Real Estate Information

Last week I had a chance to use the AHS Home warranty discount program. I first got on line at www.sears.com and research which dishwasher I wanted to buy. The dishwasher I choose was priced at $709.00 when I called the AHS/Sears discount 800 number and I was asked for a code which was AHSHOME they said that the price would be $574.00 which was a 20% discount. I purchased the dishwasher over the phone and the very next day the dishwasher arrived at my house. The day after that a licensed plumber showed up and took out my old dishwasher and repaced it with the new one. I am very pleased with the entire process from start to finish. AHS Home Warranty you not only have the best Home warranty product out there but also found a way to save your customers money. Thank you very much.

Tom Cain 217-352-5700

tom@soltec.net

This years Friends of Santa give away was full of miracles. We had 50 families, 153 children that were helped this year. For the first time as the families were contacted by Sonna she kept hearing that the toys were appreciated but many of the families needed clothes and food. So for the first time Friends of Santa had a food and lightly used clothes drive. Fawn Newsom of RE/MAX held our first food drive which brought in enough food for each families to receive 2 bags of food apiece. The unit 7 network of Friends of Santa brought bags and boxes of clothes, shoes and coats which were in abundance for each family to choose from.

For the 3rd year in a row through the generosity of the Masonic lodge of Tolono they opened there building to Friends of Santa so that the parents and guardians of the children could stop by to pick up the gifts for thier families. The Masonic Lodge of Tolono is no stranger to Friends of Santa for the past 9 years they have donated the profits of there Sunday morning breakfast which was held in October to us. This single event averages over $2200 each year.

This years miracle which I watched unfold started when a married mom of three children which works 2 jobs came in to pick up her children's gifts. As she entered she was brought into the large room full of tables that had stacked piles of clothes, shoes, food and (miscellaneous toys which were donated by the Tolono Casey's). She filled 3 bags full of clothes for her children and then proceeded to to get ready to leave. Sonna said wait a minute we have toys for your children we went and got 2 sacks of gifts then we brought out a Turkey dinner and all the trimmings which were donated by my mom Tiana Cain. As the mom looked at the pile of gifts food and clothes she was overwhelmed and said " is this really all mine, I get this for my family " we said yes. So we helped her out to her car with her gifts and she then came back in to Thank everyone. As she walked back to her car she got half way there when she stopped and hung her head down and just started to cry. After a few minutes she was able to walk to her car, she opened the door and as soon as she sat in the drivers seat her forehead laid down on the steering wheel and began to cry for about 5 minutes. But after she was done crying she did as any woman would she pulled down her mirror of her visor fixed her make up and drove off.

When the day was over because of the generousity of many we had a third of my moving truck full of left over clothes and gifts which the next day were taken to Salt and Light so that others in need could benifit. Thank you to everyone who donated there time, clothes and money.

Merry Christmas and may you have a Blessed New Year!

Tom and Sonna Cain

Now is a great time to buy a home with affordable prices available. In fact if you were thinking of renting in the New Year think again we can explore the possibilities of home ownership especially as the $8,000 tax credit is still available to ‘First Time Home Buyers’ and a new $6,500 tax credit is available to Current Home Owners who have lived in their primary residence for 5 of the last 8 years.

Have a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

Short sales and foreclosures are a reality in today's market.  I get many questions about the short sale process and how if differs from foreclosure, so I wanted to share these informative RE/MAX videos with you.

I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) which means I have been specifically trained in the process of negotiating a short sale agreement.  I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Here are the videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcY2aIG2nSg&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkuXvFBYXVU&feature=channel

A short sale will have much less impact on your credit, so feel free to call me for more information.  

And if you know someone who may benefit from this information, I would appreciate it if you would forward it on.

Wishing you a successful 2010,

Tom Cain RE/MAX Realty Associate

217-373-4859 or tom@soltec.net

Foreclosure Avoidance Options

Foreclosure is one of the most devastating financial challenges that a family can face and one that many times can be avoided. The options available to residents for foreclosure are many, including but not limited to short sales. Following is a brief explanation of these solutions:

Reinstatement


A reinstatement is the simplest solution for a foreclosure, however it is often the most difficult. The homeowner simply requests the total amount owed to the mortgage company to date and pays it. This solution does not require the lender's approval and will 'reinstate' a mortgage up to the day before the final foreclosure sale.

Forbearance or Repayment Plan


A forbearance or repayment plan involves the homeowner negotiating with the mortgage company to allow them to repay back payments over a period of time. The homeowner typically makes their current mortgage payment in addition to a portion of the back payments they owe.

Mortgage Modification


A mortgage modification involves the reduction of one of the following: the interest rate on the loan, the principal balance of the loan, the term of the loan, or any combination of these. These typically result in a lower payment to the homeowner and a more affordable mortgage.

Rent the Property


A homeowner who has a mortgage payment low enough that market rent will allow it to be paid, can convert their property to a rental and use the rental income to pay the mortgage.

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure


Also known as a 'friendly foreclosure,' a deed in lieu allows the homeowner to return the property to the lender rather than go through the foreclosure process. Lender approval is required for this option, and the homeowner must also vacate the property.

Bankruptcy


Many have considered and marketed bankruptcy as a 'foreclosure solution,' but this is only true in some states and situations. If the homeowner has non-mortgage debts that cause a shortfall of paying their mortgage payments and a personal bankruptcy will eliminate these debts, this may be a viable solution.

Refinance


If a homeowner has sufficient equity in their property and their credit is still in good standing, they may be able to refinance their mortgage.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (military personnel only)


If a member of the military is experiencing financial distress due to deployment, and that person can show that their debt was entered into prior to deployment, they may qualify for relief under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The American Bar Association has a network of attorneys that will work with servicemembers in relation to qualifying for this relief.

Sell the Property


Homeowners with sufficient equity can list their property with a qualified agent that understands the foreclosure process in their area.

Short Sale


If a homeowner owes more on their property than it is currently worth, then they can hire a qualified real estate agent to market and sell their property through the negotiation of a short sale with their lender. This typically requires the property to be on the market and the homeowner must have a financial hardship to qualify. Hardship can be simply defined as a material change in the financial stability of the homeowner between the date of the home purchase and the date of the short sale negotiation. Acceptable hardships include but are not limited to: mortgage payment increase, job loss, divorce, excessive debt, forced or unplanned relocation, and more.

It's always great to hear from happy buyer's. Here are some comments from a letter I received last week.

If you are interested in a real-estate agent or broker I would like to recommend Tom Cain. He is not only a nice guy, but will work to get you what  you want. He is not pushy and was genuinely sincere about helping us in anyway.

He gives great advice when it comes to the Bid process, home warranties and general contract stuff. He pulls out the stops to save you money and when you need references for Home Inspections of any sort and lawyers etc., he will hook you up with qualified professional people at a reasonable rate. Let's say you can tell he's been around the block.

Bottom line if you want someone who is down to earth and will work for you, Tom is your guy.

Letter submitted by recent homebuyer.

If you are thinking of purchasing appliances, televisions, fitness equipment, mattresses, Lawn & garden equipment or craftsman tools.

AHS and Sears Commercial are pleased to offer the AHS Home Rewards Discount.

AND THE BEST NEWS - YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE AN AHS WARRANTY TO USE THE DISCOUNT. Call the 800 number below for information on how to take advantage of the discounts.

How the discount works:

•           Log onto www.sears.com

•           Find the products you’d like from these categories

Appliances, Televisions, Fitness Equipment, Mattresses, Lawn- Garden Equipment and Craftsman Tools

•           Jot down the model number you would like to purchase

•           Call 1-800-570-9047 and mention promo code AHSHome for your special pricing

•           A friendly phone consultant will provide pricing, process your order, arrange for delivery and assist with payment terms

•           Enjoy the savings!

Sincerely,

Tom Cain

This is a great, well maintained home with 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a sunroom and a bonus room. This home features lot's of storage, all pella windows with insert mini blinds, a large 5'x13.6' walk in closet and a whirlpool bath. It also boasts a Bay-Bow window and an enclosed porch. To view the virtual tour see the link below.

http://illinihomes.com/chm/maildoc/a005lG8697.html

For more information on this home or if you would like to view it contact me at tom@soltec.net or text me at 217-202-3136

This property is a quality built 3 bedroom 2 and half bathroom condo with lot's of storage. The kitchen has been remodeled with quality oak cabinets and corian counter tops. It also features an entertainment system and dual sided fireplace and is situated in a cul-de-sac with a patio and fenced back yard with lot's of landscaping. Not forgetting a newer furnace and roof this is a must see condo. For a photo and more details see the link below.

http://illinihomes.com/chm/maildoc/a002vm2603.html

For more information on this home or if you would like to view it contact me at tom@soltec.net or text me at 217-202-3136

This house features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a detached 1 car garage. Over 1000 square foot it has a newer kitchen with range/stove, refrigerator and washer/dryer included. The house also has a new furnace, vinyl exterior, an alarm system and is freshly painted and ready to move into. For a photo see the link below.

http://illinihomes.com/chm/maildoc/a000HY7629.html

For more information on this home or if you would like to view it contact me at tom@soltec.net or text me at 217-202-3136