Gene's Bit of Blogging
Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender - Direct: 815.277.4036    Cell/Text: 708.921.6331
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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!

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Gene's Bit of Blogging

Travel

Playing in the Rain in North Carolina ...



Playing in the "Rain"
in North Carolina 




     Over the last week, I have been lucky enough to view some of the most beautiful places and sites our country has to offer. 

      My wife and I decided we were going to take some much-needed days off and just drive.  Enjoy, relax, and see what we could see.  Through modern technology, I stayed in-touch with my clients, referral partners, emails, and office ... and never skipped a beat.  (Thank you portable WiFi ... Fantastic!)

      Marilyn and I headed southeast from Chicagoland towards North Carolina.  It was totally amazing to see how our country's land changes from one region to another.  The color, texture, lay of the land of the midwest totally different from that of the mountainous areas and south.

Click here 4 info on Pinehurst, NC golf/courses!      I got the opportunity to get some great golf rounds in while gone. 

      We visited Pinehurst, NC ... the area known as the birthplace of golf in the United States.  
    
     The choices of courses is staggering in the Pinehurst, NC area ... and merely choosing which course to play is almost as hard to do as playing the challenging courses  themselves.  While I played golf, Marilyn wandered the shops available in the old business section of Pinehurst and viewed the beautiful homes of the region.

     While in the Smokey Mountains, I also got to play the beautiful Sequoyah National Golf Club in Cherokee, NC.   Only one word can describe the views from this course, and that's ... WOW!  I'm going to write a post regarding this course soon.  I was just blown away by it ... and the great service I received while at the course.


Contact Mona Gersky & Leslie Rojohn at MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro, NC to buy or sell your home/property!     But perhaps no experience or site was more beautiful or exhilarating than that of meeting 2 of my favorite ActiveRain members ... Mona Gersky and Leslie Rojohn from Moondancer Realty in Dillsboro, NC.


     I had written Mona that I would be visiting her area ... and no sooner than she received my note, she was writing back and inviting my wife and I to the Open House  that she and Leslie were hosting during the time of our stay.

     These ladies were just wonderful to meet and visit with.  I had the pleasure of watching both in action with clients and referral partners alike.  It's no wonder they're so very successful at representing their clients and working with professionals from their area.  

      Both Mona and Leslie were just as I had imagined them to be from their posts on ActiveRain.  Highly intelligent, warm, hard-working, caring, knowledgeable, great sense of humor ... I'd run out of adjectives describing them.  They both sparkle.

      For me, having the opportunity to meet and visit with these fellow Rain members was the highlight of my trip.  And that's saying a lot ... given the competition they were up against of great golf courses, the beauty of the Smokey Mountains, and days-off from work!

      Thank you again to Mona Gersky and Leslie Rojohn of Moondancer Realty of Dillsboro, NC, for their wonderful hospitality to myself and my wife ... and the opportunity to meet many of their clients and referral partners, and fantastic chili lunch.  I look forward to returning the favor when they visit Chicagoland.

      To all ActiveRain members I say ... don't ever miss the chance to meet fellow "Rain" members when you travel.  You'll be glad you took advantage of the chance to do so.   It's memorable.

      And to those looking to buy or sell a home or property in the Dillsboro, Sylva, Cullowhee, Franklin, Bryson City, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville area of western North Carolina  ... contact MoonDancer Realty ... (Tel:  828.631.0077)  and talk to Mona Gersky or Leslie Rojohn.  You can find no better ...




     * In need of intelligent, professional mortgage service to purchase your dream home?  Work with a mortgage lender with over 35 years of successful service to those needing mortgage financing. Contact me today!
    I can be found through any of the following:
Direct:  815.277.4036   Cell/Text:  708.921.6331
Website:  www.genemundt.com
Conveniently Thru Skype:  630.219.1316
    

    

    

Proving To Be a Hard Pill to Swallow. The Cheapening of a Chicago Iconic Site ...



Proving To be a Hard Pill to Swallow. 
The Cheapening of a Chicago Iconic Site ...
 

       Before I even enter into this post, I want to state ... "I get it".  I understand cities and local governments (especially in the State of IL) are having a rough time keeping their services going, meeting their bills. 

     And I know new and creative ways must be considered to address those issues .. to raise funds.  I do understand that.  I get it. The City of Chicago is no exception to this reality.

     However, there are just some things that seem .... well, wrong.  When done and seen, they just cheapen beyond acceptability.  In my opinion, there are still ... even in this day and age ... some things that should just be considered off limits.  Call me old-fashioned.

     For those that live in the Chicagoland area, or that have visited our wonderful City of Chicago, you have no doubt seen and visited many of the beautiful and historical works of architecture our City has to offer.  Many of those buildings and sites are also iconic and hold a special place in our memories and our hearts.  The stately Chicago River bridge houses fall in this category. 

    These bridge houses have now fallen victim to modern realism ... ugly advertising signs.  And to me, that fact is just made worse by the choice of advertiser they sold/allowed space to use these bridges as their billboard.  It adds real bite to the blight.

    Take a look at a picture of these Chicago River bridge houses as they stand today through December 12th.  I wonder ... what's next???



 

Festival of Trees to be held November 20th through November 27th at the Historic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, IL

    

     Although the City of Joliet, IL  has many wonderful examples of beautiful and historic architecture within it, perhaps none shine as brightly as the Rialto Square Theatre, located on North Chicago Street in downtown Joliet. 
     Since its opening in 1926, the Rialto Square Theatre  has been the crown jewel of the city.  Designed, opened, and utilized first as a vaudeville movie palace ... the Rialto Square Theatre  now plays host to many of entertainments biggest celebrities and the area's most popular events. (See Schedule/Info)

    The upcoming Holiday Season will again be a busy one at the Rialto Square Theatre.  Starting November 21st,  the annual event, Festival of Trees, will kick-off the holiday season in the area with their Opening Night Gala.  Each day during the following week brings a new event and activity to choose from for those attending this long-running yearly festival.  Both young and old will find something to delight them.

    Activities ranging from special luncheons, to a heart-warming tree lighting ceremony, a wine tasting, an "Idol" competition for adults AND juniors, children's movies, to a concert performed on the Rialto Square Theatre's famous Barton Grand Theatre Pipe Organ,  and more are planned for this year's festival.

     On November 25th, at 9:30 am ... and then again at 12:00 pm, the Festival of Trees will hold a Teddy Bear Tea Time  for the youngsters.  Each child will be given a keepsake as a commemorative of their special day at this Festival of Trees event. Brunch is served during this event ... followed by a visit from St. Nick!

    Tickets to this children's event go quickly and seats are limited, so reserve your tickets in advance.  Tickets to the Teddy Bear Tea Time  on November 25th can be purchased through the following website:  Teddy Bear Tea Time Tickets at Ticketmaster.

     The grand finale of this week-long festival is the performance of "The Nutcracker" by the Von Heideke's Chicago Festival Ballet, on Sunday, November 27th, at 2:00 pm(Click here for ticket info)

          General Admission prices to the Festival of Trees is:

General Admission Prices
Adults:  $7.00
Seniors (60+) & Children (12 & under):  $5.00
Children (2 & under): FREE
Early Bird Tickets - Tickets Purchased by Nov. 18th:
Adults:  $5 
Seniors & Children:  $3
Family 4-Packs:  $15

     You can also pre-order your Festival of Trees tickets by calling the Rialto Square Theatre Box Office at: 815.726.6600.

     Proceeds from the annual Festival of Trees  benefit the Rialto Square Theatre and its ongoing mission to "lead a performing arts community partnership to enrich the quality of life by encouraging artistic and cultural developmentā€ in the Joliet/Chicagoland area.

     Come and enjoy the Festival of Trees being held at the Rialto Square Theatre, a remarkable representative of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places found in Joliet, Illinois.  The event, and its' beautiful host, will instill the holiday spirit within  you ... 



     *  If you are looking to buy a home in the Joliet or Chicagoland area, and are in need of credit, pre-qualification, or mortgage service ... please contact me.  With over 35 years of mortgage expertise and experience behind me, I can help you successfully fulfill your home buying dream.
     I can be contacted at any of the following:
Direct:  815.277.4036    Cell/Text:  708.921.6331
Skype:  630.219.1316    Website: www.genemundt.com  
      I look forward to hearing from you soon ...



    

Manhattan, IL Park District to Sponsor Expanded Round Barn Fall Festival and Carnival, October 14th - 16th


    
     Celebrate the beautiful Fall weather and colorful seasonal surroundings in Manhattan, IL during its' expanded 4th Annual Manhattan Round Barn FallFestival

     This year's Festival is being held on Friday, October 14th through October 16th at the Round Barn Farm, located on24115 US. Route 52,in Manhattan,IL.

     On Saturday, October 15th during the day (10:00 am to 6:00 pm), the Festival will offer hay rides, magician acts, pumpkin sales, a silver dollar haystack, karate demos, petting zoo, and much more for young and old to enjoy!    

     The 4th Annual Manhattan Round Barn Fall Festival will have a carnival running all three days.  Rides, such as the Zipper, the Super Sizzler, and the Tilt-a-Whirl will thrill those that dare to ride them.  A Kiddyland, showcasing a Safari Train and Carousel will be available for the youngest carnival-goers.

    Carnival Tickets are:

     $  1.00 per ticket
     $25.00 for 30 tickets
     All rides at the carnival are 2 - 3 tickets.

     An All-You-Can-Ride Wrist-band is available for the Carnival-goers on Sunday, October 16th, between the hours of 1:00 to 5:00 pm. 

     Wristbands can be purchased at the following Manhattan locations, for $15.00, if purchased in advance ... and $18.00, if purchased at the carnival:


    A Single Elimination Bean Bag Tournament will be held on Friday, October 14th, at 6:00 pm.  All those hoping to take part in this Tournament must pre-register.  A registration form can be downloaded HERE.  Check-in for Friday night's Single Elimination Bean Bag Tournament starts at 5:00 pm.

     A Double Elimination Bean Bag Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 15th, starting at 12:00 NoonCheck-in for Saturday's Tournament begins at 10:00 am.  Again, those taking part in the bean bag tournament must be pre-registered.  The registration form for Saturday's competition can be downloaded HERE.

     Friday's entertainment in the Beer and Entertainment tent will be provided by Time Machine.  Hours for the tent are 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm that evening.

     On Saturday, October 15th, The Brewster Creek Blues Band will be playing and entertaining the audience in the Beer Garden.  The Beer and Entertainment tent will be open until 10:00 pm that evening also.  The Beer and Entertainment tent is sponsored by the Manhattan Park District Foundation.

     All those entering the Beer Garden must be 21 years of age or older.  There is a $2.00 cover to enter the Beer Garden.

     Food for the 4th Annual Manhattan Round Barn Farm Fall Festival will be through Sicilian Joe's Pizzeria, (195 So. State Street, Manhattan) and Drag'N It Concessions.

     Gate Admission and Parking is FREE all days of this event.

     The Round Barn Farm is a 103-acre park and historical landmark located east of Route 52 just outside Manhattan, IL.


     The barn was designated a Will County Historic Landmark on November 18, 1999.  It was acquired in partnership with the Will CountyForest Preserve District.  Natural features to be enjoyed by park district residents and visitors include an oak grove, pond and wetlands.  Families, children, and adults are able to enjoy its' picnic areas, playground, nature exploration, jogging, and exercise while visiting this unique and historical site.

     The Manhattan (IL) Park District also utilizes the site as a destination facility for events and festivals, programming, nature education and recreational opportunities.   The Round Barn itself provides opportunities for agricultural based programming and education.

     Mark your calendar for fall fun at the Round Barn Farm Fall Festival being held at the historic Round Barn Farm in Manhattan, IL on October 14th through October 16th!  




     If you thinking of buying a home in or near Manhattan, IL, Will County, IL, or any of the Chicagoland region ... please contact me.  I've spent my entire 35 years within the mortgage industry servicing the residents of this area.  I look forward to speaking with you, answering your questions, and providing you the dependable, quality mortgage service you deserve.
   I can reached at any of the following:
    Direct:  815.277.4036   Cell/Text:  708.921.6331        Email: gene@chicagobancorp.com   Skype:  630.219.1316    Website: www.genemundt.com


    

    

Downtown Joliet Illinois Hosts the 1st Ever Hauler Parade During the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Fan Rally, September 15th




       Downtown Joliet Illinois  will host its first-ever "Hauler Parade" to kick-off the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Fan Rally  on Thursday, September 15th, from 4 pm to 10 pm.

    30 NASCAR haulers will wind their way through the downtown prior to heading over to the Chicagoland Speedway for the scheduled weekend events.

    The annual Race Fan Rally marks its 10th Anniversary this year in Joliet.  Appearances at the Rally will include many of the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers. Those drivers in line for appearances at this year's Race Fan Rally are:

  •     Todd Bodine
  •     Jennifer Jo Cobb
  •     Johnny Sauter
  •     Timmy Hill
  •     Matt Crafton
  •    Dakoda Armstrong
  •    Jeremy Clements
    
     The Chicagoland Speedway is the inaugural event for the "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup" ... a series of 10 races that concludes with the 2011 championship.

     Each hauler taking part in the Race Fan Rallyparade in Joliet carries these credentials:

  •     Each hauler is approximately 72 feet in length
  •     Each hauler, along with their driver, travels approximately 70,000 to 75,000 miles per year
  •     Each hauler carries two cars
  •     Each holds a 150 gallon gas tank on each side of it
  •     The trailer alone is 53 feet in length
   
     Food vendors, musical entertainers, a classic car show, simulators, and other racing attractions will be set-up to entertain and please the thousands of visitors attracted to this event each year.  A special Kidz Zone will offer attractions and activities such as large-size remote control racing, rock-climbing wall, mascots, clowns, and more to involve and entertain the kids.

     Further information regarding the Race Fan Rally and Parade can be found at:   www.racefanrally.com/index.htm

     For directions to downtown Joliet, IL, the parade route, and the Race Fan Rally, please go to:   www.racefanrally.com/event-maps.htm

    Get your engines running and head to Race Fan Rally in Joliet on September 15th ...



     *  If thinking of buying a home in the Joliet/Will County or Chicagoland area, please contact me.  I'll be happy to speak to you and answer any credit or mortgage questions you might have.  I can be found at:   Direct:  815.277.4036   Cell/Text:  708.921.6331   Email: gene@chicagobancorp.com 
Website: www.genemundt.com     Skype:  630.219.1316