What to know about your home inspection when you decide to buy a house. Most inspections take between 2 and 5 hours depending on the size and type of property. The bigger the house the longer it’s going to take. Not all buyers can spend all that time attending an inspection, many have no idea […]
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Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy a Home?
Everyone loves new construction! But is it cheaper to build or buy a home? The thought of having a brand new home, all clean and sparkling with nothing to worry about except move in, appeals to most peoples emotions. Buying existing homes brings up one set of things to consider. Building one has a different […]
Read MoreGet a Mortgage Approval Before Exploring Homes
If you’re in the market to buy a home it’s tempting to call up a REALTOR® and start viewing homes before doing anything else. It’s the excitement of moving forward with your decision, but it can lead to disappointment. You can over spend and not be able to afford the home you love or you […]
Read MoreWhat is a Designated Buyer’s Agent.
Every state in the USA has slightly different real estate laws. I am writing for Illinois law and describing what a designated buyer’s agent is for buyers and what you should expect in terms of paperwork, written agreements and what the agreements or notices mean to you, a property buyer. The real estate law for […]
Read MoreThe Art of Downsizing Your Home
There are many reasons you’ll consider downsizing your home and it often ties in with kids heading off to college, leaving and getting married or just moving away from the area and want to get a smaller home this time around. There is not really an art to accomplishing a downsizing move but there are […]
Read MoreWhat Are Buyers Closing Costs?
Buyers closing costs are an unavoidable cost of buying residential real estate. Buyers need to make sure that funds are set aside for closing costs in addition to the down payment. When buying a home cash the closing costs are not as much. That’s because there is no mortgage and many of the buyer’s closing […]
Read MoreWhat Should You Expect From Your REALTOR When Buying A Home
If you are in the market to buy a home, your chosen real estate agent should first above all and anything else, uphold the law of real estate in this fair state! Or any state for that matter. All licensed real estate agents and brokers are bound by the real estate law in which they […]
Read MoreHow To Choose a Realtor to Buy a Home
Before you start the process of buying a home, start by researching to find the best Realtor for you to help buy a home. This does not mean the one that has the most sales, or has billboards around or even has the most listings. You need to find the right Realtor for “you” to […]
Read MoreIs Showing Feedback Useful or Accurate?
Showing feedback is generally requested of buyers agents that bring their buyers to your home. But is it useful or of any value, or is it even accurate? Should buyers agents even respond to the requests? There is often a difference of opinion between Realtors as to whether it should be asked or answered. FYI…Feedback is […]
Read MoreNewest Home For Sale in Magnolia Pointe, 28 Star Lane, South Barrington
28 Star Lane, South Barrington mansion for sale. Homes that are newer in age in South Barrington are sought after, seems buyers still like new over old. Although our luxury market is a little swamped with homes over $1.5 million, Magnolia Pointe is one of our premium subdivisions with homes from $1.5 million up to […]
Read MoreBarrington Real Estate Taxes – What Buyers Need To Know
Barrington real estate taxes can be a shocker for buyers relocating from other states, and for international buyers. Illinois real estate taxes are one of the highest in the country. So what can you expect. Barrington Real Estate Taxes For an average home across the country Illinois tax rate would be 2.29%. With an average price […]
Read MoreWhy is The Plat of Survey Ordered At The End of a Real Estate Transaction?
Great question and one I am asking. I scratched my head for the second time in 6 months about issues of land that exist but were not discovered or mentioned until, yes you got, the closing table. Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and this is not legal advice. I am simply questioning a process. […]
Read MoreBuying Homes in Barrington Illinois. Here’s How We Do It!
Over a year I spend a lot of time with relocation buyers and many are moving here from out of state. It’s my job to provide the guidance and expertise a relocation buyer will need. Generally every state transacts real estate differently, with some similarities and some polar opposites. Out of state buyers likely do […]
Read MoreSouth Barrington Land Sale – Fast Acting Back Up Offer Closes 9 Days Later
There’s nothing worse than making a decision to buy a property and having it disappear in a poof of smoke right in front of your eyes! But did you know that offers can be made after a property goes under contract? Did you know that if you make an offer to a seller under contract, […]
Read MoreBarrington IL Real Estate Taxes and Transfer Tax
A subject that is close to our pockets that deserves answers to some of the most commnly asked questions. We are here to talk about real estate taxes in Barrington IL, and other Barrington Villages which are located in Cook County, Lake County, Kane County and McHenry County. Because the Barrington IL zip code straddles all four […]
Read MoreHomes in Barrington with EIFS – An Iffy Buy?
What is EIFS and should you buy a home in Barrington with EIFS? Disclaimer: I am not an EIFS specialist, I am not an EIFS inspector, I am not an EIFS installer. I come across EIFS in my daily life as a real estate agent. If you need expert advice and opinions I can direct […]
Read MoreTop 3 Home Buyer Complaints About Real Estate Agents in Barrington IL
Home Buyer Complaints About Real Estates Agents in Barrington IL You might wonder how I know about complaints against other real estate agents in Barrington IL. The answer is quite simple. Often buyers get very disillusioned about the real estate agent they have been working with and decide it’s time to find some-one better suited […]
Read MoreActive Adults Have More Options Than 55+ Communities in Barrington
Active Adult communities were specifically created for residents aged 55 or older. The idea being to live in quieter neighborhoods, where there are no children or the noise and activity that comes with them. It’s a great idea and active adult communities have popped up all over Chicagoland. Active Adult community housing is also designed […]
Read MoreThe No. 1 Challenge For Luxury Home Buyers in Barrington
Contrary to what you might think the No.1 challenge for luxury home buyers in Barrington Illinois is not finance. Jumbo and super jumbo loans are readily available with very attractive interest rates. Granted you’ll need a sizeable down payment but usually buyers at this level either have that safely tucked away at the bank or […]
Read MoreDon’t Let a Home Sale Stop You Buying Your Dream Home
Last time we talked about buying your dream home but things can get a little complicated if you have a home to sell first. The question is how to buy your dream home and sell the existing one at the same time? Setting Yourself Up For Failure It would be ideal if you could go […]
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