Nope! Most buyers use a loan called a mortgage. You typically put down a portion of the price (called a down payment) and borrow the rest from a lender like a bank. The amount you put down depends on the loan type — it can be as low as 3%–5%, though 20% is ideal. Your lender will walk you through what works for your situation.

Pre-qualification is just an estimate — like a rough guess of what you can borrow. Pre-approval is the real thing: the lender actually verifies your income, credit, and savings. In Chicago’s competitive market, sellers take pre-approved buyers much more seriously. You should get pre-approved before you start visiting homes.

Think of pre-approval as your permission slip to go house shopping for real.

Your credit score is like a grade for how well you pay your bills over time. The higher your score, the better interest rate you’ll get on your loan — which means lower monthly payments. Lenders look at whether you pay on time, how much debt you carry, and how long you’ve had credit. Aim to use no more than 30% of your available credit card limit.

There are extra costs called closing costs that cover things like attorney fees, inspection fees, title insurance, and appraisal costs. In Chicago, plan on an extra 2%–4% of the home’s price on top of your down payment. On a $400,000 home, that’s roughly $8,000–$16,000 extra. Don’t be caught off guard — budget for both!

Yes — and this is unique to Illinois! Unlike most states, Illinois requires both the buyer AND the seller to have their own attorney on every deal. Your attorney protects your legal interests, reviews the contract, handles building disclosures if you’re buying a condo, and guides you all the way through closing. Attorney fees typically run $600–$1,000.

Your buyer’s agent is completely on YOUR side. She helps you find homes, explains what they’re worth, negotiates on your behalf, and guides you through every step from your first showing to closing. As of January 1, 2025, Illinois law requires a written agreement before your agent can show you homes. Buyer compensation is outlined in that agreement and paid at closing — often covered by the seller.

When you make an offer and it gets accepted, you put down a deposit to show you’re serious — that’s earnest money. It typically runs 1%–3% of the purchase price. If the deal closes, it gets applied toward your costs. If the deal falls through for a valid reason (like a bad inspection or financing issues), you usually get it back.

After your offer is accepted, a professional inspector visits the home and checks everything — the roof, plumbing, electrical system, heating and cooling, and more. They give you a written report. This is normal and expected. The goal isn’t to find a perfect house — it’s to know exactly what you’re buying so there are no surprises.

From the time you find the right home to when you get the keys, expect about 45–60 days. That includes the attorney review period (about 5 business days), inspection, lender approval, and closing. Finding the right home first can take weeks or months — which is why it helps to be prepared before you start searching.

Closing is the finish line! It’s the day you officially become the owner. You’ll sign paperwork, transfer your down payment and closing costs, and get the keys. In Chicago, closings happen at a title company or attorney’s office. I walk you through every step so nothing is a surprise.

Yes — Chicago has a few rules most other cities don’t. Illinois requires an attorney on both sides of every deal. Chicago has its own city transfer tax ($7.50 per $1,000 of the purchase price) that the buyer pays — on a $500,000 home, that’s $3,750. And Illinois property taxes are collected a full year behind (called “arrears”), which actually works in your favor at closing. Knowing these things in advance means no surprises.

Chicago’s neighborhoods each have their own personality, price range, commute options, and school options. I’ve worked in Lincoln Park and the surrounding areas for nearly 30 years and love showing clients different neighborhoods — explaining what makes each one distinct — and helping you figure out where you’ll feel most at home. The best starting point is a conversation, not a Zillow search.

Past clients who relocated from Boston said I “educated us on the various Chicago neighborhoods and school districts” and helped them find exactly the right fit in Lincoln Park.

Absolutely. Many relocating buyers do virtual tours and then visit for a focused in-person weekend. I’m experienced with relocation buyers and can plan an efficient visit that covers the most relevant homes and neighborhoods in your timeframe — so you make the most of every hour you’re here.

A condo is a unit in a shared building. You own your unit and share ownership of common areas (lobby, roof, gym) with neighbors. A monthly HOA fee covers building maintenance. A townhouse is usually multi-story, attached to neighboring units, but typically has its own entrance. A single-family home is a standalone property you own completely — no shared building, no HOA. Each has pros and cons depending on your lifestyle and budget.

Illinois collects property taxes one year behind. That means the bill you pay in 2025 covers what you owed for 2024. When you buy a home, the seller gives you a credit at closing for the taxes they owe for the portion of the year they owned the home. This is called a tax proration, and it reduces what you need to bring to closing. It’s actually a buyer-friendly quirk of the Chicago market.

There’s no single right answer. Renting first gives you time to explore neighborhoods before committing. Buying sooner means you start building equity right away. I’m happy to talk through your situation — timeline, job certainty, family needs — and help you think through what makes the most sense. There’s zero pressure either way.

The process is similar, but a few things change. In Chicago proper, the city charges its own transfer tax on the buyer ($7.50 per $1,000). In the suburbs, that tax either doesn’t exist or is different. Parking is also a bigger consideration in the city — it’s often not included with a condo and may be purchased separately. And property taxes vary significantly by neighborhood and building.

It depends on the neighborhood. Many Chicago neighborhoods — especially Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Lakeview, and the Near North Side — are extremely walkable and well-served by the ‘L’ train and buses. Other neighborhoods may require a car for some errands. I can show you properties near transit options if that’s important to your lifestyle.

Definitely. Many Chicago single-family homes and townhouses have yards, decks, or private outdoor spaces. Some condos also have private terraces, rooftop decks, or shared outdoor amenities. It’s all about knowing what to look for — and I help buyers identify which buildings and neighborhoods offer the outdoor living they value.

When you buy a condo, you’re really making two decisions: you’re choosing the unit AND buying into the building and its homeowners association. The HOA fee covers shared building costs — maintenance, management, insurance, reserves. You’ll want to know the building’s financial health, whether there are any upcoming big expenses (called special assessments), and what the building’s rules are. Illinois law gives you the right to review all of this before you’re locked in — it’s called the Section 22.1 disclosure.

This is the most common dilemma for move-up buyers, and the answer depends on your financial situation and the market. Selling first gives you a clear budget and avoids carrying two mortgages — but you might need temporary housing. Buying first means you can move directly — but you’ll need to qualify financially with both mortgages. I help you think through the timing and can coordinate both transactions when needed.

No. When you sell your current home, your mortgage gets paid off as part of that closing, and the remaining equity comes to you. That equity often becomes your down payment for the next home. Your lender can help you figure out how your current mortgage factors into qualifying for a new loan.

I provide a free, no-obligation Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) — which looks at what similar homes near you have recently sold for. This is much more accurate than automated estimates you see on Zillow or Redfin, which can be off by 10%–20% or more. A CMA gives you a real, current picture of your home’s value. Call or text me anytime to get one.

Less is more than you might think. A fresh coat of paint, clean carpets, decluttered closets, and a tidy yard often do more than an expensive kitchen renovation. The goal is to get buyers emotionally invested in the home — not to spend money you won’t fully recoup. I’ll walk through your home and tell you exactly what to focus on and what to skip.

“Prepare, don’t over-improve” — buyers notice care, not necessarily cost.

Possibly. Some buyers use a bridge loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to access their current home’s equity temporarily. This can allow you to buy first and sell second. It’s more complex and requires the right financial picture — your lender can advise on whether this makes sense for you.

Pricing is part art, part science. Price too high and buyers won’t come. Price too low and you leave money on the table. I use a detailed market analysis of recently sold comparable homes, current competition, and neighborhood trends to recommend a strategy that attracts the right buyers and gets you the best result. One past client listed at my recommended price and sold in one day — above asking.

Spring (March–May) is traditionally the most active market, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time to sell — or always the best time for you. The right time depends on your personal timeline, your financial readiness, and current market conditions. Waiting for “the perfect market” can cost you — conditions that currently favor sellers won’t last forever. I help you find the right window for your specific situation.

The goal is simple: get buyers emotionally invested before they even see the inspection report. The basics make the biggest difference — declutter every room, clean top to bottom, touch up paint, boost curb appeal, and remove personal photos so buyers can imagine themselves living there. I provide a detailed pre-listing checklist and connect sellers with trusted contractors, stagers, and photographers.

It absolutely does. Staging — arranging furniture, lighting, and decor intentionally — helps buyers visualize living in the home. A well-staged home photographs better (which matters enormously when buyers first see it online) and often sells faster and for more money. Staging isn’t fluff. It’s strategy.

Sellers typically pay the real estate commission, their own attorney fees, and several transfer taxes. Illinois charges a state transfer tax of $1.50 per $1,000 and a county transfer tax of $3.00 per $1,000 — both paid by the seller. (The Chicago city transfer tax is the buyer’s cost.) Your net proceeds are your sale price minus your outstanding mortgage and all selling costs. I’ll give you a clear estimated net sheet before you list, so there are no surprises.

You’re under contract — exciting! The buyer’s attorney reviews the contract (usually 5 business days), then inspections happen. After that, the buyer’s lender orders an appraisal. You continue coordinating with your attorney all the way to closing day. I’m with you at every step so nothing catches you off guard.

Inspections almost always find something — that’s expected. After the inspection, the buyer may ask for repairs or a credit toward their closing costs. This is a negotiation, not an ultimatum. I’ve handled hundreds of these conversations and will help you respond in a way that keeps the deal moving without giving away more than you need to.

There are a few signals worth paying attention to. If you’re spending more time and energy maintaining the home than enjoying it — rooms sit empty, upkeep feels like a burden — that’s a signal. If you can describe what the next chapter of your life looks like, even loosely, that’s another. If this question keeps coming up in conversation, it’s probably worth a real talk. There’s no pressure and no single right answer.

This is the part most people don’t talk about — but it’s real. Downsizing sits at the intersection of practicality and memory, and that can be genuinely hard to navigate. I hold a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation specifically because I wanted the expertise to walk families through this with empathy and care. I’ve also personally navigated my own family members through downsizing and care transitions — so I truly understand what this feels like from both sides.

Start in phases — not all at once. Begin with items you rarely use. Leave the sentimental decisions for later, when the process feels more settled. Families who try to do everything at once tend to stall; families who work in phases keep moving forward. I can connect you with estate sale experts, professional organizers, and other specialists from my trusted network.

It depends on your health, lifestyle, budget, and how much maintenance you want going forward. Many downsizers love a condo because someone else handles the building upkeep. Others want a single-level home. Some are ready for a community with services and social connection. I can walk through all the options with you and, if needed, help you explore senior housing options in the area.

Selling a home you’ve lived in for years can have tax implications, especially if you’ve built significant equity. Federal law allows single filers to exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains and married couples up to $500,000. Beyond that, a financial advisor and tax professional can help you understand what applies to your specific situation. I can connect you with trusted professionals from my network.

You still need a trusted listing agent to sell your Chicago property. Selling on your own (FSBO — For Sale By Owner) means handling all the marketing, showings, negotiations, legal paperwork, and closing coordination yourself — while also coordinating your move. Most FSBO sellers end up netting less than if they’d used a skilled agent. I handle the Chicago side so you can focus on your next chapter.

Yes. Through @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s national and international network, I can refer you to trusted, vetted agents in virtually any market. This means you don’t have to start from scratch finding someone you can trust in a new city — I make the introduction personally.

It happens more than you’d think. I manage the entire listing process — coordination with contractors, staging, photography, showings, and closing — even if you’re not in Chicago. I’m highly responsive and will keep you fully informed at every step, no matter where you are.

Your net proceeds = your sale price minus your remaining mortgage balance, real estate commission, transfer taxes, attorney fees, and any other closing costs. Before you list, I prepare a detailed seller’s net sheet so you know exactly what to expect — and can plan your next purchase with clarity and confidence.

Go slowly. Start with listening — what are they most worried about? What feels too hard? What feels exciting? Your job as a family member is to support, not to drive. I approach these situations with the same patience and empathy I bring to working with seniors directly. As a member of the Sandwich Generation myself, I understand the emotional complexity of these conversations from both sides of the table.

Absolutely. I adapt to whatever communication style works best for each client. If your parent prefers in-person meetings, phone calls, and paper documents — that’s exactly how we’ll work. Technology is only helpful when it’s user-friendly. Otherwise, we work around it entirely.

The most helpful things you can do: encourage them to meet with a lender first to understand their budget, remind them that the process takes time and patience, and let them make the final decisions (even when it’s hard to hold back). If you’re contributing to the down payment, the lender will need documentation of that gift. I love working with first-time buyers and will make sure your child understands every single step.

Of course. You can attend meetings, join home tours, and be part of the decision process — as long as your family member wants you there. I welcome family involvement and am skilled at making sure everyone feels heard, while keeping the primary client’s goals at the center of every decision.

I’m a REALTOR® based in Lincoln Park who has been in the business since 1995 — nearly 30 years. I’ve helped more than 400 families buy and sell homes in Chicago and the surrounding area. I work with buyers and sellers at every stage of life, from first-time buyers to families downsizing after decades in their homes.

“She made us feel completely comfortable with the dynamics of the home buying process. She listened to what we wanted but more importantly was able to pick up on all of our cues and anticipate our needs in only a way a person with her level of experience can.” — J & A Tortorella, Bucktown

Each designation requires specialized training beyond standard licensing:

• ABR — Accredited Buyer Representative
• SRS — Seller Representative Specialist
• SRES — Senior Real Estate Specialist (clients 50+, downsizing, aging in place)
• RSPS — Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist
• LHC — Luxury Home Certification

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate is the most successful real estate brokerage in the Chicago area, with more than 3,200 agents. By partnering with Christie’s International Real Estate — the same Christie’s known worldwide for fine art and luxury goods since 1766 — the brokerage gives Chicago sellers access to a global network of buyers and collectors that no other local brokerage can match.

Whether you’re buying or selling, my network gives you access most agents simply can’t offer:

• 3,200+ @properties Christie’s agents — actively working with buyers across Chicago
• Top Agent Network — private intel and pre-market opportunities among the top 10% of agents
• Private Listing Network — early access to homes before they hit Zillow or Redfin
• Zenlist — real-time listing alerts and private search tools
• Christie’s International Auction House — for qualifying pieces when downsizing

My clients get earlier access, better information, stronger positioning, and more confident decisions.

Call or text me anytime: 312-953-7811. Email: Maureen@ChicagoDreamHome.com. Or schedule a complimentary 30-minute strategy call — no pressure, no obligation, just a real conversation about where you are and what’s possible.