Find A Home You Love
WELCOME HOME
We get it. Buying a home in the Chicago, Illinois area can seem daunting. We are here to help you every step of the way. Follow our simple steps to make the buying process easier, quick, and effective.
STEP 1
Let's Talk
Call today for your FREE 60-minute home buying information session. Tell us about you, your family, and what you’re looking for in your next dream home.
STEP 2
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Have your mortgage financing ready before you visit potential homes. Get pre-approved from a mortgage banker to avoid missing out on a home you fall in love with. Plus, many homeowners are unwilling to show their homes without a pre-approval letter.
Not sure if you’re ready yet? No problem! My mortgage banker and I will work with you one-on-one to develop a tailored buying timeline that fits your lifestyle and budget.
What do you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage? Start gathering the items below. Mortgage bankers will want you to have the following financial information.
1. Tax Returns – previous 2 years
2. One-month recent pay stub
3. Two-months of bank statements
STEP 3
Visit Homes
We go house hunting throughout the Chicago, Illinois area together. But before we visit potential properties, we will develop a game plan according to your needs and the current market conditions. Our mottos is “You make all the decisions and we are here to help you navigate the Chicago, Illinois real estate buying process.”
STEP 4
Identify "The One"
We have a unique system to help buyers determine if a home is “the one.” Our goal is to help you make informed, well-thought-out decisions. At the showings, I’ll ask you a series of questions that will allow you to make your next move. You will also rate the homes to narrow your top 3 picks and then select “The One”. Your feedback during and after the showings will help you determine which home is best for you. Our system works.
STEP 5
Make An Offer
Residential real estate prices can fluctuate, especially in this fast-moving market. Most areas are experiencing multiple offers and highest-and-best situations. We will help you understand local market conditions so you can formulate the best offer, including price and terms. This requires effective communication and asking the right questions of the seller’s agent before we submit an offer. Expect a buyer’s comparative market analysis (CMA) from us, and we suggest your lender run a mortgage analysis so you can see the numbers. Taking these steps will allow you to give your best offer first. We will have one shot in this market!
STEP 6
Negotiations
It’s our job to get you the best deal. As a negotiation expert, I work with you and act on your behalf to come to a fair agreement with the seller. There is a lot of communicating, question asking, and information gathering during negotiations. This will help you make decisions.
STEP 7
Counter Offer
If the seller is dissatisfied with our initial offer, they’ll typically provide a counteroffer that you can accept or decline or counter with new terms.
STEP 8
Accepted Offer
Once all parties are satisfied, the seller will accept your offer, or you will accept their counteroffer. You will then sign the final agreed-upon contract, and we will submit it to your mortgage banker and real estate attorney.
STEP 9
Attorney Review & Inspection
After the contract is fully executed, the attorney review period starts. A typical attorney review lasts for five business days, starting from the date the contract was signed with the seller. Buyers also have the opportunity to hire a personal home inspector within the first three business days. We strongly encourage you to complete this step.
The home inspection can cost between $350 and $600, yet it provides peace of mind and may lead to further negotiations. The personal home inspection will list any problems found within the house. You’ll discuss with your real estate attorney how you would like to proceed. You may proceed with the purchase, cancel it, request a credit, or submit other requests.
STEP 10
Repair Requests or Credits
Most residential real estate transactions undergo a second round of negotiations for repairs or credits after the personal home inspection. These essentially lower the selling price. The seller will either repair damages themselves or give you closing cost credit to repair yourself once you own the home.
STEP 11
Title Work
Title work ensures the title is clear when it is transferred from the seller to the buyer. A title company will research your title for you.
STEP 12
Appraisal
This is a professional opinion of value from a licensed State of Illinois Appraiser. The bank will order the appraisal on your behalf. Expect to pay between $400 and $ 600. The bank conducts an appraisal to determine the property’s fair market value relative to its purchase price.
STEP 13
Clear to Close
Closing steps begin only when a clear to close is received from the mortgage lender. Soon after, the attorney will schedule the closing and provide you with the final figures with the help of the mortgage banker. There is significant coordination involved, as multiple parties need to be scheduled. Once all is in agreement, a closing confirmation will be provided, including the amount to bring to closing.
STEP 14
Walkthrough
We will visit the property one day before closing. During the walkthrough, we will go through the property together. We ensure there are no new damages and that the property is in the condition in which you agreed to buy it.
STEP 15
Closing
Closing is the final step in executing a real estate transaction. The property will be transferred to the new buyer. Closing occurs at a title company and is expected to take up to 3 hours. Your real estate attorney will be present to help you with the legal paperwork and closing process. After signing all the paperwork, you wait for the items to get processed and the funds to be wired.
And soon after…
Congratulations! You’re now a homeowner in the State of Illinois! Now comes the fun part: turning your new house into a home.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
(708) 847-8529
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