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About Cook County
The 8th Deadly Sin - Oct 08 07:27 PM
Fear KnockedWe've all heard tell of certain California and Nevada housing markets in recent years where simply offering 'List Price' on a property didn't cut it on the real estate trading floor. Demand had a strangle hold on Supply and only the earliest of pre-approved birds brought home the juciest worms to the nest. Even the economically horizontal section of the United States where I reside and conduct business enjoyed it's own vertical spike in new ...
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Memoirs Of A Big, Fat Liar - Oct 24 11:41 AM
Lightning In A Bottle
Actually, a bunch of big fat liars. I'll include myself in the group for this exercise (as an embedded observer, of course) although I can state here comfortably--eyeball to eyeball, without flinching and safely nested behind the double locked doors of my home office library--that my truthfulness in business dealings consistently falls within the soupy gray boundries of acceptable sales chatter. In other words, I try not to exaggerate or overblow my Real ...
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Classic Georgian beautifully staged in Winnetka Illinois - Feb 28 07:11 PM
Since the start of Active Rain I know I have been a bit of a yapper. But lately I have been very quiet... but for good reason. WE HAVE BEEN BUSY!
I thought you all might like to see some of what our crew here at Real Estaging has been working on that has kept us ALL so busy.
Below is a FOLLOW UP staging project for a "boutique" builder I first blogged about in my UPSTAGING blog ...
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Illinois Lender takes Mortgage Application Monday ~ Closes Friday - Aug 21 12:45 AM
I received a call about 3 months ago from a previous client (we'll call him Joe) looking to get information on purchasing a home. The home is currently owned by his brother and sister in law, and the home has been in the family for several generations. My client wants to purchase the home from his brother, and keep the home in the family. I was also referred to his brother (we'll call him Bob) to give ...
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True Story..albeit it a little off the subject - Jul 17 04:24 PM
True Story. I sat next to a one-armed girl in typing class back in the 8th grade. I know it shouldn't have... but it freaked me out and I couldn't ever really concentrate on the teacher's instructions. I forget the girl's name now although our surnames must have been similar (alphabetical seating, and all), but I do recall that she was the fastest typist in the school. That fact was well broadcasted and she received constant ...
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I'm not 'Dreaming of a White' anything... - Jan 01 08:35 PM
I reached for the phone but there was no one to call. The six inches of snow on top of the other six inches of last week's snow has made leaving or entering my house challenging, and access to my garage--(the whole point of having one to begin with being harborage from the elements), treacherous. And even though I am my father's son (and the apple never falls too far from that tree, as we ...
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Outdoor Art in Downtown Chicago - Mar 12 11:16 PM
Your guides play host to a wide variety of international visitors as we are members of an international travel club called The Hospitality Club as well as hosting relocating job transferees in our capacity as Realtors.
One fantastic aspect of Chicago is its ever-growing collection of world-renowned outdoor art. I think this guide is a bit limited but if you were to try to view all the art described in this article it would surely take ...
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All Talk, No Walk - Sep 07 04:37 PM
A Real Estate contract is generally not enforceable in the great state of Illinois unless it is a) Written, b) 'Signed-off ' on by competent parties (Acceptance), and c) Some form of Consideration ($$$) is placed in an escrow account to show 'Good Faith' on the Buyer's part. Think of it as the Holy Trinity of the home buying experience.It's the 'Good Faith' part of the experience I wish to address here. The truth is, most ...
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Ol' St. Joe Is Good To Go... - Aug 14 12:24 PM
When I walked through the big oak doors of the Archdiocese of Chicago's Holy Relic Bookstore a few weeks ago, I knew for sure that I'd be lying to a clergyman within minutes. Like many post-WWII children who hail from the eastern seaboard, I attended Catholic school for the first six years of my education and became proficient at an early age with all the loopholes surrounding Confession, Penance, and Absolution. I figured out pretty ...
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Lessons Never Learned - Sep 25 01:30 PM
While awaiting my turn in the checkout line (for the fifth time in as many days) at the Home Depot last Sunday it occurred to me that my wife and I alone probably spend as much money in a single weekend as my parents spent in an entire month raising a family of five. Even after backing out the present day cost of housing which borders on ridiculous, and adjusting the 1967 dollar to the 2007 ...
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More About Cook County...
Cook County Market Reports
When is the Market going to rebound - Jun 28 03:15 PM
Can the people in this industry continue to hang on much longer. There are so many people in this industry who continue to hang to ride that next big wave. I personally dont feel this market will bounce back an time in the near future. There are so many questions that remain unanswered is there a conspirecey behind this all. Can the media try to put a positive spin on things instead of always being so ...
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Hanover Park, Illinois Homes for Sale | Real Estate Market Activity for Week of November 12-18, 2007 - Nov 19 01:28 PM
We have plenty to be thankful for! The Hanover Park real estate market has done well for it self this year considering all the reports about how bad things are. We have spent many months reporting each week on the market activity. If you really compared the actually numbers to the "media reports" you will see that in our area, things really are not that bad.
Despite the doom and gloom the media tries to portray, Hanover ...
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1167-- Tell your mortgage broker to stop crying - Jun 05 03:11 PM
Don't believe the hype! If your mortgage broker or banker tells you that the new law is ending Stated Income/Reduced documentation loans just say, "FOR YOU!"
The state bill known as 1167 has severe consequences for many of the lenders that it effects. I know we have all read the ads saying that it will only effect 5% of deals in Cook County. I say to those ads "really?" How is that? And if its true ...
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So long, farewell...Countrywide's on its last legs - Mar 08 10:22 PM
Countrywide, a California lender, which did lots of business in the Chicago area is being investigated by Lisa Madigan, our Illinois Attorney General. She has asked them to provide her with files of Chicago closings from the past few years. She believes that there is evidence of fraud...and redlining.
And today the Wall Street Journal reported that the FBI in New York, with oversight from Washington, is also looking into "widespread fraud" in the way Countrywide originated ...
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What sets me apart? - Jul 31 09:23 PM
The Green Solutions Loan offers a borrower the chance to receive extremely competitive rates with little or no closing costs for choosing the green home option. I also have my Green Network of people that is growing quickly: from builders, Realtors, green supply companies, and even vegan restaurants. I am in the process of creating a Green Solutions Coupon book for my clients to thoroughly offer new ideas and discounts for taking part in this exciting new ...
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Cook County, Illinois Homes For Sale.....How Is The Real Estate Market??? - Jul 28 07:56 PM
You can drive down a number of streets in Cook County and surrounding counties and see a large number of homes that are for sale and have been for sale for many days if not months. Many news reports have talked about the "bubble bursting". While the real estate market has definitely changed from years past, it does not mean it is not a good time to buy or sell.
We would prefer to look at things ...
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Not knowing enough about your Credit Score can hurt you! - Jun 19 03:22 PM
In the wake of the credit crisis, lenders have become much, much more selective about whom they lend to. Here are some basic facts that will help potential borrowers understand what they face.The measurement that most lenders use to assess applicants' credit risk is the 'FICO Score' developed by Fair Isaac Corp. The score ranges from 300 to 850.There's not one FICO score. Buyers have three scores: one for each of the three credit bureaus which ...
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Bartlett Homes and Real Estate for Sale | Continued Increase in Market Activity 1/28-2/03/2008 - Feb 04 06:12 PM
It has been a great week for building snowmen! We have had an unusal amount of snow this season already and we still have all of February and March and part of April.
Although there is no sign of spring right now, we are in the beginning of the "spring market" in real estate. Each week we are seeing more and more activity. People are getting excited again. 10 Bartlett homes went under contract last week and ...
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Cook County Homes for Sale | Real Estate Market Report | Looking Back at December 2007 - Jan 05 04:17 PM
We made it! With a challenging year in real estate behind everyone it is now on to a new and better market. We DO believe we are on the up side of the market. There has been quite an increase in activity the last two months of 2007.
Our "spring market" usually starts around the first full week after new years so many will begin to see new homes for sale. If you are a home seller ...
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Bartlett Homes for Sale | Market Report/Update | Week In Review Ending August 26 - Aug 27 04:34 PM
Whether you are currently on the market, considering moving in the near futrue or considering buying a home, it is important to know the activity that is going on in the Bartlett real estate market.
An aggressive marketing plan is essential in this kind of market with higher inventories than in years past. Statistics show that most people start shopping on the internet. Extensive internet advertising will help insure quality showings and reasonable offers in a timely manner.
As life long ...
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More Cook County Market Reports...
Cook County News & Events
Staging an Event... With the Help of Many, For the Benefit of Many. - May 24 07:26 AM
Well this house now sits empty once again... but for a couple of days last week it was MAGICALLY TRANSFORMED (as these photos show). Last weekend was the culmination of over a years worth of "staging" event preparation. For one weekend a small army of people came together and donated their time, talent and treasure to transform a vacant home into a beautiful show-house... all for the benefit of Brickton Art Center. The event was a resounding success. Everyone is already ...
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STAGE IT FORWARD... by giving IT back - Mar 11 06:59 AM
The importance and willingness to give back is basic to what the group of stagers in Stage it Forward are all about. Its so basic, that in the group's short description here on Active Rain, the words "share" or "sharing" is used in 3 separate places.
For me however, Stage It Forward is more than just helping other stagers grow their businesses... for me, Stage It Forward meant using my time, talent and treasure to benefit my community. So at Real Estaging, our current Stage It Forward effort centers around the ...
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Big, Hungry Beast - Nov 08 04:17 PM
Ding Dong (the doorbell)...And immediately all hell breaks loose in the house. My 125 pound hound starts baying, and woofing, and snorting. toenails clicking and sliding sideways on the hardwood floors while his too short legs lose traction, and he barrels head down, straight ahead--like the slowest guard on the football team-toward the front door to protect us from the FedEx guy."Dude," I say, grasping his choker collar with one hand and wiping the slobber from ...
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NBC picked up my blog... How do I EVEN BEGIN to thank Active Rain?!!!! - Mar 19 11:35 PM
Today has been a day I will ALWAYS remember... and I have to thank ACTIVE RAIN for so very much of it.
Yesterday morning I discovered that NBC-5 TV in Dallas had picked up one of my recent posts from my "Pretty Blog" (which is my AR blog slightly re-constituted) and posted it on the station's website. I was flabbergasted. I was floored. I was thrilled. And I really wanted to thank Active Rain... However, my "thank ...
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It's CLEAR... 21 SIF RoundTables Across North America Are Going to REFRESH Our Industry! - Nov 17 04:16 PM
Yesterday both Chicago and Manhattan successfully held their respective Stage It Forward (SIF) ROUNDTABLE discussions.
Earlier today I spoke with Val Allocco who was the facilitator for in Manhattan. Val said that their group had about 15 attendees at the luncheon sponsored by American Furniture Rental. (THANK YOU AFR) Val will share her own sparkling account of the 3 hour Round Tabletable discussion they had here: TRI-STATE ROUND TABLE MEETUP - NOV. 16TH, 2007 I guess the fact that Manhattan is read for their NEXT ...
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"A Wild Fuzzy Sunday" OR "Breakfast at Tiffany's" - Feb 18 09:39 PM
Our tenant telephoned us Sunday morning to alert us that "it" was still there. She had not spent the night in her third floor apartment, because she was afraid "it" would show up again and terrorize her. Saturday night we searched and never found "it". What gave her the first clue that an "it" was there, was when she first entered in, observed garbage strewn on the kitchen floor, and a nibbled upon green apple in the midst of it all. She immediately ...
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New sofa=$600 dollars, New lounge chair=$300 dollars, Doing what you Love=Priceless - Mar 12 08:27 PM
I'm sitting at my desk at the office and just kind of drifted off and started thinking of past jobs I had. I was remembering back when I was a stock boy for Jenny Craig back in high school, to working as a construction worker out in the cold in the winter months here in Chicago.
I did these jobs because I had to in order to make money to live. I never even liked those jobs ...
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Your local Chamber can create great Leads and Clients... - Feb 19 08:23 PM
I know I posted about the importance of joining your Local Chamber of commence before, but I just wanted to refresh it again.
Last year we at All in One Staging & Redesign inc joined our Local Chamber of commerce which is
We are based out of Bartlett IL. We serve the north west suburbs of Chicago IL and the surrounding areas.
Here in the Midwest Home Staging & Redesigning has really been growing with the overwhelming evidence ...
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Low Interest Loans For Business Owners in Illinois - Oct 11 10:59 PM
Debbie Meyers-Martin, the Economic Development Coordinator from the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer's Office was the speaker at the Calumet City Chamber of Commerce meeting and luncheon held Wednesday, October 10, 2007, in Tom's Restaurant - Calumet City, Illinois.
Ms. Meyers-Martin handed out literature and spoke on the low-interest rate loans for Illinois business owners, which are designed to ultimately create new jobs through the State's "Employ Illinois" program. More information can be found on the website of State Treasurer, ...
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Lets Face it Staging can't hurt.... - Feb 26 11:17 PM
I was just watching the news here in Chicago and one of the opening story's was how the housing market has dropped over 34% since a year ago.
Now I ask when you hear these numbers and then see the overwhelming proof that Staging homes help sell homes faster why not give us a chance to help turn these numbers around, it can't get much worse then it is now!
The investment in Home Staging is far far less ...
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More Cook County News & Events...
Cook County Listings
1056 N. Knollwood (Palatine) - Jul 02 05:43 PM
Listing Information courtesy of Alicia Anderson-Coldwell Banker ...
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Updated, New Carpet & Paint, 2 BDRM - Jul 02 01:51 PM
1960 Hastings Dr. #1960, Hoffman Estates IL 60195
2 Bedrooms/1 Bathrooms MLS# 06946852 $1,000
New Carpet on Order. Freshly painted throughout. Updated Bath. 2 Bedrooms, large walk-in closet in Master Bedroom; eat-in Kitchen; Private patio. Laundry hookup in unit. Convenient to schools, expressways & shopping. Also for sale at $149,000
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.realestate4Uonline.com/s=active&MLS=IL06946852
RE/MAX Territory 847-956-2800
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Rent Up/Dated Condo in Convenient Location - Jun 30 07:41 PM
520 Hill Dr., Hoffman Estates IL 60169
2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms MLS# 06943996 $1,050/Month
Updated throughout. New wood laminate floors, updated kitchen & baths. Master Bedroom has walk-in closet and full bath. Very convenient location. Heat, water and cooking gas included. Minor cleanup should be completed July 15th.
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.realestate4Uonline.com/s=active&MLS=IL06943996
RE/MAX Territory 847-956-2800
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Updated Bungalow for RENT! - Jun 30 01:12 PM
6610 N. Fairfield Ave., Chicago IL 60645
5 Bedrooms/2 Bathroom MLS# 06942934 $2,500
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.DennisToomey.com/s=active20&MLS=IL06942934
Wow!! Move right in!! What's new in 2008 furnace, central air, hardwood floors refinished, painted thru out, new carpet. Need I say more? Newer kitchen with eating area and formal dining room. Deck off kitchen for backyard barbeques.
Dennis Toomey
RE/MAX Territory 847-956-2800
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Updated Bungalow-Move Right In! - Jun 30 09:56 AM
6610 N. Fairfield Ave., Chicago IL 60645
2 Bedrooms/2 Bathroom MLS# 06942560 $480,000
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.ChicagoLandHousing.com/s=active20&MLS=IL06942560
Wow!! Move right in!! What's new in 2008 furnace, central air, hardwood floors refinished, painted thru out, new carpet. Need I say more? Newer kitchen with eating area and formal dining room. Deck off kitchen for backyard barbeques.
Dennis Toomey
RE/MAX Territory 847-956-2800
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Palatine, IL, 60067 - For Sale By Owner - Jun 28 05:05 AM
Beautiful hardwood floors in bedrooms, hallway, and living room. Brand new kitchen with granite countertops, 42" cabinets, porcelin tile, newer appliances, wall oven, and gas range. New deck overlooking a spacious yard with shed - great for children and pets .Completely new bathroom with beautiful flooring, sink, and vanity. New since 2004 - siding and windows, electrical inside and out, insulation, sidewalk, stoop, driveway, front and back doors, whole house humifier. Ceiling fans in every room ...
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2439 Burgundy Lane, Northbrook, IL 60062 - Jun 25 06:05 PM
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Just Like New 2BR/1BTH Condo - Jun 24 11:16 PM
REMARKABLE WELL-MAINTAINED 2BR/1BA CONDO LOCATED ON THE BEAUTIFUL WASHINGTON PARK. OPEN FLOOR PLAN W/HARDWOOD FLOORS. IN-UNIT WASHER/DRYER,ALL APPLIANCES STAY. IN ADDITION TO THE HUGE BEDROOMS, THERE IS A SUNROOM OFF THE MASTER BDRM. NOT ONE, BUT TWO SECURED PARKING SPACES.
http://tours4.vht.com/RRI/T50012067 Property Link
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2 Story, End Unit Townhome - Well Kept by Original Owner - Jun 23 07:12 PM
1541 Yale Ct., Elk Grove Village IL 60007
3 Bedrooms/1.1 Bathrooms MLS# 06937097 $250,000
Original Owner took great care of this two-story end unit townhome. Recent improvements include new furnace, central air and wood shutters in Family room and eating area in kitchen. Extra window in kitchen eating area (end unit). Home is neutral throughout. Just move right in.
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.realestate4Uonline.com/s=active&MLS=IL06937097
RE/MAX Territory 847-956-2800
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Two Story End Unit Townhome - Jun 23 01:46 PM
1541 Yale Ct., Elk Grove Village IL 60007
3 Bedrooms/1.1 Bathroom MLS# 06937097 $250,000
Click on the link below for more details and pictures:
http://www.ElkGroveVillageHome.com/s=active15&MLS=IL06937097
Original Owner took great care of this two story end unit townhome. Recent improvements include new furnace, central air and wood shutters in Family room and eating area in kitchen. Extra window in kitchen eating area (end unit). Home is neutral throughout. Just move right in.
Dennis Toomey
RE/MAX Territory ...
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More Cook County Listings...
Top Real Estate Agents & Brokers:
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Greg Wilson
1st Cornerstone Realty
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Schaumburg
Schaumburg, IL
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Ken Smith
Suburban House Hunters
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights, IL
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Dennis Toomey
RE/MAX Territory
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Schaumburg
Schaumburg, IL
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Dean Moss - Dean's Team Chicago
Dean's Team - Keller Williams Fox Realty
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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Richard Ives
RE/MAX AT HOME
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights, IL
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Rice Property Management & Realty, LLC
Rice Property Management & Realty, LLC
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Calumet City
Calumet City, IL
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Lyn Sims, Northwest Suburban Chicago Homes
RE/MAX Suburban
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Schaumburg
Schaumburg, IL
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Geno Petro
ChicagoHomeEstates.com
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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Allyson Hoffman
RE/MAX North (Chicago Suburbs Real Estate)
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Northbrook
Northbrook, IL
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Bryce Fuller
RE/MAX North
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Northbrook
Northbrook, IL
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Top Mortgage Professionals:
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Michael Hutchins - Consumer Advocate, Chicago
Michael Hutchins Ent.
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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David Soto - Illinois Home Loans & Mortgages
Illinois Home Loans & Mortgage Refinance
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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Dennis Serra
Meridian Business Group
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Schaumburg
Schaumburg, IL
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Abe Loper
Abe Loper
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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Russ Martin Residential Mortgage Advisor
Perl Mortgage
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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Cecelia Marlow
PanAmerican Mortgage, LLC
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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Dennis Hardy
Ameristar Mortgage
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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John Barker
WestAmerica Mortgage
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Oak Forest
Oak Forest, IL
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Juan Boldizsar
"Chicago's Mortgage Maestro"
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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Leo Solarte
Bass Financial Corporation
/real-estate/IL/Cook County/Chicago
Chicago, IL
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