As a first-time Chicago home buyer, you’ll be excited, and maybe a little nervous, as you tour homes for sale. Whether you’re at a scheduled showing, or visiting open houses and model homes, you’ll probably meet the seller’s agent. This person...
As mortgage interest rates creep up, the question of paying points on a mortgage is popping up again. You might already notice mortgage rate advertisements saying something like, “30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage, 4.35% with 1 point!” Ok, great, but what...
According to Crain’s Chicago Business, those who bought homes in the northwest neighborhoods right after the recession are the most “equity rich” in Chicago. “Equity rich” is loosely defined as having at least 50% equity in your home. But only...
Skyrocketing home prices have made things tough on first-time home buyers around the country. According to a recent report by ATTOM Data Solutions, median home prices exceed the reach of average wages in about 68% of U.S. counties. The study compared median home sales...
As a first-time home buyer, you’ll want to have the strongest possible credit score when you apply for a mortgage. The higher your score, the better your mortgage offers, and the less interest you’ll pay! But what, exactly, is a “good” credit...
Buying your first home in Chicago or the Northwest suburbs has always required fortitude! Already, 2018 is shaping up to be another competitive year. Here are the 3 main challenges facing home buyers, and what you can do about them! Low home inventory. As...
