Real Estate

Rising home prices coupled with a lack of inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their home on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers. Online Strategy Recent studies have shown…

When you buy a house in Illinois, you basically have to learn a whole new language. Between figuring things out with your mortgage lender and navigating the results of the home inspection, you’re probably googling words left and right. It’s important to protect yourself during this major transaction. And that’s why one of the words…

Are you considering moving to a new Illinois home? Perhaps you think a change will make everyone happier, and help you keep up with the cost and upkeep of homeownership. Right-sizing is a common term used to describe the process of choosing a home to fit your current needs. Here are four ways to tell…

Hiring a home inspector will be one of the best decisions you make if you're in the market for a new Illinois home. The most qualified inspector can give you all the details that you need to either move forward with the sale or look elsewhere for a different home. Home Valuation The price that…

If you hire a real estate agent to help you buy, sell, or rent a house in Illinois, this professional gets paid through a real estate commission. So how much do you pay, and what for? Is there any wiggle room to negotiate this fee? How much is a real estate commission? Rather than getting…

Moving can be a long and difficult process. It’s no surprise that many people experience hiccups along the way. These tips may alleviate the pain and frustration that comes with making those mistakes. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common moving mistakes, as well as how to fix them. Not scheduling your…

More Americans are becoming homeowners. The national homeownership rate increased slightly to the highest level since 2014 in the fourth quarter of 2018, reaching 64.8 percent, the U.S. Census Bureau reported this week. The homeownership rate has been gradually increasing since reaching an all-time low of 62.9 percent in the second quarter of 2016. Researchers…

Mistake: Not getting pre-approved before looking Getting a pre-approval should be every buyer’s first step toward buying a home in Illinois. This document, which comes in the form of a letter from the mortgage company, will tell you how much money you’ll be able to receive in a loan. It’s crucial in helping you set your own…

If you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge and buying a home in Illinois recently, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve laid out four signs that you’re ready to stop renting and own a home. Read them over to help determine if now is the time for you. You’ve been at your job for…

Making the decision to build your own home in Illinois means dedicating at least a few months to the process. You’ll need to choose a builder depending on your timeline, budget, and level of customization. Custom builders and production builders might seem similar, but they offer different pros and cons. Consider each and compare them…