For Buyers
Closely inspect your potential properties for the entire environment. Use your senses – sight, sound, smell to make sure it is the optimal place for you.
Learn about the areas which interest you. Chicago Neighborhood Information
Review your income and your lifestyle wants to ensure you look at the right home for your budget and life. Look at the cost benefits for purchasing your home with a Rent vs. Buy Calculator. Analyze your financial status with our Home Affordability Calculator
To help prepare your finances for a home purchase, check out our loan payment and amortization tool. Payment & Amortization Calculator
Look for the right professional to find your home.
Your relationship with a realtor is key in finding the right place for you.
Get a real estate lawyer. Work with a lawyer who has experience with closings. Having an attorney looking after your interests during this important time makes the process easier on you and the transaction will run that much more smoothly. A real estate lawyer is best for real estate. Remember, you want someone who can concentrate on all areas of realty purchases, not someone who has minimal focus on this industry. Your real estate professional will be able to recommend good counsel.
Hire a thorough inspector when you are seriously considering purchasing. This inspector will ensure that you know the complete condition of your future purchase. An inspector's role is to review electrical, plumbing, foundation, and every aspect of a property prior to closing so you can make the best decision on one of the biggest purchases of your life. The inspector report is also a good gauge to see what types of repair work would be in your future, should you proceed witha purchase. If you use a below standard inspector, this will come back to haunt you in added repair expenses.
First Time Home Buyer? Get more information on the process.
Commission - my service does not cost you anything.
The best part of the buying process, is that you don't need to actually pay me a commission for representing you. The selling broker pays my commission in a listing agreement. For example, if there is a 5% commission on the property, the selling broker typically pays the buyer broker about 2.5% of that commission. It's essential that you have a professional that represents your interests and negotiates on your behalf. My service includes market studies, property showings, paperwork, overall management of a property transaction for you - and as a buyer, you don't have to pay me anything - it's free!
Once you are ready to purchase, take a look at your finances and see the tips below.
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For Sellers
Make profit-inducing repairs to your property. A small investment now will pay off in the future.
Find a professional you can trust to show your home to potential buyers. He should be available to personally showcase your home. Make sure he knows the market, the neighborhood and proper value for your property.
Seasoned professionals with the right background can sell your place conveniently for you.
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For Mortgage Seekers
Review your finances. What can you afford? Take note of what expenses you normally have each month, and calculate how much you can set aside for a new home or investment.
Look for a reputable broker or banker. Find a person who works with a reputable lending institution. Those that offer the absolute lowest rate may have a variety of clauses or hidden strings attached, and these places can end up costing you a lot more money than you thought.
Get pre-approved for a loan, not pre-qualified.
Sell your current home first before you buy your next home, otherwise you will be responsible for two mortgages.
Be sure to review all your paperwork thoroughly. Keep an eye out for miscellaneous fees, such as inspection, document preparation charges – always ask, be sure your money is spent wisely.
Calculate your monthly payments. Mortgage calculator
Assess yourself for a mortgage. Mortgage Assessment Tool
Calculate your how long it would take to pay a loan based on your desired monthly payment, rate and total loan. How long to pay?
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