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Real Estate Investing Nightmares: What Could Go Wrong?

A house model on a shopping cart, home investment

Real estate investing is one of the best ways to generate long-term and stable wealth that can secure a family’s fortunes; however, it is also precarious and sinks a family’s fortune if an unwitting investor is unprepared. Investing in real estate can be a big nightmare. Nightmare No. 1: It is

Broken Promises: What Constitutes a Breach of Contract in Real Estate?

Closeup of a contract and a pen

A breach of contract occurs when one or both parties fail to perform a necessary term of the contract, such as payment or provision of services. Contracts are binding agreements which describe the reciprocal duties each party to the contract must perform. Enforceable contracts can be verbal or

How a Personal Injury Settlement Is Divided in an Illinois Divorce?

Settlement, hundred dollar paper bills

In Illinois, under certain conditions, personal injury settlements are considered part of the marital property and therefore may be subject to asset division during a divorce proceeding. Certain items, like gifts or inheritances, are not considered marital property. However, legal settlements such

Alternative Loan Options for Your Fixer-Upper

A house is under renovation construction work

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer alternative loan options to fund major renovations or even the purchase of a fixer-upper. The Fannie Mae Homestyle loan allows families to borrow based on the improved value of the home. The Freddie Mac Choice Renovation loan will enable buyers to both (1) purchase a

What You Should Know About the FHA 203K Loan

Refurbish a house

The FHA 203K loan is a type of loan used to refurbish or refinance a home. Further, FHA 203K loans are earmarked for those living “primary residences,” so they are specifically useful for families who want to rehabilitate their current home. These loans allow regular people and investors to fix up

Chicago’s Real Estate Market Is Sizzling Hot

5 houses models on piles of coins, real estate market

The Chicago, real estate market had its most productive month in over a decade in April of this year. According to data from Zillow and Pulsenomics, there were more Chicago home sales in April than in any other month since 2005. The combination of higher savings from the economic shutdown and work

How to Sell Your House When the Market Is Slow

Person holds a house model and a house key

Selling a home in a buyer’s market (i.e., a slow market) is more complicated, but it is possible. Sellers can remodel and repair their home to update it for the modern buyer. Sellers can also work with a reputable real estate agency to stage the home and photograph it attractively for buyers. These

Is Your New House Making You Sick?

open window from inside room

Recent research has found that the air indoors is more polluted than outdoor air, even in the largest and most industrialized cities. Indoor air pollution poses a serious health risk to families and young children. However, families aren’t left with the unenviable choice of abandoning their homes

How Will the American Rescue Plan Impact Real Estate in Chicago?

Real estate shown on computer screen, hand holds a house model

The American Rescue Plan is an approximately $1.9 trillion stimulus plan to reinvigorate the economy after it was shut down for most of 2020. The bill contains billions of dollars in direct payments, job training, support to state and local governments, small business grants, rental assistance, and

What Zillow’s Acquisition of ShowingTime Could Mean for the Chicago Real Estate Market

Cartoon image of an agency holding a house model via computer

Real estate agents in Chicago and throughout North America have voiced concerns that Zillow will use the data it collects from ShowingTime to promote its services and edge out independent agents and brokers. Earlier this year, Zillow announced that it was acquiring ShowingTime. ShowingTime is an