Gene's Bit of Blogging
Helpful Hints
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Friday, April 13, 2012 1:15 PM
Do You Offer Real Estate Services in Popular Retirement and Investment Regions???
This morning I was reading the post of one of my favorite ActiveRain members. It dawned on me while reading this post, that while I had read this blog faithfully for a long time ... I still wasn't quite sure where the agent's service area was located within their state. I had never taken the time to check it out and do a search.
Not proud of that fact, but there it was!
I wondered how many people like me, had not done their own research while reading this or similar posts??
Some of the service areas represented on AR are pretty obvious. Larger cities and their geographical locations are typically known. Chicago. New York. Los Angeles. Denver ... and similarly-sized cities, people typically know. But smaller towns, counties, rural areas?? Not so much. Maybe a bit of assistance is needed in finding them?
It was also clear to me that while I
hadn't taken the time to educate myself while reading this favored
member ... I probably was not that different from others reading the
post. They probably wouldn't know where the location was ... and they'd
probably had been just as lazy as I had been. They wouldn't have taken the time to
do a simple search either.
 Being an ActiveRain member from a northern climate, it occurred to me too that maybe those AR real estate agents that serve areas where northern/cold-climate boomers or investors might be looking for retirement homes, 2nd homes, or investment properties ... might be especially well-served by adding some helpful links or maps for their location/region.
Links and maps that would make it easy for their readers to educate themselves as to exactly where that agent is located within their state. Something that even somewhat lazy readers (like me) would find and click on.
Maybe it's the most obvious information and actions that elude us? Information that is so basic to us personally, that we overlook and forget that it might not be so to others??
I know I'm now going to go to my own website, my own blogs ... and take a good long look at them. Do an assessment. See if I'm making it as easy as possible for my readers to find me, understand what areas I service, and what services I offer.
Moving forward, I'm going to try to make it as easy, as convenient as possible for my readers to be completely informed and to utilize all my services ...
 * Looking for an experienced mortgage lender with multiple office locations in the Chicago and Chicagoland region? A mortgage lender that assist you with local or nationwide mortgage services? Contact me today! With over 35 years of experience and expertise earned while assisting and serving home buyers and home owners of all types in Chicago, Chicagoland, and the entire U.S. ... I can help you successfully prior, throughout, and beyond your mortgage closing. I can be contacted through any of the following: Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 Conveniently through Skype: 630.219.1316 |
Buying a Home, Mortgages, Chicagoland, Will County, Technology, Social Media, Chicago, Education, Working with a Real Estate Professional, Helpful Hints, Doing Business, ActiveRain.com, Links
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Friday, March 09, 2012 5:37 PM
Is that the smell of sweet success in your home ... Or ???
I'm an advocate of staging services when selling homes. I think, especially in the present challenging housing market, that sellers often-times need every advantage possible to gain the sale they seek.
I'm also the husband to a chronic migraine sufferer. And to anyone that knows and loves someone that deals with this horrendous affliction ... you know that many things can prove to be a "trigger" for a headache. And that includes smells.
 It has been said that nothing is more memorable than a smell. And that can be good ... or bad ...
It only stands to reason, that if a home smells like animals, litter box, stale, musty, or of cigarettes ... many potential buyers are going to balk at buying. If those odors are bad enough, carpeting, window treatments, and even drywall may have to be replaced. And that means extra expenditures for buyers.
Uh-oh. Can you say "peeeee-uuuuuuu"?? Compare that home with odors to a similarily-priced home without ... and there's not much of a guess as to which home is going to sell more quickly.
That's a simple comparison. But it's been my experience as someone that has lived with a migraine sufferer for 35 years, that smells that are typically thought of as pleasant to most ... can be unpleasant or toxic to someone that gets severe headaches.
ANY smell can be someone's "trigger". The reaction can be immediate, with the mere whiff of the "trigger" smell enough to start a long and painful migraine episode requiring medications ... or a retreat to bed or a bathroom. (Be aware, that this can also be the reaction for someone with respiratory problems, as well.)
So as strongly as I advocate finding the "sweet smell of success" through the talents of staging professionals and the use of their staging techniques during the sale of properties ... I also advocate and urge all professional Stagers, real estate agents/brokers, and home sellers themselves ... to NOT place scents, perfumes, candles, potporri, air fresheners, herbs, flowers, i.e. ANY odor-producing items in properties while they are actively being shown for sale.
Should they be utilized,you may be innocently and inadvertently placing a potential buyer at health risk ... and the view/sale of the home in jeopardy.
Remember, a potential buyer will neverbuy a home that they cannot enter or view ...
* Smell the "sweet success" of selling your home ... or buying a new one. With over 35 years of successful mortgage business behind me, I can offer you referrals to real estate's finest home staging and agent/broker professionals ... besides my own mortgage services. Should you need answers to your questions or assistance, please contact me. I'll be happy to hear from you and put my experience and expertise to work for you. Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 Skype: 630.219.1316
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From: Anita Clark, Realtor LLC, Coldwell Banker SSK Realtors, Warner Robins, GA - Guest Blogger: Posted on Monday, February 13, 2012 1:19 PM
Although Anita adds helpful tips and suggestions for those that live in the Warner Robins, Ga area ... or are thinking of relocating to that region ... this information will prove useful for Veterans, no matter their location.
As noted by Anita Clark, please inquire as to the individual establishment's/retailer's participation in these discounts prior to purchase. Participation is based solely upon the individual locations discretion.
Hope the information and opportunities for savings posted here helps all the Active, Reserve, and Retired Vets out there. You most certainly have earned them .. and much more. As always, thank you for your service ...
Gene
Please forward to all active duty, reservists, and retired US military personnel you know …
Discounts galore at over 200+ stores for vets and their immediate family members.
Remember to ALWAYS show your military or retired ID. Happy shopping...You deserve it!
Verify with the store/organization that the discount is still available. Participation by business owners is at their discretion.
1-800-Flowers - 7% to 60% off A&W - Discount varies ADT Security - Discount varies Advance Auto Parts - 10% off Aeropostale - 20% off in-store Agentsource.com - Up to 40% off standard real estate closing costs for active duty moving in the US or Canada Alamo Rent A Car - Discount varies American Airlines – Discount varies American Eagle - 10% off (manager discretion) American Video Productions -10% off Amtrak - 10% off Anchor Blue - 10% off Anheuser – Busch Amusement Parks - Discount varies Anna’s Linens - 10% off any in-store purchase Apple Computers - Discount varies, sign up here Applebee’s - Discount varies Arby’s - Discount varies Ashford University - Discounted tuition at $250 a
credit, books are covered for all required courses, waived application
fee, and waived technology fee Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA) - Free membership and free $5,000 AD&D coverage. See my ASMBA post for more details. AT&T - Discount varies ATG - $10 off home and garden products Auto Zone - Discount varies Avis - 25% off, online customers use coupon AWD # A555084 Azamara Cruises - Discount varies Back Yard Burgers - Discount varies Banana Republic – 15% in-store discount off regular priced items (varies by location) Barnes and Noble – 6% off regular price plus free shipping Barnhill’s – Discount varies Bass Pro Shops – 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month Bath & Body Works – Discount varies Bed & Breakfast Inns – Discount varies Best Inns and Suites – Discount varies Best Western – Discount varies Beyond Blossoms – 20% off all flower orders throughout the year Big 10 Tires – Discount varies Blockbuster – Discount varies Boscov’s- 15% off in-store purchases Boston Bill Sunglasses - 10% off Boston Market - 20% off Bronson Labratories – 10% off vitamins/supplements Buckle – 10% off, free shipping Budget – Discount varies, up to 25% off time and mileage Budget Truck Rental – Discount varies Burger King – Discount varies Camino Real Apartments - 5% discount Captain D’s – Discount varies Carl’s Jr. – Discount varies Carnival Cruises - 10% off Champs Sports - Discount varies Charlotte Russe - 10% off Checker Auto Parts - Discount varies Chevy’s Fresh Mex - 20% off Chick Fil A - Discount varies (location dependent) Chipotle - Discount varies Choice Hotels - Discounts varies Ci-Ci’s Pizza - Discount varies (location dependent) Cingular - Up to 18% off your bill and 25% off accessories Clarion Inn - Discount varies Cold Stone Creamery - Discount varies Comfort Inn - Discount varies Coolmilitary.com - 10% off on-line purchases Copeland’s Sports - Discount varies Cracker Barrel - 10% off D.S.W. Shoe Warehouse - 10% off Dairy Queen - 10% off (location dependent) Days Inn – Discount varies Dell Computers – Discount varies Denny’s - Discount varies Dick’s Sporting Goods – Discount varies DIRECTV - Discount Varies. Ask about the $75 Visa Gift Card for new subscribers Discovery Channel Store – Discount varies DISH Network - Discount varies, call 866-395-9955 for details Disney Resorts – Discount varies Disneyland – Discount varies, must buy ticket at the gate Dollar Car Rental – Discount varies Drugstore.com - $10 off $50+ orders & free shipping Dunkin’ Donuts – Veterans advantage members save 10% on all online orders El Molino Coffee Shop – Free shipping Express Clothing Store – 10% off Extreme Outfitters – 10-20% off miiltary gear, on-line and in-store Eyeware - Discount varies, get the discount on-line Fatbikez.com - 18% off. Coupon code: Military Finish Line - 20% off Foot Action - 20% off Foot Locker - 20% off Ford - Discount varies Forever 21 - 10% off Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores – Discount varies GameStop - 16% off all used games & DVDs Gander Mountain - 5% off Gap – 10% military discount 1st of every month (varies by location, in-store only) Geico – 2% to 15% in all states except Georgia,
Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New
Mexico, Tennessee and Texas GM – Discount varies GNC – Discount varies Golden Corral – Discount varies Great Wolf Lodge - Discount varies Green Island Apparel - 10% off Greyhound - 10% off or ask about the $209 round-trip anywhere in the continental U.S. fare Haber Vision - 50% discount on all sunglasses Hanes Outlet Store - 10% off Hard Rock Cafe - 10% off Hertz – Discount varies Hewlett-Packard – Discount varies, on-line company code is 2727 HickoryFarms – 10% off, online code is 892848 Home Depot – 10% off, in-store Hooters - 10% off IHOP - 20% (location dependent) Imax – $1 off movie tickets Inkshouse – 20% off $50 or more purchase, use cod Mil20 ISZY Billards - 10% off (except case lots) - Java Cafe - Discount varies
- Jeep – $500 off
- Jiffy Lube – 10% off
- Jockey – 10% off
- KB Toys - 15% off during advertised Military Days
- Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants - Discount varies
- K-Mart - 10% off entire order (online only)
- Kohl’s – 10% off
- Kragen Auto Parts – Discount varies
- Lady Foot Locker - 20% off
- Lerner – 15% off
- Long John Silver’s – Discount varies
- Longhorn Steakhouse – 10% off
- Lowes – 10% off everyday
- Macy's - Save $10 on orders over $75
- Marriott Hotels – Discount varies
- Maurices - 10% off
- Mary Kay Cosmetics - 10% off online orders
- McDonalds - Discount varies
- Meineke - 10% off parts. In store only
- Michaels - 10% off each Wednesdays
- Midas - 10% off
- Moe's - Discount varies
- Napa Auto Parts - Discount varies
- National - Discount varies
- Nautica - 10% off
- New York and Company - 15% off
- Nextel - 18% off
- Nickelodeon Hotels - Discount varies
- Nike - 10% off
- O'Reilly Auto Parts - Discount varies
- Oakley - Discount varies
- Office Depot - Free next day business delivery on orders over $50
- Old Navy - 10% off
- Pac Sun - Discount varies
- Panda Express - Discount varies
- Payless Shoe Source - 10% off
- Pep Boys - 10% off
- Pizza Hut - Discount varies
- Play It Again Sports - Discount varies
- Quizno’s – Discount varies
- Race-Depot – 10% off, use code 10MILCITY
- Rack Room Shoes – 15% off
- Raising Cane’s Chicken – Discount varies
- Ralph Lauren Outlet Store - 10% off
- Ramada – 15% to 30%, depending on availability
- Red Robin – Discount varies
- Regal Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times
- Ripley’s Attractions and Museums – Discount varies
- Roadrunner - $25 savings on nationwide auto shipping
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 10% off
- Rocky Mountain Tracking – 5% off, use code USMILITARY
- S & K Men’s Wear – 8% off, free shipping on orders over $99
- Sally Beauty Supply – Discount varies
- Samsonite – 15% off
- Schubach Jewelers - 10% off
- Seventh Avenue - 10% off
- Ship Any Car - $25 off
- Shoe Carnival – 10% off
- Sierra Suites – Discount varies
- Six Flags Mountain Magic – Service members receive
special discounts on admission for special events and specific dates.
Tickets must be purchased in advance on-base at MWR or ITT
- Sizzler – Discount varies
- Sleep Inn – Discount varies
- Smooth Fitness - 10% off
- Sonic - Discount varies
- Southwest Airlines – Discount varies (not available on all flights)
- Spencer’s Gifts – Discount varies
- Sports Authority - Discount varies
- Sports Chalet - 10% off
- SportsMemorabilia.com – 10% off, use on-line code mili10
- Sprint Business – 15% off
- Suzuki - $500 off
- Sweet Tomatoes - 10% off
- T-Mobile - 15% discount on monthly service and waived activation fees
- Taco Bell – Discount varies
- Target - $5 off orders over $50
- Texas RoadHouse – 10% off
- The Finish Line – 20% off (location dependent)
- The Melting Pot – Discount varies
- THMotorSports - 5% off
- Timberland Outlets - 15% off
- Tommy Hilfiger - 10% off
- Toyota – $500 off + $500 for first-time buyers
- Travelodge – Discount varies
- U.S. Postal Service - Free Care Package Kit
- Under Armor Outlet Store – 10% off
- United Artist Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times
- Verizon – 23% discount on monthly bills. Applies only to military member’s primary line
- Walgreens – 10% off each Tuesday
- Wendy’s – Discount varies
- Wet Seal - 10% off
- Wheels Next - $50 off regular priced wheel and tire combos
- Wing Zone – 10% off in Alabama
- World of Coca Cola – $2 off standard admission price for service member and up to four guests
- Wyndham Hotels – Discount varies
- Zaxby’s – 10% off
Military relocating to Robins AFB…As a retired Air Force spouse, I understand the unique challenges you face during a PCS move.
Visit Homes for Sale in Warner Robins
to preview the complete list of Houston County and Warner Robins Real
Estate or call me at (478) 960-8055 so we can discuss your Warner Robins Real Estate needs.
Anita Clark Realtor LLC Coldwell Banker SSK Realtors Cell: (478) 960-8055
Office: (478) 953-8595 x227
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender - Chicago Bancorp: Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2012 10:24 AM
Locking-In Your Interest Rate For Your Mortgage Financing
What You Should Know ...
One of the most confusing aspects of the mortgage financing process comes when it's time to "lock-in" an interest rate on a loan.
 Purely trying to explain the "hows, whens, and whys" of enacting a "lock-in" of a rate ... especially while talking over the phone or communicating via technology ... can confuse the heck out of most clients. Nevermind when you start to add multiple mortgage programs comparisons ... or several different mortgage lenders into the mix.
I presently have a potential client that is struggling through this portion of her initial financing inquiries right now. She's narrowed her mortgage lender choice down to myself and one other lender. It's my opinion, that she is getting a bit of a shell-game played on her by this other lender she is talking to.
Time will tell, but the lower interest rate she says she is being quoted by them, just doesn't seem to hold water to me. And they are rather evasive when asked about whether that rate is truly "locked-in" for her.
But her plight, which is not an unusual one, brings the dilemma surrounding "lock-in", and the confusion it causes, into light once again. So I thought perhaps addressing this confusing step of the mortgage process here might be of some help.
Let's answer some of the questions I hear most often ... and provide some basic steps to help you get the information you need regarding "locking-in" interest rates ...
First ... What exactly IS the process of "locking-in" an interest rate?
"Locking-In" is the making of an agreement (confirmed in writing) between the Borrowers and the Lender's Representative (Loan Officer) as to the interest rate and mortgage type and term of loan, and a subsequent guarantee of that rate for a specific period of time. The "lock" is typically done at the time a formal loan application is taken and/or another agreed upon time between the application and a week before closing.
Second ... What exactly does this "lock-in" process accomplish for a mortgage client?
"Locking-In" secures a current interest rate for the duration of the lock period, typically as long as the closing date. It protects the Borrower in the event of "changing" markets and "changing" interest rates.
Third ... How long does a "locked-in" interest rate typically last?
As a rule, rate locks are available for 30, 45, and 60 days. Variances can be obtained for longer term locks.
Fourth ... Why does this process sometimes get so darn confusing?
Not every bank, not every loan officer, deals with the discussions on rates, rate locks, fees, and points in the same manner, leading to differences that can become overwhelming for the borrowers. And each bank varies in fees that they charge, contributing to further confusion of borrowers.
Fifth ... If I am speaking to multiple mortgage lenders regarding interest rates, closing costs, and "lock times", what information do I need to acquire from each to accurately do my comparison?
 Most importantly, compare apples to apples. Make sure that the "lock-in" periods you are comparing are the same, that each mortgage lender has the same information (i.e. credit report, down payment ability, employment information, purpose of the loan, etc). To ensure that each mortgage lender is understanding your situation fully, compare Good Faith Estimates prior to "locking-in" with anyone.
Sixth ... Is there a "Lock-In" fee?
There can be ... so ask this upfront. Every mortgage lender varies on this policy, but typically there is no "lock-in" fee. "Lock-In" fees are typically associated with longer "lock-in" terms.
I also recommend strongly, that you do what you did in school. Take notes! Write things down for future reference and recall. Trying to remember all the information you are given without taking this measure will be almost impossible.
And I want to add one more important piece of information for you here ...
In today's mortgage financing, it's virtually impossible to compare the mortgage scenario and background of one client to another's. Mortgages ... and the quoting of interest rates and mortgage program options ... have become increasingly detailed and personal to each client.
Like winter's snowflakes, you will not find two financial scenarios 100% alike. So comparing your experiences and the information you have received to another's is a waste of time and will only serve to add to your confusion.
I cannot stress enough just how much a client's personal financial details contribute to the outcome of their mortgage financing, their closing costs, and the interest rate they will receive. You may get a ballpark idea of each from plugging information into an online mortgage calculator ... but then again, you may not. Mortgage financing is much like a recipe. Working with all the right ingredients in the exact amount needed makes a huge difference to the outcome.
In the present financial climate, it takes an experienced and knowledgeable mortgage professional to correctly work with all the variables related to your personal financial situation. Only someone that has the needed expertise and experience can discover and arrive at the beneficial mortgage options that lie before you ... and then "lock" you in.
Also remember that it takes dedication, attention, and work on the client's part too.
I hope that the information provided here on interest rate "lock-in" will assist those presently pursuing mortgage financing. Should you need further information or explanation regarding this part of the mortgage process, please do not hesitate to contact me. I'll be glad to assist you further and in every way I can.
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Buying a Home, Financing, Mortgage Lender, Mortgages, Mortgage & Transaction Processing, Obtaining Mortgage Quotes, Pre-Approvals, & Info, Choosing a Mortgage Lender, Helpful Hints, home buying, Mortgage Costs, Closing Costs, Interest Rates, Pre-Qualification/Pre-Approval, Interest Rate Lock-In
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Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President - Chicago Bancorp: Posted on Monday, January 30, 2012 3:14 PM
Information Available at the Tips of Your Fingers. Tapping Information Available Through Chicagoland County Websites
Why and How It's Important ...
I've written more than a few times, that I have a background of over 20+ years as a licensed IL Real Estate Appraiser. Back when I started in the mortgage business, it wasn't uncommon for mortgage lenders to have dual responsibilities within their companies like this.
 And of all the additional things I've studied, learned, and tackled within the framework of my years of mortgage services, I've found that my appraising education and experience has proven the most beneficial to me in conducting my services ... and my clients. It's just been immeasurable.
To say that "things have changed" somewhat over the years is an understatement. The amount of information now available to a professional Appraiser is almost mind-boggling.
One of the greatest advantages for Appraisers performing appraisals in Will County, IL can now be found through the County's Supervisor of Assessments' website. The Plats of Subdivision for the entire County of Will ... Township by Township ... Section by Section ... Acre by Acre ... Lot by Lot ... and Parcel by Parcel ... is now available just by "clicking" on the Supervisor of Assessments' site.
As a former Appraiser that had to lug and then search through huge mountainous books of information years ago, that fact alone is amazing to me. Those cumbersome books were unbelievably costly to possess too, I may add. Now? Click, click, click ... and that information is yours ... FREE. And whether a professional or a member of the general public. Rather impressive, I'd say.
The information contained within the Will County Supervisor of Assessments' website is accessed easily. The whole website is very "user-friendly". But the same can be said for the other County Departments regarding taxes, recordings, and more. I think Will County has done an exceptionally good job at making this information easily attainable for all that visit their sites. Much the same can be said for other Counties in the Chicagoland area.
Now, you must by this time be asking, "Why should I care about all of this"?
 As a Realtor/Broker ... This valuable County information is available to you easily, as well. Research and verifications of tax bills, tax amounts, Assessor's records of recently transacted sales, Recorder's filings for deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, and more ... are easily found, verified, and then utilized within your transactions. Click ... done! No more chasing down the info like in the past.
Mortgage Lenders ... must access and utilize the same information. Having it as accessible as it is now is fantastic. And that great benefit trickles down to home buying transactions too.
Within my own Mortgage Lending services, it's proven to be immensely beneficial when questions or issues regarding a potential purchased property itself has been raised ... even prior to actual mortgage application. Having the deep well of information
contained within these websites has been an unbelievably wonderful asset and
pool of information for me. It's assisted me in servicing my clients and referral partners' mortgage lending needs more quickly and thoroughly. It's saved my clients and referral partners time, money, AND frustration.
As a Resident or member of the Public ... the addition of this multitude of information to these Will County websites must not be overlooked. YOU now have simple and easy access to information that was once much harder for you to obtain. That YOUR County of Will (and others) has undertaken the task of making this information available to you, shows great commitment on their part. The task must have been staggering both in the amount of data to be entered and the time it took to complete it.
I've provided a listing below, of a few of the Illinois Counties within the Chicagoland area that are providing a wealth of real estate-related information within their County websites. Bookmark or save this blog. The information contained below is very useful and may benefit you immensely at some point in the future, whether for personal or business purposes.
As always, should you have any questions regarding the information you seek, please feel free to contact me. I'll provide whatever information or assistance that I can to help serve your needs.
Cook/Chicagoland
Counties' Websites & Info
Will County, IL:
Du Page County, IL:
Du Page County Assessors Directory:
Kane County, IL: Kane County Assessors Directory:
Cook County, IL:
Lake County, IL:
Grundy County, IL: Supervisor of Assessors Website:
Kendall County, IL:
McHenry County, IL:
* Thinking of buying a home ... or refinancing ... in Will County or neighboring Chicagoland counties? Let me put my 35 years of experience and expertise to work on your behalf. Contact me today. We'll work together to find you the best possible mortgage and mortgage terms available to you. Terms that will cement a brighter financial future. I can be reached at any of the following: Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 Skype: 630.219.1316 |
Mortgage Lender, Real Estate, Appraisals, Chicagoland, DuPage County, Localism Posts, Will County, Gene Mundt's Client Services, Will County Services, Cook County, Lake County, Chicago, Community Info, Community Services, Helpful Hints, home buying, County Services and Departments, Property Assessments
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