We all expect a measure of privacy in our homes. But, in the information age, privacy is no longer a given. In fact, there is a lot of easily acquired information online, particularly after a real estate purchase.
The real estate industry is always shifting and evolving. Recently, lawsuits against the National Association of Realtors and national brokerages have resulted in new commission structures for many real estate brokers....and many questions from clients.
Thanks to a continued low inventory of homes for sale in the Chicago area, our firm expects that 2023 and 2024 will bring multiple offers, when sellers gets competing offers from multiple buyers. This can inspire buyers to get creative with their offers—including offering post-closing possession. What is post-closing posse...
We're on the move! On August 28, 2023, our law firm moves to the corner of State and Madison, the center of all Chicago addresses.
As of New Year's Day, all smoke detectors in residential dwelling units must be...
You know who I am talking about...
I'm talking about naming names on purchase and sale contracts. The standard forms give you room to identify the deal participants – buyer and seller, natch. Yourselves. The lender. The homeowners' association. And yes, us lawyers too.
Adding the lawyers' name lets us all
As of March 1, 2022, there will be a change in the Disclosure of Financial Interest form that Illinois title insurance producers (sellers’ lawyers, some brokerages, etc.) must provide to consumers as they contemplate title insurance. These ‘producers’ include our firm.
The new disclosure form will:
Whew. Real estate buyers, sellers and professionals all exhaled with relief last Friday. After lobbying from the mortgage industry, the Treasury Department has deemed Internal Revenue Service clerks (who process lending forms) as "essential" employees. Which means they can get back to
So, how does a home buyer or real estate investor know where to find the best opportunities for property appreciation in Chicago?