Real Estate

Buying a home is an expensive process. Modern mortgages are more flexible than those issued in prior generations. Most people don't need to come to the table with 20% down. However, they do need a small down payment, much of which might serve as their earnest money. A...

Serving on the board for a homeowners association (HOA) comes with many responsibilities. Board members have to be present for meetings, which can demand hours of their time every month. They may also need to make difficult decisions regarding their neighbors and...

Many businesses rent commercial real estate initially because they are unsure of their needs or their company's chances of success. However, organizations with a track record of success or substantial funding may decide to purchase real property. Buying undeveloped or...

Illinois commercial real estate is big business. Illinois Policy reports that Chicago has the second highest commercial property taxes in the United States. With so much money on the line, it’s no surprise negotiating real estate purchase agreements can feel...

In Illinois, a commercial retail lease is a contract negotiated between a tenant and a landlord to rent a retail space. Understanding the lease structure and terms is crucial in securing a favorable deal and knowing which parts of the lease you can negotiate and how...

When navigating a real estate transaction, it is important to ensure you are not making a critical mistake. There are many real estate laws that can get in the way of maintaining your best interests, and some mistakes are more common than others for people who are new...

When work is done on your Illinois home, you typically pay the general contractor hired to complete the project. However, the contractor will likely hire other parties to supply products or complete tasks related to your home improvement project. If any party related...

Are you considering the purchase of a commercial building in Illinois? Buying commercial real estate can be challenging, especially if you're doing so for the first time. Doing your homework goes a long way to ensure that your intended property is a good investment....

Entrepreneurs looking to buy real estate in Illinois for their next venture sometimes must apply for zoning changes to realize their dreams. Even if the current zoning is applicable, you may need a variance for your intended use. Here's how to proceed when facing your...

Mechanic's liens are highly common for any type of construction job. In this industry, things don't always go as expected, and it's often out of the workers' hands. Whenever there are payment disputes in a real estate project, mechanic's liens are the way that these...