Tag Archives: chicago homes for sale

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Realtor

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real-agent-chicago-gold-coastIf youve recently started to explore possible Gold Coast Chicago real estate options, you probably have a significant amount of questions concerning everything from neighborhood amenities to crime statistics. The right realtor can provide the expertise necessary to help your relocation go smoothly and to ensure that you experience no unpleasant surprises. Choosing a skilled Gold Coast Chicago realtor is the first step in starting your new life in one of Chicagos most exciting neighborhoods.

Selecting a good realtor involves asking the right questions. Heres what to ask:

How Long Have You Been Selling Real Estate in Chicago?

Finding a realtor who knows the city well will help ensure that youll have access to the best possible housing choices. A realtor who is familiar with your desired neighborhood can provide you with better matches.

Is Real Estate Your Full time Career?

Those who work in real estate on a full time basis are frequently more knowledgeable and thorough than their part time counterparts.

Can You Provide References?

A successful realtor should have no shortage of good professional references. Also, be sure to check online review sites to see if the realtor who you are considering is mentioned.

To find out more information about homes for sale in Gold Coast, contact us today.

Foreign Buyers Guide: How to Buy a House in Lincoln Park

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global-real-estate-adviceBoutique shopping and high-end retailers, fine dining, coffee shops, scenic parks and dynamic night life help establish Chicago’s affluent Lincoln Park neighborhood as one of the country’s most desirable areas.

Many educated, high-income young people — both singles and couples — call Lincoln Park home. Families with children tend to settle in the less-dense areas farther from Lake Michigan.

Upscale real estate

Lincoln Park Chicago real estate is priced at a premium, with a typical single-family house selling for approximately $1 million and some homes selling in excess of $10 million. Forbes magazine in 2007 described a block in the Lincoln Park neighborhood — between Armitage Avenue and Orchard, Burling and Willow streets —  as Chicago’s priciest. Rental apartments and homes range from a little under $1,000 a month for a studio or one-bedroom to more than $4,000. A Lincoln Park Chicago realtor can help with finding the right location and space.

Many attractive amenities

Homes for sale in Lincoln Park Chicago have access to numerous appealing amenities, including a lovely park of the same name as the neighborhood, Lincoln Park. The scenic public park, Chicago’s largest, occupies more than 1,200 acres along Lake Michigan. It includes a zoo, beaches, several museums, a golf course, archery range and numerous recreational and natural areas.

To learn more about available homes in Lincoln Park, Chicago, please contact us today.

The Biggest Mistake Sellers Make at a Showing

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Anyone who is selling a home wants to make the best first impression with prospective buyers at a showing. Obvious ways to put a home’s best foot forward are to have it clean, well-lit, and free of major distractions like pets or awkward personal items. But one of the biggest mistake sellers can make as they prepare for a showing is simply being in the home.

When a prospective buyer takes the time to schedule a showing, it demonstrates genuine interest in the home. But when the seller is present at the showing, it can deter the buyer from moving forward and seriously considering the home for purchase. Here’s why:

  • It can cut the showing short. When entering a home with their real estate agent, buyers want to feel at ease to look around, open closets and enter rooms. If the seller is present, buyers often feel as though they are intruding and won’t stay as long. The length of time a buyer spends at a showing directly correlates to their level of interest – and if the buyer leaves early, they won’t have an opportunity to fall in love with the home.
  • It hinders the conversation. Many sellers believe the buyer’s agent won’t be able to answer all the questions about the home that could come up during a showing. But many buyers are uncomfortable asking questions of the homeowner, worried that they will offend them with any potentially negative concerns. This results in the buyer having less information about the home, which could reduce the likelihood of a sale.
  • Nobody likes surprises: If an appointment has been made, and the seller informs the buyer’s agent they will not be present at that time, it creates a certain expectation of privacy for the buyer at the showing. When sellers stay home despite the arrangement, or come home unexpectedly during the showing, it can send a negative message to the buyer and disrupt the tour.

Of course, whether you’re putting your home on the market or buying a home in Chicago, one of the most important things you should do is enlist the help of an experienced Chicago Realtor. Contact one of our Related Realty brokers today to get their expert take on the Chicago real estate market!

3 Ways To Avoid Overpaying For A Mortgage

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Chicago real estateThe housing market is in the midst of a significant rebound, and as such, Chicago property is in great demand. Prospective homeowners, eager to find wonderful homes for sale in Chicago, are currently willing to take on mortgages that, as of a few years ago, would have been summarily rejected. Although the desire to score that dream home is understandable, it is important to take care while negotiating a mortgage. The following three tips will make it easy to avoid overpaying for a mortgage:

1. Consider how long you plan on sticking around.

Discount points are not ideal for short-term property investments. However, this approach allows long-term buyers to enjoy significant savings through reduced interest rates.

2. Compare APR rates and fees.

It is definitely not a good idea to automatically opt for the first lender that comes to mind. Instead, prospective homeowners are advised to shop around, paying careful attention to each lenders APR rates and associated fees. After examining all good faith estimates, consider negotiating with preferred lenders to score lower rates and fees.

3. Be careful when making a first offer.

The art of negotiating a mortgage is complex, but if there is one move that should be avoided at all costs, its revealing exactly how much you are willing to pay for a given home. Ideally, multiple offers should take place and the first offer should be significantly lower than the final offer.

This is an exciting time to look for homes for sale in Chicago. Feel free to contact us to learn how a Chicago real estate agent can help you as you hunt for your dream home.

Top Three Hottest Neighborhoods For Chicago Real Estate

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chicago real estateIf you are thinking about buying a home in Chicago, youre not alone. Chicago is full of culture and is the third most populated city in the country. Additionally, Chicago is home to many Fortune 500 companies making it an even more appealing place to live. Whether youre looking for a Chicago condo or any other type of Chicago real estate, you will definitely want to consider looking at homes in some of the hottest neighborhoods in area.

The Top Three Hottest Neighborhoods For Chicago Real Estate

These locations have great homes and low crime rates and thats why they made the list of top three hottest neighborhoods in Chicago.

1. Edgewater. This neighborhood includes Andersonville and Lakewood Balmoral and has a total population of 56,500 with a median household income of $48,300. The median home sale price in this area is $490,000 and $150,000 for a condo. In the Lakewood Balmoral district of this neighborhood you will find 19th-century homes on large lots in many different styles such as Gothic, Flemish and Queen Anne.

2. Edison Park. This neighborhood has a total population of 11,200 with a median household income of $77,000. The median home sale price in this area is $325,000 and $94,000 for a condo. Edison is a classic Chicago neighborhood that is very family friendly and has plenty of bungalows and Craftsman cottages on well-manicured lots.

3. Beverly. This neighborhood has a total population of 20,000 with a median household income of $90,200. The median home sale price in this area is $223,000. Beverly is a historically Irish neighborhood with fantastic affordable cottages and split-level homes on large lots.

If you would like more information about buying a home in one of the hottest neighborhoods in Chicago, give us a call today. We look forward to helping you find your new home.

Seven Things Must Learn If You Want To Flip Chicago Real Estate

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chicago real estateFlipping Chicago real estate has become a very enticing venture for many people. With all the latest television shows making the process seem so simple and many of them telling you that you can flip a house with no money down. Sometimes its hard to know who or what to believe. Buying a home in Chicago to flip can be done, but you really need to learn the facts before you begin.

Seven Things You Need To Know About Flipping Houses

1. You are going to need cash if you want to buy and flip luxury Chicago real estate.

2. You will need a team to help you. Its almost impossible to try to do everything yourself.

3. Thoroughly study the market trends and the market comps before you buy anything.

4. Find an undervalued property and, if possible, thoroughly inspect it before you submit a bid.

5. Learn and follow the 70% rule.

6. The quicker you get the house completed and sold, the more money you will keep in your pocket.

7. Expect the unexpected. No matter how hard to try to prepare for possible contingencies, sometimes things happen that are out of your control and you will have to shell out some money to take care of those issues, even if you didnt budget for them.

Flipping houses can be exciting, but you really shouldnt go it alone. If you are interested in flipping houses in Chicago, please contact us today.

Tips To Avoid Moving Nightmares

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Chicago real estateBuying a home can be an exciting and exhilarating experience, or it can be a stressful time that you would rather avoid. If you’re looking into homes for sale in Chicago in the near future, you will set yourself up for fewer pitfalls by knowing what you want before you shop. A Chicago realtor will help you find the best areas in which to purchase based upon good local schools, safe streets and convenient transportation.

Choose Your Desired Neighborhoods

Chicago has many diverse neighborhoods and suburbs. The prices of Chicago real estate are heavily reliant on the area in which a house or condo is located. Comparing data for the neighborhoods and suburbs will keep you from the nightmare of purchasing a home in an area that doesn’t suit your needs.

Get Your Pre-approval before You Go House Shopping

Being pre-qualified is not enough to bring to the table when you find the house or condo you want, among the many homes for sale in Chicago. Be sure to get pre-approved, which includes a commitment letter guaranteeing you a loan and a monthly payment amount.

Don’t Buy the Wrong House for You or Your Family

Even if a house appeals to you greatly during your initial walkthrough, look beyond the package. Will the house be suitable for you or your family? Will you have room to grow, or is the house larger than you need?

The most beautiful houses in the Chicago real estate offerings may not be suited for your unique needs. It’s unwise to buy too much house, or one with too little room. Use the services of a Chicago realtor to find a house that will function properly for your family, and offer you room to grow, if you need it. To find out more, contact us today.