5 Must-Know Tips for House Hunting in Chicago:

Buying a home in Chicago, or anywhere in the country, is a big decision. With home prices settling down, mortgage rates at a record low (for now…) and rents continuing to climb, buying a home makes more sense than ever. But how does one even start to prepare for such a significant move? Check out these tips for successful house hunting in the windy City.

1. Set a Budget
   The road to a new set of keys begins with a long hard look at your finances. Cutting down on debt and putting aside as much as possible for a down payment are the basic first steps to homeownership which you can start taking today. You should also research the cost of living in Chicago- your financial situation might be different after relocating.
   To set the right budget you need to consider not only how big a mortgage you can be approved for but how much you can afford as a monthly payment. Getting your finances in order as much in advance as possible before starting to hunt for a home will make it easier to be approved for a loan when you find the home you want.

2. Research Neighborhoods
   Chicago is famous for being a city of neighborhoods, each with its own style and flavor, its advantages and disadvantages. With over 70 distinct neighborhoods in the city, you are bound to find the one that’s right for your family as long as you do your homework.
   Many factors weigh in when it comes to choosing the right neighborhood:
   Safety and low crime, good schools, accessible public transportation, entertainment and shopping options, nearby parks and recreation choices- each family has their unique blend of preferences and specifications. Try to identify your needs and single out these which are most important to you. Keep in mind good schools are important even if you don’t have or plan to have kids because they affect resale value, so research the neighborhood schools’ ratings as well. To learn more about great Chicago neighborhoods for families check out this blog post.

3. Use Online ResourcesA good place to start your search for a Chicago home is one of the many websites listing homes and properties. Browsing online is a great way to get to know the Chicago real estate market and learning about different neighborhoods, prices, and home choices. Be sure to check outRealtor.com, Zillow, Homefinder, Homes.com and Trulia– your next home could be just a mouse-click away.

4. Work with a Local Real Estate Agent
   While doing your own independent research it’s great to be working closely with a local agent. There are many realtors in Chicago who have access to properties that aren’t listed online, and it’s good to have an agent on the lookout for homes that fit your needs. Especially if you are from out of town and preparing for a long distance move, a local agent can act as your eyes and ears in the city, and their knowledge and connections can prove invaluable to your house hunting efforts.

5. Home Buying LogisticsIt’s never too early to start planning for buying a home. Check your credit score and sort out any issues you may have. Start this process as soon as you decide to look for a home so that you’ll have more time to straighten out any problems. You should also think ahead about the size of down payment you will need to make and start saving for when you find a property you like. Start shopping around for mortgage rates and looking into creative financing options (like loans from different non-profits and favorable terms for buyers in certain areas). The home buying process will be much smoother if you have an early idea of what you can afford and how you will be financing your purchase.

Are Moving Brokers Always Crooks? How Do You Find A Good One?

You might have heard a lot about moving brokers, and most were probably cautionary tales. Moving brokers, or companies who coordinate moves through a network of several movers, have long had a reputation, often deserved, of being the industry’s biggest crooks. That’s only a little fair.

Sites like movingscam.com generally advise consumers to run from brokers like they have ebola. They aren’t usually wrong. That being said, moving with a broker is not always the worst idea.

First, let me clear one thing up, moving brokers are not generally licensed movers, but the law abiding ones do register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Laws are getting more strict around brokers, but you still want to protect yourself as you would when dealing with the mover themselves.

Think of a moving broker as being like any of the travel sites on the internet. Movers will often notify a broker if there is empty space on a truck going across country. For that reason, a broker can sometimes find you a good deal and they can save you a lot of legwork.

First, check out a broker on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration‘s website. Look for a company that has been in business for at least three years and is in good standing.

Next, insist that the broker come visit your home and give you a binding estimate. That means that the people who actually perform your move cannot change the price, as long as you do everything you said, such as pack. You will be charged for any extra work. Make sure the estimate you do receive includes absolutely everything, so you aren’t hit with surprises.

Believe it or not, your gut can be pretty reliable. If you feel like the person you are speaking to isn’t reliable or honest or they simply aren’t listening, move on. There are plenty of other moving companies and moving brokers.