Around this time every year is the Illinois State Fair, and it consistently proves to be one of the City’s most lucrative events. If one were to ask fair patrons why they attend the event year after year, they would probably say that it has to do with food, rides, or even the high dive show. Whatever one’s preference is, the Illinois State Fair provides a lot more to its guests than simply Culler’s fries and the historic, 90-year-old Butter Cow.   Most people know that certain events correspond to the day’s theme. For example, this coming Friday, the 17th is “Futures for Kids Day” which includes open llama, sheep, rabbit and other animal shows, a junior dairy show, a society horse show, and a decorated dirty diaper derby contest among other events. This would be a great day for parent... 08/15/2012

 One example of a City that strives to stay ahead of a struggling economy is Southfield, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Southfield’s response to high vacancy rates that resulted from reduced automotive production/sales over the past decade is a “retail development strategy” that will focus on two different industries: healthcare and high-tech. The Heartland Real Estate Business reports that “through an aggressive campaign…Southfield is now a central hub for healthcare, technological, and other innovative employers who are coming back to the region.” Southfield’s largest hospital is already beginning a $5 million expansion and renovation to its Emergency department, as well as a $14 million capital improvement plan for the hospital’s campus.            Another example of a City that has ... 07/30/2012

    Downtown Springfield, Inc. hosted the 13th annual “Taste of Downtown” this past weekend, and once again has shown the City that Downtown can still attract business and entice tourists to come to Springfield. There are many local restaurants who participate in the event: Augie’s Front Burner, Bentoh’s, and American Harvest were among those who set up a tent and served their finest foods. The event also provided multiple concerts, featuring the talents of Amy Levere from Memphis to Chuck Prophet from San Francisco. Music and food festivals add to the overall attraction of Downtown Springfield that helps to maintain a sustainable business district and has proven its value year after year. Another example is the advent of 5K races sparking the interest of many communities. Most recently... 07/12/2012

  What is a TIF District? A Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) is an area segregated according to State Law in Illinois that has to meet certain criteria to be considered for this special designation. The criterion generally deals with blighted areas that without public assistance might remain in its current condition for an extended period of time. The City of Springfield has used TIF Districts to improve the Downtown area as well as to assist with development in other areas. Not all TIF Districts are successful, but most are if the upfront commitment to the area is strong. Property values in blighted areas do not increase with the simple creation of a TIF district and no other activity. The ultimate benefits to the City and other taxing bodies can be large if the development strat... 06/20/2012

My virtual tour company recently notified me that all of my virtual tours will now play on all smart phones.....and best of all, there are no additional charges. I have been disappointed becasue my residential virtual tours would not play on phones, especially the iPhone.  Apple continues to block programs like Java from running on their iPhones and iPads.  I am not sure what software is being used but this new technology covers all of my marketing bases that until now have been left void. This technology couldn't of come at a better time.  I just received my new rider signs featuring my QR code and text2look code that is landing a lot of traffic to my mobile website.  Now when a buyer sends a text inquiry from my sign rider in front of my listed home,  they can see all of my listings i... 04/13/2011

Now is a Great Time to Buy in Central Illinois.  Today is the sponsored launch of Buy Capital Area.  First of all, I would like the generous area sponsors including Capital Area Association of Realtors. If you are thinking about buying a home in the Capital Area now is the opportune time; these historically low mortgage rates won't be around forevor; you can buy with confidence in the Capital Area where homes generally hold their value; and, homes in the Capital Area are among the most affordable in the nation. Whether your are Buying or Selling in the Capital City, I can assist you with all of your real eastate needs!   Be Sure to Check Out My Listing Gallery 02/25/2011

I thought I would share some Central Illinois Comfort Food with you.  I present to you the Horseshoe.  It is available in just about every restaurant within 50 miles of Springfield, Illinois. I will create it for you.  Let's start with two slices of Texas Toast topped with your favorite meat; hamburger, roast beef, ham, or my favorite bufflao Chicken. Next we will add a large portion of french fries, and then we will top it with a mouth watering white cheese sauce. What does this have to do with Central Illinois Real Estate?  Not much except that this is one of the many great things that I love about living and selling real estate in Central Illinois. We have a wonderful and stable real estate market with affordable homes, secure jobs with striving medical district, state government, an... 02/17/2011

Thank You Illinois Association of Realtors!  While in Springfield I was surprised to see the Banners along 2nd Street in front of the State Capitol promoting our great profession.  What a great way to kick off the 34th Annual Capitol Conference on March 23rd.    03/16/2010

Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 Eric Clapton announces the Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010, Saturday, June 26th, 2010 Toyota Park, Chicago, IL. A day-long festival to feature legendary music and collaborations. Current Artist Listing Confirmed: Albert Lee, Allman Brothers Band, BB King, Bert Jansch, Buddy Guy, David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos, Doyle Bramhall II, Earl Klugh, Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Hubert Sumlin, James Burton, Jeff Beck, Jimmie Vaughan, Joao Gilberto, Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer, John Renbourn. Keb Mo, Pino Daniele, Robert Cray, Robert Randolph, Sheryl Crow, Sonny Landreth, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill and ZZ Top. Tickets for the Crossroads Guitar Festival will go on sale to the public on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 10 AM Central Time via TicketMaster or Ti... 02/13/2010

A 26-year old decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before).  I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he told me he wanted to bring the water to a boil...  When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but instantly the water in the cup 'blew up' into his face. The cup remained  intact until he threw it out of his hand but all the water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy.  His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face, which may leave scarring. He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye.  While at the hospital, the doctor who w... 02/10/2010

. ..........................by a Trip to Home Depot You are in the middle of some kind of project around the house- mowing the lawn, putting in a new fence, painting the living room, or whatever. You are hot and sweaty, covered in dirt or paint.  You have your old work clothes on. You know the outfit - shorts with the hole in the crotch, old T-shirt with a stain from who knows what, and an old pair of tennis shoes. Right in the middle of this great home improvement project you realize you need to run to Home Depot to get something to help complete the job. Depending on your age you might do the following:   In  your 20's: Stop what you are doing.  Shave, take a  shower, blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, floss, and put on clean clothes.  Check yourself in the mirror and flex.   Add ... 02/05/2010

       PJTV Live From National Tea Party Convention Now  PJTV is streaming live from the National Tea Party Convention in Nashville today, Friday, and Saturday.   Check out our coverage of this event tonight, Thursday, Feb. 4, as well as all the major speeches and highlights on Friday, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 6.  Don't miss Sarah Palin's keynote at this event.  Everything will be streamed live at www.PJTV.com.   Click here for details and schedule:     http://www.pjtv.com/page/Tea_Party_Convention/148/      Roger L. SimonPJTV 02/04/2010

  http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02/01/states-seeking-ban-manda...APConservative lawmakers in many states are forging ahead with constitutional amendments to ban government health insurance mandates.JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Although President Barack Obama's push for a health care overhaul has stalled, conservative lawmakers in about half the states are forging ahead with constitutional amendments to ban government health insurance mandates.The proposals would assert a state-based right for people to pay medical bills from their own pocketbooks and prohibit penalties against those who refuse to carry health insurance.In many states, the proposals began as a backlash to Democratic health care plans pending in Congress. But instead of backing away after a Massachusetts election gave Se... 02/02/2010

  RUSH: I penned a message to Obama that I would like to deliver now. Because Mr. Obama, I think it's time we had a heart to heart talk. Let me be the father that you never had or never really knew, because I think you need some guidance. It's time to man up. It's time to grow up. That speech last night was an embarrassment. You couldn't focus, you lashed out in all directions, you refused to accept responsibility for your own actions, and you were angry.And he was, folks! He was mad. Being president is a big job. It's a big responsibility. You wanted the position, Barack. You campaigned for it. You told the public to trust you with it, and they elected you -- and you're now president of the greatest country mankind has ever known, and yet you act like this was all coming to you, like y... 01/28/2010

 According to Realty Trac's 2009 Metropolitan Foreclosure Market Report cities in four Sun Belt states accounted for all top 20 foreclosure rates in 2009 among metro areas with a population of 200,000 or more. Springfield's foreclosure rate in 2009 was 159th out of 203 markets in the country. In 2009 there were a total of 746 foreclosures in Springfield which reflects .77 percent of all housing units. The nationwide average foreclosure rate for 2009 was 2.2 percent of all units. Other Illinois cities include: Chicago (3.19 percent / 38th); Rockford (2.52 percent / 53rd); Davenport-Moline-Rock Island (1.06 percent / 142nd); Peoria (0.69 percent / 165th); and, Champaign-Urbana (0.56 percent / 168th). Las Vegas fared the worst with 12.04 percent of all units going into foreclosure.  . 2009... 01/28/2010

....................CABLE NEWS RACE   TUES., JAN., 26, 2010FOXNEWS O'REILLY 3,581,000FOXNEWS BECK 3,196,000FOXNEWS HANNITY 3,133,000FOXNEWS BAIER 2,624,000FOXNEWS GRETA 2,415,000FOXNEWS SHEP 2,187,000CNNHN BEHAR 949,000CNNHN GRACE 914,000MSNBC OLBERMANN 818,000CNN KING 796,000MSNBC MADDOW 726,000 01/27/2010

  News Release Capital Area Association of REALTORS® The Voice for Real EstateTM in the Capital Area        SPRINGFIELD (January 25, 2010).  The median single-family home sale price and the number of home sales increased in the Capital Area during December 2009, according to figures from the Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (CAAR) Multiple Information Service.        For the month of December 2009, the median home sale price (for all single-family homes and condominiums) was $112,000, revealing an increase of 30.2 percent from the $86,000 December 2008 price.  The median home sale price year-to-date through December of 2009 yielded $109,000, reflecting a 4.8 percent increase from the $104,000 median price during the same period in 2008.  The median home sale price demonstrated grea... 01/25/2010

$174,9003 Bedrooms2.5 Bathrooms2840 sq ft more pictures to see on............  http://www.royrobinette.com/   01/15/2010

I treat my income like we all have been told to invest.  Be Diverse!  My real estate income is shared with other income.  About 5 years ago, my family health insurance premium increased $500 per month for insurance that I would consider sub standard.  It hit me like a freight train that I needed to weigh all of my options because my health insurance became more of a monthly cost than my home mortgage .  Now I share my time with my Virtual Tour company doing virtual tours and online marketing for other real estate professionals, local business owners, and doing hospitality tours for people that want to promote their industry. I still work full time hours as a Realtor, but I consider myself part-time in the industry.  It is also beneficial for me that my Real Estate Professional time work... 01/12/2010

 I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, A year from now. A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and Failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son.'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest o... 01/09/2010