Looking for a way to buy a home affordably?

The Illinois HOME START program offers below-market interest rates and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers and veterans.  Eligibility for each program is based upon household income, family size and the sales price of the home.  HOME START 30-YEAR FIXED RATE LOAN is FHA insured and available at rates below the 30-year fixed market rate HOME... [Read more...]

BETTER CREDIT SCORE, CHEAPER HOUSE PAYMENT

A family put a 3.5% down payment on a $172,900 house with a resulting loan of $166,850.  Here is what their bottom line would look like… Score Rate Monthly Payment Total Cost 760+ 4.981% $893.75 $326,900 700-759 5.203% $916.50 $335,090 680-699 5.380% $934.83 $341,689 660-679 5.594% $957.22 $349,749 640-659 6.024% $1002.93 $366,205 620-639 6.570% $1062.30 $387,578 Less... [Read more...]

How is your FICO Score Calculated? And how can you Improve it?

Payment History (35%) How often you are late and by how many days, set up automatic payments to guarantee you’re  never late. Pay your bills on time and you will improve your score within months. Total Debt (30%) Higher debt loads work against you; “Usage Ratio” is the difference between what you owe on credit cards and your available... [Read more...]

FICO Scores and your Credit Report

 The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to a free credit report from each of the 3 nationwide reporting agencies – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion – every 12 months. For a safe and secure way to obtain your free credit report start by going to www.ftc.gov. on “Free Credit Reports” and that will take you to another... [Read more...]

Ever driving by a home for sale sign and wonder

How much it is?.. Or how many bedrooms/baths it has, but don’t want to talk to anyone?.. Text DeborahCassidy to 74558 or go to http://remaxshowcase.sikku.com/app/signup/new.aspx?ipid=259941 to register. You will be sent a text with all of the information and photos too!  Read More →

Don’t Buy Your Home From Someone Who Won’t Guarantee Their Work!

Historically Realtors were not required to work with buyers under a formal buyer agency agreement. Most states now require that all real estate agents disclose agency in the form of a Consumer Notice. A real estate agent can work with a buyer in a variety of agency relationships. We work with our buyers strictly in a Buyer Agency Relationship. What... [Read more...]

9 Steps to Successful Home Buying

1.  Be qualified by a lender Being pre-qualified or pre-approved by a lender before you start looking at homes can save you time and money.  When you call us to set up a counseling session, we can recommend a top lender for you to contact before our consultation. ———- 2.  Your consultation We will go over the basics of buying a... [Read more...]

603 Glendale, Glenview

Gorgeous,  4 Bedroom 3 1/2 Bath Brick Colonial! 1st floor private study, gleaming hardwood floors, finished lower level, and beautifully landscaped back yard! $749,900  Read More →

Foreclosure -vs- Short Sale

 This chart will show the difference between a Successful Short Sale and a Forelcosure; and how each one will affect you:     Issue   Foreclosure   Successful Short Sale Future Fannie Mae Loan – Primary Residence (effective May 21, 2008) A homeowner who loses a home to Foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage... [Read more...]

The Illinois Foreclosure Process

Illinois Foreclosure Process Average time in Illinois is 321 days THE ILLINOIS FORECLOSURE PROCESS Illinois is a judicial state requiring court actions to foreclose a mortgage. A typical foreclosure action requires anywhere between 210 to 270 days to completely take away the homeowner’s ownership of the property. An important point to remember is... [Read more...]

Next Page »