Gene Mundt - Let's Talk Mortgages & Real Estate!

There are historical sleepers emerging out of their intense 5 to 20 year deep snooze.... Awakening in time to discover that completely owning their home was just an illusion!  A fading vision that stopped short of completion, it was just a DREAM, that for some, graduated to becomig a horrific nightmare! 

Statistics record that 1 out of every 200 homes in America will be FORE-closed upon and that every 3 months, a staggering 250,000 new families will begin one! (Mortgage Bankers Association)

FORE-closure has become the new FORE-letter bad word!  At the time buyers signed the documents FORE the home, most did not have the FORE-sight ahead to see this day!  It was a FOREign word then and has become a word we'd like to FORE-get now!

With job loss being the number 1 reason, there still remains many options be-FORE one has to endure the dreaded FORE-closure procedure:   Receiving a deed in lieu, undergoing a short sale, negotiating a loan modification, accepting a FORE-bearance agreement, and refinancing, are a few.  Sleepwalking walking away has also been chosen by those without FORE-seen hope.

Advisers rarely suggest that borrowers can and should retain their investment by renting their homes through a reputable property management company while downsizing.  This choice can be a win win solution for both the mortgage holder and the lessee.  We have found some of the best possible renter-candidates to be past homeowners! They possess a lengthy and faithful payment history and do yearn to recapture a bit of their lost dignity stolen in the strip-search during their FORE-closure! 

This American dreamer has awakened wiser, is clothed with genuine humility, and is in need of a little mercy. These are the choicest prime prospects, and should be highly sought after by discerning property management companies.  Equipped with acquired homeowner mentality, managers of quality rental homes have a much safer guarantee if they targeted some of these professional lessees, rescuing them out of their nightmares by placing them in their best abodes... FORE-sure! 

 "Where the RIGHT Price is the RICE Price!"

 © Copyright 2011 Rice Property Management, All rights reserved

  Rice Property Management & Realty, L.L.C., serves South Suburban IL &  Northwest IN Residential & Commercial Real Estate. 423 East 158th Street, South Holland, IL 708-862-7423.  We disclaim all liability for any damages or losses, directly or indirectly that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog or for accuracy of comments or opinions of visitors to my blogs.

     I've received quite a few requests for an update of pics on my new grand-daughter Marilyn from AR friends over the holidays.

     So in response to those requests (no arm-twisting necessary), I offer up the following photos.  This little girl is a beauty and has her grandpa wrapped around her finger already ...

                           My 2 Marilyns

Some cute kid, huh???

     Today I am celebrating a milestone.  I have earned over 100,000 points here on ActiveRain writing as a representative of my business and services through Chicago Bancorp ... and promoter of my industry and geographical area!

     When I first started out here on the Rain, I thought those members with this number of points must be superhuman.  I just couldn't imagine having that much to offer or say ... or posting and being rewarded with those types of numbers.

     The possibility of other Rainmakers writing me back and being able to establish and grow the remarkable relationships I have to this date?  Unimaginable!!

      I now know though, that 100,000 (although a huge milestone for me) ...  is just a beginning.  In comparison to other Rainmakers here, I am still a novice ... and I still have much to learn. But, the excitement, anticipation, and success I feel is possible here on the Rain is endless.  My participation has already helped me so much.  What awaits me can only be better!

     Although I am definitely celebrating my small success here today, there is much serious Rain business for me to still accomplish in the future.  There are people I have to yet meet and grow relationships with through the benefits I enjoy on the Rain.  Information and opinions to gather, share, and discuss with other great Rainmakers.  And ... articles to read, write, and post on the Rain.

      So put on your "Rain" hats and boots, slip into your waders and raincoats, and grab your umbrella!  Join me and help me in my celebration today!  Let's do a "Happy Dance" together!

     100,000 Points in the Rain ... and growing!   Later, I'll get back to work!! 

     Thank you all ... Gene

     Remember the old "Suggestion Box"?  Many companies had them available so they could take advantage of their employees' creativity, thoughts, and ideas. 

     It was a great move for a company to make ... but offered limited ability for its employees to bounce ideas off one another.

     Nowdays, many companies allow regular time within their work schedules for brainstorming sessions.  The direction and opportunities for creativity to flow within these meetings can be exhilirating to company and employee alike ... the resulting ideas endless.  

     But ... wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to limit that creativity and flow of ideas to a certain time period of the day or week???    How about having access to that well of ideas every minute your business is open?

     A new invention made possible through the brainstorming and entrepreneurial efforts of a group of college students, may make the old-fashioned suggestion box and brainstorming session go the way of the dinosaur. 

     Once applied, this product makes it possible to never kill a tree or waste paper ever again while in the pursuit of great new ideas for your company. Definitely a "green" way of producing new ideas for your company. 

     What is this new and exciting invention?

     Meet ... IdeaPaint!  It's a paint that can turn almost anything into a whiteboard.  IdeaPaint literally makes almost any surface a canvas on which new innovative ideas and inspiration can be written or drawn.

     Young entrepeneurs from Babson College, CAS-MI Laboratories from Ypsilanti, Michigan, and a group of contributing investors, spent over 4 years looking for the right ingredients and recipe to make this novel groundbreaking idea a reality.  IdeaPaint can help provide an inexpensive source of ideas for stagnant companies or those just looking to push their limits... as a can can cover approximately 50 square feet and costs only $199.  

     Over 20,000 businesses worldwide have already jumped on this idea and have covered their company walls with this new product. 

     Feedback to IdeaPaint management has related that most companies say their employees are excited by the availability of this open forum for ideas and welcome the opportunity to write something creative almost daily.  Some employees have even admitted to being "IdeaPaint junkies".  

     Presently, this product is only available through the IdeaPaint website at www.ideapaint.com.  Plans are rapidly moving forward to sell the paint in retail shops sometime this summer.

     Is your company open to the concept of IdeaPaint?  Just think of the possible benefits that could be reaped by your company when offering this inexpensive route to big new ideas and concepts.  Plus, it definitely could be fun to see the results of all the brainstorming displayed by your agents, loan officers, and employees!       

     It's my youngest son's birthday today ... so I guess I was feeling a little sentimental when I read an article from ConsumerReports.org early this morning.

     The article was called "Teaming up to prevent TV tipovover" and addressed the deadly concern of TV and furniture tipovers as they related to the deaths of young children.  I personally can't imagine anything worse than the loss of a child because of something so preventable as this!   

     This CR article was especially timely because of the upcoming Olympic Games.  Seems many families go out and buy new TV's for this event.  Retailers offer attractive prices to reel in new sales because of this popular sporting event.

      It was related within this piece that a 4-year-old child was killed when a 32" television fell off a dresser that housed the TV for viewing in a bedroom. 

    In the re-creation of this event by CR, the small weight of the child (approximately 50 lbs) was placed in a drawer, with the result being that the dresser fell forward and the television went flying to the ground.  The speed and violent nature of the flying TV was so great, that those journalists watching the demonstration were heard gasping.

    Can you imagine if you saw or heard this in real life with YOUR own child or someone you cared for?  Like I said, maybe I'm feeling a little reflective today ... but it made me shudder.  Unfortunately 57 families have had to suffer this fate in the last 8 years or so.  Horrific!

    So to help those at ActiveRain (and hopefully many more) to guard against this tragedy, I am passing on the suggestions that CR offers for prevention of this accident. 

    Please read and pass these safety precautions on to anyone you know that has small children around or visiting.  It might save a life ...

• Place televisions on furniture that is strong/sturdy and APPROPRIATE for the TV
• Furniture holding the TV should be ANCHORED to the floor or wall using brackets, screws or braces.  It is best to use hardware provided by manufacturers.  
• Avoid placing TV's on dressers & chests; as children may be tempted to use the drawers to climb and may cause the furniture or TV to topple on to them or the ground.
• Make sure that the TV DOES NOT HANG OVER THE EDGE of the furniture base and that it is positioned as far back as possible.
• Place electrical cords out of a child's reach; and teach children not to play with the cords.
• Keep items that might be attractive to children, such as toys and remote controls, away from the top of the TV or TV stand.

    Thank you to ConsumerReports.org for making this problem public, warning of the dangers involved, and offering safety tips for us to follow. 

    For more information regarding this topic and to see the article in full, go to ConsumerReports.org/safety  -   or read  -   ConsumerReports' latest issue.

     Both of my boys have amazing writing skills.  Not sure where that came from ... but both can express themselves superbly.

     Tom, our oldest, is the creative writer and attorney.  He was always quite the wordsmith ... he read at age two.  (How that came about, we'll never know.)  His first-grade teacher predicted he'd become a professional writer.  We were quite flattered, as any parents would be, but little did we know at the time ... she'd be right!  Tom utilizes his writing skills within his career, but is now beginning to also enjoy some success with his writing.  He has been published online many times and in a few Chicagoland area publications.  Obviously, we're quite proud.

     John, the younger son, (in insurance management) is accomplished in writing as well ... but it's in quite another style from his brother's.  John is our family historian.  He's a "fact-man".  Got his love of history and talent for facts from his grandfather.  While earning his bachelors at Virginia Military Institute, he wrote many papers while studying for his history major degree.  He also did a large amount of research for a couple of the history professors there.  He has one piece of writing that is actually used as a history class study tool in Virginia high schools.  His 1st Classmen thesis won him an award.

     Why do I relate this?  Well, beyond the obvious fatherly bragging ... I do it to point out, that good writing comes in many styles.  It can be pretty, factual, humorous, flowery, full of fire, full of #$*%!, move at the speed of lightning, move like a slow lazy river, and more.  

     Here on ActiveRain you can find it all.  You can find writers that are so good they bring you to tears ... to laughter ... to a boiling point.  Some write so well that I'm literally jealous of their talents.

     Just as my two sons styles of writing is vastly different, the writers showcased here on AR offer quite a wide range of styles too.  My style?  Probably somewhere in between my two sons.  The truth is, that not every style of writing will be your personal cup of tea.  But, sure as shoot ... they'll be someone else's favorite. 

     With the number of members involved in AR ... everyone is sure to become a faithful follower of other participants found here.  It's a virtual library of writing and writing styles at your fingertips!

    So enjoy!  And oh yes ...  be on the outlook for a new best selling author by the name of Mundt!   

     Over the weekend, I was reading an article that quoted statistics regarding companies utilizing early retirement options for its "older" workers.  It reported that a great number of companies are currently purging themselves of more mature workers.  They seem to feel it in their best interest. 

     What was considered an older, mature worker?  You are now considered in that category if you're in your mid 40's and up within many industries.

     I don't know if it's because I'm staring down a fast approaching birthday or not, but this really got me thinking and reflecting on my own profession and career.  Okay ... my age too!

     In this day and age, in many industries ... according to this article ... I'd be considered a real antique.  If in another profession, I too could be facing this early retirement dilemma.  This article served to get me a little "fired-up" ... maybe even a little defensive about my "advanced" years and the seemingly negative effect many companies feel they would inflict on their bottom line. 

     As with anything, I guess there are pros and cons to this issue.  The young professionals have skills that I admire and yes ... even are a little jealous of.  They use the modern-day technology as almost an extension of themselves, almost another appendage.  At their age, I thought a "selectric" typewriter was high-tech.  

     Admittedly, the techno stuff doesn't come to me quite as naturally.  But, perhaps even more importantly for a company considering dollars and cents, the youngsters are at the onset of their careers, which typically means they are demanding a lower salary and are less of a "health" risk.  Costs of having them around are lower and friendlier for the "bottom-line". 

     The speed at which changes and new information bombard our world seem to effect these younger workers very little too.  They are used to a world that operates like that because that was what they were born into.  Being a child of the 50's and 60's, I came from a time where life was a little less hectic.  Media and news didn't attack your eyes and ears around the clock like it does now.  There was "down time".  Life moved more slowly.

    Also in contrast to this younger generation, my career started at a time and in a place where I was expected to learn the business from the ground up.  I started my career as a teller in a savings and loan.  At the same time I was performing that function, I was attending classes for real estate and appraising.  I became licensed in both.  Having that extra knowledge and background really helped. 

    It was expected that I'd take classes while moving up my career ladder ... this all while moving up real ladders when changing lightbulbs, making sure the S&L lawn was mowed, or checking for leaks in the roof of the branch I managed.  (I still get smart comments from people that knew me then about coming to fix their lights that are out!)

     I also spent time in the accounting division of the company.  Learned the ABC's of finance and lending from the trenches.  I then moved into the small loan division of the S&L, taking applications for car loans and small installment loans.  I worked my way up to the real estate department and mortgages.  I sat in on loan approval meetings with the Board of Directors.  Packaged loan files for sale and delivery to smaller S&L's.  Prepared for and dealt with government auditors.  Prepared mass tax escrow payments with the county.  Attended local Chamber of Commerce meetings on behalf of the company.  Held Chamber offices.  Continuing education was gained both in and out of the class room.  

     Things are different now.  Designations and degrees are available in hundreds of specific fields and careers.  To put it in laymans terms ... everyone coming out of college now is a "pedigree".  They've studied their chosen field in more precise actuality and detail.  

     I'm a "mut".  I'm made up of a myriad of backgrounds and fields.  I've heard and read that dogs that are "muts" are typically more healthy.  Less likely to suffer or succomb from as many issues. 

     There have been so many times that I have been so glad that I am a mut.  I think it's contributed to my survival.  The extra knowledge and insight I gained from learning my profession in the old-fashion manner has contributed to my abilities to get my job done successfully in a million ways.  What I learned by "doing" ... what I gained by "having done that" ... what I experienced from "working my way up the ladder" benefited me, my referral partners, and my customers daily. 

     Simply put, I have knowledge and expertise you can only learn over time and with age.   I think of the many agents I know that are of my generation.  The same can be said of them also. 

     I ask then ... at what age do you put all that knowledge and expertise out to pasture?  At what age can you no longer contribute something worthwhile?  When someone is 40?  45?  50?  55?  Older?  What valuable resources are lost when that is done?  What wealth of knowledge thrown away?  What insight, reasoning, and negotiation skills are no longer available when these more mature workers are not available to offer their input, tested skills, and expertise?      

     I believe that our real estate industry is strengthened by the representation of the broad range of ages within it.  The young bring their talents and energy.  They keep us more mature professionals on our toes.  The older veterans bring experience and perspective to the young.  Both can learn from the other, if willing. 

     Thankfully, our industry does not practice mandatory retirement as in other professions.  I believe our buyers and sellers benefit greatly because of this.  I can't help but believe that other industries ultimately suffer because of the loss of their more mature workers.

     I'm not usually one to wear causes on my sleeve for everyone to see ...                                                                                               

     unless I deem it truly important or something that will undeniably assist in positive change or action.

    I just read (again) that donations and contributions for the needy during this holiday season are way down across our nation.  Understandably so, as fewer people and businesses are capable of giving as they have in the past.  Who within our industry does not understand stand that?

     Recently, my wife and I ran across a charitable request and avenue for giving that seems to have all the right ingredients for the upcoming holiday.  This cause is offered through two well-known names that would suggest peace of mind as far as donating safely and securely.  Big issues in this day and age.  The union between these two highly visible, old institutions would also suggest that the contributions made   will reach those that need it most in a punctual and organized manner.

       JC Penney and the Salvation Army (the oldest annual charitable fundraiser of its kind in the United States), have teamed up to address the great need being felt by so many families and individuals during this holiday season. 

     It's amazingly easy to make a contribution ... something that takes little time or effort on your part to accomplish. 

     You just go to the Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree Program at this link:  bit.ly/7zdxcj  (the program's page on the JC Penney website) and follow the easy directions supplied.  You choose your own recipient  ... and you can either shop on your own or make a contribution to the Salvation Army.  They in turn will do the shopping for you and make sure it reaches your chosen recipient in time for the holidays.  Any donation in any denomination is welcomed. 

     It can't get any easier than that!   You can make a much needed contribution and you don't even have to leave your computer!  Easy!  Quick!  Welcomed!

     I put the above information out there for your consideration during this holiday season.  If this path of giving does not suit your personal interests or desires, I hope you consider giving in some other manner ...    

     Last night I happened to catch a blog posted by Eric Hempler (Keller Williams Realty).  I thought the subject he touched upon was worth commenting on and I did so.  I later decided it also was worthy of a     follow-up blog of my own today.

     Eric's article noted the placement and questionable content of a recent Facebook posting by someone he knew.  Seems that he thought that this particular posting, and others like it, might prove hard to explain or embarassing in the future for the author(s).  He questioned whether it could prove damaging to their business or their business reputation.  He raised the point that maybe caution and forethought should have been taken prior to its posting.

     I had just completed a discussion with my wife regarding this very topic prior to spotting Eric's blog, so it was very coincidental and timely.  We were talking over an article that we had seen in a local Chicagoland paper.  It was reported that there is a new business industry springing up and being sought out more and more frequently by businesses interviewing for new employees. 

     What type of service does this new industry offer?  

Investigative/research services.

     What are they investigating and researching? 

     Social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, ActiveRain, chat rooms, and etc. that might contain postings, photos, opinions, and secrets of potential employees that are of a questionable nature. They are looking for postings that can later prove embarassing or damaging to their companies should they hire the applicant.  They are looking to wean these applicants out before even giving them a chance for an interview.

     Those photos you posted?  Trouble now!  That four-letter word you used?  Someone finds it offensive!  That post you wrote voicing your opinion?  Uh-oh!   The party you attended where you got a little tipsy?  It's now recorded history on your friend's or co-worker's website! 

     Not only do you have to worry about your own postings ... but others too! 

These postings can come back to bite you ... 

     We all need to be aware that this is occuring!  We all need to talk and discuss the potential damage this can do to us personally and to our friends and co-workers should we go ahead and post things of a personal/questionable nature ... or without permission.  We all need to stop and think before typing and uploading on these sites!  There can be a price to pay if we do not.    

      I imagine that my wife and I are like millions of other parents.  We always told our children to never do anything in public that they wouldn't want the whole world to see or know.  My wife went one step further, telling our boys to never doubt the power of the "Mom Network".  She told them if another mom saw them do something ... she'd find out.  It never failed to freak them out a little when it actually happened!      

     We all need to be reminded and aware of this ... now more then ever if taking part on any social media outlet of any kind.  It's doubly true if you're in business for yourself.  The world is watching ... and can or will report everything you do or say.

     We all need to remember ... mom may still be watching!