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!

New Lenox Park District Offers "Santa's Elves Babysitting Services" December 6th & 20th

New Lenox Park District Offers

"Santa's Elves Babysitting Services"

December 6th & 20th 

      Are you a busy parent with lots to accomplish this holiday season?  Holiday parties to attend?  Shopping to complete?  Do you live in or near New Lenox, IL?
 

     Then I have some great news and info for YOU! 
 

    On December 6th, the Santa's Elves at New Lenox (IL) Park District will be available to babysit for your child between the hours of 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

     On December 20th, the Santa's Elves at New Lenox (IL) Park District will be available to babysit for your child between the hours of 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. 

    
     Each night, the elves will serve pizza for dinner, play, conduct crafts, and provide a movie for your child while you get your shopping done, attend a party, wrap gifts, or just relax for the evening.  

     Registration is necessary to take advantage of these 2 evenings of great holiday service offered through the New Lenox (IL) Park District.   

     Registration must be completed by Friday, November 29th (for the December 6th babysitting) and Friday, December 13th (for the December 20th babysitting date).

    Children should wear comfortable attire while attending these events.  They may bring their blankets and pillows for the evening.  All children MUST be potty trained to take part and be between the ages of 4 to 10 years of age.  
  

         The cost to attend this New Lenox Park District-sponsored program is $12.00 per child, per night attending, resident and non-resident.  Please note:  This fee is non-refundable, should you have to cancel for any reason.

      
     Should you have questions or wish to register to take part, please contact the New Lenox Park District through any of the following means:

     

Recreation Dept. Tel.#:  815.485.1737

Email: lpipiras@newlenoxparks.org

Website:  www.newlenoxparks.org

Or, click here: Santa's Elves Babysitting Dec. 6th & December 20th   

     

     This is a win-win for parent and child alike ... all in a safe environment at a great price.  I hope you have a chance to take part in one or both of these evenings and just enjoy!

     *  Asking Santa for a new home in New Lenox or elsewhere in the Chicagoland area for the holidays or winter?  Contact Me!  I'll be happy to answer all your questions and deliver great Mortgage Service to you.

     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

NMLS #216987  Lic.# 031.0006220

Click HERE for a FREE Mortgage Consultation!

Ready to Apply for your Mortgage?

             

                

The New Mortgage "Norm" as of January 2014

 

The New Mortgage "Norm" as of January 2014

 



     Talk to real estate and lending professionals regarding the current Home Buying and Closing process and you will most likely hear one of the following:   

     "The Loan Closing process is an imperfect one."
     "All too often, it's a last-minute business."
     "It generally and eventually comes together."

     I've personally heard each of the above statements.  But this "inexactness" is officially coming to an end in January, 2014.

     Yes, big changes are coming in just two months.  Changes that will decree that only "perfectly" executed transactions will Close ... on time ... and "as scheduled". 

     Based upon rules being implemented by the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau), as a directive by the Dodd-Frank Act, "perfect" ... and nothing less ... must be the new normal.  As a measure to protect Consumer (Borrowers), the new "Closing Disclosure" Form will have to be completed correctly (i.e. "perfectly") three (3) business days before Closing in order for Funding to be accomplished.

     As it stands currently, the new Guidelines and Rules are slated to be implemented in January, 2014.  The new Closing Disclosure Form replaces the current Hud 1 Closing Statement.  The new Closing Disclosure Form, plus a new Loan Estimate Form, which replaces the current Good Faith Estimate, are designed to be "more understandable" for a Borrower.

     These new forms will carry more weight then those in place right now ... and Mortgage Lenders will be held accountable for having correct, accurate figures and data ... or the Loan Closing will be delayed.

     As with any new changes made, there will be objections, resistance, and complaints heard from many.  But I'm confident that I can uphold my end of the transaction.  My Mortgage Process, delivering the Interest Rate and fees promised, Underwriting, Approval, and funding of the loan will be successfully provided.

     But here's what I find the scarey part within the changes coming in January, 2014:

    The new Proposed Rules (soon to be Final Rules) state that the new Closing Disclosure must be correct and presented for the Buyer/Borrower three (3) business days in advance of Closing.  And:  If ANY figures are revised (above $100) the Closing will be delayed, under the new rules.  A new Disclosure will have to be made/completed and the 3-Day waiting period will start again.

     So to all of us that contribute figures to the Title Company (or Closing entity) for preparation of the Closing Disclosure, we must have our act together.  We must provide accurate,  timely figures and hope that the Seller's Attorney, Buyer's Attorney, and Title Company are also completely onboard and able to perform fully.  The pressure will continue to be on the Mortgage Lender to process and approve loans in a timely manner ... and for the various parties involved to perform their duties too.  No more last minute changes will be allowed. 

     Also, for the record ... to fund on a Friday, the new Closing Disclosure must be completed and acknowledged by the Borrower no later than Monday of that week.  My take on this is that figures must be completed, delivered to, and receipt acknowledged by the Title Company by the Friday before.

     The New Mortgage "Norm" as of January 2014 ... to say the least, there will be an "adjustment period" as a result of the changes coming in January.  But this change once again underscores the great importance of working with the right real estate and lending professionals.  Professionals not fully-committed and capable of delivering timely, quality, experienced service can definitely prove costly to Consumers. Costly in both actual monetary expenditures, but in time as well.     

     *  Hoping to Buy a Home or Refinance in the Chicagoland area?  Contact me!  I'll be happy to 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

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

Click HERE for a FREE Mortgage Consultation

Ready to Apply for your Chicagoland Mortgage?

 

 



When Inaccuracies Show on your Credit Report ... What Then?

When Inaccuracies Show on your Credit Report ...

What Then?

     Credit Scores and Credit Reports are very important.  That's true whether someone is hoping to buy a home (or refinance) or not ...  

     But should you be someone in the hunt for Mortgage financing to purchase or refinance a home, the stakes get higher.  Your Credit Scores and Credit Reports become paramount to the success you'll discover when financing and the end-costs you face. 

     Most of my Mortgage clients understand this when we speak the first time.  Often one of their first questions is:  

     At what point during my Mortgage Pre-Qualification/Pre-Approval Process will you run my Credit?  Unfortunately, there isn't one definitive answer to their question. 

     As with most things in Mortgage Lending today, the answer is something of a moving target.  Often, the answer lies in the client's individual financial situation and scenario.  I've made an analogy regarding this before, but I offer it again here.  

     Truly, no two clients and their financial stories or scenarios are alike.  Just like fingerprints and snowflakes, each is distinct and unique.

     That said, when that point is reached and the Credit Report is run, we then go over the report with a fine-tooth comb.  Together we thoroughly review the results provided to make sure the Report is accurate and reflects their current debt status. 

     When inaccuracies are discovered on a Report, emotions can run high.  Clients know inaccuracies can drag down Credit Scores.  And lower Credit Scores can mean higher costs for lending, certain Mortgage Programs can become unattainable to them, higher Interest Rates can be charged, or they can even being turned down for their loan.  

      So what do you do when inaccuracies occur?

     Once again the answer depends on the individual.  It can also rest on what error/inaccuracy is being shown.  Or where in the Mortgage Process you are, etc.  

     I know ... I know ... what??

     Typically when this happens, clients want to immediately go to battle with the Credit Bureaus.  They want to confront them, contest or dispute the errors, and get the problems solved NOW.  

     But it's not always wise to act immediately.  And there are right and wrong ways ... right and wrong timing for correcting errors found in Credit Reports. 

     DISPUTED (and disputing) accounts can cause problems for Mortgage Applicants during their underwriting review.  The best way to address the errors found on a Report (especially while in the Mortgage Process) is to send the 3 major Credit Bureaus information and hard evidence and documentation that will allow (or force) them to correctly report or delete the account in question. 

      Be fully prepared to roll up your sleeves and work hard at correcting problems you think exist.  Help the Bureaus to understand your situation in its entirety.  Provide the written evidence they need to resolve the issue.

     If you have no solid evidence to support a change in the Report,  the action of "disputing" the account becomes somewhat pointless.  So just like Steve Martin said in the movie "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles", you need to ... "have a point" prior to formally disputing an account. 

     Working closely with your Mortgage Originator during this time is extremely important.  An experienced Mortgage Lender will help guide you through the communications and steps needed to address the Credit issues you are facing successfully and as quickly as possible. 

*  Hoping to Buy or Refinance a Home or Investment Property in New Lenox - Will County, or 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 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 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, Channahon,
Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), 
DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.  

Your Referrals are Greatly Appreciated!