How To Streamline Buying a Home in Chicago This Holiday Season

Last week, we looked at selling your home and how pricing your home correctly from the beginning can be a key factor in getting your home sold. This week, we wanted to focus on those looking to buy a home in Chicago this holiday season.

For whatever reason, whether due to a job transfer or extenuating circumstances, you may find yourself in the market to buy a home in one of Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods. And, while you may be excited about the opportunity to own a piece of the Windy City, you may not be too excited about the timing.

You understand that the home buying process can take some time, yet you’d ideally like to be settled into you new home in time for the Christmas season. Is there a way to speed up the process?

You’ll be glad to hear our answer! Yes, there are things you can do to help the process run more smoothly and efficiently, resulting in a quicker home buying experience. As property advisors and Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents working along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, our goal is to provide you with the information and guidance you need to navigate through your real estate needs. Here are eight things you can to do streamline the Chicago home buying process this holiday season!

1. Start Your Search Online- Instead of spending your time searching for open houses or for sale signs, get online to streamline your search. There are many great homes in Chicago that you can view online.

2. Get Pre-Approved- Finding the home of your dreams and then shopping for a loan is a risky move, as most home sellers won’t even look at an offer that’s not accompanied by a pre-approval letter. Getting pre-approved ensures you know your exact budget and can save you from a bidding war if many are vying for the same home.

3. Look for Motivated Sellers- Again, this shouldn’t be hard to find motivated sellers in the fall since they’re more than likely wanting to sell before the holidays. Don’t settle for sellers who aren’t willing to budge on a home at the top of your price range; there are too many other great Chicago homes out there that will have motivated sellers.

4. Prioritize Your Housing Needs- Finding a home fast means being flexible. The longer the list of requirements, the harder it will be to find a home. Keep your list short and to the point. Focus on the key elements you’re looking for and let the extras fall as they may.

5. Find a Great Agent- This may seem easy, but finding an agent that truly knows the Chicago Real Estate agent and can show your properties that are right in your price range and meet your style and needs can be challenging. Of course, I’d love to help you in your home search and know that my experience and proven success will make the home buying process an easy one. Bottom line? Do your homework and really research local Chicago Real Estate agents.

6. Negotiate Repairs- If an inspection reveals that the home you want to buy requires repairs, taking the responsibility off the seller can help you close the deal quicker. After obtaining estimates, ask the seller for a credit rather than asking them to complete the repairs themselves.

7. Have Cash Ready for Closing- You don’t want to be scrambling for funds at the last minute, so be prepared for this important date. A day or two before closing on your Chicago home, you’ll get the final settlement statement, detailing the terms of your loan and all the closing costs. Be sure to get a certified or cashier’s check made out for the total amount you owe at closing, including the down payment since you can’t use a personal check.

8. Have a Plan B- Because not every transaction goes smoothly, be sure you have a property or two as a backup; you don’t want to have to start from scratch!

We hope these tips give you the confidence needed to take the next step forward in buying a home in Chicago. You’ll find there are a number of stunning homes currently on the Chicago Real Estate market from which to choose!

If you are ready to begin your Chicago home search or would like to sit down and talk with us about your home buying needs; please contact us today! We would be happy to answer your questions and work with you to help you be settled in your new home to host family and friends this holiday season!