When you buy a house, you’ll do a final walk-through of the property in the days or hours before closing.This is an important step in the homebuying process, as it gives you one last chance to assess the condition of the house before signing on the dotted line. Attention to detail is paramount during your walk-through.As you approach your closing day, here’s what you’ll want to consider as you walk through the home. Were the requested repairs completed? If you asked the seller to make certain repairs after the inspection, you’ll want to make sure those were done properly. If they weren’t, we might want to delay the closing or ask for credits from the sellers to make up for it. Do the electric, HVAC and plumbing systems work properly? Turn on all the lights, flush the toilets, run each f... 07/29/2023

Home appraisals often get confused with home inspections — and while both play an important role in the homebuying process, they aren’t very similar.During an inspection (which is optional), the property’s systems and structure are evaluated. The inspector will highlight deficiencies, safety hazards or repairs that may need to be addressed before you buy the home.Appraisers, on the other hand, assess the value of a home to ensure your loan amount is appropriate. If you’re paying for the house with a mortgage, this process is mandatory.Here are some other things to know about appraisals. They’re done by a professional appraiser. Appraisals are conducted by professionals specifically trained in real estate valuation. A subset of appraisers have approval to appraise properties for FHA and ... 07/29/2023

Whether you’re buying a home or selling one (or doing both at once), it’s important to have a real estate professional on your side.After all, there’s a lot of money on the line, and a house is a big investment. An experienced agent can support you as you make your decisions during the process.Are you preparing to buy or sell a home? Here are the benefits of enlisting an agent to help you.For BuyersWhen you’re buying a home, a real estate agent can help you zero in on properties that fit your budget and needs, schedule home tours with you and advise you throughout the mortgage process. Agents also have negotiation skills that can be key to getting you what you want.For SellersAn agent is critical when you sell a house. During the process, they can help you prepare and stage your propert... 07/29/2023

Thanks Jon Hamilton Vice President of The Federal Savings Bank for providing this very helpful information.  Jon can be direct at 312-471-6993 or 708-218-8480 - jhamilton@thefederalsavingsbank.comFirst-time home buyers shouldn’t let themselves be daunted by their loan estimate– a document that estimates the terms, monthly payments, and closing costs associated with the mortgage for which you are applying. If you purchased a home with any lender before 2015, you may have received a so-called “good faith estimate,” which the standardized loan estimate form replaces. Click here to view a sample loan estimate from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.   WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION IS ON THE LOAN ESTIMATE?  The first page of your loan estimate (or “LE”) ought to clearly spell out the mortga... 07/29/2023

Thanks Jon Hamilton Vice President of The Federal Savings Bank for providing this very helpful information.  Jon can be direct at 312-471-6993 or 708-218-8480 - jhamilton@thefederalsavingsbank.comMortgage lenders must issue a closing disclosure at least three business days before you close on your home loan– whether you’re refinancing your current home or purchasing a new one. Closing disclosures (also known as “CD”) are short documents that outline the final terms of your mortgage and make it easy to reference important numbers like your interest rate, your total monthly payment, and your closing costs. Armed with your closing disclosure, you can confidently come to your closing appointment as a fully informed homebuyer.   CLOSING DISCLOSURE 3-DAY RULE  By law, your lender must issue y... 07/29/2023

Newsletter   Dale Taylor - RE/MAX 10 Refer a Friend  Get in touch   December 14 2022 Wishing you and your loved ones a happy holiday season.     If there's anything you need in the coming weeks, please reach out. Newsletters Show More   Subscribe to Newsletter 2022 HOLIDAY CARD   December 14 2022...read more A HOMEBUYER'S GUIDE TO USING GIFT MONEY Are you expecting to receive down payment assistance from a loved one? Here's what you should know first. November 30 2022...read more HOMEBUYING: ACT NOW OR WAIT IT OUT? Before you make up your mind about purchasing a home, you should consider these five market and financial factors. November 16 2022...read more Reviews See all Reviews   Leave a Review   Dale was very helpful in helping us obtain our last home.  He was extremely knowledgeabl... 12/15/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 4 Reasons to Hire a Contractor Remodeling your home can be a big (and stressful) undertaking. Fortunately, hiring a contractor who’s well-versed in the process can help alleviate some of that stress. If you bring in a contractor, be diligent in your hiring. Get referrals, compare quotes and interview several candidates to make sure you get the best fit for the job. Are you unsure how a contractor can help with your project? Here are four ways: READ MORE >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report Featured Listings  20115 OVERLAND TRL, Olympia Fields, IL 60461  4146 APPLEWOOD LN Matteson, IL 60443  18906 QUEENS RD Homewood, IL 60430   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Don't Let the Down Payment Get You Down It can be hard to save up for your down payment — es... 12/15/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 Homebuying: Act now or wait it out? The housing market is always changing, so it can be hard to determine exactly when to buy — and when to wait it out. What if home prices or interest rates rise? What if lower costs are just around the corner? No crystal ball can give us these answers, but there are some factors you can take into account before making your decision. Are you hoping to buy a home soon? Not sure if you should act now or wait until next year? LET'S CONSIDER 5 FACTORS >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report Featured Listings   20115 OVERLAND TRL, Olympia Fields, IL 60461  4146 APPLEWOOD LN Matteson, IL 60443  18906 QUEENS RD Homewood, IL 60430   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Homebuyers: Don't Forget Closing Costs Closing costs, which con... 12/15/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 A Homebuyer's Guide to Using Gift Money Coming up with a down payment can feel like quite a hurdle. For millennials, who are currently the largest cohort of homebuyers, getting help with the down payment is fairly common — roughly 29% of younger millennials receive gift money from a loved one. Are you considering using gift funds during your homebuying journey? It’s important to understand the rules surrounding this strategy when applying for a mortgage. WHAT TO KNOW >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report Featured Listings: 3631 216Th Pl, Matteson, IL 60443      20115 OVERLAND TRL, Olympia Fields, IL 60461  4146 APPLEWOOD LN Matteson, IL 60443  18906 QUEENS RD Homewood, IL 60430   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   5 Common Homebuying Misconceptions Do y... 12/15/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 What Does (and Doesn't) Come With a Home When you tour a house for sale, it’s often staged, complete with appliances, window dressings, furniture and decor. These items can certainly make a place look appealing, but the reality is that most of them won’t come with the house if you decide to buy. So, what exactly do you get when you purchase a house from its previous owners? Do you know which items stay and which ones go? KEEP READING >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   Thank you for reading my newsletter. Please let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help! - Dale Taylor   Dale Taylor | RE/MAX 10Realtordale@thetaylormaderealtor.com1938 E Lincoln Hwy Ste 218New Lenox , IL 60451Mobile: (708) 439-0165 I’d love to know what you th... 10/17/2022

Hello,You probably know that repeat and referral business is important to me. It's my goal to help as many people as I can.   We'd love your referral: Please follow this link and answer one quick question.   You'll automatically be entered into a drawing when you answer. Your chances of winning aren't dependent on whether or not you refer anyone.   Thank you for your help. It means a lot.   The drawing closes in two weeks. Dale Taylor | RE/MAX 10Realtordale@thetaylormaderealtor.com1938 E Lincoln Hwy Ste 218New Lenox, IL 60451Mobile: (708) 439-0165 Email not looking quite right? View the web version.  10/17/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 How You Can Reduce Homebuying Stress Buying a home can be stressful (especially in a hot market).  But you’re in luck: There are ways to combat any worries you have and make homebuying a more enjoyable journey. Are you getting ready to purchase a home? Want to ease the stress of it all? Here are four strategies that could help. Prep your finances early. Having your finances in order can help make the process significantly smoother.READ 3 MORE TIPS >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   4 Keys to Buying a House Sight Unseen If you're relocating from far away or buying in a fast-moving market, a sight-unseen purchase might be necessary. Are you considering it taking this route? Here's how you can do it right. READ MORE ... 10/17/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 Reduce Moving Costs With These 4 Tips Moving can be expensive, whether you’re headed a few miles away or across the country. There are the costs to rent a truck, purchase packing supplies and possibly hire professional movers — all of which may be more expensive now because of inflation. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your costs if you plan ahead. Do you want to save money on your next move? Just follow these tips: START PLANNING >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   Thank you for reading my newsletter. Please let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help! - Dale Taylor   Dale Taylor | RE/MAX 10Realtordale@thetaylormaderealtor.com1938 E Lincoln Hwy Ste 218New Lenox , IL 60451Mobile: (708) 439-0165 I’d love to know what you... 10/17/2022

Creating a planet run by the sun 2021 Impact Report Read the full report   Report Overview This is our fifth annual Impact Report highlighting our progress in creating a planet run by the sun. We are pleased to show progress from the last four years and are more optimistic than ever in a brighter future for our planet. We’re proving we can decarbonize our energy system with the technology we have today. Affordable, reliable, and clean energy solutions like home solar, battery storage and bidirectional charging capabilities are accelerating the wide-scale transformation of an outdated approach to powering our world.  We are driving the electrification of our homes and transportation by harnessing the sun to power our lives with abundance. This future will also help households better man... 07/01/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 Stage Your Home With These 5 Tips Staging is a vital tool when selling a property. The majority of buyer's agents say staging can increase offers by anywhere from 1% to 20%, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors.  On a home listed at $400,000, that could mean up to $80,000 more. Do you want to market your property better, or potentially fetch a higher sale price? Keep these staging tips in mind: 5 THINGS TO KNOW >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Homeowners: Be Prepared for These Costs First-time homebuyers are often surprised by some of the repair and maintenance expenses that come with owning a house. Here's what to know if you want to make sure you're ready for them. READ MORE   Declut... 06/29/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 How to Pay for Your Home Improvements You’ll probably want to improve your home at some point. It might be out of necessity if you need a new roof or fence — or you might want more space or additional amenities, like an updated kitchen or a swimming pool. Whatever the reason for your projects, you’ll likely need some help paying for them. Are you planning to make some improvements around the house soon? Here are four ways to cover the costs. SEE YOUR OPTIONS >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Low- and No-Down Payment Mortgage Loans You don't need huge savings to buy a home. In fact, some mortgage loans require zero down payment. Are you trying to buy a house on a budget? One of these loan options could help. READ ... 06/21/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 Tips for Managing a Cross-Country Move With remote work so common these days, moving to your dream locale across the state, country or even the world isn’t as difficult as it once was. Still, that doesn’t mean a long-distance move will be easy. The logistics, the travel and the timeline can all be tricky to manage, and preparing for these potential challenges is key. Are you considering a big move this year? If so, follow these tips to help everything run smoothly. READ THE 5 MOVING TIPS >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   5 Tips to Help You Avoid Buyer's Remorse Buyer's remorse is common with homebuyers -- especially in a high-stakes, fast-moving market like today's. Want to ensure you make a smart move you don't ... 06/21/2022

  Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 How do you know when it's time to sell? The housing market has stayed competitive for months, and if you’re like many property owners, you’ve probably thought about selling. But is this the right time? Selling your home is a big decision, and pinpointing the perfect time to make your move can be challenging. Here are a few questions to consider if you want to explore what it would look like to put your home on the market soon. 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Lessons Learned by Losing Out on a House Are you hoping to buy a home? A lot of homebuyers tried — and failed — last year. Fortunately, they learned some lessons along the way. Here's what you can glean from their experiences. READ MORE ... 06/21/2022

  Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 Getting Started in Real Estate Investing It seems like more and more people are investing in real estate lately. Is this the right time to try it for yourself? If all goes well, investing in property can help you build wealth and generate passive income. But this endeavor requires careful planning, of course, and not everyone is able to achieve the profits they’re looking for. Are you considering venturing into the world of real estate investing? Here’s what to consider before getting started. 4 THINGS TO CONSIDER >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Tips for Boosting Your Savings in One Year Buying a house might seem like a far-off and costly pipe dream — but it's not impossible by any means. Here's how to save up... 06/21/2022

Dale Taylor RE/MAX 10 (708) 439-0165 5 Homebuying Misconceptions to Avoid It’s common for both first-time homebuyers and experienced homeowners to feel overwhelmed by the process of purchasing a house. Plus, myths and misconceptions often make the experience even more confusing. Myths like: Renting is cheaper than buying. You need a credit score of 700 to get a loan. You shouldn’t buy in a seller’s market. Have you come across any of these? If you’re thinking of buying this year, don’t let these misleading ideas deter you from your goals. READ THE 5 MYTHS >> Refer a Friend Search Now! Request Report   FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS   Want to Improve Your Credit Score? Try This Your credit score holds a lot of power -- especially if you're trying to buy a house. Do you want to increase your scor... 06/21/2022