The House's Monday rejection of the plan to bail out the financial industry may have blown everyone else away, but Fannie and Freddie didn't seem to notice much. Mortgage rates have actually remained pretty stable since the federal government seized Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac last month.

Okay, we've all wished at least once that we could just win the lottery and be done with it, right? No more worrying about mortgage payments? I've done it and I don't even play the lottery. (But my totally unrealistic expectations in life is a topic for another blog...)

Well, if you're still crossing your fingers for that lottery win, this blog is for you. Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee is "giving away the house" on October 30. Anytime you play between now and then you get entries into their $250,000 cash prize giveaway and the money is to be used towards a new home! Suddenly that dream home seems a little more attainable, doesn't it? And that's not all...

If you need some guidance in finding deals online, just ask Joanne Smith. She actually purchased a house on ebay last week for the low, low price of just a buck seventy-five. Yup, just $1.75 beat seven other bids and she is now the proud owner of an abandoned home in Saginaw, Michigan.

It's not unusual to drive down the street these days and see two, three or more "for sale" signs before you get to the corner Starbucks. Competition is fierce and everyone's trying to make their home the best on the block to appeal to buyers. But while keeping up with the competition definitely means keeping up appearances - both inside and out - it also means taking a better look at what your neighbor's home has that yours doesn't. Or on the flip side - figuring out what you have to offer that they might not.

According to the National Association of Realtors, The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in August, jumped 8.8% from about a year ago. The index is actually at its highest level since June of 2007.

As the weather cools off, many people's thoughts are preoccupied with how to manage home heating costs this winter. So, here's this week's energy-saving tip:
Clean your windows!
Did you know that cleaner windows can lower your home heating costs?

Today's housing market has meant a lot of changes for the buyer and the seller. Sellers are putting extra effort into making sure their home appeals to a variety of buyers and doing their homework on what sells. Buyers are enjoying having the upper hand, taking advantage of lower prices, huge selection and some interesting incentives. But where does that leave the real estate agent?

If the state of the economy has got you down, then just look ahead for a pick-me-up; the holidays are right around the corner! I know, I know, you're probably saying "It's not even Halloween yet, Rochelle! Get a grip!" But I can't help it, I'm a Christmas person. And with each passing year, I look forward to the tinsel and carols and cookies of December a little earlier. Many a family member has gotten annoyed with my eager anticipation of the season, but I digress...

If you love the holidays like I do, then you'll be happy to know that our design diva, Julea Joseph, is hosting a seminar to teach home owners, real estate agents and anyone else who is interested how to get a home into the holiday spirit! It's called "Packaging Your Home for the Holidays" and it's next Tuesday, October 21st.

Did you know that even if you have newer, energy efficient appliances, you can still do more to make sure that they're saving you money on your electric bill?
Major appliances need to be properly maintained to keep up their highest level of efficiency. For example, you know that grill at the bottom of your refrigerator? It's not just for show, that's where the coils are which release the warm air that's been removed from the inside of the fridge. When it gets clogged with dust and lint, the refrigerator has to work harder to cool the food inside - which translates to more money on your electric bill. So, use a vacuum to clean it once a month and keep those bills down.

Check out this list of the top tips for first-time buyers, from Realtor.org . It might sound like common sense, but it always helps to get a reminder of the basics!

Check out the tips after the jump!

The before and after pictures after the jump show how you can take a small space and translate it into separate living areas filled with style! The positioning of the furniture and carpet line clearly define a family room and separate dining area. Plus, furniture and accessories like this can be found at discount stores or even at your favorite furniture store in the "bruised" section. If you do your homework, you can definitely find some great deals.

A lot of emphasis has been placed on the importance of curb appeal when you're trying to sell your home. It makes sense - it is after all, the first thing people see as they drive by. But as the days get shorter and shorter, it's getting more likely that potential buyers won't get the best look at the hard work you've put into the exterior of your house. Putting an extra few bucks into landscape lighting could make a world of difference.

As things are cooling off outside, the inside of your home is probably ready for a little heat-up, courtesy of your furnace. You may not be mentally ready yet for the official start of the cold season, but it won't be too long before we'll all be cranking the heat while huddled underneath the afghan grandma crocheted, all the while complaining that it's still too cold. (Or is that just me?)
Either way, now's time to take a look at your furnace and your duct work to make sure that when you turn the that thermostat up, you only pay for the heat you're using.

It's time to ask yourself the following question: If I needed to sell my home tomorrow, could a realtor come in and conduct an open house today?"

With the current market conditions, your home needs to be in perfect condition or you likely won't get an offer that's close to your asking price. As we've told you on HomesPlus before, a staged home will likely increase the selling price of your home.

The 2008 Olympics may be behind us, but if you're planning to put your home on the market anytime soon it's likely your training has just begun. Home sales typically pick up during the spring season, which starts right after the Superbowl in January. Which means you have about three months to get your home in tip-top shape if you want it looking svelte for potential buyers. The time to start is now...

It's no secret that homes aren't exactly flying off the market these days. But many people are forced to relocate anyway, because of job or life changes. If you're one of these people, you might find some temporary relief in the rental market.

Okay, so it looks like we might get some warmer temperatures over the next few days but admit it - this week has probably reminded you that what's coming might not be pretty. I'm talking about Chicago's frigid winter temps, gusty winds and general "I-don't-want-to-get-out-of-my-warm-bed" misery. We've got enough problems in the winter without worrying about what we're going to spend on heating the house, right? One way to lower your home heating cost in the coming months is to use your ceiling fans! Sound crazy? Well, guess what - they're made for winter too!

If you've noticed that the trees are going from gorgeous gold and fiery red to, well, a little naked - then you probably know it's that time of year. This weekend, we'll all turn back the clocks and say goodbye to daylight savings time, sort of an official welcoming of the new season. We get ourselves ready by putting away the flip-flops and breaking out the scarves and wool sweaters - so why not get your home prepared for the chilly months ahead as well?