in the future.  If you plan on living in the property for a long time, paying a high price isn't a bad thing, but it's a good idea to set a limit on how high you're willing to bid for a ho... 01/02/2017

(If my blogs like this are helpful and/or I have ever served you, please allow me to  Wish you a Happy New Year filled with pleasant surprises, great health, and more prosperity. I need a huge Holiday Favor that would be a Gift that keeps on giving. Would you visit me at http://zillow.com and give me a 5-star rating. Once at the site please click on Agent Finder, under Location please type New Lenox, Il., under Name please type Dale Taylor, and I will appear twice. Please, in either location please give me a 5-star recommendation. Your kind consideration is so appreciated). So you’ve been giving it some thought and you’ve come to the conclusion that you’d like to buy a home.  Congratulations! You’re about to begin one of the biggest moments of your life. If you’re a Millennial, you’re p... 12/30/2016