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Find Your Perfect Home in the Chicago Suburbs
Buying a home is one of the most important steps in life — and we’re here to make it simple, stress-free, and successful. With expert guidance and local market knowledge, we’ll help you not just buy a house, but find the home that truly fits your lifestyle.
MAIN STEPS
ON THE WAY TO HOMEOWNERSHIP
Decide for yourself what exactly and in which area you want to buy
Before starting your home search, it’s important to clearly understand what kind of house you need and in which neighborhood you want to live. Take into account factors such as proximity to work, schools, transportation, infrastructure, and the level of safety.
Get pre-approval
This is an important step that many people are not even aware of. If you plan to purchase a home with a loan, the first person you should contact is not a realtor but a loan officer. Without specialized knowledge, you won’t be able to calculate by yourself how much the bank can allocate for yourpurchase. It’s a common misconception that an accountant or realtor can help you with this — not at all. To determine the amount, a full analysis of your finances must be done (even the money you have in your account before the purchase matters), and your credit history needs to be checked to understandwhich type of mortgage will be the best option for you. After the mortgage officer reviews your financial situation, you will receive the pre-approval document, and only after that can you start searching for a property.
Choose a realtor and start your search
Is a realtor really necessary when looking for a home? Not if you are buying a property with 4 or fewer units — in that case, you don’t need a realtor’s license and don’t have to hire one. However, if you are buying something with 5 or more units, or if you buy/sell more than once within 12 calendar months,you are required either to have a realtor’s license or to hire a realtor. This is the right decision because every field has its specifics, and a lack of knowledge of the laws or regulations can lead to fines, problems, lawsuits in the future, or even the loss of the property you want to buy. When purchasing realestate, realtor services usually won’t cost you anything — they are typically paid for by the seller. When selling property, there are no fixed fees for realtor services; you can negotiate both the fee and the duration of the agreement.
Submit an offer
An offer is a special document that shows your intent to purchase a property. The offer form is standard, but it includes many conditions that you must propose, such as the closing date, property tax prorations, the deposit, whether you will conduct an inspection (and if so, what kind and with what consequences), and so on. If, after you submit your offer, the seller accepts it, this document then becomes the contract.
Start the mortgage process
This is the most complex and time-consuming part of your purchase. During this period, the bank will check your financial capacity multiple times, order an appraisal of the property, obtain documents from the homeowners association (if there is one), request tax calculations, and much more. It is a complicated and lengthy process that typically takes three weeks or longer.
Schedule a home inspection
Many people think an inspection isn’t worth it because it adds extra costs. You can choose to waive the inspection, but it’s better not to. During the inspection, the inspector may uncover hidden defects you weren’t able to see. Such findings give you the clearest possible picture of how much repairs might cost, and in some cases, buyers even walk away from the deal because something was revealed that they weren’t prepared for. The maximum time frame to complete an inspection is 5 business days, but you can ask the seller for an extension in justified circumstances. At the end of the inspection, you may:1 Cancel the contract.2 Ask the seller to repair what is not working but should be, or to compensate you for the cost of those repairs.3 Notify the seller that no additional action is required.
Make a Deposit
When submitting your offer, you indicate the amount of the deposit as confirmation of the seriousness of your intentions. This deposit will later be applied toward your closing costs. The deposit must be paid within the time frame specified in the offer, but no later than 5 business days from the date your offer is accepted. The amount of the deposit is not fixed by any rule, and you can set it at any level you choose. Reasons why you may cancel the contract: Within the first 5 business days after your offer is accepted, without giving any explanation.After the inspection, if the condition of the property is different from what you expected. After receiving HOA documents, if any of the association’s rules do not suit you. If the appraisal came with a low value and you and the seller were unable to agree on a new price If you are denied a loan. Only on these grounds can you get your deposit back. If you simply change your mind about purchasing the property later than 5 business days after acceptance, the seller has the right to agree to cancel thedeal while keeping the deposit.
Receive the Clear To Close (CTC)
This is the most important and long-awaited step in the transaction. This document gives the green lightfor your loan to be issued, meaning that all the documents received by the lender now allow financing.Hooray — this is our first congratulations to you!
Do the final walkthrough
After receiving the clear-to-close, you still need to visit your future apartment or house one more time to make sure everything is in order. Check that the seller has removed all their belongings, that there is no trash, and that nothing has been broken or damaged during the contract period. If any issues are found, the seller is obligated to cover your expenses, or you may once again have the right to cancel the contract.
Set up utilities
This step is often overlooked by buyers, and then, upon moving into their new home, they find there is no electricity, gas, or water. Before closing, make sure to ask your realtor to confirm with the seller which utility companies service the property, and submit applications to connect these services to startthe day after closing.
Pay the remaining amount and receive the keys at closing
Before closing, after receiving the clear-to-close, you need to go to the bank and transfer the remaining funds to the title company that will handle the closing. Don’t worry — if you transfer more than necessary, the title company will return the difference to you immediately after closing.
Local Expertise
We know the Chicago suburbs inside out.
Personalized Approach
Every search is tailored to your needs and goals.
Strong Negotiation
We work to get you the best price and terms.
Trusted Support
From search to closing, we're by your side
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