Real Estate In Chicago Land Area: November 2009

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Chicago Dog Permit Information

WHAT IS THE PERMIT AND TAG FEE?

The permit and tag fee is a total of $5.00

HOW LONG IS A PERMIT AND TAG GOOD FOR?

Any permit and registration tag will be valid only for a single season no matter when purchased. A single season is defined as the period running from January 1st of any year through December 31st of the same year.

WILL THERE BE A SLIDING SCALE FOR SENIORS OR VISITORS?
There will not be a sliding scale. Visitors must follow the same procedures for obtaining a permit and tag.

WHERE CAN I GET A PERMIT AND TAG?

Permits and tags will only be available at participating Chicagoland veterinary offices. If you are an out-of-state resident you must also contact one of the participating Chicagoland veterinary offices to determine what paperwork is necessary to obtain the permit and tag. Most of these veterinarians will help those whose own vets are not participating. You should call them first to confirm that they will assist you and to determine how much they charge for an office visit.

WHEN CAN I GET A PERMIT AND TAG?

Permits and tags will be available at participating Chicago veterinary offices beginning February 1st, 2006.

WILL THERE BE VISITOR OR DAY PASSES

There are no visitor or day passes. Any visitor wishing to bring their pet to a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area must follow the same procedures for obtaining a permit and tag.

WHAT ARE THE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS?

Pursuant to regulations under the new Cook County Ordinance, dog owners must show proof of:

Current dog license issued by the City of Chicago, or proof that the dog has a current rabies vaccination.
Examination within the past year for any communicable diseases including an examination of a stool specimen for internal parasites.
Current vaccination or titer if possible for Distemper, Hepatitis, Para-influenza, Parvovirus, and Bordatella (kennel cough) unless an exemption to this requirement has been granted by the Administrator upon the written recommendation from the Owner’s veterinarian.

WHO WILL ENFORCE THE RULES AND REGULATIONS?

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control will enforce DFA rules and regulations and issue tickets to violators. Violators, along with the Chicago Park District, will face a possible fine of $500. Dog owners must carry their permits at all times when attending DFAs. Each DFA will have a sign posted at the entrance stating all DFA rules and regulations

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY PERMIT OR TAG?

If a patron loses their dog tag or permit, they must reapply for a permit and tag for a $5.00 fee with a participating Chicagoland veterinarian.

WHY DO I NEED A PERMIT AND TAG FOR MY DOG TO ENTER A DFA?

Pursuant to a regulation issued by the Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, all dogs entering a DFA must have a permit and registration tag from a licensed veterinarian. People bring dogs into a Chicago Park District DFA must have both a permit with them and a registration tag for each dog. The registration tag must be on the dog’s collar or harness. The permit and registration tag may be used at any officially sanctioned Chicago Park District DFA.

Source: Chicago Park District

Dog Friendly Locations in Chicago Land

Belmont Harbor – Belmont & Lake Shore Drive

Challenger Park—1101 W. Irving Park Rd.

Churchill Park—1825 N. Damen

Coliseum Park—14th & Wabash

Grant Park—Columbus Drive & 9th Street

Hamlin Park—3035 N. Hoyne

Margate Park—4921 N. Marine Dr.

Montrose Beach—Wilson Street & the Lake

Park No. 511 – 630 N. Kingsbury

Park No. 546 – 450 E. Benton Place

Park No. 551 – 353 N. DesPlaines

River Park – 5100 N. Francisco Ave.

Walsh Park—1722 N. Ashland

Wicker Park—1425 N. Damen

Wiggly Field—2645 N. Sheffield

Source: Chicago Park District

Friday, November 27, 2009

Huh? 31.95% DON'T know what a "Squeeze Page" is?

Recently, James Grandstaff revealed something
that I found quite interesting...

If you've been around the IM (internet marketing) scene for awhile, you've most likely heard the term "squeeze page" before, right?

At least that's what I thought.

Well, James surveyed approx. 500 people on his list who are interested in making money online. Many stated they were interested in affiliate marketing, product creation, MLM, etc...

One of the questions was "Do you know what a
"Squeeze Page" is?"

68.05% answered yes and 31.95% answered NO.

To be honest...

I was shocked that 31.95% said no.

What about you?

In light of this shocking survey data I decided to
write this post today to go over the very basics
of what a squeeze page is and why you should
be using them in your business (if you are not
already.)

And for those of you who already use them, pay
attention. You will probably learn something too.

Here goes...

A squeeze page which is also known as a "lead
capture page" or "name squeeze page" is a simple
web page with one purpose; to get your visitor
to give you their name and email address so you
can follow-up with them. That's it.

One of the best ways to get someone to opt-in
to your squeeze page is by offering something
of high perceived value such as a mini ecourse
or a highly targeted eBook.

For example, let's say you are promoting a multi-
level marketing business opportunity. The products
are great and you are a raving fan.

Most people would just start promoting the website
the company supplies. I say no. This is a perfect
opportunity to implement the use of a squeeze page and offer something of value first.

That way, you collect the leads, you follow-up with
an introduction of yourself and begin building a
long lasting business relationship.

In sales, what we are really selling is "us" first,
then the product.

You always want to provide value first. Once your
prospects warm up to you, then it's time to ask the
right questions to determine if your product or
business opportunity can help solve their needs.

If you'd like to see a high quality, high converting
squeeze page that James has put together, you
can visit the link below.

It's important to read the "thank you" page on the
other side you can get an idea of how the whole
process works.

http://iwantafreecopy.com/r/RigneyRealty/rich1a.html

Until next time...

Yours in success,

David

99 Ways to Skin a Cat by David Rigney

It seems like everybody has their own theory on how to survive the recession. Just some of the kind of stuff you’ll see across the internet and blogosphere is advice like:

1. Protect your job
2. Move while others are distracted
3. Earn extra money
4. Evaluate your mortgage
5. Refinance high interest credit cards
6. Reduce spending
7. Haggle your way to savings
8. Conserve and reduce your energy bills
9. Avoid taking on any unnecessary debts

I really could go on to reach 99 just to represent the saying, “99 ways to skin a cat”. But I won’t waste your time. I know you can Google it for yourself and find hundreds more advice from every Tom, Dick and Harry out there.

So let me get straight to the point.

With so many ways and advice, how come not everyone gets rich? How come not everyone who reduces their spending get rich? How come not everyone who has an education get rich? How come not everyone who starts a business get rich?

Because it’s not about what you do, it’s about how you do it. Cause while there are 99 ways to skin a cat, if you don’t do it RIGHT — whichever method you have chosen — it won’t bring RESULTS.

So what is the ONE right thing that you need to do to get rich?

Bob Proctor knows. And he wants to tell you that there is a science — a formula — to get rich. It’s about doing certain things in a certain way. And this blueprint has been proven to make anyone get rich across centuries.

So before you waste your time trying out 99 ways blindly, get this one formula that will transform your financial future.

To learn more about the Science of Getting Rich – go to http://fire1612.thesgr.hop.clickbank.net/?

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

For 2009 Home Purchases

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the first-time homebuyer credit by increasing the credit amount to $8,000 for purchases made in 2009 before Dec. 1. However, the new Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the deadline. Now, taxpayers who have a binding contract to purchase a home before May 1, 2010, are eligible for the credit. Buyers must close on the home before July 1, 2010. [Added Nov. 12, 2009]

For home purchased in 2009, the credit does not have to be paid back unless the home ceases to be the taxpayer's main residence within a three-year period following the purchase.

First-time homebuyers who purchase a home in 2009 can claim the credit on either a 2008 tax return, due April 15, 2009, or a 2009 tax return, due April 15, 2010. The credit may not be claimed before the closing date. But, if the closing occurs after April 15, 2009, a taxpayer can still claim it on a 2008 tax return by requesting an extension of time to file or by filing an amended return. News release 2009-27 has more information on these options.

For 2008 Home Purchases

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 established a tax credit for first-time homebuyers that can be worth up to $7,500. For homes purchased in 2008, the credit is similar to a no-interest loan and must be repaid in 15 equal, annual installments beginning with the 2010 income tax year.

10 Important Facts about the Extended First-Time Homebuyer Credit

If you are in the market for a new home, you may still be able to claim the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. Congress recently passed The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act Of 2009, extending the First-Time Homebuyer Credit and expanding who qualifies.

Here are the top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about the expanded credit and the qualifications you must meet in order to qualify for it.

You must buy – or enter into a binding contract to buy a principal residence – on or before April 30, 2010.
If you enter into a binding contract by April 30, 2010 you must close on the home on or before June 30, 2010.
For qualifying purchases in 2010, you will have the option of claiming the credit on either your 2009 or 2010 return.
A long-time resident of the same home can now qualify for a reduced credit. You can qualify for the credit if you’ve lived in the same principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the new home is purchased and the settlement date is after November 6, 2009.
The maximum credit for long-time residents is $6,500. However, married individuals filing separately are limited to $3,250.
People with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit. The new law raises the income limits for homes purchased after November 6, 2009. The full credit is available to taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000, or $225,000 for joint filers.
The IRS will issue a December 2009 revision of Form 5405 to claim this credit. The December 2009 form must be used for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 – whether the credit is claimed for 2008 or for 2009 – and for all home purchases that are claimed on 2009 returns.
No credit is available if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000.
The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase. For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age requirement.
A dependent is not eligible to claim the credit.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Recovery Act Projects Map

This map allows you see where and how the United States Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and United States Department of Commerce projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are putting Americans back to work and rejuvenating the nation's ailing economy.

USDA - Map

Monday, November 23, 2009

Pent-Up Demand and Tax Credit Drive October Home Sales Rally Sales Up 24.2% Statewide and 33.3% in Chicago Region

Like holiday shoppers in search of a good bargain, first-time home buyers were out in force last month, scooping up homes to grab a federal tax credit that was to have expired Nov. 30.

As a result, sales of existing single-family homes and condos in October were extraordinary, rising 33.3 percent from the same month last year, to 7,286 homes sold in the Chicago area. And they got those homes at a deal -- the median price in the Chicago area last month was $190,000, down 15.6 percent from October 2008's $225,000, the Illinois Association of Realtors said Monday.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Making the Transition from Renting to Buying

Here are a few points to consider as you weigh the pros and cons of home ownership.

No doubt you've thought of how nice it would be not to write a rent check every month, but have you done the math? Nothing can make you feel more secure than owning your own house, unless buying a home will create financial problems of its own. Here's a discussion of the most important financial costs associated with home buying to stack up against your monthly rent check.

Instead of the standard deduction on your income tax return, most homeowners itemize their deductions, allowing them to deduct the following (and save on taxes): home mortgage interest, property real estate taxes, state income taxes, gifts to charity, medical and dental expenses over 7.5% of your income, personal property taxes, and most moving expenses.

Figure your monthly payments if you were to buy. Compare your monthly rent to a calculation of the following: purchase price and down payment of your home, your annual income (and debt!), property tax rate, home insurance rate, interest rate and length of loan. For best results, contact a home-buying specialist.

Other costs
Expect other costs to homeowning. Along with your monthly mortgage and down payment, there's property tax and homeowners insurance premiums, and fees known as "closing costs." These include everything from a credit check to "points"- interest paid up-front in return for a lower interest rate. Others: title insurance fee, survey charge, attorney/escrow fees, and loan origination. So do your research!

Long-term equity
No discussion of home ownership is complete without considering the long-term benefits of owning. What your house will be worth when you sell depends on the state of your mortgage and the housing market, in particular. Consult with real estate professionals, read up, and do your math to get a realistic sense of your future home value.

Lifestyle and mobility
Mobility is part of renting. Freedom to take the next job or move for a relationship is easy to come by when you rent a home. And when you do move, there's often more choice of specific location, and price, when you seek rental housing. Want an apartment near a park in western Philadelphia? You may find an easier time looking to rent than buy.

Many renters say they love knowing they're not tied down - and don't have to assume financial responsibility for their living space. This is of course a big difference from home ownership: who does the work.

Who does the work
While you don't receive the joys of making a place truly "your own," you do have limited costs in renting. Landlords are responsible for general upkeep and safety, allowing you to focus on the fine points. Homeowning, in contrast, puts you in the driver's seat. You shoulder the expenses and reap the rewards of home improvement - both great and small. Think about whether you want to put in additional time and money.

Choices, choices
Whether you decide to take the step of home ownership is a personal choice with its own ups and downs. Hopefully we've helped dust off the magic ball a bit; what you see in your future is up to you!

How a REALTOR® Can Help You

A real estate agent can help you understand everything you need to know about the buying process.

The process of buying a home or investment generally starts with determining your buying power; that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a real estate agent some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.

Looking
Once you know how much you can and want to invest, the next step is to find the properties that most nearly fit your needs. This is the time to choose a real estate licensee. When picking a real estate agent look for one who is also a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, a real estate trade association, and all members agree to abide by a 17 article Code of Ethics. A REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market. It will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

Choosing a property
Your job is to make the final selection of the right property for you. This is when excitement and emotion run high. Your real estate agent can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

Negotiating
There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

Due diligence
With a negotiated agreement in hand, it is time to complete the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your agent can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your agent, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

Financing
As soon as you are reasonably sure the property is right for you, the process of obtaining financing begins. Your agent can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

Closing or settlement
Finally, there is the closing, or settlement, as it is known in different parts of the country. Every area has its own unique customs. In some areas, the title or escrow company will handle this process. In other parts of the country, an attorney does it all. Again, your real estate agent can guide you through this process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

Why use a REALTOR®?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on their business cards or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties in a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a high level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

You be the judge
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Reverse Mortgage Questions Answerd

A Reverse Mortgage can offers immense advantages to the right borrowers. However, since it is a heavily regulated product to safeguard seniors, that can sometimes make it harder to understand. We'd like to announce our original and easy to understand visual to help you get started on the right track.

Need A DOG? Dairyland Greyhound Racetrack in Kenosha, Wisconsin will be closing on December 31, 2009.

900 Greyhounds will need to be adopted otherwise they will be euthanized, now is a great time to consider adopting a Greyhound. They are very loving and laid back. They don’t need the space people think they need. They are great for an active family because they have been crated almost all their lives and they sleep about 18 out of the 24 hours a day. They are just looking for someone to love them and supply them with a warm bed!!!! They test the dogs to see if they are cat friendly and or small dog friendly. They also know if a dog should be a single dog or if they would be great in a 2, 3, or 4 dog house!!! Please help me get the word out; we only have 6 weeks to get this task done.

Contact: Joanne Kehoe Operations DirectorP: 312.559.0887 Or Dairyland Race Track Adoption Center direct at (262) 612-8256

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

USING THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT AS DOWN PAYMENT ON A FHA-INSURED MORTGAGE

On May 29, 2009, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a program that allows borrowers to use the first-time home buyer tax credit for a down payment or closing costs on a FHA-insured mortgage. Since the announcement NAR has received many inquiries from our members regarding how this impacts first-time homebuyers in their state.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit For Buying A Home?

First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

"On the Outlook for the Economy and Policy"

Chairman Ben S. Bernanke At the Economic Club of New York, New York, New York November 16, 2009.

Are Roth IRA conversions right for you?

Beginning in 2010, investors converting assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA are no longer limited by a $100,000 modified adjusted gross income cap. So now that you can convert, the new question becomes should you convert. The answer depends on a large number of variables, some of which require some educated guesses about the future of the tax system and your own situation.

@ Bradenton Herald Posted: 11/17/09 at 0320 EST

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Here are some basics to know about the new tax credit.

First-time buyers who have not had interest in a principal residence for three years are still eligible, and the maximum amount remains the same – $8,000 (or $4,000 for married couples filing separately).
Current homeowners, who have consecutively maintained the home they want to sell as their primary residence for five of the last eight years, are also eligible. However, the maximum amount for those homeowners is lower: $6,500 (or $3,250 for married couples filing separately).
Qualifying buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close before July 1.
The tax credit may not be used to purchase a home for more than $800,000. Vacation homes are ineligible.
The income limits to earn the maximum for both tax credits have been raised to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for married couples.
All buyers who want to get the credit must include documentation of the purchase on their tax returns.
The credit is extended for through June 30, 2011, for members of the military serving outside the United States for at least 90 days.

President Obama signs tax credit extension/expansion

President Obama has approved the extension and expansion of the federal homebuyer tax credit. The measure is part of H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. Under the bill, the deadline for the first-time buyer tax credit of up to $8,000 would be extended through April 30, 2010. Buyers would need to have a contract to purchase in place by April 30 and would have until July 1, 2010 to close. The credit also would be expanded to provide up to a $6,500 tax credit for qualifying prospective buyers who already own their home and who have lived in it as their principal residence consecutively for five of the last eight years. Eligible income limits would be increased and homes costing more than $800,000 would not be eligible for the credits.

Friday, November 06, 2009

White Sox decline option on Jermaine Dye

By Mark Gonzales

The White Sox declined to pick up right fielder Jermaine Dye's $12 million option for 2010 and will give him a $950,000 buyout.

Dye is expected to file for free agency later Friday. He was unavailable for comment.

Dye, 35, hit 164 home runs during his five seasons with the Sox and was the 2005 World Series most valuable player. But he batted .179 with only seven home runs in the second half of the 2009 season.

He batted .278 with 461 RBIs during his tenure with the Sox, and his 164 home runs rank seventh in franchise history. He finished the 2009 season with a .250 batting average, 27 home runs and 81 RBIs.

T.R. Sullivan, mlb.com's Rangers reporter, writes Texas might be interested in Dye.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Tollway Building Green

Since the 2005 launch of the $6.3 billion Congestion-Relief Program – Open Roads for a Faster Future – the Tollway has been reducing, recycling and reusing roadway materials across 120 miles of construction systemwide. Highlights include:

Recycling 100 percent of the old roadway pavement, more than 5 million tons, enough to fill Soldier Field three times.
Reusing about 230,000 scrap tires in asphalt mixes for new roadway shoulders and pavement.
Reducing dependency on new materials, saving nearly 4 million barrels of petroleum-based liquid asphalt.
"Building Green" has helped the Tollway minimize the environmental impact of new roadway construction by cutting consumption of new materials and decreasing the amount of scrap material disposed of in landfills. In addition it offers the benefit of cost savings by reducing the volume of new construction material purchases and eliminating the need to truck material off and onto construction sites.

The House has voted to extend and expand the tax credit.

The extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit is the pending business in the Senate. After a long week of negotiation on the credit, an agreement on the scope of both expansion and extension has been reached. The extension is part of a larger bill that has not yet gone to a vote, however. A Senate vote on the underlying bill will occur in the Senate during the week of November 1. The package will then go back to the House. The House is expected to accept the Senate amendments, vote on the package and send it to the President for signature. The underlying bill is an extension of unemployment benefits. Other provisions in the bill include expansion of the net operating loss carryback rules, new requirements for some tax return preparers and noncontroversial provisions that "pay for" these changes.

The agreement on the extension and expansion of the credit is as follows:

Credit available for purchases before May 1, 2010. Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.
Credit remains at $8000 for first-time purchasers. No change to definition of first-time purchaser.
New $6500 tax credit for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. Repeat buyers must have lived in their homes consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.
Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return. Current law $20,000 phase-out retained.
New anti-fraud limitations are imposed.

The White House has indicated that President Obama will sign the legislation.

Senate Clears Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension

The homebuyer tax credit, due to expire at the end of November would be extended through April 30 of next year. First-time buyers who are in the process of making a purchase would not need to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 credit if they close after the November 30 deadline.
For the first time, the legislation that was recently cleared makes move-up buyers as well as first-time buyers eligible for a credit. The $8,000 maximum first-timer credit will continue and will now be available to couples with income up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the level in existing law. A new $6,500 maximum credit would also be available to move-up homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Did You Change Your Batteries In Your Smoke Detector When You Changed Your Clocks??

Here's NFPA's Sharon Gamache discusses, in the following YouTube video, the latest information on types of smoke alarms you need, their placement and special features. Working smoke alarms give you early warning to help you escape a fire.