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Chicago Auto Show Starts this Weekend: Friday 02/10/2012 Adults Tickets $11

cmoscinski — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:16:28 +0000

The 2012 Chicago Auto Show will be held at McCormick Place and starts Friday 02/10/2012!

Located at Lake Shore Drive at 23rd St., Chicago, IL 60616. Navigation system users will want to use the following street address: 2301 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60616. For detailed direction to McCormick Place, click here.

Parking is also available at both McCormick Place and, on weekends only, at Millennium Park Garage and East Monroe Garage. For more information on parking at the Chicago Auto Show, click here.

McCormick Place is easily reached by car or public transportation. There is extensive shuttle bus service from all area parking lots to and from McCormick Place, and Weekend-only shuttle service from the Millennium Park and East Monroe Garages. Weekend shuttles stop in 10-15 minute intervals near Columbus/Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place. For more information on parking, click here.

Scooter and Wheelchair rentals are available by contacting Scootaround’s toll-free hotline at (888) 441-7575. You can also submit a rental inquiry on the web http://www.scootaround.com/rentals/c/chicagoautoshow, or by fax at (204) 478-1172. Scooter rentals are $50.00 a day and Wheelchair rentals are $20.00 a day. Scootaround is happy to accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover or AMEX. Scootaround is located at Gate 4 of McCormick Place (west end of the Grand Concourse). While Scootaround will make every effort to accommodate all needs, you are encouraged to reserve in advance.

PRINT YOUR TICKETS ONLINE!

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW METRA SERVICE

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ILLINOIS ROLLS OUT PROGRAM PURCHASE HOUSE WITH LOWER CREDIT SCORE…

cmoscinski — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:27:15 +0000

ILLINOIS GOVERNOR QUINN ROLLS OUT PROGRAM PURCHASE HOUSE WITH LOWER CREDIT SCORE + KEEP FAMILIES IN THEIR HOMES…

Announcement was made introducing new pilot program to help keep families thier homes + allow for buyers with lower credit scores to purchase homes in the following markets:

Berwyn | Chicago Heights | Maywood | Park Forest | Riverdale and South Holland

Governor Quinn Announces Plan to Revitalize Vacant, Foreclosed Homes in Six Communities ‘Building Blocks’ Pilot Program Will Rehabilitate Vacant Properties, Increasing Affordable Housing and Stabilizing Neighborhoods

TOWNS INCLUDE; Berwyn | Chicago Heights | Maywood | Park Forest | Riverdale and South Holland

BERWYN – February 3, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn was joined today by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and six Cook County mayors to announce a new initiative to return vacant, foreclosed properties to productive use. An initiative laid out in the Governor’s State of the State address earlier this week, the Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program will rehabilitate vacant properties and increase affordable housing in the communities of Berwyn, Chicago Heights, Maywood, Park Forest, Riverdale and South Holland.In the pilot phase of the program announced today, a $55 million joint commitment from the state of Illinois and Cook County will help the six communities stabilize neighborhoods, protect property values, preserve the existing local tax base and increase affordable housing stock. The localities selected for the pilot have been among those hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis.“The Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program is a strategic effort to help stabilize communities struggling with the foreclosure crisis,” Governor Quinn said. “By turning vacant properties into affordable housing, we’re assisting existing homeowners, strengthening hard-hit neighborhoods and boosting affordable homeownership options for working families.”Abandoned properties burden communities by creating blight, attracting crime and reducing the local tax rolls. On average, homes located the same block as a foreclosed property can drop $8,000 to $10,000 in value.

Returning properties to productive use benefits communities by creating jobs and increasing local revenue from property taxes and real estate taxes. Communities also benefit from increased consumer spending by contractors, as well as residents furnishing their new homes. The increase in affordable housing stock helps families starting out or starting again, and promotes economic growth.

“I am excited to partner with Governor Quinn and the state of Illinois in this joint effort to stem the tide of the foreclosure crisis in our underserved communities, and revitalize Cook County’s neighborhoods,” Cook County President Preckwinkle said. “We must continue to focus on a regional economic development strategy that more effectively leverages our resources to spur economic growth, and the Building Blocks program is a step in the right direction.”

The Illinois Building Blocks Program, administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), has three components:

Financing to rehabilitate vacant properties to prepare them for productive use and for sale;
Assistance to homeowners to purchase homes in pilot communities; and
Support for existing homeowners in the communities to prevent additional foreclosures.

The rehabilitation component includes $40 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program and $10 million from Cook County to facilitate the acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant properties within the targeted areas. As the rehabbed homes are sold, funds are replenished into the revolving fund to purchase and rehabilitate additional properties. The pilot program could rehabilitate at least 500 properties in the six communities.

The second component provides $5 million in assistance for homeowners to purchase vacant properties, including those rehabilitated in the pilot project. Grants of $10,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance are available for up to 500 homebuyers purchasing vacant properties. The program also includes affordable first position mortgages for qualified buyers in order to make the cost of purchasing vacant homes in the communities as affordable as possible. The pilot also permits a lower FICO score threshold, so that a greater number of potential homebuyers can qualify for loans.

The Illinois Building Blocks Program will also help current homeowners in the six communities by providing tools to prevent foreclosure. The efforts will build on the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (KeepYourHomeIllinois.org), launched in the Governor’s State of the State address. Programs in the six communities will include free one-on-one foreclosure counseling, loan modifications, and access to financial assistance to homeowners who have trouble paying their mortgage payments due to unemployment or under-employment.

The Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program builds upon existing efforts already under way in many of these communities, particularly federally-funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) development. Under Governor Quinn, Illinois has committed $58 million in NSP funding and is already restoring nearly 450 foreclosed or vacant housing units in Illinois, creating an estimated 580 jobs.

“With the highest inventory of foreclosed homes in the nation, the Chicago region requires a focused foreclosure response like the Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program,” said Mary Kenney, IHDA Executive Director. “This program represents a multifaceted approach and is an important part of Governor Quinn’s overall housing strategy to address the economic, public safety and quality of life issues caused by abandoned and foreclosed properties.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (www.ihda.org) is an independent, self-supporting bonding authority that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. Since 1967, IHDA has allocated more than $10.6 billion to finance more than 215,000 affordable housing units for the residents of Illinois.

EASY AND INEXPENSIVE DECORATING IDEAS

cmoscinski — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:58:24 +0000

Want to sell your home faster?

The NUMBER #1 Item buyers want is a remodeled / updated kitchen. It’s a known fact that kitchens sell homes.

Most Popular Features

Total Kitchen Redos Steal remodeling ideas from eight homeowners who knocked down, ripped up, and brought life back into their kitchens (CLICK ON IMAGE)

Sweepstakes

Bedroom Makeover on a Budget

Same Closet, More Space

Dramatic Kitchen Before and Afters

Great website on easy decorating ideas

Are you thinking of Selling or know of someone who is?

Call our office and get your home listed today (708)369-8094

55+ and Senior Friendly Realtors

+ get a “Free” CMA when you mention this website!

Find out your homes value in today’s market.

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The “House Hunters” Team, Inc. We specialize in the Chicago & Suburbs Markets uncluding Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Lombard, La Grange, Western Springs, Willow Springs, Brookfield, La Grange Park and more!

DID YOU KNOW STAGED HOMES SELL FASTER? Decluttered & organized space appeal to Buyers. Get the help you need; whether curb appeal, wall color, organizing or decluttering contact Barb Gros today – Serving all of Chicagoland and neighboring Suburbs (630) 515-8757

UNDER WATER? LOAN MODIFICATON? OBAMA SAYS THERE IS HELP BUT….

cmoscinski — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:58:11 +0000

Under water in your mortgage? President Obama says there is help but…

You have to be CURRENT WITH YOUR MORTGAGE ????

How many of you lost your jobs or your spouse in 2008-2010? I know 3 out of 5 people I talked with said they or someone they know did.

So how is this plan going to help those that have got a job now but have been late on the mortgage in the past 12 months?

Just another way to allow the banks to get away with another REFINANCING at a LOWER RATE but but for 30-40 year term. How is that fair?

America needs to WAKE UP and start writing your Senators or:

1. Home prices will never rise

2. Many Americans will lose thier homes (expected 1 million in 2012 alone)

3. Poverty will rise in America

4. Rental rates will rise (Chicago Loop average 1BR/$1500, Brookfield 2BR/$1200, Westchester 2br/$1300)

If your are underwater (house is worth less than mortgage note) click here for some information on how to get started on LOAN MODIFICATION.

If you are interested in SHORT SALE, contact us today for help. We can help to negotiate with your lender .

Don’t risk losing your credit by going into foreclosure or walking away, call today 708-369-8094 or 630-327-0805.

Call for free help and advice 708-369-8094

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CHICAGO, IL: State of Illinois Makes Electronics Recycling Mandatory

cmoscinski — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:56:43 +0000

Electronics Recycling Becomes Mandatory

Beginning January 1, 2012 the listed electronics have been banned from landfills in the State of Illinois. These items may no longer be disposed of with your weekly trash. They must be recycled.

televisions, monitors
printers, facsimile machines, scanners
computers, electronic keyboards and mice
video game consoles & videocassette recorders
digital converter boxes, cable & satellite receivers/recorders
portable digital music players
video disc recorders and players

Following is a list of stores that will accept electronics for recycling. Some of the stores accept the items for free, some charge a nominal fee.

Best Buy

www.bestbuy.com/recycling

Goodwill Industries (Berwyn & Willowbrook) -

www.reconnectpartnership.com

Staples

www.staples.gazelle.com

Office Depot

www.officedepot.com

Hewlett Packard

www.hp.com/recycle

Dell Computer

www.dell.com/recyle

For more recycling options, please check earth911.com

Keep in touch!

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BROOKFIELD, IL: STUNNING KITCHEN REMODEL – BEFORE AND AFTER

cmoscinski — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:33:36 +0000

STUNNING KITCHEN REMODEL Showing an Early 1900′s Ranch style home in Brookfield, Illinois:

My clients could not sell their home due to a small galley style kitchen which had very little space and function but after deliberation with Contractor, Mike Bambouyani, we were convinced and consulted with them to consider a remodel of their very undesireable kitchen.

Well, as shown below, you can see the fantastic result with fully functioning open space, new appliances and break out wall with under counter seating resulting in a 100% investment return upon sale…Kitchen’s Sell Homes!

Contractor Pictures Courtesy : Mike Bambouyani at JandM Remodeling, Chicago, Illinois (773)209-1204

Kitchen Makeover – Before and After

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Thinking of buying? It is hardly ever the case where you will find the “perfect” home that has everything you want. But my advice is to keep an open mind and think of the possiblities. Have a “FREE” consultation with me today to find out your needs - you’ll be gald you did!

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TRADITIONAL POLISH CHRISTMAS RECIPES (Wigilia)

cmoscinski — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:14:37 +0000

My FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR!!

Two great websites/blogs to try some traditional Polish Christmas recipes that include non-meat foods for Christmas Eve:

Sauerkraut, pickled Herring, Golabki, Pierogi, Salmon, Barszcz…YUM!

Polish recipes can be found at:

European Food dot com

The Cookie World Blog

Polish Mama Chicago

PALATINE, IL: RETAIL STRIP SHOPPING CENTER FOR SALE RAND ROAD CORRIDOR $699k

cmoscinski — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:05:16 +0000

Busy Rand Road Retail Corridor with Great Demographics & Trade Area Including Menards right across the street

TENANT MANAGED 100% LEASED / RENT RATES: $13-$15 PSF IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE HVAC, WHITE (ECO) ROOF

SITE ALSO INCLUDES BILLBOARD INCOME

Want more information email direct to cmoscinski@ehousehuntonline.com

Text Direct: 708-369-8094

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Want to feature YOUR property all over the internet? Call us today for extreme market saturation.

We are THE experts in internet and network marketing in Metro Chicago & Suburbs – getting you the most exposure, not just another listing in the MLS.

Chicago & Suburban Real Estate Experts – By Appointment or Referral Only

BROOKFIELD, IL: “JUST LISTED” REHABBERS DREAM PRIME IN-TOWN LOCATION $75,900

cmoscinski — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:03:55 +0000

ESTATE SALE! 3710 Prairie Ave, Brookfield IL

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING FOR REHABBER! Home has original wood nice footprint, needs much work. Oversized lot, 3 car garage. Property zoned for business or single family in heart of town. 1/2 block to METRA, local retail and shopping. No survey, as-is sale.

Buyer resp. for village inspection.

Great in-town location!

Nearby retail sector includes local retail on Ogden Avenue and La Grange with nearby retailers including: Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Chipotle and new development on NEC La Grange Road and Ogden Pace and Metra

The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, including but not limited to square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals.

Address: 3710 Prairie Avenue Type: ResidentialStyle: Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Garage: Triple, DetachedBasement: YesLot Type: RectangularYear Built: 1916 Taxes: $7,015.62 USD (2010)

Want more information? Call (708)369-8094

or email direct to cmoscinski@ehousehuntonline.com

Text Direct: 708-369-8094

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Want to feature YOUR home all over the internet? Call us today for extreme market saturation!

We are THE experts in internet and network marketing in Metro Chicago & Western Suburbs – getting you the most exposure, not just another listing in the MLS.

Chicago & West Suburban Experts – By Appointment or Referral Only

BUYERS LIST TOP WANTS WHEN BUYING A HOME

cmoscinski — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:22:22 +0000

BUYER’S DEMANDS ARE HIGH IN THESE TOUGH MARKET TIMES…

Preparing your home for sale is easy if you take the time to do it right. De-cluttering and staging the home will allow for a Buyer to see every inch of space in the home.

In 2011 Buyer’s went for homes that offerred extended outdoor living space.

TIP: Investing in a deck remodel and designing a serene landscape in your backyard will bring a 90-100% return on your investment and is one of the top items on a Buyer’s “want” list.

Energy efficient utilities and appliances also were on top of the Buyer “want” list.

Are you thinking of Selling or know of someone who is?

Call our office and get your home listed today (708)369-8094

55+ and Senior Friendly Realtors

+ get a “Free” CMA when you mention this website!

Find out your homes value in today’s market.

Follow Us: Twitter | Trulia | My Real Estate Blog

FREE HOME SEARCH

The “House Hunters” Team, Inc. We specialize in the Chicago Suburbs Markets and Reports including Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Lombard, La Grange, Western Springs, Willow Springs, Brookfield, La Grange Park and more

DID YOU KNOW STAGED HOMES SELL FASTER? Decluttered & organized space appeal to Buyers. Get the help you need; whether curb appeal, wall color, organizing or decluttering contact Barb Gros today – Serving all of Chicagoland and neighboring Suburbs (630) 515-8757