S.crumptious

T.his Day In History (x2)

U.nique - Solar Shingles..?

P.retty P.atios - and ideas to help you with yours.... in time for the end of summer.

I.nterest Rate Info

D.onation - Chicago Foundation for Women needs YOU

(S)crumptious

Most of you know that I'm a wine, beer, and spirit lover. So, I thought I'd start the email out with something I just had that for some reason I'm going crazy over. First, however, let me preface this by saying, anything Guy recommends at Vinissimo in Evanston is a great recommendation.

JEAN-MAX ROGER MENETOU SALON

The Roger family comes from a long line of winegrowers from the village of Bué. The first texts that mention the family name date back to the early 17th century. Jean-Max Roger took over the four hectares of vines left to him by his parents in the early 1970s and expanded the estate to its current size, 26 hectares. Beginning in 2004, two of his three sons, Etienne and Thibault, came back to work the estate after various professional experiences in France and abroad. Today, the estate covers a surface area of 26 hectares in the Sancerre AOC, along the Loire River. It also includes 5 hectares of vines located in the Menetou-Salon AOC area of production where the first plantations date back to 1981. They produce white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc as well as reds and rosés made from Pinot Noir. They also sell Pouilly-Fumé, a neighbouring appellation located opposite Sancerre on the left bank of the Loire.

With the pinky up.....Noticeably herbaceous with fennel, verbena, wormwood and floral notes with complexity of citrus and lychee on the palate. The finish is long and classically bright of Sauvignon Blanc.

Jean-Max Roger Menetou Salon – Vinissimo Wine Shop

(T)his Day in History

1949, August 03

NBA is born

On August 3, 1949, after a damaging three-year battle to win both players and

fans, the rival Basketball Association of America (BAA) and National Basketball League (NBL) merge to form the National Basketball Association (NBA).

NBA is born - HISTORY

(T)his Day in History (Cont.)

1996, August 03

“The Macarena” begins its reign atop the U.S. pop charts

If pop songs, like hurricanes, were rated on an objective scale according to their ability t devastate the pop-cultural landscape, then the song that reached  the top of the American pop charts on August 3, 1996 was a Category 5 monster. It first made landfall

in Florida as a seemingly harmless Spanish-language rumba, but in the hands of a pair of Miami record producers, it soon morphed and strengthened into something called

“Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix),” a song that laid waste to all competition during a recor setting run at #1 that began on this day.

“The Macarena” begins its reign atop the U.S. pop charts - HISTORY

(U)nique 

The Only Solar Shingles Buying Guide You Need

Harnessing the power of solar energy is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet. While roof panels are what often come to mind, solar shingles are another option for homeowners seeking to add value to their properties.

Solar Roof Shingles Buying Guide For 2022 – Forbes Advisor

(P)retty (P)atios

How to design a patio

Use this expert guide to discover how to design a patio – and create a fabulous but functional outdoo living space.

Patios must simultaneously act as vibrant social hubs furnished for dining and entertaining, and areas for quiet moments of reflection to escape the stresses of the day.

Striking such a balance in your backyard takes careful consideration. Finding the perfect location is a important step when designing a patio; a spot that catches the light at the right time of day, but that is also conveniently situated close to the house or sufficiently equipped to provide everything you need.

The intended function of the space will ultimately dictate the outcome of the design.

Within the article you will find:

• How to Plan the Patio Layout
• What is a good size for a patio.
• Patio Positioning
• Patio Materials
• Budget

and More

How to design a patio: expert advice on patio design

(I)nterest Rates

 
The Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes are attempts to control the record inflation that has been affecting many areas of life.

Generally speaking, as the Federal Reserve raises its benchmark interest rate, everything else in the economy that involves interest rates of some kind is affected – and that’s most things: credit cards, student loans, home and car loans, banking, savings accounts, the everyday operations of businesses, you name it.

Specifically for home buying, The Fed’s interest rate directly affects mortgage lenders, who pass on increased fed rates to buyers in the form of mortgage rate increases.

Use this tool to explore the range of mortgage interest rates you can expect to receive. See how your credit score, loan type, home price, and down payment amount can affect your rate. Knowing your options and what to expect helps ensure that you get a mortgage that is right for you. Check back often -- the rates in the tool are updated every Wednesday and Friday.

In Illinois, most lenders in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's data are offering rates at or below 5.938%.

*The below data is based on a 720-740 Credit Score, Cook County Location, $750,000 home with 15% down, 30 year fixed rate.

Explore interest rates | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov)

Explore what a lower interest rate means for your wallet

5% vs 6.875%

Interest costs over 30 years $153,242	$213,056
Interest costs over the first 5 years $594,506	$870,152

 

Good News About Mortgage Rate Increases 

The good news about the increase in mortgage rates, as I've been saying for a LONG time now... the market is shifting to hold more inventory for longer.

This in one way is a result of the summer season, which always tends to push buyers out of the marke in anticipation of a new spring buying season. But, now is when you start getting good deals on homes.

Ask anyone who works with me, I always say, best time to sell is new year (get the home ready in January for a mid Feb list) - and the best time to buy... is NOW! August til the end of the year!

We are seeing a steady shift in the market now with months of supply gradually coming back.

This is still a long haul, and sellers still have it good, but it's changing soon

If you have more questions about this, don't hesitate to ask 616.879.9934

[email protected]

(D)onation

Each day, more than 300,000 women in our community struggle to put food on the table, to keep themselves and their children safe and healthy, and to lift themselves up from poverty and lack of opportunity.

Chicago Foundation for Women... are about them.

Chicago Foundation for Women offers smart, socially conscious investors a unique opportunity: to directly impact the lives of women, girls, trans, and gender non-binary individuals right here, in our community.

Donate - Chicago Foundation for Women (cfw.org)