Please allow me to give a special thanks to all who participated in my Call To Action to donate your spare change to South Suburban Pads – http://sspads.org. South Suburban Pads has received funding to hire a Case-Worker to focus on Children and Families at risk of involvement with the Department of Children and Family Services. South Suburban Pads has earned funding for a 9-Month pilot program to support Case Management/Stabilization Services. I am so honored to report South Suburban Pads was rewarded with the 19th-Annual MLK Human Services Organization Of The Year. Thanks to our cherished Executive Director Dr. Geraldine Palmer, valued Staff, and hundreds of devoted network of Volunteers. Again, I am making this special plea to make South Suburban Pads the Organization you faithfully ... 02/05/2016

What's the Deal with Flipped Homes?Americans love their home improvement and design shows. With entire channels dedicated to DIY, home decor and design, and everything related to U.S. real estate, we love the possibilities that lie within the real estate market in America. One popular aspect of many shows and publications is home or house flipping. We hear a lot about flipping homes, but what does that really mean? Is it feasible for everyone? Are there risks? Should you buy a flipped home, and what questions should you ask if your property search lands on a potentially flipped property?What is Flipping?Flipping is a predominately U.S. term used to describe purchasing a property with the intent of quickly reselling it for profit. Most of the time, properties that are purchased with the ... 01/29/2016

Will my tax returns ruin my mortgage approval? Most often when applying for a home loan, your lender will request your federal tax returns for your pre-approval. In most cases, W-2’s, paystubs, and full tax returns are reviewed for mortgage pre-approval and final loan approval. In addition, lenders pull tax transcripts for all borrowers directly from the IRS. This guideline ensures that the income presented to the IRS is the same income provided for the originator for preapproval income calculation. One very common item on a tax return that can affect buyers pre-approval can be found on Schedule A of Federal Tax Return.   Schedule A is completed when itemizing tax deductions. At the bottom, a taxpayer can claim “unreimbursed employee expenses”, and under the guidelines of Fannie Mae an... 01/12/2016

5 Things Millennial Home Buyers Should Know Millennials looking to buy a home need to know a few important things 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 them to know that a required 20% down payment is only a myth. As long as they’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 they bargained for. They should prepare their budget in advance. They should do homework before purchasing Millennials should do research before making any commitments. This means checki... 01/09/2016

For over a decade shortly after South Suburban Pads served as the Lead Charity to emergency house the Katrina Hurricane Survivors, I have been serving as an Emergency Shelter Site Manager. Presently, I manage a Shelter-Site serving Men in cooperation with the St. Paul Lutheran Church Congregation providing their Gymnasium as a Shelter location at the corner of Ashland and 10th Street in Chicago Heights, Illinois. South Suburban Pads – http://sspads.org, employ a very valued Housing team who set monthly goals to help the Guests served to find more permanent housing. I am celebrating this Valued Team placing over 15 Guests in housing in just this past month alone, so you can just imagine all the good they accomplish annually. They also issued over 19 housing referrals to the Department of... 01/09/2016

Buying a home is always a new and exciting experience. The first thing for a buyer to consider is how much they can afford. Here are some ways for home buyers to get in shape to find the home that fits their budget: Debt to income — Home buyers should spend 28% or less of their gross income, and should be careful not to exceed that amount. However, maximum debt to income ratios differ for each mortgage program: FHA 45 to 50% max VA  45 to 50% max Conventional  28 to 36%  Debt payments — A home buyer’s mortgage, credit card bills, car and student loans, and any other debts shouldn’t exceed 36% of their gross income. Down payment affordability — The more money home buyers can put down, the lower their monthly mortgage payments will be. Costs — Home buyers must maintain strong discipline w... 01/07/2016

Common Household Hazardous Waste and What to do With Them We want to believe our homes are as safe as they can be, and for the most part they are. But there are items we use every day that are in fact hazardous. Knowing what products are hazardous, and the proper ways of disposing household hazardous waste, is not only good for the environment, but it will help you feel even safer in your home.BatteriesWe all use batteries in our homes, and most of those will be the regular alkaline batteries purchased at the grocery or hardware store. These batteries can be thrown away in the garbage once used, but it is suggested that if you have the ability to recycle them you do so. But should you have different batteries in your home, like rechargeable batteries, automotive batteries, or lithium, l... 01/07/2016

This is a tribute to all my Bid-Whist card playing friends.  You will have to know and enjoy this game to appreciate this story.  I wanted to test it out here early before I fine-tune it, and plan to present in at our next Holiday Party.  I have the good pleasure of serving as President of a No-Jokers-Bid-Whist Club, and reluctantly did not present this at our most recent holiday party, because I felt my real Bid-Whist card playing friends could help me enhance it.  Your feedback is appreciated. “Twas the night before Christmas, when All through the House, not a CARD-PLAYING-TABLE was stirring, not even a LOW-BIDDING-MOUSE. All the Stockings with NEW-PLAYING-CARDS were hung by the Chimney with care, in hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The NO-JOKERS-CLUB-PLAYING-MEMBERS were N... 01/06/2016

Gladys Knight once said in an interview, “Please don’t call me no Diva.”  Well at around 10:45a on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at the Chinatown Cermak Chicago Metra Station, I had an encounter with one.  I was reroute to a Closing Downtown. I normally park in the area and walk Downtown, only this morning I was running out of time to be as close to on-time as possible. I had the only keys to the South-Chicago 2-Flat I sold on South Manistee Avenue, and knew the Buyer and/or their Attorney would be expecting me to deliver them to the Chicago Title office on South LaSalle Street in the heart of the Financial District where to the closing was taking place.  Upon arriving at the station I notice these two Metra-Train Female Employees having a conversation in the windowed office. I thought, a... 12/16/2015

 Thank you for your support. Happy Holidays.Everyone we serve is someone's family member, and together we served 679 in our emergency shelter, and placed 182 in transitional and permanent housing. Thank you for partnering with us to improve the lives of so many.Visit our website www.sspads.org Carletta's story As a result of difficult circumstances, Carletta became homeless. She lived in an emergency shelter for eight months and temporarily lost custody of her oldest daughter, Sania. "I have always been determined to do something with my life, said Carletta. As a parent, my children and I deserve better, and it's my job to fight for my girls and myself."   Carletta went to court to fight for custody of her daughter Sanai, "the judge ruled in my favor because I could prove that I had sta... 12/08/2015

According to the United States Census Bureau in 2013 there were 19.6 million veterans living in the U.S. VA Loans are the perfect mortgage program for buyers that are Veterans. A few Benefits of VA Mortgages No Down payment- Rather than paying 5, 10, or 20 percent or more with a VA loan your buyer can finance up to 100% of the purchase price. The VA loan is a true no-money-down. No Mortgage Insurance- Typically you are required to pay mortgage insurance if you make a down payment that’s less than 20% down. By not having to pay MI this makes VA mortgages more affordable and over time. Lower Closing Costs-The VA limits the closing costs lenders can charge to VA loan applicants. This is another way that a VA loan can be more affordable than other types of loans. Funding Fee Flexibility- VA... 11/24/2015

5 Things I’m Most Thankful for That Impact My Business On A Daily Basis …Social Media – I get the opportunity daily to share my experiences, and the learning lessons I’ve gained through serving my Valued-Clients which hopefully helps past, present, and future Clients gain positive relocating wisdom.Referrals – I am thankful for the best compliment I could ever be given, a referral.  They come from past Valued-Clients, from Colleagues, from Family, from Friends, from you who read my social media posts, from Attorneys, from Loan Officers, from Inspectors, the results of my efforts to serve with the best possible customer service practices.Support Team – it is vital to be affiliated with an office with systems in place to serve my Valued-Clients with excellence, and very courteous customer... 11/24/2015

The Hidden Costs of HomeownershipIf you've never owned your own property before, there are some costs you should prepare yourself for ahead of time. Should you take out a mortgage, you'll have your monthly mortgage payment, but often there are additional costs and fees added that a new homeowner will not expect. Listed below are items you should expect to pay once you become a homeowner. Property TaxesWhen you rent, you are not responsible for the property taxes on the property. But when you become a homeowner, you're expected to pay yearly property taxes, of which go to public works, wages for government workers or public school boards. Based on the current value of your home, property taxes are assessed every year and will likely change to reflect an increase (or decrease) in your hom... 10/02/2015

Frankfort Fall Festival & Parade  September 5 - 7, 2015       One of the Midwest's most enduring and long-running festivals is just around the corner ...     The Frankfort Fall Festival is slated to be held over the Labor Day holiday weekend, September 5th thru 7th, 2015 in the historic Village of Frankfort, IL.       This Fest, a perennial favorite for over 300,000 visitors each year, offers fest-goers a: Juried show of 300 Artisans (List of Artisans: HERE)  Free Entertainment on Breidert Green (Schedule: HERE) Beer and Entertainment Tent (Schedule: HERE) Carnival (Info/Prices: HERE) Food Vendors and Food Court Parade - 1:00 pm Sunday (Info/Route: HERE) Free Shuttle Service for Visitors (Shuttle Info: HERE) Handicap Parking Lot  ($10 Donation) Car Club Show (Sunday) Bike Corral (Downto... 08/27/2015

     I have a transaction going on now where the Sellers are losing their patients with their Buyer.  Why?  If you ever asked me, what is the hardest part of the work I do, it is helping Seller Clients to endure the process of selling a home. This may come across as harsh, but it is a reality.  I am going to speak of Real Estate as if it is a person.  Real Estate does not care about your goals, your ambitions, your timing, your frustration, your level of patience, nor your level of stress.  It is always going to do its own thing, and the best thing you can do to manage your stress is to stay flexible when surprises pop-up. In a recent conversation with a Seller Client, they said to me after I explained the unexpected twists and turns their Buyer is having to maneuver around to procure t... 08/11/2015

Barbecue and Fire Pit Safety for the Summer Throughout the United States, the summer months are those months where millions of Americans find themselves enjoying the outdoors or chilling in the backyard. With summer comes barbecues and evenings outside, sitting beside the fire pit. It's important to remember that barbecues and fire pits require a certain amount of safety when in use. To help you in your summer celebrations, keep these safety tips close by when using a barbecue or fire pit this summer.   Barbecue TipsGrilled food is a true treat, especially when you don't want to cook inside during the warm summer months. Grills should always be used outside, in a well ventilated area. To ensure safety, grills should be stationed away from the home, deck railings and away from any low ha... 06/28/2015

  My good Friend Loan Officer Vincent Redd was sharing with me how we as professionals serving Consumers Buying, Selling, and Financing the purchase of real estate strive to establish great lasting business relationships, and trust lasting a lifetime.  We Elect to not be content with average! We both agree it is most important we don’t allow ourselves to become complacent.  We ask our valued Clients lots of questions to insure we focus on what is most important to them, always determined to give extraordinary service. We Dedicate Ourselves to Being true professionals! Daily, we place ourselves in the Consumer’s shoes, putting our best foot forward being the resource for reliable goal accomplishing service.  We’re dedicated to helping our valued Clients achieve their relocating goals and... 06/21/2015

 Why watching “Celebrity Wife Swap” and Selling Homes are complimentary to each other? I really like watching the television show “Celebrity Wipe Swap” because the Realtor in me loves to see the Celebrity Owned Homes.  I enjoy a glimpse of how they live in their homes, the size of their home, the amenities they enjoy, and of course the lifestyle they experience in their wealthy communities. Watching the show keeps me reminded of why I love Selling Homes. No matter the budget all Buyers have a common wish to live in a home accommodating their needs, and experience a lifestyle in a community they look forward to returning to after a hard day commuting to and from and on their J O B.   When touring homes with Buyers, I like to treat them like Celebrities.  First, before touring I like to a... 06/17/2015

 Why posting photos of the home you’re purchasing before you close on Social Media is not good for your transaction? Buyers, in a transaction you can expect four negotiations.  The first negotiation takes place when you inform me you want to make an offer.  I immediately provide you with three reports about the neighborhood.  An Area Market Survey, A Market Statistics, and a Market Trends reports shows you what Relevant Homes have been listed for, have sold for, and the average negotiation range, to help you to make an informed offer the Seller will respect, when I include the research about their subdivision with the offer you make.  Including your Pre-Approval Letter when financing the purchase, or Proof-Of-Funds Letter when paying cash, helps me to make you irresistible to the Seller... 06/17/2015

 Sellers  Sellers  Sellers   Please  Please  Please  allow me to conduct the showing of your home.  Why?  Because I know my Buyer.  I know what turns them on about a home.  I know how to make them comfortable enough to start seeing themselves in the home.  You can’t do that when you’re in the Buyer’s face during the tour of your home. Yesterday, while showing homes in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, and neighboring communities of Evergreen Park, and Oak Lawn, at one of the showings we were greeted by the Seller at the Front door.  Upon entering I ask the Seller to allow me to conduct the showing.  The Seller said well their Realtor is normally there for most showings, but was not available to be there to host the tour.  I said I understand and appreciate your hospitality,... 06/14/2015