It can be weeks, sometimes well over a month, between when the seller of a piece of real estate accepts your offer and when you get the keys to the property. You may look forward to your possession date for weeks, only to discover a major hurdle between you and your...
Real Estate Law
What does your new home really cost?
As a first-time buyer, you probably know that buying a home will be expensive, but do you realize how expensive? It is crucial you understand the full costs before signing to buy. Here are some of the things you need to calculate: The fees associated with buying Did...
When can you evict a tenant legally in Illinois?
A tenant who pays their rent in time, uses the property responsibly, is at peace with their neighbors and renews their tenancy contract when it is due – these are definitely the qualities every landlord hopes for in a tenant. Unfortunately, not all tenants come with...
Don’t let a boundary dispute spoil your new home
Moving into a new property is an exciting time. You may have been anticipating the move for many months and can’t wait to start making the place your own. Generally, neighbors tend to be welcoming to new arrivals, or at least not hostile. You may go on to say “hi” to...
You can protect your earnest money with contingencies
Buyers take some risks when they make an offer on a property. They need their offer to be attractive, so they may offer the maximum amount that can possibly finance. When they make the offer, they authorize their real estate agent to promise earnest money to the...
Legal factors to consider when buying a new home
Buying a new home is an exciting prospect but also a serious decision. Many prospective and new homeowners are left disappointed when running into legal problems after making impulse decisions. Taking some time to reflect on the legal factors surrounding a house...
Facing a bidding war: Today’s hot seller’s market
The housing market has been intense in the last several months, which has led to many people ending up in bidding wars. As a buyer looking for a property, you don’t want to get swept up into a bidding war and end up with a home that isn’t actually worth what you’ll...
What problems can occur when closing on a home?
Buying your first home is an exciting prospect, but it can also be confusing and stressful. Having saved for years, you want to be sure you spend your money wisely. There is a lot to learn about the real estate process, from understanding how much a mortgage will end...
Does an as-is listing for cash sale mean you can hide defects in a property?
Sometimes, when there are major issues with a property, it makes more sense to sell it than to invest in repairs or upgrades. Maybe you inherited a home from your parents that is a true fixer-upper. Perhaps you just regained possession of a rental home that the same...
What is a zoning variance?
If you’re buying or leasing a building to use for a commercial venture, you need to make sure that it is in the right zone. Your intentions for that space may not be allowed if it is not. The most common zones are residential, commercial and industrial, but you also...