Natalee Dismuke joins Prudential Starck family

Broker/manager Mary Roberts of Prudential Starck describes Realtor Natalee Dismuke, who recently joined her office in February, as a dynamic sales agent.

Dismuke said that with the closing of the Elgin branch of Century 21 New Heritage, she joined Prudential Starck in order to stay close to her market base in the Elgin area.

Dismuke said she began in the business in June 2007, when the market was beginning its downward slide.

"I had to basically create my market and go out and get business," Dismuke said. "I developed a lot of skills."

Dismuke prefers to do business in the Fox Valley area, with an emphasis on Elgin, South Elgin, Streamwood and Carpentersville. She said the tough market has left many homeowners in this area with few options for sales. She said she finds her customers the old-fashioned way -- by going out and knocking on doors.

"I got into the business at the right time," she said. "There are a lot of homeowners who need help. I go and door-knock and educate homeowners that there are options instead of surrendering and going into foreclosure."

Dismuke said she is able to educate her clients about loan modifications, short sales and other measures that will help them out from under a crippling mortgage.

"I tell my clients that a short sale will bruise their credit, but a foreclosure ruins their credit," she said. "I can even help them in relocating to a new home, be it a rental or a purchase."

Dismuke said that with March's sales numbers up 3.2 percent over last year, she is optimistic there will be several months of sustained growth in sales.

"I want sellers to remain encouraged," she said. "Take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers. For homeowners whose mortgages are upside down, there are options. It doesn't cost you anything to get on the phone with your lender and ask for loan modifications."

Dismuke can be reached by calling 847-204-9067, or check out her Web site at www.yourfamily-realtor.net.