Learn how the support of local independent businesses in your neighborhood can dramatically improve economics of your city or village! Minnesota business woman, Cinda Baxter explains the 3/50 Project here http://www.the350project.net/home.html

The recent changes in FHA financing guidelines will impact sales and the marketability of property in the Chicago area for at least the balance of 2010.
 
As a primer, FHA is the end lender and insurer of roughly 50% of all residential loans written today, both purchase and re-finance. The loan limit for FHA is $417,000 for single family homes and condominiums. With higher loan limits for 2-4 unit buildings ($524,000 - $729,000) they are an even more significant lender for these properties (owner occupied only qualifies).
Just (4) years ago, they represented 5% of these loans. If you are marketing a property that does not qualify for FHA, literally half of the people in the market for that property are eliminated as potential buyers.
 
The FHA 203K program is a critical loan option for buyers of homes in need of repair and has become a favorite of first time home buyers of distressed property in need of cosmetic and minor repairs that will immediately enhance value.

Welcome to Oswego, Illinois - Oswego, Illinois is located just a few minutes from I-88 at the southernmost point of the Fox River Valley in Chicago’s west suburbs. The word Oswego is a Mohawk Indian term defined as, “the mouth of the stream.” Years ago, Oswego served as a main market to farms in the region, as it was located on some of the best major roads in the region, and this supported a growing community. During Prohibition, Oswego was frequented by some of Chicago's famous gangsters such as  John “Three Fingered Jack” Hamilton (named when two fingers were shot off). Hamilton met his demise in 1933 during the well-known Dillinger gang escape at Little Bohemia Lodge in Wisconsin. Today, Oswego is a warm, friendly, safe area to live and work... true to their motto, "Genuine Warmth, All Year Long."
 

Aurora, IL is located approximately 38 miles from downtown Chicago. It was the first city in the United States to use electric lights to illuminate the city streets, back in 1881 (hence, its nickname, "City of Lights"). Aurora is the second largest city in the state of Illinois (next to Chicago). It's a thriving city which is located right along the I-88 (East/West Tollway) corridor, just west of Naperville. The city has much to offer businesses and the local residents. The City is a recognized as being the environmental leader in the Fox River Valley area. The city's designations and awards include The Clean Air Counts Platinum Award, EPA's Green Fleet and Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA. A number of sustainability plans are in the works such as the Seize the Future Master Plan, Riverfront Vision Plan, Countryside Vision Plan, RiverEdge Park Master Plan, the revised FoxWalk Overlay District, ANPI Neighborhood Plans and numerous other efforts to make Aurora a self-sustaining community. The city even has its own "Green Team."
 

Every Tuesday morning before 10 a.m. a line forms outside The Courtyard store in Hinsdale, Illinois where shoppers wait for the doors to open, so they may check out the most recent arrivals of fine consignment and home decor merchandise at this fine resale furnishings shop. It's located at 63 Village Place, just south of the downtown Hinsdale train depot (up a brick walkway). Each week, the store volunteers unveil a fresh set of items for sale. The nicest part is that all proceeds of the store benefit the Wellness House, an independent community group that works to improve quality of life for area residents affected by cancer, through support groups, psychosocial support, information and education. Each piece of merchandise receives a price reduction every 30 days, for two months. After 90 days, if the item has not sold, the consignor may either reclaim the item or make arrangements to have it auctioned. Looking for a unique gift or special treasure? Stop by The Courtyard Tuesdays - Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to peruse their lovely selection of fine art, jewelry, rugs, crystal, silver and other home accessories. Volunteers at the store display the home wares in stylish vignettes, so it's a decorator's paradise, changing every week. All gifts purchased at The Courtyard, come with a special tag, explaining the charitable program.

The City of Warrenville has many great things to offer, including reasonable home prices and property taxes (relative to other area towns), access to the scenic Prairie Path trail, wonderful diversity, proximity to major highways and wide range of shopping and dining choices, both in town and in nearby Naperville and Wheaton. Warrenville sits in a beautiful, wooded setting, filled with parks, lakes and streams. The Ferry Creek Wetland area at Summerlakes Park is an amazing six-acre plot, devoted to water conservation and wildlife.
 
The Park Districts within Warrenville are affiliated with the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) to offer opportunities to residents with physical or developmental disabilities. They provide assistance and organize trips and special events (including Special Olympics programs) for preschool students to seniors. The WSDRA is also a two-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award.    -Click Article Title to View Rest of Story-.
 

When purchasing a new home, choosing the right upgrades is an important part of the process. These listed upgrades can later help the value of a home.  1.  WIRING - Absolutely get your new construction home wired for high-speed internet access and computer networking.  2. FIREPLACE - This can be a valuable upgrade especially in living areas or bedrooms.  3. FLOORING - Hardwood floors and tile are popular features and they typically last longer than standard carpet (both are very popular to those with allergies). Upgrade carpet padding...upgrade to commercial grade carpet for future benefit. Commercial carpet doesn’t always look commercial, and it has more resiliencies (wear and tear power).  4. KITCHEN - According to most remodeling magazines, kitchen enhancements return more value than any other remodeling project.  All of the above tips are important things for home sellers to consider as well (things that will appeal to buyers). If upgrades don't add value but you simply have your heart set on them, it's important to do them. You're going to be living in the home, so make it your own and add comfort, happiness and luxury lifestyle attributes that fit you best!  Homes for Sale in Chicago and Suburbs www.SourceOneRealty.com  Call us if you would like assistance!  800-498-0967

On the lighter side, today is the official National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day.
Originally created as a new kind of wallpaper (go figure that one out), 2010 is the 5oth anniversary of bubble wrap.
The last Monday of January is now U.S. Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day every year.
Over 200 pages on facebook are devoted to bubble wrap, and millions of people's lives have been forever changed by this amazing product.
Are you a bubble wrap afficionado?
 

Location

The Property Tax Relief Program is intended to provide relief between $25 - $200 to city homeowners 2008 property tax bill for their primary residence.
 
The amount is based on a combination of income level and the amount of your property increase.
 
To find an application, instructions and helpful tools to guide you through the application process go to www.cityofchicago.org
 
Mary Parker-Harris, Realtor
312-264-6526
 
Building Relationships One Client at a Time
 
mpharris@SourceOneRealty.com
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