Sunday, March 13, 2011

Googles INSTANT ON is now PERMANTLY OFF!

Here I am working late at night as usual - I have a laundry list of things to get done, and so this when I get most annoyed.

Google has been my search engine of choice for a very long time. But several months ago, when the instant preview emerged its ugly head, I noticed my searches took longer and my typing got distracted by the instant preview. I just didn't like it.


I searched for ways to turn it off. Some site suggested logging in as a user and turn it off. Yup, not interested in logging in every time I wanted to use google. I use it A LOT - that would defeat the purpose!

Another simple way to hit the "INSTANT IS ON" drop down, and change it "INSTANT IS OFF". Yeah, I am NOT lazy, but why do I have to hit it every time I get annoyed with the feature?

GUESS WHAT! I found a way to disable without having to jump through hoops! On your Internet browser options, go to TOOLS, then go to INTERNET OPTIONS.

Select the SECURITY tab.

In the security tab, select RESTRICTED SITES

Select the SITES button.

Add "http://www.google.com" (without the quotes) to the restricted sites and viola! (of course don't forget to hit CLOSE and OK)

Now, if you notice in the image below, INSTANT IS ON, but it really ISN'T! Now I can type a topic and not worry about google trying to spell check for me and suggest me alternate searches that have NO relevance to what I am actually looking for! Hurray for ME!

By the way, even though google is added as the restricted site, it still works perfectly fine, even as a homepage or whatever... enjoy! UPDATE: if you use a google account, you will have to remove the restricted site to log in - but thats OK for me since I don't use it that often...


PS. I hope you my new Facebook Fan Page!

Thank you!






Robert Jarvis, MBA
Phone: 773-572-2362
Email: RobertJarvis@AnOpenHome.com

Who is Robert Jarvis? Stalk me at my other sites!





Create your own custom PROPERTY SEARCH at http://www.mlsfinder.com/il_mred/robertjarvis

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Erasing Debt - IRS Tax Tip 2011-44, March 3, 2011

OK, these are NOT my words, I've copies them directly from http://www.irs.gov/


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If you are a homeowner whose mortgage debt is partly or entirely forgiven during tax years 2007 through 2012, you may be able to claim special tax relief and exclude the debt forgiven from your income.

Here are 10 facts the IRS wants you to know about Mortgage Debt Forgiveness.

1. Normally, debt forgiveness results in taxable income. However, under the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, you may be able to exclude up to $2 million of debt forgiven on your principal residence.

2. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return.

3. You may exclude debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in a foreclosure.

4. To qualify, the debt must have been used to buy, build or substantially improve your principal residence and be secured by that residence.

5. Refinanced debt proceeds used for the purpose of substantially improving your principal residence also qualify for the exclusion.

6. Proceeds of refinanced debt used for other purposes – for example, to pay off credit card debt – do not qualify for the exclusion.

7. If you qualify, claim the special exclusion by filling out Form 982, Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness, and attach it to your federal income tax return for the tax year in which the qualified debt was forgiven.

8. Debt forgiven on second homes, rental property, business property, credit cards or car loans do not qualify for the tax relief provision. In some cases, however, other tax relief provisions – such as insolvency – may be applicable. IRS Form 982 provides more details about these provisions.

9. If your debt is reduced or eliminated you normally will receive a year-end statement, Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, from your lender. By law, this form must show the amount of debt forgiven and the fair market value of any property foreclosed.

10. Examine the Form 1099-C carefully. Notify the lender immediately if any of the information shown is incorrect. You should pay particular attention to the amount of debt forgiven in Box 2 as well as the value listed for your home in Box 7.

For more information about the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, visit http://www.irs.gov. A good resource is IRS Publication 4681, Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions and Abandonments.

You can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant available on the IRS website to determine if the cancellation of debt is taxable. The ITA tool is a tax law resource that takes you through a series of questions and provides you with responses to tax law questions

Taxpayers may obtain copies of IRS publications and forms either by downloading them from http://www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).



PS. I hope you my new Facebook Fan Page!

Thank you!






Robert Jarvis, MBA
Phone: 773-572-2362
Email: RobertJarvis@AnOpenHome.com

Who is Robert Jarvis? Stalk me at my other sites!





Create your own custom property search at www.mlsfinder.com





Monday, March 7, 2011

Facebook Fan Page is UP and RUNNING! Complete with FREE Stuff!


Check it out! Free Sales Data on over 85 suburban citys around Chicagoland and all the neighborhoods of Chicago, including Maps and Boundries and 10 Year Sales Data!

If selecting the image doesn't work for you, simlpy copy this link into your browser:
http://www.facebook.com/Robert.Jarvis.Signature.Properties.AnOpenHome?v=app_6009294086

You can like it (or love it) on Facebook or bookmark http://data.anopenhome.com/ to be sure always have the most recent information.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Lakeside Towers, 1600 S. Indiana, Chicago IL - 1 year sales data

Lakeside Towers, situated in a popular South Loop Neighborhood, boasts 142 residential units spread over 18 stories. This unique architecture high rise condominium complex features a 45 degree angle facade to give maximum lakefront views and southern exposure.

This pet-friendly complex, built in 2006, is complete with a Fitness Center, Mail Room, Sundeck and Grills and Heated Garage Parking Spaces (Sold Separately). Steps to Lake Shore Drive, the jogging and biking trails of Chicago's lake front, this quiet community, with modern touches of luxury, offers a unique loft style atmosphere sure to please the senses.


Thank you!
Robert Jarvis

Keller Williams Realty®
Direct: 773-572-2362
Text: 773-852-7759
Website: www.AnOpenHome.com
RobertJarvis@AnOpenHome.com

Stalk me! Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn…
or become a FAN! Hit the LIKE Button and tell me about it!

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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

3930 N. Pine Grove, Lake Park Plaza - 12 Month Sales Data

Also known as "Lake Park Plaza", this 30 story residential high rise condominium complex, houses 440 studio, one and two bedroom units. This full amenity complex is located one block west of Lake Shore Drive on the corner of Irving Park and N. Pine Grove in the northern section of Lakeview.

Residents of Lake Park Plaza enjoy many of the amenities including a Sun Deck, Pool and BBQ stations, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Laundry Facilities, Fitness Center, Storage Lockers, Bike Storage, Recycling Services, 24 Hour Doorman and Security and an onsite staff for maintenance and management.

Valet and Parking Garage Services are available in this pet friendly atmosphere. This healthy association services its residents with up-to-date technologies, like its website, www.lakeparkplaza.com auto-debit for association fee's, and utilizes social networks and much more. Check it out today for a unique and affordable experience!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

2010 Sales Data for 525 Hawthorne Place

Be sure to visit http://525Hawthorne.AnOpenHome.com for updated content!


A residential condominium high rise building located on a tree lined street in the heart of Lakeview. Only steps from Lake Shore Drive and Belmont Harbor, Hawthorne Place Condominiums boasts 232 units over 30 stories, with a maximum of 8 units per floor and an underground parking garage.

Residents can enjoy the many amenities from the Pool and Sun Deck with cabana's and grills, a complete exercise room, laundry facilities, on-site dry cleaners and package room, and 24 hour security and door staff with an on-site management staff.

Hawthorne Place Condominiums built in 1969, became a condo association between 2002 and 2006. Complete with two passenger elevators and one service elevator, these pet friendly residential living quarters cater to all ages!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

These two video's are so funny. If you need a stress release or just need to laugh it off, do NOT pass these up. However, these are not video's for everyone.











I just wish they were written for all audiences. Anyway, have great weekend!