How to Put Your Leftover Halloween Candy to Good Use in Will County, IL


How to Put Your Leftover Halloween Candy 
to Good Use in Will County, IL

     I know Halloween is a couple weeks away yet, but the holiday ... and the candy stash that typically finds its way into our home, is on my mind.

     Now if your neighborhood is anything like our's, the number of trick-or-treaters that land on your doorstep on Halloween can vary greatly from one year to another .  

     In Will County and IL, finicky Fall weather explains a lot of those fluctuations.  But even when weather is good, we see hugely varying numbers.  Some years it seems as though a caravan of buses must have dropped kids off nearby.  During others, we see far fewer little ghosts and gremlins.

     Planning ahead for such wide fluctuations in numbers can be a real challenge for candy buyers.  My wife's rule of thumb is to plan as though a large army of kids is going to drop by each year. The thought of even one child not receiving candy at our house gives her chills and nightmares.

     I'm not complaining though.  Being a bit of a "candyholic", I'm more than okay with some candy going unclaimed.  But even I have my candy-eating limitations. 

     So what do you do if you live in the Will County (IL) area and you still have a large amount of candy after this year's Halloween is over?  Here are some suggestions:
  • Freeze some of the leftovers.  If packaged and frozen correctly, chocolates will last for a lengthy period of time
  • Consider taking part in a Will County candy "Buy Back" program, such as: 
      A.  Local Manhattan, IL dentist, Laura Aversano of Manhattan Dental Care's, 175 So. State Street, 4th Annual Candy "Buy Back".  All donated candy will be sent to:  "Operation Care Package".  This "Buy Back" takes place on November 5th, 2013, between the hours of  4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  For more information regarding this event, call:  (815) 478-7788. 

     or ...

      B.  Bring leftover hard candies to the Mokena Park District's "Stockings for our Troops", being held Monday, November 11th, 10 am to 1 pm, at The Oaks Recreation and Fitness Center located at:  10847 W. LaPorte Road.  (Other items to fill stockings would be appreciated, as well.)

     or ...

     C.  Donate to other organizations in need of donations and fillers for military holiday stockings or care packages, such as "Operation Gratitude" or "Sweets for Soldiers".  

     or ...
  • Donate your candy to a Will County food bank, homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or a local church collecting for holiday food baskets
  • Bring some of the candy to work
  • Use the candy in recipes.  Click HERE to find some recipe suggestions! 
     These are just a small number of suggestions for ways Will County residents and businesses can put their leftover Halloween candy to good use.  Each suggestions proves that having "leftovers" can be a good thing ... and that "leftovers" can serve a good purpose too.

     Hope you enjoy a safe and Happy Halloween!

     *  Hoping to Buy or Refinance a home in Will County, IL?  Contact Me!  I'll 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
Click HERE for a FREE Mortgage Consultation!
Ready to Apply for your Mortgage?

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Mortgage Facts: What Time is It?


Mortgage Facts:  What Time is It?

    
     The other day, I wrote a post regarding the upcoming Mortgage changes going in to effect January 10th, 2014.  Many of the comments I received in response to the post reflected just how quickly and often changes are (in perception and in fact) occurring within the mortgage and real estate industry.  

     These responses were definitely spot on too.  Just think about the last few weeks and what has occurred in the news and in financing in particular.  How that has played on Interest Rates, Wall Street, gas prices, the availability of mortgage programs, and mortgages themselves.  A writer or blogger could literally have written an informative post and had the info contained within it totally wrong or invalid minutes later.

     Once written, a post or article containing information is "out there" in cyberspace forever.  Knowing that, more and more often I am beginning to qualify when my Mortgage posts are written.  I am also including disclaimers such as, "as of this writing" within many of my posts.

     Obviously I'm factual within my posts, but the info contained within them represent the facts (and my opinion based on those facts) as I know them at the time of my writing the post.  If events occur to change specifics after my post's writing ... with the inclusion of some time frame within the post, there's something for readers to reference to in that regards.  Hopefully that proves helpful.

     So often within my work as a Mortgage Lender, I encounter a client that refers to "having seen" information on the internet.  Many times they are correct.  The info WAS correct at some point in the past, but it is no longer valid or applies at the time we are speaking.  

    By including and qualifying the date/timing of the writing of my posts, I'm acknowledging the speed in which our industry is changing.  (I'm also protecting the perception a client has of my level of knowledge and expertise.) But most importantly, I'm also providing myself a reference point from which to start when educating my client regarding that Mortgage scenario.  

     Mortgage Facts:  What Time is It?  With so many changes happening so quickly and frequently within our Mortgage industry, the importance of WHEN information is offered or WHEN an article/post is written is rapidly increasing.  Whether reading or writing an article/post with facts and direction within it, it makes sense to make note of that ...


     *  When in need of Mortgage info or service when buying a home in a Lincoln-Way Community, Will County, or elsewhere in Chicagoland, 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 reached at:
Direct:  815.524.2280
Cell/Text:  708.921.6331
eFax:  815.524.2281

 For a FREE Mortgage Consultation, click HERE!
Ready to Apply for your Mortgage?

 
      
    
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Mundt Mortgage Moments ... Week of October 7, 2014

 
Mundt Mortgage Moments ... 
Week of October 7, 2014

 
Here's this weeks info and articles I thought you'd find of particular interest and assistance within your business ...
 
 
Why agents are jumping on Twitter bandwagon ...
 
At every real estate industry event I attend, inevitably there will be social media gurus present who intone about the importance of Twitter the way dentists preach about flossing.
 
With Twitter's recent announcement that it plans to go public and that someday soon you could own stock in a company that some analysts predict has huge advertising revenue potential, I wondered, yet again, what's the point of Twitter, really? And if real estate agents are being pushed to use it, can you buy or sell a house through Twitter? (MORE ...)
 
What a Government Shutdown Means for REALTORS® (As of October 1, 2013) ...
 
Congress has failed to approve a Continuing Resolution (CR) providing funding for most
government operations. 
 
Therefore, spending authority for most of the government expired at midnight on September 30, 2013. Until legislation providing for funding is signed into law, many offices and programs of the federal government are now shut down. 
 
This means many, but not all, government programs, including some that impact federal housing and mortgage programs, have been suspended or slowed due to the lapse in government funding.  The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requires each agency to have contingency plans in place.
 
The information attached/below is based on NAR staff review of agency agency contingency plans for the current shutdown and past experience with previous shutdowns and near-shutdowns.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Saying Yes to that New Store Credit Card:  Can it Derail Your Dreams of Buying a Home? 
 
My wife and mom went shopping together one day this last week.  Both have already started thinking about Christmas shopping.   Seems they're not alone.  
 
If you've watched much TV over the past few weeks, you've probably caught a commercial or two heralding the approaching holiday retail shopping season. Holiday decorations to put you in a holiday shopping mood have begun to pop up in stores too. 

Yep ... the "push" for your holiday shopping dollars has officially begun and we haven't even seen Halloween yet.  And boy, do I mean  push ...  (MORE ...)
 
Here's a list of Handy & Helpful  websites & links for your clients  (potential & past) to use. 
 
They'll prove beneficial in finding local info on schools, park districts, services, etc., all level of government info, assistance, guidance, and more.  Just "click" on the headings to find and pass on all sorts of great info!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As always, shout out with any questions you or your clients might have.  I'll be happy to assist ... and be happy to hear from you!
 
Gene
 
Contact:
Gene Mundt
Regional Manager - Mortgage Lender - NMLS #216987
 
American Portfolio Mortgage
 
NMLS #175656
 
Direct:  815.524.2280
Cell/Text:  708.921.6331
eFax:  815.524.2281
Ready to Apply for your Mortgage?
 
 
You are Invited to Follow Me through the Social Media below:
        
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Mortgage Changes: Ready or Not ... Here They Come!


Mortgage Changes:  
Ready or Not ... Here They Come!


     During the last few weeks, there has understandably been some reluctance on the part of hopeful potential Home Buyers to jump into the Home Buying Market.  I've heard many familiar explanations beginning to crop-up again.  

     Do any of the following sound familiar?
  • It's back-to-school time.  Our focus is on school and school activities
  • Summer Vacations were in play
  • There's limited inventory
  • Job growth & Job stability is in question
    And of course, the latest ...
  • The Government Shutdown
  • Potential Government Default
     These last two have definitely proven to be unnerving for Home Buyers and Mortgage Lenders alike.  The many uncertainties surrounding these issues have shaken-up the Financial Markets also.  But as of right now, we have seen a rather quiet reduction in Mortgage Interest Rates ... about a half-percent dip in the last 30 days.  Time will tell if this remains the case.

     As though all the recent disruption and uneasiness hasn't been enough, there are more Mortgage lending changes coming in the next few months too.  

     What are some of the Mortgage changes on the horizon?
  • Tighter Underwriting Standards ... in regards to Down Payment requirements and Loan-To-Value limits.  
       Conventional Loans will require 5% Down; FHA will remain at 3.5% Down Payment minimums.
  • Debt-to-Income Ratios will be reduced with upcoming changes in play, after examination of the industry and Mortgage Reform discussions.
       Where I as a Mortgage Lender can now approve Borrowers' loans with a debt-to-income ratio of 50%, 45% in other programs ... the new guidelines will likely be capped at 43% or lower, per the "Ability-to-Re-Pay" revisions that start January 10, 2014 for ALL Lenders.  For those hopeful Home Buyers close to the "bubble" on debt-to-income ratios, this change will prove to be of specific interest and challenge. 


    
     Mortgage Changes:  Ready or Not ... Here They Come!  They say timing is everything.  Those hoping to become Home Buyers have once again been provided ample reason to jump into the housing market sooner than later.  Their time frame for action is the next 3 months.  As of January 10th, 2014, and after ... the new Mortgage Lending changes kick-in and additional challenges will come into play.


     *  Hoping to Buy a Home or Refinance in a Lincoln-Way Community, Will County, or elsewhere in the Chicagoland area?  Contact me NOW!  I'll put my 36 years of 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
Click HERE for a FREE Mortgage Consultation!
Ready to Apply for Your Mortgage? 




 

     

     

      

     
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Pre-Approvals: Are They Mortgage Zombies?


Pre-Approvals:  Are They Mortgage Zombies?

     A recent Wall Street Journal article discussed the decline of Pre-Approval applications among top Lenders and Banks.  The statistics they offer show that Pre-Approvals have pretty much died as a tool or service offered by many Banks and Lender.  Just like Zombies, they are dead, but still walking.

     For purposes of defining a Pre-Approval used within that WSJ article, a Pre-Approval is deemed to be:

     A full Loan Application.  Signed, documented with Credit Reports, Paystubs, W-2's or 1099's, Federal Tax Returns, Bank Statements, processed by a Lender, and submitted to an Underwriter for review. 

     What is NOT included within the Pre-Approval is:

     A Sales Contract, Appraisal, Title Report, Flood Certification, and any property-related issues.

     In other words, the WSJ Pre-Approval pertains to a proposed payment and loan amount in a proposed loan program, at a proposed rate, and a proposed loan to value ratio.  

     Using this strict definition, I agree with the article and the trend they report being seen within our business.  Pre-Approvals within this format and definition are disappearing from many Lender's menu of processes and services. 
 
     Why?
 
     I believe the process (as they describe it) should really be called a "Commitment to Lend", albeit subject to changes in: Property Taxes, Insurance, potential for Homeowner's Association Dues, Interest Rates, Credit Scores, (Credit Reports have expiration dates, typically 90 days after being pulled), and anything else related to having a SPECIFIC property ... AFTER a Contract has been written and secured.
 
     The process ... again, as it is described in the WSJ ... is rarely utilized, unless the Borrower(s) and loan candidate is marginal in one area of the Approval Process ... i.e. the Approval (or Denial) could go either way.  An experienced Loan Officer will likely know the results (or lack thereof) after doing the "due diligence" of Pre-Qualifying a client.  It's true that in some cases, if there are unusual or extenuating circumstances involved, a LO might want a 2nd opinion from an Underwriter.  But again, an experienced LO typically will have a good idea of the strength of their Borrower.    
     Lending institutions are paying processors and Underwriters to process and approve/deny Pre-Approval Applications.  These types of Apps typically take as much time to process, document, and submit to review as a "real deal" does.  Considering the large percentage of "fallout" from these Applications, they have become to be seen as more of a burden to Lender and Banks, than a positive.
 
     Very few prospective Buyers are willing to extend time or effort to complete a Full Mortgage Application just to receive a Pre-Approval Letter that goes in tandem with an offer on a property.  Definitely understandable.  And time typically does not allow for it either within the timeframe of viewing and placing offers on homes.  Especially now that homes are selling so briskly in many housing markets and multiple offers are being seen once again on many homes. 

     Still, the requests for Mortgage Pre-Approvals limps on. (Dare I say it, like a Zombie?).  Again, why?
 
     The only feasible action within the Chicagoland area remains that Buyers/Borrowers be screened well by an experienced Mortgage Lender.  That the Lender pulls a Credit Report, thoroughly interviews a prospect, verifies a Paystub, Bank Statement, W-2, and Tax Return ... then issues a Pre-Approval Letter or Pre-Qualification Letter based on the results found in that documentable information.
 
    The Wall Street Journal is right ... the Pre-Approval process is not perfect.  But to a great degree, the success found within the process relies on the strength, soundness, and validity of the individual Mortgage Lender's opinion, knowledge, and experience provided.  That's very important to remember as you're researching which Mortgage Lender to work with ...
 
 
     *  Looking to Buy a Home or Refinance within the Lincoln-Way area, Will County, or elsewhere in Chicagoland?  Contact me!  I'll 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
Click HERE for your
FREE Chicagoland Mortgage Consultation!    
Ready to Apply for your Mortgage?
 

 

 
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2013 Fall Festivals and Fun, Pumpkin Farms, Hayrides & Halloween Venues in Will County, IL


2013 Fall Festivals and Fun, Pumpkin Farms, Hayrides & Halloween Venues in Will County, IL

     Falling leaves and cooler nights are both signs that Fall has officially arrived in Will County, IL.  That and my 3 year-old grand-daughter's infatuation with pumpkins, corn mazes, and everything "spookey".
    
     My search for nearby Fall Festivals and pumpkin farms revealed a hefty list of candidates within Will County for weekend visits with our grandbabies.  

     Below you will find the list I compiled of Pumpkin Farms and Patches, Corn Mazes, Hayrides, Halloween Venues, Fun Fall Festivals and more .. along with info, links, directions.  I hope that it will help you find an event to enjoy within Will County too. 
Garden Patch Farms
Choose from 60+ varieties of apples and pears
30 acre u-pick field and orchard 
8am - 6pm Daily
 Phone:  708.301.7720

Johansen Farms Petting Zoo
Sept. 14th through October 31st
Petting Zoo & U-Pick Pumpkins

Konow's Corn Maze
Sept. 21st through October 30th
10 am to 7 pm, each day
Pets Welcome!
 2 Mazes, Jumping Pillow, Mechanical Bull, 
Cow Train, Indoor Playland, More!

Howloween Hoopla
Saturday, October 26th
Hours:  11 am to 3 pm
FREE Admission
Dog Costume Contest & Parade, Doggie Games,
Exhibitors/Vendors, Rescue Groups, FREE Wellness
Checks, Microchipping, Nail Clipping, FREE Canine Massages, Doggie Snack Bar, Halloween Makeovers, 
and Giveaways.  Face-painting for kids.
All dogs must be leashed during event
Whalon Lake in Naperville, IL
Additional Info, Call:  
Will County Forest Preserve - 815.727.8700
 
Tom & Zach's Pumpkin Patch
Family farm with 1 & 1/2 acres of pumpkins
Gourds, pumpkins, pie pumpkins, 
limited Big Max (large) pumpkins
Pumpkin prices:  $2 to $6
8 am till dusk - Until Halloween
No Admission Fee!

Channahon Park District - Harvest Fest
October 12th
Hours:  1 pm to 3 pm
Listen to music, make scarecrows, drink hot cider, decorate pumpkins and try apple bobbing.  Gourmet popcorn sold along with caramel apples, more.  

Siegl's Cottonwood Farm
Sept. 21st through October 31st.
Open:  Daily - 10 am to 6 pm
Pumpkin Patch,  Cornfield Maze, Hayrack Rides,  
Petting Zoo, Kaity's Country,
Over 20 unlimited attractions, Pony Rides, 
Pumpkin Mine Kiddie Train, Ghost Town Rail Road, 
Dad's First Tractor Maze, Ft. Cottonwood
CBS Chicago "Best of" Winner
Admission - Tickets Available Online:  HERE
 Discounts Available
Directions & Farm Map Available:  HERE
17250 So. Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL
 
Mokena Park District - 
32nd Annual Halloween Hollow
Friday, October 18:  6:00 - 10:00pm
Saturday, October 19:  Noon - 10:00pm
Sunday, October 20:  1:00 pm - Close
Admission:  $2/pp, per day 
(Children under 5 - Free)
Free activities w/admission:  
Ghost Town Games, Home Depot Pie Pumpkin & Pumpkin Painting, Screen Queen Contest, Casper Bounce House,  Entertainment, Hayrides, Kiddie Straw Maze, Great Pumpkin Weigh-in Contest, Jack-o-lantern Contest, Mummy Wrap Contest, Scarecrow Laboratory, Costume Contest, Giveaways
$20 Unlimited Carnival Ride specials:
Friday, 6 pm - 10 pm
Saturday, 1 pm -5 pm & 6 pm - 10 pm
Sunday, 1 pm -5 pm
Location:  Main Park - Mokena Park District  
 
 Forest View Farms
October 1st through October 30th
Hours:  9:30 am - 4 pm
Closed on Mondays, except on Holidays
U-Pick Pumpkins, Pumpkin Patch, Haunted
Hay Rides, Camp Fires, Etc.
More Info:  708.560.0306
 
Bengsten Pumpkin Farm
September 28th through October 30th 
Hours:  10 am to 8 pm
Pumpkin Launcher, Crazy Corn Maizey, Pig Races,
Milking Cows, Hayrides, Halloween Shop, Corn Box, 
Kiddie Rides, Kids Village, Kids Games, 
Petting Zoo, Food, and More!
Stroller Friendly -  Free Parking
Children ages 2 and under  - FREE
Monday - Friday - Ages 3 yrs and Older:  $9.99
Saturdays & Sundays - Ages 3 yrs and Older:  $11.99
Unlimited Kiddie Rides included EVERYDAY!
Tickets Available Online:  HERE
 
Manhattan Park Dist. & Park Dist. Foundation 's 
ZOMBIE INFESTED HAUNTED FOREST
Saturday, October 26
Hours:  7:00 - 11:00 pm
Admission:  $5 
Walk through the spooky woods of the
You'll have to look for crazed zombies along the way!
Proceeds Go To:  Preservation Of The Round Barn 
& Recreational Development 
For More Info, click HERE    
or Call: 815.478.3324
    
              Odyssey Fun Farm
September 28th through October 27th
                 Daily: 10 am - 6 pm
110 acre farm - 13 acre pumpkin patch - 15 acre corn maze
5 acre courtyard full of family friendly activities: 
Odyssey Petting Zoo, The Inflatable Kidz Zone, 
corn cannons, pig races, a cow train, hay rides 
and pony rides (available Saturday & Sunday only)
Zombie Safari Hay Ride - Friday, Saturday, Sunday 
Available now through October 27th, 7:00pm - Midnight
Flashlight Maize, Zip-Line, Giant Inflatable Pillow Jumpy, Bouncy Horses, More
Admission: $11.00/pp. Children 2 & under FREE!
Pony Rides & ZipLine extra
Coupons Available:  HERE
 
Settlers Pond Shelter Pumpkin Patch
September 23rd through October 31st
Hours:  Monday thru Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm
Settlers Pond Hooved & Other Animal Shelter is
dedicated to the shelter & welfare of animals 
Donations Welcome
SETTLERS POND - 2013 HALLOWEEN PARTY 
October 12, 2013 
2pm to 6pm
Entertainment Available: 
Additional Info:  708.663.8103
 
Anderson Fun-E Farm  
Pumpkin Patch, Kid-Friendly Haunted House
Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Inflatables, Farm, More
Daily:  10 am to 6 pm 
Click HERE for a $2 Coupon/Savings on Admission
Haunted Hayride:  Friday, Saturday, Sunday
7 pm to 10:30 pm
Facebook Page/Info:  HERE
 
 
     *  Hoping to Buy or Refinance a home somewhere within Will County or elsewhere in the Chicagoland area?  Contact Me!  I'll put my 36 years of knowledge and mortgage expertise hard to work on your behalf.
     I can be easily reached at:
Direct:  815.524.2280
Cell/Text:  708.921.6331
eFax:  815.524.2281
Click HERE for a FREE Mortgage Consultation! 
Ready to Apply for your Mortgage?
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 


 
  
 
 
 
 
 

 
 









  
 

 
 

     
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Procrastination Does Not Pay When You Hope to Finance a Home

  Procrastination Does Not Pay When  You Hope to Finance a Home   “If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off d...