Sharon Riegert's Blog

Even if you do not have enough money saved for a down payment on a home…..

sharonriegert — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:35:44 +0000

Statewide Loan Makes

Home ownership Affordable

SmartMove programs offer low-interest rates, down payment assistance

CHICAGO– With spring around the corner, it’s an ideal time for first-time home-buyers (anyone who has not owned their own home for the past 3 years) and Veterans to take advantage of a statewide affordable loan program available through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).

SmartMove loan programs enable residents across the state to benefit from historically low interest rates and home prices.

SmartMove features down payment assistance and interest rates as low as 4.5 percent.

SmartMove loan programs offer homeownership opportunities to fit a variety of first-time homebuyer’s needs. Homebuyers who qualify for the 30-year, fixed-rate SmartMove loan also have the option of applying for a second loan for up to $6,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a zero-percent loan forgivable over 10 years.

SmartMove programs are geared toward borrowers who need extra flexibility on sources of income, or who have limited funds for down payment and closing costs.

SmartMove features:

Conventional, FHA, USDA and VA programs
Streamlined 203(k) FHA loan ideal for buyers of “fixer-upper” foreclosures or short sale homes
Generous purchase price limits
Conventional mortgage insurance requirements one-third less than other loan

Getting an IHDA Smart Move Loan

Buying your first home can be an exciting and intimidating process. With the SmartMove loan, IHDA strives to make the process as streamlined as possible so you can achieve your goal of home ownership.

Program Overview
The SmartMove program is designed for qualified buyers who have limited funds for down payment and/or closing costs. The program has several features:

A first mortgage with an affordable interest rate. See the current rates.
A second mortgage up to $6,000 for down payment and/or closing cost assistance
Variety of loan products including FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans.

Programs steps and process
Step One: Determine if you meet the program qualifications
The SmartMoveprogram qualifications are:

You must be a first-time homebuyer. A first-time homebuyer is defined as someone who hasn’t owned a primary residence within the last three years. Exemptions to the first-time homebuyer requirement:
- Veterans: If you are a veteran, both you and your spouse do not have to be first-time homebuyers.
- Targeted Area: Homebuyers purchasing a home in targeted areas of the state are exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement. Please review the listing of targeted areas.
Your total household income and the purchase price of your home must be under the program limits. Please review income and purchase price limits.

Step Two: Visit a participating lender
After you have determined that you qualify for the program, contact me, Sharon Riegert of Baird & Warner Real Estate at 630.718.7523. I will put you in touch with a loan officer from Key Mortgage Services, one of our participating lenders.
The lender will tell you what documentation is required, and verify whether you qualify for the loan based on the above parameters. Additionally, they will qualify you from a credit standpoint. After all information is received, a pre-approval letter will be issued to inform you of the loan amount for which you qualify.

Step Three: Look for a home
Once you are pre-approved for a loan, you can start looking for a new home. I will consult with you to discuss your wants and needs and the entire home buying process.
Once you find a property and sign a contract, the lender will compile a loan package for final review and approval. The information will be reviewed by IHDA staff, as well as by your lender. The average time to complete this process is 30-45 days.
Congratulations
After your loan package is approved, you will close (transfer of the property to you from the seller). Congratulations – you are now a homeowner!

Archery for All Ages

sharonriegert — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:22:25 +0000

You can learn archery techniques in an indoor setting on Sunday, January 8, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 West 31st Street in Oak Brook. Attendance hours are 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The necessary equipment will be provided for you. This program is for all individuals age 7 and up although children under 18 yrs. need to be accompanied by an adult. It is free of charge but you should register by calling (630) 933-7248.

Did you know???

sharonriegert — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:49:27 +0000

There is a new website for people with disabilities

www.MyADAAdvocate.com

Devoted to the inclusion of people with disabilities and offers programs to educate people with disabilities about their rights granted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It offers customized ADA classes to address a person’s individual needs, and the guidance and tools to effect positive change. Classes are free of charge. This information is provided by Progress Center for Independent Living, a non-profit, non-residential service and advocacy organization that assists people with disabilities to live more independently. Contact Larry Biondi at (708) 209-1500 x. 24 or lbiondi@progresscil.org for more information.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

sharonriegert — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:48:47 +0000

On Tuesday, December 27th, between noon and 2 p.m., you can take a 15-minute ride through the prairies and woodlands of Danada Forest Preserve. Learn about the features of this historic preserve from at Danada Equestrian Center, 3S503 Naperville Road in Wheaton. The cost is $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 per child ages 5 to 12, and children under 5 are free. Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to reserve private rides. Call (630) 668-6012 for reservations or more information.

sharonriegert — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:20:19 +0000

The Festival of Lights shines on Phillips Park in Aurora for the holidays. Families can drive through more than a mile of light displays featuring Santa Claus, his reindeer, candy canes, lighted trees and other holiday favorites.

The Festival will be open daily starting Friday, Nov. 25 through Monday, Dec. 26 at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive. Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Festival of Lights is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Aurora in partnership with the City of Aurora. Donations will be accepted at the Festival exit.
For more information visit www.aurorafestivaloflights.com.

Aurora children who want to give their holiday wish list to Santa Claus in person can visit jolly St. Nick in December at the Phillips Park Visitors Center. Santa will be available from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3 to 4 and 10 to 11, as well as Saturday through Wednesday, Dec. 17 to 21.

Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Phillips Park.

Fun November Activities

sharonriegert — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:45:30 +0000

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake: On Thursday, November 10th, enjoy an evening of high-quality jazz featuring the Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. This is strictly an adult affair! Special discounts will be applied for seniors over 65, students, and groups of six or more. Reserve you ticket and seating by calling (630) 206-9566.

Random Acts of Kindness Workday: How about showing the earth a little kindness and help clean up one of DuPage County’s “hidden” treasures? On Saturday, November 12th, from 9 a.m. to noon, you can do just that at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove on Route 53 one-quarter mile south of Butterfield Road. All ages are welcome and be sure to have an adult attending with children under 14. This event is free but you must register by calling 630-933-7681 at least three business days (or 10 days if you will have a group of 5 or more attending) in advance of the event.

Evening Hike: On Saturday, November 12th from 5 to 7 P.M., you can hike through the dark woods with a forest preserve ranger to discover what it’s like to use your senses like a nocturnal predator. The event will take place at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien on Bluff Road one-quarter mile east of Cass Avenue. Children 6 years old and up are welcome; those under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult. It is a free event but you will need to register by calling (630) 933-7248.

Fun October Activities

sharonriegert — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:51:43 +0000

Corn Harvest: On Monday, October 10th, help pick, shock, shuck, shell and store the corn that will feed the farm’s cows and sheep over winter. Come and join the activities any time during the day, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago. All ages are welcome and it is FREE. Call (630) 876-5900 for more information.

Geocaching at Greene Valley: On Sunday, October 16th, come and join in a widely popular treasure-hunting activity at one of the highest points in DuPage County! From 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the scenic overlook at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville, on Greene Road one-quarter mile south of 79th Street. All ages are welcome but those under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. This fun event if FREE but you will want to call (630) 933-7248 to register.

Day at the Farm Field Trip: School & Home-school groups are invited to learn about chores and family life on the farm in the 1890′s on Thursday, October 20th. Lots of fun activities will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago. They will be geared toward children between the ages 6 and 12. There is a fee of $5 per student and an adult must accompany them. You will want to register by calling (630) 876-5900.

Fun September Activities

sharonriegert — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:16:01 +0000

Introduction to Kayaking

On Friday, September 16th, you can learn the basics of kayaking including parts of the boat and paddling strokes. The fun takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton, on Butterfield Road two miles west of Naperville Road. This activity is suggested for ages 14 and up and those under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. The equipment will be provided. The cost is $20 per person. Call (630) 933-7248 to register.

Ranger Trek Junior

On Saturday, September 17th, you can learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home, and join a forest ranger on a hike to explore different habitats. This activity takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien, on Bluff Road one-quarter mile east of Cass Avenue. Those under 10 need to be accompanied by an adult. It is free of charge but be sure to call (630) 933-7248 to register.

Home inspections

sharonriegert — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:54:56 +0000

Are you familiar with Illinois law in regards to home inspections?

It is illegal for a person to act as a home inspector without a proper home inspector’s license issued under the Illinois Home Inspector License Act. Any person who is in violation of this act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Any person who violates this act is subject to criminal prosecution and a civil penalty of up to $10,000.

Our Real Estate contracts are designed to protect both buyers and sellers. Because of a recent home inspection performed on one of my listings by an unlicensed inspector, I felt compelled to write about this. As seller’s agent, I was not informed of this before the inspection and came to find out about it only afterwards.

Buyers and sellers alike must realize that an unlicensed inspector can cause damaging problems for both sides, which has happened in this case.

As I move forward after this experience, I have a few words of wisdom. Seller’s agents must ask for the home inspectors credentials including Illinois license number.

Buyer’s agents must educate their clients to Illinois license law as it pertains to home inspection. A home inspection does not have to be performed but, if it is, it must be performed by an inspector licensed in the State of Illinois. Any other scenario must be discussed with the buyer’s attorney before negotiations. Otherwise, the executed contract would be negated. If not familiar with your client’s inspector of choice, you must ask to see his license.

I invite you to read about this for yourself on the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation’s website.

Licensed home inspector

Fun August Community Events

sharonriegert — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:44:37 +0000

SINGING INSECTS: On Saturday, August 20, get acquainted with singing insects that live in the woodlands and meadows during a one-mile walk that will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Danada Forest Preserve, 3S503 Naperville Road in Wheaton. For ages 9 and up, those under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Free of charge, call (630) 206-9581 for more information.

GIRL SCOUT OPEN HOUSE: There will be an open house on August 21, 2011 at Camp Greene Wood in Woodridge from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Take a hike through camp, do a craft, learn Girl Scout songs and play Girl Scout games. Learn about Girl Scouting in your community and how to join. For details call Cheryl Lang at (630) 964-1998 or email her at cherwdrdg@comcast.net.

CATCHING & COOKING CAT FISH: On Friday, August 26, learn tips and tricks for catching and handling “Mr. Whiskers” during this hands-on clinic then enjoy a catfish dinner. From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton on Butterfield Road two miles west of Naperville Road. The event is for all ages, those under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. The charge is $10 per person ages 13 and up and $5 for ages 5 to 12. Call (630) 933-7248 to register or for more information.

Curious about energy efficient vehicles and technologies? United States Representative, Judy Biggert, is hosting a Green Car Show on Tuesday, August 30 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Naperville Test Track, 1720 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville. It is open to the public and children are welcome. Attendees can test drive the most energy efficient vehicles on the market, learn about the Naperville Green Fuels Depot, and check out electric car charging stations from Argonne National Laboratory. Local dealerships will present electric and hybrid cars, UPS will exhibit its hybrid delivery truck and Navistar its E-Star energy vehicle. Also, the Museum of Science and Industry will have a fun, interactive display where attendees can learn more about alternative energy sources.