Buying a home is a big deal.
Let's make it a good one.

Most conventional loans require a score of 620 or higher, but the better your score, the better your rate. FHA loans can go as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. If you're not there yet, we can talk through next steps.

A good rule of thumb is to have your down payment plus 2 to 5% of the purchase price set aside for closing costs. A common myth is that you need 20% down to buy a home. Not true! Plenty of first-time buyers are putting down 5 to 10%, or even less, on their first home purchase.

A little, but not much. A hard credit inquiry typically drops your score by fewer than five points, and the impact is temporary.

Usually a few days to a week, depending on the lender and how quickly you can pull your documents together. Online lenders can sometimes turn it around faster.

Not quite. Pre-approval is based on your finances at that moment. Avoid big purchases, job changes, or new credit lines between pre-approval and closing, as these can affect your final loan.

Typically 60 to 90 days. If your search runs longer than that, you may need to refresh it with updated financial documents.

Yes. As of August 2024, buyers are required to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement before touring homes with an agent. It outlines the scope of the relationship and how your agent is compensated. I'm happy to walk you through it before you sign anything.

There's no magic number. Some buyers find their home on the third showing, others need twenty. The more clearly you define your priorities upfront, the more focused your search will be.

Contingencies are conditions that have to be met for the sale to go through, like a satisfactory inspection, your financing being approved, or the home appraising at the purchase price. They protect you if something unexpected comes up. In a competitive situation, we may adjust them to strengthen your offer, and we'll talk through the trade-offs together first.

It depends on the property and the market. Some homes sell at or below asking, others attract multiple offers and go well over. I'll give you a clear picture of what the data says before you decide.

Yes. Illinois is an attorney review state, meaning an attorney is a standard part of every transaction. I can refer you to experienced real estate attorneys I trust.

Typically between $300 and $500 for a condo in the Chicago area, and upwards of $800 to $1,000 for a single-family home, depending on how extensive the inspection is (adding a sewer scope or mold inspection, for example). A thorough inspection is one of the best investments you'll make in this process.

You can, and some buyers do in very competitive situations. But it comes with real risk, especially in Chicago, where older housing stock can hide expensive surprises. We'll talk through whether it makes sense for the specific property.

In Illinois, you typically have five business days to review the documents once received. If something concerning turns up, you can cancel the contract during this window.

A special assessment is a one-time charge to unit owners when the HOA doesn't have enough reserves to cover a major expense. Pending or recent special assessments are worth understanding before you close.

Generally 2 to 5% of the purchase price, on top of your down payment. Your closing disclosure will break it all down so there are no surprises on the day.

Common culprits include appraisal issues, problems that turn up in the title search, or last-minute changes to your financial situation. Staying responsive and avoiding big financial moves in the weeks before closing goes a long way.

A government-issued photo ID, a cashier's check or wire transfer for your closing costs, and proof of homeowner's insurance. Your attorney and I will make sure you know exactly what to bring ahead of time.