Is Your Marketing a Cure for Insomnia?

Is Your Marketing a Cure for Insomnia?

     Ever find yourself in a conversation with someone and all they talk about is themselves?  I have.  All that "me, me, me"?  Well, I lose interest pretty quickly ...

     Zzzzzzz ... sure cures insomnia!

     While reading and conducting my marketing and social media, I've noticed there seems to be a whole lot of that intense "me-ism" going on.  Facebook and Twitter are loaded with it.  Pinterest has it too.  There's pretty intense self-promotion going on ... pins, tweets, posts ... all with blatant sales pitches. 

     I'm a big fan of marketing and social media.  It's an unbelievably value tool when trying to gain attention and win new business for yourself.  I understand and respect that, just like me ... other companies are seeking results from social media efforts and marketing too.       

     But I think the method by which you deliver your marketing message on these sites can make or break you.  Deliver it heavy-handed, be too self-absorbed, not offer anything of value within your messages or format ... and you run the risk of losing your audience.  I don't know about you, but that's something I'm trying to avoid.

     Yes this defines exactly what I've seen as of late on many social media sites.  I've actually "unfollowed" a few of my Pinterest and Twitter Followers.  (I'm considering doing likewise on Facebook.)  Bottomline, too many boards and messages I received were boring to me.  Too many offered nothing informative, new, engaging, or of interest to share with others.  They were "me, me, me".  In otherwords ... zzzzzzz.   

     I think people avoid or ignore others that talk about themselves too much.  They are drawn to, connect with, and seek out those that share and offer something of real value with them. 

     What I've been seeing on Pinterest and other social media as of late?  It reminds me to approach my own marketing with that important lesson in mind.  If I don't, I risk losing followers and potential business.  

     Or at minimum, putting someone to sleep ...


     *  Hoping to buy or refinance a home in Will County or elsewhere in Chicagoland?  Looking to educate yourself regarding the homebuying and mortgage financing process?  Follow Me via the Social Media outlets below ... or Contact Me.  I'll be happy to help and assist you throughout your entire transaction.
     I'm easily found at:

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell/Text:  708.921.6331

eFax:  815.524.2281

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

Click HERE for a FREE Mortgage Consultation!

Ready to Apply for your Mortgage?



  

  

      

    

Are you a Recent Will County - Chicagoland Bride? How to Change your Last Name Once the Wedding is Over

Are you a Recent Will County - Chicagoland Bride?  

How to Change your Last Name Once
the Wedding is Over

     Our office has been an exciting place lately.  Besides the usual excitement surrounding our mortgage transactions and services, we've recently been celebrating the marriage of one of our co-workers.  Nothing like having a new bride around! 

     But now that the wedding has taken place, our new bride is finding that there are quite a few things affected by her change in marital status ... and there's quite a bit of updating needed in regards to her new name change.

      It's Important for new brides that are changing their last name to Know:  They need to have possession of their original or certified Marriage Certificate showing their new last name on it prior to attempting changes elsewhere.  

     If you're a Will County, IL bride... and you didn't receive your Marriage Certificate, contact the County Clerk's office (in the county where you were married) to get a certified copy.  

     If that's Will County:  Two (2) business days after you receive your signed Marriage License, you can obtain/request a copy of your Marriage Certificate.  

     In Cook County:  Two weeks must pass from the day married to make the same request.

     Why is this so important?

     Documentation changes must be completed by all brides changing their names.  Those changes must be performed accurately and in a timely manner as they can reflect on a bride's credit standing ... or cause issues when in the midst of a home buying transaction.       

     Of special note ...

• Social Security Card - To accomplish this important update/change, brides need to fill out a new application and receive a new Social Security Card.  The number remains the same, but the new card will reflect her name change.  

       Brides can go directly to their local Social Security Administration office ... or they can visit the Social Security Administration website for the Application.

       Proof of Identity and age will be demanded for this purpose.  The documents accepted by the Social Security Administration as viable proof can be found ... HERE.   

• Driver's License - In-and-of itself, your Driver's License is not credit or finance-related.  But so often, financial institutions and companies rely on an accurate and updated Driver's License for proof of your existence, signature, or accounts that it's just a great (and smart) place to start ASAP after your wedding day name change.  Brides requesting a new Driver's License because of a name change must produce a copy of their Marriage Certificate.
•  Creditors, Credit Cards/Accounts  - Provide written notification of your name change to all creditors.  Make sure to ask them to provide their updates/changes to the 3 major Credit Bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.  Some Credit Card companies will allow name changes without your providing proof ... but it's best to be prepared, should that not be the case.        

     
     I suggest strongly that you follow up with each of the Credit Bureaus in a few months to make sure that all changes are being correctly reflected on your credit records.


     Give special attention to:

• Bank Savings Accounts & Investment Accounts - Expect to have to provide your new Driver's License and a copy of your Marriage License at these institutions.  Make sure you ask for new checks, debit, credit cards attached to any existing accounts.

• Utility Company Accounts - Yes, utility companies report to the Credit Bureaus.  NICOR reports account delinquencies to the Credit Bureaus.  Other utility report collections only, so seeing to a name change (or addition of name) remains important.  Visit your utility sites or see the back of your bills for directions as to how to proceed.

• IRS - Change of name can be completed by filling out Form #8822 (a name of address form that includes other changes/name changes).  

     A simple phone call or completed form may suffice when changing names on other accounts.  Brides must remember to not overlook making the needed changes on the following too:

• HR Departments, Doctors/Medical Facilities, Passport, Insurance Policies, Attorney (for any legal documents), Post Office, Tax forms/IRS, Memberships, Leases, Auto Loans, and more.   

       NOTE:  Because of recent changes that may have occurred to Voting Laws in your area, when voting in future elections, the info on your Driver's License must match the name on your Voter's ID.  You may be denied the right to vote, should there be a discrepancy.

     Our office bride provided us this handy tip in regards to Passports too ...  

     If you change your name on your Driver's License and your honeymoon travel requires you have a Passport:  Make sure your Passport matches your flight/travel info and the info on your ticket(s).  Make sure to make copies of your Marriage Certificate and take them with you during your Honeymoon, as a precaution should questions arise. 

     Begin gathering the needed addresses, phone numbers, and forms ... and start filling them out prior to your wedding date.  That way changes can be made quickly and easily after you're married.  

     Again, I suggest that you always follow up any actions taken in order to make sure that they have been made correctly.  That way there are no surprises later or corrections still needing to be made should you decide to purchase or finance a home in the future.

     Should you have any questions ... please, don't hesitate to contact me ...

     

*  Getting married soon?  Do your dreams include owning a home or investment property in the Chicagoland - IL - WI area?  

Contact Me.  I'll put my 40 years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
     I'm easily found at:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Originator  -  NMLS #216987  -  IL Lic. #031.0006220  -  WI Lic. #216987

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.

NMLS #175656

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell/Text:  708.921.6331

eFax:  815.524.2281

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.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, 

Channahon, Lockport, Elwood, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), 

DuPage County, the City of Chicago, 

Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.

Referrals are Welcomed!

   

Opportunities & Ways to Help November 17th's Will County & IL Tornado Victims

    

Opportunities & Ways to Help November 17th's

Will County & IL Tornado Victims

     The tornadoes that wreaked havoc across much of Illinois on Sunday, November 17th, left a trail of death and devastation behind them.  At the time of this writing, it is being reported that at least 6 people were killed and 54 more were injured. 

     Relief efforts to assist the families, homes, and businesses damaged or destroyed by the deadly storms have sprung up all across our State.  Many such efforts are also being organized locally within Will County. 

     The Red Cross has set-up a mobilized shelter operation in Coal City at the Coal City High School located at 655 W. Division Street.  Coal City, Diamond, and areas of Manhattan Township were the hardest hit amongst the areas located in the County. 

     For those wishing to help monetarily:  A Tornado disaster relief fund was set up by the Village of Diamond at:  Mazon State Bank.  If writing a check, make it out to:    Diamond & Coal City Tornado Disaster Relief Fund

Donations are being accepted at the bank itself.  If mailing a donation, please send your donation to: Mazon State Bank, 2315 E Division St., PO Box 247, Diamond, IL 60416.

     The Coal City United Methodist Church is helping to serve the volunteers working on the clean-up of the tornado.  The Church has requested donations of the following to aid them in their work:

• Bleach, gloves, sponges, buckets, garbage bags, mops, towels, and other various cleaning supplies    

     The Ignite Christian Church located at 301 South Broadway, Coal City and Coal City Clothes Closet at 130 Blackstone, Coal City, are also serving as donation drop-off points. 


     Fire Stations within Will County are also helping in the collection of needed supplies.  Donations can be made at the following fire houses within Will:

• Troy Fire Station 1 - 7ooo Cottage Street, Shorewood
• Plainfield Fire Station 1 - 14415 S. Coil Plus Drive 
• Channahon Fire Station 2 - 23341 McClintock Street

     In Braidwood you can leave donations in a drop-off box located on the front porch of the First Presbyterian Church of Braidwood located at 106 S. Lincoln Street.   Donations can also be left at the Main Street Baptist Church in Braidwood.  The church is located 110 South Division Street.  Both churches ask that you specify that donations are being made on behalf of the tornado victims.
 
     In Elwood, donations are being accepted on Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 9 am to 7 pm at:  The Hair Code, 416 East Mississippi Avenue. 

     In Manhattan, drop-offs can be made at:  Hawk Fitness at 112 State Street in Manhattan.  Hours are:  M-W, 8:30 am to 1 pm, M-F, 3:30 pm to 9 pm. 

     In New Lenox, donations can be left at:  Page Desk Incorporated, 14557 W. Edison Drive, between the hours of: 10 am to 5 pm.  The New Lenox Police Department has also joined the relief effort and has become available as a drop-off location.  The NL Police Department is located at:  701 W Haven Ave in New Lenox. 
    
    Finding another way to serve the residents of the area, the agents of Remax Ultimate Professionals, 576 Brookforest Ave (Rt. 59) in Shorewood are collecting donations to help those in need.  Crispy Waffle, also located at 576 Brookforest Avenue, Shorewood, is collecting donations between the hours 8 am to 5 pm. 

     Will County Habitat for Humanity will be distributing tornado relief donations made through the Shorewood and Joliet branches of People First Bank.   

    The relief charity "Helping Hugs" from Plainfield, is accepting donations from 2 to 7 p.m on Monday and Tuesday (November 18th & 19th) at Plymouth Congregational Church, 24022 W. Lockport St. (use Illinois Street entrance, please).  For a list of needed items, click HERE.

    Opportunities & Ways to Help November 17th's Will County & IL Tornado Victims ... Relief efforts will no doubt be expanded in the days ahead.  Please keep the families and businesses damaged and destroyed in this last Sunday's tornadoes and storms in your thoughts ... and take action now to help how and where you can.

     Thank you ...


     Gene Mundt
     APMC - New Lenox, IL
     NMLS #216987
     www.genemundt.com
     708.921.6331
     gmundt@goapmc.com     



    

   

      
 
   

Downtown Joliet's Light Up the Holidays Parade & Festival, November 29th, 2013

Downtown Joliet's 

Light Up the Holidays Parade & Festival

November 29th, 2013

    

      
     Downtown Joliet will be kicking-off this year's Holiday Season with the annual Light Up the Holidays Parade & Festival on Friday, November 29th, 2013.  The festival fun starts at 10 a.m.

      
     Festival activities will be hosted at:

• Renaissance Center Fun Fair 
• Jitters Coffeehouse
• Joliet Public Library
• The Red Goose Bakery
• Chicken-n 'Spice
• Joliet Historical Museum
• Gji's Sweet Shoppe 
• More

  
     Roaming musicians and carolers, ice carving displays, craft activities, and more will take place throughout the Light Up the Holidays Festival.  Other Festival hosts and participants creating holiday magic on November 29th will be:  Santa Cruz & First Lutheran Parish, the Forest Preserve District of Will County, Joliet Park District and more.   

     A holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m. in Van Buren Plaza.  The Light Up The Holidays Parade starts promptly at 5:30 p.m.  (Note to Festival-goers: The Jefferson Street Bridge is closed for repairs at this time.  Alternate routes should be used to access the downtown area.)

     There is no cost involved to attend and enjoy the Light Up the Holidays Festival.     

     Festival-goers can also enjoy the Rialto Square Theatre's annual Festival of Trees, inside the beautiful and historic Rialto Square Theatre building located at 102 Chicago Street while downtown at the Light Up the Holidays Festival.  This year's Rialto Square Theatre - Festival of Trees takes place Monday, November 25th thru Sunday, December 1st.  For additional info regarding the Festival of Trees, click HERE. 

     For further details regarding the Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade, visit:  www.jolietdowntown.com, or contact Cam Barnett at cam.barnett@jolietdowntown.com.   

     *  Downtown Joliet's Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade is just one example of the many wonderful offerings and activities the Joliet and Will County area has to offer its residents and visitors.  
     If you're hoping to Buy a Home in the Joliet area, Will County, or elsewhere in the Chicagoland region, contact me.  I'll be happy to assist you and put my 36 years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
     I can be easily found at:

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell/Text:  708.921.6331

eFax: 815.524.2281

NMLS #216987

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

NMLS #175656

  

Click HERE for a FREE Mortgage Consultation!

Ready to Apply for your Mortgage?

  

You're invited to Follow Me 

through the following Social Media:

             

              

 

"What is the Number 1 thing I can do to help myself when considering my first home purchase?"

The Numero UNO for First-Time Homebuyers

     I'm often asked by First-Time Homebuyers ...  
    

     "What is the Number 1 thing I can do to help myself when considering my first home purchase?"   

     My answer?  

     Educate yourself about every step of the Mortgage and home buying process ... thoroughly.

     As a Mortgage Lender, I've come to see my role as educator and "teacher" vastly grow in importance.  When I first started in the Mortgage business, I instructed clients.  Actual teaching opportunities were few and minimal.  That's not true anymore.  

     Education is now vitally important throughout the entire Home Buying transaction.  From the time you first discover your interest and desire to buy your home ... through your Mortgage processing and successful Home Closing ... and even beyond ... education remains key.  

     So how do you get "educated"?  Just where do you search for helpful reading materials, information, and informative videos to best educate yourself? 

     Information is everywhere.  Search in newspapers, magazines, blogs.  

     Scour social media sites for links to helpful and timely articles, videos, news bites, reports, statistics, infographics, websites, and more.  The amount of free information available courtesy of our government, mortgage and real estate professionals and experts, both online and off, is staggering.   

     I recommend:  Read everything you can.  And don't hesitate to contact me or your own local experienced Mortgage Lender or real estate professional either.  

     Do this well in advance of starting your actual home search.  This will allow your Mortgage Lender ample time to run your Credit, help improve/repair your Credit Scores, if necessary, and better position you to buy your home at the best possible Interest Rates and Mortgage Options available.

     Now ... did you also note above that I suggested that you continue to educate yourself "even beyond" your Loan Closing?  

     Valuable info continues to be available to you throughout all the outlets named above.  But none will prove more valuable then an on-going relationship and dialogue with your Mortgage Lender.  The education, services, guidance, and help they can provide you after your Closing remains important to your future financial and credit health.  

 

     Make sure to stay in touch with this valuable resource.  Keep the lines of communication between yourself and your Lender available and open.  

     I send bi-weekly newsletters via email to my Closed clients (potential buyers, referral partners, etc.) so updated and timely email addresses remain important.  Remember, I can't help you if I can't reach you in some way.  (Email me to ask to receive future newsletters!)

     "What is the Number 1 thing I can do to help myself when considering my first home purchase?" You've probably heard this many times in the past, but it's true.  

     Get educated about your Credit, Credit Scores, and financing options.  Your financial health will be better for it ...

     
*  Hoping to Buy your First Home within the Chicagoland area?  Contact Me!  I'll put my Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf. 
     I can be easily found at:

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell/Text:  708.921.6331

eFax:  815.524.2281

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.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, & 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!