(source: Illinois.gov)
For the first time in history the Illinois public can participate in the state’s budget process. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) launched www.budget.illinois.gov, a Web site that invites public feedback for shaping the state’s fiscal year 2011 budget. C.A.R. will monitor the site for real estate tax related ideas. 

On April 5, 2010, the U.S. government will implement the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program. Part of the Home Affordable Modification Program, HAFA helps homeowners who are unable to retain their home under HAMP by simplifying and streamlining the use of short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosures. Homeowners must meet certain requirements to participate and incentive payments are provided to homeowners and servicers.

 
IRS Tax Tip 2010-27
If you purchased a home in 2009 or early 2010, you may be eligible to claim the First-Time Homebuyer Credit, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a long-time resident purchasing a new home.
Here are seven things the IRS wants you to know about claiming the credit:

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
www.maryparkerhouse@twitter.com
www.mpharris@linkedn.com
www.mpharris@facebook.com
 

"OVER THE RAINBOW" DID YOU SEE YESTERDAY.

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The Susan Boyle's Story.  I was totally blown away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

Just at the right time, Nicole.  Since clients want to know or have some on hand knowledge that they'll notice on the progress of their listing and this helps in both ways in negotiating and really lets the buyer and seller come to the negotiation table with marketable facts.  Because some comparative market data may be so outdated, that the general public gets confused.  With this process the comparison only can benefit both the seller and buyer.

Your credibility could have a tremendous impact on the marketing of any property.  Let me show you what a sale of your property could mean in terms of actual cash in your hands.  Enclosed is a free market analysis or send your past and present clients to zillow or trulia,  it's buyer/seller friendly. 

Zillow also allows the seller to tell interested buyers why & what they love about their neighborhood, house and so forth.  I love the fact that you're working with a more savvy homebuying and selling market out here and having great tools only makes everyone at the negotiating table feel confident that they are knowledgeable and confident about their purchase or sale.

RISMEDIA, April 1, 2008-In the wake of this winter’s major meltdown, and with spring’s rainy season at our doorsteps, excessive household moisture exposure and water damage could cause mold to take hold in your home.

Follow these five simple tips to stave off mold in your home:

Check: Do a thorough inspection of your home from top to bottom and inside/outside. Look for damaged shingles, a warped window pane or cracked foundation mortar - spots where moisture could seep into your home.Shovel: If you still have snow surrounding your home, shovel it away from the point where the ground meets the structure and dig it out of your basement window wells.

Inspect: Take a walk around your home to see if your gutter is intact and to make sure downspouts are pointing away from your house to deliver water away from the structure.

Test: A properly sloped and surfaced driveway will keep puddles to a minimum and draw water away from your home. Test this by pouring a small amount of water on your driveway to see how it slopes.

Location

Educate yourself.  Find a homebuyer seminar that you can attend or research online.  The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Web site (www.hud.gov) has an entire section devoted to homebuyers with common questions of first-time homebuyers, home shopping checklists, mortgage and home buying programs information.

New on the Market - Vintage 1 bedroom/1bath condo in Hyde Park - Prime Location - 5551 S. Kimbark Avenue - Unit 16

Open House - Sunday, October 26, 1-3