Easy Ways to De-clutter Your Home and Life

Easy Ways to De-clutter Your Home and Life 

     Much has been written about the importance of de-cluttering your home prior to listing it for sale.  But whether you're placing your home on the market or not, de-cluttering can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy your home and your life. 

     Did you know that many doctors and feng shui experts believe that a constant state of clutter can drain you of energy, cause depression, make you gain weight, and even make you physically ill?   It can!

     But what's considered clutter?  

     When selling your home, clutter is considered anything that might distract potential home buyers (either mentally or visually) from seeing the positive features of your home.  

     Too much furniture.  Too many personal photos.  Too many toys, too much clothing, too many weeds and lawn ornaments, and much more can be considered clutter if it's a distraction or makes your home (or outdoor/property) look smaller than it is, uncomfortable, disorganized, unkept, or cramped.

     To successfully de-clutter, you must systematically breakdown your home and property.  Go front to back to sides of your property.  And don't forget the garage.  Go room by room, closet by closet, wall by wall, and even drawer by drawer.  Do it as methodically and impersonally as possible. 

     Start with the big items, such as furniture and appliances.  Don't try to mentally find "homes" for the items you weed out.  One  charity or another  will accept most items.  Conducting a Garage or Yard Sale will also rid you of unwanted or unneeded items.   

     Short on time?  Find 5 minute intervals to tackle a small portion of a room.  Or one wall of photos ... one corner or one drawer.  Start with the obvious or the easiest areas first.  You'll start to see progress more quickly and be more motivated to continue your de-cluttering.

     Keep an empty box and a garbage bag by the door of each room.  Grab items to donate or throw away as you see them each time you are in the room.  Place them in the boxes or bags immediately.

     Don't fall into the trap of keeping items out of guilt.  If you don't use it, like it, or want it any longer ... let it go!  Your goal is to lighten a room mentally.  Make it appear bigger.  Lower its "noise" level. Visually neutralize it, make it serene, calm it.  Make it orderly.  Make it inviting. 

     The National Association of Realtors estimates that 91% of potential home buyers utilize the internet to search out homes.   When viewing agent listings, 84% of home buyers stated that they valued and relied on the photos that accompanied the property's info in order to make a decision  to view the property or not.   

    The above statistics confirm that the importance of the appearance and perception of space revealed in your home's listing photos cannot be overstated.  So take action now and find easy ways to de-clutter your home and life.  You'll be glad you did ...

     *  Hoping to simplify the Buying of your Home or your Refinance?  Contact me today!  I'll put my 37 years of mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf to smooth and simplify your mortgage process.
     I can be easily found at any of the following:

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell/Text:  708.921.6331
eFax:  815.524.2281

www.genemundt.com
gmundt@goapmc.com

             

               

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender, a Lender with 37 years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking:  Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including:  The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL.  

 

Your Referrals are Greatly Appreciated!

     

       

    

     

Come Enjoy Will County, IL Farmers Markets

Come Enjoy Will County, IL Farmers Markets

     I married a farm girl ... so it should come as no surprise to anybody that Spring and a new gardening season is always reason for celebration at our house.  After all, you might take the girl off the farm, but you don't take the farm out of the girl!

     Many people share my wife's love of gardening.  They take great pleasure in producing fresh vegetables, fruits, seasonings and much much more for their families.  

     Others simply understand the great importance of feeding themselves and their families fresh foods, so they seek-out the benefit of a farmer's or gardener's labor out at local Farmers Markets.

     In Will County where we live, many of the towns are hosting Farmers Markets once again this year.  I did a little bit of research and gathered information and directions on some of our area's best.  I've listed them below for your enjoyment and convenience.  

     I hope you have a chance to visit many of our local Will County Farmers Markets over the next few months.  They'll provide you a large selection of fresh produce, fruits, crafts, foods, services, and entertainment for you and your family to enjoy and benefit from.

  

Will County, IL  Farmers Markets

New Lenox French Market 1 Veterans Pky, New Lenox, IL
Days Open: May 11 to October 5, 2013 Saturdays:  9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Vendors will be selling:  Dip, mikes, breads, brownie and muffin mixes, Olive oils and spaghetti sauces, Flowers, garden plants and local produce, Artesian Gourmet Cheeses, Fresh baked pizza, Grass Fed Beef, Naturally Raised Pork or Pastured Chicken, Fresh Baked Pies, Assorted Wines and Beers, Freshly made Salsas, Silver Jewelry, honey, Table Runners, Utensils and cookware items, Wickless candles, Gourmet Treats, Various Hot Sandwiches, children's books, Various beverages, Lincoln-Way High School will provide musical entertainment by students, and more! Lockport, IL Farmers Market 222 E 9th St, Lockport, IL Days Open:  June 3 to October 14, 2013 Mondays:  4:00 pm - 8:00 pm   Vendors will be selling:  Produce, Michigan fruit, baked goods, frozen meat, onsite prepared food vendors, salsa, flowers and much more! Frankfort, IL Country Market 100 Kansas Street, Frankfort, IL    Days Open:  April 28 to October 27, 2013 Sundays:  10:00 am - 2:00 pm   Vendors will be selling:  Locally grown produce, both organic/non-organic, plants, and gardening items, Michigan fruit, all natural raised meats, and eggs, baked goods, as well as freshly prepared foods, infused olive oils, salsa, artisan cheeses, labriola bread, blade sharpening, gourmet coffee and much more!  The Market expands in summer to include our full roster of vendors, and features live music and chef demonstrations on the Local Flavor stage.   Supervised children age 3 to 8 enjoy the free Munchkin Market craft station.  Click HERE for more info! Mokena, IL Farmers Market Southeast corner of Wolf Rd. & Front St., Mokena, IL Days Open:  April 27 to October 26,2013 Saturdays:  8 am to 1 pm Vendors will be selling:   Fresh baked goods, specialty items, fresh produce, crafts,  and 2 stages of entertainment.  40 to 50 Vendors each week. Village of Homer Glen Farmers Market 14933 So. Founders Crossing, Homer Glen, IL   Days Open:  May - October Saturdays:  9 am to 1 pm Vendors will be selling:  Locally grown produce, Michigan fruit, meat, flowers, artisan cheeses, infused olive oils, labriola bread, baked goods and much much more!  Saturday morning brunch available! Joliet City Center Farmers Market Van Buren Plaza and Chicago Streets, Joliet, IL    Days Open:  June 14 to September 27, 2013 Fridays:  8:00 am - 2:00 pm Vendors will be selling:  Fresh produce, homemade breads, flowers, plants, perennials, crafts, fresh eggs, herbs, gourmet coffee, frozen chicken, beef, jewelry,  homemade noodles, jams and jellies, tempting bakery goods, specialty teas and coffees and other intriguing foodstuffs.  You can also buy specialty craft merchandise, fresh cut flowers, bedding and hanging plants, candles and merchandise from Pampered Chef and Homemade Gourmet & more. Channahon Farmers Market 24856 W. Eamest Street, Channahon, IL      Days Open:  June 6 to August 1, 2013 Thursdays:  8:30 am - 12:30 pm   Vendors will be selling:   Produce, Michigan fruit, baked goods, flowers, meat, jams, jellies, salsa on site grilled food, etc.   Market ACCEPTS Link, credit, debit cards Plainfield Historic Downtown Farmers Market IL-59 & W Lockport Street, Plainfield, IL      Days Open:  June 1 to September 28, 2013 Saturdays:  8:00 am - 1:00 pm   Vendors will be selling:  Fresh fruits, vegetables, perennials, honey, baked goods, and hand crafted items are for sale.  RAIN OR SHINE!  Please support your local farmers! Bolingbrook Farmers Market 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL     @ The Promenade Bolingbrook Days Open:   June 6   to   Aug. 29 4pm – 9pm                           Sept. 5   to   Oct. 3    4pm – 8pm Thursdays    Vendors will be selling:  Produce, fruit, all natural pastured poultry/eggs, grass fed beef/pork, flowers, baked goods, infused olive oils, bread, gourmet coffees, salsa, artisan cheeses and more!  Entertainment, as the Market coincides with The Promenade's popular concert series. Participants are located near the Stage. Crete European Market 1321 Main Street, Crete, IL            Days Open:  May 18 to October 5, 2013 Saturdays:  8:00 am - 1:00 pm    Vendors will be selling:   Locally grown fresh produce, flowers and other seasonal & specialty items.  Pastries, fresh breads, and much more.          Naperville Farmers Market        (Included as portion is in Will) 200 E. 5th Avenue, Naperville, IL    Days Open:  June 1 to October 26, 2013 Saturdays:  7:00 am - 12:00 pm   Vendors will be selling:  Fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods,  plants, herbs, eggs, cheese, seafood, beef, chicken, sausage, bacon, pork, bison and elk.   Market held Rain or Shine.   Never cancelled!   Market may extend into the month of November, depending on weather.      The average American eats less than 2 servings of vegetables per day.  That's almost 5 times less than the amount recommended by physicians.  For men to maintain proper health, they should eat up to 9 servings per day.  Women should eat at least seven daily servings.              Will County Farmers Markets can be a great resource for finding fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies ... at more affordable prices.  Search a Farmers Market out in Will County or nearby.  You'll improve your diet and save money ... all while helping your local farmers too.           *  Thinking of Buying a Home (or Refinancing) in a town in Will County, DuPage, or elsewhere in Chicagoland?  Contact me today!  I'll put my 36+ years of mortgage expertise and experience hard to work on your behalf.            I can be easily found at any of the following:    Direct:  815.524.2280 Cell:  708.921.6331 eFax:  815.524.2281    Skype:  630.219.1316 www.genemundt.com FREE Consultation You are Invited to Follow Me through any of the Social Media below Ready to Apply for Your Mortgage?

3 New Paramedics Now Serve the New Lenox Fire Protection District

3 New Paramedics Now Serve the 

New Lenox Fire Protection District

     The Village of New Lenox, IL and its residents have much

to be proud of.  It's schools, housing, churches, businesses, and much more make New Lenox a great place to live, do business, and raise a family.

     But now, it can also celebrate and announce the addition of 3 new Paramedics within its  New Lenox Fire Protection District.  Firefighters Tim Mayotte, Brent Havener, and James Brown have attended the Kankakee Community College and Riverside Medical Center's EMS System Paramedic classes throughout the last year.  

     These 3 firefighters are now capable of providing advanced life support to those that become injured or fall critically ill within New Lenox.  Now that they are paramedics, they can offer or utilize the following:

•     Intravenous infusions
•     Intraosseus infusions
•     Multiple medications
•     Injections
•     Needle thoracostomy
•     Cricothyroidoton
•     Advanced airway management devices to support breathing

     The New Lenox Fire Protection District started their full-time Advanced Life Support Ambulance service in 1990.   They utilize several specialty rescue disciplines and have members equipped and prepared to respond to a multitude of differing types of incidents.

     The addition of these 3 firefighters to the service of Paramedics will bring great benefit to those within the borders of the Fire Protection District and will enhance the services via the four stations located throughout the District. The stations are equipped and staffed 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week.
    

     The New Lenox Fire Protection District is an authorized American Heart Association Training Center that offers courses in CPR for adults, child, and infants.  This CPR is available for healthcare providers and laypersons alike. 
    
     3 New Paramedics Now Serve the New Lenox Fire Protection District.  Should you wish further information regarding the new Paramedic services available, other  services, CPR classes, teaching children fire protection tactics, or events being sponsored by the New Lenox Fire Protection District, please contact them at:  (815) 463-4500.  Or email them at: info@nlfire.com.

     *  Should you be hoping to Buy or Refinance a home within the New Lenox Fire Protection District, the Village of New Lenox, Will/DuPage County, or elsewhere in the Chicagoland region, please contact me.   I'll put my 36+ years of mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
     I can be conveniently found at any of the following: 

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell:  708.921.6331  

 

www.genemundt.com

FREE Consultation

eFax:  815.524.2281    Skype:  630.219.1316

You are Invited to FOLLOW ME through

any of the Social Media found below

Ready to Apply for your Mortgage?

 

 

     

To "Jumbo" or not to "Jumbo"! That is the question ...

To "Jumbo" or not to "Jumbo"!  

That is the question ...

     Many of my Chicagoland referral partners have been reporting that their higher-end housing markets are seeing healthier sales ...  

     Margaret Goss, Baird & Warner Real Estate - Winnetka/surrounding communities and Corinne Guest, Barrington Realty Company - Barrington area, each have written posts indicating that the higher-priced properties in their area are once again moving at a better pace.  All very good news.

     Paired along with that is even more good news.  Lending options are once again appearing for high-end real estate purchases and refinancing.  "Jumbo" loan options are re-emerging.

     But what is considered a "Jumbo" loan?

     Like so many other questions concerning mortgage financing, there is no one easy, quick, across-the-board answer.  But let me start by saying, a "Jumbo" loan is also known as a non-conforming loan.  That means it is "not eligible for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac acquisition".  

     The threshold amount considered a "Jumbo" loan varies by state, or even market areas ... but in most regions, the maximum amount considered to be "conforming" is $417,000.  So, a "Jumbo" is higher than that amount, even if by one dollar.

     The mere fact that a loan can be moved or sold via Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines, translates to more liquidity and lower interest rates.  "Jumbo" loans are sold to Private Investors, other banks, hedge funds, or even kept in a private portfolio for the source of the loan.  

      Because of this fact, loans considered "Jumbos", have historically been higher in Interest Rate by 3/8% to a full 1% (in extreme cases) over conforming loans ($417,000 and less).  More recently that has NOT been the case.  

     So depending on the Sales Price, the Buyer's down payment ability, and eventual loan amount ... I conduct a thorough and detailed examination of ALL financing options available at the time of application ... even those beyond "Jumbo" loan status.

     One of those options is a 1st Mortgage at the conforming loan limit (remember: $417,000), coupled with a simultaneous 2nd Mortgage of as much as $250,000 ... or whatever loan amount is needed to meet the needs of the Borrower's transaction.  

 
     For example only; consider the following:   

(Comparison Interest Rates utilized)

      
     Sales Price:               $800,000
     Down Payment:     $200,000  (from Borrower - 25%)
     Loan Needs:             $600,000  (eligible to be called a 
                                                                "Jumbo" loan) 
      
     And here's why I'd consider offering the two loan options to my Borrower, versus just one "Jumbo" loan.

Monthly Payment, if figured as a "Jumbo" loan:   

$2,995.71    (Principal & Interest Only)

    

Monthly Payments, if figured with a 1st & 2nd loan: 

1st Loan Payment on $417,000:      

$1,931.19  (Principal & Interest Only)

2nd Loan Payment on $183,000:   

$   799.00   (Interest Only Payment on 2nd)

Savings realized by taking a 1st & 2nd Loan 

versus the one "Jumbo" loan:    

$265.52

     The mortgage process gets more complicated the higher the financed dollars, as there is more money at risk for the Lenders.  The financing options become fewer and the cost of borrowing goes up from a rate standpoint.

     When dealing in a higher-end housing market that demands higher amounts financed, it's vitally important to have a Mortgage Lender that is well-versed regarding ALL financing options available to Borrowers ... and also has access to more than one or two mortgage programs for their consideration. As you can see from my comparison above, having options offered to you for consideration can mean considerable savings.

      To "Jumbo" or not to "Jumbo"!  That is the question ... Because the stakes are so much higher in these transactions, it's definitely no time to work with rookie, inexperienced mortgage lending professionals.  

     But again, there is more good news for those Home Buyers (or those Refinancing) seeking Chicagoland "Jumbo" loans or financing in higher amounts.  That financing and experienced mortgage lending is readily available.  Contact me today ...   

    *  Looking to Buy or Refinance a higher-end home in New Lenox, or the Greater Chicagoland, IL - WI region?  Need information and insight into all mortgage options available to you?  Contact me today!  I'll put my experience and expertise in this market hard to work on your behalf.
     I can be found at:

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell:  708.921.6331
eFax:  815.524.2281

www.genemundt.com

gmundt@goapmc.com

           

 

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, an Originator with 40 years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking:  Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including:  The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.