Dual-Licensed Mortgage and Real Estate Professionals Lisa Jones
Dual-Licensed Mortgage and Real Estate ProfessionalsForum Replies Created
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You’re not alone if you’re worried about overpriced SUVs and trucks. More folks are noticing how quickly these rigs drop in value after you drive them off the lot. The user’s question zeroes in on the financial headaches when people buy new SUVs and trucks. These big vehicles are famous for being pricey and losing value at lightning speed.
A recent study found that many full-size pickups can drop more than 50% of their value in the first five years. So, if you buy a $70,000 pickup, don’t be shocked when it’s only worth about $35,000 after that time. The damage is worse in the luxury and electric segments, where the numbers can be even tougher on the wallet.
When the user brings up dash cams, it shows a new pattern: owners are trying hard to protect their money. With 4K HD video, GPS tracking, and awesome night vision, dash cams can save the day if a crash or argument pops up. But even the fanciest dash cam can’t stop your brand-new truck or SUV from losing value, and that’s the real issue behind the question.
Focus on vehicles that keep their value to lessen the financial bite of a new truck or SUV. For example, the Toyota Tacoma and Porsche 911 regularly top the lists for low depreciation, holding on to a large chunk of their original purchase price. Buying a used or certified pre-owned model can further dodge the steepest drop a vehicle takes when you drive it home.
In short, your strategy of picking vehicles known for good resale value or leaning toward pre-owned examples is a smart way to keep more money in your pocket throughout your vehicle ownership.
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To become a licensed real estate broker in Illinois, follow these steps:
- Check the Basic Requirements: You must be 18 and have a high school diploma or GED.
- If you want to become a managing broker, you must be at least 21.
- Finish Pre-Licensing Education: Sign up for a real estate school approved by IDFPR and complete 75 hours of coursework.
You’ll need:
- 60 hours of Real Estate Broker Pre-License Topics
- 15 hours of Broker Pre-License Applied Real Estate Principles – Interactive.
- Pass the Broker Exam: After you finish your classes, you must pass the Illinois Real Estate Broker Examination, which PSI (Psychological Services, Inc.) runs.
- Choose a Sponsoring Broker: You must select a brokerage to work with before submitting your license application.
- You’ll be under a managing broker’s supervision while you learn the ropes.
- Apply for Your Broker License: Once you pass the test and have a sponsoring broker, submit your Illinois Real Estate Broker License application through the IDFPR online portal.
- Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first renewal cycle of your new license, you must finish 45 hours of post-licensing classes to stay in good standing.
This training is necessary before your first renewal if you’re a newly licensed broker.
Ready to step up as a managing broker? This role lets you open your firm and supervise other licensees.
Here’s how to get there:
- Get Some Miles on Your License: Rack up at least two years as a licensed broker in Illinois.
Finish Your Managing Broker Classes
You’ll need:
- 30 hours on Managing Broker Pre-license topics.
- 15 hours in Applied Management and Supervision for Managing Brokers.
- Ace the Managing Broker Exam: Take the managing broker test after completing your classes.
- File Your License Application: Send your application for the managing broker license through IDFPR.
Expect to spend about 3 to 8 months on the whole process, depending on how quickly you move through each step. After you get your license, joining your local MLS and real estate association can open up more opportunities.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Illinois
Becoming a real estate agent in Illinois can be a rewarding journey. You’ll help people buy their dream homes and find great investment opportunities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started on the right track.
Meet Basic Requirements
First, you must be 18 and have a high school diploma or GED. Could you check your ID to ensure your name matches your submitted documents?
Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
The state requires you to complete a 75-hour Pre-Licensing course. You can find these classes at community colleges or online schools. Please make sure the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation approves the school you choose.
Pass the Course Final Exam
After you finish the pre-licensing course, you must pass a final exam. This test covers everything you’ve learned in the course. Study the unit quizzes and sample questions to prepare.
Complete the Background Check
Illinois needs a fingerprint-based criminal background check. You can have this done at certified locations, and the results should be sent directly to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Register for the State Exam
Once your background check clears, you can register for the state licensing exam. You’ll pick a test date and location on the Pearson VUE website. You can pay the exam fee to complete your registration.
Pass the State Exam
The state exam has two parts: national real estate and Illinois-specific real estate questions. You need a score of at least 75% to pass. You can bring a valid ID and your registration confirmation to the test.
Choose a Managing Broker
Before you can apply for your license, you need to find a sponsoring managing broker. This licensed broker will oversee your work for your first two years. You can start networking and reach out to local brokerages.
Apply for Your License
Could you fill out the online application on the IDFPR website? You’ll need to pay the license fee and upload your exam results. Once the state reviews your application, you’ll receive your license.
Start Working and Keep Learning
Congratulations! You’re now a licensed real estate agent in Illinois. Join the local Realtors® association to get access to the MLS and continuing education courses. You must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years to keep your license active.
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What happened to Chicago area mobsters. I heard many mobsters in Chicago are in the waste management and construction business. I remember a nice gentleman by the name of Peter DiFronzo who was the owner of D&P Construction in Melrose Park, Illinois, a waste management company. His residence was South Barrington, Illinois. His brother was John No Nose Difronzo.
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Bad credit should not deter you from buying a house. Mortgage lenders like Gustan Cho Associates have no lender overlays on government and conventional loans. 80% of Gustan Cho Associates borrowers are folks who could not qualify at other lenders.
https://gcamortgage.com/buying-a-home-with-bad-credit/
gcamortgage.com
Buying a Home With Bad Credit in 2025 | Tips to Get Approved
Buying a home with bad credit is possible. Learn how to qualify, what loan options are available, and how to improve your approval odds in 2025.
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Mortgage Loan Officers and Real Estate Agents!!!! Let’s keep our fingers crossed 🤞. Breaking News: Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell is seriously considering resigning from his Fed Chair position. More on this will be discussed as the media release updates. Depending on who President Donald Trump appoints as the new Federal Reserve Board Chairman, top economists and analysts unanimously agree the new Chief will lower rates, seriously work on promoting homeownership, and set a solid foundation for the housing and mortgage industry. Stayed Tuned!!! America is going in the right direction with the Trump Administration!!!
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I wish Elon Musk well in both his personal and business matters. However, I really believe he needs to stop whatever he is doing, take a step back, restructure his overall business plan, focus on one business he manages and operates, and assign his other businesses to a new CEO and Chief Operating Officer. Otherwise, I believe Elon Musk and all his businesses will come crashing down. What’s he thinking? How many companies is Elon Musk now running? Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter, and GROK AI were in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency. It does not stop here, folks. Musk just created and launched a third political party, the American Party. Musk is also thinking about buying MSNBC.
Folks, it doesn’t matter how smart you are or if you have 500 IQ. YOU CANNOT BE A JACK OF ALL TRADES AND A MASTER OF ALL. This Cybertruck is hands down a total flop. It’s a strain on your eyes because it’s so ugly. It’s not functional. Extremely poorly engineered, a health hazard due to electrical malfunctions. Catches on fire. The parts of the Cybertruck are falling apart. Seems like the truck was glued together. Let me know your thoughts.
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Jeffrey Epstein’s former lawyer, David Schoen—who also defended Donald Trump—breaks his silence in a revealing interview, expressing deep skepticism over Epstein’s official cause of death. Schoen shares intimate details from his final conversations with Epstein, describes Epstein’s state of mind days before his death, and highlights troubling inconsistencies in the official investigation. Was Epstein really suicidal, or was there something more sinister at play? From questionable autopsy findings by renowned medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden to Epstein’s mysterious connections with powerful figures like Trump and Ehud Barak, this exclusive conversation raises critical questions that challenge the official narrative.
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If you live in Oshkosh and want to pay off those high-interest credit cards, you have some solid local options to explore. Consolidating debt can lighten your monthly bills and save you money on interest, so let’s look at a few places to get started.
Local Lenders Ready to Help OneMain Financial
OneMain works with borrowers across the credit spectrum, so even if your credit isn’t perfect, they may still be able to help. Their branch is located at 510 S Koeller St., so Give them a call at (920) 233-8222 or visit [OneMain Financial](https://www.onemainfinancial.com) for more info.
Lendmark Financial Services
Need cash fast? Landmark offers same-day funding on fixed-rate personal loans. You can search for their Oshkosh location online or call ahead to find the documents you need. Start at [Lendmark Financial](https://www.lendmarkfinancial.com).
Old National Bank
This traditional bank offers both personal loans and revolving lines of credit, so you can choose the option that best fits your budget. Their Oshkosh branch is located at 420 S Koeller St, and the number is (920) 891-7268.
More details are at [Old National
(https://locations.oldnational.com).
Credit Unions Usually Offer Lower Rates Fox Communities Credit Union
Fox Communities has personal loans designed for debt consolidation. They also feature a handy debt calculator tool on their site that helps you play with numbers before you apply. Call their Oshkosh Avenue branch at 920 993-9000 or visit [Fox CU](https://www.foxcu.org).
Capital Credit Union
Capital CU grants unsecured personal loans and flexible lines of credit aimed squarely at people looking to consolidate. Phone the Oshkosh branch at 920 494-2828 or drop by [Capital](https://www.capitalcu.com) to check current rates.
Winnebago Community Credit Union
Winnebago Community prides itself on personalized service. To discuss your options face-to-face, call 920 233-9096 or visit them online at [WCCU](https://www.wincu.org). Don’t hesitate to shop around; even small differences in rates can save you a bundle.
Nonprofit & Online Choices for HelpMoney Fit (Debt Counseling)
- Money Fit can help if you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt.
- This nonprofit offers one-on-one credit counseling and sets up personalized Debt Management Plans (DMPs) that allow you to pay your creditors more quickly.
- You can reach them by calling (800) 432-0310 or visiting their site at [moneyfit.org](https://moneyfit.org).
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
The NFCC serves as a gateway to various accredited counseling agencies nationwide. Whether you prefer to talk over the phone or chat online, they’ll catch you with a certified credit counselor who can walk you through all your options, including budgeting and debt management programs. Head to [credit.org](https://www.credit.org) for a list of local agencies.
Online Personal Loan Marketplaces
- When it comes to personal loans, shopping around is key.
- LendingTree lets you compare offerings from lenders such as Upgrade, SoFi, Upstart, and Best Egg.
- Their rates currently range from about 7% to 35%, depending on your credit profile, so it pays to input your info and see where you stand.
- Another popular choice is SoFi, which receives high marks for customer service, has no origination fees, and gives borrowers terms stretching up to 84 months.
- You can learn more about them on [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org).
What to Compare Before You Sign
- Interest Rate (APR): A smaller number saves you money over time.
- Fees: Look for origination, late, or monthly maintenance fees.
- Term & Flexibility: Choose a repayment period that fits your budget, not the lender’slender’s
- Funding Time: Online lenders may wire cash the same day, while banks can take longer.
- Eligibility: Some lenders want perfect credit; others will work with fair scores.
Next Steps You Can Take Today
- Stop by or call your local bank or credit union to ask about pre-qualification and interest rates that do not impact your credit.
- Try an Online Calculator: Tools from Fox CU or North Shore Bank let you plug in numbers to see who offers the cheapest overall cost.
- You can find these at [foxcu.org](https://foxcu.org) and [lendingtree.com.com](https://www.lendingtree.com).
Reach Out for Free Advice: Contact Money Fit or the NFCC to explore consolidation plans and get a third-party opinion on the best path forward.
Quick Tip: Not Sure Which Path to Take?
Credit unions typically charge lower interest rates and fees than traditional banks. They’re member-owned, so profits are returned to you through better deals.
Helpful nonprofits like Money Fit and the NFCC offer free money advice without pushing you to sign up for a loan. Their goal is to help you understand your options first.
If you own a home, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) might seem attractive because the rates are usually low. Remember, your house backs the money you borrow, and the interest can go up or down.
Bottom line:
- For easy access to cash, OneMain or Lendmark get you set up quickly and close to home.
- For the best overall savings, check out Fox CU or Capital CU.
- Their lower rates and fees can save you serious money.
- Call Money Fit or the NFCC for friendly, no-pressure advice if you’d rather talk it out first.
- Plenty of resources can help if you’re ‘considering a personal loan or want to explore your options in Oshkosh.
- Comparing rates is a smart first step if you need a new set of wheels or want to cover unexpected expenses.
- Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help or want to kick-start the application process.
- Oshkosh has several branches where you can talk to someone face-to-face.
- OneMain Financial on Koeller Street is a popular choice for personal and auto loans. Check their hours and offerings.
- Credit unions are also worth a look.
- Capital Credit Union has a branch in Oshkosh, and they usually advertise lower rates on personal loans. You can see their loans.
- Fox Communities Credit Union even has handy online tools.
For those considering debt consolidation, services like Money Fit can guide you. Their Oshkosh page outlines the steps you can take, and it’s a good first stop if you’re feeling overwhelmed. LendingTree runs comparisons across multiple lenders, saving you time and giving you a broad view of current offers.
Remember, the right loan depends on your unique situation, so take your time, ask questions, and gather all the information you can.
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I need aerator for my pond. Have several questions. How do I eliminate weeds and cattails from the edges of the pond. My dogs used to swim in my pond but can’t anymore because of snapper turtles. How can I get rid of snapper turtles. My pond is about half an acre more or less. Thank you 😊
