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

     Now that I have been on ActiveRain for over a year, I feel I have gained my footing and discovered a little more about my hopes, needs, and wants for my participation here.  I certainly have not abandoned my initial intentions that I brought into my membership, but I have fine-tuned and adjusted them somewhat.  Much of what I changed had to do with my ... for lack of a better word ... "ignorance" regarding the value, relationships, and education I would find through my membership.  I just had no clue that I would discover and be rewarded with so much!

     During much of my first year, I read featured writers for the most part and tried to hone my own writing skills.  That took much of my time and effort and I ventured out to discover other writers or checked-out groups very little.  As of late though, I have been trying to find AR members that either share some real commonality or are closer to me in proximity.  What I have discovered is, that the Chicagoland area has some very knowledgeable and formidable professionals and writers as AR members.  What we may lack in representation in pure numbers ... we make up in abilities, energy, and skills.

     So, I'm taking this opportunity to introduce you to some Chicagoland ActiveRain members that you may not know.  Please take the opportunity to get to know them and read their wonderful articles.  I think you'll be glad you took the time to discover talents unknown to you prior to this post.  As I discover more Chicagoland talent, I will certainly update this post to include them.  My apologies to those members which I have missed or not come to know yet.  With time, I will find you!    

     My Chicagoland All-Star List:

      Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog©   (http://activerain.com/simsatremax)  Located out of Re/Max Suburban in Schaumburg, IL, Lyn is a veteran agent that writes information-packed blogs with a twist of humor evident within her articles.  Lyn was one of the first members from my immediate area to introduce herself to me and show interest in my blog.  Her kind gesture impressed me greatly and I was very appreciative of her efforts.  Lyn is unbelievably kind and generous with her knowledge and support ... always taking the time to stop by and be a friend.  She's a rare find.

     Barb Van Stensel, Keller Williams Lincoln Square, Chicago  (http://activerain.com/blogs/barbvan)  We're talking a powerhouse here!  Barb tells it like it is and does not shy away from the hard topics.  Each of her articles is delivered with passion and intensity, something no doubt resulting from two major things ... her family has been involved in real estate for multiple generations ... and she works with city buyers.  Barb lets all know that she's going to do everything she can to protect, guide, and represent her clients to the best of her ability.  If I was buying in the city, I'd want her on MY side.  Barb makes reading her blogs extremely interesting.

    Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston Realtor, North Shore Realtor (http://activerain.com/blogs/alanmay)   I doubt that you have not found Alan May yet, (he's extremely popular) but just in case you have not ... find him now!  Simply put .. Alan is amazing.  He delivers his articles with such a great personal style and flair.  I find him "the carrot" for which I strive with my own articles.  Always creative, Alan's personal blog never looks the same for long.  The content is always rich in information and humor both.  Upon reading his blog over time, I have found that Alan is excellent at his chosen craft ... but I still think he may have missed his showbiz calling!  The man is beyond funny at times ... and just a joy to read.

     Evelyn Santiago Realtor(R) Fox Valley Distressed Home Specialist, Montgomery, IL.  (http://activerain.com/blogs/dynamicbroker)   Every word of Evelyn's articles speak of her gentleness.  She can not hide it ... she's a caring, comforting, nurturing agent.  The love of her profession, her clients, and the area she serves flows through her every word.  You wish you could bottle her.  She has a marketing background and it shows in her presentation.  Every word, every detail is chosen wisely.  You get the sense that not much misses her attention and that pays-off for her clients bigtime.

     Diane Rice, Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL.  (http://activerain.com/blogs/ricelord)  This lady is one of the most giving, helpful, and kind people you will ever find.  She's a crusader here on AR, always championing a new member or someone in need.  She is the first to congratulate you or pat you on the back for something well done.  She practices what she preaches.  I've had the opportunity to speak with her on a few occassions and I came away each time marveling at her superb organizational abilities and depth of her concern for her clients and business.  You can almost feel the warmth of this lady radiating from her blog.  Don't miss the chance to find her and feel that warmth for yourself.

    Lisa Schmitt, Plainfield, IL.  Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell  (http://activerain.com/blogs/lisaschmitt)  The name of Lisa's blog is "Schmitt Happens"!  This is a BIG clue into the personality and vibrancy of this AR member and agent.  How could you not love her enthusiasm and sense of humor?  I have the feeling that Lisa is like a stealth bomber.  She looks calm.  She speaks softly.  But underneath there is a real power and intellect that will serve her and her clients extremely well.  You go away from speaking to her just knowing ... she "gets it" and is going to make sure everything is done and done well.  A lender dreams of working with an agent such as this.

    Haris Dedic, Mount Prospect, IL.  (http://activerain.com/blogs/harry)  I like and respect Haris so much.  He is newer to the real estate profession and is perfecting his craft and services.  I don't know of a more genteel or kind man on AR.  The care and commitment he shows to his profession, his clients, and his writing is formidable.  You sense he would rather jump through hoops of fire than let his clients or referral partners down.  He concentrates on hyper-local articles many times and reveals little known smaller businesses to his readers.  Haris promotes and represents his area well and serves as one of its biggest cheerleaders.  As I said ... I just respect him, his outlook, and his efforts.  I recommend you get to know him too ...   

    Leslie Ebersole, St. Charles, IL.  Baird&Warner Real Estate (http://activerain.com/blogs/leslieebersole)  Leslie is a more recent find of mine, but she has quickly made herself a "must read" each day.  Her posts offer valuable insight into the St. Charles and surrounding area, painting a picture of the life you can live there.  She is not afraid to throw out questions to her readers, engaging them in her daily blog.  Her inquisitiveness and need for information and facts let you know that she is always soaking up new and better ways to help her clients and conduct her business.  I find that very admirable ... and intelligent.  The area of St. Charles draws a clientele that will expect a high level of expertise and results.  It's obvious that Leslie will exhibit and carry out both.  You can develop a real dialogue with this blogger ... so search her out. 

    As I said earlier in this blog ... as I find and have time to reveal more of our area's talented AR members, I will do so.  I urge you to give the above members a look and get to know them well!  Enjoy!