Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs?
Saving for a down payment is a key step in the homebuying process, and it’s not the only piece you need to include in your budget. Another factor that’s important to plan for is the closing costs required to obtain a mortgage. What Are Closing Costs? According to Trulia, “When you close on a home, a... More
Condos vs. Co-Ops: What you need to know
If you are considering buying your first home in Chicago, it’s important to be well-educated on your options. Many people confuse condos with co-ops, thinking they are the same but that is not the case. Condo vs. Co-Op, the Basics A condo is a private, specific unit within a multi-unit building. By owning a condo,... More
5 Tips for Starting Your Chicago Home Search
In today’s market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. Here are five tips from realtor.com’s article, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind.” 1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search One way to... More
What Buyers Need to Know About HOAs
When searching for a home, you may end up selecting a property in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). Before you buy, it’s important to know how an HOA works and what they mean for you. According to a recent article on realtor.com, “In a nutshell, an HOA helps ensure that your community looks its... More
5 Powerful Reasons to Own Instead of Rent
Owning a home has great financial benefits. In a recent research paper, Homeownership and the American Dream, Laurie S. Goodman and Christopher Mayer of the Urban Land Institute explained: “Homeownership appears to help borrowers accumulate housing and nonhousing wealth in a variety of ways, with tax advantages, greater financial flexibility due to secured borrowing, built-in ‘default’... More
The Difference Having a Real Estate Professional on Your Side Makes
In today’s fast-paced world, where answers are a Google search away, there are some who may wonder what the benefits of hiring a real estate professional to help them in their home search are. The truth is, with the addition of more information, comes more confusion. Shows like Property Brothers, Fixer Upper and the dozens more on HGTV have given many a... More
IRPINO Real Estate in the Chicago Tribune!
IRPINO Real Estate is thrilled to announce our inclusion in the Chicago Tribune article “City Living: Living in Uptown: Legendary music venues, jazz and a focus on ’embracing all residents’” The article was published in August 2018 and highlights all the Uptown Chicago neighborhood has to offering, including our wide range of restaurants and bars and... More
