An inside look at Chicago real estate
By Dream Town
You’ve wound through the maze of Chicago homes for sale, found the one that’s perfect for you and are on your way to becoming its owner. But wait! Does your new property have older home additions? Or are you operating a home business? If so, then before you get settled…
By Yuval Degani
Wells Fargo has debuted two new programs that promise to jump-start and sustain the meager recovery already taking root in many areas of the country. Both NeighborhoodLIFT and CityLIFT have been announced since early September and include down payment assistance, financial education and special events showcasing area homes for sale.
By Dream Town
Preparing to custom-build your own one-of-a-kind dream home here in the city? Well, count yourself among the fortunate few. Happily foregoing the lengthy hunt through hundreds of Chicago homes for sale, you’re going straight for gold and designing your own. From top to bottom, you call the shots, and are…
By Dream Town
You’re one to avoid impulsive purchases or those that are emotionally driven. Still, it’s expected that some of life’s larger purchases–like buying a a new Chicago home–will carry some emotional weight, though you can avoid letting it sabotage your search by remembering the following five tips.
By Dream Town
When the hunt for a home begins, most Chicago buyers begin by asking themselves this question: “What kind of property is my ideal price point going to fetch?” Even within the boundaries of a budget, buyers want to believe that they’ll find a variety of options – in both style…
By Dream Town
A newly proposed legislation could help clear up the inventory of unsold homes in the U.S. by helping foreigners obtain visas when they purchase residential properties of $500,000 or more.
By Yuval Degani
A new offer was announced today from Freddie Mac’s HomeSteps real estate sales division. It gives eligible condo buyers up to $1,500 to pay for condo association fees. This “Condo Cash” incentive is a limited-time deal that is only available for 3 months. News of the condo buyer’s special was…
By Dream Town
Many Chicago homebuyers are finding deals in foreclosed condos and condos in short sale situations. Before putting in an offer, there are certain things you should learn about any distressed property you want to buy. Here’s what foreclosure specialists suggest. . . What’s the state of the condo association? This…
By Dream Town
According to the National Association of Realtors, a record-breaking 33% of home sales were cash deals in February. That means a third of residential real estate transactions were paid for upfront, no mortgage necessary. Paying for a property flat-out sidesteps the need for financing, which can speed up the process…
By Dream Town
We always hear about what Chicago buyers need in order to get financing from lenders – good credit, adequate down payment, sufficient income – but many lenders also look at how a Chicago condo building itself measures up before doling out a home loan to a qualified buyer. So what are…
By Dream Town
Moving from a condo to a single-family home is certainly not without a learning curve. While you used to be able to have the cost of major repairs fall on your landlord if you were a renter, or as a member of a condo association have your sidewalk shoveled in…
By Dream Town
Today is the day to celebrate that which is written in the stars and on candied hearts: Love. Real estate often plays a very important part in relationships, and may even dictate a relationship’s speed and direction. For instance, perhaps a woman doesn’t want to move in with a man…