NewsTribune_Illinois Valley Homes_122122

SUBDIVISIONS

HERITAGE FIELDS SUBDIVISION

Large residential building lots starting at $19,900. Curb & gutters, city sewer & water available. Close to I-39! Lot size begins at .25 an acre & covenants are available. Call Garry Schroeder at 815-252-5854. MLS#10141625

CEDAR LANE PREMIUM HOME SITES

Ready to build, city sewer/water, curbs, sidewalks, underground utilities. Plat & restrictive covenants available, Peru school district. Starting at $95,000. Call Wendy Fulmer 815-252-8280 or Chris Hopps 815-252-5273. MLS#10785416

STONE BLUFF TERRACE

Large, wooded building lots starting at $19,000. Water to site, gas & electric nearby. Overlooking scenic Vermilion River Valley! Lot sizes from .32-1.34 acres, 3 available lots. Call Chris Hopps at 815-252-5273. MLS#08273641

Barb Kuzma Bonnie Lester

5 tips for getting ready to buy your rst home

(BPT)

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By AmeriSave Mortgage Corp.

For generations, homeownership has been synonymous with the idea of achieving the American Dream. This has certainly been true for many Hispanic Americans, who have used their homes to establish roots in their communities for their families.

More than 8.8 million Latino families now own homes across the U.S., according to a recent report from the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. The Latino homeownership rate is now more than 48%, a number that has been on the rise for the last several years.

Homebuying experts say that many more Latinos are interested in buying homes but have pushed off the decision because they’re unsure if they can afford it or because they would like more education about the process.

AmeriSave Mortgage Corp., one of the nation’s fastest-growing home loan providers, offers the following five tips for first-time homebuyers.

1. Understand what your legal residency status enables you to do. You’re not required to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for a home loan. Anyone with permanent status - including certain non-U.S. citizen buyers - is eligible for a home loan. The best resource

to determine what you can do is the comprehensive guide published by Fannie Mae.

Calculate what you can afford. The amount you can borrow is determined primarily by your monthly income and credit score. Typically, people with higher incomes and credit scores can borrow more than those with lower incomes and lower credit scores. Online calculators can provide a general estimate of how much home you can afford and help you estimate your potential monthly mortgage payment. Not sure of your credit score? You can use a service like Experian, Equifax or TransUnion to learn where you stand.

2.

3.

Report verifiable income. Any income you report to a lender must be verifiable taxable income. Cash income is not considered part of your earnings, so if you’re being paid by an employer in cash, you should ask to be paid via their payroll system, either in the form of a physical check or direct deposit. Similarly, if a large portion of your income comes from cash tips, talk with your employer about ensuring those tips are appropriately reflected on your W2.

4.

Don’t forget about the down payment. Regardless of how much you plan to borrow, you’ll need to set aside funds for a down payment and closing costs. Most lenders require 3% to

5% of the total purchase price, at minimum. Any funds you use for this purpose must be in a bank account for at least 60 days prior to underwriting, so make sure you deposit any cash that you receive from working side jobs, from gifts, etc., before starting the mortgage process. Many cities and counties across the U.S. also offer down payment assistance programs, which are intended to help first-time homeowners. Research these programs online as a first step.

5.

Do your research and partner with a quali ed and experienced loan originator. Purchasing a home is the biggest financial decision most people will ever make, so it’s important to have trust in and be comfortable with your mortgage lender. You can verify your lender is authorized to do business in your state through the free NMLS®(Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) Consumer AccessSM page. If English is not your preferred language, many mortgage lenders, including AmeriSave Mortgage, have

Spanish-speaking loan originators who can guide you through the entire process and provide forms you can

complete in Spanish.

The prospect of buying a home can be daunting. But a qualified,

experienced lender can make the process much simpler and less stressful. For more information, visit www.AmeriSave.com.

When the cold hits us this time of year, it ’s time to start thinking Spring and warm weather. It’s also great to start dreaming about your Lake of the Ozarks getaway! Find out more information about Lake of the Ozarks area lodging, dining, attractions, golf, professional services and more at a few of these great Lake of the Ozarks sites. WebsiteFacebook Page https://www.funlake.com/https://www.facebook.com/funlake https://www.lakeexpo.com/https://www.facebook.com/lakeexpo

Here’s wishing that you are warm, healthy, happy, safe, and taking care of others. Thank you all for a great year. We are waiting to see you here at the Lake of the Ozarks. Have a Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Year’s!

Another great home in a great area! This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with a mostly finished lower level awaits your family to make long lasting memories. It is tucked away off of the Hibdon Hollow Cove near the 5mm of the Gravois arm. (NO WAKE ZONE) Main level deck and lower level patio for entertaining and a 2 well dock with a swim platform for more fun. It has a large, insulated, 20 x 40 garage that will hold a lot of toys along with your vehicles. The land has a gentle slope making it easy to get around. Hurry before this one is gone too. MLS# 3549510 Asking $585,000

Walking through the front door you will feel the beautiful energy of this newly renovated home. The interior design was meticulously planned and executed giving rise to unexpected details and finishes throughout.

Luxury TAKES SHAPE

Setting the standard and making a statement, this masterful remodeled home is a balance between edginess and timelessness. Well-made and well-designed doors, hardware, lighting, cabinetry and flooring throughout are a reflection of the exceptional craftsmanship, design details, and custom finishes. This re-designed residence offers open concept, soaring coffered ceilings, luxurious master baths, sleek chef kitchen, and beautiful fireplaces all situated on a stunning half-acre. This home welcomes, comforts, and delights!

25OaklaneDrive,Ottawa,IL

Impress your holiday guests with a bathroom mini spa

(BPT) - Holidays conjure the excitement of social gatherings, guests and good times. As a result, people like to spiff up their homes for their guests. But what about spiffing up your guest bathroom and making a real statement? It can be an affordable way to show guests that you care about their comfort and aesthetics. With a few simple upgrades, your guest bath can become a mini spa to surprise and delight your guests.

Of course, you can always add a new coat of paint, or change the towels, shower curtain and rugs. But what if you went full-bore into creating a luxurious bathroom

oasis? Here are four ways to upgrade your bathroom for a makeover that will not only wow your guests, but that you’ll be able to enjoy all year long.

HAUTE NEW FAUCETS

Touchless faucets blend utility, form and function with the latest design. In addition to being a beautiful addition to your décor, touchless faucets kick up sanitation. With just a swipe of their hands, guests get temperature-controlled water with an LED light display. Guests don’t need to touch anything until their hands are clean. Beauty and safety combine, and will last long after the holidays are

a memory.

A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR

Rather than the traditional plastic toilet seat, install the Mayfair by Bemis Benton, an enameled wood toilet seat made with 100% recycled wood and eco-friendly processes. Match hinges to your décor with chrome, brushed nickel and the trendy matte black and brushed gold. Put the spotlight on your good taste and care for the planet.

THE ULTIMATE IN HYGIENIC LUXURY

A bidet not only lets your guests customize their cleaning experience, but it saves money on toilet paper. Its

unassuming design fits seamlessly into any décor. Once guests use the bidet, they’ll love the UV sterilization, unlimited warm water, adjustable water pressure and nozzle position, warm air dryer and heated seat. Offer your guests the pleasant surprise of comfort, luxury and cleanliness all in one. Of course, you might run the risk that they may not want to leave the bathroom.

HEATED TOILET SEAT

Those late-night trips to the bathroom in winter just got a makeover: radiant heat. Now, guests can choose three levels of comforting warmth with Bemis Radiance. No more shivering in the dark on

Winter is on its way…

a cold toilet seat. Those latenight bathroom trips are inviting and cozy, thanks to the warmth and the blue in-bowl light that softly illuminates the

way to the toilet.

Bemis, a leader in bathroom innovation since 1901, uses sustainable manufactur-

ing processes, provides seat hardware that never loosens, designs seats that raise upright for easy cleaning, and features slow-close lids. Bidets

offer customizable clean, and touchless faucets address hygiene concerns with modern features to give your bathroom a holiday glow.

HGTV’s Egypt Sherrod Shares Tips for Keeping Her Family and Home Safe During the Holidays

(BPT) - The holidays are the perfect time for families and friends to gather and enjoy time together over good food and celebrations. However, holiday revelry shouldn’t preclude safety. In fact, you may want to be even more vigilant than at other times of the year given the increased risks the festive season can bring.

HGTV star and Carrier Healthy Homes Ambassador Egypt Sherrod says, “From decorations and candles to cooking for many, the holidays also bring unexpected concerns and risks, which is why fire and carbon monoxide (CO) safety should continue to be top of mind. Prepare your home and your loved ones with fire safety resources and escape routes to mitigate fire and carbon monoxide risks and prevent incidents from occurring or becoming fatal.”

According to a nationwide survey1 commissioned by Carrier, more than 30% of people plan to host their loved ones for the holiday festivities this

year. And yet, amid the preparations - from decorations to gifts and celebrations - 42% shared that potential fire and CO risks are a top concern heading into the season. To help you navigate the holidays safely, Sherrod shares safety tips to help prepare and protect your family and home this festive season:

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR FIRE SAFETY!

Although it is important to be cautious of fire safety all year round, the increase in electrical decorations and the use of open flames and lights during the holiday period comes with a heightened risk of house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), candles caused 45% of home decoration fires during December between 2015 to 2019. It’s important to be aware of the risks and know how to stay safe with the increased amount of fire hazards around the home during the holidays.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY MONTHS:

• As eye-catching as string lights are, left unattended they can heat up and become a fire hazard. Consider using LED lights instead to minimize risk.

• Always unplug lights when you leave a room or the house to ensure that no hazards are left unattended.

• Keep candles away from

inflammable surfaces, children and pets. Use either flameless LED candles or blow out real candles when you aren’t close by to monitor them.

• Ensure the smoke and CO alarms in your home are working properly ahead of the holidays. For greater control and peace of mind amid the celebrations, Sherrod says, “The Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with In-

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COOKING SAFETY ON, ACCIDENTS OFF

The holidays are a time to indulge in plenty of delicious food, but this also leads to an increase in home fires across the U.S. In fact, Thanksgiving has the highest recorded rate of cooking related fires, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Of these fires, cooking equipment is involved in one out of every five (19%) home decoration fires due to decorations being left on or too close to the stove. And yet, of people surveyed1 by Carrier, 37% report they don’t currently have a fire extinguisher in their home if a fire occurs.

COOKING SAFETY TIPS:

• Don’t use the stove if you’re sleepy or have had too much alcohol.

• Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.

• Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop.

• Equip your home with one to two fire extinguishers on every floor within easy reach to help create a path to safety and prevent a small fire from becoming fatal.

TEMPERATURE DROPS CAN CAUSE HIGHER RISKS

Winter’s colder, frigid temperatures bring the peak period for CO poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year approximately 50,000 people go to

the ER due to accidental CO poisoning. Colder temperatures and winter storms can quickly lead to frozen pipes and unforeseen water leaks too, causing costly damage to homes during a month when expenses are already high. Mitigate these unexpected concerns with proactive, simple tips and proper safety resources such as a working CO alarm.

SAFETY TO-DOS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME DURING THE COLDER MONTHS:

• Check that your ovens and stoves are installed properly; do not use them to heat your homes.

• Don’t use unvented space heaters or generators in an enclosed space.

• Ensure your space heater meets the latest safety standards, including an automatic cut-off device and guarding around the heating coils and

burners. Position the heater at least three feet away from inflammable materials and turn it off when you’re not near.

• Clear debris and open ventilation points, such as chimneys and fireplace dampers.

• Install Kidde Water Leak and Freeze Detectors around your home. The Wi-Fi enabled device connects to the Kidde App, for notifications to be sent directly to a smartphone when there is a risk of flooding or temperatures dropping too low.

Follow these important home safety tips this year to ensure you and your family and friends stay safe and can enjoy the season’s festivities stress-free.

1Carrier Corporation Google Survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18+ fielded Oct. 2730, 2022.