Halloween Treats for Your Business - 10/29/2015

                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         October 29, 2015

Friend,

The winds, rains, and overcast skies we've been experiencing over the last few days set the stage perfectly for this coming weekend's Halloween celebrations.   Spooky things could await ...

But with the information I've included within this week's newsletter, you don't need to fear. Only "Treats" are sent your way.

Please pay special attention to the articles entitled, "NEW Guidelines for Keeping Your Current Home While Buying Another"  and "Educate Yourself About the New Standards Regarding Real Estate Marketing Service Agreements".  

I believe they contain timely info that will prove especially beneficial to you ... and ward off ghostly occurrences.

Enjoy!

Gene

PS:  Feel free to pass this newsletter and my contact info on to anyone you think would find them of interest and benefit.  

Thank you!

*********************************************

  

5 Reasons Why Community Pages Are a Must for Real Estate Websites ...

Creating your own local community pages is a great way to differentiate yourself as a real estate agent. While it can take a little work to compile something that is informative and useful, community pages that cover the areas you work in offer a number of advantages. 

When you want to stand out to potential clients, every little bit helps.   (MORE ...)

NEW Guidelines for Keeping Your Current Home While Buying Another ...

In recent weeks, there has been some very good news in home financing for homeowners that choose to retain their primary home (or can't sell because they're underwater) while pursuing the purchase and financing of a new home ...

Underwriting Guidelines that play a predominant role in the financing of these types of purchases have now been relaxed.   

(MORE ...)

Halloween Drink & Punch Recipes ...

No goblin or ghoul will go thirsty at your Halloween party with these delightful party drinks and punch recipes. Concoct a kid-friendly beverage, or experiment with adults-only cocktail creations.

To get recipes for your party, click on the pic to the right!     ~~~~~~>

Educate Yourself About The New Standards Regarding Real Estate Marketing Service Agreement ...

This morning I received an invitation to a seminar entitled, "RESPA Threat: The CFPB Challenges MSAs and More." If you are a professional in any part of the real estate industry, you've probably received something similar as well.   (MORE ...)

If you have the time and haven't done so, I'd appreciate your leaving a review of my mortgage services on Yelp, Trulia, or Google+:

• gmundtmortgages.yelp.com 
• http://www.trulia.com/profile/genemundt
• http://www.trulia.com/profile/genemundt

Thank you for reading my newsletter. 

Don't hesitate to contact me for info ... or should I be able to assist you or your clients ...

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

Contact Me to Receive My Email Newsletters!

How Much Can I Borrow? Keys to Affordability

     

How Much Can I Borrow?

Keys to Affordability

     "How much can I borrow?"  

     Sounds like a simple question, doesn't it? But like many things, it's not quite as simple as it seems ...

     Being a Mortgage Originator, I obviously get asked this question a lot. And when asked, most people expect they'll receive an answer fairly quickly.  

     But to answer this question, I must first ask and then receive answers to a series of key questions. That series of questions typically include this important one ... 

     "Have you narrowed your search to one specific home?" 

     Wonder why that question's so important?  

     Real Estate Taxes and HOA Fees. 

     Real Estate Taxes greatly influence the monthly escrow payment attached to any property.  Same thing goes for those homes that have HOA Fees (Home Owner Association Fees) that accompany the property. 

     
    
     It's a simple fact:  Raise Taxes and HOA Fees  (when applicable) and a Borrower's borrowing power drops.  In reverse, lower Taxes and HOA Fees means a Borrower can typically incur more mortgage debt.

     
This fact must be kept in mind when Buyers and their agents are considering homes for viewing and purchase. Property Taxes and HOA Fees can throw a wrench into the purchase plans of hopeful Buyers.  And have.

     That's why potential Buyers asking me the question, "How much can I borrow?" can expect to have a conversation regarding Property Taxes and HOA Fees ... along with the influence they'll each have on their ultimate borrowing power.  

     This is an important conversation to have.  One that should also involve your agent ... and one that should be held prior to your viewing of homes.  

     Doing so is wise for many reasons, but none are so important as the fact that it eliminates the risk of your falling in love with a home that you can't afford to buy.

     Sometimes it's the simple things that are the most important ...
     

*  Hoping to buy a home in the greater Chicagoland area?  

Contact me today.  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 License #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, Romeoville, Channahon, Lockport, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, 
Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI. 

Your Referrals are Welcomed & Greatly Appreciated!

  

     

     

     

    

     

NEW Guidelines for Keeping Your Current Home While Buying Another

NEW Guidelines for Keeping Your Current 
Home While Buying Another

     In recent weeks, there has been some very good news in home financing for homeowners that choose to retain their primary home (or can't sell because they're underwater) while pursuing the purchase and financing of a new home ...

     Underwriting Guidelines that play a predominant role in the financing of these types of purchases have now been relaxed.  New Guidelines now allow a more manageable level of funds (less than before) be required to buy and close on these new homes.

     The housing decline that took place between 2008 to recent times resulted in a tightening of lending standards.  However, Market Values have now recovered and rebounded in many (if not most) of the country.  

     Recognizing this, plus the fact that there is now more stability in the economy, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have lowered the "Reserve" Requirements made upon Buyers choosing to retain/rent their current residence, but buying and moving to a new home.

     Lending Guidelines define Reserves as:  Funds held back (in Reserve) in savings, retirement, or investment accounts AFTER considering all the funds needed for Down Payment and Closing Costs.

     One month Reserve is equal to:  The TOTAL MONTHLY Housing Expense of any/all Real Estate owned.

     That Total Monthly Housing Expense referred to includes:

• Principal & Interest Payments
• 1/12th of the Annual Real Estate Taxes & Homeowners Insurance
• Monthly Mortgage Insurance
• Homeowners Association Dues (as expressed in monthly amounts)

     FORMER Guidelines typically required:  6 Months Reserves for each and every property.  That amount made qualifying more difficult for some Buyers.  

     Plus, Buyers still needed to come up with the necessary Down Payment needed for their new home purchase.

     NEW Guidelines have been revised downward:  New requirements now require only 2 months Reserve (as a Rule).  

     In some cases:  The 2 months Reserve is not required at all.  Those cases are dependent on:

• Loan-to-Value Ratios 
• Credit Scores
• Debt-to-Income Ratios

     If you're looking to move or buy another home ... and are presently "Underwater" or lacking a back-up savings fund ...

     You may be the perfect candidate to buy under these new Guidelines!

     Contact me for more information regarding these new Guidelines, your eligibility for financing, and the options that exist for your home buying today.

     *  Hoping to buy a home in the greater Chicagoland area?  Contact me today.  I'll put my 37 years of mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
     I can be easily found at:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Lender  -  NMLS #216987  -  IL Lic. #0006220  -  WI Licensed

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

You're Invited to Follow Me at:

             

        

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, an Originator 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 & WI. 

            

      

      

     

     

No Tricks ... Just Treats During October! Gene's 10/14/2015 Newsletter

Friend:

Witches!  Zombies!  Ghosts! Haunted Houses! October is the time when spirits lurk at each and every corner ...

October's the time for playing in fall leaves, chillin' in front of bonfires, and bundling-up with warmer jackets for football games played in crisp fall weather. October's also a great time to bundle-up your home for the cold winter months ahead too.

To help you accomplish all these things and more, I've included some great articles I found for your enjoyment and use.

Hope you get all the treats you deserve and enjoy every minute of your October ...


Gene

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

              Colder weather means you'll be 

wanting to use your fireplace soon ...

Using Your Fireplace Safely ...

One of the joys of the fall and winter season is curling up in front of a warm fireplace. Proper fireplace use and maintenance, along with a commitment to safety, will keep the enjoyment from turning into tragedy.   (MORE ...)


How to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home This Fall ...

This fall, ensure your home shows off the best of the season. Curb appeal is essential for a beautiful first impression of your home — and can take just minutes a day to keep up. From the walkways and lawn to your front door, you’ll love how these curb appeal projects can be broken into smaller projects. If you want to show your love for fall, try these curb appeal tricks and see how your home comes alive. (MORE ...)


2015 Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Farms, Hayrides & Halloween Venues in Will County ...

Cooler temperatures and falling leaves mean that Fall has arrived and Halloween is just around the corner. And that means pumpkin farms, corn mazes, haunted houses, scarecrows, spooky ghosts, witches, and goblins of all shapes and sizes have cropped up everywhere.

For those living in/near Will County, in Illinois ... that means families and friends will be looking to get out and enjoy all that Fall has to offer. (MORE ...)


That New Car Could Limit Mortgage Options ...
Could that shiny new car you just financed with a big dealer loan or lease put a damper on your ability to refinance your mortgage or move to a different house?   (MORE ...)


Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe ...

Love apples? Love caramel? Go crazy when they're mixed together? You'll LOVE these muffins then. They're great at any time of the day!

Click on the pic to the right for the Recipe ...

Remember:    

• It's always wise to update your Credit Report, at minimum, once a year and to review your mortgage and credit. Let me help you accomplish that more easily. Contact me soon ... at your convenience. 
• Please forward this newsletter and its contents to anyone you think that would enjoy or benefit from it. 
• Your Referrals are always appreciated!
• GO CUBS! 

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

www.genemundt.com

gmundt@goapmc.com

2015 Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Farms, Hayrides & Halloween Venues in Will County

2015 Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Farms,

Hayrides & Halloween Venues in Will County 

     Cooler temperatures and falling leaves mean that Fall has arrived and Halloween is just around the corner.  And that means pumpkin farms, corn mazes, haunted houses, scarecrows, spooky ghosts, witches, and goblins of all shapes and sizes have cropped up everywhere.     

     For those living in/near Will County, in Illinois ... that means families and friends will be looking to get out and enjoy all that Fall has to offer.  

    To help do that, I've compiled a list of Pumpkin Farms, Patches, Corn Mazes, Hayrides, Halloween Venues, Fun Fall Festivals and more that can be found within the boundaries of Will County, IL ... along with info, links, and directions for each venue. 

     I hope the list proves beneficial to you, your family, and friends ... and helps you find a Fall seasonal event to visit and enjoy!

2015 Fall/Halloween Venues – Will County

Johansen Farms Petting Zoo

Sept. 12th - October 31^st, 2015

Click HERE for Hours

Petting Zoo, Rides, Obstacle Course,

U-Pick Pumpkins, and More

710 Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL

More Info:  www.johansenfarms.com

Konow's Corn Maze

September 19th – October 31st, 2015 

Sunday through Friday: 10am - 7pm

Saturday: 10am - 8pm

16849 So. Cedar Rd., Homer Glen, IL

Military: FREE with Military ID

Monday - Friday: 3+: $9/pp

Saturday/Sunday: 3+: $10/pp

Ages 2 and up: Free

2 Mazes, Jumping Pillow, Petting Zoo, Concessions, 

Cow Train, Face Painting, Indoor Playland, 

Concerts, and More!

www.konowscornmaze.com

Howloween Hoopla

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Hours:  11 - 3 pm

FREE Admission

Festivities: Costume contest, prizes, pet vendors,

Free pet services of nail clipping, micro-chipping, wellness checks, more.

Free giveaways, doggy games, food vendors!

All dogs must be leashed.

  Whalon Lake in Naperville, IL

Info:  Will County Forest Preserve - 708.534.8499

Siegl's Cottonwood/Pumpkin Farm

Sept. 26th - November 1st, 2015 

Daily - 10 am to 6 pm

Pumpkin Patch,  Cornfield Maze, Hayrack Rides, Petting Zoo, Climbing Wall, Kiddie Train, Tractor Maze, More 

Tickets Available Online:  HERE

 17250 So. Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL

http://ourpumpkinfarm.com

Mokena Park District 
34th Annual Halloween Hollow

Friday, Oct. 16th:  5 - 9 pm

Saturday, Oct. 17th:  1 - 9 pm

Sunday, Oct. 18th:  1 - 6 pm

Admission:  FREE  -  Parking:  $5/per day

Ghost Town Games, Monsters Market, Freaky Food Court, Mobile Gaming Theater, Entertainment, Hayrides, Straw Maze, Pumpkin Weigh-in,  Scarecrow Lab, Mummy Wrap, Scream Queen Contest, and much more!

Carnival Rides Available!

Main Park - Mokena Park District 

Info: 708.390.2401

Or:  www.mokenapark.com

Bengston's Pumpkin Farm

September 26th – November 1st 

For Hours/Admission, click HERE 

Apple Cider Donuts, Food Vendors, Fun Slide, New Pumpkin Playland, Pumpkin Chucker, Hayrides, Haunted Barn, Halloween Shop, Corn Box, Kiddie Rides, Railroad, Kids Village, Petting Zoo, More!

Stroller Friendly

Event Calendar HERE

Admission/Rates:  HERE

13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen, IL

www.pumpkinfarm.com

  

Plainfield  Foundation for Excellence 6th Annual

“Village of Screamfield” Haunted House

October 16^th – 25^th, 2015

“Full Scare” Haunted House for middle/high school students/adults

October 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24^th, 25^th

6-10 pm

Tickets = $10

“Mayor Scream’s Screamfest (Family Friendly)

October 17th and 23rd, 2015

2-5 pm 

Tickets = $5

Admission is FREE for children 4 years and up

Both events held in the basement - Plainfield Police Dept.

14300 S. Coil, Plainfield, IL

Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm

September 13th to October 31, 2015 … & Columbus Day

8 Miles West of I-55 on US Rte. 52, Minooka, IL

Hours:  9:30 - 6:30 pm

25 acre pumpkin patch, Hayrides, Corn/Bean Mazes, 
Heaps o' Fun Barn, Heaps' Home Cookin', Farm Animals, Live Entertainment

For Admission info, click HERE

More Info:  (815) 475-7373 

http://heapsgiantpumpkinfarm.com

Dollinger's Pumpkin Farm

September 21st - October 30, 2015

7420 E. Hansel Rd, Channahon, IL

Open Daily - 10 - 6:30 pm

Free Admission & Parking

Indian Corn, Apples, Pumpkins, Corn Stalks, Farm Animals/Petting Zoo, 4-Acre Corn Maze, Farm Playground, Gift Shop, Steam Train (weekends), Mums, 
Honey, Hayrides, Food, More

For More Info:  815.467.6766

www.dollingerfarms.com/pumpkin-farm

Lockport Park District – 
Hayride of Horror in Dellwood Park

Fridays & Saturdays:  October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, & 30^th

Hours:  7 – 10:30 pm

Directions to Dellwood Park HERE

20’ Outdoor Movie Screen … or should they say “SCREAM”

YouTube Clip

Bonfire, Food, Drinks Available

Tickets:  $12/pp  -  $17 Speed Pass Available

www.hayrideofhorror.com

For More Info:  815.838.1183

New Lenox Park District - "Boo and Brew" Tasting

Must be 21 and Over to attend!

Saturday, October 24, 2015 

5:30 - 11:00 pm

Sanctuary Golf Course

First 200 Pre-Registered receive Commemorative Beer Glass

Games, Hayride, Halloween Costume contest

Food/Additional beer tickets available. Cash bar

Fee:  $20 for Advance Ticket Sales
(Bring receipt to event in exchange for beer tickets)
$25 = 12 Tickets (Night of Event)
$1/additional tickets

For more Info, click HERE

 Statesville Haunted Prison & City of the Dead

SO Much Happening Here!  Too Much to Mention!

Held at:  17250 S. Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL

Zombie Sniper Paintball Ride, More.

Ticket Info:  HERE

Dates:  HERE

Website:  Statesville Haunted Prison & City of the Dead

Phone:  877-SCARED2

Email:  info@statesvillehauntedprison.com

Manhattan Park District 

Corn Maze and Woods At Round Barn Farm Park 

October 16 & 17, 2015 

Hours: 7 - 10 pm 

Haunted Corn Maze, Haunted Woods of Round Barn Farm, Hayrack Rides 

$10/pp Adults - $5/pp Child 

Pre-sale tickets HERE

Pre-Sale Ticket Sales end at Noon, Friday, October 16th Directions to Round Barn Farm Park HERE

For Info: Manhattan Park District 

 Tel. 815-478-3324

     Remember:  Always check the info/details provided prior to driving to the venues, especially during days of inclement weather. 

   Enjoy!

     *  Hoping to buy a home in the greater Chicagoland area this Halloween season or anytime in the future?  Contact me today.  I'll put my 37 years of mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
     I can be easily found at:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Lender  -  NMLS #216987  -  IL Lic. #0006220  -  WI Licensed

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 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. etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL. 

Your Referrals are Greatly Appreciated!