I'm Adding Magic to My Mortgage Services              Ever have one of those days where you found yourself wishing you had magical powers at your fingertips?   ZAP!!!   Anything you want!  Done!  Awarded!                    I read multiple blog posts this morning that made me wish that today could be one of those magical days.  The posts' topic?  They were all written about current interest rates and where they might be heading.  Lots of room for speculation and discussion in that topic!         Personally?  I think at times the focus on interest rates goes a bit overboard.  Sure, I know rates are important.  But focusing too intensely on interest rates can cause you to overlook the other important facets of lending or your finances. And that's not good.         How do you change so... 07/02/2012

    Put a Little Thought & Effort into It ... Prepare For Your Mortgage Application           H. Jackson Brown Jr.The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.                     A few days ago, I took an  application  for some new home buyers. I'd talked multiple times with both the husband and wife leading up to the time of their ap.               Following my habit, I'd included a link to my   mortgage website   in every email to them, along with my other contact info.   I'd also emailed a link to my website page regarding the  financial documents required for mortgage application,  then reviewed that list with them in detail prior to their appointment.           I always do this in the hopes that all the steps taken on my part will motivate my clients to do their part... 07/01/2012

Fresh produce without the hassle of a big supermarket!  That's what customers are saying about the new Peter Rubi Produce market which opened its doors this morning.  It's a walk back in time with just the right mix of technology and old world charm.  From my own perspective it is incredibly refreshing to see a market like this open their doors!  For years my friends have watched in amazement as I hopped from one store to another in search of certain products, produce, meat and cheeses.  Big supermarkets and "so-called" fancy deals don't interest me in least bit. I much prefer to buy fresh ingredients for myself, my family and friends.  What I bring to my table is a reflection of me and I strive to prepare only the very best.  Obviously this morning's experience has proven a very positi... 06/22/2012

  Know Your Terminology Regarding Mortgage Lenders. It's Very Important!              I've offered multiple posts about the importance of being familiar with frequently-used  mortgage terminology  prior to entering your mortgage processing.       With all the real estate and financing terminology or slang that can pop-up during a real estate transaction, it's just best to be prepared and educated about what you'll be hearing.  It's truly for your own benefit.        Over the last few years,  I have found that one piece of terminology, used frequently, is often incorrectly utilized by both professionals and clients alike.  That term?  "Internet lender".          Maybe as a  mortgage lender  myself, I've gotten a bit sensitive about HOW this terminology is loosely and incorrectly used.  A... 06/12/2012

If you live in Plainfield or if you are thinking about making this great city your home, you might want to keep up-to-date on what's going on in the real estate market.  Are you looking for current information?  Are you looking to sell your home and can't decide whether this is the right time for you and your family?Have you thought about purchasing a home but need more information?  Then this is the site for you! You will find helpful statistics that will open your eyes to the reality of what's sold and what is selling. I have included some great information on what has sold and the price ranges, days on market, month to month comparisons, and year ending comparisons. This information does not target individual subdivisions but is meant to be an overall view of the Plainfield market.So... 06/11/2012

If you live in Planfield or if you are thinking about making this great city your home, you might want to keep up-to-date on what's going on in the real estate market.  Are you looking for current information?  Are you looking to sell your home and can't decide whether this is the right time for you and your family? Have you thought about purchasing a home but need more information?  Then this is the site for you! You will find helpful statistics that will open your eyes to the reality of what's sold and what is selling.I have included some great information on what has sold and the price ranges, days on market, month to month comparisons, and year ending comparisons. This information does not target individual subdivisions but is meant to be an overall view of the Plainfield market.So,... 05/17/2012

    I May Not Be Yoda, but I'm Darn Close!           Yesterday, I was reading yet another blog about the low interest rates presently available to  home buyers seeking mortgage financing.         Seems another new historic low was announced. Something not quite so noteworthy anymore, as we all have grown used to hearing about how the rates have dipped, dipped, and dipped again.           And therein lies my big worry, both as a  mortgage lender  and as a parent.   I think buyers have grown quite weary and fairly complacent.       Low interest rates, such as we are seeing presently, should be news that sends home buyers  all giddy (those currently seeking homes and potential buyers alike) .  They should be doing a happy-dance.         But although rates remain a topic of interest for mor... 05/08/2012

If you are looking for authentic mexican food in the Plainfield area, come to Front Street Cantina located at 15120 South Des Plaines Street downtown Plainfield. Lunch specials range from $6.75 to $7.50 while the dinner menu offers everything from Carne Asada to Pedro Pollo to Chile Relleno. Kids can enoy a taco or burrito of even a hot dog or hamburger. The bar offers a range of beer, cocktails and the best margaritas! Go to http://www.frontstreetcantina.com for hours and more information! 04/27/2012

Wine & Cheese by Two Cute Chicks (TCC) in Plainfield has been located downtown Plainfield since the summer of 2004.  I've never been inside and always thought "I should go there sometime and check it out" but never have. Until last night. My friend Kim texted me and said she was going to TCC's for a salad and a trio of wines and wanted to know if I wanted to join her. It was 8:30 which is late for me:) But I thought it would be fun. I'm SO glad I went. The food is incredible and we even tested a few different kinds of wine. The trio of sweet wines were incredible and I ended up buying TWO of the 3 wines! TCC is a fine wine and artisan cheese shop, wine bar and cafe! Located at 24104 W. Lockport Street downtown Plainfield, IL.  http://wcbytcc.com for hours and additional information!   04/27/2012

Village of Plainfield, IL Offers a New Program to its Residents and Businesses That Helps Save Money and Conserve Energy            Are you are resident of the Village of Plainfield, IL?  Own/Run a business within the Village of Plainfield?        Lucky you!        Why?  Because the Village of Plainfield, IL has begun an energy-savings initiative that partners them with  CUB Energy Saver  ... our nation's first website that tracks utility company ComEd's billing savings.  And who doesn't LOVE to save money??        Plainfield residents are now able to track their energy usage through the   CUB Energy Saver website.         It's FREE to  sign-up!   CUB Energy Saver links directly to your ComEd bill and then makes personalized money-saving suggestions that will help take a big bite out o... 04/26/2012

If you live in Lisle or if you are thinking about making this great city your home, you might want to keep up-to-date on what's going on in the real estate market.  Are you looking for current information?  Are you looking to sell your home and can't decide whether this is the right time for you and your family? Have you thought about purchasing a home but need more information?  Then this is the site for you! You will find helpful statistics that will open your eyes to the reality of what's sold and what is selling.I have included some great information on what has sold and the price ranges, days on market, month to month comparisons, and year ending comparisons. This information does not target individual subdivisions but is meant to be an overall view of the Lisle market.So, grab you... 04/12/2012

A few days ago I received an email from one of my neighbor's children who is a kindergartener at Freedom Elementary School in Plainfield.  He is participating in "Hoops for Heart" through the American Medical Association to raise money to help save kids'(and adult) lives.  In doing some research I found that this campaign is widespread through Plainfield School District 202.  What a terrific way to gain community awareness! Each day you hear about more and more school age children who unbeknownst to them or their families have developed a heart condition without any so-called symptoms.  While diet plays a role in our overall health, scientists are researching how genetics and heart defects at birth intertwine.  This campaign is a great way for children to get involved in community proje... 03/29/2012

Celebrate Spring with a freshly baked treat, decorate a cookie with your family. Saturday, March 31st 2012 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Located at 2360 S. Route 59 in Plainfield.  FREE! For a limited time only, from March 26th - April 8th, Panera Bread will donate 10 cents for every Easter Egg Cookie sold to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. Go to http://www.panera-chicago.com for more information or call 815-609-3807 03/27/2012

Egg’straordinary Join us to celebrate Spring!! Have Breakfast and Lunch with the Easter Bunny and then “Hop The Bunny Trail” which will end up at the Plainfield Fire Station located on Des Plaines. Children will pick up a Passport at any participating business and travel the Bunny Hop Trail and get their Passport stamped. Children will be also searching for the Golden Egg! We have Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Lunch with the Easter Bunny, Coloring Contest, Jumpy (weather permitting) or Face Painting! To pick up your eggs filled with candy go to the Plainfield Fire Station! Date: Saturday, April 7th Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm & Later Location: Downtown Plainfield 03/27/2012

The Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo allows participants to showcase their business to hundreds of people while visitors have the opportunity to learn about the local business community. Date: Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 9:00am - 2:00pm Location: Plainfield High School - Central Campus Field House, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce, (815) 436-4431, www.plainfieldchamber.com 03/27/2012

On March 31st, 2012 from 10:00-11:30am at Van Horn Woods West, on Lily Cache Road, north of Caton Farm Road... Join us for a snack, craft and Egg Hunt with the Bunny! Make sure you remember your basket to hunt for colorful eggs that the bunny has “hidden”. Some of the hidden eggs have a surprise in them, so make sure to check each egg before you leave! Parents, bring your camera as the Easter Bunny will pose with your child. All children must be accompanied by an adult. MUST pre-register to participate. No on-site registration will be allowed. Event will be held rain or shine. Please plan to arrive prior to your child’s egg hunt time as they will only be allowed to participate in their age-appropriate time slot. Registration deadline is Friday, Mar. 23. R $5/NR $7.50.  Go to www.plainfi... 03/19/2012

March 30, 2012 8:00-9:-00pm at Van Horn Woods West, on Lily Cache Road, north of Caton Farm Road. Bring your flashlight to Van Horn Woods for our 4th Annual Flashlight Egg Hunt! Kids will have the opportunity to hunt for eggs filled with prizes, gift certificates and candy! MUST pre-register to participate. No on-site registration will be allowed. Event will be held rain or shine. Please plan to arrive prior to your child’s egg hunt time as they will only be allowed to participate in their age-appropriate time slot. Program #36404A1 8 pm 7-9; Program #36404B1 8:30 pm 10-12. Registration deadline date is Friday, Mar. 23. R $5/NR $7.50. Go to www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com 03/19/2012

If you live in Plainfield or if you are thinking about making this great city your home, you might want to keep up-to-date on what's going on in the real estate market.  Are you looking for current information?  Are you looking to sell your home and can't decide whether this is the right time for you and your family? Have you thought about purchasing a home but need more information?  Then this is the site for you! You will find helpful statistics that will open your eyes to the reality of what's sold and what is selling.I have included some great information on what has sold and the price ranges, days on market, month to month comparisons, and year ending comparisons. This information does not target individual subdivisions but is meant to be an overall view of the Plainfield market.So... 03/15/2012

            Bring on the bagpipes! When the Irish dancers come stepping up Lockport Street, you know spring is here at last. Our own old-fashioned St. Patrick’s Day celebration will soon be here. The 10th annual Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade is set to step off at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 11, and we want you there! With special thanks to our returning primary sponsor Fox’s Restaurant and Pub. The Village Preservation Association and MainStreet Plainfield invite you and your loved ones to come out for the 2012 edition of this fabulously fun event. This year, music will be more abundant than ever, with four bagpipe bands lined up to march in the parade, along with other musical ensembles and the always crowd-pleasing Keigher Irish Dancers. Making its way through some of the historic neighb... 03/04/2012

Two months after it suddenly closed, HopScotch & Vine is back with new owners, a new menu and new hours. The goal is to create a "neighborhood place with a city feel," Vaughn said, and to come up with menu items you can't find in downtown Plainfield or elsewhere in the village. To that end, she and husband Mike have developed a menu with their chef, Trinidad Z, featuring such specialities as stuffed burgers, five types of loaded baked potatoes and, coming soon, fondue, Vaughn said. They have also opened a small store to sell wine and cheeses to go, she said, and they will be open for both lunch and dinner. Their hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Vaughn acknowledges the size of the res... 03/04/2012