Gene's Bit of Blogging
Home Ownership
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Monday, May 07, 2012 5:39 PM
I May Not Be Yoda,
but I'm Darn Close!
Yesterday, I was reading yet another blog about the low interest rates presently available to home buyers seeking mortgage financing.
Seems another new historic low was announced. Something not quite so noteworthy anymore, as we all have grown used to hearing about how the rates have dipped, dipped, and dipped again.
And therein lies my big worry, both as a mortgage lender and as a parent. I think buyers have grown quite weary and fairly complacent.
Low interest rates, such as we are seeing presently, should be news that sends home buyers (currently seeking and potential) all giddy. They should be doing a happy-dance.
But although rates remain a topic of interest for mortgage applicants I speak to, the rates we are seeing do NOT stimulate action in the housing market or number of inquiries for financing you would predict. So many potential buyers simply are doing nothing in response.
And I find that sad. That attitude translates into so much potential lost savings . So many opportunities simply being ignored.
I believe that many potential buyers falsely believe they cannot buy. That they will not be approved for loan. It's certainly the mantra repeated by the media. And it seems nowadays, everyone knows someone that knows someone that has an awful story to tell about the financing process. Heck, I even hear it within our own industry.
The truth of it is that there are many successes being celebrated out there. The majority (around 62%) of people that apply for a mortgage loan DO get financing and successfully
buy a home. (Remember, we've seen the result of and are suffering from no one being turned away.)
Now, do mortgage applicants have to work at finding their successes? Yes! Is it easy? No! Are
they frustrated at times throughout the process? H#*$ yes! Should the
process be like this? No! I'm a mortgage lender and I think it sucks that
buyers and those refinancing are put through the ringer like they are. But the
process is what it is ...
So if that is the truth ... and the process is what it is, at least at this point, I ask ... What are you, if a hopeful and/or potential home buyer, going to do? What's your reaction??
I've written some about this in the past ... my own personal experiences with rates, home buying, and financing over my 35+ years within the mortgage and real estate industry. It's been interesting, to say the least.
But over all those years, one thing has remained true for home buyers and those seeking mortgage financing: No matter how bad your financial situation. No matter your credit scores. The situation and your scores CAN be improved and turned around. Help is available.
Okay .. okay ... you're right. I need to add an asterik to those statements ...
- Asterik 1: With time, care, and patience.
- Asterik 2: If willing to do some hard work.
And therein, lies some of the current problem. Many people hate the asteriks. But taking that into consideration, my question becomes this:
If you ever hope to buy a home ... now or in the future ...
Are you going to let those asteriks scare you away from starting the process? Are you going to let the need for some hard work and patience intimidate you into foregoing inquiries about your home buying capabilities and options?
Are you going to let all those stories ... those asteriks ... steal REAL opportunity from you? REAL SAVINGS?? And yes, I said steal. I can talk to you all day and all night about what I think
is the right thing for you to do. And it
will be "yadda yadda yadda" ... just noise in
your ears. Or I can tell you this ...
I may not
be Yoda,
but I'm
darn close!
I'm a mortgage lender, yes. But more importantly, I'm a
husband, a dad, and now a grandfather too. And
that is where my message (and vast wisdom) to you springs from.
I've been there. I've stared-down
growing insurance costs. Rising taxes. Emergency repairs at the home. Health bills for braces, glasses, broken noses, emergency hospital
trips.
I've had to come-up with unexpected costs ... dues for
sports camps, traveling leagues. I've shelled-out extra for Size 15 Nikes.
I've looked college payments in the eye.
And I'll tell you ... your child you never thought you'd hear it from? Yep, even
MORE schooling ... LAW school! Then wedding
plans start. Times 2 ... within 6 months of
one another. Heart-tugging Grandchildren aren't far behind.
All of these expenditures and more might be in your
future as they were in mine, you just never know. So take it from someone that knows ... you need to look for, and take
advantage of, every savings when you can.
Listen to Yoda ...
The savings you
can and will reap by buying now and locking-in a historically low interest rate?? Cha-Ching!
The savings you can and will reap through the lower housing prices found in many
markets right now? Cha-Ching Cha-Ching!
Those savings WILL come in mighty handy later
... believe me.
Forget whatever negative you have heard. Take action.
Reach out. Pick-up a phone. Text.
Email. Whatever! Do it on your break. At lunch time. Before you head to bed.
Ask your questions. Don't just accept what you're hearing on the news ... or from others, no matter who they are. Fight for every option, work for every advantage, every opportunity you can
find. You owe it to yourself and your future.
Contact me. Even if you have challenging financial and credit
issues. Get started on bettering your finances and future. It costs you zippo ... absolutely nothing to talk to me.
You'll be glad we talked. I'll be glad to hear from you ...
* You can find me in several convenient ways: Direct: 815.277.4036Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 At Skype: 630.219.1316 Through Your Mobile Device:
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Credit Repair, Buying a Home, Credit Reports/Fico Scores, Financing, Mortgage Lender, Mortgages, Working with a Mortgage Professional, Credit and Financial Counseling, Announcements and News, Gene Mundt's Client Services, First-Time HomeBuyers, Money-saving Strategies, Savings Advice, Communication, Asking credit and mortgage questions, home buying, Right Time to Buy a Home, Home Ownership, Clients, Interest Rates, Cost of Living and Bills
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Monday, April 30, 2012 10:49 AM
Will County IL Property Tax Bills Being Mailed May 4th, 2012 Will County, IL Treasurer, Steven Weber, has announced that property tax bills for Will County, IL will be mailed out to property owners as of May 4th, 2012. The first installment of the tax bill will be due on June 4th, 2012. The second installment of the tax bill is due on September 4th, 2012. Will County, IL has made several options available for convenient payment of tax bills. They are as follows: - Taxes can be paid ONLINE at: www.WillCountyTaxBill.com through the date of November 29th, 2012.
- At one of 100 banks or credit unions throughout Will County, IL (For list of Will County, IL receiving banks/credit unions, go to: www.willcountytaxbill.com/2012/04/banks-and-credit-unions-accepting-property-tax-payments
Payments can be made via mail. Mail your Will County, IL property tax bill payments to: Will County Collector, PO Box 5000, Joliet, IL 60434-5000 - Payments can be made in-person at the Will County Building, 302 No. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL. Hours are: Weekdays only. 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The County has also made a Drop Box available for the convenience of property owners in the parking lot, for after-hour payments.
The Will County Treasurer/Collector site accepts most credit cards for convenient tax bill payment. Convenience fees apply ... and are not refundable. Auto-draft payments directly from checking and savings accounts are also accepted. If mailing your tax bill payment, pleasemake the check out to: Will County Collector. Your cancelled check is your receipt for the payment. Remember and take note: The last day that you can pay your Will County taxes online is: Thursday, November 28th, 2012. Also note ... it is NOT the actual tax bill that you protest. It is your property's ASSESSMENT. By the time you receive your actual tax bill, the dates for protest for that year are already over. Please contact your tax assessor for info on the actual dates for future protests. Should you have any questions or need information regarding your tax bill and tax bill payments within Will County, IL, please go to: www.willcountytaxbill.com/faq. Many frequently asked questions and concerns are addressed there to help Will County property homeowners in need. * Hoping to become a Will County, IL property owner? Or property owner elsewhere in Chicagoland ... or the US? Contact me! I'll put my 35 years of mortgage experience and expertise to work on your behalf. I can be conveniently found at any of the following: Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 Conveniently at Skype: 630.219.1316
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Thursday, April 26, 2012 8:48 AM
Village of Plainfield, IL Offers
a New Program to its Residents
and Businesses That Helps
Save Money and Conserve Energy
Lucky you!
Why? Because the Village of Plainfield, IL has begun an energy-savings initiative that partners them with CUB Energy Saver ... our nation's first website that tracks utility company ComEd's billing savings. And who doesn't LOVE to save money??
It's FREE to sign-up! CUB Energy Saver links directly to your ComEd bill and then makes personalized money-saving suggestions that will help take a big bite out of your utility usage and ComEd bills.
Residents then begin to earn 2 "points" for every kilowatt-hour of electricity they save. Points can then be redeemed for discounts in local AND nationally-located stores. Savings on top of savings!
Here's a small example of those stores that are currently involved in this program:
If you own/run a business that is interested in participating in this growing energy savings program ... and want to reward your clients for their smart energy-savings decisions with discounts, please go to:
to learn more.
This new CUB Energy Saver program joins a list of
sustainability programs and initiatives offered through the Village of
Plainfield, IL. Plainfield also offers
an annual Rain Barrel sales program, as well as promoting native landscaping
within the Village boundaries.
The Village of
Plainfield, IL has also been named a "Tree City" through the Arbor Day Foundation ... and is continuing
its strides to enhance the Village's green networks by preserving village land in a
natural state and linking the Village's green areas, a Beautification Program, and more.
For further information or assistance regarding the Village of Plainfield, IL, the CUB Energy Saver program, or other Village services, please visit their informative website at:
* Hoping to buy or refinance a home within the Village of Plainfield, IL ... Chicago, Chicagoland, or elsewhere across the U.S.? Just like the CUB Energy Saver Program, I can save you real money when obtaining your mortgage financing. Contact me today to get started! I can be found at any of the following:
Direct: 815.277.4036
Cell/Text: 708.921.6331
Conveniently thru Skype: 630.219.1316
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Businesses, Will County, Village and Police Services, Money-saving Strategies, Community Services, Plainfield, IL, Home Ownership, Cost of Living and Bills, energy saving initiatives, utility bills
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender - The Federal Savings Bank: Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2012 4:55 PM
Celebrate America's Beautiful Trees! Arbor Day Celebrations in Chicagoland
Did you know that trees are not only beautiful, they’re hard
working too??
Here’s just a small list of the many tasks that trees
accomplish for us each and every day:
- · Trees
renew our air supply by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen
- · One tree
produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year
- · Trees
lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves. Shade trees can make buildings up to 20
degrees cooler in the summer.
- · A mature
oak tree can provide support for over 460 different species of insects, birds
and mammals in shelters and hollows, as well as fruit, flowers and foliage that
attract a huge variety of birds and insects.
- · Tree
roots stabilize soil and prevent erosion
- · The
amount of oxygen produced by an acre of trees per year equals the amount
consumed by 18 people annually
Not bad, huh?
So is it any wonder
that each year we set aside a day to celebrate the beauty, hard work, and
enhancements to our lives that trees afford us?
Arbor Day in the U.S., is celebrated on the last Friday in
April each and every year. This year, many
cities and towns in Chicagoland are once again hosting Arbor Day festivities hoping to create renewed
love and awareness for trees … and also promote the planting of new trees
within their boundaries.
Some of the towns
taking part in this year’s Arbor Day festivities are:
Activities will
include a “tree tagging” event. The Glenbard East HS Ecology Club will be
working along with professional arborists and foresters from the Morton Arboretum to
identify and gather data regarding the trees located in the parkways near the
school. Each tree’s tag will show the
monetary value of the tree entered into the National Tree Benefits Calculator.
City of Crest
Hill:
Both residents and nonprofit organizations are invited to take
part in this year’s “50/50 Tree Program”,
sponsored through the City ... and held in conjunction with Arbor Day.
Only one (1) tree
per household is allowed. Anyone
receiving a tree through last year’s “50/50 Tree Program”, will not be eligible
for participation this year. Funds are
limited for this Program. If interest is
high, early applicants will be given first consideration. The goal set by the City is for 5 trees to be
newly planted within each of its 4 wards.
To download an
application for the City of Crest Hill’s “50/50 Tree Program”, go to:
All trees must be
planted by the landscaper working in partnership with the City of Crest Hill, “The
Fields on Caton Farm”. For further info,
call the City of Crest Hill at: 815.741.5100.
A variety of trees
will be available at big savings, including:
Ornamental Pear, Magnolia, Redbud, various Maples, Crabapples, and
more. Prices and further info regarding
the trees are available at:
Trees can be
purchased by check or cash and removed from the Center by Noon. Naperville Public Works employees will be in
attendance to help residents load trees.
(No commercial sales are allowed).
An expert from the Morton Arboretum will
be in attendance at this event to assist residents with their questions and
offer planting advice. The City of
Naperville will be offering a copy of its informative tree booklet: The “Trees of Naperville - Tree
Selection and Planting Guide”, which can also be found and/or downloaded on the
City’s website.
Should you need
further info regarding this sale, please call 630.420.6095.
Arbor Day is being
celebrated in St. Charles this year on Friday, April 27th, at
Lincoln Park on Main Street, between 4th and 5th Streets. There will be live music, a tree raffle,
tree care demonstrations and more. Arbor Day festivities begin at 4 pm. The
artwork and photos of the participants and winners of the coloring and photography
contest will be on display.
In Illinois alone,
there are 186 Tree City USA
communities. Many are hosting their own
Arbor Day festivities. Think about
attending a celebration taking place near you … or go to The Arbor Day Foundation website and make a donation to help them
plant, nurture, and celebrate trees in your community and across the U.S.
* Looking for a new home to plant those Arbor Day trees? I can help you with your financing ... whether in Will County, Chicagoland, or across the U.S. Contact me today. I'll put my 35 years of experience and expertise to work on your behalf. You'll be planting your new Arbor Day trees in no time! I can be found at any of the following: Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 At Your Convenience on Skype: 630.219.1316
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Chicagoland, Localism Posts, Announcements and News, Chicagoland Activities, Staging your Home, Calendar of Chicagoland Events, Naperville, Community Info, Family Activities, Special Events, St. Charles, IL, Home Ownership, Holiday Events, Crest Hill, IL, Shopping, Charitable/Community Organizations, Arbor Day, Lombard, IL
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Monday, April 16, 2012 2:51 PM
Coulda ... Woulda... Shoulda! That's What You're Going to Say, if You Don't Buy Now!
Missed Opportunities!
Regrets!
Lost Potential!
Coulda ... Woulda ... Shoulda!
That's what you're going to be hearing yourself say ... if you don't buy a home while the current unique and beneficial housing market's opportunities exist.
Why? How do I know this?? Because I've begun to hear some Coulda ... Woulda ... Shoulda's ... stories related to me. People are telling me they're kicking themselves over lost opportunities.
Reports from many agents and potential home buyers alike, say homes in many areas of Chicago, Chicagoland, Will County (and elsewhere) are moving more quickly once again. (One Example relating this change in the housing market comes from Chicagoland Agents: Read this post from Howard & Susan Meyers, The Hudson Company, regarding the housing market on Chicagoland's North Shore: "The Worm Has Turned".)
Many markets are
healing and seeing rebounding prices. Sellers are receiving multiple
offers for their properties.
Opportunities have been lost by some potential home buyers, leaving these potential home buyers wishing THEY had taken action sooner.
A few of my own clients have said they regret not regaining control over their own finances or taking action to improve their credit prior to talking to me. They wish they had checked their Credit Report sooner and more often. They now know they'd be much further ahead and have more financing options open to them when they buy.
Many have stated they simply wish they had listened and followed their real estate agent's advice better. They mistakenly thought they were going to "low-ball" a bid and steal a home at a ridiculously low price, then ended-up losing out. The "low-ball" philosophy just didn't work.
Still others have been fence sitters. They've delayed making a sales offer too long and lost-out to other buyers capable and willing to make a home buying decision.
Good news does still exist! Interest rates and housing prices remain low.
But do not doubt this ... time is of the essence. You need to take action.
Take steps NOW to prepare yourself. At minimum, find and team-up with an experienced, professional mortgage lender. Get the home buying ball rolling.
There are no negatives to having your credit report run. Most mortgage lenders will do it for free. I do. And whether you buy a home soon or down the road ... you win. You save money on all sorts of services because you've improved your credit scores. Insurance. Cell phone service. Credit cards ... you name it. The better your credit, the less you pay, the more money you save.
Avoid the Coulda ...
Dodge the Woulda ...
Protect yourself from the Shoulda ...
* Discover what home buying and financing options exist for you, whether in Will County, IL, Chicagoland, or any of the 50 states. Contact me today! We'll work together to get you on the right path to homeownership ... now ... or for the future.
I can be contacted through any of the following:
Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 Conveniently thru Skype: 630.219.1316
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Credit, Credit Repair, Buying a Home, Credit Reports/Fico Scores, Importance of Credit, Mortgage Lender, Mortgages, Real Estate, Working with a Mortgage Professional, Chicagoland, Will County, Agents and Brokers, First-Time HomeBuyers, Chicago, Asking credit and mortgage questions, Home Buyers, home buying, Right Time to Buy a Home, Home Ownership, Los Angeles CA agents and realtors, Los Angeles Home Buying, Winnetka and North Shore, Interest Rates, Pre-Qualification/Pre-Approval
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