Eckols Team Gives Back

The Cindy Eckols Team gives back to the community by caroling as part of the Salvation Army red kettle charity drive outside Jewel-Osco on College Avenue in Bloomington, IL.

Winterize your home.

Now that the first signs of winter are upon us, you will want to be sure that your home is winterized. Here are some tips so you will be ready to weather the storm:
1. Have your furnace inspected by an HVAC professional and have your ducts cleaned. Also be sure to keep your furnace filter changed regularly.

2. If you have a fireplace, have it cleaned and inspected by a professional to ensure proper functioning during those cold winter nights.

3. Check exterior doors and windows. Be sure to seal up any cracks and crevices to keep that cold winter air out. Use weather stripping to help seal up around doors and caulk around windows.

4. Inspect roof and gutters. Be sure gutters are free of any debris to allow for proper drainage.

5. Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors per manufacturer’s instructions. Safety should always be a priority.

6. Prevent plumbing freezes. Locate your water main should there be any pipes break to ensure quick turnoff. Insulate exposed plumbing pipes. Be sure to always keep your heat set above 55° F.

7. Prepare and emergency kit should the power go out for an extended amount of time.

Above everything, stay warm and stay safe. These tips are meant for informational purposes only.

Fun… The definition of fun according to dictionary.com, is “–noun; amusement or playfulness.” I think that we all tend to take life too seriously. Remember, it is only a temporary situation. Take today and have some fun!

It’s back-to-school season again! This time is both a relief for parents and an annoyance for the students. This time can be stressful with all the coming and goings and trying to get everyone back on a cohesive schedule.

There are a few easy things that everyone can do to help cope with all the craziness:
1. Stop and take a few deep breaths.
2. Talk with each other. Work out a plan and what is to be expected.
3. Get ready! Much anxiety is caused by being unprepared.
4. Don’t wait until the last minute.
5. Have fun. It can be fun if you will just allow it to be!

With the current economy, many people are reinvesting in their house via remodels, and additions versus moving to a new home. Before you begin to remodel or tackle that upgrade project, remember that it is easy to over improve a property and over spend on your budget. Just keep it simple. What you like, others may not when you go to sell. Statistics have shown that kitchen and bathroom remodels bring you the best return on your investment. Sometimes simple is better.

Because of new Government Regulations implemented this year, turnaround time for lenders to close properties here in our local market has been pushed back to 30-45 days from accepted offer. In addition, lenders can no longer make contact with appraisals. They can only order an appraisal for which they have to go by a list and that is it. These new restrictions have been put into effect as a result of the credit crisis and rising mortgage delinquencies.

It’s smart to get preapproved before beginning your home search… By being preapproved you are more aware of what you can afford. In addition, it cuts down on disappointments by allowing you to see only houses in your price range versus getting your heart set on something that might be out of your range.