The global spread of Covid-19 has changed the world as we know it. So, while we’re at home and if we have the opportunity, now is our chance to tackle a few things on our 'to do' list that we've been putting on hold. If the thought of tackling a mountain of stuff Read more
The closing has been scheduled and now you can sit back and wait for closing day, right? Not quite. If you're selling your home, there is one important step to complete before you close - the final walkthrough. Here is a helpful checklist to ensure that you do not miss anything during this Read more
Here are some tips on how to winterize your home: 1. Run your ceiling fan in reverse (clockwise). There is a forward and reverse switch on most ceiling fans. During the winter months, make sure your fan is spinning clockwise, instead of counterclockwise. Heat rises and is pooled at the top of the Read more
It’s a big financial leap to becoming a homeowner. Historically, it has helped middle-class families build long-term wealth. Committing to a too high of a mortgage payment though can easily leave you house poor. If feel you are ready to transition from a renter to a homeowner, here are ten of the most Read more
Home values have risen across Cook County which means property taxes are going up as well. Many homeowners were shocked when they recently received their second installment of the 2018 bill with a 30 - 40% year-to-year increase. While it is too late to get a reduction of the 2018 bill, you can file Read more
In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show that you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or Read more
So you've decided you're ready to buy a home. Congratulations. Now the journey begins in turning your goal into reality. Once you've determined it's time to become a homeowner, there are some crucial steps you must take before beginning your home search in earnest. Credit.com recently provided a clear picture of these steps and it's Read more
Real estate investment is a major financial play that requires no shortage of commitment. Any number of potential pitfalls can turn a seemingly sound investment property into a money pit. You have to be prepared for all contingencies when becoming a landlord. But how do you know when you’re ready to plunge into real estate Read more
As home prices continue to rise—and with no signs of slowing—housing experts polled by Zillow are predicting home appreciation to climb an additional 4.1% in 2018. One year ago, these same experts predicted just 3.0% growth in 2018. This increase in projected price growth is almost entirely due to the lack of homes for sale. Read more
What’s Your Home Buying Power? If you’re in the market for a new home or investment property, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “What can we afford?” Many buyers become so caught up in how much they can afford that they don’t realize their total buying power—that is, the total amount of Read more