Month: January 2019

Why You Should Consider Selling or Buying a Home in the Fall

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Fall is a season of change-  temperatures dropping, leaves falling and sweaters making an appearance.

Among this time of transitions, consider making a big move of your own by selling or buying a home in the fall.

Selling a Home in the Fall

The fall season, including dates between September 1 and November 30, often makes for a promising time to sell a home.

Naturally, selling a home during any season comes with advantages and disadvantages.

Here are a few pros and cons to be aware of if you plan on selling your home in the fall:

Advantages of selling a house in the fall:

  • The fall tends to bring in serious buyers. Fall house hunters are often motivated to purchase quickly- before the winter hits and the busy holiday season begins.
  • After the summer, there are fewer listings on the market. This means less competition for sellers and more opportunities to get close to or over asking price.

Disadvantages of selling a house in the fall:

  • Fall is considered an off-peak season, which means sellers won’t see as many prospective buyers as the springtime.
  • As the weather declines during the fall, this has the potential to hinder showings and curb appeal.

Fall Moving Tips

To ensure a smooth and successful fall move keep these tips in mind:

  • Begin the search or sale early- Typically the real estate market stays pretty strong, until about October when it starts to slow down. Therefore, if you are considering listing your home in the fall, don’t delay to increase the odds and timeline of a closing.
  • Photograph ASAP– The earlier you can take those professional house photos, the more promising they will turn out. Not only is the weather more likely to cooperate, but you are also more likely to still have some pretty landscaping intact and better lighting for the photo-ops.
  • Hire a professional agent– Teaming up with a licensed broker helps ease the buying and selling process, and also promotes closing the best deal. Brokers understand the local real estate market and have insight into maximizing the city’s season for a successful sale.

Best Time to Buy a Condo

If you are a new or younger buyer in the market for a condo, fall remains a great season to shop.

According to Trulia’s Q3 inventory report, peak home buying season for “starter” home buyers typically begins in the fall. With more homes listed during this season, buyers not only receive more options to choose from, but will also see the prices of homes soften.

If condo buyers are on a tight budget, winter may be a wise time to buy. This season generally guarantees the best deal on a purchase. However, be aware that there tends to be a limited array of listings on the market during this time.

Before it gets too cold or too busy, team up with an experienced broker who can make selling or buying a home in the fall the best decision of the season.

How to Go About Buying or Selling a Home in the Winter

Posted on by LLCR Staff

The Chicago winters are a great time to bundle up, prepare for the holidays, and enjoy the plenty of restaurants. This season also makes for a fantastic time to buy or sell a home in the Windy City.

Buying or selling a home in the winter proves to be a smart move for both parties, and the Luxury Living team is here to tell you why.

Buying a Home in the Winter

Whether you are in the market for your first house or a new place to call home, consider buying your dream place in the winter.

Although winter may not be the most popular time to house hunt, this proves beneficial to buyers. The winter season provides the most affordable time to close on a new place.

With fewer people shopping for homes during the winter, competition is limited. This minimized competition means lower demand, which also helps keep the housing prices down.

Not only are there fewer buyers during the winter, but there are also fewer houses on the market. While this reduces buyers’ options, it helps keep the listing prices down.

Also, be aware that purchasing a house at the end of the year will provide significant tax benefits. If you close on a house before the new year, you can deduct closing costs, mortgage interest, and property taxes. Additionally, interest rates are generally lower before the new year.

Why Sell in Winter

The winter also makes for an ideal time to sell your property.

With a smaller pool of houses for sale during the winter, sellers have less competition as well. Naturally, with less competition, homes can be listed and sold for higher prices than during busy seasons.

A study conducted by online brokerage Redfin found that average sellers net more above asking price during December, January, February, and March. The same study also revealed that homes listed during the winter months sell faster than those listed in the spring.

Winter Moving Tips

Moving in the winter is a wise financial move, but it may also present some challenges.

To alleviate some of the stress associated with the Windy City winters here are a few moving tips:

  • Hire professional movers- We promise this is an investment that will prove worthwhile. Save yourself the time, trouble, and cold by allowing moving experts to take on the task.
  • Keep an eye on the forecast- Monitor the weather leading up to moving day to make sure there’s not an unexpected storm on the way. If the radar isn’t looking too promising you may want to adjust your moving schedule.
  • Find an experienced broker– Teaming up with a real estate and Chicago expert can help ease and speed up the process and make the transition easier.

Don’t let the cold keep you from buying or selling a home in the winter. Get in touch with a broker and begin the process today!

Here’s the Best Time of Year to Buy a Condo in Chicago

Posted on by LLCR Staff

While there may not be a magic formula to determine the perfect time to invest in a property, an understanding of the real estate market and the Windy City seasons can help suggest the best time of year to buy a condo in Chicago.

With years of experience and a thorough understanding of the Chicago market, the Luxury Living team is here to help you decide on when you should start looking for a condo.

Best Time to Buy a Condo

Why is the timing of your condo purchase so important? The time of year that you chose to house hunt can impact various factors of your purchase- from the number of listings to choose from to the price of your desired property.

By understanding the seasonal market trends, you can better make a strategic and worthwhile investment.

Based on the Chicago market, every season has its own set of advantages for potential buyers.

For young home buyers, or anyone looking to save money, the winter months, specifically January and February, may be the best time to make an offer. Numbers show that average condo price drop around $6,000 in the winter, compared to the late spring and summer.

If buyers are more concerned with options rather than price, springtime offers Chicagoans with the highest number of housing listings to choose from. Just keep in mind that with more competition on the market, spring tends to increase the price of listings.

Best Time to Buy a Home in Chicago

While condos are a hot housing option in a large city, you may still be considering buying a single-family home in Chicago. If this is the case, keep in mind that the seasons affect the market similarly for both condos and homes.

Since many families occupy homes in the city, it is common for these families to chose to move around the summertime, before the new school year starts, especially if they are changing school districts. Therefore, this is a promising season to house hunt if you are looking for a large selection of listings on the market.

How Long Does it Take to Buy a Condo?

Once you are ready to pull the trigger and buy a property in Chicago, keep in mind that this journey may take a while. The entire process, from beginning the house search to closing on your purchase, can take anywhere from three to six months; or even longer if issues arise.

While the house hunting period depends largely on the efficiency of the buyers and agent, the average closing period in Chicago hovers around 45 days.

Make sure to keep up with these seasonal market trends and team up with an experienced broker to help you narrow down the best time of year to buy a condo in Chicago.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Buy a Home?

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Timing is crucial- especially when it comes to buying a home.

While there are plenty of factors to consider when purchasing a property, timing can drastically affect the market, which directly impacts your purchase.  

The Luxury Living team is here to help provide insight into determining the best time of year to buy a home.

Here’s the Best Time of Year to Buy a Condo in Chicago

If you are considering purchasing a condo in the Windy City, it is vital to figure out the best time of year to begin your house hunting to ensure a strategic and worthwhile investment.

While there is no perfect formula for timing your condo purchase, there are certain seasonal trends that help indicate the ideal time to buy.

For young home buyers, or anyone looking to save money, the winter months, specifically January and February, may be the best time to make an offer. Numbers show that average condo price drop around $6,000 in the winter, compared to the late spring and summer.

If buyers are more concerned with options rather than price, springtime generally proves to be a better time to house hunt. This season tends to offer Chicagoans with the highest number of housing listings to choose from. Just keep in mind that with more competition on the market, springtime tends to increase the price of listings. March through May are the months that homes find themselves selling for record high prices.

While condos are a hot housing option in a large city, we can’t forget about the single-family homes. If you’ are curious when the best time to start browsing for this home type, the rule of thumb is generally the same as condo purchases.

Once you are ready to pull the trigger and buy a property in Chicago, keep in mind that this journey may take a while. The entire process, from beginning the house search to closing on your purchase, can take anywhere from three to six months; or even longer if issues arise.

While the house hunting period depends largely on the efficiency of the buyers and agent, the average closing period in Chicago hovers around 45 days.

How to Go About Buying or Selling a Home in the Winter

While the Chicago winter is a time of holiday hustle and bustle and frigid temperatures, don’t let this deter you from buying or selling your home.

With the wintertime proving to be a wise time to buy a home, consider using this season to find your dream home.

While buying a home in the winter is often the most affordable time to purchase a property, keep in mind that listing options are not as abundant during this season. The smaller pool of homes helps keep the listing prices down but also limits your selection.

The winter is also an excellent time for people looking to sell their property, especially because of the tax benefits. Buying and selling in the winter allow both parties to apply credits or claims on taxes before the new year.

Moving during the Chicago winter is a wise financial move, but it may also present some challenges.

To alleviate some of the stress associated with the Windy City winters here are a few moving tips:

  • Hire professional movers- We promise this is an investment that will prove worth it. Save yourself the time, trouble, and cold by allowing moving experts to take on the task.
  • Keep an eye on the forecast- Monitor the weather leading up to moving day to make sure there is not an unexpected storm on the way. If the radar isn’t looking very promising you may want to adjust your moving schedule.
  • Find an experienced broker– Teaming up with a real estate and Chicago expert can help ease and speed up the process.

Why You Should Consider Selling or Buying a Home in the Fall

The fall season is another promising time to consider selling or buying a home. During this time the normal market typically sees a second “rush” of buyers, especially as many leases come to an end, schools start back up, and people want to buy or sell before the winter comes.

Typically the real estate market stays pretty strong, until about October when it starts to slow down. Therefore, if you are considering listing your home in the fall, be sure to begin the sale early to increase the odds and timeline of a closing.

If your home has a nice amount of outdoor space, keep in mind that as the season begins to approach winter, your landscaping may start to die. You want to try and capture buyers attention while your outside is still pretty.

Tips for Buying or Selling a Home in Spring

Springtime in Chicago often proves to be a busy time in the world of real estate. Many sellers like to wait for the winter to pass until they list their property. Vice versa, many buyers also hold off searching for the dream house until the weather clears up and more listings pop up on on the market.

The main appeal for home buyers to shop in the spring is the listing options. This season tends to boast a variety of housing options, providing house hunters with endless choices and the opportunity to be more selective.

While buyers have the advantage of a wide selection, they should also be prepared to pay more competitive prices. If you end up finding a home during the spring, make sure to work closely with a licensed broker to help find a suitable property in your budget and negotiate a fair closing cost.

While these higher listing prices may deter some potential buyers on a budget, this competitive market tends to entice sellers. With so many properties for sale, sellers can list their house for the highest and best dollar. The nicer spring weather also enhances properties’ curb appeal and online pictures, which further helps attract potential buyers.

Buying a Home in the Summer? Use These Tips

There is nothing like a Chi-town summer. Not only is this the perfect time to explore Chicago, but it also makes for a great season to buy a home for yourself.

Summer house hunters are bound to find plenty of listings on the market to choose from. While the number dwindles a bit from the Springtime, this means that buyers will likely see price drops or sellers will be more willing to negotiate.

To fully take advantage of the hot summer market, be sure to utilize a broker to help narrow down the best house options and ensure you get the best possible price. Don’t forget that during this season you are likely to pay less than the asking price.

The summer is also a suitable time to put your house on the market if you are ready to sell. While your home may not sell as fast as it would in the Spring, the likelihood of a contract is still very high. Just be prepared for interested buyers to negotiate during this time of year.

As a seller, also keep in mind that the beautiful summer weather helps ensure better quality photos and better showings than during the gloomy seasons.

With a greater understanding of the Chicago seasons and how they impact the housing market, hopefully you feel more confident determining the best time of the year to buy a home.If this season is right for you, contact an experienced broker to help you find your dream home today!

Is a Home or Condo a Better Investment?

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Potential investors commonly inquire if homes or condos are a better investment. The truth is that the answer is not black and white. While the answer depends entirely on the buyer’s needs and the local market, condos prove to be a beneficial investment for many.

Why Condos are a Good Investment

If you are looking to invest in a large city, specifically Chicago, it is safe to say that purchasing a condo is a wise move.

Financing a condo allows for easier entry into the housing market at a relatively affordable cost, which is especially appealing to new or young investors.

Plenty of investors have profited on condos either through monthly rental income or reselling.

Since the end of the housing market crash in 2007, condos have only been increasing in resale value. Condos have also proven to sell fairly quickly, regardless of the state of the market.

If you chose to rent your condo for extra monthly profit, buyers have an opportunity to take advantage of impressive tax deductions, as well as equity growth.

How Condos Compare to Homes

Finding affordable single-family homes in a big city tends to be unreachable for new or young buyers, with many of these properties reaching the millions. Condominiums, on the other hand, tend to offer a more practical purchase for these types of buyers.

However, prospective condo owners should be prepared to pay monthly or annual homeowner association fees associated with ownership.

Although these fees may dissuade some potential buyers, it is critical to remember that they provide condo owners with an added convenience that homeowners don’t receive. Instead of worrying about keeping up with the yard or dealing with building repairs, condo owners can leave these additional concerns in the hands of the HOA.

Another perk of owning of investing in a condo is the resale rate. Research has shown that condominiums tend to sell quicker than single-family homes, even in the down market.

Where to Find Great Condos and How a Broker can Help you Find Them

Securing a worthwhile investment also involves aligning your needs as a buyer with the perfect property. This requires a thorough knowledge of the market as well as your expectations.

For new and experienced investors, licensed brokers can help support prospective buyers’ needs and streamline the search process.

Experienced real estate professionals understand the local and national market and can help point out hot or up-and-coming neighborhoods that will attract future tenants or buyers. They can also help you negotiate prices and ensure that all of your needs are met.

Additionally, agents can help examine HOA documents with a critical eye to ensure that you don’t miss any rules or regulations that may make rentals or resale difficult.

Don’t let the opportunity to invest and build equity pass you by. Team up with an experienced broker and find the perfect condo today!

What is an HOA Resale Package?

Posted on by LLCR Staff

If you are in the process of purchasing or selling a condo, be prepared for lots of paperwork. There is a great deal of information the buyer needs to be aware of before obtaining the title to a property.

Among all of this paperwork involved in condo sales, HOA resale packages are critical for any prospective buyer to receive.

Overview of an HOA resale package

When a buyer is ready to purchases a condo, the homeowners association generally administers a resale package. This package is prepared by the HOA, within seven to ten days of the initial offer. This package is a packet of critical information, including a complete set of record documents that govern the association.

Regardless or not if a state requires HOA’s to provide resale packages, buyers should always obtain these documents before finalizing a transaction.

While information within these packages may vary depending on the state, they commonly include the following documents:

  • Annual Financials
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Budget
  • Bylaws
  • Covenants, Codes, & Restrictions (CC&Rs)
  • Insurance Declaration Page
  • Regular Meeting Minutes
  • Resale Certificate/Demand
  • Reserve Report, Rules and Regulations

Generally, it is the seller’s responsibility to obtain the resale package for the buyer. However, if you do not receive an HOA resale package following your offer on a condo, your licensed real estate broker should be your first point of contact.

Why You Need to Get One

As a condo buyer, it is crucial to obtain and carefully review all documents within your HOA resale package before moving forward with the purchase.

This package discloses information about the community and whether or not the seller is current in their financial obligations to the association. All of this information could impact a buyers decision to close on the listing.

Knowledgeable and trustworthy brokers can point out any restrictions in the resale certificate that may lead a buyer to walk away from a deal.

HOA resale packages also protect both the buyer and the seller from potential disagreements and litigations and minimize financial risk for the association.

How it Makes the Buying and Selling Process Easier

The HOA resale package eases the buying and selling process by laying out important information all in one place. The buyer does not have to worry about going back and forth with the agent or seller to sort out details regarding the transaction.

This paperwork enables transparent transactions and keeps buyers fully informed before investing in a property.

Both sellers and buyers will find that HOA resale packages offer vital information and peace of mind during a transaction. Keep this in mind before moving forward with your next condo purchase.

Tips for Buying a Condo to Rent

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Buying a condo to rent can make for an extremely rewarding investment. While this process is exciting, keep in mind that it is also a big endeavor.

It is critical first to understand the best approach to buying a rental property to equip yourself to make a wise and confident purchase. With this in mind, the Luxury Living team is here to help prepare you for buying and renting a condo.

Why People Buy Condos to Rent Them

Purchasing a condo to rent is an excellent opportunity to leverage additional monthly income, as well as tax benefits.

You will find yourself saving big money during tax season if you take advantage of all the deductions you are entitled to receive for expenses related to your condo rental. These deductions reduce the amount of money you are taxed, ultimately increasing your rental profits.

Many investors are also drawn to condos for rental purposes because these property types are often more affordable and easier to maintain than single-family homes, especially in a large city like Chicago.

Additionally, homeowners associations help alleviate stress for condo owners renting out their units. Since HOAs manage condo building, they are often responsible for handling many of the basic services. This means owners don’t have to sweat building repairs or managing garbage removal, a luxury that not all property owners have.

How to Approach Finding a Condo to Rent Out

Before narrowing down a condo to rent out, research is critical. Teaming up with a licensed broker can streamline the search process and ensure a suitable rental property.

We’ve compiled a list of key factors to consider when finding a condo to rent out:

  • Find a desirable location: When it comes to any property purchase, location is everything. Finding a hot or up-and-coming neighborhood will increase the value of your property.
  • Examine the HOA: Homeowners associations can impact your potential investment immensely. Before buying, make sure you feel comfortable with the HOA’s monthly dues, as well as their rules and regulations.
  • Consider financing: Before purchasing a condo, you need to apply for a mortgage. Lenders will often review the condo board documents and building operations.

What to Know About Having Renters

Before leasing out your condo, you also need to understand what it is like dealing with renters.

Condo owners seeking to lease out their property need to thoroughly examine renter applications to ensure a wise choice in a tenant. Since renters will be residing in your property, you want to choose a responsible tenant who will likely take care of the unit and keep up with rent.

Hopefully, with more insight into the world of renting, you can feel more confident buying a condo to rent out. Get in touch with an experienced broker to begin the process today!

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