Best Time-saving Tip Of 2009


Once in a while something so good comes along that you wish you do not know how you could have lived without it. That is the way I feel about voice mail transcription to e-mail.

When you get a voice mail on your phone it is automatically transcribed and e-mailed to you. That means no more having to call in to your voice mail to check messages. Moreover, the e-mail comes with a sound file (.wav) attached so that you can click on it and listen to it if you so desire.

If you get a message that should be directed to someone else, just forward the e-mail (and attached sound file) to whomever you would like.

I get about 70-90 incoming calls per day. I can read a 60 second voice mail in about 10 seconds. You can see how the time savings are huge.

If you would like to try this this voice mail transcription service for free for one month click here.

Click Here To Search The ENTIRE Chicago Metropolitan MLS - Updated Hourly- Large Photos - Easy-To-Read Maps

Uncategorized | No Comments » July 3rd, 2009

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Local Events On The 4th Of July in Hinsdale, Western Springs, Clarendon Hills and Oak Brook


HINSDALE 4th OF July:

Parade: Begins at 6th and Garfield; Saturday July 4 @ 10am. For more info, http://www.villageofhinsdale.org or 630-789-7090

Oak Brook 4th of July

Festival and Fireworks: Oak Brook Polo grounds; Friday July 3 4pm. For more info, http://www.oak-brook.org or 630-368-5000.

Clarendon Hills 4th of July

Festival and Fireworks. Prospect Park; Saturday July 4 @ 7pm. Fore more info, http://clarendonhillsparkdistrict.org or 630-323-2626

 

Western Springs 4th of July

Rely on the neighboring towns for fun this weekend.

Click Here To Search The ENTIRE Chicago Metropolitan MLS - Updated Hourly- Large Photos - Easy-To-Read Maps

Hnsdale Real Estate, Oak Brook Real Estate, Village Of Clarendon Hills, Village of Western Springs, village of Oak brook | No Comments » June 29th, 2009

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The Best Value In Hinsdale Real Estate For Less Than $1,600,000


710 S. Monroe Hinsdale IL 60521

710 S. Monroe Hinsdale IL 60521

710 S. Monroe is a big house that feels like living in a story book. The master architect, Bob Miflin, was successful in creating a full-sized family home that evokes feelings of coziness throughout. While 710 S. Monroe in Hinsdale is now priced at $1,599,600, it would cost you a whole lot more to replicate it today.
If you are not intimately familiar with the location of 710 S. Monroe in  Hinsdale, view this Google Map of Hinsdale. It is plain to see that the location is nothing short of idyllic. 710 Monroe is on a quiet, very low traffic, tree-lined street. In and of itself, that is enough to make it unique. However, this location, smack dab in the middle of the Madison Grade School area, offers an extremely short walk to: St. Isaac Jogues, Madison Elementary School, Hinsdale Middle School, Hinsdale Central High School, downtown Hinsdale and the Hinsdale Metra train depot. It is that good!
And now that it is priced at $1,599,600, it is a screaming value. Contact me to take  a look today.
Click Here To Search The ENTIRE Chicago Metropolitan MLS - Updated Hourly- Large Photos - Easy-To-Read Maps

Hnsdale Real Estate | No Comments » June 25th, 2009

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Magical Burr Ridge Home With All Hinsdale Schools


for
6381 Garfield Burr Ridge IL 60527
6381 Garfield Burr Ridge IL 60527

For those in the know, one of the best combinations in the near western suburbs is to have the aesthetics and space of Burr Ridge associated with the strength of the District 181 Hinsdale schools.

6381 S. Garfield in Burr Ridge best represents the beauty of that association.
It is a perfectly kept newer home where the home is just old enough where the kinks have been worked out and the landscaping is just maturing. Just see the virtual tour for yourself.
And now that it is priced at $2,399,900, it truly represents an extreme value among it’s peer group.
  • 98 x 314 lot
  • 8000 square feet of living area
  • in ground salt water pool with pool house
  • 16 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms
  • 4 car garage with height which will allow a lift to store more cars
  • heated travertine floor in beautifully finished basement
  • Hinsdale central High School

If you are considering a home of this level in this price range, you would be remiss not to see this one.

More information on 6381 Garfield in Burr Ridge:

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

 

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Burr Ridge Real Estate | No Comments » June 23rd, 2009

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An Excellent Value in Hinsdale Real Estate


Illinois Hinsdale’s
5548 Washington Hinsdale Illinois
5548 Washington Hinsdale Illinois

Hinsdale’s 60521 zip code is known for a lot of great things. Hinsdale Central High School. Beautiful trees. Low crime. Ease of access into the city of Chicago. However, one of the things that Hinsdale is typically not known for is affordability in the cost of housing.

In you have been searching the internet for homes for sale in Hinsdale, you know what I mean.

View the virtual tour of 5548 Washington in Hinsdale offers a lot for a little. Here are the basics:

  • All Hinsdale District 181 and District 86 schools
  • Built in 2005
  • 15 rooms, 5 bedrooms 6.1 bathrooms
  • Approximately 6,000 square feet of living area
  • Three car garage
  • Brick construction
  • One block from Hinsdale Central High School
  • 64 x 297 lot
  • Priced at just $1,399,000

Of course, you could pay $400,000+ more for similar-sized homes on similar-sized lots on the same street, but why would you?

Contact Bryan Bomba for more information.

Click Here To Search The ENTIRE Chicago Metropolitan MLS - Updated Hourly- Large Photos - Easy-To-Read Maps

Hnsdale Real Estate | No Comments » June 21st, 2009

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Extra Clean Town House In Downers Grove For Under $150,000


910 Ashbury Downers Grove IL
910 AshburyIL It Downers Grove IL

It is hard to believe, but true. You can definitely buy a great town house in the hot western suburb of Downers Grove for under $150,000. 910 Ashbury Downers Grove is ultra conveniently located just north of 75th street and east of Main Street. As you can see by the map of 910 Ashbury in Downers Grove, the access to fast roadways is excellent. I am talking about Interstate 355, Interstate 55, Interstate 294 and Route 83. 

The condition is picture perfect. This is not a town house that was just cleaned up to sell. It is an updated and pampered home that has extremely little wear. And the decor is 100% neutral as well. If you are a picky buyer and demand clean, clean, clean, you may have found your next home. Just contact Bryan@BryanBomba.com to arrange a showing.
This is a low density neighborhood where the units are spaced out gracefully. Lots of green belts. Located in the Chesapeake neighborhood, this town home is nicely tucked away on a preferred interior street. That means peace and quiet for it’s next owner.
This is an end unit on the very convenient and hard to find first floor. That means no stairs to climb. Whew. What a relief.
Given that you have read this far, it is probably time that you see the virtual tour of 910 Ashbury Downers Grove.
Here is what the under $150,000 price range in Downers Grove looks like right now.
Questions? Just ask Bryan@BryanBomba.com
Click Here To Search The ENTIRE Chicago Metropolitan MLS - Updated Hourly- Large Photos - Easy-To-Read Maps

Village Of Downers Grove | No Comments » June 14th, 2009

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Estate-Quality In-Town Living In The Hinsdale Central High School District


334 Ridge Clarendon Hills IL

334 Ridge Clarendon Hills IL

This house is unique.

Before you see the virtual tour of 334 Ridge in Clarendon Hills, take note of the following extreme characteristics which make this a once-in-a-lifetime offering:

This is an easy walk to town and train location. In all of the Hinsdale Central High School District, this characteristic alone is golden.

The location on the 300 block of Ridge is idyllic. In addition to the off-the-chart aesthetics offered by the traditionally designed custom homes, the road is curvy, which adds to the overall appeal.

The lot size measures over .6 acres. This is not a misprint.

View Of Back Yard Of 334 Ridge Clarendon Hills

View Of Back Yard Of 334 Ridge Clarendon Hills

The nearly new home has over 6,000 square feet of living area. And that does not include the finished lower level.

Priced at $2,749,000, it is unlikely that a home of this level and characteristic is available at this price anywhere in the entire Hinsdale Central High School district for a price this competitive. If you find one, will you please let me know? To make it easy for you, I have prepared the following one click searches where you can check the updated MLS for properties with the following characteristics:

Please contact me for a detailed property brochure. Better yet, call me at 630-455-8455 for a private showing.

Click Here To Search The ENTIRE Chicago Metropolitan MLS - Updated Hourly- Large Photos - Easy-To-Read Maps

Village Of Clarendon Hills | No Comments » June 10th, 2009

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Are You Up For A Little Monkey Bizness In Western Springs IL?


Little Monkey Bizness Western Springs

Little Monkey BiznessSprings The Western Springs

The coolest new business to open in Western Springs is Little Monkey Bizness.

Here is the concept: It is a dual purpose place which has fun amusements for kids as well as a coffee house for adults! It is the newest and most exciting business model in children’s amusements.

Monkey Bizness is located at 4700 Gilbert in Western Springs IL. Click for map.

Click Here To Search The ENTIRE Chicago Metropolitan MLS - Updated Hourly- Large Photos - Easy-To-Read Maps

Western Springs real estate | No Comments » June 10th, 2009

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A Hinsdale Home That Is So Comprehensively Updated You Will Think It Is New


128 Garfield Hinsdale IL

128 Garfield Hinsdale IL

128 North Garfield in Hinsdale is so amazingly well updated and renovated that it is difficult to determine whether it is an updated vintage home or a new home that is made to look vintage!

The uncompromising level of attention to detail is the hallmark of Northridge Builders, the general contractor who is responsible for the workmanship.

In all, there are three perfectly finished levels of living area plus a basement. Eleven rooms. Five bedrooms. Three-and-a-half bathrooms.

Additionally, there is a finished coach house above the garage. This could be the ultimate home office (with the world’s shortest commute) or a fun use like a poker room. You decide. Once you see it, your imagination will run rampant.

Take a look inside 128 N. Garfield Hinsdale IL 60521.

With just a one block walk to downtown Hinsdale and the Hinsdale Metra train depot, this location is excellent. Surprisingly, this coveted in-town Hinsdale location is blessed with a .8 acre lot! It measures 144 x 231. In Hinsdale, a town where the average lot size measures 50 x 123, a lot of this size is unheard of.

This spectacular home is priced at $1,474,000. The current owner has over $2,000,000 invested in this home. In addition to being a prized family home in a stellar location, it is an absolute bargain as well. Click to see all Hinsdale homes listed for sale form $1M to $1.5M.

Do not be left wondering why you did not call me sooner. Contact Bryan@BryanBomba.com to schedule a private showing for 128 Garfield. You will be glad that you did.

Need more informaton, keep reading…

Main Level

Foyer
Traditional air-lock foyer
2-inch thick natural wood entry door
Natural marble tile in a basket-weave design
Guest coat closet

Grand Entry ~ 20 x 9
9 ½- foot ceiling height
Quarter-sawn oak flooring
Cove molding
Tall base molding
Picture rail
Window seat with flip bench
Leaded glass windows
4-foot wide natural wood staircase with carved newel posts
Matching period sconces and ceiling fixture

Living Room ~ 17 x 15
Quarter-sawn oak flooring
Cove molding
Tall base molding
Picture rail
Three 6-foot tall windows
Pocket door to Grand Entry and Family Room

Dining Room ~ 15 x 15
Quarter-sawn oak flooring
Cove molding
Tall base molding
Picture rail
Five 6-foot tall windows
Built-in cabinets with beveled glass
Matching period sconces and ceiling fixture

Kitchen ~ 19 x 22
Marble flooring
Natural cherry wood cabinets
Granite counter tops
Appliances include double oven, dishwasher, cook top, refrigerator
Eating area with built-in flip-top bench
Bay window overlooking pastoral back yard
Center island with pendant lighting above
Tumbled marble back splash
Recessed can lighting
Period light fixture

Family Room ~ 18 x 15
Quarter-sawn oak flooring
Cove molding
Tall base molding
Picture rail
Three 6-foot tall windows
Fireplace with carved wood mantelpiece and gas starter
Pocket doors to Grand Entry, Living Room and Dining Room
Period sconce lighting

Powder Room
Period mosaic tile flooring
Pedestal sink
Period light fixture
White plumbing fixtures

Mud Room ~ 6 x 4
Direct back yard access
Built-in maple cubbies

Second Level

Master Bedroom ~ 16 x 15
Oak flooring
Cove molding
Tall base molding
Picture rail
Two reach-in closets

Master Bathroom
Natural marble flooring and shower surround
Subway tile wainscoting
Beaded inset vanity with 1 ¼-inch marble top
Double sinks
Perrin polished chrome and Hans Grohe plumbing fixtures
Sunrise period tub with hand-held body spray
Furniture-grade mirror wraps
Separate shower with natural marble surround, bench seat and heavy tempered glass door
Separate commode compartment
Built-in linen closet

Bedroom 2/south ~ 18 x 13
Oak flooring
Cove molding
Tall base molding
Picture rail
Walk-in closet

Bedroom 3/southwest ~ 10 x 15
Oak flooring
Cove molding
Tall base molding
Picture rail
7 windows
Reach-in closet

Bedroom 4/northwest ~ 11 x 10
Oak flooring
Cove molding
Tall base molding
Picture rail
Reach-in closet

Family Bathroom
Period mosaic floor tile
Subway tile tub surround
Pedestal sink
Porcher plumbing fixtures
 
Third Level
Recreation Room ~ 25 x 18
Oak flooring
Bead board wainscoting
Chair rail
12-foot vaulted ceiling
Ceiling fan
Recessed can lighting
Window seat

Bedroom 5 ~ 16 x 8
Oak flooring
Reach-in closet
Dressing area

Full Bathroom
Ceramic tile flooring and shower surround
Marble slab counter top
Vaulted ceiling
Stand-up shower
Private commode room

Basement

Laundry Room ~ 16 x 13
Ceramic tile flooring
Above-ground windows
Cabinets
Washer and dryer

Miscellaneous Features

Interior
1 ¾-inch thick interior natural wood doors
3-piece crown molding
10-inch base molding
5-inch casings
Pediments above windows and doors
2 staircases between first and second floors

Mechanicals
90%-plus efficiency dual zone furnace
Boiler
Two 50-gallon water heaters with recirculating line and pump
Two 200-amp electrical panels

Exterior
Clapboard siding
Wrap-around porch
Ceiling fan
Architectural grade roof shingles
Galvanized half-round gutters
Old-growth trees
Paver brick walkways
Crushed stone walking path

Coach House/Two-Car Garage ~ 20 x 15
Pine flooring
Ceiling fan
5 windows
9-foot ceiling height
Sanyo heating and cooling system
Roof deck
Commode

Schools
All school scores can be viewed online at www.BryanBomba.com
Monroe Grade School, District 181
Clarendon Hills Middle School, District 181
Hinsdale Central High School, District 86

Important Link
Village of Hinsdale

Click Here To Search The ENTIRE Chicago Metropolitan MLS - Updated Hourly- Large Photos - Easy-To-Read Maps

Uncategorized | No Comments » June 8th, 2009

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Mortgage Insurance: The Necessary Evil?


Mortgage insurance insures the lender in case of a default by the borrower and is required on conventional financing when the down payment is less than 20%.  

The bank or mortgage company you obtain your financing from will seek to obtain the mortgage insurance coverage on your behalf.   However, the premiums are typically paid monthly by the borrower as part of your mortgage payments and are tiered at 5%, 10% and 15% down payments. 

The smaller the down payment the higher the mortgage insurance rate. What you may not be aware of his mortgage insurance is becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain.  A few examples of their “newer” requirements are:

  •  Minimum credit score of 700
  • Total debt to income ratio not to exceed 41%. 

While the reasons for this are many, but when you are in a business of insuring defaulted loans clearly there have been better times for this industry as more than 10% of all mortgages are 30 days or more past due.   With out mortgage insurance you would have to obtain FHA financing or be forced into putting 20% down.  Not that long ago most banks would loan you part of the down payment in a second mortgage to avoid the mortgage insurance premiums but that option for the most part is no longer available. 

If you do obtain your financing with mortgage insurance you may be able to cancel the insurance within 12-24 months if upon review of a new appraisal the necessary equity of 20% is now there.   The responsibility lies with the borrower to initiate this review process.   It is becoming increasingly important to discuss this situation with your lender as early in the process as possible.

Any mortgage questions?

Call the author of this piece:

 

Tony Pigatti

Vice President Residential Lending

Archer Bank

Office #708-237-4049

http://www.metrobankgroup.com

 

 

 

 

Click Here To Search The ENTIRE Chicago Metropolitan MLS - Updated Hourly- Large Photos - Easy-To-Read Maps

Real Estate Finance | No Comments » June 1st, 2009

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