Don't Miss Out On The IDHA 1st HomeIllinois Program!!! You could receive $7,500 in down payment assistance

ATTENTION: Don't miss the opportunity to utilize the IHDA 1st Home Illinois program, 1st time buyers (or if you haven't purchased in past 3yrs) can receive up to $7,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The program can help turn many potential buyers into homeowners.

REAL ESTATE TIPS 106: Add Value and Not Novelties!

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is updating their home without considering whether or not those updates will increase or decrease value. If you never plan on selling your home then definitely paint it purple and orange and put a fireman pole from the second floor to the basement. If resell appeal doesn't matter to you then its not an issue to go from a 3 bedroom home to a 1 bedroom with an oversized walk-in closet. If it's possible that you might sell at some point it would be more beneficial to update electric, plumbing, replace older windows, update kitchen and bathrooms (Caution: keep it simple as these two can go from smart investment to money pit in the flip of a page). Remember your home is an investment, the choices you make effect the possible return, be them good or bad. 

REAL ESTATE TIP 105: The Budget is Your Friend!

Creating a budget that works for your situation is essential in real estate planning. If you're a 1st time buyer you'll need a budget of how much house you can afford, how much you can afford in closing cost and downpayment as well the amount of repairs and updates needed. If you're a seller you'll need a budget of how much you can afford to spend on repairs before putting your home on the market as well as costs associated with the transfer of your property some of which must be paid out of pocket. Investors MUST have a budget to insure the amount of work put into the property will increase value while not breaking the bank. Create a realistic and sensible budget and let that be your blueprint to Real Estate success!

Real Estate Tip 104: All Advice Isn't Good Advice

Getting insight from family and friends on things you have going on in your life can sometimes be useful... Real estate usually isn't one of those thing! Many people like to give advice on how to navigate the Real Estate market while having very little experience, if any. It's usually better to consult with licensed professionals who have the knowledge and experience to properly advise you as opposed to the guy at the Barbecue who's "in the business", it cost him nothing to give you bad advice, but how much could that bad advice cost you?