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.
Click Here to listen to a recent comment from a client that relocated here from out of state.
We deliver prompt, creative and effective ways to make your real estate buying or selling experience a positive memory. I believe in the Dave Ramsey philosophy you can listen to him Monday-Friday 7-9pm on WKAN 1320AM. Click here to listen to another happy client that is a Dave Ramsey listener.
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 59 homes sold in Kankakee County in December and 809 for the year 2008.
As of December 30th there are 767 home on the market in Kankakee County.
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 - $7500 Tax Credit |
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Attention First Time Homebuyers!
Now is the time to buy. Currently rates are at an all time low and home prices are on discount. If you are in the market of purchasing your first home there has never been a better time to buy. As part of the mortgage stimulus package, First Time Homebuyers may receive up to a $7500 tax credit on their 2009 Income Tax Returns. Take advantage today of the market and the programs geared towards home ownership. Contact Lisa Sanford or Ryan Magruder to learn more about these great opportunities!
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| Question and Answer |
 Question: "I need to sell my home, but I owe a lot than what it's worth. So to sell, I need to do a short sale. How do short sales work?"
ANSWER: Simple question. Complex answer. People need to do a short sale when they want to or need to sell and the proceeds from a sale won't be enough to pay off the loan. Qualifying for a short sale is the same as and exactly opposite of qualifying for a loan. Huh? What I mean is that you go through a similar process, but instead of showing the bank that you can make the payment, you need to show them you CAN'T make the payment.
So here's the process:
1. Find a sharp, organized agent who REALLY knows short sales and has done at least a dozen.
2. List your home for sale, subject to the bank approving your short sale. Because many buyers and agents avoid short sales, you'll need to price your home a bit below market to attract interest.
3. Negotiate and accept an offer subject to the bank's approval of the short sale.
4. Send in your "short sale package"
5. Wait for 2-16 weeks for your short sale to be approved, negotiated, or denied. Your agent should be in regular contact with the bank's "loss mitigation department" that is processing the short sale.
6. Sell your home a 2nd or 3rd time(?) Many deals fall through because the buyer loses patience, so you may need to sell your home several times before it sticks.
7. Get short sale approval and close within 14 days.
Believe me, this all sounds much easier than it is.
If you need to sell your home or investment property and need to do a short sale, call me at (815)922-6924.
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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 amounts to $1,500 (which is usually much less than the 6% allowed)
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Real Ideastm |
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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.
Here is an example of how your credit score can affect your payment and interest rate:
$150,000 purchase price. Conventional loan with 5% down:
730+ = 6.125% rate $977.48 PI
700 - 729 = 6.375% rate $1000.64 PI
650 - 699 = 6.875% rate $1047.75 PI
620 - 649 = 7.5% rate $1108.01 PI
$150,000 purchase price. FHA loan with 3% down
700+ = 6.5% rate $1002.10 PI
650 - 699 = 6.875% rate $1038.93
500 - 649 = 7% rate $1051.33 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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| Services Offered |
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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. |
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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 $450,000
10872 E. 9000 N. Rd., Grant Park
Superb horse property with fabulous 36 x 72 barn - 7 custom built stalls, hot water, an auto fly spray system, and 6 paddocks with secure steel fencing. Stocked pond and sand riding arena. The home has a great floor plan with a finished walk out basement with cool spiral stair case and a 2nd stone fireplace. Custom built baths have heated floors for your comfort. Eat-In Country style kitchen with pine wood floor is open to family room with stone fireplace. Call for more details. |
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$369,000
1144 Pheasant Ridge, Bourbonnais
This custom built ranch style home was completed in 2007. The sellers were extremely involved with the extras they wanted from their contractor Steve Marion. The floor plan has a spacious foyer open to the great room. The kitchen and dining areas are open to each other. Kitchen includes all appliances cherry cabinetry, Corian counter tops, roll out drawers, pantry, and built in speakers. Call today for more details.
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$339,900
1300 Cobb Blvd., 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. The elegant foyer with marble flooring and spiral staircase opens to the formal dining room or sunk in livingroom both with a bow window. Please call for more details.
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$339,900
220 Westgate Dr., Peotone Beautiful 2 story home with a full finished basement that sits on a pond in Westgate Manor subdivision. Oak trim and six panel doors add to the warm and quality. Tons of extras including central vac, wood floors, gas log fireplace, outdoor sprinkler, whole house reverse osmosis water system, ejection pump and a wet bar in the quality basement. All appliances can stay. Great value! Call for more details.
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 $309,000
355 E. Kay,
Herscher
This custom 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom dream home sits on 1.5 lots and includes a full basement. The entry foyer leads to sitting room with fireplace. Spacious dining area. Wait until you see this awesome kitchen with a huge dinette area all open to the family room. The office with French doors is located off mid-staircase. A convenient 1st floor laundry room. 9ft 1st floor ceilings & various height ceilings in the 4 bedrooms. Call today 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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 $259,000
5890 Rose Circle, Aroma Park 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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 $254,000
1452 E River South Rd., Momence
Located on the beautiful fishing part of the Kankakee River. This ranch style home is extremely well maintained & has had the same owners since 1968. Updates include '08 new roof, remodeled kitchen, new well water pump tank switch and motor, high definition tv antenna (great reception). '07 new pump on boiler/furnace and much more! Great floor plan with a sunken living room & two sided fireplace. Many windows to view the scenic river views. Very clean! Call for more details!
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 $240,000
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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$215,000
2-4 Exeter Turn, Bourbonnais
Great opportunity to live in one unit and rent the other one out. 2 Exeter has an enclosed patio for privacy between the garage in this townhouse style unit with 2 bedrooms upstairs and 3rd bedroom or family room on the main level. 4 Exeter has a spacious living room, dining area, and kitchen with a huge deck off the dining area. There are 2 bedrooms and 2 baths and the master bedroom is 23' x 11'4. There is a lower level family room and a good size laundry area. Both units have a private 2 car garage. Call today for more details.
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$184,900
1573 Surrey, Bourbonnais
Very clean and open floor plan. Be sure to check out the extra photos on line. The large foyer opens to the great room with a gas fireplace and catherdral ceiling with skylights. The kitchen has a large area for your dinette table and tons of oak cabinetry. Great master bedroom with a huge walk in closet and nice bath. Great deck. The floorplan flows nicely and is bright with many windows and white trim. Call today for your private showing.
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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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$178,900 1054 S. Wildwood, Kankakee
Historic all brick 2 story home in the Historic District. The home overlooks beautiful Cobb Park and the Kankakee River with a view of the Clock Tower. The home is well maintained with many updates while still keeping the character. Call today for more details. |
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$163,900
9 Charlton Dr, Kankakee Sprawling ranch with a oversized side entry garage. The spacious foyer opens to the sunk in living room with bay window. The family room has beautiful hardwood floors, fireplace and many shelves for your books, dvds, and videos. The spacious laundry area has a sink and a convenient serving counter that can be used for entertaining. The kitchen has lots of counter space and oak pickled finished cabinetry. Off the formal dining room is a glassed in sun room that can be used through three seasons. The fenced yard includes a shed and a inground pool * Call today for your personal viewing!
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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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$119,900
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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$97,900
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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$95,000
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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$89,900
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. |
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$69,900
31 N. East St.,
Union Hill
Spacious home with lots of potential. Vinyl windows were new in 07. The Central Air & furnace were new in 2008. Master bedroom with new flooring is located in the back of the house & close to the laundry area. There is a 10x15 deck with a handicap accessible ramp in the back.Home being sold "as is". Call today for more details. |
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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. |
| Commercial Property |
 $93,900
121 W. Myrtle, Herscher
Great investment opportunity. Currently 3 separate sections and business in this building that sits on a corner lot with off street parking. The front office is between 400-500sq ft. The middle office is currently as a video rental and tanning business that could possibly be for sale. 3 Separate electric meters. All 3 are currently occupied call to see how we can help you with your business opportunity plans.
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Speckman Realty, Inc. GMAC
