Steps To Buying A Home

When we represent a buyer, we have your best interests at heart.

Whether you’re buying a $100,000 home or a $10 million home, you will get our full attention, 24/7 availability, access to top attorneys and home inspectors as well as our expert and honest advice.  

We believe it’s our job to not only find you the perfect home but also to educate you throughout the entire process so you know you’re making the best short and long term financial decisions.  For most people, buying a home is the most expensive purchase you will ever make and it’s our job to make sure you not only get a great home but get it for a great price.  We go above and beyond for every client from helping you find movers and home insurance to personally dropping off pizza on moving day.  To read reviews about us from past clients visit Yelp, Zillow, and Trulia.

First, download our buyer checklist.  

This checklist contains the steps you need to follow to buy your dream home. Second, send us an email at info(at)BuySellLoveChicago(dot)com so we can set up a search set for you on the MLS and email you homes which fit your search criteria.  Third, check out the estimate of the buyer’s closing costs for the City of Chicago.  This is the approximate amount of cash you will need to have available on the day of closing in addition to your down payment.

Lastly, read our blog posts which detail each step of the real estate transaction for buyers:

Step 1:  Find a Realtor

Step 2:  Get Preapproved for a mortgage

Step 3: Download our home buyer’s checklist

Step 4:  Find the home of your dreams

Step 5: Time for showings

Step 6: Pick a real estate attorney

Step 7: Make an offer

Step 8:  Schedule the home inspection

Step 9:   I have an accepted contract. Now what?

Step 10:  Drop off your 1st earnest money check

Step 11: Give notice to your landlord (only applies to tenants who are currently renting)

Step 12:  Don’t spend extra money

Step 13:  Schedule the closing on your calendar

Step 14:  What is the attorney review/inspection period?

Step 15:  Gather funds for your 2nd earnest money payment

Step 16:  Tips for attending the home inspection

Step 17:  Read the inspection report

Step 18:  Review the HOA condo documents (only applies to buyers who are purchasing condos)

Step 19: Drop off the 2nd earnest money check

Step 20:  The appraisal

Step 21: Hire movers and start packing

Step 22:  Hook up your utilities

Step 23:  Set up homeowner’s insurance

Step 24:  Get your down payment ready

Step 25:  Do you want a home warranty?

Step 26:  Secure your new home

Step 27:  What is clear to close?

Step 28:  Attend the walkthrough

Step 29:  Wire transfer your down payment

Step 30: Attend closing

Step 31: Wrapping things up