Follow these Tips to Have a Safe, Fun-Filled Halloween

Follow these Tips to Have a Safe, 
Fun-Filled Halloween


   
 Website of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator
     This year, Halloween is on Monday ... October 31st, 2016 ...  

     Make sure your child's 2016 Halloween is a safe, fun one. 

     Have them follow the safety tips and precautions below while trick-or-treating:     
For Costume Safety: 


  • Make sure all wig, costumes, and accessories are fire resistant 
  • Make sure Halloween makeup is non-toxic so as to prevent skin and eye irritations. (Test a small area ahead of time to be safe
  • Avoid masks.  But if masks are worn, make sure they do not block eyesight. Make eye holes extra large 
  • Make sure costumes are well-fitted so they do not cause tripping or falling 
  • Have your children wear comfy shoes (or comfy boots, if bad weather
  • If hats are a part of a costume, make sure they fit properly so they do not slip over your child's eyes 
  • Make sure all accessories such as swords, wands, knives, etc. are made from flexible materials that will not puncture 
  • Do not allow your child to wear decorative/costume contact lenses (risk of eye injuriesWhile decorative lenses often make the claims such as "one size fits all," or "no need to see an eye specialist," obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal
  • Do not allow your child to wear Halloween make-up to bed. 
  • Remove all makeup carefully. Follow manufacturer's directions for removal 
  • Fasten reflective tape or fluorescent/luminescent materials to your child's costume and treat bag ... or have them carry glow sticks
  • Have a flashlight at your/their disposal, if trick-or-treating in diminishing daylight or dark    

   

For Home Safety: 
    https://1609956119.secure-loancenter.com/FreeConsult.aspx
  • Keep sidewalks, steps, and doorways free of lawn decorations, wet leaves, bikes, snow, etc. 
  • Keep family pets in a safe environment, away from Trick-or-Treaters (and treats
  • Keep the outside of your home and walkways well-lit. 
  • Replace burned-out light bulbs


     For a Safe Trick-or-Treat Trail:

  • Have your child eat a good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating.  It will discourage them from filling up on Halloween treats
  • Travel and Trick-or-Treat on well-lit streets only
  • Only use sidewalks for a pathway (if possible)
  • If sidewalks are not available, walk on a far edge of the road facing traffic
  • Don't allow children to cut across lawns, dart across streets, or use alley-ways 
  • Walk ... do not run ... between homes 
  • Never allow your child to cross streets from between parked cars or out of driveways
  • Have children stay with an adult or travel in groups 
  • Visit only well-lit homes that have a porch light on 
  • Children should never enter any home or car for treats 
  • Review the routes your children will be taking 
  • Motorists may experience problems seeing Trick-or-Treaters at night. Always have children look both ways prior to crossing a street .. and never assume that walkers have the right-of-way 
  • Carry a Flashlight (with fresh batteries) and a Cellphone 
  • Examine all your child's candy prior to them eating it 
  • If in doubt about some candy, throw it out 
  • Adhere to your municipality's set Trick-or-Treat Hours 
  • Know where registered sex offenders reside. Check the U.S. Dept. of Justice's U.S. Dept. of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website so as not to place your child in risky or dangerous situations during Trick-or-Treating 
  • Dial 911 in case of Emergencies

     Follow the safety tips and suggestions above and make your child's Halloween Trick-or-Treat adventure a fun-filled, safe one ...

     Happy Halloween! 

     

 Contact Me!
 

* Hoping to Buy or Refinance a home within Will County or 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 can be 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


  

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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender, a Lender with 36 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. 

2016 - Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Farms, Corn Mazes, and Hayrides in Will County

2016 - Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Farms,
Corn Mazes, and Hayrides in Will County 


 Website of Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator     

     The leaves are already falling off the trees at our home.  Cooler night temperatures remind me that Fall 2016 has officially arrived in Chicagoland ... 

     Here in Will County, IL ... that means wonderful things like pumpkin farms, fall festivals, corn mazes, haunted houses, scarecrows, spooky ghosts, witches, and goblins of all shapes and sizes cropping up everywhere.  

     Everybody loves Fall!  And pumpkins ...  

     Did you know?

  • Illinois is the #1 pumpkin producer in the U.S.
  • Pumpkins are actually a fruit (they contain seeds)
  • Bees pollinate pumpkins
  • It takes 110 days for a pumpkin vine to produce mature pumpkins
  • Giant pumpkins can grow five pounds a day
  • 80% of the pumpkins produced commercially in the U.S. are produced within a 90-mile radius of Peoria, IL
  • Pumpkins can range in size from less than a pound to over 1,000 lbs.  The world record was 1810 pounds!
  • Pumpkin pie originated in North America 


     Now that you know all that pumpkin trivia ... you're ready to visit some
 of County's pumpkin farms, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, (and more).  To help you do that, I've provided a list of our pumpkin/fall venues, along with website links, directions, and telephone numbers below. 

     I hope this info proves beneficial to you, your family, and friends ... and it helps you find pumpkins and Fall seasonal events to visit and enjoy!


2016 Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Farms, 
Corn Mazes, 
and
Hayrides
in Will County




Johansen Farms Petting Zoo
Sept. 15th - October 31st, 2016
Click HERE for Hours
Petting Zoo, Rides, Obstacle Course,
U-Pick Pumpkins, and More


Konow's Corn Maze
September 24th – October 30th, 2016 
Hours:  
Sunday thru Friday:  10 am to 7 pm
Saturday:  10 am to 8 pm

Admission Info:  HERE
2 Mazes, Jumping Pillow, Petting Zoo, Concessions, 
Cow Train, Face Painting, Indoor Playland, 
Concerts, and More!


Siegel's Cottonwood/Pumpkin Farm
Sept. 17th - October 31st, 2016 
Daily - 10 am to 6 pm
Pumpkin Patch, Cornfield Maze, Hayrack Rides, Petting Zoo, Climbing Wall, Kiddie Train, Tractor Maze, More 
Admission/FAQs: HERE


 Hayride of Horror YouTube ClipMokena Park District 
34th Annual Halloween Hollow
Friday, October 14th (5 pm – 9 pm)
Saturday, October 15th (1 pm – 8 pm)
Sunday, October 16th (1 pm – 6 pm)
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!
Admission/Parking Info:  HERE
Info: 708.390.2401


Bengston's Pumpkin Farm
September 17th – October 30th, 2016
Complete List/Info of Attractions: HERE
Stroller Friendly
Event Calendar HERE
Admission/Rates: HERE


Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm
Through October 31st, 2016 & Columbus Day
Hours:  September 10th - October 31st & Columbus Day  
10 am to 6: 30 pm
Pumpkin patch, Hayrides, Corn/Bean Mazes, 
Heaps o' Fun Barn, Heaps' Home Cookin', Farm Animals, Live Entertainment
Admission info:  HERE
More Info: (815) 475-7373 


Dollinger's Pumpkin Farm
September 19th - October 30th, 2016
Open Daily:  10 am - 6:30 pm

Admission and Parking:  FREE

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


Lockport Park District 
Hayride of Horror 
in Dellwood Park
Fridays & Saturdays
October 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, 2016
Hours:  7 to 10 pm
Directions to Dellwood Park:  HERE
Tickets/Info: HERE
For More Info: 815.838.1183


Windmill Acres
Dates:  
September 24th - November 4th
Hours:  
Monday - Friday:  9 am - 6 pm
Saturday:  9 am - 6 pm
Sunday:  11 am - 5 pm
4 Acre Corn Maze, hayrides, petting zoo, zip line, 
concession, mums, game room, pony rides, 
face painting, pumpkins, corn stalks, gift shop, and more.
Website:  Windmill Acres
Phone: 708-278-2870 


Settlers Pond Pumpkin Patch
October 1st - October 31st, 2016
Hours:  9 am to 6 pm
7 Days/Week
Admission Info:  HERE
Corn Maze, Haunted House, Pedal Tractor Races, 
Straw Maze, Bounce Slide, Hayride, Barrel Train Ride, Petting Zoo, Milking Cow & more
Phone:  708) 663-8103


Pick-Your Own - Garden Patch Farms
Saturdays And Sundays 
September 3rd - October 30th, 2016
FREE Admission in October
Bounce House, Petting Zoo, Hayrack Rides 
Pumpkin Patch, Straw Maze, Pumpkin Bowling, 
Hay Mountain, pony rides, concessions, 
farm market store (apples, eggs, etc.) and more
(708) 301-7720


Mott's Pumpkin Farm
28741 Harlem Ave., Peotone
Hours:  Daily, 10 am to 8 pm
Pumpkins, Mums, Straw Bales, 
Corn Stalk Bundles, Roadside Market
Halloween/Fall Decorations at a reasonable price.
Very low key.
Phone:  708.258.9985


Bronkberry Farms
Open through Halloween, Tuesday - Sunday 
Hours:  9 am to 6 pm
"You Pick” pumpkin patch, weekend hayrack rides, 
corn stalks, straw bales, mini pumpkins, 
caramel apples, gourds, honey, mums, fall hanging baskets/combination planters, more
Special Event:  Craft & Vendor Fair -  Fall Fest 
Oct. 15th & 16th, 2016
Hours:  9 am to 3 pm
For More Info/Details go to Website:  
Phone:  (815) 436-6967 

     
     Will County residents and visitors to the county are lucky that farms and agriculture exist in such high number within our County yet.  This is especially true during the beautiful fall season.

     Before setting out to visit any of the events, pumpkin farms, and other seasonal venues within Will County this Fall, remember to check them prior to setting out, just in case of last minute changes or inclement weather ... 

     Enjoy!

    
* Hoping to buy or refinance a home in Will County or the Chicagoland area? Contact me today. I'll put my 40+ years of mortgage experience 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

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, 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 & WI. 

Your Referrals are Welcomed & Greatly Appreciated!

            

Can You Eliminate FHA Mortgage Insurance? Mining for Gold!


Can You Eliminate FHA Mortgage Insurance?  Mining for Gold!


     A comment often heard regarding today's mortgage process is that it's "difficult" or tedious.  There are too many questions, requests for information, or details to navigate ...

     And while it is true that there can be much to gather, to do, to talk over, to digest for Borrowers ... as their Mortgage Originator, I see real positives in that. 


     Why?  


     Within all that info and detail gathered from mortgage applicants, lies opportunity.  

     The more info and detail I have at my disposal as your Originator, the better the possible outcome.  All revelations help me find the best options and mortgage program to fit your needs.

     The method of gaining the info and detail may seem many a bit slow and tedious, but as with miners panning for gold ... the end results can be very worth the effort.

     It's hard to find a better example of this being true than when talking about Mortgage Insurance.  And that's whether considering its implementation or elimination.  In both instances, the benefit or opportunity is discovered in the details.  

    It's true that there are plenty of details to be mined and considered too ...  

     I've already broken down much of that info down in 3 previous articles.  ("Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance. PMI: The Pros and Cons", "What is FHA Mortgage Insurance? How Does it Work?", and "How to "Replace" Mortgage Insurance".)  In those posts, I speak of the various nuances of Mortgage Insurance, both on Conventional Loans and on FHA Loans. 

    One important nuance to remember:  In the last few years, the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) has enforced Mortgage Insurance Premiums (commonly referred to as MIPs) for the entirety of the loan on 30-year loans.

     So with my clients (and others) who purchased a home in the last 2 to 3 years with FHA financing, there may be Refinance opportunities to be found.  Opportunity to:

  • Refinance their FHA Loan to a Conventional Loan 
  • Reduce or Eliminate Monthly Mortgage Insurance costs
  • Possibly lower their Interest Rate
     
     FHA Loan-holders with enough equity ... and high enough Credit Scores, can lower their Monthly Payment by lowering their Monthly Mortgage Insurance costs. 

     Or:  They may be able to avoid Mortgage Insurance entirely with a new Refinance Loan at 80% or less than their Current Appraised Value. 

     The following is a good example of this.  It walks you through the details and process utilized to make a decision regarding the possible elimination of FHA Mortgage Insurance.
     
     Consider all the many details and info needing to be mined, understood, and weighed in order to make a sound decision and move forward ...  


  • My clients' FHA Loan utilized on a new Construction Purchase 
  • Loan made in April of 2014  
  • Amount borrowed: $239,500
  • 3 1/2 Down Payment (Minimum Down Payment)
  • Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium: $258  (Important to note:  In April of 2014, FHA had increased the factor to 1.35% of the Loan Amount for the Annual Mortgage Insurance calculation.  Since that time, the factor has been reduced to .85%. Proof that FHA can manipulate/change the cost of Mortgage Insurance Premiums.)
  • Market Conditions:  In their housing market, there had been more new construction and appreciating home prices 
  • Home Owner's monetary investment to home improvements
  • Value of those Home Improvements made to their property and quality of their home. (Resulted in a higher Appraised Value: $268,000)
  • With a Conventional Loan:  The Borrower's Loan-to-Value became 85% and reached the lowest level of Private Mortgage Insurance.  

     The process of gathering of all this information ... the act of seeking details personal to their individual financial and property scenarios, revealed and presented my clients' options for examination.  And opportunity.  


     They discovered they could reduce their Monthly Insurance Costs from $258 a month to $38 a month ...

     Think the process and effort is worth it?  $220 a month is quite a "gold strike" or savings ...

     It's important to keep in mind though:  Not every scenario can reap this positive ... or level ... or outcome.  Everybody's situation, and the details revealed during the process, are different.

     But it's equally important to remember:  Unless you take the time, make the effort, ask the questions, dig for the details regarding your personal situation ... you'll never know what could be possible.  Or IF you have options or opportunity to save. (Or possibly even sell and buy again.)

     As the old saying goes, "the devil is in the details" ...  

     But so's the "gold".  There may be "gold" to be discovered if you can Refinance your present FHA Loan to a Conventional Loan.  

     Only through the questions asked and details revealed throughout the process will we discover if those riches exist for you can be mined ... 



* Hoping to Buy or Refinance a home or investment property in New Lenox or elsewhere in Chicagoland - IL - WI? 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 #216987


American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.

nmls #175656



Direct: 815.524.2280
Cell/Text: 708.921.6331

eFax: 815.524.2281















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

Referrals are Appreciated and Welcomed!






















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