Hitchcock Happenings

The Illinois House of Representatives overwhelmingly passes a statewide smoking ban on Tuesday May 1st 2007.  With a vote of 73-42, the new law will be sent to Governor Blagojevich to sign into law.  (And he has indicated that he will do so).

The new law will encompass the entire state of Illinois and will ban smoking inside all public buildings, restaurants, and bars.  This legislation will alleviate the patchwork of local smoking bans that currently exists throughout the state.  With the ban taking effect January 1, 2008, Chicagoans will get 6 months less than the Chicago-area ban allowed.  I suppose one could speculate that tobacco sales might reach new records this coming New Year's Eve and perhaps those resolutions for 2008 might be more attainable for many smokers given the frigid climate of Chicago in January.

Visit the Chicago Tribune for the full story.

As the Joliet, Plainfield, and other markets slow down and shift to favor buyers, many homeowners are struggling to sell their house.  While some sellers are utilizing home warranty programs to entice buyers and compete with the abundance of homes on the market, savvy sellers and realtors are offering special buy-down options to attract more buyers without lowering their price.

It's a win-win situation in which a seller can "buy-down" the interest rate for the buyer.  This typically will cost the seller less money than lowering their price, yet it will save the buyer more money in interest than if they purchase the home at a lower price.  Additionally, it can help more buyers qualify for financing.  Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, call me for details on this really great option!  I can help you save $1000's!!

On Wednesday May 2nd, 2007, Larry Mull was welcomed into the Three Rivers Association of Realtors as President-Elect.  Larry is a sales associate in the Joliet office of Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell.  He comes to Three Rivers as successor to a line of presidents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell.  Among these are the current president, Keith Alberico, of the Joliet office and the previous president, Georgann Shaffer, of the Morris office.  This pedigree of presidents demonstrates the commitment and leadership that Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell realtors bring to the communities they serve.

The Three Rivers Association of Realtors serves the real estate needs of the entire Western and Southwestern region of the Chicago area.  While the office is based out of Joliet, it serves communities such as Naperville, Minooka, Mokena, Lockport, Romeoville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Palos Park, Palos Heights, Orland Park, Shorewood, New Lenox, Frankfurt, Morris, Oswego, Yorkville, and many more!