Buying or selling a home seems to be a way of life for a lot of people in today's world. When you buy,you definitely want to get the most for your money. Many people think they can go it alone when it comes to buying or selling a house, and it's definitely true that some people are able to handle all the details of buying and selling a home or property, but in reality the real estate process is intricate and requires a lot of knowledge about the local real estate market, contracts, escrow, appraisals and referrals. While some home owners and buyers are in a position to go it alone, for those intimidated by the market or those who don't have the time or energy to sell or buy a home on their own, here are some reasons why it's a smart move to use a real estate agent during your next real... 11/24/2016

5 obstacles to millennial home buying The Millennial Generation is poised to become the next major demographic of home buyers, but studies have been showing that many of them are still hesitant about committing to the idea of homeownership.   My good friend Vincent Redd was just having a concersation with me about this.  Realtors and lenders alike are questioning what it is that could be holding them back, but some have started taking a closer look at possible factors. 1. Student Loan Payments Many Millennials are currently either enrolled in college, graduating soon or already have graduated and are still on the hunt for a career. Either way, many of them will be or already are dealing with student loan payments, and with the job market as it currently stands, many Millennials are fin... 11/24/2016

Loan Officer Vincent Redd knows for Buyers buying a home is a big decision to make. However, when a buyer is stuck between renting and owning, it's easy to see why home ownership is most beneficial. Safety NetIf for some reason inflation went wild, a homeowner would be able to protect themselves from being left out to the streets. The homeowner is the only one that owns the keys to their home. InvestmentWhen an individual buys a home, they’re making a lifetime investment. Through monthly payments, they increase the amount of the home they have control over. It also increases the value of the home and the value of the equity the homeowner has invested into the property. Renters on the other hand, don’t have much to show for their monthly payments. Tax Advantage Each year during tax time,... 11/21/2016

More often than not, as homeowners, the last thing we want to do is home repairs. Not only do they take time (and many of us don't have a lot to spare), but they can also be costly and sometimes tedious. Sure, changing a light bulb or fixing a leaky faucet can be put off until it's absolutely necessary to fix, but there are some home repairs that should never be put off. Unfortunately, many of these involve major things (and can come with an even more major price tag), but avoiding the repairs listed below could actually cause bigger problems down the road for your property. The following are some of the top home repairs that should never be put off.Roof IssuesNo house is complete without a roof. Probably one of the most important parts of any building, the roof is a major player when i... 11/01/2016

SUMMER SHELTER PROGRAM:Over 29 Guests were housed over the summer months three evenings a week with the Bethel Ministry providing their Chicago Heights, Illinois location. South Suburban Pads Culinary Expert Kareem Roberts provided a hearty meal each night. FALL WINTER AND SPRING SHELTER PROGRAM:Calvin Christian, Southwest Alliance, and Our Lady of the Ridge are returning as Shelter sites in the Northern-Tier of the Chicago-Southland shelter network. Please visit http://sspads.org for their and other locations. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE SHELTER-SITE MANAGERS AND VOLUNTEERS:South Suburban Pads has procured the services of Midwest harm Reduction Institute of Heartland health Outreach to train in various areas of Harm Reduction, Mental Health First Aid, and more. SOUTH SUBURBAN PADS... 10/12/2016

Exterior Updates to Boost Resale Value   One of the best tools in a seller's arsenal is curb appeal.   The outside of a home or property is one of the first things a buyer sees, and while many times it's not on the outside that counts, when it comes to real estate, the outside of a home plays a huge part in whether a buyer is going to want to take a look inside. If a property can catch a buyer's eye from the get go, the probability that the buyer will want to look inside exponentially grows.   If you've put your property on the market and are not attracting the number of potential buyers you'd like, or you're considering putting your property on the market and would like to give it a step above the other options on the market, consider these exterior home updates to help attract more bu... 08/30/2016

What “out of the box” tactics do you use when following up with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) request or other seller lead? How do you make sure you’re unforgettable? I make the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) my good friend. I make all the great technologies serve my potential Seller Clients well. When, for whatever reason the potential Seller elects not to list with me at the initial in person listing appointment, which is very rare, I ask permission to continue in serving them. I explain the MLS has the ability to keep them informed on the activity of relevant properties in their neighborhood complimenting their home’s potential increased value. I trigger a natural curiosity all Sellers have in wanting to know what homes are selling, how much they are selling for, how long on th... 08/15/2016

 Updates, Renovations and Remodels When selling a home or property, one of the main goals of the seller is to get the highest offer possible. If the market is hot, the chance of getting a high offer is relatively high. If the market is on the cooler side, many sellers look to alternative options to make their properties more marketable, usually by way of a remodel, a renovation or by updating the property. But what is the difference between a remodel and a renovation? Is an update something that's easy or difficult? While there are no doubt projects that see better return on investment than others, homeowners have a number of options when it comes to boosting their property's value. If you're not particularly ready to put your property on the real estate market, but are looking for ways... 08/12/2016

 2016 Frankfort Fall Fest, Carnival, & Parade  8/31 to 9/5       One of the Midwest's most enduring and long-running festivals, the Frankfort Fall Festival, Carnival, & Parade, is being held once again this year in the beautiful historic Village of Frankfort, IL ...                         The annual Frankfort Fall Festival, Carnival, and Parade is  slated to be held:       Labor Day holiday weekend,   August 31st through September 5th, 2016 in the historic Village of Frankfort, IL.       This year's Festival theme is "Happy Days".      This Festival, a perennial favorite ranked as one of the top 12 U.S. Festivals, hosts over 300,000+ visitors each year.  (More detailed info available at Frankfort Fall Fest)         This year's Festival offers its attendees:Juried show of 300 Artisans  ... 08/01/2016

Homes for Sale in Lakeview Estates Frankfort ILLakeview Estates Frankfort, Market Update: As of 6/04/2016, there are 13 Homes on the market in Lakeview Estates Frankfort, with an average list price of $433,731. Highest priced property on the market with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath and 4,463 sqft of living area is listed at $624,900. Lowest priced property with 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 3,238 sqft of living area is listed at $365,000.Active Listings: 10Under Contract Listings: 3Looking for a Property in Lakeview Estates?Interested in finding Homes in Lakeview Estates Frankfort? Click on the link to find all the currently available Homes in this area of Frankfort.Selling a Property in Lakeview Estates?Interested in finding information on Recently Sold Homes in Lakeview Estate... 06/03/2016

Homes for Sale in Frankfort Square Frankfort ILFrankfort Square Frankfort, Market Update: As of 6/02/2016, there are 27 Homes on the market in Frankfort Square Frankfort, with an average list price of $194,830. Highest priced property on the market with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1,400 sqft of living area is listed at $269,900. Lowest priced property with 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath and 1,200 sqft of living area is listed at $119,900.Active Listings: 13Under Contract Listings: 14Looking for a Property in Frankfort Square?Interested in finding Homes in Frankfort Square Frankfort? Click on the link to find all the currently available Homes in this area of Frankfort.Selling a Property in Frankfort Square?Interested in finding information on Recently Sold Homes in Frankfort Square, Frankfort?... 06/01/2016

Finances and Buying a Home Home ownership has always been a top dream for millions of Americans, and with the many television shows, magazines and other media geared toward owning a home in the U.S., buying a home is very much a reality in our country. While we can get caught up in the very fun aspect of looking at homes, browsing the many websites dedicated to real estate, looking for a home or property is just one aspect in the entire home buying process. One part, of which is fairly important and might be casually looked over at the beginning, is that of getting one's finances in order to begin a home search. Finances are a huge part of buying, especially if you'll be applying for a mortgage loan. To put yourself in a great position before you begin your home or property search, use ... 05/28/2016

Prestwick Frankfort, Market Update - May 27th, 2016As of 5/27/2016, there are 20 Homes on the market in Prestwick Frankfort, with an average list price of $374,925. Highest priced property on the market with 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath and 3,842 sqft of living area is listed at $650,000. Lowest priced property with 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1,429 sqft of living area is listed at $167,900.Active Listings: 15Under Contract Listings: 5Looking for a Property in Prestwick?Interested in finding Homes for Sale in Prestwick Frankfort? Click on the link to find all the currently available Homes in this area of Frankfort.Selling a Property in Prestwick?Interested in finding information on Recently Sold Homes in Prestwick, Frankfort? Click on the link to find details on Homes sold in ... 05/26/2016

Green Garden Frankfort, Market Update - May 24th, 2016As of 5/24/2016, there is one property on the market in Green Garden Frankfort with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath and 3,000 sqft of living area is listed at $464,900. Active Listings: 1Under Contract Listings: 0Looking for a Property in Green Garden?Interested in finding Homes for Sale in Green Garden Frankfort? Click on the link to find all the currently available Homes in this area of Frankfort.Selling a Property in Green Garden?Interested in finding information on Recently Sold Homes in Green Garden, Frankfort? Click on the link to find details on Homes sold in this neighborhood of Frankfort.Recent Sales in Green Garden, FrankfortOver the past 12 months, one property was sold in Green Garden for $245,000 on 10/23/2015, wit... 05/23/2016

Krusemark Frankfort, Market Update - May 18th, 2016As of 5/18/2016, there are 4 Homes on the market in Krusemark Frankfort, with an average list price of $303,164. Highest priced property on the market with 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 3,402 sqft of living area is listed at $369,900. Lowest priced property with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1,462 sqft of living area is listed at $232,955.Active Listings: 4Under Contract Listings: 0Looking for a Property in Krusemark?Interested in finding Homes for Sale in Krusemark Frankfort? Click on the link to find all the currently available Homes in this area of Frankfort.Selling a Property in Krusemark?Interested in finding information on Recently Sold Homes in Krusemark, Frankfort? Click on the link to find details on Homes sold in this neighborho... 05/17/2016

South Suburban Pads – http://sspads.org – operates a Wellness Center in which Residents, benefit from the Community offering them various workshops.  Among them is United Way hosts workshops on “Overcoming Life’s Challenges.”  Residents are given basic knowledge on how to cope and deal with Life’s Obstacles.   The Charity employees a Case-Management Team helping Residents on developing and achieving success in basic life skills, cleanliness, self care, good time management, and their goals. They are also assisted by a       Life-Skill Instructor. The Valued Staff connects Residents with health services, educational needs, and employment needs are ongoing for participants in the Organization’s programs. Are you aware South Suburban Pads Families first Program helps increase the income an... 04/08/2016

Hurricane brings best out of New LenoxREALTOR® #MemberMonday Posted on March 28, 2016 by Bill Kozar     Dale Taylor (far right) has given much of his time and energy to the nonprofit organization South Suburban PADS, as it works to meet the needs of homeless. Here he’s pictured with a PADS board member and his former high school counselor and former board member Georgia Blackstone (center). About 10 years ago, the worst of circumstances for some Hurricane Katrina victims allowed New Lenox REALTOR® Dale Taylor to put his best foot forward, as he prepared an empty building for their temporary shelter. Residents of Louisiana, Mississippi and several other states who’d lost their homes and belongings were relocating to an area 40 miles southwest of Chicago with shelter provided by the nonpr... 03/30/2016

5 Things Millennial Home Buyers Should Know Are you a Millennial looking to buy a home? If so, there are a few important things you should know beforehand: The down payment doesn’t have to be as much as they think A Millennial buyer can get away with putting down as little as 3.5% of the home’s cost. It’s important for you to know that a required 20% down payment is only a myth. As long as you're aware of mortgage insurance, they can put down less. Millennials shouldn’t forget about the added extras like closing costs Many Millennials forget to put aside money for closing costs and fees, which could turn out to be more than you bargained for.  You should prepare your budget in advance. They should do homework before purchasing Millennials should do research before making any commitment... 03/03/2016

Transforming Lives - Building Community - Changing Systems - How You Can Make A Difference in the Chicago-Southland! South Suburban PADS (SSPADS) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1990 as a response to the growing numbers of individuals and families becoming homeless in the Southland region (Chicago’s south/southwest suburbs).  South Suburban Pads Mission - http://sspads.org SSPADS’ mission is to prevent and end homelessness. Key characteristics of SSPADS’ programs are interfaith partnerships, hospitality, compassion, service and dignity.  South Suburban Pads Vision  SSPADS aspires to be a leading agency in the fight to end homelessness. Through compassion and respectful support, we empower individuals and families who are atrisk of experiencing homelessness to reach... 03/03/2016

http://bit.ly/1Ud8EWu - A very short special plea for financial help in a rewarding way.  Please click on this link above provided.  Thanks ...- Please support the Lead Charity in the Chicago-Southland - South Suburban Pads - http://sspads.org, working daily to end Homelessness with over 509 Guests served, serving over 450 Guests receiving emergency shelter assistance, and helping an average of 65% with exiting the emergency shelter system after using less than 30 nights or less.  Acquiring coupon books with over $500 dollars in coupon savings, and shopping at Carsons Stores on Community Days february 26-27, 2016, will help insure this good work continues.  Please share with your friends. Thanks Operations Our Emergency Shelter Network (ESN) is a program that provides emergency, overnig... 02/13/2016