Deed restrictions can have a big impact on purchasing or building a new home, selling an existing home, renovations, and even how a property is used. Since deed restrictions are attached to the land, they can continue to cause problems for both current and future owners of a property for many years. What is a Deed Restriction? Deed restrictions, or restrictive covenants, are provisions in a property deed that place limits on the use of the property and/or building on the property. Such … [Read more...]

Potential home buyers can make informed home buying decisions they will feel good about for many years ahead by avoiding some basic mistakes. Home buyers sometimes purchase based on emotion and want instead of logical reasoning and practical need. That can lead to years of stress due to being strapped with monthly mortgage payments for a home they are unable to sell for what they owe. Buying more than is easily affordable According to the National Association of Realtor’s … [Read more...]

Almost a decade after the housing crisis of 2007-2008, banks are still using strict credit requirements to approve potential home buyers for a mortgage. Many home buyers explored other purchasing options with a Chicago real estate lawyer, including lease-option and lease-purchase agreements. Lease-Option A lease-option is the most flexible of the two alternative purchase arrangements. The potential buyer agrees to make monthly lease payments that are slightly higher than the going market … [Read more...]

Lenders in Illinois nearly always require homebuyers to get a house appraised prior to issuing a loan. According to Bankrate.com, problems can occur when the appraisal falls below the sale price of the home. Mortgage companies will typically only approve loans that are at or below the appraisal. Therefore, industry experts recommend that sellers obtain an appraisal before ever listing a home. As any real estate attorney in Elk Grove would know, there are several factors used to determine … [Read more...]

Home staging is a strategic marketing tool used to put a home that is up for sale in a positive light. While this process is optional for those selling property in Illinois, many who are in the middle of selling their home often wonder if staging their house is worth it and if it will ultimately improve their home’s chances of selling. What home stagers do When those working with a Highland Park real estate lawyer and a real estate agent to sell their home decide to stage their house, the … [Read more...]

A borrower can rehab an investment property with the FHA 203k loan by purchasing and renovating a multifamily (2-4 unit) property. The borrower must then reside in one of the units as his or her primary residence for at least a year to satisfy FHA’s permanent residence requirement before renting out the property. What if a Borrower Already Owns a Home? If a person has already purchased a home, he or she can refinance his or her current mortgage using the FHA 203k loan. This presents smart … [Read more...]

Arlington Heights had 503 homes on the market in June 2021, but only 24.3 percent of them sold. Approximately 59.6% remained for sale and 16.1 percent were removed from the market for different reasons. The small percentage of the sale is, however, not unusual. In any given month, only a small number of homes sell compared to the overall number of homes listed for sale. Working with an aggressive real estate attorney who knows how to properly value homes relying on their location and … [Read more...]

A house model with for sale words under the frame With the implementation of the Private Listing Network, the National Association of Realtors hopes to effectively end the practice of pocket listings. When properties go on the market in the Chicagoland area, their listings get added to the multiple listing service, or MLS. From there, agents, brokers, and buyers may view the pertinent data in order to find suitable properties. Before the NAR’s new rule, however, some properties were withheld … [Read more...]