Old post but really good reminder for any homeowner. I've said it before...Water always wins and it is not your friend inside your home. This sump pump discharge pipe jumped out at me the minute I saw it at my Bourbonnais Illinois Home inspection. Matted down grass. Moss growing on the wall. Large opening where the pipe exits the wall. It took every ounce of willpower to not run inside the house and look at the interior wall, joists and plywood. The house next door had an elbow directing the water down into the drain pipe away from the house. This house was a bit different. When the pump turned on, the water was moving with such force and volume that most splashed outside the drain pipe on the ground. Some was splashed back into the pipe opening into the wall cavity. And of course some... 01/19/2022

It's the Little Things     We have had a crazy amount of snow in Illinois this season. My snowblower has been running more this year that the past 3 years combined. Home inspections in Bourbonnais and surrounding areas have been a real challenge. Can't see the roof, huge drifts of snow to plow through and dangerously frigid temperatures have made this winter one for the record books. If you don't have a safety pack in your car when heading out, you are taking a huge risk with your life. The items we require the inspectors at SLS Home Inspections to carry are critical. Blankets, flashlight, handwarmers, extra socks, snow shovel, matches and candle, big enough piece of aluminum foil to melt snow in, extra gloves and hat, battery charger booster for the cell phone and storable food items l... 02/27/2021

Who I call “My Most Valued Partner In Crime” my Irene Coleman, who helps me in so many countless ways in managing the Shelter we serve, simply does not like it when our Guys awake to the News on television.  She says “this is such a bad habit and just not good for them!”   Well, this morning the bad habit she fusses every Tuesday morning about affected me so deeply.   The funny thing about afflicted pain, it can haunt a life indefinitely! Disclaimer:  I am about to share a very true story, which may be painful to the Participants and Ancillary Individuals.  If You (and You know who You are) do not think you can handle what I am about to share, please read no further.  My words can be like a piercing 2-edge sword stabbing deeply into the Soul.  It is never my intention to hurt anyone, bu... 02/15/2020

     What did we do last year or the year before that made a difference in our business?      Simply put, I stopped trying to run a business all by myself. In July 2018, I got a phone call from a past client. His name was Luke and he had purchesed the home I inspected for him back in 2016 and for the next 2 years, he had spent many hours reading and studying all about home inspections. He determined that he did not want to be an owner of a company, rather he was wanting to be able to do inspections, then have time to spend with his young sons. Marketing and taxes and recordkeeping and payroll and scheduling and everything else that comes with owning a company were just not what he was looking for. He had zero interest in starting his own company. That was perfect for me, and as it turn... 01/29/2020

News Release          MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS   For further information contact: Sara Geimer, 312/329-8296 sgeimer@realtors.org   Wes Shaw, 202/383-1193 wshaw@realtors.org Realtor® Good Neighbor Award Finalists Honored for Impactful Volunteer WorkWASHINGTON (August 28, 2019) – The National Association of Realtors® has honored 10 Realtors®, members of the National Association of Realtors®, as finalists for its 2019 Good Neighbor Awards. This award honors Realtors® who have made a positive impact on their communities through extraordinary volunteer service.This year marks the 20th year the Good Neighbor Awards program has recognized Realtor® volunteers. During that time, $1.3 million in grants has been awarded to more than 200 nonprofits led by Realtors®. Their impact has been felt in 40 sta... 08/28/2019

Long Distance House Hunting House hunting can be stressful for many buyers, but long-distance house hunting can be overwhelming, especially if you're searching in a city or area you've never lived in. If you need to find a home in a different city or are looking to move cross country, the following suggestions can make the process as stress free as possible. Find An Experienced Relocation Agent One of the most important things you can do when trying to find a home in another city is to find the right agent. Many agents can help you find a home, but you want to find someone experienced in relocation. He or she will need to be willing to look at properties for you, be able to send you pictures, videos, and even do live tours via cellphone, tablet or drone, as well as be available if/when... 08/28/2019

Protecting Your Home From the Outside-In Hi Dale,We all want to feel safe and protected, especially when it comes to our home and family. Protecting your house is no small task, especially when there are multiple options for home tech and security systems. For those not equipped to splurge on a state-of-the-art alarm system or guard dog, there are several things you can do to make you and your family safer from the outside-in. Outside the HomeInstall Motion Sensor Lighting Outdoor lighting has come a long way, especially motion detection fixtures. Installing motion sensor lighting around major points of entry around your home, or around the entire property, can help deter intruders.   Keep Expensive Items Locked Up Barbecues, smokers, outdoor culinary equipment, bicycles and other item... 08/28/2019

If you have recently lost a Parent or Loved-One, and now must go through the stressful and time consuming Illinois probate process, it’s time to call me at 708-439-0165 - dalelesleytaylor@peoplepc.com with the experience to help you, and get your questions answered today.   You may have a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to certain aspects of how Elder Law works?  I understand this is a worrying and difficult time, and always here to help. As a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES) I am an expert in my field.  My job is to inform you of the most accurate and up to date information that is currently available.  You may prefer to discuss your issues directly?   I welcome you to call me      708-439-0165 - dalelesleytaylor@peoplepc.com. I am a ... CERTIFIED PROBATE SPEC... 08/18/2019

I tell my Buyers all the time FEAR can take you on a journey you may never travel. FEAR can be a debilitating emotion with enough power to block out Rational-Thinking.  When FEAR primarily motivates decision making when purchasing a home, it will block a Buyer from properly resourcing themselves to resolve their fears. Case in point is how FEAR can immediately associate the Big “C” for CANCER with a home with a RADON MITIGATION SYSTEM. I have taken the liberty of researching the benefits of a home with a Radon Mitigation System.  In addition, I have included hotlines to call, email to further inquiry, and the links to the full research I have done. The following information is the courtesy of …National Radon Program Services by Cooperative Agreement between the US EPA and Kansas State U... 08/05/2019

I recently closed a transaction on a Richton Park, Illinois home in which Gene help the Buyer procure financing.  At the closing I asked Gene to continue to include me on his helpful e-blast newletters.  He came through and loves it when I share...First! Thanking Gene Walters for providing this helpful Finaces information.  He can be consulted with at ...HomeTrustGene Walters, HomeTrust Mortgage Corporation, 1475 E. Woodfield Rd Ste 110 Schaumburg, IL 60173, gwalters@hometrustmortgage.com Office: 847.517.1700 Cell: 847.217.7030, NMLS#: 204173 NMLS: 134317 An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee Finances - Money Saving Tips! The topic of saving money is oftentimes discussed between people regardless of age and peer standing, just like parents telling their kids to save up their allowan... 06/25/2019

I recently closed a transaction on a Richton Park, Illinois home in which Gene help the Buyer procure financing.  At the closing I asked Gene to continue to include me on his helpful e-blast newletters.  He came through and loves it when I share...First! Thanking Gene Walters for providing this helpful information.  He can be consulted with at ...HomeTrust Gene Walters, HomeTrust Mortgage Corporation, 1475 E. Woodfield Rd Ste 110 Schaumburg, IL 60173, gwalters@hometrustmortgage.com Office: 847.517.1700 Cell: 847.217.7030, NMLS#: 204173 NMLS: 134317 An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee Your Home - Saving Electricity (In the Summer) With mid June here, and kids being off school for a week now, you may find your electricity bill taking an unwanted rise, causing a lot of expenses that ... 06/25/2019

Land and Homes available in Frankfort listed through my Office .... 1 09848748  999 Prestwick Dr  Frankfort  $53,900  Vacant Land    Close  connectMLS Tax (Brief) Realist Tax Report Realist Tax Map Listing & Property History Photo Browser Find - Property Details Report Find - Community Report MLS Data Co-op Mobility Score Print Listing Email Listing Add To Favorites Write a Contract Start CMA/Add To CMA Schedule a Showing Driving Directions Navigate with Waze Streetside View Bird's Eye View Cloud CMA Report Violation Anonymously Payment Calculator Virtual Tour Plat of Survey490KB,05/04/18 10:59,Public Building1154KB,05/04/18 10:59,Public Floor Plan1561KB,05/04/18 10:59,Public  2 10353439  19938 S Sycamore Dr  Frankfort  $219,900  Close  connectMLS Tax (Brief) Realist Tax Report Realist ... 05/31/2019

Elegant entertaining and extremely attractive buys in Frankfort homes, plus factors affecting credit score...  My Frankfort office listings available...  1 10353439     19938 S SycamoreDr $224,900 8rooms 3bedrooms 2baths Raised Ranch  Close  connectMLS Tax (Brief) Realist Tax Report Realist Tax Map Listing & Property History Photo Browser Infosparks Find - Property Details Report Find - Community Report MLS Data Co-op Mobility Score Print Listing Email Listing Add To Favorites Write a Contract Start CMA/Add To CMA Schedule a Showing Driving Directions Navigate with Waze Streetside View Bird's Eye View Cloud CMA Report Violation Anonymously Payment Calculator Virtual Tour Disclosures801KB,04/26/19 16:4,Public Plat of Survey46KB,04/23/19 9:8,Public  2 10367068    430 Butternut Trl $339,90... 05/17/2019

Home Improvements that pay off well, but first Frankfort homes listed out of my office currently available … 10353439 19938 Sycamore Dr $224,900 8 rooms 3 bedrooms 2 baths Raised Ranch 10367068 430 Butternut Trl $349,900 6 rooms 4 bedrooms 2.1 baths 2 Story 10122786 554 Aberdeen Rd $375,000 11 rooms 3 bedrooms 4.1 baths 1.5 Story 10358169 22532 Autumn Dr $409,900 10 rooms 4 bedrooms 2.1 baths 1 Story 10322715 22420 Crimson Ln $414,900 11 rooms 3 bedrooms +1 in bsmt 3.1 baths 1 Story 10325682 965 Oak Ridge Ct $489,900 12 rooms 5 bedrooms 4 baths 2 Stories  eTrust Mortgage Corporation - Gene, thanks for sharing Home Improvements That Pay Off in your e-blast to me.  Here is how to reach Gene for all your financing questions ... Gene Walters, HomeTrust Mortgage Corporation, 1475 E. Woodfiel... 05/12/2019

What I love about blogging is I am able to share experiences in right now time.  Prior to this informative level of social media, I would have to keep Learning Experiences to myself until I could share it with another valued Client going through something similar.   So thankful this communication medium allows me to prepare my valued audience for the journey and make successful decisions in right here and now time! Please allow me to do a disclaimer here before I get started.  I hold Home Inspectors in high regard.  This is a true story I hope they will read to help them understand what goes through a Buyer’s mind during and after an inspection experience. I have written about home inspections previously, and have called them “The Dream Killers!” Recently, I had received multiple offers... 03/31/2019

Alcohol Makes Me A Better Realtor!  How, I am sure you are wondering?   Well I have my Dad to thank for this little reminder.  First, let me state a disclaimer for my family who cringes whenever I write about my experiences with him.  I make no apologies because it is my truth I have lived I share.  Plus, just in case someone is going through worse than what I lived through, perhaps this will serve to give them the tools to endure and triumph in the face of mistreatment.   Monday evening at the Homeless Shelter I have managed since 2006, I had a Guest so intoxicated to the point of just raging, looking for any excuse to allow Evil to take control and unleash it on the weakest victim around.   People who excessively consume alcohol rarely recognize it as a drug producing four personaliti... 03/20/2019

http://dtaylorhomeservices.mystream.com  "2019 just started, but here at Stream Wireless, we’re in overdrive to roll out new offerings helping you to save." "It’s now easier than ever for you to make the switch to Stream Wireless:"Unlimited Plan"We’ve been all in on unlimited for a while, and there are pretty good reasons for that. Our best plan comes with unlimited talk, text, data and the fastest data speeds in the nation, so we made it the only plan. With rates as low as $30 a line, plus Wi-Fi Calling, mobile hotspot and no contracts, you can get everything you need with nothing you don’t."Device Financing "You don’t want to be stuck with a device that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. If you are craving the newest and hottest smartphones on the market, you can now purchase your favorites ... 02/11/2019

Have you ever sat across a room listening to an individual having a very personal conversation on their mobile phone, heard every word and wanted to approach them and say hey I can hear all your business you are putting in the street?  Well, I got the opportunity last night at the Shelter I manage to approach a Guest and shut it all the way down.  It was 3:30 in the morning as I sat and watched over 38 deep sleeping men, I heard this young adult male Guest complaining on his cell phone how he was awakened by one guy on one side of him snoring like a roaring walrus, and the other guy on the other side of him loud farting up a storm.  A kind quiet mature Gentleman near me said now that is truly a weak young brother over there, all I needed to hear to take action.  I approached the young m... 01/30/2019

A Buyer calls me and says “hey a Relative you served in the past has recommended I work with you.”  “There’s this home I am interested in.”  “Can I forward you the details and arrange for the Agent who shared the property with me to call you to preview it?”  This scenario happens quite often with Buyers because they do not fully understand how real estate works behind the scenes. Realtors take full advantage of technology to affectively serve the Consumer.  When a Consumer initially calls an Agent to inquire about a property they have found online, during the conversation a smart Realtor will ask qualifying questions like how soon you want to move, what is your price range, locations you most desire, your needs, wants, and best way to communicate with you?  This generally involves you s... 10/31/2018

"Live Now: Maryland and Delaware Rate Changes" "As I shared last week, utility energy rates have increased in these markets: Maryland: BGE, PEPCO, PotEd Delaware: Delmarva Illinois: ComEd   Today, in line with their pricing strategy, Stream's rates in Maryland and Delaware have been updated accordingly. However, their rate in ComEd has remained the same, giving you a competitive edge in Illinois.   Despite the rate increases in Maryland and Delaware, our offers remain incredibly competitive within those markets and provide significant value to your customers. As always, you can view current rates http://dtaylorhomeservices.mystream.com   This week's rate change could be the first of more to come.     Just another effort to ensure you are protected from future increases, and make Homeow... 10/10/2018