In most ordinary consumer transactions, settling on a sale price is the last step before finalizing a transaction. In home sales, however, it is only the first step in the process. Entering into contract on a home sale usually requires sellers to satisfy a number of conditions, or contingencies, before a sale can be finalized and title transferred to a new owner. In a worst case scenario for a home seller, a buyer [...]
Many people dream of owning a second home as a private getaway, a place where they can go with their families for a vacation from the everyday. For others, owning a vacation home is a source of passive income through the vacation rental and home-sharing markets. And for plenty of people, the dream of owning a second home is about having a place to retire in the future, whether that means a quiet [...]
For most of us, the word “home” is a pretty powerful one. Home is where we relax and unwind with family and friends. It’s an oasis from stress, and an investment in the future. When we think of home, we think about love, togetherness, peace, and respite. Tied up in all of those ideas is one simple, important concept: safety. The events of the past year have made the idea of having a [...]
Have you been following any news or updates about the Chicagoland real estate market? If you’re interested in buying or selling a home anytime in the near future, you’ve probably had your eyes glued to market updates and news stories. And you’re probably seeing one trend pop up again and again, no matter where you look — buyers are getting competitive, available inventory is tight, and we are firmly in a seller’s market. [...]
The pandemic has caused millions of people here in the Chicago area and around the country to reflect on how they live — and, just as importantly, where they would like to live next. If you’re among the large group considering a move from the city to the suburbs, it’s important to remember to make a home inspector part of your team. A professional home inspection is one of the best ways to [...]
For most of us, the purchase of a home will be one of the largest financial investments we ever make. When considering what home to buy, it’s important to keep many different factors in mind — the lifestyle you want to live, the proximity to schools and businesses, the location of the neighborhood, the size and style of the property, and so on. One of the most important things to factor in is [...]
It goes without saying that COVID has changed the world — and that includes the world of real estate transactions. For buyers and sellers here in Chicago and around the country, pandemic restrictions changed how people did their research, looked at properties, and completed transactions. One of the biggest trends to emerge in 2020 was the explosion of popularity for virtual home tours. Many signs indicate that virtual tours will remain popular, even [...]
There’s nothing quite like springtime in Chicago. The air is crisp and warm, the sun is shining, and the city comes to life after hunkering down for the long, dark winter. And as our area transitions from winter to spring, the real estate market typically heats up right alongside it — with buyers entering the market, and sellers getting ready to put their homes up for sale. Whether your real estate goals are [...]
A home inspection is an important part of buying a property — but there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there about this important process! It’s time to separate fact from fiction! Let’s dive the truth behind seven of the most common home inspection myths: […]
Getting ready for a home inspection here in Chicago? You’re sure to have questions — and that’s a good thing! After all, your inspector is there to be your resource and guide. A certified and experienced home inspector can offer some great insights about many of the questions that you’re likely to have about a property; they can also help answer any questions you have about the home inspection process as a whole, [...]
