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

You Can Buy and Sell Real Estate During the Holidays(Need a big favor in the form of a holiday gift that is like the gift that keeps on giving. Please, if my posts like this one are helpful in anyway and/or I have ever served you, please consider visiting me at http://zillow.com and giving me a 5-star rating.  Once at the site please click on agent finder, in location box type new lenox, il., in name dale taylor.  I will appear twice, and in either place you can give me your 5-star recommendation.  I really appreciate this special holiday gift from you in the form of your kind consideration.)It's common knowledge that most people are advised to get their home on the real estate market in late spring or early summer as that is 'real estate season.' While the majority of homes do sell in ... 12/23/2016

Things To Do Before Listing On The MarketListing a home or property for sale is no small task, and it takes a lot of preparation for a seller to be ready to list. If you've been thinking about selling your home, but you're not completely ready to pull the trigger (maybe you'd like to list within the next few months or even within a year), consider some of the tips listed below to help prepare your home or property for when you're comfortable listing it on the real estate market.Remove Personal ItemsWhile you've spent a lot of time turning your house into your home, when you decide to sell and list it on the market, there will be a number of people looking at your property (either in person or via the Internet). A step you can take prior to listing is to remove the personal items in your... 11/29/2016

Buying a home is a big decision.   After my Buyer has gotten pre-approved for their mortgage financing with Loan Officer Vincent Redd, I have found my buyer the perfect home, they love the neighborhood, the schools, and the shopping that’s close. However, we need to make sure they don’t overlook a critical part of the home purchase: the home inspection.   The physical checkup of the home is a wise investment to ensure the home is in good shape. What does the home inspection provide? It provides an “Out”- A quality home inspection can uncover critical info about the homes condition. Knowing if any major repairs or maintenance issues are present is invaluable information for a buyer to decide if this really their ‘dream home”. Safety- The presence of radon, mold, carbon monoxide, and eve... 11/28/2016

I love it when my good friend Vincent Redd takes time out to have a conversation with me on how we can collectively help potential Buyers achieve their homeownership goal.  He asked me to share the following credit worthiness tips.  Please know Vincent is awaiting you calling him if you'd like to know your credit score, or what to do to procure financing, or with any financing questions.  His contact information is below...   When buyers decide to make a major financial transaction like a home purchase, their credit score plays a huge role. The following are 5 of the biggest factors that can affect their score: Payment History Buyers should have a good history so that lenders can trust them to pay a mortgage. They should continue to pay all bills on time and avoid default. Amounts Owed... 11/28/2016

As you know, buying a home is a big decision to make as my good friend Loan Officer Vincent Redd discussed with me recently.  We talked about the importance of a Tenant accepting the fact of every month they make a rent payment they are most likely helping a Landlord to make a mortgage payment without the benefits of making a mortgage payment.   It is a nice benefit to just allow Vincent to help you determine if home ownership is an option for you, and the inquiry does not obligate you to doing anything with the knowledge.  Please consider the following advice.However, when a buyer is stuck between renting and owning, it's easy to see why home ownership is most beneficial.  Safety Net If for some reason inflation went wild, a homeowner would be able to protect themselves from being left... 11/27/2016