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Episode 23: Listen Up Homebuyers – Questions To Ask A Home Inspector
Episode 21: Listen Up Homebuyers – Interview with Kad Mendoza
Before House Hunting, Choose Your Attorney and Inspector
We recommend that house hunters choose an attorney and an inspector -- and a back-up for each -- early in the house hunting process. That way, when you find a house and start making an offer, you are not scrambling to interview attorneys and inspectors during a busy...
Don’t Skip the Home Inspection
A few months ago, my clients and I attended an almost perfect home inspection. They were purchasing a classic 1940s Cape Cod that had been meticulously maintained. The only issue the home inspector found was a loose faucet in one of the bathrooms. Most home...
Moving from New York? Chicago will put you in a New York frame of mind.
The decision to move has been made, maybe for a job transfer, family obligation or something in between. Whether a native or transplant, you have grown to love the neighborhood and all the city has to offer, so even getting to this point might not be easy....
What is a post settlement occupancy agreement?
A post settlement occupancy agreement happens when sellers and buyers agree to allow the seller to stay in the house after settlement. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, sellers need to stay in a home to finish out the school year. Other times...
What Security Features Should House Hunters Look For?
When on the hunt for your dream home, there are a few security features you should pay attention to. We've outlined the key points below: What should a house hunter know about locks? I took this picture in a condo building. It was the kind of building with one hall...
Friends don’t let friends hire dual/designated agents
When a real estate brokerage serves both the buyer and the seller, what can go wrong? The seller's agent, who must get the best price for the seller, is the same company that must get the best price for the buyer. Legally and structurally, companies are run by a...
Being a Fussy Hotel Guest Made Me a Better Buyer’s Agent
I look forward to two nights and three days on the Cape - mid-week - every July. I get time off in the winter, so these summer days off are rare and special. This year, I had a lousy time. When I deconstructed what bothered me most, it made me a better buyer's agent....
Illinois First-Time Home Buyer Grants & Loans
Regardless of real estate market conditions, first-time home buyers need to know what loan programs and grants are available to help as they begin the home buying process. If you do your homework, there are many programs and grants available to first time homebuyers...
Don’t Waive Mortgage Contingency
1. Most of the time, if you have a documented pre-approval, you will get your mortgage, so a mortgage contingency is not really necessary, right? Wrong. It is only unnecessary if: You can afford to lose 5-10 percent of your purchase price. The mortgage contingency...