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 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.

Cook County bills you in arrears, which means a year behind. The first installment, due around March 1, is always exactly 55% of last year’s total bill, so there are no surprises there. The second installment, due later in the year, is the one that reflects any real changes: a new assessment, a new state equalization factor, or a new local tax rate. That’s the bill that moves.

Plan for the first installment as a known number and the second as a variable one.

Four numbers go into your bill before you ever see a dollar figure: your assessed value, the state equalization factor, your exemptions, and your local tax rate. The math looks like this: (Assessed Value × Equalization Factor − Exemptions) × Tax Rate = Your Bill.

Your home’s assessed value starts with the Assessor’s estimate of its market value, and in Cook County residential property is assessed at 10% of that value. The equalization factor is a yearly multiplier from the Illinois Department of Revenue that has historically landed around 3.0. Your tax rate is the combined rate of every local government that taxes your address, such as the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, the Park District and Cook County.

Assessment is only one input of four, which is why it doesn’t equal your bill.

Local taxing bodies like schools, parks and municipalities don’t ask for a percentage of your home’s value. They ask for a fixed dollar amount, called a levy. If your assessment rises at the same rate as everyone else’s in your district, your bill holds steady. If it rises less than your neighbors’, your bill can go down. If it rises more, your bill goes up, even if the taxing bodies asked for exactly the same amount as last year.

That’s why two neighbors with nearly identical homes can see their bills move in opposite directions in the same year. Your bill depends on what your home is worth relative to everyone else sharing the tax burden.

Probably not, and this is one of the most important things to know before you write an offer. The tax bill on a listing reflects the seller’s assessment and the seller’s exemptions, and neither one transfers to you. A home that sold well above the county’s estimate of its value, or was renovated, will likely be reassessed upward.

To estimate your own bill, work from the price you’re paying, apply the assessment, the equalization factor, your own exemptions and the local rate. That gives you a planning number, not a promise, because rates change every year. It will still be far closer to reality than the seller’s bill. If you’re looking at a specific home, send me a message and I’ll pull its county record and tax history so you know what to expect before you make an offer.

Escrow means your mortgage lender collects a monthly deposit toward your taxes and pays the county for you. Most lenders require it if your down payment was under 20%, but once you have enough equity, you can usually ask to drop it. Escrow isn’t required for everyone.

It comes down to one question: do you want the predictability of escrow, or the control of paying it yourself? Paying the county directly keeps that money in your own account until the bills are due, but it also means two large bills a year that you need to plan for.

Exemptions lower the taxable value of your home. The most common in Cook County are the Homeowner Exemption for owners who live in the home, which reduces your equalized assessed value by $10,000, and the Senior Exemption for owners 65 and older, which reduces it by an additional $8,000. There is also the Senior Freeze for seniors under an income limit, which can hold your assessed value steady, plus exemptions for veterans and people with disabilities.

Exemptions belong to the owner, not the house. When you buy, you need to apply for your own. Your tax bill lists the exemptions you received, and the Cook County Treasurer’s website shows them for each year. If one is missing, you may be able to recover it for prior years.

You have the right to appeal, first with the Cook County Assessor’s office and then with the Board of Review if you’re not satisfied. Appeals are most successful when you can show your home was assessed higher than comparable properties nearby, not simply that you think your bill is too high. It costs nothing to file on your own behalf, and you don’t need an attorney.

Timing matters. Appeals can be filed every year, but only during a short window when your township opens, and once you’ve received your actual tax bill, that window has closed for the year. Cook County also reassesses on a three-year rotation, so only about a third of the county is reassessed in any given year. Chicago’s next reassessment is 2027.

Before you appeal, compare your assessed value to three similar homes nearby.

Your assessment is based on the county’s record of your home, not the home itself, so if that record is wrong, your bill will be too. Look up your property on the Cook County Assessor’s website by address and open the Characteristics section. Check the square footage, bedrooms and bathrooms, whether the basement is finished, central air, fireplaces, garage, and year built.

If the record shows more house than you have, contact the Assessor’s office to correct it. If you’ve renovated or added space, expect the record, and your assessment, to catch up, usually at the next reassessment.

Want the full walkthrough? Read my free guide, Navigating Chicago’s Property Tax System. Figures change every year, so confirm current numbers with the Cook County Assessor, Treasurer or Board of Review before making a decision.

Nobody hands you the city sticker, but you’re expected to know about it. You can register your car and get Illinois plates without anyone mentioning it, yet new Chicago residents are required to buy a city vehicle sticker within 30 days, and for many people the first reminder is a parking ticket.

Read every parking sign, every time. Street cleaning, residential permit zones, rush-hour limits and temporary signs all apply, and tows happen quickly. The city publishes the street-cleaning schedule by address, so put the dates in your calendar each spring.

Before you rent or buy, ask: does this street require a residential parking permit, and have I budgeted for a city sticker?

It depends on your street and your routine. Many Chicagoans get by without one, especially within a short walk of an L station, and many others wouldn’t give theirs up. Decide before you choose a home, because parking is a real part of the price.

• The L: The CTA runs eight rail lines. The Red and Blue lines operate around the clock, and the Blue Line connects to O’Hare.
• Metra: Commuter rail runs from downtown out to the suburbs, which is handy for suburban jobs and weekend trips.
• Divvy and bike lanes: The city’s bike-share system and growing network of protected lanes make short trips easy in warmer months.
• If you keep a car: Plan for the city sticker, a residential permit where your street requires one, and the overnight winter parking ban on certain main streets from December 1 to April 1.

When you tour a home, ask exactly how parking works. A deeded garage space, a rented space in the building and street parking are three very different things in January.

Chicago generally costs less than New York, Boston or the Bay Area, but it has its own line items that surprise newcomers. None of them show up in a listing price.

• Property taxes are paid a year behind. In Cook County, the bill you pay this year is for last year. At closing, the seller typically credits you for taxes owed during their ownership. Budget your first full bills based on the current assessment, not the seller’s old exemptions.
• Buyers pay the city portion of the transfer tax. The buyer’s portion is $3.75 for every $500 of the purchase price. On a $600,000 purchase, that’s $4,500 due at closing.
• Condo and HOA assessments vary widely. Two similar condos can carry very different monthly costs depending on the building’s reserves, amenities and upcoming projects.
• Vehicles add city fees. Every vehicle registered to a Chicago address needs an annual city sticker, and many streets require a residential parking permit.

For the full numbers, see my guides to Chicago closing costs and the Cook County property tax system.

Cold, windy and long, with January averaging in the mid-20s Fahrenheit and occasional stretches below zero. Most people who move here adjust faster than they expect, and the summers are the reward. A coat built for wind, waterproof boots and real layers matter more than toughness.

The winter questions that matter most for buyers are about the home itself:

• Heating: Many vintage buildings use boilers and radiators. Ask the age of the system and who controls the heat.
• Snow: Homeowners are responsible for clearing their own sidewalks. In a condo building, find out who handles it.
• Windows and insulation: Older windows can make a beautiful room drafty. Your inspector can help you weigh what’s worth updating.
• Getting to the car or the train: A heated garage or a short walk to the L feels very different in February.

If you can, see your top choice in winter. A home shows you its true personality in the hardest season.

The most common answer isn’t the weather. It’s the car, along with a few other lessons newcomers tend to learn the hard way:

• Distance isn’t commute time. A job three miles away can take longer to reach than one downtown. The L lines are built to bring you into the Loop, so crosstown trips often mean a transfer or a slower bus. Time your real commute at rush hour before you choose a home.
• Respect dibs. After a big snow, you’ll see lawn chairs and cones holding shoveled-out street spaces. It’s an unofficial neighborhood tradition, and moving someone’s chair rarely ends well.
• City nights are brighter and louder. If you’re coming from somewhere quieter, blackout curtains and a white-noise machine help. When you tour, notice where the bedrooms face.
• Good rentals go fast. An apartment you like may be gone the same day, so have your application documents and deposit ready before you tour.
• Learn the grid. Chicago addresses count out from State and Madison, and 800 address numbers make about a mile. Once that clicks, it’s hard to get lost.

Making friends takes a little effort at first. Locals suggest becoming a regular somewhere in your own neighborhood and saying yes to the lake, the theater and summer street festivals.

Start with how you want your days to work: your commute, whether you’ll keep a car and what kind of building you want to live in. Then narrow to neighborhoods, and then to specific streets. Here are the practical things I’d weigh:

• Distance to an L station, because transit access shapes both your commute and resale.
• Distance from the lake, since being close to the lake and being in a lakefront building are not the same thing.
• Parking, which ranges from a deeded garage space to a residential permit zone to none at all.
• The building itself, because a vintage walk-up, a new-construction condo and a single-family home are three different purchases.

If school attendance boundaries are part of your search, Chicago Public Schools publishes a school locator where you can look up the schools assigned to any address. I’ll gladly show you where to find it so you can review it yourself.

Walk your short list twice, once on a weekday evening and once on a Saturday morning. If you can’t come in person, I’ll walk it with you on video.

The two firm state deadlines are vehicle registration within 30 days and an Illinois driver’s license within 90 days. Everything else on this list keeps your first winter smooth:

• Register your vehicle with the Illinois Secretary of State within 30 days of becoming a resident.
• Get your Illinois driver’s license within 90 days.
• Buy your Chicago city sticker within 30 days from the Office of the City Clerk, and ask about a residential parking permit if your street has one.
• Set up ComEd, Peoples Gas, water and internet. My New Resident Information page has every contact in one place.
• File your change of address with the post office and register to vote at your new address.
• If you bought a home, apply for the Homeowner Exemption with the Cook County Assessor. New owners often miss it.
• Look up your alderman and your ward. In Chicago, many day-to-day questions start there.
• Learn your trash and recycling day and the winter parking rules for your street through 311.
• Pick one weekly ritual in your neighborhood, such as a farmers market, a lakefront running route or a standing coffee order.

Chicago starts to feel like home one routine at a time.

Yes. Through @properties Christie’s International Real Estate and a trusted referral network, I can connect you with an agent I’d trust anywhere you’re headed.

I’m a REALTOR® based in Lincoln Park who has been in the business since 1995 — 30+ years. I’ve helped 500+ 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.