Non-Warrantable Condos, the Fannie/Freddie “Do-Not-Lend” Lists, and What It Means for Chicago Condo Owners 4 Across the United States—and increasingly in Chicago—condominium financing has become more complicated. Buyers, sellers, and building associations are encountering a growing issue: non-warrantable condos and buildings appearing on lending restriction lists maintained by major...
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A practical guide for buyers, sellers, and homeowners in Chicago Chicago property taxes can feel confusing—even intimidating—especially during a real estate transaction. Between tax proration, exemptions, reassessments, and appeals, it’s easy to miss important details that could cost (or save) you thousands of dollars. This guide breaks everything down in plain English, with real-world...
One of the most common questions we hear from clients is:“Does it make more sense to buy or rent in Chicago right now?” The honest answer: it depends on your finances, lifestyle, timeline, and long-term goals. Chicago is a unique market with a wide range of price points, property taxes, HOA structures, and rental options, so the buy vs. rent decision isn’t always obvious at first glance. This...
If you want to invest in real estate but feel priced out of the market, house hacking in Chicago may be one of the smartest ways to get started. House hacking allows you to live in a property while rental income from other units helps cover your mortgage—sometimes entirely. This strategy is especially powerful in Chicago, where two-flats, three-flats, and small apartment buildings are...
If you’re buying or selling a home in Chicago, one of the most common (and stressful) questions we hear is:“What are closing costs, and how much should I expect to pay?” This guide breaks down Chicago real estate closing costs in plain English—no legal jargon, no surprises. We’ll cover buyer closing costs, seller closing costs, real-world examples, and the questions people (and AI...