Babe's Hot Dog Car Cruise Wednesday May 6, 2009 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm Babe Hot Dog2600 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, Illinois 60436  Every Wednesday night thru the summer from 6-9pm. Come out for some great food from Babe's Hot Dog in Joliet. Look at the finest collection of cars, trucks, and motorcycles in the area. Listen to your favorite song from Your Request DJ Service. We raise money thru a 50/50 raffle to support Operation Care Package.  Website: http://www.babeshotdogs.com For all your Joliet real estate needs, call LaNita with REMAX at 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com. 05/05/2009

Jazzercise Health and Stress Workshop Saturday May 9, 2009 from 8:15am - 11:30am Jazzercise805 Western Ave., Joliet, Illinois 60435 FREE WORKSHOP HEALTH AND STRESS"Learn Why Stress is one of The Leading Underlying Causes of Many Health Problems"Do You Suffer From: · Radiating Pain · Fatigue · Deep Aches · Stabbing Pain · Burning Feeling · Digestive Trouble · Weight Trouble · Pain that Comes and Goes Do You Wonder What's Wrong? Find Out ..... Presented by Health Awareness Inc.Guest Speaker - Dr.Vida Puodziunas, D.C.Come to our classes that morning at no charge. Bring light weights and water and a mat to exercise on the floor. Jazzercise class 8:35am or 9:30amHealth and stress workshop 10:30 amJazzercise and workshopr held at theFirst Presbyterian Church 805 Western aveJoliet IL.Call to S... 05/03/2009

Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain!  Friday May 8, 2009 at 8:00pm Rialto Square Theater, 102 N Chicago St.,  Joliet, Illinois 60432 When 'Hal Holbrook's Mark Twain Tonight!' opened Off-Broadway at New York City's 41st Theatre in 1959, it took the theatre world by storm and became an immediate hit. What started as a college honors project for aspiring actor Hal Holbrook soon became the model for one-man theatrical performances. Adapting more than 12 years of the great literary humorist's material, Holbrook is a master of his trade and an expert at engaging audiences. Ticket Info: $42-$52 For all your Joliet real estate needs (as well as surrounding areas) call LaNita Cates with REMAX at 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com. 05/03/2009

Through the years I have offered many First-Time Buyer Seminars.  I love doing them, as the excitement level of the attendees is high, infectious, and makes the seminar more fun.  Normally, the age of the buyer is that of someone younger as well, and as the dad of two sons in there 20's, I really enjoy working with someone around that age.  I served as a coach for my sons basketball and baseball teams when they were younger, and hosting these seminars feels pretty much the same.  The participants share the same energy level and eagerness to learn, only now it's about buying a home. Now I want to expand upon that excitement and energy level and have some fun while doing it too.   That is why I'm writing this post.  I've honed a pretty good seminar after doing so many, (if I say so myself... 04/27/2009

Come play downtown Joliet! Downtown Dining Week April 19 - 25, 2009 Get Dinner for $10 at any participating downtown Joliet Restaurants. All week long and dinners begin after 5:00 pm. Vertigo Lounge, 201 N. Ottawa St. 815-724-1502 vertigomartinibar.com The Department, 205 N. Chicago St. 815-714-2280  thedepartmentjoliet.com Bar Blu, 50 E. Jefferson St. Joliet's Union Station 815-727-7110  barblujoliet.com Chicago Street Pub, 75 N. Chicago St. chicagost.com McBrody's, 73 W. Jefferson St., mcbrodys.com Chicken-N-Spice, 251 N. Chicago St. 815-727-1100 Call LaNita Cates at REMAX at 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com for all your real estate needs! 04/23/2009

An open house is scheduled for Sunday, April 5th from 1:00 - 4:00pm at 2222 Taylor in Joliet, IL. One owner took loving care of this beautiful, spacious brick ranch in W. Joliet. Walk to St. Joe's Hospital! Three large bedrooms w/hardwood. 1.1 bathrooms upstairs. New carpet/paint. Full fin. basement with new full bathroom. One side great for family room, other side plumbed for wet bar & great for rec area. Driveway easily fits 2 cars. Gigantic backyard w/large patio-wonderful gathering place to entertain. Cleanest house, move-in ready. Call LaNita Cates at 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com for more information! 04/02/2009

Fourty six single family homes sold in Joliet in the month of March, 2009. The lowest price sold for $17,500 and was a foreclosure. In fact, 22 homes sold for under $100,000. The highest priced home sold for $300,000. Compare these stats to March, 2008 when seventy five single family homes sold. The lowest price home sold for $26,250 and the highest sold for $295,500. For all your homebuying and homeselling needs, call LaNita Cates at REMAX 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com. 04/02/2009

The following single family properties in Greywall Club in Joliet IL have recently closed: 2300 Waterbury Dr. closed on 12/30/08 for $144,400 as a bank owned property 8207 Waterbury Dr. closed on 11/24/08 for $180,000 as a short sale 2109 Sienna Dr. closed on 10/07/08 for $180,000 as a bank owned property  The following town-home and duplex properties have recently closed in the neighborhood as well: 2204 Pembridge Ln. closed on 2/18/09 for $117,000 as a bank owned property 2220 Pembridge Ln. closed on 12/1/08 for $141,000 as a short sale 2105 Tremont Ave. closed on 3/9/09 for $162,000 as new construction 8200 Woodview Ave. closed on 2/5/09 for $173,000 as a retail sale. Based on the data available on the MLS, its 5 of the last 7 closed sale comps in the neighborhood have been part of a... 03/24/2009

Recently I have been working on a young couple's application for mortgage that has been less than simple and filled with roadblocks.  Lower credit numbers than previously portrayed during initial conversations were the first hurdle that cropped up and caused some anxiety.  Then came the choice of property.  The home had some "issues" and they only made the appraisal and subsequently the lending more of a challenge.  That the purchase was being arranged for and sold through a government-owned agency added to the dilemma.  It was also becoming quite clear that the realtor representing the couple was inexperienced in this type of transaction.  All sorts of landmines were being discovered. Now let me be clear, in today's financing world it is not easy to say what the hard and fast rules reg... 03/22/2009

I had a down year in 2007. I bought several programs that I thought would increase my sales. I am still paying for Constant Contact, Housevalues, and 4 other online programs designed to help my customer base and income. I joined Activerain in the early part of 2008 and I saw a minor increase which I can't thank them enough for! During the summer months I had several new inquiries and business that derived from ActiveRain and then I had a drop in sales as the economy dropped in August til November. In November I was contacted by a company from California that offered me Unlimited Vacations for a licensing fee. I was skeptical, I thought about it, and I saw some of the ads and continued to keep in contact with the representative.  I finally decided to purchase the package and I couldn't t... 03/18/2009

These days it's hard to find encouraging signs or words regarding the mortgage industry.  All forms of the media grind out accountings of the fluctuations, stresses, and atrocities happening within it daily.  I don't believe in being an ostrich burying my head in the sand, but I can't help but wonder if all the negative press doesn't somehow make our problems worse. It's true that consumers and homeowners need vital facts and information to react and make sound decisions regarding their finances and credit.  Especially now, they need to be educated about opportunities and options available that will truly assist their fragile or dire financial positions.  The number of phone calls I receive picks-up dramatically after each newly received stimulus announcement.  Everyone is anxious to he... 03/04/2009

Thirty-five single family homes sold in Joliet, Illinois during the month of January, 2009. The lowest price sold for $20,000 and was a short sale. The highest priced home closed at $348,000. Compare January, 2009 to January, 2008 when fifty-four homes sold. The least expensive closed at $40,000 and the most expensive closed at $350,000. If you are looking to buy or sell in the Joliet area please call LaNita Cates with REMAX of Joliet. You can reach me by calling 630-341-1545 or visiting my website at www.lanitacates.com. 02/10/2009

178 attached single homes (condo, townhomes) sold in 2008 in Joliet. The lowest was closed at $45,000 with 2 bed and 1 bath. The highest closed at $280,000 which had 10 rooms, 2 of which were bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. If you are looking to buy or sell in Joliet or the surrounding areas, please call LaNita Cates with REMAX. You can reach me at 630-341-1545 or please visit my website at www.lanitacates.com. Make sure you read my testimonials so you know the type of agent I am! 01/22/2009

34 single family homes sold in November, 2008 in Joliet, Illinois. The lowest price was sold at $15,200 and was on the market for just one day. The highest price hold sold for $270,000 and had a market time of 91 days. Compare to November, 2007 when 67 homes sold. The lowest priced at $24,000 and the highest priced at $422,500. If you are looking to buy or sell in the Joliet area, please call LaNita Cates at REMAX of Joliet at 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com 12/26/2008

Joliet, Naperville, and Plainfield Homes   Moving your family to another town or state is a major event in your life! We have helped many families and individuals relocate to and from the Naperville, Plainfield and Joliet, Illinois area.  If you will be moving to the Naperville, Plainfield and Joliet area, we can correspond by email and phone. Together, we'll determine what type of home, price range, and neighborhoods you are interested in. We'll send you every home or property that is currently available that matches your criteria.  When you visit, we'll be ready! We will visit the Naperville, Plainfield and Joliet neighborhoods and homes that interest you the most.  In addition, we can talk about schools, sub-divisions, local market conditions, local culture... anything that is import... 12/18/2008

See actors of all ages in live theatre as they tell of Gnome legend and their good works for man and nature. Watch how they outsmart the Snotgurgle! First year?  Gnome hats are here! Every year after, the Grandma Gnomes sew on a tassel for free. Visit the gift shop filled with many "gnomemade" treasures. Try you luck in the raffle for two original, soft-sculpture hand-crafted Gnome dolls. Come share in the family tradition to start your holiday! Reservations highly recommended. Tickets are still $3.00! (815) 724-3761 December 6, 1:oopm and 3:30pm www.bicentennialpark.org 11/22/2008

A hilarious version like you've never seen before, unless you saw it already! The two imaginative actors Jim and Jeff tell the classic tale with audience help, so every show is unique and very funny. From sound effects to bit parts on stage, the audience is involved from start to finish. The moral of the story is still the center of this beloved tale. December 2 and 3, 2008, Tuesday & Wednesday Shows (9am, 11am, 1pm) Reservations required and you must call for availability. $3.00 per person. Call 815-724-3761. Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson at Bluff Street. 11/22/2008

The historic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, not only hosts hundreds of entertainment patrons, but also a couple of resident ghosts. The theatre began its life as a vaudeville movie palace in 1926 when the six Rubens brothers formed the Royal Theatre Company and desired to build a "Palace for the people." Designed by the Rapp & Rapp Architect firm of Chicago, the opulent theatre, reflecting Italian Renaissance, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Rococo, Venetian and Baroque architecture, cost nearly two million dollars to build - a staggering amount at the time. After two years of construction, the theatre opened on May 24, 1926. The day before its grand premier, the Joliet Herald News described it: "When the doors of the new Rialto open tomorrow, Joliet will have one of the finest the... 11/22/2008

On May 24, 1926, the Rialto Theater opened, unveiling a stunning reflection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine architecture. Theatre-goers that night paid 50 cents to see the silent movie "Mademoiselle Modiste." Serving the public for years, the theater underwent a complete restoration in 1980 and continues to offer a wide selection of performances today. The Louis Joliet Hotel, built in 1927 was the finest hotel in Joliet for its legendary elegance and luxury. The eight story hotel featured 225 rooms above a two-story central lobby and lounge complete with a large fireplace with a hand-carved mantel of Bedford stone. The hotel operated until 1964, and the building was designated a national landmark in 1989. It has recently been converted into 56 apartments linked to the revitalization of Jo... 11/22/2008

In 1873, the Joliet Opera House was built on the northwest corner of Chicago and Clinton Streets at a cost of $60,000. Opening on February 2, 1874, the establishment hosted a variety of functions from burlesque shows to religious revivals. In the summer of 1890, plans were unveiled for a $15,000 expansion project; however, the Opera House was destroyed by fire on March, 1891. Wasting no time, the Opera House was rebuilt the next year on the same location and continued to serve the community for many years. In 1876 a railroad tycoon by the name of Jacob A. Henry built a 16,800 square foot mansion from limestone from his own quarry. The 40-room home was lavishly finished with walnut and oak fixtures on the inside including solid walnut staircase with 119 hand-carved octagonal spindles. Th... 11/22/2008