Congratulations! You've found a Diamond in the rough! (a Marquise Diamond, of course!) There is a wealth of info here to help with your home buying decisions! You'll find that I provide as much information as possible without leaving out details forcing you to call a salesperson for a price or address. Let's start with the Button 'MLS Listed Homes'. My site downloads property data from the Peoria Area Association of Realtors' Multiple Listing Service (MLS) each business day, so you know you are researching current listings. Make the search easier by utilizing the 'My Home Tracker' and 'Automated E-mail Listings Service'. After you've registered for My Home Tracker, (relax knowing I won't be calling you unless you've requested a call) you can request the 'Automated E-mail Listing Service'. The web site will automatically send you info on new listings that meet your criteria the next business day after the listing has been entered in the MLS.

Through the 'Open House' link you can find homes that myself and the other Realtors have scheduled to be Open. This is another service of the Peoria Area Association of Realtors. This is a great tool to help plan your weekend.

Features below are found in the "Articles & Links" box located in the lower section of your screen. I truly want you to find the home that right for you. That's why I provide links to other sites that advertise homes 'For Sale By Owner'. If the home for you is out there, these tools will help you find it! After you've found your new pad, there is still some home-work to do!

Other links in the 'Articles & Links' column: Get school test scores, demographics, and average financial info about your potential new neighborhood thru the School or Census info links. Find out what other homes have sold for in a neighborhood via the Sold Info link or the Peoria Assessor's link. Find out what your property taxes will change to with the Assessor's link (Peoria County, Tazewell & Woodford not available yet online). Research lots of topics with the 'Home Advice' and 'Real Estate News' links. Building? See the "Builders" button.

Which Realtor use choose can be very important to your transaction. The Realtor that has the sign in the yard is the Listing Agent. He/She has been working for the SELLER. If you choose to purchase that home via that Realtor, He/she will most likely ask you to sign a 'Dual Agency Agreement'. This agreement tells you that the you are on your own for negotiating price, and negotiating on issues that come up between the contract signing and the closing. A better choice: You can still purchase that home thru any other Realtor, making your Realtor your "Buyer's Agent". He/She is obligated to look out for your best interests. Things a Buyer's Agent may do for you include: Researching how long the property has been for sale, what it sold for in the past and other neighborhood sales. He acts as your agent when completing the offer/contract. He contributes his/her negotiating skills. Negotiating occurs over price, earnest money, possession date, Home Inspection results, and much more. He acts as your agent when providing you with financing info or assisting in choosing your inspectors.

These services are just as valuable, or more so, when purchasing a home from an Unrepresented Seller. Many times, you can have the assistance of a Realtor and save money in the transaction.

Having your own Realtor working as your agent not only makes finding a home easier, but can save you money and hassles. Who you choose as your Agent is important! When you choose to work with me as your agent, you know I'll be with you through closing and after. You won't be getting answers from a team of unlicensed and/or inexperienced assistants you've never met. You'll have my decade+ of real estate experience working for you. So think of me before you call someone else's number in the paper or on a sign, we'll both be glad you did!

I have contacts with local lenders who have grants for 3% of the purchase price on your first home! Available in most areas and in price ranges up to $189,000! Contact me via phone or e-mail for details. Perfect credit not required.

As a former Mortgage Loan Officer, I have the experience to help you find a local lender with a program that meets your needs. If you've been turned down before, don't get frustrated, GET HELP! I'll help you get into the home you deserve!

Chris and Marquise Realty are not mortgage lenders. Chris has contacts in the lending business that he refers you to based on your unique situation. There is no charge for this service, Chris just requests that buyers without a Realtor work Chris for their home purchase if not already working with another agent.