Halloween Safety Tips

  

Halloween Safety Tips


Halloween.  Who doesn't love this holiday?

Pumpkins, scary decorations, candy, fun costumes, trick-or-treating with your friends ... what's not to like?  

But you want to keep your Halloween fun times safe and free from danger.  To ensure the safety of your family and those visiting your home, you need to take a few extra safety measures.  

To help you accomplish that goal, I've put together the following Halloween safety tips.  Implement them at your home and in your routine to keep your family and visitors safe ... and your Halloween a fun safe one!

Enjoy!


Make sure that your child's costumes and their actions while trick-or-treating follow common-sense precautions: 

     
For Costume Safety:
  •  Make sure all costumes and accessories are fire resistant
  •  Make sure Halloween makeup is non-toxic to prevent skin and eye irritations.  Test a small area ahead of time to be safe
  •  Make sure masks do not block eyesight.  Make eye holes extra large
  •  Make sure costumes are well-fitted and will not cause tripping or falling
  •  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 injuries)
  •  Do not allow your child to wear Halloween makeup to bed.  Remove all make-up carefully.  Follow the manufacturer's directions for its removal
  •  Fasten reflective tape or fluorescent/luminescent materials to your child's costume and treat bag
  •  Carry a flashlight 


For Home Safety:

  •  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 any burned-out lightbulbs

     For a Safe Trick-or-Treat Trail: 
  •  Travel and Trick-or-Treat only on well-lit streets
  •  Use only the sidewalks for a pathway
  •  Don't allow children to cut across lawns, dart across streets, or use alley-ways
  •  Walk, do not run between homes
  •  Have children stay with an adult or travel in groups
  •  Only visit well-lit homes with a porch light on
  •  Children should never enter a home or car for treats
  •  Review the routes older 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
  •  If sidewalks are not available, walk on a far edge of the road facing traffic
  •  Carry a Flashlight (fresh batteries) and a Cellphone  
  •  Examine all your child's candy prior to letting them eat 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 Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website so as not to place your child in risky situations during their Trick-or-Treating
  •  Dial 911 in case of Emergencies 

     Follow these Safety Tips and Suggestions above to make your child's Halloween Trick-or-Treat adventure a fun-filled, safe one  ...

     Happy Halloween!  


Are you hoping to Construct, Buy, Refinance or Purchase a home or investment property in Chicagoland or somewhere else in Illinois or Wisconsin?

Looking for mortgage financing answers, options, solutions, and experienced assistance?  
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/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, Frankfort Square, Joliet, Shorewood, Elwood, Lockport, Wilmington, Crest Hill, Symerton, Braidwood, Channahon, University Park, Beecher, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Crete, Peotone, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, Kane County, Grundy County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.

#WillCountyCommunities #PreApproval #mortgageconsultation #positioning #housingmarket #mortgageapplication #InterestRates #homebuying #refinancing #homeloans #talkwithalender #stoprenting #newconstruction #securerate #househunting #mortgage #ratelock
#GeneMundt #NewLenoxMortgageLender #ChicagolandMortgageLender #NewLenoxRealEstate #MokenaRealEstate #mortgageexpert
#FrankfortRealEstate #LincolnWayHighSchoolDistrict #LincolnWayHighSchoolCommunities #howmuchhomecanIbuy 
#whatinterestratecanIget #timing #mortgageexpert #moneytalk #homeloansmadesimple #experiencecounts 
#homebuilding  #askquestions #housegoals #VAloans #home #homeloanpro #JolietMortgageLender #WillCountyMortgageLender #DuPageCountyMortgageLender #GrundyCountyMortgageLender #ChicagoHomeLoans #mortgageinfo #newconstructionloans #endloans #credit #creditreport #40YearsOfExperience #WisconsinMortgageLender #ChicagoMortgageLender #FHAloans #condoloans #investmentproperty #mortgageconsultation #LincolnWayAreaMortgageLender #personalfinance #mortgageprocess #homebuyingprocess #housingmarket 
#FHA #condominiums #FHACondoFinancing #investmentproperty #WillCounty #WillCountyHalloween #Halloween #HalloweenSafetyTips
 #WillCountyFallFamilyActivities #TrickOrTreating #holidays #scarythings #HalloweenFright #stayingsafe 

Will County Pumpkin Patches & Farms - 2022

 

    Will County Pumpkin Patches & Farms - 2022


Fall 2022 has arrived!  How do I know?

Pumpkin farms and patches are opening all across Will County and are ready to host a wide variety of fall activities, fun, and pumpkins for their visitors.

Whether you're hoping to visit a pumpkin farm, or pumpkin patch, take in a fall festival, a corn maze, a haunted house, a petting zoo, or see an army of scarecrows, spooky ghosts, witches, or goblins ... Will County has the perfect venue and activities for you.  

Our area is lucky to have a large variety of fantastic working farms, venues, and pumpkin patches offering spectacular opportunities to enjoy all those things.  

Below I've listed the names of Will County's pumpkin farms and pumpkin patches open this Fall 2022.  I hope the information proves to be beneficial for you, your family, and friends ... and that you have a chance to get out and enjoy nature and Fall all across our County.


2022 Will County 
Pumpkin Farms & Patches 
Puckerville Farms
Opens Now through October 31st

No Admission Fee - Accepts All Major Credit Cards

Pumpkins, haybales, cornstalks, more

More Info: puckervillefarms.webs.com 


Johansen Farms Petting Zoo
Open Now through October 31st
Admission Charged

Konow's Corn Maze
Open Now to October October 30th
Admission Charged


Siegel's Cottonwood/Pumpkin Farm
Opening Day September 24th thru October 31st
Admission Charged
More Info:  ourpumpkinfarm.com

Bengston's Pumpkin Farm
Open Now thru October 30th
Cashless venue!

Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm
Open Now thru October 31st
Admission Charged for activities, maze, etc.
(Admission is NOT Required for the following: Pre-picked Pumpkins, Gourds & Squash
Mums & Plants, Indian Corn, Corn Stalks, Straw, General Store, Concession Stand)
More Info: (815) 475-7373 or heapsgiantpumpkinfarm.com

Dollinger's Pumpkin Farm
 Open Now thru Oct. 30th
Tickets Needed for Corn Maze, Face Painting, Train, etc.
More Info: 815.467.6766 or 

Windmill Acres
Opening September 24th thru 
Admission Charged for Wristband Activities 
Info: 708.278.2870 or www.windmillacres.com

Settlers Pond Pumpkin Patch
Opens October 1st thru Halloween
Admission Charged: $10/Kids Wristband, $10/Adults
More Info: (708) 663-8103 or settlerspondshelter.com

Bronkberry Farms
Open Now for the Season 
Fall Fest: OCTOBER 8th & 9th (Admission Free)
More Info:  815.436.6967 or Bronkberry Farms

Crosswind Farms
Open: Thursdays - Fridays - Saturdays - Sundays
Accepted Payment: Cash - Credit - Debit
Pumpkins are pre-picked & priced for your convenience
Other Products Sold:  Here
More Info:  crosswindfarms.net

Tom & Zach's Pumpkin Patch
Open Now thru Halloween
No Admission Fee

Pumpkins are $1 to $7.  Orange & white pumpkins available. Small straw bales $5, large $8, Corn stalks $4

Cash only for purchases

Info: 815.838.6816 - tomandzachspumpkinpatch.tripod.com



Remember:
  Verify dates, hours, and info prior to visiting these Will County Pumpkin Farms and Patches, just in case of last-minute changes or inclement weather.  


Enjoy!


Are you hoping to Construct, Buy, Refinance or Purchase
 a home or investment property in Chicagoland or somewhere else in Illinois or Wisconsin?

Looking for mortgage financing answers, options, solutions, and experienced assistance?  
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/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, Frankfort Square, Joliet, Shorewood, Elwood, Lockport, Wilmington, Crest Hill, Symerton, Braidwood, Channahon, University Park, Beecher, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Crete, Peotone, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, Kane County, Grundy County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.

#WillCountyCommunities #PreApproval #mortgageconsultation #positioning #housingmarket #mortgageapplication #InterestRates #homebuying #refinancing #homeloans #talkwithalender #stoprenting #newconstruction #securerate #househunting #mortgage #ratelock
#GeneMundt #NewLenoxMortgageLender #ChicagolandMortgageLender #NewLenoxRealEstate #MokenaRealEstate #mortgageexpert
#FrankfortRealEstate #LincolnWayHighSchoolDistrict #LincolnWayHighSchoolCommunities #howmuchhomecanIbuy 
#whatinterestratecanIget #timing #mortgageexpert #moneytalk #homeloansmadesimple #experiencecounts 
#homebuilding  #askquestions #housegoals #VAloans #home #homeloanpro #JolietMortgageLender #WillCountyMortgageLender #DuPageCountyMortgageLender #GrundyCountyMortgageLender #ChicagoHomeLoans #mortgageinfo #newconstructionloans #endloans #credit #creditreport #40YearsOfExperience #WisconsinMortgageLender #ChicagoMortgageLender #FHAloans #condoloans #investmentproperty #mortgageconsultation #LincolnWayAreaMortgageLender #personalfinance #mortgageprocess #homebuyingprocess #housingmarket 
#FHA #condominiums #FHACondoFinancing #investmentproperty #WillCounty #WillCountyPumpkinFarms #WillCountyPumpkinPatches
#WillCountyFallVenues #WillCountyFallFamilyActivities #UPickFarms #pumpkins #cornstalks 





Financing for Condominiums VS Single-Family Residences

 

Financing for Condominiums 

VS Single-Family Residences


Everyone can agree ...

Condominiums are "different" from single-family residences (detached, or an attached duplex) in many ways.  

But they share commonalities as well, such as:

  • Both Condominiums and single-family residences can be owned, not just rented or leased
  • Financing options are similar for both types of property:
    • VA Loan:  0% Down (Has an "Approved List" of Condo Associations)
    • FHA Loan:  3.5% Down (Like VA, has its own "Approved List", but also allows for "Single-Unit Approvals)
    • Conventional:  3% Down or more (Are available on a case-by-case basis
  • VA and FHA Condominium interest rates are essentially the same as those for a single-family home 
  • Conventional Loans' interest rates could be slightly higher ... when putting down less than 25% of the purchase price
  • Credit Score requirements to buy or finance a Condominium remain the same as those for a single-family residential borrower
But there are some real differences between the two when buying and financing.  Differences that can matter ... and Borrowers are often caught off-guard when they learn of them.  


Some of those differences are:

  • Lenders typically require more documentation for Condominium financing  
  • The financial status of the Condominium Homeowner Association (HOA) must be verified via a Condominium Association Questionnaire. The Condominium Association budget and HOA dues/fees must also be verified  
  • Lenders typically require a copy of the Condominium Declaration and By-Laws (the Association's internal rules)
  • Borrowers, whether resident or investor, must pay a fee  normally charged by the Association or management company to provide this required information (prior to closing).  
  • The one time upfront fee, set by the Association or management company, is typically in the $100 to $250 range
  • If the borrower will not be living in the Condomnium (buying as an investment to rent) the Association's Declarations and By-Laws must allow for Rental Occupancy
  • Interest rates are higher for Condominium investors, as are down payment requirements (20% down possible, but ideally 25% down payment for Condominiums)  

The bottomline is this:  If buying a Condominium (or refinancing) and seeking a Loan Approval for it, the financial "health" of the Condominium Association and the information and answers provided by them or their designated management company will determine much.  

Ask questions!  And make sure to choose and work with a lender (and agent) that is informed and experienced conducting Condominium financing and well-versed in the differences between property types and how to get them closed efficiently and successfully. 


Are you hoping to Construct, Buy, Refinance or Purchase a home or investment property in Chicagoland or somewhere else in Illinois or Wisconsin?

Looking for mortgage financing answers, options, solutions, and experienced assistance?  
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/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, Frankfort Square, Joliet, Shorewood, Elwood, Lockport, Wilmington, Crest Hill, Symerton, Braidwood, Channahon, University Park, Beecher, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Crete, Peotone, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, Kane County, Grundy County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.

#WillCountyCommunities #PreApproval #mortgageconsultation #positioning #housingmarket #mortgageapplication #InterestRates #homebuying #refinancing #homeloans #talkwithalender #stoprenting #newconstruction #securerate #househunting #mortgage #ratelock
#GeneMundt #NewLenoxMortgageLender #ChicagolandMortgageLender #NewLenoxRealEstate #MokenaRealEstate #mortgageexpert
#FrankfortRealEstate #LincolnWayHighSchoolDistrict #LincolnWayHighSchoolCommunities #howmuchhomecanIbuy 
#whatinterestratecanIget #timing #mortgageexpert #moneytalk #homeloansmadesimple #experiencecounts 
#homebuilding  #askquestions #housegoals #VAloans #home #homeloanpro #JolietMortgageLender #WillCountyMortgageLender #DuPageCountyMortgageLender #GrundyCountyMortgageLender #ChicagoHomeLoans #mortgageinfo #newconstructionloans #endloans #credit #creditreport #40YearsOfExperience #WisconsinMortgageLender #ChicagoMortgageLender #FHAloans #condoloans #investmentproperty #mortgageconsultation #LincolnWayAreaMortgageLender #personalfinance #mortgageprocess #homebuyingprocess #housingmarket 
#FHA #condominiums #FHACondoFinancing #investmentproperty #condominiumassociation #CondoManagementCompany #DeclarationsAndByLaws #CondominiumAssociationQuestionnaire 
#HOA #HOADues #HOAFees



  

   


              



 


New FHA Income Guidelines Deliver Approvals for Borrowers Facing COVID-19 Related Income Events


New FHA Income Guidelines Deliver Approvals for Borrowers Facing Covid-19 Related Income Events


July 2022 has seen some pretty advantageous changes taking place for FHA (Federal Housing Administration) borrowers ... 

These changes, effective July 7th, 2022 and mandatory for all case assignments as of September 5th, 2022, could prove to be game-changers for qualified FHA mortgage applicants who previously experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic or employment gaps.

But while it's true that COVID-19 may have precipitated or kickstarted some of these changes, it was not the sole motivator.  

It's no secret that the current housing market is facing challenges and has slowed down. FHA, as well as other government agencies, are looking for ways to meet those challenges and others head-on.  

These newly-made FHA changes are much needed and go a long way to accomplishing just that.  They come at a pivotal time for the American housing market.  

Why?  

There is strong evidence that COVID-19 took a real toll on our economy.  Many Americans suffered what is called a "COVID-19-related economic event".  

A "COVID-19-related economic event is defined as:

 "A temporary loss of employment, temporary reduction of income, or temporary reduction of hours worked during the Presidential declared COVID-19 National Emergency".

These types of economic events "trickle down".  They cause employment and income issues for households, hopeful homebuyers, and those wishing to refinance.  

Again why?  

Employment and income greatly impact the type of financing options available to borrowers.  In some cases, it can affect if financing options are available to them. 

These new changes address that reality and meet it head-on. The July 7th FHA changes directly speak to the following FHA underwriting guidelines:

  • Commission Income
  • Part-Time Employment
  • Overtime/Bonus/Tip Income
  • Gaps in Employment
  • Primary Employment
  • Employment by Family-owned Business
  • Self-Employment Income
  • Gaps in Self-Employment Income

The changes made
to FHA income guidelines allow for greater underwriting flexibility when conducted in the FHA TOTAL (Technology Open To Approved Lenders) Mortgage Scorecard as well as manual underwriting.

Positive changes have been made to what is calculated as effective income and how effective income is now calculated.  

So if you're hoping to:

  • Buy a home 
  • Refinance a home
  • Have not recently spoken with a lender
  • Were denied mortgage approval under old guidelines 
Contact a mortgage lender and inquire again.  

The changes referred to above, as well as other recent changes made and those coming in the future, may deliver a different outcome should you newly apply for a mortgage.

Contact me now to find out more ...


Are you hoping to Construct, Buy, Refinance or Purchase
 a home or investment property in Chicagoland or somewhere else in Illinois or Wisconsin?

Looking for mortgage financing answers, options, solutions, and experienced assistance?  
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/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, Frankfort Square, Joliet, Shorewood, Elwood, Lockport, Wilmington, Crest Hill, Symerton, Braidwood, Channahon, University Park, Beecher, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Crete, Peotone, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, Kane County, Grundy County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.

#WillCountyCommunities #PreApproval #mortgageconsultation #positioning #housingmarket #mortgageapplication #InterestRates #homebuying #refinancing #homeloans #talkwithalender #stoprenting #newconstruction #securerate #househunting #mortgage #ratelock
#GeneMundt #NewLenoxMortgageLender #ChicagolandMortgageLender #NewLenoxRealEstate #MokenaRealEstate #mortgageexpert
#FrankfortRealEstate #LincolnWayHighSchoolDistrict #LincolnWayHighSchoolCommunities #howmuchhomecanIbuy 
#whatinterestratecanIget #timing #mortgageexpert #moneytalk #homeloansmadesimple #experiencecounts 
#homebuilding  #askquestions #housegoals #VAloans #home #homeloanpro #JolietMortgageLender #WillCountyMortgageLender #DuPageCountyMortgageLender #GrundyCountyMortgageLender #ChicagoHomeLoans #mortgageinfo #newconstructionloans #endloans #credit #creditreport #40YearsOfExperience #WisconsinMortgageLender #ChicagoMortgageLender #FHAloans #condoloans #investmentproperty #mortgageconsultation #LincolnWayAreaMortgageLender #personalfinance #mortgageprocess #homebuyingprocess #housingmarket 
#FHA #FHAJuly2022Changes #COVIDRelatedEconomicEvent #COVID19 









 

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...