Missed the home buyer tax credit? 

No?

Well-  there’s an even better Buyer Bonus!

May 1st – July 31st

Get up to an $8,000 credit back at closing.

The Coldwell Banker Buyer Bonus Event is a national sales promotion that begins on May 1st and lasts through July 31st, 2010.  Sellers participating in the promotion are giving 3% of the accepted offer price up to $8,000 credit at closing back to homebuyers who sign an offer before the July 31st deadline.

Open to all home buyers  -  No income limitations  -  No property eligibility requirements

The home buyer tax credit has come and gone.  Fortunately, the door is now open to something even better – the Coldwell Banker Buyer Bonus Event!  But hurry, The Buyer Bonus is a limited-time offer.  Please let me know if you have any questions about this extended offer from Coldwell Banker.

So go Blackhawks – Bring us home the Cup!  It’s long overdue…..

Not sure how this is going to end, but it sure is one hot mess. The oil spill further solidifies our incessant finger-pointing stature in the eyes of the world – why can’t we just work towards fixing this? I know everyone and their sister is working on the spill, but every day that passes without a solution will affect us negatively for years to come. 

This is going to affect real estate in the coastal areas, employment is already being affected, wildlife, beaches, commerce – I mean this is not something we have ever seen before – this is so much worse than the Valdez spill.  I’m not sure what to say except this should be priority one for our government, BP and everyone that can possibly do something to quell the damage.

All we can do is hope for the best on this end. 

We wish the Hawks the best of luck – Bring us home the Cup!

There are so many things to do this summer – weddings, graduations, birthdays all have their spots on our calendar.  Pools are open but I wanted to let you know that the South Park Pool will be closed from June 1 to mid-June for maintenance. To accommodate South Park’s pre-season hours, the Centennial Wading Pool will be open at 10am during this maintenance.

Also – here is a quick list of events coming up in Park Ridge:

Enjoy the weather and congrats to all the 2010 graduates!

Tropical Vacation Packing Tips and Checklist

• When packing, place your passport, air tickets, travel insurance documents, contact numbers and any other important information in a pouch or bag that’s easily accessible, and carry it with you on your flights. Once you’ve arrived at the resort, place these important documents in the room safe, if one is available. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a different location, such as purse or briefcase, or scan it and carry a copy in a laptop.
• If you expect to arrive at the resort before the designated check-in time, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, flip-flops or sandals and other beach gear in a carry-on bag. If your room isn’t ready when you arrive, at least you can still hit the beach or pool. The front desk will store your suitcases for you until you can check in.
• If your resort offers an upscale restaurant that you plan to visit, pack dressier clothes and shoes for a nice dinner.
• Bring a light jacket or sweater — sometimes evening breezes off the water can be cool.
• Sunscreen with a high SPF is a necessity in tropical climates. Consider bringing a hat or visor as well, and don’t forget the sunglasses. If you expect to do any hiking, you might also add insect repellent to the list.
• Scuba divers must remember their diving certification cards.
• A few resorts offer horseback riding along the beach. If you plan to do this, bring long pants.
• Bring plenty of camera film or memory cards and extra camera batteries from home, as these items can be pricey if purchased at a resort.
• Pack an extra pair of contacts or glasses.
• Put prescription medicines in your carry-on bag, in case your checked luggage is delayed.
• Pack a few of your favorite DVDs if your room has a DVD player. Many resorts include iPod docks among their in-room amenities, so bring that along too.
• If you have a laptop computer and you want to stay connected to home or work, find out if your hotel has in-room or wireless Internet access. Always carry your laptop onboard your flights.

A few things you don’t need to worry about packing are towels, irons or hair dryers, as these items are generally available at the resort.

So next time you have a problem with a big company’s “service”, end the call and call right back – you may be surprised and get what you were calling for.  (This applies to mortgage companies as well)

Outdoor water restrictions are in effect from May 15 through September 15. Residents may use outdoor City water only on even or odd-numbered calendar days, corresponding with the last digit of their house number. Zero is considered an even number. Outdoor water use includes use on lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs and for washing vehicles. A special permit for watering newly installed sod, valid for two weeks, can be obtain at the Public Works Department at City Hall. Call 847-318-5227 for more information.

According to a Consumer Reports poll, the most popular remodeling projects for homeowners are kitchens (19%) and bathrooms (17%). In another survey, however, Consumer Reports asked 6,000 readers to reveal what went wrong when they remodeled their kitchens and baths and how much those mistakes added to the overall cost of their projects. Here’s how to avoid their mistakes and save:

1. Don’t rush in. Changing plans is the most common, but costliest remodeling gaffe. Be sure to leave time for research and create a comprehensive plan, listing every product.
2. Prepare for the unexpected. There’s a lot going on behind the walls. Unexpected water damage was an issue with 17% of bathroom remodels, while structural problems caused headaches for 10% of kitchen projects. A good contractor will be able to anticipate such problems, allowing the homeowner to budget accordingly.
3. Don’t chase the “low ball.” Contractors are lowering their profit margins due to the tight market, but they often make up their costs in labor or other areas. Readers who went for “low-ball” pricing ended up spending a median of $1,500 extra for labor on their kitchens and $1,000 extra on their bathrooms. Don’t sign a contract with a lot of open-ended amounts for products and materials—these are called “allowances,” in contractor speak.
4. Get the paperwork in order. Have the contractor attach copies of his or her up-to-date license, insurance and workers’ compensation policies to the written contract. He or she should also get permits and provide a lien waiver when the job is done; this will keep suppliers from contacting the homeowner for unpaid bills.
5. Focus on the small details. Specifying lighting and placement of trash cans are not much fun, but are critical to the process. For example, the proper exhaust fan will prevent mildew in baths and vent odors in kitchens.