Who Is Mary Zentz?

RE/MAX Suburban Palatine Real Estate is proud to introduce you to one of their top agents.

Mary grew up in Arlington Heights, attending local schools, after her parents transferred here in 1960. (That year Arlington Heights was the fastest growing community in the US.) She has a bachelor of science degree in history from the University of Illinois Chicago Campus and uses that degree every day in selling homes.

Mary is a former Director for Toys R Us in the Chicago Suburbs, developing excellent organizational, training, and communication skills. Now she uses those skills to coach buyer and seller clients through smooth transactions.

Mary lives in Palatine, but sells homes throughout Chicago's NW suburbs. Mary has been married for 25 years to her husband, Lou. They have a 21 year old daughter, Alison, and a 20 year old son, Ryan.

Mary Zentz believes in giving back to her community. She is the secretary of her homeowners association, WHO, Woodlands Home Owners. Mary is active in community groups including: the local chamber of commerce, NSACI (Northwest and Schaumburg Association of Commerce and Industry) where she was honored as the Member of Distinction in 1999. A former president of Palatine BPW, Mary received their Outstanding Woman Award in 1998.

Mary in Real Estate: A founding member of The Original Secret Agent Club, Mary organized a group of real estate agents from different companies who meet to educate and inform co-members on topics of interest to the most dedicated Realtors. In 1998, Mary was chosen by the Business Ledger and NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) as one of the most Influential Women in Business.

Hobbies: When she's not helping clients achieve their housing dreams, you can find Mary reading, writing (that future novel), or remodeling her home.

Mary considers herself a community resource. She regularly helps past clients with questions about home maintenance, taxes, restaurants, remodeling, redecorating, etc. Helping them achieve their goals becomes her motivation. She's also conspicuous in the community in a mini-van that leaves no doubt who she is. (ZREMAXZ). She also conducts seminars and lectures locally--see Free!

Reaching your goals in buying or selling becomes Mary's priority. I guess that is why her business is 92+% by referral. When clients are happy with her results--they send Mary friends, relatives, and co-workers. I hope you have a chance to do the same! Join Mary in 2001 when she celebrates her first Client Appreciation Day!

Mary's Mission Statement:
To have fun helping people buy and sell homes, becoming friends in the process, in order to earn their future referrals to grow my real estate business.

First Time Buyers >Your Principal Residence The Federal Tax Code allows married taxpayers to exclude from capital gains taxes up to $500,000 in profits from selling a home (singles can exclude $250,000). In order to qualify for this exemption, you must prove that that the home has been your principal residence for at least two out of the last five years. The establishment of the home as a principal residence depends on the facts of each homeowner's circumstance. Here are two cases to consider. Homeowner A has lived at 25 Pine Drive for 12 years. Although he stays at his vacation cottage in another town for up to three months out of each year (sometimes more), 25 Pine Drive is his principal residence, where he lives most of the time. When he sells the home, Homeowner A (filing as a single individual) can keep up to $250,000 in tax-free profit. Homeowner B buys 108 Maple Street, intending to live there. He rents it out while waiting to sell his current home, where he has lived for six years. His principal residence sells at the end of two years. Homeowner B moves into his new house, lives there for three months, and then decides to travel. After a six-month trip, he regrets buying 108 Maple Street and sells it. Even though he has owned the house on Maple Street for over two years, it won't qualify as "owner-occupied", because he only lived in it for a few months. Thus Homeowner B is not eligible to claim the tax exemption when he sells the house on Maple Street. Consult your tax advisor for advice about your particular circumstance. See All Tips In The "First Time Buyers" Category > See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Q  What celebrity home sold recently for a reported $5.5 million, despite its yellow-and-rust striped paint job? A  This Hollywood Hills residence was the former home of the popular singer, Madonna. See More Real Estate Trivia >

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