First-Time Homebuyer FAQ: If I Have a Mortgage, Do I Own My Home?

Home financing can be a confusing process for first-time homebuyers, including the concept of ownership after closing on a mortgage. When you purchase a home via a mortgage loan, as a borrower, you are, in fact, a homeowner free to make decisions pertinent to the property (decor, renovations, construction, landscaping and so on). Even so, […]

First-Time Homeowner Checklist

So, you’ve just bought your first home. Congratulations! With the searching and financing completed, now comes the fun work of settling in and turning your new house into a home. To help make the transition into your new space hassle-free, here are our recommendations for things you should do before move-in day! First, spend some […]

First-Time Homebuyer FAQ: When Will I Know My Final Closing Costs?

When you get a mortgage, you almost certainly will pay closing costs upon finalizing your purchase or refinance. These are fees charged by your lender and third parties that have performed services related to your home purchase, such as title search fees, loan origination fees, appraisal fees and other similar charges. Typically, closing costs range […]

We’ve got some big news!

We are celebrating after having been awarded a Top Workplaces 2020 honor by The Chicago Tribune for the second year in a row! This award is based solely on employee feedback gathered by third-party survey engagement technology partner, Energage, LLC. The survey measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are pivotal to the success of […]

At Home Hobbies

In this season of life, you might be finding yourself with a little bit more spare time than usual. During the shut-down, people were able to spend time in a state of curiosity and creativity. And although many places are reopening (and we are glad about that), we believe there is still an opportunity to […]

Don’t Lose “The One”!

Are you looking to buy a home? Due to COVID-19, our typical Spring market has shifted to summer, and the market is HOT! With high demand and low inventory, buyers are finding themselves in multiple bidding wars. Recently, we’ve seen some homes get 14 offers after being on the market for just one day. To […]

9 Ways to Slash Your Home Utility Bill This Fall & Winter

Energy efficient home maintenance tasks probably aren’t on your list of favorite fall activities. Nevertheless, these home improvements and home maintenance fixes will keep your cool-weather utility costs a little bit lower this fall and winter. Maintain Your Furnace Having an HVAC professional take a look at your heating system can do wonders for your […]

7 Steps to Buying Your First Home This Fall

So you’ve decided to buy a home this fall. Congratulations! There are several benefits of autumn homebuying, but before you start thumbing through online listing photos, there are a few educational and financial steps to complete to get yourself in the best shape for a mortgage and homeownership, in general. Here’s how to get on the right track to becoming […]

4 Ways to Grow Your Home Equity

Think of your home as a large piggy bank. With every monthly mortgage payment, you’re putting money into that piggy bank. If or when the time comes that you need it, that equity is there to use to your liking. So how can you increase your home equity at a faster pace? See here. Make […]

5 Perks of Buying a House in the Fall

Did you know this week–the last week in September–is considered the Black Friday of Homebuying!? Studies say the week of September 22nd is the best week of the year to buy!  Check out 5 reasons why below. 1. You May Find Some Motivated Sellers A home that sat on the market all summer may incline its […]

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