As advances in technology continue to develop and an increasing number of Realtors place properties and sales records online to enhance the transparency of real estate transactions, a spike in deed fraud has become an epidemic in some major cities. The rising threat has begun to target unsuspecting homeowners in cities like New York, Chicago and Detroit. A recent report about Sybil Patrick, whose beautiful brownstone home was sold for $750,000 without her knowing, clearly portrays the … [Read more...]

Landlords often push longer lease terms, offering better pricing or other incentives to sweeten the deal. Yet without flexibility, a small business locked in a long-term lease may suffer should it encounter unexpected growth or decline. Limiting the duration of a real-estate lease to one to two years will better suit the needs of less mature businesses. A real estate lawyer in Chicago can help you negotiate renewal options with reasonable limits on rent increases. (article continues … [Read more...]

People are often reluctant to put their home on the market with winter approaching. The reality is that marriages and births, promotions and job transfers happen year-round, so people are looking for houses during all seasons. Selling a home during winter can actually work to the seller’s advantage, since potential buyers are usually relocating out of necessity, creating greater urgency. Regardless of the season, the key to selling any home is creating appeal. Adding thoughtful touches … [Read more...]