Chicago Real Estate Blog

Most likely- YES; however, it depends on the details of the contract.

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It is difficult for even the most seasoned real estate expert to predict rate of price appreciation in any particular location. I advise all my clients to purchase a home that fits their personal needs, meets their budget, and that is in a location they can live in for a good duration. For instance, do you need public transportation, retail within walking distance or access to the highways? It is possible to experience appreciation in an area that develops as you live there. But your personal needs may be an indication of the future value of the property as well.

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I would not consider using a ‘discount’ attorney for the biggest legal matter in my life nor do I suggest using a ‘discount’ broker for the biggest purchase of your life. Statistics prove conclusively that property listed with a full service Realtor yields significantly more bottom line money to the Seller than if no Realtor is used or it is simply ‘posted’ on the MLS by a ‘discount’ broker. The internet has thousands of related articles on this subject. Click on our F.S.B.O. button in the sidebar.

The only way to offset the cost of installing an alarm system is usually by signing a lengthy contract for the monitoring service which typically runs between $30-$50 per month. I’d avoid installing one due to the fact that you will be moving in a relatively short period of time and it doesn’t add any significant value to the property. If push comes to shove, and a potential buyer demands one be installed, I would negotiate a credit to be given to the buyer at closing. This way the buyer can have control of what type of system as well as thier choice of who they want to monitor it.

Before purchasing a home in Chicago, it is important for families with children, or those planning to have children to research the local schools. Chicago is home to a number of excellent public, as well as private schools located throughout the city. One way of finding out about the schools is to speak with neighbors that have children attending schools in the area. Another is to view the Chicago Home Estates resources page. Overall, educational planning usually plays an important role in determining where a family moves, and therefore it may be the deciding factor between one neighborhood and another.

The answer is yes, you can. Actually there are several communities that do not allow signs for ‘aesthetic’ reasons–Oak Park is one that comes to mind. And until recently, my condo association did not allow them. Needless to say, I pushed to have that changed. If a sign is posted however, and the property is listed with a Realtor, then the name and other pertinent relevant of the Brokerage must be displayed.

Like any industry, there are good agents and there are the not so good agents. The obvious aside: licensed, access to industry information…

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Does your home show well? Many sellers ask me, “What can I do to make my place sell fast?”

Here are a few tips:

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In our continuing effort to bring you first hand accounts of Chicago’s neighborhoods, I will introduce you to the Bowmanville neighborhood located in the Lincoln Square area. A long-time, but little known by name “sub-neighborhood” of Lincoln Square, Bowmanville has emerged on as a destination for high qualtitly living spaces and surprising proximity to amenities.

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Very tactfully! Actually, most suburban agents would rather refer business to a qualified city Realtor than navigate the unknown waters of neighborhoods and negotiation etiquette. And likewise with us to them. There are several referral fee schedules in place for such situations depending on the level of participation of all licensed parties.