Summertime is Here! Do You Have an Emergency Disaster Kit for Your Pet?

Summertime is Here! Do You Have

an Emergency Disaster Kit for Your Pet?

Summertime ... 

It elicits memories and thoughts of great backyard barbeques and family and friends enjoying warm nights on decks and patios.  You can almost feel the mist and cool water of lawn sprinklers and swimming pools.  Taste the icy-cold drinks.

Summertime is "fun in the sun" and "making great memories in flip-flops" ...

But summertime can also be the season of natural disasters ...  

Tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, wildfires ... they most commonly rear their ugly heads during hotter summer months.

Over the last few months, because of the COVID-19 Crisis, the need for emergency planning has become apparent to Americans.  The crisis has highlighted the urgent need for emergency planning and preparedness.  

Who of us hasn't reacted to the crisis and stocked up on those things that we know are essential needs for ourselves and loved ones?

Whether it's been toilet paper, bottled water, hand-sanitizer, food, medicines, or something else, we've enacted our "Emergency Plans" and prepared for the likelihood of shortages occurring.  We've prepared and faced the possibility that access to stores and goods might become limited ... and our ability to get out and purchase the items might be limited as well.

But humans are not the only ones facing this crisis.  Our pets face them right along with us.  Our furry friends face the physical dangers and the resulting risks too.  But typically, if a situation is not safe for us, it's not safe for them either.

June is National Pet-Preparedness Month ... and it's the perfect time to prepare an Emergency/Disaster Kit for pets.  The pre-planning and preparation performed could save their lives should a disaster occur.

So what should your Pet Emergency/Disaster Kit contain?

First, construct and enable a pet evacuation plan.  Pro-actively find what options for pet-friendly shelter you have available near you, both if you keep your pet with you or if you're unable to do so.  

As a part of your plan, you should have a notice/sticker on or at your home's front entrance alerting all that a pet resides in the home.  

If you're unable to shelter with your pet, the following may be an option and meet your needs:

• Veterinarian offices
• Boarding facilities
• Animal shelters
• Pet-friendly hotels
• Friends or Relatives nearby    (They can be extremely helpful should you be away when a disaster occurs)

Secondly, keep your pet's medical records close-at-hand.  Most shelters will require that you provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations/shots, emergency or not.  It's also wise to authorize a caregiver for your pets, should you be unable to see to their care or medical decisions to be made.

The items suggested for your Emergency/Disaster Kit include the following items:

• A (minimum) 10-day supply of pet food(s) for each animal
• Feeding instructions for pet(s)
• Food/water bowls
• 10-day bottled water supply for each animal
• Pet First-Aid Kit
• Proof of up-to-date shots/vaccinations/heartworm results, etc.
• Prescriptions for medicines taken
• Medicines
• Their Veterinarian's contact info
• Photos of your pet(s)
• Pet bed, blanket, towel
• Pet toys
• Extra leashes and collars
• If a cat, include a litter pan and litter for minimum of 10-day period
• Disposable garbage bags needed for clean-up purposes
• Paper towels
• A Flashlight with good batteries
• Grooming items
• Small bottle of bleach 
• Small supply of cleaning supplies
• Copy of municipality pet registration (if applicable)
• If microchipped, include microchip info
• Your/Owner contact information
• Comfort items preferred by your pet(s)

June and National Pet Preparedness Month celebrations provide us the perfect reminders to take action.  Take this opportunity to assemble an Evacuation Plan and Emergency/Disaster Kit for your pets.  That way you are always prepared for a natural disaster or emergency should one arise.

* Are you dreaming of buying or refinancing a home or Investment Property in New Lenox - Will County - Chicago - Chicagoland - IL/WI?

Contact me today! I'll put my 40 years of mortgage experience and expertise 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: 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 #LincolnWayArea, #WillCounty, (#NewLenox, #Frankfort, #Mokena, 

#Manhattan, #Joliet, #Shorewood, #Crest Hill, #Plainfield, #Bolingbrook, 

#Channahon, #Romeoville, #Elwood, #Lockport, #Naperville, 

#Wilmington, #Peotone, etc.),  #DuPage County, the City of #Chicago, 

#CookCounty, and elsewhere within #IL & #Wisconsin. 

Your Referrals & Testimonials are Always Greatly Appreciated! 

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Financial Health & Credit During COVID-19

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your 

Financial Health & Credit During COVID-19

Your physical health and mental well-being must always be an important focus.  The grave challenges posed by the current COVID-19 crisis, make that even more true ...

But it's not only your physical and mental health that should remain of concern.  Your financial health is important as well.

COVID-19 has delivered some severe financial health challenges to many Americans' doorsteps.  Those include loss of employment, job furloughs, layoffs, diminished wages (and more) that have taken a real toll.

No amount of handwashing or wearing of masks protects your financial health.  That has to be accomplished in other ways.  

So what steps can you take to protect yourself or get back on the road to good health when it comes to your credit, credit scores, and finances?

First, assess your financial position and health head-on.  Pull your credit report so you're knowledgable regarding your current financial reality.  It's important to know the facts.  It's also important to know your Credit Report is accurate and accounts are reported to correctly.  

But checking once is not enough ...  

Continue to monitor your credit on a consistent basis.  Make sure to monitor for identity theft during this time, as this type of scam has been on the rise during this crisis.

When it comes to credit health and credit scores, there is a "pecking order" of importance when it comes to payment of debt.  That importance rests upon whether a debt is a secured or unsecured debt.  Secured obligations should be addressed first.

If you have a mortgage (secured debt) and you know you will not be able to make your monthly mortgage payment(s), contact your mortgage lender immediately.  Act proactively regarding your mortgage payments.  

It's important to know:

1. You should NOT wait until you have already missed payment(s) to communicate with your Lender
2. That you are NOT absolved from debt responsibilities via the actions you take
3. Good news exists.  It's possible that mortgage solutions or accommodations exist/may be available that will be of assistance to you during this difficult time  
4. The sooner you take action, the better.  (Read my article, "The Who, What, When, Where & How of Mortgage Forbearance" for additional insight and guidance regarding available options).

It's important to know ...  

The recently passed CARES Act requires that Lenders/Creditors report accounts that have payment accommodation applied to them as "current" to the credit bureaus ... but the account must have been current when the accommodation was put into place.  

So I stress this point again ... do not wait to take action in this regard.

The same advice applies to auto loans, also a secured debt.  Reach out to your auto loan provider immediately to see what options are available to you as an option for monthly auto payment/financial relief. 

It should be noted:  The CARES Act also provides some relief options to those with Federal Student Loans.  Much depends on your Student Loan servicer, so reach out to them ASAP to find what relief or aid might be available to you. 

Communications with (unsecured) service providers, such as gas and electricity providers, cable, cell, etc., is paramount should you know that you will not be able to pay your monthly bills/obligations.  Some providers offer financial relief measures, others do not.

Don't hesitate to ask if:

• Your payment can be lowered 
• Flexible payment plans exist 
• Other payment options are available to you

Providers are far more likely to work something out if you have taken action proactively.

Your payment history remains vitally important in the status/building of your credit scores during this time, as FICO Scores rely heavily on them.  While you may sustain some damage to your score while facing COVID-19 challenges, the damage may be limited or reduced, should you take action to protect it.  

Currently, aid and relief options made possible by the CARES Act are available for a limited amount of time.  Staying educated as to possible changes and opportunities are readily available via the Consumers Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) coronavirus/COVID-19 information.

It cannot be stressed enough:  If you wish to limit the potential financial/credit impact you face as a result of current COVID -19 challenges, take action proactively to do so.  That is how you may provide yourself the most relief and financial protection ... and the method through which your credit scores will be affected least.

Communicate early.  Stay in touch with your lender and all service providers throughout the financial challenges you face.  

Your financial health, both in the short and long term, will be much better for it ...

* Are you dreaming of buying or refinancing a home or Investment Property in New Lenox - Will County - Chicago - Chicagoland - IL/WI?

Contact me today! I'll put my 40 years of mortgage experience and expertise 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: 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 #LincolnWayArea, #WillCounty, (#NewLenox, #Frankfort, #Mokena, 

#Manhattan, #Joliet, #Shorewood, #Crest Hill, #Plainfield, #Bolingbrook, #Channahon,

#Romeoville, #Elwood, #Lockport, #Naperville, #Wilmington, #Peotone, etc.), 

#DuPage County, the City of #Chicago, #CookCounty, and elsewhere within #IL & #Wisconsin. 

Your Referrals & Testimonials are Always Greatly Appreciated! 

Will County Announces Property Tax Relief Measures - 2020

Will County Announces

Property Tax Relief Measures - 2020

U.S. property owners, including those in the Chicagoland area, are currently facing real financial pressures in the face ...

Why?  

One reason is ... it's real estate property tax time across much of America.

In many areas of our nation, property taxes are presently being issued and 1st installment of tax payments are coming due.  

That is certainly true in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.  

In Chicago's Southland, Will County real estate taxes were mailed out and posted online beginning on May 1st, 2020.  Will County property owners' 1st installment of taxes will come due for payment soon ... on June 3rd, 2020.

But as I mentioned above, events now taking place are making the payment of this year's tax payments-especially challenging for many.  Employment furloughs, unemployment, reduced earnings, and health issues delivered via the COVID-19 virus are all contributing to those current challenges.

Many of our local Chicagoland-area county governments are looking for ways to meet those challenges head-on.  They're also trying to find ways to provide much-needed relief to the residents and property owners within their boundaries.  

That is definitely true in Will County.  On Thursday, May 21st, the Will County Board met and approved measures to provide financial relief to Will County property owners in meeting their 2019 tax installment responsibilities.  

The following payment schedule was approved at that County Board meeting:

   * 50% of the 1st Installment is due June 3, 2020

   * 50% of the 1st Installment is due August 3rd, 2020

   * 50% of the 2nd Installment is due September 3rd, 2020

   * 50% of the 2nd Installment is due November 3rd, 2020 

     NOTE:  Any unpaid balance remaining after the August 3rd and November 3rd dates will accrue interest.

To simplify the payment of taxes, Will County has made payment possible via any of the following methods:

• Lender Tax Escrow Payment(s):  (Check with your Mortgage Service Provider for further info.  NOTE: Most Homeowners with Mortgages and Taxes paid via Escrow accounts will see  little or no change in the tax payment schedules)
• Banks:  For a list (and locations) of those banks collecting on the County's behalf, click HERE 
• Online Payment:  Click HERE for that link
• By Mail:  Send payment(s) to Will County Treasurer, 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432
• Drop-Box Payment:  2 Drop-Boxes are provided at the County Building located at:  302 N Chicago St, Joliet

            #1 is located in the parking lot as a drive-up facility/service 
            #2 is located in the County Building's lobby

Should you have any questions regarding the payment of your taxes/tax installments, please contact the Will County Treasurer's office at:  815.740.4675.  

You can also email the Treasurer's office at the following:  treasurer@willcountyillinois.com 

The topic of Real Estate Taxes is vitally important as taxes play a critical role in the transacting of real estate.  For those considering a real estate purchase, real estate taxes figure greatly into the "affordability" factor of properties, especially when the property is being financed.

Because of this fact, I've written articles on the topic many times ... specifically, as they pertain to Will County residential transactions and ownership.  Links to some of those articles are provided below.  

I hope these articles provide some insight into the topic of taxes and provide a better understanding of how Will County properties are assessed and taxes are estimated and paid. 

• Will County Taxes: Escrows, New Construction, Assessments
• Love Your New Construction ... But Educate Yourself About Future Tax Bills
• Will County and Chicagoland Property Taxes:  What, Where, How, Why
• I Received a New Property Assessment. What Do I Do?

Have questions as to how the real estate taxes on a property could affect your ability to buy?  

Are you hoping to Buy or Refinance a home or Investment Property in the Chicagoland 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 License 216987

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp

NMLS #175656

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell or 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, Lockport, Channahon, 

Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, 

and elsewhere within IL & WI.

Referrals are Greatly Appreciated and Welcomed!

What is an Appraisal Waiver and Who is Eligible for One?

What is an Appraisal Waiver and

Who's Eligible for One?

Many changes surrounding residential appraisals have occurred recently.  Some have come as a response to the challenges presented by Covid-19.  Others were put into place prior to our facing current viral challenges. 

In this article, I address only those changes made to appraisal requirements and options for Conforming Conventional Loans.  The following are what "Appraisal Options" can mean in those specific cases.

First, it should be pointed out before proceeding: No two loans (or borrower(s) are the same, so no blanket-statement can be made or cover every situation or appraisal requirements required in every transaction. Each scenario must be considered singularly and upon its own merit.

To simplify things a bit, moving forward I will reference only those conventional loans being placed, sold, and guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  (Originally these guidelines were good on loan applications through May 17, 2020, but just recently they were extended to June 30, 2020.) 

Certain conventional loans can receive an "Appraisal Waiver" ... when either the Property Price (for purchases) or Estimated Value (for Refinances) ... is found to be acceptable, and in the Range of Values within the massive databases, for that property.  

The notations received in Automated Underwriting can allow for a loan to be approved and successfully Closed without an appraisal being performed.  Please note, however, that only a small percentage of Loans with less than 20% down receive this "Waiver of Appraisal".

Transactions that do not receive an Appraisal Waiver from the automated underwriting systems, require some sort of physical appraisal to be made.  

Those appraisals can be:

• A Desktop Review (No Inspection)
• Exterior Appraisal Only (No need to enter the home)
• A Traditional Appraisal 

The obvious next question then becomes ... 

"When does each various type of appraisal become applicable?"

     

A.  Purchase Transactions - Principal Residence up to 97% Loan-To-Value, allows the following:

           

     1.  Traditional Appraisal - (Full Report, Appraiser, Inspections)

     2.  Desktop Appraisal - Appraiser does NOT inspect the interior.  The Appraiser completes a Standard Appraisal Form with the benefit of public records, multiple listing service (MLS) information, and on-line/third-party sources to help identify the property characteristics

     3.  Exterior Only Appraisal - The name pretty much speaks for itself.  It's the least invasive form of appraisal report performed without an Appraiser's personal inspection

   Note: Mortgage Lenders can be exposed to scrutiny when

accepting "less than" a full traditional Appraisal Report when

selling the loan in the secondary market. So expect Lenders to remain cautious in this regard.

     B.  Refinance Transactions - Principal Residence, allows the following:

     1.  Either an Appraisal Waiver (None Required) or a Traditional Appraisal is required ... in most cases.

The following property types are eligible for Appraisal Waiver use:

• Single-Family Units, whether they be detached single-family residences, attached townhomes, or condominiums, are the primary properties eligible for Appraisal Waivers
• Investment Properties (meeting the above criteria) can also receive Appraisal Waivers at lower Loan-To-Value percentages
• Second Homes are also eligible for Appraisal Waivers if they meet the above-mentioned criteria 

Once again, the above are only guidelines, and individual Mortgage Lenders may institute or remain cautious regarding their own requirements on appraisals.  

However, the overriding message is ... the mortgage industry is trying hard to provide some flexibility during the uncertain times we are currently facing. Staying responsive to the needs of borrowers remains a positive and prime focus and is especially warranted during this challenging time.

* Are you dreaming of buying or refinancing a home or Investment Property in New Lenox - Will County - Chicago - Chicagoland - IL/WI? 

Contact me today! I'll put my 40 years of mortgage experience and expertise 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: 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,

#Romeoville, #Elwood, #Lockport, #Naperville, #Wilmington, #Peotone, etc.), 

#DuPage County, the City of #Chicago, #Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & Wisconsin. 

Your Referrals & Testimonials are Always Greatly Appreciated!