Food for Thought

This Guy Blames Santa for his Fireplace Problem

Question: Our buyers recently had a home inspection performed on my home. The inspector said the fireplace damper is broken. I haven’t used my fireplace in years. We have had 17 Christmases in our home, so I'm sure the damper was damaged by the fat guy in the red suit coming down our chimney. Why should I be responsible to make that repair?

Answer:  We assume you mean Santa Claus. I think the jolly old man who brings happiness to millions of children & families every year, deserves a bit more respect from you. Since Santa visits millions of homes every year, there are bound to be a few accidents. We once had a few roof shingles break off from what was probably caused by Santa and his reindeer team. Since Santa's visits have been very special to our family, we consider this as normal Holiday maintenance and had no problem making the repairs. 

Mr. Seller, the broken damper is a safety issue. Your new buyers have every right to insist that you fix the chimney damper. Failure to do so could terminate the contract on your home. We suggest you fix the safety issue with your home, move towards a successful closing and be happy knowing that your new buyers will be safe in their new Home.

Here is something else you should know:  Blaming Santa for this broken damper is most definitely going to put you on His “Naughty List.”  You may want to reconsider your accusations.

You've Got to Love Black Friday

Realtor's Fault?

Question:   Our buyer’s loan was just denied 2 weeks before the scheduled closing date. We are furious with our agent for allowing this to happen. Any suggestions for dealing with the next buyer who wants to buy our home?

Answer:  We understand that It is extremely upsetting when you hear your buyer’s loan has been denied. You feel the logical person to blame is your Realtor. Keep in mind that the Realtors job is to find a buyer and sell your home. It is not their job to get the buyers loan approved; That is the job of the Lender.

We have sold over 1200 homes in our career and we have found that it is rarely the fault of the Realtor. The only instance where the Realtor can be of blame is if he/she did not obtain a letter of preapproval from the lender stating that the buyer is qualified to purchase your home at the agreed selling price.

When your agent goes over the contract on your home, they will explain the terms of the offer and the preapproval from the buyer’s lender. Common sense would dictate that the loan officer has sufficiently checked out the buyer in order to receive the preapproval. But, among the vast number of highly qualified loan officers, there are some that are inexperienced, overly optimistic or some that just don’t know what they are doing.

Here is some advice that may help you: When we receive a preapproval, we give our seller all the facts about the lender & buyers finances that we can obtain without violating the sacred buyer “privacy laws”. We say this with some sarcasm, because these privacy laws are there to protect the buyer, but there is no concern for the seller who is also part of this transaction. We ask the loan officer about their experience. We ask that the buyer be put through the lenders auto underwriting system.  Since it is the underwriters who give the final approval to the buyer’s loan, we feel the automated version of this adds to the validity of the preapproval letter.

We also want to know if the buyer has chosen their Realtors preferred lender. This preferred lender has been used by the Realtor in the past and has proven to be competent because of their previous success rate.

All the above increases the odds that your buyer will receive a loan approval and a clear to close on your home.

Remember that nothing is ever 100% perfect. This is why an experienced Realtor who tells you like it is, is much better than a Real estate agent who tells you what you want to hear!

Words for Thought

"In Life, it's Important to Know 

When to stop Arguing with People 

& Simply Let Them be Wrong."

"I Fear the day that Technology will surpass

our Human interaction.

The World, will then, have a Generation of Idiots."

(Albert Einstein)

"Complaining about a problem 

without posing a solution

is Called Whining."

(Teddy Roosevelt)

Should a Seller be able to get Credit Information on a potential buyer?

Question: My Realtor placed my offer on a house with a pre-approval and 20 percent down. The selling agent called my loan officer to ask for my FICO score, how much money I have in the bank and other personal questions so she can run the info with her seller. My loan officer did not give any info except that I am a really good, serious buyer with A+ credit. Was the listing agent out of bounds with such questions?

Answer: There's a complexity within your question that needs to be addressed.

The listing agent wants to assure that any would-be purchaser is financially qualified to buy the property. The reason is that the owner (and the agent) do not want the property tied up for weeks with a buyer who is ultimately unable to close. Such a delay might mean the loss of a qualified buyer. Also, there may be competing offers for the property so the owner will want to consider the financial strength of the bidders since it does no good to accept a high offer from someone who cannot complete the sale.

In the usual case the buyer's agent provides a financial qualification statement or a letter from a lender. Neither is an absolute guarantee of financing, but both are useful.

Even though this personal information is considered private, the seller of the transaction needs to know that their buyer has an excellent chance to close the deal. Sellers also have packing to do, movers to schedule, and a new home to buy. Remember, too many Real estate deals fall apart due to a poor prequalification of the buyer, or information the buyer failed to disclose to their lender at the time of prequalification.

What the lender told the listing Broker in your case, should be enough information for a seller to feel they have a well-qualified buyer. What the lender could also have said is that his judgment was based on your ability to put down 20 percent plus his review of your A+ credit report. In other words, the lender cannot reveal the contents of the credit report but he can at least say that his analysis is not based on fantasy.

Halloween Stories

Question: You have been showing houses for a lot of years. Any spooky stories to share?

Answer: There was an old two-story house in my area that was on the market for a long time—a real fixer-upper in a hot neighborhood. It was eerie: Floors weren’t level, squeaky steps, the works. When I was inside, I felt like someone was watching me, and it wanted me to leave. It was when I noticed a light in the basement, so I calmly walked right out ... because the house had no electricity. 

Next two stories were told to me by Realtors in my office: During a showing, we walked into a vacant foreclosure that I thought no one else was showing at the time. There was no car in the driveway and no sign of anyone present. As we opened the front door, two men were coming down the staircase from upstairs—one wearing a long black robe like a priest would and a necklace with a huge cross. He had dark hair and a long, dark beard. The other man, whom I’m guessing was his agent, walked behind him. We all cordially greeted one another, and they walked out the back door. We never saw them get into a car or walk down the street. They just seemingly disappeared. My buyer never lets me forget that house and tells everyone that story. 

There was a bed set up in the main area of the basement. No one appeared to be home, but when we went downstairs the lights were on and music was playing. We noticed that there was someone under the covers of the bed. I said ‘Hello’ more than once but did not approach the bed. The person didn’t move, and it was clearly the silhouette of a person. So we quickly got out of there.

I was showing a townhouse. Everything was normal as we went through the house, nothing out of the ordinary until we got to the third bedroom. It was loaded with glass aquariums filled with spiders — nothing but spiders, everywhere you looked. And I'm not talking regular spiders either, they were tarantulas, wolf spiders — the big ones. It was like a room at a museum. Either the owner was a scientist or hoping to be the next Peter Parker. My clients didn't even consider the house.

The New Mr & Mrs Matthew Higgins

Married 9-28-19

Why are you Entitled?

Should Agents Coerce buyers to buy a Home

Question:  My home is currently for sale.  We are getting a lot of showings, but don’t think my real estate agent is doing enough to get these buyers to write an offer on my home. What is your opinion?

Answer:  Not quite sure what the problem is here. Your Realtor is marketing your home properly because you are getting a lot of showings. In order to sell your home, you need buyers to see it. You said: “Doing enough to get the buyers to make an offer on my home?”  A good real estate agent should answer all the buyer’s questions, point out the negatives and positives, but allow the buyer to make the final decision on a particular home. There should be no coercion by the agent.                                                                                                                                                               

The only problem I see is if you are getting a lot of showings with no offers, then your home price is probably too high. For example, if you go to the clothing store and are looking to buy a sweater and find that a similar sweater is less expensive and a better value at another store, you are going to that other store to buy it. Same goes with a home purchase. Buyers will purchase the home they feel offers the best value. The home with the best value will sell before the other homes. I would suggest stopping the blame game and sit down with your Realtor and look at how your home’s Value compares to other homes for sale.

Great Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide

From our Friends at Burnet Title:

Uses for Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)

Boost Your Laundry

No need to buy those expensive commercial laundry products that have the words "oxy" in them and promise to whiten your clothes. Simply add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your washing machine. when doing a load of whites. The hydrogen peroxide will also deodorize clothes and remove stains. You can pour it directly on stains but do a color-fast test first if you're applying to darker clothes.

Kill Mold and Mildew

Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, but it also dispatches fungi such as mold and mildew. So grab a spray bottle of hydrogen and spray your bathroom fixtures, floors, walls, humidifier, dehumidifier, even your shower curtain. That fizzy sound will tell you it's working.

Divorce and Real Estate

Question: I am a married woman who is getting a divorce and buying a house. I am concerned about the sales contract in that my spouse's name is required to be on it and he has to sign. They have the contract written as a sale to both of us. The financing contract will only be in my name. What is the best way or the correct way for this contract to be filled out? I'm worried that he won't sign if it states that he is also buying the property. What is the best way to also have him sign a waiver to the title at closing?

Answer: If your husband's name is on the title but not on the mortgage, you have debt and he has equity. That sounds like a really good arrangement for your husband.

The purchase of a home during the divorce process should not be undertaken without advice in advance from your attorney. State rules vary, a house is a significant asset and you could hurt your bargaining position in the divorce process without proper counsel.

The Wonderful World of Dogs

New Energy Tips for your Home Thermostat

New report our shows these as the recommended temps for energy efficiency: • 78° F when you’re home • 85° F when you’re at work or away • 82° F when you’re sleeping

Not sure I can sleep well at 82 degrees.
74 degrees is more comfortable for Sleeping.

Older but not Stupid. This is Funny.

When you're old, and don't move so fast anymore)

George Phillips, an elderly man from Walled Lake, Michigan, was going up to bed, when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window.

George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.

He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?"

He said "No," but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me.

Then the police dispatcher said "All patrols are busy, you should lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available."

George said, "Okay."

He hung up the phone and counted to 30. Then he phoned the police again.

"Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot them both and he hung up.

Within five minutes, six police cars , a SWAT team, a helicopter, two fire trucks, a paramedic and an ambulance showed up at the Phillips' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed.

One of the policemen said to George, "I thought you said that you'd shot them!"

George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

Don't mess with old people,,,

Silly Realtor Joke

 A man was in his front yard mowing grass when his Realtor neighbor came out of the house and went straight to the mailbox. She opened it then slammed it shut & stormed back in the house. 

       A little later she came out of her house again went to the mail box and again, opened it, slammed it shut again.  Angrily, back into the house she went.

       As the man was getting ready to edge the lawn, here she came out again, marched to the mail box, opened it and then slammed it closed harder than ever. 
       Puzzled by her actions the man asked her, "Is something wrong?" To which she replied, "There certainly is!" My stupid computer keeps saying, "YOU'VE GOT MAIL."

I want an Investment home that doesnt need so much work

Question: I am venting. We are looking to purchase a home that needs some work, but it’s amazing how many homes are past the “needs work” and into the “disgusting” category. Bad odors, torn carpeting and walls with holes…the list goes on. We can’t find anything. Any suggestions?

Answer: Let’s review this…. You are looking for a good deal, but you don’t want a home with odors, or a home that needs some work? I don’t think the distressed property market is for you. If you want a good deal on a home, you are going to have to find something that needs a lot of work. A home with odors, torn carpeting and holes in the walls and more. If the home doesn’t need work, the homeowner can sell it at fair market value which is usually always higher than what they would get in an investors market.

Finding a super deal in real estate is not easy. The overwhelming majority of homes sold would be categorized in the “fair deal” category. Fair, because Realtors price the homes correctly and appraisers ensure the buyer is not overpaying for a home in an effort to protect the lender. Fair would also mean that both the buyer and seller are satisfied with the sale terms.

If you are looking for a deal, then you need to look at homes that need work, do the math, and hope that you can make a profit by selling it for more than what you paid for it plus expenses to fix it up and sell. There is tough competition in the investor market. Everyone wants to make money selling homes.

Sometimes you can get a deal if you are a cash buyer and find a seller who does not want to deal with a buyers financing and wants a quick close.

Discuss your ideas with a Real estate Broker to see if this is really something you want and can do.

New Listing:  8924 Southmoor, Highland



Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath Home in the Brantwood subdivision. Formal Dining & Living rooms with Brick Fireplace. Spacious Main level bedroom has a full wall triple door closet. Bright & Cheery Kitchen w/ Appliances included. Large Master & 2nd Bedroom, with an updated adjacent Bath. Dry basement awaits your finishing touches. Upper level has pull down stairs to attic for addl Storage. Newer Roof & Furnace. Large, Covered back patio. The yard is very Picturesque & Private. 2.5 car garage with attached Shed. Home is close to Shopping & Major highways for an easier Commute. Take possession at Close! This is a Really Nice Home! For additional Information:

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/8924-Southmoor-Ave_Highland_IN_46322_M48315-09557

2741 Wood Dr, Dyer. Beautiful Quad Level.
For additional Information & Pictures Click the Link Below.

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/in/dyer/2741-wood-dr/pid_31575602/

Low Appraisal

Question: We recently signed a contract to purchase an existing home for $236,000. We were all set to sign but the appraisal came in at $226,000. We have already paid the $300 appraisal fee, the $75 pest inspection fee and the $300 home inspection fee. If we now back out of the contract because of the low appraisal what are our liabilities? Will the seller have the right to sue/demand damages? If so, what will be the amount?

Answer: You need to see what the sale agreement says. It may say, for example, that the deal is off and your deposit must be returned if the appraisal is less than the selling price -- unless the sellers are willing to take a price cut. Why? Because a lender will only provide financing on the basis of the sale price or the appraised value, whichever is less. Speak with your broker for specifics.

Check out the Aerial Photos of this Beautiful St. John Home

For additional Information, Pictures, & Video Tours of this home, Click here: https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/in/saint-john/8916-ditola-ct/pid_31268792/

Interesting Info on Credit Scores

The Federal Reserve reports that 90% of U.S. mortgages taken out in the first quarter of 2019 were by home buyers with a score of at least 650, and 75% had a score higher than 700.

The median credit score for mortgages taken out this year sits at 759, the report found, and only 10% of mortgage borrowers had credit scores under 647.

FICO credit scores range from 300 to 850, and the national average is 704. Any score between 700 and 749 is typically deemed "good," while scores from 650 to 700 are "fair." Excellent scores are usually those over 750.

Fireworks on Lake Dalecarlia

What Do We Do with our Pets During a Showing?

Question: When we sell are home, what should we do with our pets? Do buyers mind pets around?

Answer:  Buyers and their agents need to feel welcome to look at the property at their leisure without dangers or distractions. So, while you adore your sweet rescue dog, he could turn territorial, barking and growling at potential homebuyers. And it could cost you the opportunity to sell your home.

Think of buyers as guests and work to make them feel comfortable as they consider your home for purchase. If you have a protective dog or one that isn't well-trained, remove him before the showing.

If you must leave the dog at home, don't expect the Realtor to handle your dog. This is where crate-training can be a huge advantage. At least your dog is secured and more inclined to relax while your home is being shown.

Do not leave your dog loose in the backyard. Not only does the buyer not have access to part of the property, but your dog could bark so much that it drives the buyer out of the house. Also, don't leave your dog at the neighbor's. It's just as bad if the buyer believes a noisy dog lives next door.

House cats can also repel buyers. Owners get used to the odors of cat boxes and fishy foods, but these odors could be offensive to buyers who don't have cats.

Birds are beautiful but can be intimidating and dangerous. Imagine a buyer bringing small children who can't resist sticking their fingers in the cage and quickly get rewarded with a nasty bite from a very strong beak.

When you're selling a home, keep in mind that the first two weeks on the market are crucial. That's the time you want your home to be pristine and move-in ready. You don't want any noise, smells or stains that could put buyers off.

Sell your home faster and for more money by making your home as inviting and accessible as possible, so that buyers have no barriers to overcome. Accessibility to your home is just as important as price, condition and location.

Leaving Illinois

3528 Fairway Dr, Crete

Check out the Walking tour of this Home:   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrN3VPhXA7Y&feature=youtu.be

18403 Willow in Lansing

Check out the Video Tour below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdTE0rFao8E

Father's Day Note

Eleven years out from seeing my dad, hearing his voice, feeling his arms around me, strolling that pier together, I take little notice of Father's Day.

 It doesn't hurt like it used to. It's more like a dull ache that lives inside me, far more solid than a mist, that in all likelihood always will. He's not here, I wish he were, and a lot of life has happened without him this past decade. It's as simple and complicated as that.

He may no longer be alive for Father's Day, but Father's Day lives on in me, in all the ways I honor the man he was, imperfections and all; in all the ways I see him reflected in my life, making space for his memory to continue walking with me through the years.

Gas or Charcoal for your Grill

Which Is Greener—Gas or Charcoal?

Many green-thinking grillers wonder which fuel source is better for the Earth. You might think that charcoal would be greener. After all, charcoal—which is essentially superheated wood—counts as a natural biofuel, whereas propane is a byproduct from natural gas refining.

But propane grills heat food a lot more efficiently than charcoal, which means they consume less fuel every time you turn them on. And there’s no waiting for the coals to burn down with a propane grill; you simply shut it off and it’s no longer emitting chemicals. Adding to charcoal’s poor environmental performance is that fact that the majority of charcoal briquettes are produced from harvested green wood. This means that the world’s forests must make the ultimate sacrifice so you can enjoy that burger.

If you’re like most Americans, though, you probably prefer the way charcoal grilling feels and tastes. So if you’re determined to stick with briquettes, you can still avoid some of the deforestation issues by choosing green charcoal made from sustainable coconut husks. However, if you’re trying to decide between propane and charcoal, you’re better off with the gas — at least environmentally-speaking!

New Stat from our Board of Realtors

Illinois Buyers account for 55% 

of the Home Sales in NW Indiana!

How to be Productive with Your Day

                                       

Being Productive with Your Day is Simple:

If you can do a Task in 2 minutes or Less, Do it Now!

Definition of Insanity

Insanity:
Viewing homes out of your price range, then expecting to be happy with the ones you can actually afford.

Beautiful Ranch Home on 1.35 Acres with Out Building

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/in/crown-point/15183-durbin-st/pid_30034607/


This Beautiful Ranch on 1.35 Acres is loaded w/ Features. Grand Foyer w/ 16' Ceiling. Pillared entrance to the Sunken Living room w/ Gas fireplace & Vaulted ceiling. Gourmet Kitchen w/ Working Island, Dining area w/ Tray ceiling, Granite Counters, Skylight, Quality Viking & Kitchen Aid Stainless Steel Appliances, Built in Wine Rack & Walk in Pantry Closet. Formal Dining room w/ Pillared entrance & Lighted Tray Ceiling. Master Bedroom suite has lighted Tray Ceiling, Walk in Closet, Whirlpool tub, WI Shower & Granite, double Sink Vanity. Bedrooms 2 & 3 are on the opposite side of Home & have a Jack & Jill Bath, so each bedroom can have its own Private Bath. Basement has 9 ft Ceiling, heated floors & is beautifully finished w/ Kitchenette, Bar, Family room, Rec room w/ Pool Table, Full Bath & Finished Laundry room. Custom Window Treatments. 20 K Whole house generator. 20x11 Yoder Yard Building. 3.5 car heated, Attached Garage w/ Epoxy floor & upgraded 220 electric. Wide concrete driveway.

Smart Women

Lesley Stahl did a story on gender roles in Kabul, Afghanistan, several years before our involvement in the Afghan conflict.

She noted that women customarily walked five paces behind their husbands.

She recently returned to Kabul and observed that women still walk behind their husbands.
Despite the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban regime, the women now  seem to, and are happy to, maintain the old customs.

Ms. Stahl approached one of the Afghani women and asked, "Why do you now seem happy with an old custom that you once tried so desperately to change?"

The woman looked Ms. Stahl straight in the eyes, and without hesitation said, "Land mines.”

No matter what language you speak or where you go the moral of the story is:

BEHIND EVERY MAN, THERE'S A REALLY SMART WOMAN.

Simple but Effective Idea

I Made a Fair Offer to Purchase a Home

Question: I'm interested in purchasing a home that's priced 9 percent above others in the neighborhood. The seller feels the price is justified since they installed a lot of upgrades.

I submitted an offer that's almost 2 percent higher than the neighborhood average price, and it was rejected. The home has been on the market for 122 days, is well kept and very nice, but I cannot see how it justifies nearly a 10 percent margin in price over the average. I want to offer the sellers a fair price for the home, but not overpay. What can I do?

 

Answer: Real estate sale prices are established by informed buyers and sellers. If you don't want to pay the seller's price and the owner will not accept your offer, logic and reason are irrelevant -- the house won't sell and you must look elsewhere.

Don't be mislead by statistics. Upper-bracket homes, as one example, often take months to sell -- and sometimes longer.

Looking for A Rental Property or Starter Home?

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/il/lansing/2704-ridge-rd/pid_29706642/

2704 Ridge Rd, Lansing. $99,000
Positive Cash flow with this Home.
Newer Roof, Furnace, Central Air & Water Heater.

511 Austgen Pl, Dyer, In

Beautiful 1.5 Story Home with 4-5 bedrooms & 2.5 baths. Home has been Newly Painted & the Carpet is Brand New! Dazzling Kitchen w/ Granite counters & Back Splash is open to the Family room. Stainless Steel Dishwasher & Refrigerator. Center Island & Large Dining area. Formal Dining room. Family room has a Gas fireplace & 10 ft Ceiling. Main level Master bedroom with Walk in closet, Private bath w/ Whirlpool tub, Double Sink Vanity & Separate Shower. Main level Finished Laundry room. Upper level has an Updated Full Bath & 3-4 Bedrooms. Bonus room can be used as a 5th bedroom, extra Family room or Media room. Closet Organizers. Ceiling fans throughout. New Lighting Fixtures. 3 Car Tandem Attached Garage. Full, Dry Basement for all your Storage needs. Whole House Fan. Classic Front Porch. Deck & Pergola in the Large Back Yard. Inground Sprinklers. Home is close to Grade school, Shopping & Major Highways for an Easier Commute! Take possession at close!


See pictures and Tour at: (You may have to copy & paste into your browser)

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/in/dyer/511-austgen-pl/pid_29352391/

Spring Training Baseball

Amid all the initial disappointment for the White Sox & Cubs faithful over the lack of superstar free agent acquisitions this offseason, it is refreshing to get a reminder that the start of the Major League Baseball season is a joyous time for all baseball fans, regardless of where your team ranks on the MLB-power-structure-totem pole.

Because Opening Day is the Official start of Spring & the official time to put your Home up for Sale!

Check your sump pump before you really need it!!

As many homeowners know, Spring showers and snow/ice melting can bring flooded basements.

A sump pump should be able to mitigate the problem, but only if it’s in good working condition.

Check yours now to prevent costly flooding later. Don’t put this off!!

First, check the sump pit for debris. Remove anything that doesn’t belong. Then fill the sump pump with water to test the float switch to ensure that it starts and stops properly. 

Also, take a minute to clean the impeller cover, usually on the bottom of the pump. If this part becomes clogged, it could cause a sump pump to stop pumping when you need it most.

A Little Humor for your Day

 

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but she 

couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, ' Do these 

turkeys get any bigger?' 

The stock boy replied, 'No ma'am, they're dead...'

 

 

The police officer got out of his car as the kid who was stopped for speeding 

rolled down his window. 'I've been waiting for you all day,' the officer said.

 

The kid replied, Yeah, well I got here as fast as I could.' When the cop finally 

stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket.