The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to the lowest rate ever, 3.94 percent, the Associated Press reported on October 6, 2011. The average rate on a 15-year fixed loan dropped to 3.26 percent, also a record. The AP also noted that mortgage rates could fall even further with the Federal Reserve’s plans to reshuffle its portfolio of securities to try and lower long-term rates.

While the record low rates represent “an extraordinary opportunity to buy or refinance” for those who qualify, the AP cited high unemployment, scant wage gains and heavy debt loads as factors preventing many people from buying and why this year could be among the worst for sales of previously occupied homes in 14 years. Furthermore, homeowners with solid jobs and firm finances have already refinanced over the past year, which is why experts told the AP that rates would need to fall at least a full percentage point before it makes sense to refinance again.

Are you finding yourself frustrated because you cannot take advantage of record low fixed mortgage rates? Are you trapped with a mortgage payment that you wish could be lower? Our Chicago bankruptcy lawyers can help you end debt collector harassment by filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you are ready to start on a bankruptcy means test and get deserved relief today, our firm can offer the foreclosure help you have been seeking. Did you try to refinance only to get rejected? Our Chicago bankruptcy attorneys want to hear from you. Tell us about your experience.

Illinois suffered the fifth-biggest decline in the nation for high-tech employment last year, Crain’s Chicago Business reported on October 5, 2011. While tech companies nationwide cut about 2 percent of their jobs, Illinois lost 6,400 tech jobs, or 3 percent, in 2010. The report from tech industry group TechAmerica Foundation said Illinois slipped to eight in terms of tech jobs after having ranked seventh from 2007 to 2009.

Crain’s noted that “technology jobs are highly prized because they pay significantly more than others,” with average annual salaries for tech jobs last year in Illinois increasing by 1 percent, to $79,807. The average paycheck in Illinois is $47,888. Illinois, however, did see its fifth consecutive increase in the number of tech companies, as the number rose 4 percent to 19,291 last year to put the state at fifth nationally.

Did you lose a tech job or a position in a different field that commanded a higher-end salary compared to the statewide average? Our Chicago bankruptcy lawyers understand the difficulties homeowners are having paying their monthly bills in this economic climate, but you should know that you can get deserved relief today by filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our firm can help get you an affordable bankruptcy now by helping you file a bankruptcy means test . If you want to eliminate bills and stop foreclosure, contact our office today for a free consultation. And if you are among those who suffered a recent job loss, our Chicago bankruptcy attorneys want to hear from you. Have you had to accept a position with significantly lower pay? Tell us about your experience.

Already owning Gino’s East and Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, 62-year-old Jeff Himmel’s West Loop-based Bravo Restaurants Inc. will be among the parties interested in making a bid for Giordano’s Enterprises, the Chicago Tribune reported on September 9, 2011. The Chicago-based deep-dish pizza chain is going to be sold as part of its Chapter 11 reorganization in U.S. Bankruptcy Court after filing for bankruptcy last February.

In addition to the Gino’s East and Edwardo’s restaurant chains, Bravo Restaurants also owns Ed Debevic’s. The Tribune reported that Giordano’s is expected to sell for at least $40 million, with the pizza chain’s main creditor, Fifth Third Bank, owed $45.5 million. The Apostolou family, who owned Giordano’s when it went into bankruptcy court, are also among the other interested bidders. John Apostolou lost control of Giordano’s in the bankruptcy, but his two sons own franchises in Chicago that are not part of the bankruptcy, according to the Tribune.

You do not need to own a pizzeria to be involved in a messy financial situation. Whether you are seeking Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy information , our Chicago bankruptcy attorneys have decades of experience helping people fight foreclosures, stop wage garnishment and rebuild credit. If you are struggling through hard times and wondering if now is the time to seek help with a bankruptcy means test , contact our office today for a free consultation.

Benjamin Brand Services – Chicago bankruptcy lawyers

A 26-room, 26,500-square-foot French-inspired chateau in Winnetka that has not found a buyer since being put up for sale in 2009 will go to auction, fully furnished, next month. The Chicago Tribune reported on September 8, 2011, that the home’s listing agent, Tim Salm of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, estimated that the cost of constructing and furnishing what he called the “trophy home of the North Shore” at $40 million.

The house, owned by investment company CEO Sherwin Jarol and his wife, Deborah, was unofficially put up for sale in 2009 for $32 million, although it was officially listed and placed in the local multiple listing service with a $28 million asking price before being pulled from the market, according to the Tribune.

Salm blamed the “sour economy” for the property’s failure to sell conventionally, but told the Tribune “international marketing of the auction will net a larger pool of prospective buyers” for the house, called Le Grand Reve. The auction will be conducted on October 29, 2011, without reserve.

Homeowners of all types have been struggling to sell properties in this market, often leading to doubts that any real form of foreclosure help exists. Even if you are not looking to sell your house, but rather just to stop struggling through hard times, you can get deserved relief today by filing for bankruptcy . Whether a Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 process better suits your particular case, our Chicago bankruptcy attorneys can answer all of your questions and help end creditor harassment. If you have been thinking about filing a bankruptcy means test , you do not have to take these steps by yourself. Contact our office to set up a free initial consultation today that can help you get an affordable bankruptcy now.

Benjamin Brand Services – Chicago bankruptcy lawyers