Gene's Bit of Blogging
Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender - Direct: 815.277.4036    Cell/Text: 708.921.6331
RSS Follow Become a Fan

Delivered by FeedBurner


Recent Posts

Opening Night Coming for Joliet Slammers Baseball!
Multiple Offers and Appraisals ... Learning to Co-Exist Successfully
Buyers Decide Within 8 Seconds Whether They Are Interested In A Home
Students from Naperville, IL to Appear on "Late Show with David Letterman", Thursday, May 10th
I May Not Be Yoda, but I'm Darn Close!

Categories

ActiveRain.com
Agents and Brokers
Announcements and News
Appraisal changes
Appraisals
Arbor Day
ARM Loans
Asking credit and mortgage questions
Asset-Based Lending Program
Baby Boomers
Bolingbrook, IL
budgeting
budgets
Businesses
Buying a Home
Buying or Renting
Calendar of Chicagoland Events
Cash Purchases
Charitable Causes
Charitable/Community Organizations
Charity/Charity Events
Chicago
Chicagoland
Chicagoland Activities
Chicagoland Entertainment
Chicagoland Markets & Special Events
Chicagoland new construction
Children
Choosing a Mortgage Lender
Choosing Your Real Estate Professionals
Clients
Closing Costs
Commercial Lending
Commercial Loans and Properties
Commercial Properties
Communication
Community Info
Community Services
Condominium Associations
Condos and Townhomes
Conducting Business
Construction Costs
Cook County
Co-Signing Mortgages
Cost of Living and Bills
County Services and Departments
Credit
Credit and Financial Counseling
Credit Counseling
Credit Repair
Credit Reports/Fico Scores
Crest Hill, IL
Debt
Deciding Which Home is Best to Buy
Discounts
Doing Business
Down Payment
Downsizing a Home
DuPage County
DuPage Township
Education
Education Opportunities
Educational Opportunities
energy saving initiatives
Families
Family Activities
Family Issues
Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac
FHA Approval for Mortgage Lending
FHA Financing for Condominiums
FHA Mortgage Insurance
FHA Mortgage Lending
Financial Glossary and Terminology
Financial Planning
Financing
First-Time HomeBuyers
Frankfort IL
Freddie Mac
Fun, Comical
Gene Mundt
Gene Mundt's Client Services
Golf/golf courses
Grundy County
Halloween
HARP 2.0
Helpful Hints
History/Historical Sites
Holiday Events
Holiday Shopping
Holidays
Home Buyers
home buying
Home Improvements and Curb Appeal
Home Inspections
Home Maintenance & Repair
Home Ownership
Home Services
Home Staging
Homemaking
Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan Update, 2011
HomePath Program
HUD
Identity Theft and Crime
Illinois
Importance of Credit
Insurance and Insurance Services
Interest Rate Lock-In
Interest Rates
Investment Properties
Investors and Investments
Joliet/Shorewood
Kane County
LaGrange, IL
Lake County
Lincoln-Way Community High School District
Links
Localism Posts
Lockport, IL
Lombard, IL
Los Angeles CA agents and realtors
Los Angeles Home Buying
Los Angeles rental properties
Maintenance and Upkeep of Your Home
Manhattan, IL
Marketing
McHenry County
Military Personnel and Veterans
Military Personnel and Veterans Mortgage Programs and Discounts
MLS Service
Mokena, IL
Moms
Monee, IL
Money-saving Strategies
MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro NC
Mortgage & Transaction Processing
Mortgage Banker
Mortgage Closing Costs
Mortgage Costs
Mortgage Crisis
Mortgage Lender
Mortgage Seminars
Mortgages
Naperville
New Leaf credit-improvement program
New Lenox, IL
North Carolina Real Estate/R.E. Agents
Obtaining Mortgage Quotes, Pre-Approvals, & Info
Palos Verde Realtor/Brokers
Palos Verde, CA
Parents/Relatives Assisting with Down Payment/Home Buying
Park District Activities
Plainfield, IL
Preparing your home for sale
Pre-Qualification/Pre-Approval
Pricing a home for Sale
Private Mortgage Insurance
Professional Service
Property Assessments
Property Tax Bills
Real Estate
Real Estate Advice
Real Estate Attorney Services
Real Estate Contracts
Real Estate Professionals
realtor magazines and social media
Realtors
Recycling
Refereral Partners
Referrals
Refinance
Remodeling
Rental Properties
Rental Properties and Investments
Right Time to Buy a Home
River Forest, IL
Romeoville, IL
Safety
Sales Tales
Savings Advice
School Districts
Schools
Seeking Advice
Sellers Assisting with Closing Costs
Selling Your Home
Senior Issues
Senior Issues/Reverse Mortgages
Servicing Clients and Referral Partners
Shopping
Shorewood, IL
Short Sales/Foreclosures
Social Media
Special Events
St. Charles, IL
Staging your Home
Tax Deferral Programs
Technology
The Federal Savings Bank
Three Rivers Association of Realtors - Will and Grundy Counties
Travel
utility bills
VA/Military
Veterans
Video & Audio
Village and Police Services
Will County
Will County Activities
Will County IL Tax Bills/Assessments
Will County Services
Winnetka and North Shore
Winter Activities
women
Working with a Mortgage Professional
Working with a Real Estate Professional
Zoning and Building Classifications
powered by

Gene's Bit of Blogging

Refereral Partners

When Is a Deal NOT a Deal??




When Is a Deal NOT a Deal??




Have questions regarding condo financing?  Contact Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender     Relax!  This is NOT a trick question!  The answer to this question?  It's actually pretty  simple to figure out.

   A Deal is NOT a Deal when you will come to regret having made the purchase in the first place, at some later date.

    What brought this topic to mind was a  thoughtful, well-written blog post  by real estate agent and ActiveRain member, Barb Van Stensel.  In her post, Barb talks about the realities of viewing, obtaining, then successfully transacting, a condominium property.  

     Barb Van Stensel is absolutely 100% correct with her summation of condominium purchases too.  Buyers should ask questions, demand thorough inspections of the property itself, the property management company involved, AND the condominium association  under whose direction the property finds itself, all PRIOR to signing a contract for purchase and seeking financing.
 

   I cannot stress the following advice strongly enough...

     When considering the purchase of a condominium property, it absolutely vital that you do your homework regarding the professionals you seek and then work with during your purchase and mortgage financing. 

Choose an experienced mortgage professional.  Contact Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender     Choose a real estate professional and mortgage lender  that meets and surpasses specific criteria. 

     And what should that criteria be?  Choose only real estate and mortgage professionals that are educated and experienced regarding condominium transactions and have successfully completed and closed them RECENTLY.   And I repeat ... RECENTLY!

     The condominium market is a quickly-changing housing market.  The need for current experience and thorough knowledge and understanding of these transactions ... and their regulations ... cannot be overstated.  Simply said ... it is NOT the time to work with a rookie or someone that typically does not work within this specialized market. 

     The Chicago and Chicagoland area in which Barb Van Stensel and I live, provides a perfect example of the urgent need for meeting the criteria I outline above.  Chicago and Chicagoland currently has a large array/choice of condominium properties from which to choose during your condo property search. Choose unwisely regarding your selection of real estate and mortgage professional ... and you run the real risk of personally finding out just when a Deal Is NOT a Deal.  Most likely, you'll be living proof of it.

     The condominium transaction is where I believe my 20+ years of education and experience within the appraising field  pays-off the most for my mortgage clients ... and my referral partners too. 

     I have a complete and thorough education and understanding of just what constitutes a "condominium" VS a "townhome".   I also understand the workings of condominium associations and management companies because I dealt with so many of them while appraising ... and  mortgage lending.

    I know who to approach and what to ask them ... and just why.  What legal paperwork will be demanded.  What lending underwriters will seek from seller, management, associations, buyers, etc.  I know what information is absolutely mandatory to my transaction ... and how to interpret that information.  My clients and referral partners have come to know this regarding my services and depend on the benefits and protections that knowledge and experience affords them.  

    When is a Deal NOT a Deal??  That's simple, especially when speaking of condominium transactions. 
 
 
    A Deal is NOT a Deal when ... you come to wish you'd never seen or bought your condominium in the first place ... or you wish you had chosen another professional to work with during your purchase or mortgage transaction.
 

    Don't let that be you!  Protect yourself when buying a condominium by seeking-out and then working with an experienced, knowledgeable, successful real estate agent and mortgage lending professional.   You'll be glad you did ...




    *   Thinking about buying a Chicago or Chicagoland condominium now or in the future? Contact me!  I'll put my years of experience, education, and expertise to work on your behalf.
Click Here!  Contact Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender    I can be contacted at any of the following:
Direct:  815.277.4036 
Cell/Text:  708.921.6331
Conveniently via Skype:  630.219.1316


Good News to Share Regarding My Services




Good News to Share
  Regarding My Services!  
       

         I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, I have transitioned my mortgage business to the sister company  (same ownership)  known as:

The Federal Savings Bank


      Moving forward, I have all the same great products, processes, staff members, and Associates as I did prior to my transition.

     Why the change?  Being a loan originator for The Federal Savings Bank, allows me personally, the flexibility of having all the great loan products, interest rates, and services as before, PLUS the ability to lend in ALL 50 states.  I am also now much more capable of providing “unique” loan products, personally “customized” to the needs of my clients than ever before.

     In the ever-changing world of mortgage financing, I am confident that this change is positioning me to stay ahead of the challenges that arise in our industry.  In just a short time, it has already proven beneficial to clients and those that I do business with … with absolutely no disruption to my services.

    I sincerely thank you for being my valued client or referral partner.  I look forward to being of service to you once again in the future through The Federal Savings Bank.  I will continue to   work hard, keep your confidence, and earn referrals of new clients.
 
     Even though my contacts remain much the same as before, I have included them for your convenience below:

Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President                                               The Federal Savings Bank                                                    1823 Centre Point Circle, Naperville, IL 60563               
gmundt@thefederalsavingsbank.com                                                                                                 www.genemundt.com                                                                                                                                                    Direct:   815.277.4036        Cell/Text:  708.921.6331             eFax:  312.624.6738
 
  
My Best Regards,

Gene
 

A Holiday Gift For You, My Friends ... From Me!



A Holiday Gift For You, My Friends  ... 
From Me!
    

     Each year, Marilyn and I put together a new mix of Holiday music for friends and family.  We try to come up with a new "theme" of music for the year's blend of tunes, offering music that is familiar and songs less heard.  We've enjoyed re-discovering and sharing music that we enjoyed as kids .... and discovering new tunes, as well. 

     This year's compilation of tunes was our 6th.  We gave out over 80 copies of our CD, that included 20 songs revolving around "Holiday Memories".
 
      Both of our families were (and remain) music nuts.  Each of us has vivid memories of Christmas and Holiday music in our homes.  Each home had its favorite albums and performers.  My father was a Big Band fan, so we heard lots of melodies served-up by that era's biggest stars.  We also heard many of the 50's and 60's stylists ... Perry Como, Eddy Arnold, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Andy Williams.
 
      And while Marilyn also heard these musicians, her mom was their church's choir director.  Her mom's love of that music and classical music shone through and filled the air, as well.  Her childhood home was filled with the sounds of George Beverly Shea, Tennessee Ernie Ford,  Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Mantovani, lots of brass quartets, and more.  Add the favorites and influences of each of our siblings ...  and we have a wide choice of music from which to choose our new CD each year.
 
      Even our kids have gotten involved and are making suggestions for additions to each new CD.  That's how we were introduced to the song I include below.  It's become one of our favorites and was included on our CD mix a couple of years back. 

     It's performed by Harry Connick, Jr. ... and I send it your way as my "gift" to you this Holiday Season.  I hope you enjoy it as much as our family does.



You need Flash Player in order to view this.
Harry Connick, Jr. - When My Heart Finds Christmas
Music video by Harry Connick, Jr. performing When My Heart Finds Christmas. (C) 1993 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT



     Best Wishes to you and yours for Good Health, Happiness, Love, and Prosperity throughout the New Year!

                     Gene















The Vital Importance of Referrals. Remembering Those That Have Earned Them ...

 
 
       When sitting around tables of family and friends over the weekend, the conversation (as it so often does anymore) turned to jobs.
 
     The groups represented a real cross-section of professions. Everything from soup to nuts was in attendance. But it occurred to me, that I was really the only one involved that relied on referrals for my livelihood. And I wondered ... did any of those others surrounding me at those tables realize just how vitally important referrals could be to someone reliant on them? Did they think about it at all?
      Now I know you'll say, it's my job to make them aware. To remind them how crucial it is to refer me and others they know with a similar need. And I do ... obviously.
 
      But can anyone not in the position of being beholden to those providing referrals ever understand how it feels to always be in that position? To always have to wear that need for referrals just like you do your clothes? What that vulnerability feels like?
 
      I'm not saying other professions don't feel their own brand of stresses .. of vulnerabilities. They do. 
 
      But ...
 
      Especially in the present economic climate, one referral can mean the difference between someone paying their mortgage or not. The difference between buying health insurance ... the medicines needed. Paying bills, purchasing food, having what a child requires. I hear these needs ... the stresses ... these fears related all the time. From others around me. From those inquiring about mortgages.
 
      So I remind and ask everyone ...
 
      To think about those that you know ... that you may be related to ... that survive in this manner. Take a good look around you and consider those you know that need and live by referrals. Be aware. Be mindful. And refer all those that you can whenever you can. Network on their behalf. Pass on their name. Remember the quality work and services they have provided. Actively engage yourself in the process. Help out.
 
      Refer as often as possible. Refer those that are worthy of referring. Refer those that have earned that reward. Reward for the right reasons. Reward referrals because it's the right thing to do. Give back to those that have served you well.  It's a great way to say "thank you" for a job well done.
 
      It will help those you care for. Those you love. It will help those that have tried so hard to provide quality products and services and to earn your referral. It will help those that have actually been successful at doing so. It will ultimately help everyone.
 
      This gift of giving ultimately comes back to reward you too ...
 
 
 
     With 35 years of experience and service within the mortgage industry, I can provide referrals to some of our industry's best professionals.   Should you be in need of a referral, please do not hesitate to contact me.   I will be happy to assist you in finding the professional you need. 
      I can be contacted at:   Direct: 815.277.4036     Cell/Text: 708.921.6331       Email: gene@chicagobancorp.com   Website: www.genemundt.com            Skype: 630.219.1316 
 

When Buying a Home, Retain the Services of an Experienced, Knowledgeable REAL ESTATE Attorney. There IS a Difference in the Counsel You Can Retain.

    
 
 
     I've been reminded several times over the last couple of weeks of just how important it is for new home buyers to have an experienced real estate specific attorney at their side throughout their home buying experience and home closing. 
 
     I've had closings where a top-knotch real estate attorney has been in attendance.  It's been obvious that they've interacted with our mutual clients throughout their entire home buying transaction.  They (or their office) has continually and actively interacted with me, their client's lender, throughout processing.  During the home closing itself, they've been engaged and interacted with everyone at the closing table.  They offered valuable insight, guidance, and paved a clear path towards the completion of a successful home closing.  It's easy to see, they've earned every penny of their fees.
  
     Unfortunately, the opposite has been seen representing my clients too.  Most of these attorneys were NOT real estate specific counsel.  Nothing wrong with them being educated in another area of the law ... until it impacts my home buying client and the outcome of a transaction. 
 
     To put it delicately, a few of these attorneys were absolutely clueless as to how to guide, assist, or protect our mutual clients.  My clients were most definitely NOT getting what they were paying for. 
 
     Because they lacked the experience and knowledge they needed, these attorney's came ill-prepared and un-educated as to what they should be doing.  In those instances, I had to step-in and explain closing documents and closing information routinely handled by experienced real estate attorneys. In yet another closing, I provided a suggestion for a solution to a legal issue between buyer and seller.  Again, on an issue routinely handled by an experienced real estate attorney.  
 
     Now I don't relate these stories to relate to you how wonderful I am ... nor to state how much I know or how hard I worked.  Nope.  Not my point.  My point in relating this is to get this message across to home buyers ...
    
    
    When buying a home, find and retain the legal services of an experienced, knowledgeable REAL ESTATE SPECIFIC attorney with current real estate expertise. 
 
     I've written about this topic before, but the importance of following my advice above just continues to grow.  In this current challenging housing market, when utilizing the services of legal counsel, you absolutely .. positively .. need the services of an attorney knowledgeable and experienced in current real estate law.  And I do say and point out the importance of CURRENT. 
 
     Laws, rules and regulations .. they've all changed at mind-numbing speed over the last couple of years.    IMO, there is no way that an attorney that does not work within real estate in a regular, continuous, and repetitive basis can offer the full expertise and protection needed by today's home buyer.  And a couple of closings I've had over the past few weeks showcased that fact in an alarming fashion. 
 
     I can't emphasize it enough.  Do your homework.  Take the time.  Get referrals.  Get references.  Speak to other real estate professionals.  Get feedback.  Find the active and knowledgeable REAL ESTATE SPECIFIC attorney that can provide the valuable real estate legal services you need.
 
     Heck, for that matter ... follow that recipe to find all your real estate professionals.  Whether agent, lender, home inspector, appraiser, etc. ... it's the best way to find and work with quality real estate professionals.  You find and get the best results for yourself.  And your short and long-term interests are best served. 
 
     *  If in the Chicagoland area and in the need of a real estate specific attorney ... or real estate professionals in other fields, please contact me for a referral.  I've had the pleasure of working with many of our area's finest real estate professionals and will be glad to provide you names and contact information for their services.  I can be reached at:
Direct:  815.277.4036    Cell/Text:  708.921.6331  
Skype:  630.219.1316   Website: www.genemundt.com