I'm a life long resident of Rockford Illinois. I was born June 24th 1960 to the best parents in the world...I love them dearly. Attended the Rockford public schools and graduated from Rockford East High School in 1978. After graduation immediately went to work full time. Worked for Berry Bearing/Motion Industries for nearly 24-years in sales and customer service. During that time I received many sales awards including the Chrysler Pentastar award for superior customer service.

In 2001 decided to leave my secure, well paying job to pursue my dreams and started a career in Real Estate. Since then I have helped hundreds of familys acheive their dreams...a new home.

My goal is to build my business through 100% referral business. This can only be accomblished I give all my clients superior service and exceed their expectations. I treat my clients like family and their money likes it's my own. It gives me deep satisfaction when I negotiate & get top dollar for their home while saving them thousands when they purchase one.

Communication is the foundation of my business. I build strong relationships with my clients because I stay in touch with them. A client that is a seller hears from me every week and receives bi-weekly market reports showing them how the market is doing as it relates to their home. In addition to the bi-weekly market reports, they also get a bi-weekly service report. This report shows them of the activities I have performed as it relates to their home. I'm very successful with expired listings (homes that failed to sell with other Realtors) because they (seller's) are kept 100% in the loop.

I'm a member of:

National Association of Realtors, Illinois Association of Realtors, Rockford Area Association of Realtors, Northern Illinois Multiple Listing Service, Consistant CENTURY 21 Country North Top Producer, Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

I recieved my Brokers license in 2006 and was also voted 2006 "Realtor of the year" by my peers.

I specialize in buying & selling of all types of Realestate. The Rockford Illinois realestate market is alive and well. It's always been one of the most affordable places to purchase realestate in the country.

I love working with first time home buyers. I spend the time to educate them up front as to what to expect during the home buying process. This way they can relax, have fun and make it a pleasurable and memorable experience.

I also work alot with "mature movers" (senior citizens). Whether they're downsizing or moving into a retire community, I help them every step of the way. There are so many people that want to take advantage of other people out there it drives me crazy. I love spending time talking to them and getting to know them and what's important to them.

I have the CENTURY 21 "Fine Homes & Estates" certification. Marketing & Staging of these homes are so very important. I do extensive internet marketing for all my homes. The sellers needs a agent that has the knowledge, expertise and tools to market the home to target markets.

One area of the business that I can honestly say I don't enjoy but I am experienced at is working with pre-foreclosure homeowners. These are are very good people in a very bad situation. The main goal is to determine if there's anyway they can stay in their home and save their credit. At CENTURY 21 Country North, we have a team of foreclosure prevention specialist that will work closely with homeowners to determine if there's anyway to help them remain in their home. Most Real Estate agents and their respective company's cannot council and advise the homeowners of all the options available to them, I'm proud to say I'm part of a company that will do everything possible to keep them in their existing home.

Illinois most affordable investment properties with the best cash flow are right here in Rockford Illinois. I work with many investors from the Chicago area and western suburbs. Since so many buyers are not able to buy at this time, the rental market is very strong in the Rockford and surrounding areas.

My area of expertise are the counties of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties. The northern Illinois cities of: Rockford, Roscoe, Rockton, South Beloit, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Cherry Valley, Winnebago, Durand, Pecatonica, Belvidere, Poplar Grove, Caledonia, Byron, Stillman Valley, Davis Junction, Etc.

November 28, 2007

Michael is a good friend first of all. His character and dedication speaks for itself. We had no second thoughts even though other Realtors approached us. Michael is as professional as they come. We have no reservations of recommending him to anyone we know. We will contact Michael when we decide to change residence again. Keep up the good work!

--Ray Hodowonic & Donna Anderson--