Ask A Realtor

Is my home ready for sale?
Ryan, from Ukrainian Village

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

Here are a few tips: (Read More…)

Julie Varones

Who transfers the utility accounts into the new buyers name?
Jennifer, from Lincoln Park

After purchasing a property, but before moving in, the buyer should research the local utility companies and sign up for new service at the new location, or transfer old service to their new address. The seller will transfer the utilities at the property out of his name, so it should be easy for the buyer to have them put in his or her name before moving in. We provide a list of local utility companies and contact information to make the transition easier for new buyers.

Christine Clark

My mom is an agent in the suburbs but doesn’t know the city well. How do I tell her I want to use an agent in the city?
Martha, from Schaumburg

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.

Geno Petro

Should I buy a home warranty when I purchase my home?
Bob, Wicker Park

I want to know, where is the safest place to live in Chicago?
Bob, from Carol Stream

Unfortunately, the laws that govern my profession do not allow me to address this question. A great resource for that kind of information is the City of Chicago Police Department website. They maintain the appropriate statistics to best answer such a question.

Rebecca Siffel

What is the difference between a loft and a soft loft?
Phil, from Logan Square

Lofts are typically thought of as converted industrial spaces, timber beams, exposed brick, open floor plans, and timber columns. The soft loft has been introduced by developers as a blend between traditional lofts and traditional home elements – the loft meets the condo. Soft lofts are still open floor plans with the exposed brick, but the ceilings don’t have the timber beams or the timber columns. They still achieve the open feel because the walls do not reach the ceiling.

Ben Osbun

How Easy Is It To Buy A Foreclosed Property?
George, Gold Coast

Ryan Wallenfang

Do you need a professional inspector for your home purchase?
John, from Lakeview

“The short answer is… no. But, buyers beware of course! I always advise my clients to have a professional home inspection with a written report for their prospective real estate acquisition. The inspection may uncover simple issues or complicated problems that will factor in the negotiation.  Plus, inspectors are great tutors for first time buyers!”

Eric Rojas

What is earnest money?
Mary, from Lincoln Park

Earnest money is a deposit from the purchaser given at the time of the seller’s acceptance and held in an escrow account with the listing office or a title company. Often a buyer will place a $1000 check with the offer. The rest of the earnest money is due after the buyer and seller have signed the contract. Most buyers will put 5% of purchase price down. If the sale goes through the earnest money will be applied to the purchaser’s down payment.

Julie Varones

What happens when the inspection turns up repairs needed to the property? Who fixes them? Who pays for them?\
Sally, from the West Loop

So you’ve had your inspection and there are some problems. It happens. So now what? There are a couple ways to handle any issues. One, the seller makes the repairs before closing. Or two, the seller gives the buyer a mutually agreed upon credit at closing for the necessary repairs and the buyer makes the repairs. And three, a combination of one and two. While the seller pays for the repairs, how the repairs are completed largely depends on the participants in the transaction, and what needs to be done.

Rebecca Siffel