Tuesday, December 29, 2009

9 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score
Well it’s almost that time of year..you know..when we “need” to make resolutions..usually it has to do with how many cookies/chips/sodas we will NOT have…or how many trips to the gym we WILL make….here’s a better suggestion.. IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE!!!
Drumroll please….

1. Review your current credit report for accuracy. Everyone is entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Get a copy of your credit report and look at it for accuracy. First, make sure that the information in your file is about you and only you, not someone who has a similar name or a similar Social Security number. It is very common for your credit reports to have mistakes or incorrect information. At a minimum, make sure that the information you are being evaluated on is current and correct
.
2. Fix credit report mistakes. If you find something on your credit report that is incorrect or missing, you should dispute the mistake by contacting the credit bureaus directly. All credit bureaus have their dispute procedures on their website. They are also required by law to investigate any disputed items and these investigations will usually be done within 30 days of your request.



3. Pay your bills on time. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Payment history accounts for roughly 35% of your credit score. Paying bills on time is the most important thing to do. If you’re struggling to catch up, contact your creditors to work out a payment schedule.


4. Increase the length of your credit history. This accounts for about 15% of your score. Don’t cancel your old card or get a lot of new ones in a short time span because this can hurt your score.
5. Keep credit card balances low. It’s a good idea to keep the balances below 25% of your available credit. Even if you pay off your credit cards every month, a high average balance will impact your score. This accounts for about 30% of your credit score.


6. Keep new credit requests to a minimum. This accounts for 10% of your score. Every time a lender runs your credit, an inquiry is recorded. If you are trying to get a loan, don’t apply for new credit cards first. DO NOT..I repeat..DO NOT open store accounts to get that 1 time 15% discount.


7. Be aware that paying off a collection account will not remove it from your credit report. It will stay on your report for seven years. I know..it doesn’t seem fair..but…


8. Pay off debt rather than moving it around. The most effective way to improve your credit score in this area is by paying down your revolving credit. In fact, owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your score.


9. Beware credit-repair scams. By all means, don’t pay someone to wipe away the negative items in your file. If they don’t follow through, the damaging items will reappear in two or three months. It just takes a little bit of your time and follow through.
Please keep in mind that I am NOT a mortgage lender. For more information on how your credit score will impact your loan and interest rate, please contact your mortgage lender or call me 847-274-4983 and I will recommend an experienced mortgage broker.

Please remember..I am here to help!
Cheers,

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Gift Suggestions

"TO YOUR ENEMY...FORGIVENESS
TO AN OPPONENT...TOLERANCE
TO A FRIEND...YOUR HEART
TO A CUSTOMER...SERVICE
TO ALL...CHARITY
TO EVERY CHILD...A GOOD EXAMPLE

AND TO YOURSELF...RESPECT"
 by Oren Arnold 


Wishing you a very Merry Christmas in Barrington and around the world!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

WHAT'S THE LATEST IN HOME PRODUCTS


COOL STUFF TO CHECK OUT..NEW WEBSITE COMING FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FEBRUARY..HOUSELOGIC.COM

Hot Home Products for 2010




Hot home products for 2010 include peel-and stick innovations, dynamic new paint concepts, valuable entry door/security solutions, affordable designer treatments for ceilings, an easy way to save water with new green technology, and a classic phone zapper that gives telemarketers the boot, says home improvement “What’s New Guru” Don Logay.

Among Logay’s recent finds and all-time favorites:

Giani™ Granite Countertop Paint
: Got a kitchen countertop that’s seen better days? Laminate chipped and discolored? Solid surface counter stained and scratched? Giani™ is a granite paint kit for countertop makeovers. Get the premium “look” of granite at a fraction of the cost—with lots of extra benefits too.

Water-based paint kits come in five color combinations and include everything needed to go “granite” in three easy steps in 24-hours or less. One $39.95 kit covers 35 square feet (16 running feet of 24-inch wide counter). Available at paint and hardware stores nationwide. Visit www.GianiGranite.com or call 1-800-650-5699.

One2Flush™ Dual Flush Conversion Kit
: The One2Flush™ toilet conversion kit turns a standard water-guzzling tank-type toilet into an eco-friendly, high-efficiency, water-saving dual flush model. One2Flush—with its “half flush for liquids and full flush for solids”—reduces water use by more than 38% and can save an average family over 10% on monthly water bills. Fits all standard 2-piece toilets, 1.6 gallon flush and up. Available nationwide at most hardware stores (Ace, True Value, Do-It-Best). For more information, visit www.one2flush.com.

Easy Crown Molding© by EZ-A-PEEL
: Budget-minded? Not up for hammering and sawing? Renting? Add elegance to almost any room with “peel-and-stick” Easy Crown Molding©. Kits offer quick and easy installation and an inexpensive alternative to fancy millwork. Vacuum-formed thermoplastic design overlaps and adjusts to length without measuring. Can also be trimmed with scissors. Installs in about one hour and can be left white or painted to match décor. Offered in three popular crown molding profiles for various sized rooms with 16 inside and 4 outside corners included. Kits start at under $50. To order call 1-888-EZAPEEL(1-800-392-7335) or visit www.easycrownmolding.com.

Dead Bolt Secure™ Entry Lock Protection
: The Dead Bolt Secure™ offers a low-cost, ingenious solution that makes standard deadbolt locks (with a lever or twist-type inside handle) virtually pick-proof. It even blocks entry for anyone with a legitimate key. How? A simple spring-loaded device that installs in minutes flips down to prevent a dead bolt’s handle form turning—no matter how it is being unlocked. Offered in brass and satin nickel. The best part? It only costs $9.95. Order online at www.arclink.net.

Aspect™ Peel and Stick Metal Wall Tile: Create a designer kitchen look quickly, easily and affordably with new Aspect™ peel-and-stick 3” x 6” metal tiles. Offered in three popular brushed finishes (stainless, copper and bronze) for dramatic and dazzling accents, whether a gleaming over-the-counter backsplash or an entire luxurious floor-to-ceiling wall. Aspect tiles adhere sub-surfaces (drywall, plaster, paneling, and old tiles) and are offered with horizontal or vertical graining. Gives kitchens and baths a fresh, new look. Box of eight tiles covers one square foot and costs about $20. The only limitation is your imagination. Available at some Lowe’s stores or order online at www.aspectideas.com.

Telezapper® / Blocks Telemarketer Calls
: Get rid of annoying telemarketer calls once and for all. This device plugs into your phone cord and only intercepts computer-generated calls—indicating this number is disconnected—which automatically takes you off their list. Over time, calls dwindle until you are practically telemarketer-free. Offered at www.amazon.com and via online search engines at prices ranging from $40 to $10. Additional info at www.telezapper.com.

Liquid Stainless Steel™ Brush-on Paint Kit
: Want to give your dingy, old kitchen appliances a gleaming stainless steel finish? Liquid Stainless Steel™ is a brush-on/roll-on “real stainless steel” finish designed to give older stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers a new lease on life. Complete kits are easy to use and update an average size refrigerator for $49 or a range and dishwasher combo for only $19.95. Works on cabinets, table tops and in many other places too. Available at paint and hardware stores nationwide. Order online at www.liquidstainlesssteel.com or call 1-800-650-5699.

Schlage® Keyless Entry Locks and Wireless LiNK™ Option: Tired of fumbling with keys? Reluctant to offer extras to visiting guests and service providers? Schlage® electronic keypad entry locks and deadbolts—using four-digit access codes—sell for $120 to $150. Company also offers Schlage LiNK™, a DIY wireless system allowing 24/7 remote control for keypad locks and other home management functions via the Internet. Lock or unlock doors from anywhere, add/remove access codes and control lights. Options include adjustable thermostat ($149) and cameras ($149 wired/$179 wireless) to see who is coming and going. Schlage LiNK Starter Kit ($299) offers choice of keypad lock (deadbolt or lever-handle) and everything needed to set-up a Z-Wave® wireless system. Monthly subscription cost $12.99. Available at Lowe’s, Radio Shack and www.amazon.com or visit www.consumer.schlage.com for 
retailers.

Evoba™ Modular Wood Ceiling System
: Put the warmth and beauty of a coffered wood ceiling in any room without the cost of custom millwork using the pre-fabricated Evoba™ system (that’s “Above” spelled backwards). Pre-engineered main beams and cross-tee grid components surround two-foot square, beautifully finished, recessed panels and offer easy installation. Available as a suspension or surface mount system, in a variety of wood species and finishes, at $12 to $30 per square foot. Available at www.acpideas.com.

INVISILED™ Low Profile Accent Lighting Tapes: Create dramatic indirect lighting effects almost anywhere with strips of miniature LED lights. Spaced one inch apart, and placed on thin flexible strips only 1/8 inch thick and 7/16 inch wide, INVISILED™ by WAC Lighting offers five basic colors (white, amber, red, blue and green). One- and five-foot peel-and-stick or screw-mounted sections can be cut at every inch. New Palette™ system offers continuous red-green-blue changing colors with control for speed and brilliance.

Aura™ system creates white “daylight” to amber “sunset” with variable control. Cost ranges $75 to $90 per foot. Plug-in drivers cost $60 to $120. Maximum spans from 25 to 40-feet. For information and retailers visit www.waclighting.com or call 1-800-526-2588.

SOURCE: http://www.whatsnewguru.com/

REMEMBER..KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Would of , Could of, Should have……


Don’t let this be YOU! Today’s real estate market has some of the best buying opportunities that we have seen in years!

1. Current inventory levels and prices are stabilizing plus there are historically low interest rates.

2. Don’t forget the home buyer’s tax credit that has been expanded to include homeowners that have lived in the same principal residence for any five consecutive-year period during the eight year period that ended on the date the replacement home is purchased. THERE ARE ONLY 142 MORE DAYS TO CLAIM YOUR CREDIT!

3. Housing remains an excellent long term investment. The median price for a home is Illinois in 2008 was 23% higher than it was in 1998 (10 years!)

4. It pays to own versus rent! A typical homeowner’s net worth is 49 times that of a renter’s according to the National Association of Realtors®.

5. Sellers can recoup on the buy side! To sell quickly in today’s market make sure your home has a compelling price not just a comparable one. You know my saying “This is not brain surgery people!” PRICE IT RIGHT!!!!
What a seller may lose on the sell side can be more than recovered on the buy side.


So, for every action there is a reaction...Do you want to control your life? Or do nothing out of fear of doing "something"???



I am here to help you…


Cheers,

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Santa is coming to town!


You know it is never too late to get on the "good" side of Santa. You still have time to receive  gifts instead of coal..I know this personally..(don't ask!!) Anyway..here is a list of places in the area to meet "the man of the hour" Mr. Santa Claus himself..
Barrington Dec. 5th  Santa House on Park Ave
Barrington Dec.5-24th Icehouse Mall
South Barrington Dec 12th 10:15 South Barrington Park District ..he will arrive by Helicopter
Deer Park Brilliant Sky Toys & Book  Dec. 12,13,19 & 20th
Dundee Dec2-Dec 23rd Spring Hill Mall
Palatine Twin Lake Clubhouse  Dec 12th 9-1045am or 11:30-1:15pm Breakfast/Brunch w/Santa
Schaumburg Dec.2-Dec.23rd Woodfield Mall

Wishing you time with your family and friends...

Cheers,

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Gratitude

Here are a couple of great quotes on Gratitude.....
                        Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.-G.B. Stern                           
                        Gratitude is the memory of the heart.-J.B.Massieu
                        Praise the bridge that carried you over.-G. Coleman                         
                        We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are 
                        conscious of our treasures.-T. Wilder
                        When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man that planted them.-
                                                                                                   Chinese Proverb

I think my favorite is praise the bridge...how often in our life have we forgotten to say thank you to those that have helped or even those that have caused us pain...We are and always will be the sum of all our experiences!
We make choices in our lives and the biggest choice we make everyday is whether we choose to be happy or not.

I choose HAPPY and GRATEFUL! Happy Thanksgiving!   

Thursday, November 19, 2009

So True..

How inspiring..

http://natureofsuccessmovie.com/

JUDY A. GIBBONS

I am always ready to help you, your friends or family!

RE/MAX OF BARRINGTON

847-274-4983  cell

847-381-8800 x314 office

JudyGibbons@remax.net

www.JudyGibbonsProperties.com

Posted via email from judygibbons's posterous

Saturday, November 14, 2009

125.5 Million Americans Watched 10.3 Billion YouTube Videos in September! WOW! A lot of people have A LOT of time on their hands!

comScore Video Metrix announced that more than 168 million U.S. Internet users watched nearly 26 billion videos online during September 2009 -- an average of 154 videos per viewer. That's good news, isn't it?

To try to get you to wrap your head around this..., Super Bowl XLIII achieved the largest television audience in U.S. history with a total audience of 151.6 million viewers, according to official national ratings data released by Nielsen Media Research.

In other words, more Americans are watching online video each and every month than watch the Super Bowl once a year. Get it? Got it? CRAZY!!!

YouTube accounted for close to 40 percent of the 26 billiion videos viewed during September, to remain the market leader by a wide margin.

According to comScore,

-- 84.8 percent of the total U.S. Internet audience viewed online video in September.

-- The average online video viewer watched 9.8 hours of video that month. (WHAT???)

-- The duration of the average online video was 3.8 minutes.

-- 125.5 million viewers watched nearly 10.3 billion videos on YouTube.com -- which is 82.4 videos per  viewer.


Now, let's compare these numbers to ones that search marketers should know by heart.

According to comScore qSearch,
 "Americans conducted 13.8 billion core searches in September 2009. They watched nearly 26 billion videos online that month. This means Americans are watching almost twice as many videos as they conducting searches at the five major search engines. "




Interesting isn't it?
So..that's why I am now showing my listings on Youtube. Enjoy and let me know if you or someone you know wants "World Class Service" from your Hometown Realtor with a world of experince!
Cheers!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Fall Fun!



I love Fall!!! The crisp air, the sound of crunchy leaves under your feet and did I mention sweater, coats and boots! I like just about everything about Fall except the time change! Oh well…not much I can do about that!


Anyway, I was driving to an appointment and the sun was shining and the air was crisp and I happened to drive past a school where the kids were outside playing at recess. And all at once I was taken back to my childhood and the joys of taking a break and running, playing, jumping and laughing. Wow! What a concept! Don’t you think we should “allow” ourselves that break each day? Like my mom always said ”Go outside ..the fresh air will do you some good!” So before I head outside to rake the leaves I wanted to make sure you knew about the Lake Barrington Family Fun and Fitness Fair…its Sunday November 8th from noon-4pm at the new Lake Barrington Field House 28156 W NorthPointe Pkwy. It will be indoors but with lots of fun things to do like free massages, free haircuts for kids, free health screenings and a professional chef with recipes and samples. And of course there will be a Holiday boutique! The event is free but you are urged to bring a food donation for the Cuba Township Food Pantry.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Recycle and Renew Hope

I am sure you have heard the word "Green" recently! And here is a great way to do your part!
Please consider recycling your gently used clothing, furniture and household items to Home of the Sparrow thrift stores. I have been volunteering for Friends of Home of the Sparrow for over 13 years and needless to say the need to help women and children in our area has not diminished.
So the next time you reach into your closet and say .."I don't have a thing to wear and you run out to your favorite haberdashery...choose a few items you could donate..they will even pick up furniture! Also, you can donate your time! HOS can always use your help at the stores!

380 N Northwest HighwayCary, IL 60013 847.639.4082
3714 W. Elm St.McHenry, IL 60050 815.363.6008
275 E. Northwest HighwayPalatine, IL 60067 847.705.6852
120 East Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098 815.206.5070

And remember...EVERTHING YOU DO MATTERS!

Cheers,

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

How to sell a house quickly!

I just listed a great home in the Village of Barrington and we received and accepted an offer after 5 days on the market! How did that happen you ask? Here are a few tips...


4 things sellers need to know...Price,Terms,Condition and Location. Every single one of these items need to be taken into consideration if you want your property to sell. Remember this----PRICE fixes everything! When the buyer perceives there is value (because of the price)..they will quickly buy the home!
The other variables can affect the price.
Terms: Owner financing is a great carrot to dangle! Buy down mortgage!
Condition: Always fix what needs to be fixed! Stage the property! Start packing!
Location: It is the only variable that cannot be changed! A bad location is a bad location..so price it right and it must be picture perfect inside!
Ok folks, like I always say.."This is not brain surgery!"
Buying a home is an emotional response to what "feels" right. Key into those emotions and your home will sell quickly!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Barrington High School Homecoming



It feels like Fall...so it must be Homecoming time!

Here's the lowdown on what's happening...

Friday, October 2nd --BHS Spirit Day-Homecoming T-shirt Day

Pep Assembly (1:48 – 2:35pm)

Main Gym -Announcement of Queen & King

Filly Football Game 7:00pm (Stadium)

Saturday, October 3rd - HOMECOMING DAY

Pancake Breakfast 8:00am-12:00pm (Café)

Varsity Tennis Invitational 8:00 a.m.

Freshman Red/White Football 9:00/10:30 a.m.

JV Soccer 10:00 a.m. in F.O.D.

Parade 10:15 a.m.

Varsity Soccer 11:30 a.m. (Stadium)

Varsity Football 2:00 p.m. (Stadium) GO BRONCO'S!!!

Homecoming Dance 8:00-11:00 p.m. (Main Gym)

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A SAFE AND EXTREMELY FUN WEEK-END!!!


Cheers!