Some Things to Do Before Moving In

You know how the famous lyrics go: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone?” While these are very true sentiments, we’d like to recommend a slight alteration: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got ‘till you start to pack it all up?”

The more closets you go through and the more cabinets you attempt to organize, you might ask yourself, “Where did all this stuff come from? What am I supposed to do with all of this? Is this stuff I even really need?” These questions require even more urgent answers when you are packing and organizing for an exact purpose; specifically, when you are planning on moving.

And packing up your home is just one of many things that need to be crossed off your checklist when you are preparing for moving day. The process of switching residences can be overwhelming to say the least. But by planning ahead, you can be as prepared as possible for your upcoming move:

Here are a few things to keep in mind before moving into a new home:

Gather the Appropriate Supplies

Make sure you have plenty of boxes, bins, tape, labels, bubble wrap, and newspaper on hand in plenty of time before the big move so you can stay on top of packing. And don’t be afraid to give things away—if you are going through old drawers and closets and find things you don’t need, there is no need to bring them to the new house.

Transfer Your Utilities

Don’t assume that the gas, water, and electric will be set up for you on moving day. It’s important to take care of this with your utility company before moving day rather than afterward.

Change the Locks

Changing the locks is the simplest and quickest way to guarantee your safety in your new space.

Clean Up

Scrubbing every possible surface of your new house is much easier when they’re not covered with furniture! Thoroughly clean your home before moving day; it will save you significant time and trouble in the future.

Other things you may consider before moving in if possible include getting to know where the circuit breaker box is and the main water shut-off valve, make minor and major repairs, childproof your home if applicable, forward your mail and update your billing address.  It's also not a bad idea to consider getting a home warranty which would cover the cost of the repair or replacement of things like your furnace, air conditioner, water heater, appliances, plumbing and electric for at least a year. Experts say that basic coverage starts at about $300.  Proper planning can help minimize the challenges and stresses of transitioning to a new home making the move much more enjoyable.

For more information on what you can do to make your upcoming move easier, work with a member of Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®.  You can find them at www.trarealtors.net or call 815-744-4520.

2016 Award Recipients

The Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® has chosen the 2016 recipients of four awards that are given out.  Three awards are given annually and the fourth “Lifetime Achievement” award is given occasionally, when a member is recognized by peers for a lifelong effort in Real Estate, community involvement and volunteering.

This year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award is Rosalie D’Andrea, a lifelong resident of Joliet.  Rosalie began her working career at the J.F. Messenger Company working for Neil Houbolt in 1961 at the age of 16.  This career led her to Service Cartage in Lemont and D’Andrea Construction Company in Joliet 1968-1978.  Rosalie received her Real Estate license in 1972, and broker’s license in 1974, first with Key Realty and later with  Bell Realty.  In 1991 she became manager at the Honig Realty office in Joliet.  To this date, Rosalie manages the Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell office in Joliet.

Rosalie’s community involvement spans 30 years.  Elected to the Joliet City Council in 1987, she served on the Will County Expedition Authority, which oversees the Rialto Theater, for 12 years.  She also served on the Will County Center of Economic Development Board’s City Center Committee 1991-2007, committed to volunteering at the Forest Park Community Center and the Warren Sharp Community Center, and served on the Three Rivers Association Board of Director’s.

Debbie Prodehl received the REALTOR® of the Year Award for 2016.  Debbie is a manager and Regional Vice-President for Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell.  She is currently the chair of Business Issues & License Laws, a committee of the Illinois REALTORS.  Debbie was the President of Three Rivers Association in 2015.  Prior to serving as President, she was a Board Member officer for four years and also served as Secretary/Treasurer and President-Elect.

Debbie graduated from Lockport High School in 1982 and began her career into the real estate business in 1991, receiving her managers broker’s license in 2005.  She resides in Homer Glen with her husband Leo, and has two children Stephanie and Jonathan.

Mike Montgomery received the 2016 Affiliate of the Year award.  Mike is currently a mortgage loan originator with Stearns Lending in Naperville.  Mike began his career in the mortgage industry in 1985 and held positions ranging from underwriting to packaging and selling loans, and administrator to loan officers.  Mike has been active at Three Rivers Association for the past four years, volunteering in many committees, and is currently the Chair of the Affiliates Committee.   Outside of real estate, he is involved in the Chamber of Commerce in Plainfield, Naperville and Romeoville.

Gibby Kirby received the 2016 Rising Star award.  Gibby grew up in Central Illinois and attended Illinois State University, moving to Joliet 5 years ago.  He began working at Realty Executives Success as the office accountant and administrator.  Gibby received his real estate license 2 years ago, and stepped right in to participate with the associations committees and activity.  He is currently Chair for the Communications Committee and Vice-Chair of YPN Committee.  Outside of his career in real estate, Gibby volunteers at multiple animal rescue groups, and is involved in community theater and dance.

Three Rivers Association is very proud to present these awards and is grateful for the participation of these individuals chosen.

How To Get A Mortgage With Student Loan Debt

Time Magazine reports that the Student Loan Crisis is worse than ever.  More than 25% of students are graduating with too much student debt and the overall debt number has exceeded the $1 trillion mark.  While this issue may not seem related to being a homeowner, it is affecting the housing market in surprising ways.

When you apply for a mortgage, student loans can be the make or break factor for getting approved.  If you have student loans and are looking to buy a home, you’re in luck! Follow our advice for affording a mortgage while balancing student loans:

Managing Loans

If you are paying a high interest rate on your student debt, it may be time to look into refinancing and consolidating.  Refinancing your student loan reduces your debt-to-income ratio, lowers your monthly payment, locks in low interest rates and improves your chances of being approved for a mortgage.

Elevating Credit Score

How can you build good credit?  If you have student debt, one of the most effective ways to improve your credit score is by paying off loans.  Start by paying your student loans on time each month and make sure you keep your monthly balances low.  If you avoid paying off your balance each month, you might be faced with a fee.  

Reduce Your Debt

Lessening your total debt sounds harder than it is.  If you are ready to purchase your first home, cutting back on monthly expenses is a great place to start.  Reduce your living expenses by eating out less, avoiding online shopping or even taking on a part-time job for some extra cash.  All it takes is some money management and you can be a homeowner!

Don’t let student loans affect your ability to buy a home.  Contact the professionals at Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® for professional advice!  It is our goal to provide real estate solutions for those in Will & Grundy County.  For more information, head over to our website or give us a call at 815-744-4520!