Can I Use My Inheritance to Buy a House?
Can I use my inheritance to buy a house? Learn how inherited funds can help with a down payment, closing costs, reserves or mortgage approval.
Illinois First-Time Homebuyer Grants: Programs That Can Help You Buy a Home
Learn about Illinois first-time homebuyer grants, SmartBuy, IHDA programs and local down payment assistance options for eligible buyers.
Co-signer vs. Co-borrower: How Each Affects Your Mortgage
Learn the difference between a co-signer vs. co-borrower mortgage, including how each affects approval, ownership, credit and responsibility.
How to Buy a House With Student Loan Debt: A Step-by-Step Guide
Can you buy a house with student loan debt? Learn how student loans affect mortgage approval and how programs like IHDA SmartBuy may help.
What Does a Real Estate Attorney Do When You Buy a Home?
A real estate attorney helps homebuyers understand the legal side of buying a home. Real estate attorneys may review contracts, explain deadlines, address title issues, review closing documents and advise on disputes before closing. For many buyers, the legal aspect of homebuying can feel unfamiliar and even overwhelming at first. Purchase agreements, title documents and […]
Should I Buy My Parents’ House? What to Know Before You Decide
A common scenario for adult children: Your parents are ready to downsize and offer to sell you their home. They’re willing to give you a below-market price, and the idea of staying in a familiar neighborhood feels like a win. At the same time, the house may need updates, your budget feels tight and other […]
Is It Worth Buying a Home or Condo in a 55-and-Up Community?
Buying a home in a 55-and-up community can offer a simpler lifestyle, built-in amenities and a strong sense of community. For many buyers, it marks the start of a new phase of life. Before making an offer, it’s important to understand the rules, costs and long-term fit. For many buyers, purchasing a home in a […]
How Common Is Post-Purchase Occupancy? What Buyers Should Know
In today’s market, post-purchase occupancy, also known as a seller rent-back, is more common than many buyers expect. This arrangement is fairly common when sellers need extra time to move after closing, but it is not automatic in every home sale. A short, well-documented seller rent-back can help both sides, as long as the timeline […]
How Big a Red Flag Is It When Two Consecutive Owners Sell Within 12 Months?
Two consecutive owners selling within 12 months is usually just a yellow flag—not necessarily a dealbreaker. It can signal normal life changes or investor activity, or it can foreshadow potential defects with the property that require deeper investigation. If you’ve found a home you love, noticing two recent sales can be unsettling. It is natural […]
7 Common Real Estate Offer Contingencies Every Homebuyer Should Know
The real estate industry offers contingencies that can protect your finances and give you flexibility when buying a home. Understanding how these contingencies work can help you make stronger, more confident offers in any market. Making an offer on a home is exciting, but it also comes with important financial decisions. The right contingencies can […]