What we have... and what we have not!

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you learn to adapt without something that you thought you needed? A few months ago, my kitchen faucet handle bit the dust. It pulled off and the little "locking pin" that is supposed to hold it in place was stripped. Not fixable. It still has a little "stub" that we can turn the water on/off with. At the time that it broke, I didn't have the extra funds to buy a new faucet assembly...so, we left it as-is. Funny thing is, we got used to turning the faucet on/off with the little stub. So much so, that I forgot about replacing the faucet even when I had a few extra bucks to spare. In fact, the kitchen sink is still without a handle.
I guess why I bring this all up is that we get accustomed to what we have. And what we have not... Sometimes when asking a buyer "What do you need in a new home?" they will rattle off a bunch of "wish" items that they hope for. And while this wish-list is nice, it's not always practical. For example, I've never lived in a home with more than one bathroom. (Yes, you read that right! Never!) And while there are times that It would be nice to have a second bathroom, it is do-able with just one. Now mind you, I have a large family. Between his, mine and ours, there was a time when I had 5 kids in the house and 2 adults. Yet, we managed. It all comes back to what you get used to.
When you're looking to buy a new home. Think about your needs versus your wants and tell your real estate agent BOTH. Sometimes this extra bit of info is all your Realtor will need to find you that perfect home -- a home that is do-able for all your needs!

I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.
I will listen and find solutions that are important to you!
Please, contact me to tell me about your home buying or selling needs...

Diane Morales
MOVIN' WITH MORALES
Keller Williams Fox-Valley Realty
630.709.9882

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This "Gorda" is making a difference in the Tri-Cities and Kaneland

Cultural differences... Wow! So fun to get to know others! Recently I was introduced to a Hispanic man who preferred to be called "Negro" versus his real name. Negro means "black" in Spanish. To some Americans, that would be a taken offensively. It's actually a term of endearment in Mexico used for one who is "darker" than others in his family. Now, I'm married to a Hispanic man, whose family comes from Oaxaca, Mexico. It's way south in Mexico where it's very warm. His father too was known as Negro, as he was a very dark skinned man. This got me to thinking... Mexican parents sometimes nickname their children "gordo" or "flaca" and even "feo" (meaning "fat boy" or "skinny girl" and "ugly") and think nothing of it! To them, it's just another term of endearment. Can you imagine the looks that I'd get walking thru WalMart calling "Fat boy, come here to mom!" I'd probably get DCFS called on me.
In the Indian Culture, it's considered bad manners to wear shoes in someone's home. They're always slipped off by the door.
I find differences like these refreshing. Get to know someone outside your own world. Their ways are not necessarily bad ways just because they're not the same as you think they should be. Embrace the experience.

By the way, if you're looking for a real estate agent who truly cares about you and seeks to understand your situation for what it is, call me! I take great pride in providing honest, reliable, and professional services to my clients! I am sensitive to your needs and will help fit the best scenario for your situation. Never pushy, just dependable.

Thanks for discovering the Diane difference...

Diane Morales
MOVIN' WITH MORALES
MovinWithMorales.com
MovinWithMorales@gmail.com

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Should You Choose to Work With A Friend...?

A few times now, I've had someone that I consider to be a good friend "choose" to work with another Realtor. "Don't be offended," they say. Really? How can I not be offended? I take great pride in providing honest, reliable, and professional services to my clients! I know that buying or selling your home is one of the biggest investments & decisions you will ever make. I also understand that sometimes it's not comfortable to share your financial situation with a friend. But answer me this... IF I'm going to extra hard for anyone, wouldn't you think that someone would be my friend? Now don't get me wrong. I don't want to disappoint any client, but I especially don't want to let down a friend.
Yeah, sometimes the truth hurts. Sometimes you don't want to hear what has to be said. I would never steer you with nonfactual information or lead you to believe that your home is worth more than it is. Unfortunately, there are some agents who will say just what you want to hear.
If I needed surgery and my friend was a surgeon, I would definitely trust him/her to operate. Not only would that friend do his homework to provide me with the best care, but he/she would be super careful to make sure that nothing went wrong during the procedure for his/her friend.
It's a decision I wouldn't think twice about. He/She would have my best interest at hand & heart.

How is a good Realtor® like a best friend? A best friend is loyal to you. A Realtor® is often privy to your sensitive information: financial, emotional, familial. You want someone who puts your interests ahead of his or her own.

A best friend helps out during stressful times. Few times are more stressful than buying or selling a home. A Realtor® who can prepare you for and help you through the unexpected turns that often occur can change a frustrating experience into a positive one.

A best friend tells you the truth, even when you may not want to hear it. No, your giant stuffed moose head should not stay in the house during showings, even if your favorite Uncle Joe did bring it back from his camping trip in Starved Rock.

Don't allow friendship to cloud your decision. A true professional can separate business from pleasure ~ and still get the job done for you! When you have a choice to work with either a friend or a stranger, choose your friend. They'll work harder to keep you happy! ;)



Your friend ~ and ~ your Realtor,

Diane Morales
MOVIN' WITH MORALES
Keller Williams Fox Valley Realty
630.709.9882
MovinWithMorales@gmail.com

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July 2010 Housing Trends Newsletter

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

Please click on this link to view the Housing Trends JULY 2010 Newsletter.

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources.

It also includes press releases with charts and videos, key market indicators and real estate sales and price statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the “Home Evaluator” link for a free evaluation report.


Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future.

Sincerely yours,

Diane Morales
Keller Williams Fox Valley Realty
Discover the Diane Difference...
St Charles IL 60174
630-709-9882
MovinWithMorales@gmail.com

First Time Homebuyer Assistance up to $10,000 for downpayment/closing cost in KANE County

Dear friends,
This just came across my desk. Please, check it out and contact your lender to see if this is something that you can/want to take advantage of! I believe this can be in addition to the Federal 8k tax-credit... Again, ask your lender to be sure!! ;)

A quick recap of the program:

For first time homebuyers

• Can receive UP to $10K in down payment and closing cost assistance
• This is a zero interest, deferred payment loan.
• Homebuyers must have either lived (or worked full-time) in the Kane County Consortium area for at least one year.
• NO payments are due until home is sold, title transferred, or no longer principal residence.
• There are income limit restrictions (see sheet)

Call NOW for more details!!
~ Diane Morales
MOVIN' WITH MORALES
630.709.9882

Get a free automated comparative market analysis of your home's value sent to you with no obligations!! ;)

Debit Card Do's & Don'ts for the holidaze!

With only 46 days til Christmas, here's some helpful advice...

I recently read an article by Kim Fusaro, Little Miss Fortune, Glamore - who gave some great advice on shopping for Christmas with your debit card. I'm guilty on most counts and thought I'd pass her tips along to others:

• Don't use your debit card on-line. Unauthorized charges on credit cards are capped at $50. This is not true of debit cards.
• DON’T use debit cards for big purchases. They don’t offer the same protection that credit cards do. Credit cards allow you to reverse or dispute charges, and some will even extend the length of warranties.
• Use your debit card as "credit" and sign for your purchase. Avoid giving your PIN number.

Another thought:

• Use PayPal when offered.

This link tells you how your credit score is calculated. With today's economy, typically a credit score of at least 620 is required to obtain a mortgage loan thru FHA. If you'd like to talk with a lender and see what your score is, call me! I'd be happy to give you the name of a couple of my trusted financial brokers.

Thanks again for MOVIN' WITH MORALES

Diane

630.709.9882

Keller Williams Fox Valley Realty

Swine Flu Vaccine & Extension for Military Men/Women

Hope you're all enjoying the crisp days of Autumn.
Halloween is creeping upon us quickly and soon the little munchkins will be out door-to-door collecting their treats.

With so much news about the H1N1 vaccine, I thought I'd send you a quick-fact sheet about who has priority needs for the shots -and- where the complimentary shots can be obtained.












AND... good news for our dedicated military men & women. The 1st-time home buyer's credit has been extended for them for another year!! Yeah! Chances are very-likely that the credit will be extended for all buyers for another 6 months!

Don't forget to remember me... when you know of someone who is ready to buy or sell their home, please give me a call with their name/number. I promise to take good care of your family and friends! ;)

Thanks always for MOVIN' WITH MORALES!
Diane Morales
Keller Williams Fox-Valley Realty
630.709.9882
www.MovinWithMorales.com

2 weeks ago, my 5 year-old chihuahua ended up lost in the corn fields in Big Rock. (It's a long story about how she ended up there.) We contacted every farmer that lived within a 10 mile radius near the point. A lost chihuahua in the cornfields... That could have been very bad news! We stayed positive. And stayed focused. The towns folks were so kind. One lady told us to post a notice at the post office. "Everyone has a PO box in town," she said. "Everyone goes there to pick up their mail." Another one told us to post a notice at the town's only gas station. About an hour later, a man called who said he was just at the gas station and had heard about my dog. He runs a local dog-sitting service and volunteered to help look. We went back to that general location for 5 days in a row. Calling her name. Whistling. We even brought one of our other dogs, hoping she'd smell or hear her dog-friend. Heard many stories of encouragement. "Don't give up!" they all said. As I was coming home from work that Monday, I received a call from "Todd." I think I have your chihuahua! We drove immediately over to his farm. He had been bbq-ing a few days before, and had left his garage door open accidentally. The next morning, he closed the door with her inside. Then on Monday, he heard a scratching at his garage door. Opened it up and voila! The little dog scurried under his couch and he couldn't get her out.
Just wanted to thank everyone for their concerns, and for their stories of encouragement-- and especially to all the farmers in Big Rock, IL, who helped search for our little dog. The world is truly an amazing place of people who care. And I'm glad to be part of it. <3

MOVIN' WITH MORALES
Diane Morales
Keller Williams Fox Valley
630.709.9882
www.movinwithmorales.com

ICE --> In case of emergency ... this is good to know! :)

The Illinois Secretary of State is now allowing those who possess a driver's license or ID card to add up to two emergency contacts on your driver's license. This is very important for emergency personnel in the case of an emergency, where you may be found injured or unconscious. This emergency information is viewable by law enforcement ONLY and not for public use! I have placed a link to the website below if you are interested. The Secretary of State has not done very well advertising, so please pass the info along to anyone else who may have an Illinois Driver's License.

Who do you know looking to buy or sell their home? Call me! I would love the opportunity to help your family and friends with their search...

Diane Morales
Keller Williams Fox Valley
630.709.9882
www.movinwithmorales.com

When do you know?

How do you know when it's the perfect home? Many times, buyers aren't sure when it's time to "make an offer." So, when do you know? I believe in fate. I believe in my conscience. I believe in that "little voice" that comes from within. Trust your gut. You will know when the the home is the right home for you!
When you start thinking about things like: "My dresser would fit perfectly on this wall", or "We could always paint this room a different color," or "I could hold Thanksgiving dinner this year!" These are tell-tale signs that you're feeling comfortable in that home. Another great tip is to go talk to the neighbors! Neighbors are always anxious to tell you what's great (and/or who's not so great) about their block. If the neighbors rant and rave about all that's positive, listen to them! Just like you, they're looking for good next door neighbors as well!

One more thing... IF you do put in an offer, and it's rejected for any reason~ take that as a sign as well. If the transaction doesn't close, then remember that there are bigger, better, nicer, cuter homes out there! The perfect home for you will come along, and you'll be glad that you waited!

Have a great Labor Day weekend!
And thank you for MOVIN' WITH MORALES!

Diane Morales
Keller Williams Fox-Valley Realty
630.709.9882
www.MovinWithMorales.com

$8,ooo Free Money to 1st Time Home Buyers

Don't miss your opportunity to get free money! 1st time home buyers must be CLOSED by November 30. Meaning you need to be under contract by October 12 (or sooner!) The countdown for the $8000 tax credit is ticking away... http://xrl.in/2up9

MOVIN' WITH MORALES
Diane Morales
630.709.9882
http://www.movinwithmorales.com/

Haven't seen this one before... :) Great Tips!

COFFEE FILTERS




Coffee filters ..who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing. COFFEE FILTERS: Not just for making coffee....
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers. 2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling. 3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish. 4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter. 5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust. 6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter. 7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter. 8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale. 9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods. 10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes. 11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter. 12. Do you think we used expensive s trips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters. 13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nickfixers."

MOVIN' WITH MORALES
Discover the Diane Difference...
630.940.0150

Your Mind is your Garden ~

Your Mind Is Your Garden
— dmorales

"As A Man Thinketh" by James Allen.

Here is a short excerpt:
MAN'S mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligentlycultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated orneglected, it must, and will, _bring forth._ If no useful seeds are_put _into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will _fall_therein, and will continue to produce their kind.
Just as a gardener cultivates his plot, keeping it free from weeds,and growing the flowers and fruits which he requires, so may a mantend the garden of his mind, weeding out all the wrong, useless, andimpure thoughts, and cultivating toward perfection the flowers andfruits of right, useful, and pure thoughts. By pursuing thisprocess, a man sooner or later discovers that he is themaster-gardener of his soul, the director of his life. He alsoreveals, within himself, the laws of thought, and understands, withever-increasing accuracy, how the thought-forces and mind elementsoperate in the shaping of his character, circumstances, and destiny.

MOVIN' WITH MORALES
Diane 630.940.0150

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make!
Buying or Selling a home doesn't have to be scary!
I specialize in first time home buyers-- keeping it simple -- and keeping you informed!
There is NO such thing as a stupid question. Give me a call anytime and let me get you the answers!

Your trusted Realtor,

Diane Morales
Prudential SourceOne Realty
(630) 940-0150