Home inspections are crucial to the real estate process and help the buyer’s agent and buyer avoid costly surprises.  And while home inspectors provide an extremely valuable service, the majority don’t have the tools or training to analyze the

Spring could be a great opportunity for those that haven’t yet taken the jump into homeownership. The recent S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Indices revealed 11 markets, including Chicago, have hit new housing price lows – even lower than those

You may be familiar with the Latin phrase, “caveat emptor,” or “let the buyer beware.”  This is an expression in commerce that basically means that they buyer is taking on the risk of purchase, without warranty.  In today’s condo

By Greg Viti One of my pet peeves in real estate is how difficult it can be to get a showing confirmed.  Everyone has their particular way they want to be contacted.  Some only email, others text or they

The anti-predatory lending database program, also known as SB1167 went into effect on July 1 of 2008. The purpose of the program, according to the state of IL on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) website,

What is holding you back from obtaining some of your biggest dreams and goals? If you look real close at your actions, thoughts and written goals, it usually comes down to us. Most achievement happens when we decide we

By Greg Viti What makes a great real estate office? For me it starts at the top. The manager is the gate keeper, they set the tone. Recruiting solid agents must be a big part of the good to

By Kelly Molinari I often read articles about homeowners in foreclosure and I’m shocked by the way they’re portrayed. Typically, these homeowners are seen as over-reaching and irresponsible — and they’re ostensibly getting what they deserve. Naturally, sympathy is

By Sari Levy Luckily enough, I learned early in life that the more you give the more you get. Now before you think that I am talking about material things, let me explain. A smile or a few kind

By Scott Newman 1)   Find an expert to represent you This is the most important piece of advice I can possibly give you. But this is going to take some work on your part.  Unfortunately, any agent out there

By Stephanie Andre Short sales got your down? If you are like the majority of other agents we have spoken with, the mention of the words short sale probably makes you throw up in your mouth – just a

By Joan Kaufman Agents know that the key to success in real estate is to become an invaluable asset to your clients. Selling a home and preparing to move even in the best of times is a daunting task,

By James Clark It’s a sad fact of life that bad things happen to good people. Having a marriage end in divorce is something people never imagine will happen to them, but with the divorce rate so high you

By Rachel Lopez and Amy Bissonette In these challenging economic times, most consumers are holding on so tight to their purse strings they can barely loosen their grip. Needless to say, money-saving strategies and financial savvy are more important

Several years ago, @properties’ Matt Silver, CRS, GRI, QSC, NAR-certified mediator broker associate, was on “floor” when a famous athlete walked into the office and asked to see some homes. This accidental entrée into a niche has ended up

BY DENISE LONES Open houses still remain on my list of top things agents should be doing right now. The market is ripe for buyers that you can educate on the current state of the market. And there is