Greetings!
Thank you for your business. Whether you are a buyer, a seller, or referring me to one of your contacts I appreciate your business.
Here is a recent comment from a client:
"You are on the ball girl!! Love the house. Come by and see my progress anytime. You were perfect. Love ya!" - Melinda Blomquist, 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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Lisa's Market Update |
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The figures reported to our local Multiple Listing Service showed a total of 70 homes sold in Kankakee County in October.
As of November 5th there are 866 home on the market in Kankakee County.
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 October is 133.
It is a goal of mine to help sellers with the sale of their home. Click MORE for You to learn of some of the extra services you'll receive. One of the most popular right now is #3 the Prelisting Consultation. If you are thinking of selling your home in the next 24 months lets get together to discuss your goals, wants, and needs.
If you are serious about wanting to sell, call or email me so that I can deliver a customized plan that will work for you. Call me at 815-922-6924 or email me. I look forward to helping you.
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Wells Fargo |
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Recently I met with Ryan Magruder with Well Fargo. Ryan is a branch manager and he is local. He has excellent communication skills and some pretty neat programs to help buyers through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. One program I like is their Buy Down program. A buyer can reduce the interest rate (or buy it down) up to 3 percentage points. So if the current interest is 6.5% a borrower can get a loan through Wells Fargo for an interest rate as low as 3.5% the 1st year, 4.5% the 3rd year, and 6.5% from the 4th through the 30th year. I also like the Streamline 203K program. This allows a buyer to include renovation/remodeling cost in their loan with putting as little as 3% down. Please click here to see an example of both the Buy Down program and the 203K. For more information on Ryan and Wells Fargo click here.
If you are aware of any other creative types of financing please let me know so I can include them in the next e newsletter. Let me know any other good real estate tips for the e newsletter. Just call or email with your suggestions.
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| Services Offered |
Sellers: I offer a FULL service marketing plan to all of our sellers. I don't just put a sign in your front yard and disappear... In addition, you don't pay a dime unless your home sells. No up front fees and no marketing fees. Allow me the opportunity to interview as your Realtor.
Buyers: Click on the link Search Local Properties and start surfing the homes listed with Realtors in Kankakee County and surrounding areas. Want to receive homes of interest by e-mail? My free personalized webiste allows you to view only the homes you want. Click on the link Dream Home Order and fill in the requested information. |
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Real Ideastm |
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Avoid Surprises: Check your credit before applying for a loan
You can avoid possible headaches and surprises, as well as clear up any errors or deficiencies in your credit record if you check if before applying for a mortgage loan.
As you're probably well aware, mortgage lenders will definitely run a credit check on you. If any "red flags" surface, at worst your mortgage loan could be jeopardized and at best simply delayed until the matter is cleared up.
Federal law allows you to examine your own credit record once a year from the three credit reporting agencies for free. Click here to visit the website.
If you record reveals that a current or former creditor has filed an unfavorable report on you, contact that creditor at once and attempt to clear up the matter. And, if necessary, provide documented evidence of your "side" of the story to include in your record regarding any negative credit information.
Remember, the loan officer reviewing your mortgage loan application will carefully examine your credit file. Be sure your side of the story is reflected.
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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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| 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)
Did you know? JUST BY SAYING YES TO A RETAILER THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO OPEN THEIR CREDIT CARD AND SAVE 10%, guess what happens? Your credit score drops by about 30 points. That is a bad thing, especially when you are wanting to apply for a home loan. A drop in your credit score by 30 points can reduce the amount the lender will lend you by thousands of dollars. Just say "NO" when a retailer asks if you would like to open a credit card today to save 10% on your purchases.
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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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 $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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 $259,000
5890 Rose Circle, Aroma Township
Beautiful, open, & spacious home with many updates. The approx. 1/3 of an acre with great view, an inground pool, & sits on Snake creek & joins the Kankakee River. The amazing gorgeous remodeled kitchen has a huge island cherry cabinets & granite counters. 2 CA units ('05 & '92), 2 GFA ('92), remodeled bathrooms. Call today for more details. |
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 $180,000
901 S. Wildwood, Kankakee
This Prairie style home circa 1916 was the "Anderson Home" It has been renovated and yet has kept the remarkable character. The front vestibule welcomes you with the original woodwork and doors. It takes you to the huge living room with an amazing fireplace. The sunroom has wood flooring. The dining room has many windows. Check out the wood flooring throughout and the spacious rooms. An interior staircase leads to the floored attic. There is a full bright basement. Call today for more details. |
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 $254,000
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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 $149,900
1285 W. State Road 102, Bourbonnais Very nice neutral ranch with a wonderful floor plan and gorgeous backyard. The kitchen with oak cabinets is open to the living room with bay window. There is plenty of room for your dinette table and the dining room could be your family room. Updates include new carpet in bedrooms '07, water heater, updated 1/2 bath, refinished garage in '05, roof '03. Call today for more details. |
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$125,000
1485 Sunset Lane, Kankakee
This all brick ranch style home features VERY spacious rooms with tons of Hardwood flooring. The family room has a fire place many windows, 2 built in desk and book shelves, and a door that leads to a screened in porch ("other" room above). Tons of closets including a walk in pantry. This is a great value and perfect for the person that wants to do their own decorating. By the way this is not a short sale or a foreclosure just a great value. Call today! |
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$110,000
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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$99,900 423 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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$94,000
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. |
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$49,900
1119 S. Curtis #D48, Kankakee What a value in this 2nd floor 2 bedroom unit of Curtis Place Condos. The balcony over looks the courtyard with pavered patio's. The stove, refrigerator, and microwave all stay. There is a washer and dryer in the building. The common area includes a private storage closet for your use. The exterior was painted in 2008. Condo fee includes gas, water, sewer, garbage, snow removal and lawn care. Don't miss out on this great deal. |
| 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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| 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
