If you are among the millions of potential homeowners who've been waiting on the bottom to arrive, News Flash: IT'S HERE!
[Read More]Posted at 10:27AM Jan 29, 2010 by Nykea Pippion-McGriff in Financing Comments[0]
Featured Chicago Open House Listings
We are featuring two very unique properties this weekend. One is a restored one-bedroom condo in Old town that was admitted to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The other is a very contemporary single-family home on the far North Side.
[Read More]Posted at 10:14AM Jan 29, 2010 by Bob Billimack in Open House Comments[0]
No Cash to Make Your Chicago Home Greener? Pick Up the PACE!
One of the main challenges the green movement faces is retrofitting existing homes with more energy efficient (i.e. more green) upgrades. Fortunately, there's a bond program that helps homeowners finance their green improvements.
[Read More]Posted at 11:45AM Jan 27, 2010 by Bob Billimack in Green Real Estate Comments[1]
Tax Credit: You Don't Have to Be a First-Time Home Buyer to Take Advantage
We've heard a lot about the $8k first-time home buyer's tax credit. However, many current homeowners looking to buy again are unaware that there is a tax credit for them as well. Move-up/repeat home buyers may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500.
[Read More]Posted at 03:16PM Jan 25, 2010 by Chandra Rose in Buying Comments[0]
Featured Chicago Open House Listings
Dream Town is hosting a number of excellent Chicago listings this week. From lofts in the Loop to townhouses in Lakeview to single-family homes in the South Shore, we've got a great lineup of properties for you to visit. Check out the details here!
[Read More]Posted at 03:53PM Jan 22, 2010 by Bob Billimack in Open House Comments[0]
FHA is Changing - What You Need to Know
A large percentage of home buyers purchase their first home with FHA loans. While no modifications have been announced yet, the National Association of Realtors claims this week we will see major changes to the program very soon.
[Read More]Posted at 04:30PM Jan 20, 2010 by Bob Billimack in General Comments[0]
Should I Buy a Chicago Foreclosure? Part II
In one of my previous posts I told the story of Dan, who bought a foreclosure. He got a great deal, but it took longer than a conventional transaction and there were several obstacles along the way. Today's post is about another one of my clients and his experience with short sales.
[Read More]Posted at 12:17PM Jan 19, 2010 by Ann Connolly in Buying Comments[0]
Featured Chicago Open House Listings
Dream Town's featured open house this weekend is a rehabbed top-floor condo in the busy Southport Corridor of Chicago's popular Lakeview neighborhood. The property is a two-bedroom, two-bath corner unit with lots of upgrades and tandem parking available.
[Read More]Posted at 10:40AM Jan 15, 2010 by Bob Billimack in Open House Comments[0]
Green Tip: What is Your Chicago Home's R Factor?
Did you know there's a way to measure the performance of your home's insulation? The R Factor is a rating system that evaluates the insulation in your ceiling, floors and walls. Here's how to find out which insulation has the best R Factor and most energy-efficiency.
[Read More]Posted at 10:23AM Jan 13, 2010 by Bob Billimack in Green Real Estate Comments[0]
Many new buyers hear this term thrown around but don't really pay much attention to it until it's almost time to close. It’s important to keep these costs in mind early on in the process so you can make sure you will either a.) have enough money to close, or b.) try to get a credit from the seller.
[Read More]Posted at 10:35AM Jan 11, 2010 by Bob Billimack in Buying Comments[0]
Featured Chicago Open House Listings
The snow should hold off for the weekend, just in time for Dream Town's featured open houses! In the market for a condo in the city or a house in the suburbs? You may want stop by to see these great properties – or check out more listings on our Featured Property Page.
[Read More]Posted at 11:31AM Jan 08, 2010 by Bob Billimack in Open House Comments[0]
Chicago Snow Brings Parking Woes! Is it Legal to Save the Space You Dug Out?
With each blast of wintry weather you may notice a curious behavior that coincides with the heavy accumulation of snow. Whether you have been a participant or simply a witness to this behavior, most likely you have seen "spot marking" along the city streets.
[Read More]Posted at 11:10AM Jan 07, 2010 by Bob Billimack in General Comments[0]
Are There Tax Incentives for Green Homes?
We are always on the lookout for green incentives and tips we can pass along to further the cause. An excellent place to start is the website for Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). They have a complete database of all state incentives and policies for renewables and efficiency.
[Read More]Posted at 11:04AM Jan 04, 2010 by Bob Billimack in Green Real Estate Comments[0]
