Greetings!
Thank you for your business. August and the beginning of September brought many happy buyers and sellers. Whether you are a buyer, a seller, or referring me to one of your contacts I appreciate your business.
Here are a few recent comments from clients:
"You listened very carefully to what we were looking for in a house and showed us houses that matched our interest. It was like you got inside our heads to learn what we wanted"- Frank and Sue Moore, Bourbonnais
"Lisa- Great job on selling Dad's house. We appreciate your great work." - Bob LaBeau, Kankakee
We deliver prompt, creative and effective ways to make your real estate buying or selling experience a positive memory.
Please call me and "Experience the Difference". If there is a real estate question or topic that you would like to see addressed in the next e-newsletter, please reply to this and write me an email. I will do my best to get your topic mentioned. Thank you and enjoy this newsletter!
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| No Money Down Mortgage With Gifts and Credits |
Did you know? A buyer getting a conventional loan needs a credit score of 740 for a par interest rate. Any score below that will increase their interest rate. If a buyer qualifies for an FHA loan their interest rate will be at about the same rate as a conventional rate with a credit score of approx. 680. Although the FHA Ameridream is now discontinued. FHA loans still allow parents or close family members to "gift" money to a buyer. FHA also allows sellers the ability to credit buyers up to 6% of the buyers closing cost not down payment money. So in other words an FHA buyer can still get 100% financing by having a family member gift them their 3.5% down payment and the seller crediting the buyer for their closing cost which typically only amount to $1,500 (which is usually much less than the 6% allowed)
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| First Time Homebuyer $7,500 Tax Credit |
Buyers did you know? There is a $7,500 tax credit available for first time homebuyers that purchase a home between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009. Please click here to learn of the basic facts and 29 commonly asked questions regarding this $7,500 first time homebuyer tax credit.
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Lisa's Market Update |
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It will be interesting to learn of the details of the government "bail out". As I am sending it this out Congress is in session and the presidential debates will go on.
The figures reported to our local Multiple Listing Service showed a total of 86 homes sold in August.
I often get asked, "How long does it take to sell a home?" Here are some facts.
The average days on market through our Multiple Listing Service for the month of August is 130.
It is a goal of mine to help sellers with the sale of their home. That means that I can interpret the market so that the seller know what they can expect to get out of the market. I am able to help sellers plan for their future and make their move faster because of my knowledge in the market place. If you are serious about wanting to sell in this market, call or email me so that I can deliver a customized plan that will work for you. As you can see by the percentages above I help sellers get MORE net proceeds (MORE money in your pocket) sooner. Call me I look forward to helping you.
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Save Money on Your Real Estate Taxes |
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Do you think your real estate taxes are too high? Here are 7 real estate exemptions you may qualify for to help lower your taxes.
- The maximum reduction on a property's equalized assessed value (EAV) for the current General Homestead Exemption on owner-occupied residences will increase from $5,000 to $5,500 for the 2008 tax you (property taxes paid in 2009), and increase again to $6,000 for the 2009 tax (property taxes paid in 2010).
- The reduction on a property's EAV for the current Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption on properties of residents that are 65 years of age or older will increase from $3,500 to $4,000 for the 2008 tax year (property taxes paid in 2009).
- The current Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption maximum household income levels for eligibility to freeze a property's EAV will increase from $50,000 to $55,000.
- The current Disabled Veterans' Homestead Exemption that provides up to a $70,000 reduction in assessed value for federally-approved specially adapted housing will continue to be available through the local Veterans' Affairs Office.
- New Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption provides a one time $5,000 reduction in a property's EAV to qualifying veterans who return from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States. To receive this exemption, the veteran must file an application upon their return home.
- New Disabled Person's Homestead Exemption provides a $2,000 reduction in a property's EAV to a qualifying property owned by a disabled person. A disabled person must file an annual application by the county's due date to continue to receive the exemption.
- New Disabled Veterans' Standard Homestead Exemption provides a reduction in a property's EAV to a qualifying property owned by a veteran with a service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. A $2,500 homestead exemption is available to a veteran with a service connected disability of at least 50% but less than 75% or a $5,000 homestead exemption is available to a veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 75%. A disabled veteran must file an annual application by the county's due date to continue to receive this exemption.
Call me for MORE information or to get a copy of the applications. 815-932-7448
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Real Ideastm |
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Services Included in Sales Commission
What services to you have a right to expect when you list your home for sale with a real estate sales professional? Let's consider just a few important ones:
- By listing your home with a real estate professional you guarantee that your home will receive the widest possible exposure in the marketplace because it will be included in the Multiple Listing Service, provided the professional is a member of MLS (most are).
- If your real estate professional is aggressive, he or she should have at least several people "waiting in the wings" to look at your home within the first week to 10 days it's listed.
- You should also expect some form of advertising of your home if there has been little activity after one month on the market.
- Your real estate sales professional, or someone in his or her sales office, should host an "open house" at your home sometime during the first moth if activity has been slow on your home.
Most real estate professionals I know are highly reputable, diligent, honest people who take pride in helping clients. But, if you have a question to concern, talk it over with your real estate professional! |
Thank you for your real estate business! Please let me know anyone that is interested in receiving my real estate services or this newsletter.
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Lisa's Featured Listings
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 $360,000
1300 Cobb Blvd.,
Kankakee Kankakee Quality and elegant stone and brick home once owned by Governor Shapiro. Sits on the boatable part of the beautiful Kankakee River. The stone walkway to the river allows you to view the park district grounds, the historic clock tower, and of course the boaters relaxing on the river. Call for more details. |
$284,900
1640 Shire Lane, Bourbonnais Award winning HomeShow by Pommier Construction w/ full finished basement. You can have it all. Quality Poplar wood trim and 6 panel doors. First floor laundry. 1st floor bedroom. Finished Basement with 1/2 bath. Finished Bonus Room. Fenced yard and huge deck... and much much more! Call today for more details!
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 $265,000
115 E. Taylor St., Grant Park
Amazing turn of the century Victorian home with convenient updates. Lovely home in move in condition. Could be 4 or 5 bedrooms. Abundant hardwood, oak built in's, and character. Updates included roof '05, 1 central air '08, one furnace '04, and 2nd GFA &C/A '03. The plumbing and electric are updated (200 amp & wired for a generator). Many leaded glass windows, 2 walk in bay windows, a butlers pantry, & cherry cabinets add to the beauty. Call today for more details!
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 $269,900
1265 Tower Court,
Bourbonnais
Beautiful home on a cul de sac; Foyer leads to the open floor plan w/ cathedral ceiling, brick fireplace & abundant windows in the great room. Kitchen features Amish oak cabinets. Updates include new furnace & AC in '07, new roof in '03, and all flooring, lighting, and counter tops have been updated. Call today for more details!
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$118,500
218 N. Quincy, Bradley
This home is located close to shopping just east of Route 50 and South of North St. It's located on a corner lot and has a huge deck and a 23 x 22.5 garage plus a shed. The floor plan flows nicely with the half bath between the master bedroom and laundry area off the kitchen. The home is priced knowing that you may want to make some cosmetic changes. This is being sold in "as is" condition and is subject to bank approval for short sale.
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$102,500 423 S. Prairie, Bradley
Fantastic completely redone with excellent quality 2 bedroom 1 bath home with a full basement * New in '08 windows, siding, furnace, AC * Very open floor plan with beautiful oak kitchen cabinets and gorgeous Shaw laminate wood like floor in the living room and kitchen. Call today for more details! |
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$99,900
15 Brittany Lane, Bourbonnais
Great condo located on 2nd floor. The floor plan flows nicely. Living room & dining room have Stone fireplace and access to the 2nd floor deck w/ beautiful views of the lawn, landscaping, and pond. Kitchen has beautiful ceramic flooring and cherry cabinets and features a huge walk in pantry. The condo monthly fee covers the exterior maintenance, lawn, and snow removal for all the owners. Call today for more details! |
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$99,900
216 S. Oak, Chebanse Very Well Maintained One Owner Home Built By Fairmont Homes "hampton Estate" Modular Model. The Split Floor Plan Offers An Open Living, Kitchen, And Dining Room W/ Cathedral Ceilings. The Master Suite Has A Huge Full Bath And A Walking In Closet. Very Clean And Neutral Colors. |
| FoxBorough Oaks |
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Located in the beautiful Foxborough Oaks Subdivision, within the Limestone School District and Limestone Township. CITY WATER. Many larger Oak, Maple, Hickory, and Walnut hardwood trees. Call for a copy of the covenants, designed to protect your investment. Each home built within Fox Borough Oaks has a 1800 min. square footage. Located within 3 miles of 2 hospitals, restaurants, banks, grocery stores, etc... Foxborough Oaks has city convenience and country character in one location. 4 miles west & 1/2 mile south of RT. 17. ONLY 15 LOTS LEFT!
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| Farm Ground |
$259,900
16750 E 6000N Rd, Momence
37.26 Acres. 6 Mile Grove pass Minnie Minoso golf course cross 16000 E Rd. turn South (left) onto 16750 E Road take curve to east property on the south side on the street. Property is currently rented.
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| Commercial Lots Available |
$157,500
Wilmington-Peotone Rd., Peotone Does this fit for your retail business? The Village of Peotone would welcome a wide range of retail stores and personal service establishments desirable for both day to day and occasional shopping needs i.e. ambulance service, antique shops apparel, art and school supply shop, financial institutions, bakery shops, beauty; massage or personal service, book stores, garden supply, gift shops, jewelry sales or repair shop....Just to name a few. Call for other permitted uses.
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$28,000
Jeffrey St, Kankakee
Here is a great business opportunity for you to have your C-2 business on this vacant lot on Jeffrey street with an alley along the west lot line. The alley would allow for great parking ingress and egress. This is located is located next to Convenient Center between 5th and 6th Avenue. Some sample permitted uses are a bank, bike sales or repair, beauty shop, medical or dental clinic, electronic and video store, garages, and more! Please call for a complete list for permitted uses by the zoning district. We can email them to you. | |
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Speckman Realty, Inc. GMAC
