BACP offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Due to COVID-19, all programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
Tuesday, 2/2 Webinar at 10:00 AM Navigating the Phase Four COVID-19 Regulations Presented by BACP On Sunday, January 31, Chicago moved to Phase Four COVID-19 Regulations. Join this webinar for an overview of these regulations and how to be compliant. Register for the 2/2 Webinar
Tuesday, 2/2 Webinar at 2:00 PM The Paycheck Protection Program and How to Apply Presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), BMO Harris Bank, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank and US Bank in partnership with the Illinois Bankers Association The SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has opened for a third round of applications. This program provides small businesses with funds for payroll costs, rent, utilities, and additional expense categories. The program is open for applications through participating lenders, including traditional banks like the ones participating in this webinar. The webinar will cover the PPP loan and other funding opportunities available through the U.S. SBA. We will also cover common questions and how to apply through a traditional lender. Register for the 2/2 Webinar
Wednesday, 2/3 Webinar at 3:00 PM City Inspections – Ask Questions, Get Answers Presented by the City of Chicago The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks. Register for the 2/3 Webinar
Friday, 2/5 Webinar at 9:30 AM Growing Your Business in Uncertain Times Presented by Shelby Parchman, Managing Partner, InUrban Strategies Growing a business can be challenging in the best of times and can seem almost impossible during the challenging times that we are currently facing. However, many businesses are thriving and experiencing strong growth in revenue. What is the secret to their success? It may be easier than you think. Join us for tips on how to develop growth sustainable and effective strategies for your business. Register for the 2/5 Webinar
Martes 9 de Febrero a las 10:00 a.m. El Programa de Protección de Cheques de Pago y Cómo Solicitarlo (seminario web en español) Este seminario web se presentará en español. This webinar will be in Spanish. Presentado por la U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) y la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Illinois El Programa de Protección de Cheques de Pago (PPP) de la SBA se abrió para una tercera ronda de solicitudes. Este programa proporciona a las pequeñas empresas fondos para costos de nómina, alquiler, servicios públicos y categorías de gastos adicionales. El programa está abierto a solicitudes a través de prestamistas participantes. El seminario web cubrirá el préstamo de PPP y otras oportunidades de financiamiento disponibles a través de la SBA de EE. UU. También cubriremos preguntas comunes y cómo presentar la solicitud. Regístrese para el seminario web 2/9Wednesday, 2/10 Webinar at 3:00 PM Capital, Coaching, and Collaboration for Small Businesses Presented by Allies for Community Business Allies for Community Business (formerly Accion Serving Illinois & Indiana) offers loans between $500 and $100,000 to early, emerging, and established businesses at fair prices. Learn about their new lending process and their partnerships with other lenders for opportunities like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Also learn about how A4CB provides free 1:1 coaching to anyone who wants to start or grow his or her business. Finally, get information about A4CB’s
additional services including kitchen space at the Hatchery, City licensing, and procurement certification assistance. Register for the 2/10 Webinar Friday, 2/12 – No Webinar due City of Chicago observance of Lincoln’s Birthday
Info Shared by Alderwoman GarzaKnow Your Rights: If you’re a Chicago Tenant that needs help with a housing issue like lockouts or evictions, please contact Rentervention, a program of Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing. Rentervention is free and confidential. To get started, tenants can call 312-347-7600, visit www.rentervention.com or text “hi” to 866-7RENTER (866-773-6837) to start a conversation with Renny, Rentervention’s bot.
71st/Stony Island-South Shore-Avalon Park-Commerical Ave- South Chicago-South Deering-Calumet Height
Greetings,
Applications for the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program will open in February in the following TIF districts:
35th/Halsted: Bridgeport
71st/Stony Island: South Shore and Avalon Park
Woodlawn
West Woodlawn
Commercial Avenue: South Chicago, South Deering and Calumet Heights
Applications open: 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1
Applications close: 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 3
The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own.
Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program, and residential developers should not apply.
Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf and do not have to be repaid.
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process, including an overview of program changes adopted last month by City Council.
SBIF Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 | Register
For additional information, including program rules and the application, visit www.somercor.com/sbif
Current Info @ the Beginning, Please View All due, Some Services may have extended in spite of due date:
*UPDATE of NEW COVID LEGISLATION* Jan 11, 2021
New Loans, Grants, and Unemployment Benefits
Just before the new year, Congress passed, and the President signed into law the 5,593-page “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.” The law contains important provisions for the arts community:
Renewal of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP);
Extended and additional benefits for out of work W-2 and 1099 workers; and
Grants ($15 billion) for theaters, comedy clubs, music venues and other arts venues.
Renewal of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The new legislation re-authorizes the PPP first enacted in 2020 in the CARES Act. The PPP extends loans to businesses and sole proprietors that are forgiven if the recipient uses the funds to continue to employ workers. The program officially reopens on Monday, January 11 through small community lenders, and larger banks participate a few days later.
How much will I get? As before, the PPP offers loans up to 2.5x your average monthly payroll, capped at $10 million.
What can I do with the loan? Forgiveness rules for 2021 are mostly the same as they were in 2020. You’ll need to spend 60+% on salaries, maintain compensation levels, and expend the funds in 24 weeks. The list of eligible expenses is expanded to include software, cloud computing services, PPE, and even property damage losses resulting from public disturbances.
I received a PPP Loan in 2020. Can I apply for a second PPP Loan in 2021? Potentially, yes, if (1) you have <300 employees; (2) you’ll have paid out your first PPP loan before obtaining a second; and (3) you lost 25+% of your revenue in at least one quarter of 2020 as compared to the same period of 2019.
When can I apply? There are several phases:
1/11/21: First-time PPP loans administered by community financial institutions.
1/13/21: Repeat PPP loans administered by community financial institutions.
“Shortly” after 1/13/21: First-time and repeat PPP loans administered by all participating lenders.
How will the funds be prioritized? Of the total $284 billion in PPP funding, Congress has set aside $15 billion and $25 billion for first draw and second draw PPP loans, respectively, for borrowers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans less than $250,000 to borrowers in low-or moderate-income neighborhoods.
What do I do now? It’s best to contact your bank for specifics. We have found that participating banks are quickly issuing guidelines to assist first and second-time borrowers.
Extended and Additional Unemployment Benefits for Workers
The CARES Act significantly expanded the availability of unemployment benefits for workers of all kinds. These programs mostly continue through the first few months 2021 with some important enhancements.
What additional benefits will unemployed workers receive? All recipients of unemployment benefits, including qualified self-employed gig workers, will receive an extra $300/week throughout this extended period.
How long will unemployed workers receive the benefits of the expanded programs? The new law extends COVID-related unemployment benefits for W-2 workers (UI) and gig workers (PUA) for an additional 11 weeks.
I’m a so-called “Mixed Earner.” Pre-COVID, I had both W-2 and 1099 income, but throughout 2020, I received unemployment benefits based only on my W-2 income. Has the new law made it possible for me to collect benefits based on my loss of both W-2 and 1099 income? Unfortunately, no. But, if you earned at least $5,000 in self-employment/independent contractor/gig work income in 2019, if you applied in 2020), the new law entitles you to a flat additional $100/week.
When can “Mixed Earners” expect to receive these new benefits? The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) will likely implement the new provisions in the first quarter of 2021, and your entitlement to the $100 benefit will begin as of December 31, 2020.
Grants for “Shuttered Venue Operators”
New for 2021 is the “Shuttered Venue Operator” (SVO) provisions which allocate $15 billion to replace earned revenue (think ticket sales, not contributions) that live performance venues like theaters, music clubs, and comedy clubs lost when they were closed down because of COVID. Grants are open to venues that lost at least 25% of their revenue during defined periods in 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019.
How much will I get? In contrast to the PPP, which provides loans mostly to enable recipients to continue to employ workers, the SVO seeks to replace lost revenue. Most qualifying venues will receive the lesser of 45% of their earned revenue during 2019, or $10 million. Depending on available funds, venues may be eligible for a second grant of half the amount of the first.
What can I do with the grant? You have to spend it on defined types of expenses. But, the list is broad, and there are no requirements that you spend certain amounts on any kind of expenses. LCA can assist you in making informed decisions that maximize the value of the grant and other options open to you.
Can I also get PPP money? As described above, the new legislation does extend the PPP program. Recipients of PPP loans in 2020 are eligible for additional help in 2021 through PPP loans or SVO grants. But, in 2021, you can’t receive both PPP and SVO funds. You will have to elect one or the other. Even so, you may be able to apply for both and then choose to accept one or other if you are deemed eligible for both. LCA can assist you in making the most advantageous choice.
What can I expect on timing to apply, and receive a grant? Undetermined for now. The SBA will announce the rules, create application portals, etc. in the coming weeks. One thing we know for sure is those who have sustained the greatest percentage losses of revenue will be given priority, and their funds will be distributed in the first few weeks of the program.
LCA’s Brief Service Response Center is open to advise on business and legal challenges resulting from the Coronavirus crisis, including accessing the new benefits described above.
Info Shared by South Shore Chamber Inc:
Dept of Commerce and Economic Opportunity opens Round 2 of the BIG
(Business Interruption Grant)
The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a $636 million program to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses. funding may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs; rent; utilities; and other operational costs as defined in the eligible cost list found below. Program Updates.
New to BIG – applications for the second round of funding are set to go live September 17. A total of $220 million will be made available for small businesses of all types in Illinois.
The second wave of funds includes the following provisions to ensure a wide distribution of funds geographically and across business type:
Heavily Impacted Industries – $60 million for heavily distressed industries, such as movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues, indoor recreation, amusement parks, and more.
Disproportionately Impacted Areas – $70 million set aside for DIAs, defined by zip codes identified by the General Assembly for communities that are most economically distressed and vulnerable to COVID-19. A map of DIAs is shown below.
Priority Businesses– Apart from the $60 million for heavily impacted industries, applications from the following types of businesses will be prioritized for review for remaining funds: businesses directly affected by regional mitigations implemented by the state or local governments, independently owned retail, tourism- and hospitality-related industries including accommodations, and more.
Grants and Loan Forgiveness for Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan recipients – As authorized by the General Assembly, DCEO will offer grants for businesses that have incurred eligible costs to offset loans received under the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan program. This round of loan forgiveness and grants will go to businesses that have received loans or remain on the waitlist and the program will sunset going forward as DCEO and its partners focus on making BIG awards.
Businesses outside the categories listed above are also eligible to apply and receive funding under the program but maybe reviewed later than priority businesses. All businesses will receive a decision on their grant application within four to six weeks of application submission.
HOW TO APPLY: We will begin accepting applications for the second round of BIG on the afternoon of Thursday, September 17. Please return here for a link to the application. To help you prepare for your application, see below a preliminary application and checklist.
ASSISTANCE: For assistance with your application, please submit a question via the following question submission form in either English or Spanish.
DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED AREAS
Need to find out if your business is located in a DIA? The below map allows you to search by address, or by searching for your zip code in the list of 176 distinct DIAs here. https://www2.illinois.gov/…/BIGDIAZipCodeList_062520.pdf
Chicago Urban League to Provide $100,000 in Emergency Grants and Technical Assistance to Black Small Business Owners Through Ford Initiative
In partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, the Chicago Urban League is launching the Emergency Capital Access Program (ECAP) to provide small grants, technical assistance, and advisory services to Black-owned small businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19. The League’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will deliver the program and expects to provide grants up to $5,000 to about 20 businesses.
The program is part of the League’s COVID-19 Community Help Center, launched in April. Business owners will be able to apply for the program through the Help Center website beginning August 17.
Ford created ECAP as a pilot program with the National Urban League to offer crucial economic support to businesses that provide a stabilizing influence for communities hard hit by the pandemic.
A new round of funding will be available beginning August 10th providing relief for renters and beginning August 24th for homeowners to provide mortgage relief during COVID-19.
2 ways to get in touch
Schedule an appointment over the phone
South Chicago Region: (773) 933-7575
Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) has been awarded a new round of funding to assist families facing hardships during the pandemic. We thank our partners from the City of Chicago (Department of Housing) and Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) in providing the support to offer these relief programs and partnering with SCH to connect directly with the community to ensure access to these critical resources.
Our offices are preparing to quickly respond and guide our clients throughout the process. We are estimating to serve over 300 households to provide some relief during this time of uncertainty and to help stabilize their housing.
SCH will continue to establish partnerships and leverage resources to craft and implement solutions that are responsive to community needs during this time of crisis and into recovery. We are here with you, to serve you.
To request a telephonic consultation, click on the button below and a member of our team will contact you within 24 hours.
Attend a FREE Homebuyer Education, Financial Education or Landlord workshop on-line. Click on the link to see all of August’s webinars. https://form.jotform.com/202024667086151
Info Shared by The Neighborhood Network Alliance
Applications for Emergency Rental Assistance are availablenow through August 21 at era.ihda.org.
Emergency Rental Assistance program FAQ’s can currently be found at era.ihda.org.
Applications for Emergency Mortgage Assistance will be available on August 24 at ema.ihda.org.
If you have any questions, please call 312.883.2720 or 888.252.1119.
If you need immediate assistance, please speak with your landlord or mortgage servicer about your specific situation.
Be sure to purchase City Sticker and Residential Permit Passes now. You can conveniently purchase them online at at ezbuy.chicityclerk.com. You can get started here.
Info Shared by State Rep Kam Buckner
Info Shared by Representative Kam Buckner
Unemployment Benefits Extended 20 Weeks
IDES announced 20 weeks of state extended benefits (EB) are now available to those who exhaust the allotted 26 weeks of regular state unemployment and the additional 13 weeks of federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits.
IDES is responding to the nationwide unemployment fraud scheme, but there are steps you can take to protect your personal information. Please watch this video explaining Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Identity Theft HERE.
Mention Physical Deadline Aug 24th. Call to Clarify
Charitable Trust: Food and Housing Assistance:
A grant program to help small non-profit organizations provide food and housing assistance is accepting applications for the grant cycle of July 1-Sept. 30.
This cycle of the Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund emphasizes food and housing assistance because the COVID‑19 pandemic has hurt so many working families and non-profits.
Charitable Trust assists small non-profits with annual budgets of $1 million or less. Money comes from filing fees non-profits pay when incorporating in Illinois, not personal or property tax dollars.
Grants of up to $12,500 are available from a pool of $375,000. An 11-member board will choose awardees and provide oversight. Previous grant recipients are eligible if the term of their grant has been complete for at least one calendar year.
Since 2017, Charitable Trust has provided more than $2.2 million to 100 non-profits.
Info Shared by Peace Makers Worldwide
Info Shared by Southeast Chicago COVID Resource FBK
Welcome to the Chicago Housing Assistance Portal. The Department of Housing and the Department of Family and Support Services have several initiatives to provide housing cost assistance to Chicago residents impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
A lottery (randomized) system is being used for this program to create a level equity and fairness – we expect a higher demand for our assistance programs than the supply of funding available, and a first come, first serve system would favor those applicants who happen to be more experienced using the Internet or who have all the required documents readily available.
Info Shared by Senator Sims: Help shape the future. Organizations serving at-risk youth may be eligible for funding through the Illinois Youth Investment Program to help young people find fulfilling careers. For eligibility requirements and to apply: bit.ly/ILYouthInvestment
Info Shared by Alderman Mitchell
Today, Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health announced that Chicago is ready to move to phase four of the “Protecting Chicago” reopening framework on Friday, June 26. Under this phase, most Chicago businesses can open under limited capacity with appropriate safeguards in place. Specifically, most businesses will be subject to a 25% capacity limit, with a maximum of 50 people in indoor spaces and 100 outdoors. Furthermore, face coverings are required in most circumstances, along with a maintenance of six feet of social distancing. Please visit chicago.gov/reopening for an overview of all the phase four guidelines.
While Chicago is transitioning to phase four on the same day as the rest of the State, please note that the phase four guidelines in Chicago are stricter than some of the State-issued guidelines. As a dense city of 2.7 million people, Chicago has experienced a larger COVID-19 breakout than the rest of the State and it is critical that our reopening takes extra safety precautions. While significant progress has been made to bring our total cases per day under 200, we are still at a moderate-high level of new cases. Gathering sizes and capacity limits can more safely increase once Chicago has fewer than 100 new cases per day. Visit the Chicago COVID Daily Dashboard for the latest health data.
To help businesses navigate the new industry guidelines, BACP will be holding a series of webinars this week. Please visit chicago.gov/businessworkshops to register and learn more. Below you will also find a summary of some of the important guidelines for different industries, along with links to the detailed guidelines. You can find all of the guidelines at chicago.gov/reopening.
I want to reiterate the importance of strictly adhering to the new phase four guidelines, which come into effect this Friday, June 26. We need to make sure that our reopening efforts do not undo the significant progress we have made over the last few weeks and months. We are all in this together.
Sincerely,
Rosa Escareno
BACP Commissioner
OVERVIEW OF SELECT PHASE FOUR GUIDELINES
Note that these are not exhaustive- visit chicago.gov/reopening for all of the detailed guidelines
If your business falls into multiple industries, please reference the most relevant guidelines for each part of your business’s operation
For industries or subsectors that do not have guidelines posted, please refer to the guidelines for industries that are most similar to your business.
Can reopen indoors, limited to 25% capacity with a maximum of 50 individuals per space or room (i.e. one theater)
A venue may have multiple gatherings of 50 individuals in a single theater (not to exceed 25% seating capacity) if the following accommodations are in place:
The separate groups are clearly delineated and separated by different levels/floors (e.g., balconies);
The separate groups have dedicated entrances and exits; AND
The separate groups have dedicated restroom facilities
Face coverings worn by employees and customers- they can be removed by customers when seated and eating/drinking
Face coverings not required for actors and/or performers while performing
All customers must be seated, with six feet of social distancing in place
Extended Due Date
Info Shared by State Rep Kam
Applications are now open for the “Together Now” fund launched this month by Mayor Lightfoot to provide financial relief for Chicago small businesses and non-profits that have experienced economic distress due to COVID-19 or recent property damage. The application deadline is Monday, June 29.
Chicago businesses with property damage will be eligible for infrastructure grants up to $10,000 to help with repair costs. Businesses that have at least a 25 percent revenue loss due to COVID-19 will be eligible for operational grants up to $4,000 to help cover economic losses.
Each business owner is eligible to apply for one infrastructure grant and one operational grant. Select regional or national chain businesses, including franchises, branch banks and payday loan stores, are not eligible. Other restrictions apply.
The $15 million fund is supported by an initial commitment of $10 million from the City of Chicago, a $1 million contribution from Jewel-Osco, and several million dollars in additional private donations.
The initial round of grants is expected help more than 2,500 small businesses. Recipients will be selected through a lottery following the close of the application period a week from today.
Info Shared by South Shore Chambers Inc. The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is pleased to announce a new Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architects as part of the technical assistance program for the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. The RFQ, issued by program administrator Somercor, seeks to create a list of qualified architects that Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant winners can use to achieve design excellence for their commercial and cultural projects located on the South, West and Southwest sides of Chicago. Architects who would like to learn more and apply can visit the website and submit their application by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 10. Somercor will provide updates to grant winners on this new resource later this year. Any questions or comments can be directed to [email protected]. Thank you for your continued interest in the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. https://neighborhoodopportunityfund.com/?fbclid=IwAR28T3oTsksS1v9Yfciy1AkTf8Nm2uf2ApD_9f6yS8bYKOHjhTFkpeclsVk#/?address=undefined
Info Shared by Alderman Mitchell Paycheck Protection Program Due by June 30th
Info Shared by Commercial Avenue SSA#5: City Council has passed Fair Work Week and Minimum Wage/Paid Sick Leave ordinances. Register for one of these webinars to understand these new laws. These webinars will be recorded so you can go online and listen if you miss them. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
A friendly reminder: The one-day registration for the 2021 Roof and Porch Repair (RPR) program will take place Thursday, May 21, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Your constituents can register for the program on that day either online at www.chicago.gov/roofandporch or by using the CHI311 Mobile App. Residents who do not have computer access can register by calling the City’s 311 service line.
Info Shared by Senator Sims: Illinois has expanded payment relief for student loan borrowers
If you are a resident of Southeast Chicago or Southern suburbs: our legal clinic is still open and offering appointments over the phone. We can answer questions about immigration, work, and housing. We know we’re in tough times, but we’re here to connect the community with the necessary resources. If you have any questions, please call or text the office hours coordinator at number 414-979-1773.
Info Shared by Parents of Extraordinary Children Support Group-Southeast
Info Shared by Sy Lewis and Amaila NietoGomez
Info Shared by Sy Lewis and Amaila NietoGomez
Info Shared by Sy Lewis and Amaila NietoGomez
Consumer Protection wants to help small businesses obtain additional funding. Loans can be used to start (less than 6 months revenue history) or grow your business, including leasehold improvements, inventory, supplies, working capital, machinery and equipment purchases. They can range from $500 to $25,000 with a no pre-payment penalty. If you are interested in more information, please clickhere.
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CHICAGO —
Some 5 million homes are expected to change hands this year, according to the National Association of Realtors. That’s up about 30 percent since the worst of the recession.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, a just-released survey of real estate agents by Consumer Reports gives you insider tips on how to negotiate the best deal.
Real Estate Agent Virginia Doetsch is setting up for an open house. She wants this home to look its best.
“The goal is to de-clutter the property and neutralize it as much as possible, so that when a buyer comes through, they can imagine themselves in that property,” Doetsch said.
Doetsch always has her clients’ interests in mind.
But a recent consumer reports survey of more than 300 real estate agents reveals 86 percent said they have seen other realtors engage in poor business practices.
At the top of the list: steering buyers toward a home that would result in higher commissions. About 27 percent said they have seen other agents convince a homeowner to sell a home for less than it’s worth.
“We think you shouldn’t hire the first agent you meet. Interview at least three and check references. Also, see if they’re a member of the National Association of Realtors. Their members have to adhere to a strict code of ethics,” Mandy Walker of Consumer Reports said.
If you’re selling a house, don’t overpay the agent’s commission. The survey finds more than 60 percent are willing to negotiate at least half the time.
“A lot of people think 6 percent is the standard commission. But over half the realtors we asked said they typically charge around 4 percent,” Walker said.
A warning if you’re buying a home: a third of agents surveyed said you can get into trouble by underestimating what it costs to buy and own a home.
“It’s not just about your monthly mortgage payment. When you’re buying a home, you have to think about paying your attorney, your closing costs and the title search. Then there’s ongoing costs of home ownership, like taxes and utilities,” Walker said.
Finally, don’t skip the home inspection. More than a quarter of agents said not getting an inspection can be one of the more expensive mistakes.
Another mistake buyers make is waiting too long to review their credit reports. To get the best rate on a loan, you need a strong credit score of at least 740, according to Bankrate.com.
If you need to improve your profile, Consumer Reports said don’t wait until the last minute.
All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2014. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not for profit organization which accepts no advertising. It has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site. For more information visitconsumer.org
City Launches Consumer Protection Campaigns on Credit Fraud
BACP Educates the Public of Free Ways to Fix Credit Reports and Tools to Research Reporting Agencies
To help consumers stay safe, BACP has launched two consumer protection campaigns to ensure consumers know their rights when it comes to their credit report and ways to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
“The City of Chicago protects consumers from fraud by resolving complaints and taking action against fraudulent businesses,” said Commissioner Maria Guerra Lapacek of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. “We also take a proactive approach by promoting consumer awareness through educational campaigns to help people protect themselves and their credit.”
About the information that may be contained in their report,
That they are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months,
On how to deal with bad credit,
On activating a fraud alert on accounts.
Know How to Fix Your Credit Report brings awareness to:
What credit repair companies are required to provide,
What credit repair cannot do,
Consumer protection tips,
Seeking reputable credit counseling assistance,
Disputing inaccurate information on your credit report.
The campaign also provides contact information for several organizations that can help with credit issues, which includes calling 311 and filling a complaint with Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
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Info Forward by The Planning Coalition:
Every year billions of dollars are awarded in the form of free money and other types of funding. Most people…
To help consumers stay safe, BACP has launched two consumer protection campaigns to ensure consumers know their rights when it comes to their credit report and ways to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
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