Beautiful two-story townhome with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and loft in desired Lockport Neighborhood. Grand family room features impressive 18 foot ceiling. This spacious renovated kitchen features modern Canned lighting, Cherry cabinets, Quartz countertops, 4-seater Island, all stainless-steel appliances, and a walk-in pantry. Open concept floor plan, bamboo flooring all throughout the 1st level that leads you to sliding glass doors that takes you to the concrete patio where you can enjoy morning coffee, also perfect for grilling and unwinding at the end of the day. Large master bedroom has private bath and walk-in closet. Large loft with unique overlooks 2 story family room. Home also features much desired 2nd floor laundry and 2 car attached garage. Homer 33C school district, quiet sub area. Monthly assessment includes water, garbage, exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal. Minutes to 355 and I-80, easy access to public transportation, shopping and dining. Call today and schedule your private tour.
Bronzeville Property for Sale | 3606 S Lake Park Ave Unit 2
This breathtaking 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home is located in the Oakland/North Kenwood neighborhood and features plenty of natural light with an open concept layout accompanied with custom railings, high ceilings and hardwood floors throughout the unit. The gourmet kitchen with quartz island, all stainless steel appliances, and custom cabinetry. Other great features include an electric fireplace, open to the sundrenched living room. Generous master bedroom with like spa retreat bathroom. Enjoy the convenience of being in a walkable neighborhood within minutes from world class Museum of Science and Industry, Newark Street dog park which is across the street, 31st Street Harbor (Pier), McCormick Place and the Historical University of Chicago & IIT. Nearby Lake Shore Drive and the spectacular views of the skyline of Chicago. all today and schedule your private tour!
Bucktown Property For Sale | 2322 W Dickens Ave
Stunning opportunity for highly upgraded Bucktown home that flows through 3 full living levels. Bright and tasteful professionally designed home has new master and guest baths, heated floors with dual walk-in shower and double vanity in master. Upgraded kitchen offers all new top end appliances, hood and impeccable backsplash with quartz island and peninsula. Large family room with gas fireplace. Living room overlooks tree-lined Dickens with adjacent dining room that fits the most sizable of tables - making this a perfect choice for those who like to entertain. The 2 car garage top is fully decked and adorned with cedar pergola - offering another entertainment space. There are 3 spacious bedrooms up, including the master and a glass encased office perfect for at home workers. Downstairs is a perfect en suite bedroom with full bath with heated floor. There are laundries up and down and the lower level has a fantastic rec room with custom built-ins. Pulaski district. Easy access to transit and expressways.
The Sparking Entrepreneur Podcast - No Whining, No Complaining, No Excuses ft. Tom Campone
Tom Campone started his career as sales professional. Understanding that sales are a numbers game, Tom decided to pivot to the real estate industry. Fast forward to today, Tom has sold over 18 million dollars in real estate sales in this year alone.
Tom shares how having grit and showing up every day could help a person succeed in real estate. Writing down the three most important goals and visiting them monthly to bury them in your subconscious mind is the advice that Tom shares with all the young entrepreneurs.
South Loop Property for Sale | 730 W 17th Pl Unit 3W
Immaculate Penthouse unit featuring 3 bed 2 bath with private roof deck overlooking the Chicago Skyline views. As you walk in you will be greeted by luxurious open living room, high ceilings, and hardwood floors. Large Chef kitchen with high end SS appliances, modern light fixtures, and large quartz kitchen Island. Master bedroom features an oversized walk-in shower, porcelain tile, and dual vanity. Hardwood floors throughout, 7' solid core doors, 10' foot ceiling height throughout. Garage Parking included. Large rear deck for entertaining/grilling on the main living level. Close to downtown, public transportation, and great restaurants.
South Loop Property for Rent | 1629 S Prairie Ave Unit 902
In the heart of South Loop, stunning and modern 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom + den unit in the historic Prairie District. As you step inside you will be drawn to the beautiful view of the skyline, lake, and Soldier field. A fully- equipped chef's kitchen with SS appliances, oak cabinetry, granite counter tops and breakfast bar. Large living room opens to balcony, enjoy entertaining with magnificent views of the city. . The primary and Second Bedroom have generous closet space and newer Carpet. hardwood floors throughout and much more! Full amenity building with 24-hour doorman, on sight manager, large workout room, sauna, party room, extra storage, media room, pet friendly building. Parking available for $200 monthly fee. Nearby to everything in South loop including dog park, lake front, restaurants, Trader Joe's, Mariano's, CTA, & more!
South Loop Property for Rent | 1600 S Indiana Ave Unit 907
Escape to this chic and stylish 2-bed, 2-bath apartment in the absolute perfect location. Step inside where you're greeted by an open concept entertainment space and an effortless flow guiding you from the full-sized kitchen with granite countertops and bonus breakfast bar seating to the spacious living area fitted with beautiful hardwood floors. Enjoy stunning skyline views inside or on your own private balcony that is just calling for you to relax with a cup of coffee. The private family spaces are equally as impressive with comfortable and roomy bedrooms and spacious, bright full bathrooms. Private Balcony with a unique east and west view of Soldier Field, the Lake, Field Museum, and the loop. Separate electric outlet for the balcony for lighting and grills. Designated parking space in a well maintained parking garage with elevator entry to the building. Building has a large terrace on the 5th floor with chaise lounges, sofas and other seating, and a public grill.This must-see home won't last - call today for more info!
West Loop Property for Rent | 1228 W Monroe St Unit 401
Gorgeous 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom unit in the heart of the West Loop. This unit features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors. Garage parking space included. No security deposit, move in fee $1,000. A very well-maintained building. A block from Skinner park and school and walkable to everything in West Loop! Pet Friendly Building. Schedule your showing today!!
Naperville Property For Sale| 1295 W Bauer Rd
Tucked away among soaring mature trees, this gorgeous 4-bedroom home sits on a large lot in a great community and is right where you want to be. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by an intentional flow that guides you through the bright entertainment spaces. The living and dining areas lend themselves effortlessly to the chic and stylish kitchen fitted with custom maple cabinetry, updated stainless-steel appliances and luxe granite countertops. Find even more entertainment space outside on the beautiful paver patio overlooking your private sprawling backyard. There's so much to see in this beautifully finished home - call today to schedule your private showing!
Bridgeport Property for Sale | 3500 S Sangamon St #403 | 1 Bed | 1 Bath
A gorgeous apartment in a great area, you will feel right at home from the moment you step inside. Contemporary and cool, this space has been tastefully finished with exposed brick and ductwork for a modern loft feel you're sure to love. Totally open concept, the living spaces blend effortlessly into the kitchen and the entire space is full of warm natural light highlighting designer flooring throughout. Also offering outdoor space, a private patio is the perfect place to relax and take in the picturesque views. An in-unit washer and dryer, residential gym and available parking make this space as convenient as it is beautiful - don't let this one pass you by.
South Loop Property for Sale | 1717 S Prairie Ave #1410 | 2 Bed | 2 Bath
Nestled in the heart of the historic Prairie District, this gorgeous 2-bed, 2-bath condo is right where you want to be. Offering plenty of intentionally designed living space, you will adore the open concept entertainment space, balcony off the living room east lake views, full of natural light that effortlessly guides you to the stylish kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, beautiful quartz countertops and a spacious island. A few steps takes you to your roomy private balcony where you can soak in the sun and enjoy picturesque lake view off the bedroom. The private quarters are just as stylish with a large bedroom with walk-in closet and a beautiful bathroom with soaker tub and separate shower. Prime indoor park + $30k. Don't let this one pass you by - call today for your private showing!
South Loop Property for Sale | 1923 S State St Unit 1 | 2 Bed | 3 Bath
Boasting a premium location in South Loop with easy access to all the best museums, Soldier Field and local amenities, you don’t want to let this 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom home pass you by. Offering 1,450 sq. ft. of intentionally designed living space, this bright and beautiful home has been lovingly updated including new designer flooring and a fresh coat of paint. The living areas are spacious and perfect for entertaining, and the bedrooms are roomy with ample storage and chic modern bathrooms. You don’t want to let this one pass you by – call today for more info!
Bronzeville Property for Sale | 4318 S Champlain Ave
Don't miss this spectacular single family home with high-end finishes on a quiet tree-lined street in the booming Bronzeville neighborhood. Beautifully finished, you will adore the bright and airy open concept including a sprawling, sun-drenched living room and dining room. The gourmet kitchen, which opens to the family room, is perfect for the home chef with custom cabinetry, high-end stainless-steel appliances and a large island. Upstairs is a spacious master suite, two additional bedrooms connected with a Jack and Jill bath, and a convenient upstairs laundry area. A light-filled basement has a second family room, two bedrooms and another full bathroom. Closets have custom organizers from Elfa and Closet Works. Outside, there is a large, enclosed back patio and front, back and side yards with east, west, and southern sun exposures, perfect for gardening. A rare three-car garage completes the home. A short bike ride or walk to the lakefront with the new 43rd street pedestrian bridge under construction. Several parks including a new dog park are a short walk or bike ride away, and new and upcoming development is all around. Minutes to Lake Shore Drive and I-90/94. This one won't last long - call today for more info!
South Loop Property for Sale | 1620 S Michigan Ave Unit 1207 | 2 Bed 2 Bath
Gorgeous views of the lake and expansive room to spread out make this penthouse unit a must-see. 15-foot ceilings highlight an open concept entertainment space that's flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The large full kitchen is perfect for the culinary enthusiast with luxe granite countertops, rich cherry wood cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. Enjoy the massive amount of entertainment space including an oversized balcony where you can soak in the amazing views. Each bedroom has its own bathroom, plus a roomy bonus den that makes this the perfect spot to work from home. Not to be missed, this one won't last long - call today for more info! Premiere 2.5 car extra large tandem parking space is an additional $30,000.
South Loop Property for Sale | 1720 S Michigan Ave #2614 | 1 Bed 1 Bath
This 1-bedroom unit at 1720 S. Michigan, amazing views of the City's Skyline from this contemporary, west-facing unit. 10' ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balcony in the booming South Loop! Premium upgraded finishes include real hardwood floors, granite countertops, SS appliances, and in unit W/D. 24 HR - Doorman staffed building. Pet friendly, dog run on site and large dog park right around the corner. Steps from Soldier's Field, Millennium Park, shopping and dining. EZ access to public transportation and Lake Shore Drive. Call and schedule your private tour today! Parking available for $30K
Is Real Estate A "Good" Investment?
Some people debate if owning your home is a “good” investment. I came across this great podcast from Creative Planning that covers home ownership from a financial perspective as well as a personal perspective. They talk about how part of your home is consumable which I agree with and how the rent vs buying equation plays out. It’s a quick listen and well worth your time. Hit the link below to set up a time if you want to talk about your next move.
South Loop Property for Sale | 1813 S Clark St | 3 Bed 2 Bath
A gorgeous townhome in the absolute perfect location, you will love being walking distance to Soldier Field, the Museum Campus, local schools and all nearby transportation. On the first level of this 4-story home is your own private 1 car garage, followed by a few stairs that take you to your incredible entertainment space - totally open concept with designer flooring, upgraded fixtures and a beautiful kitchen. The next floor houses the bright and spacious bedrooms including a sprawling master suite with walk-in closet and large ensuite. Finally, the top floor is bonus entertainment space with a second family room and a large private balcony the whole family will love. This home is sure to go quickly - call today to schedule your private showing!
South Loop Property for Sale | 1717 S Prairie Ave #1401 | 3 Bed | 2 Bath
In the desirable neighborhood of South Loop, stunning and modern 3 bedroom unit in the historic Prairie District. As you step inside you will be drawn to the beautiful view of the skyline, lake, and Soldier field. A fully- equipped chef's kitchen with high end SS appliances, oak cabinetry, granite counter tops and breakfast bar. Large living room opens to balcony, enjoy entertaining with magnificent views of the city. Luxurious Master Bath En-Suite with Whirlpool Tub, Separate Shower, and dual vanity. The primary and Second Bedroom have generous closet space and newer Carpet. In unit washer and dryer, hardwood floors throughout and much more! Full amenity building with 24-hour doorman, on sight manager, large workout room, sauna, party room, extra storage, media room, pet friendly building. Nearby to everything in South loop including dog park, lake front, restaurants, Trader Joe's, Mariano's, CTA, & more!
Five Tips for Landing A VA Mortgage
One standout benefit of serving in the military, National Guard, or Reserves is your eligibility to apply for a VA mortgage. Administered through a wide range of lending institutions, VA loans are guaranteed by the federal government. That’s why they typically feature lower interest rates and more lenient qualification standards. Many service members purchase their homes through the VA with no money down. Overall, lenders consider VA loans less risky than conventional private mortgages.
To be eligible for a VA loan, you must be an active or former member of the military. Generally, you must have been honorably discharged, though there are rare exceptions to that rule. Surviving spouses of veterans can also apply for a VA loan unless they have remarried. Depending on when you served and why you were discharged, there are service benchmarks you must meet in terms of time served. But just because you qualify to apply for a VA mortgage, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to secure one. Here are a few tips for increasing your chances of being approved to take advantage of this valuable benefit.
Tip Number One: Don’t Let the Paperwork Overwhelm You
Applying for any mortgage can be confusing and time-consuming. But VA loans come with an additional layer of complexity. Anything involving the government comes with red tape, right? You’ll need to secure a Certificate of Eligibility to be approved for a VA loan, which involves gathering a little more documentation than you would need to apply for a conventional loan. But you don’t need to have a certificate to begin the VA loan application process. In fact, most lenders will be glad to assist you in getting one. Remember that lenders want your business. And a good one will bend over backwards to get it.
Tip Number Two: Your New Home Needs to Be Eligible, Too
Here’s why working with a VA loan-savvy realtor can be a tremendous boon: the last thing you want to do is spend time trying to purchase a property that won’t qualify for a mortgage in the end. The government doesn’t want to invest in properties that have major defects and neither do you. They’ve established a set of Minimum Property Requirements for homes purchased under the VA loan program. Your realtor or lender can explain these to you and help you steer clear of properties that don’t stack up to VA standards.
Tip Number Three: Get Familiar with Acceptable Use and Occupancy Guidelines
VA loans aren’t made for every type of property. Loans are only written for primary residences. Your new home can be a Colonial, a condo, a manufactured home, or anywhere in between but you have to live there. You can even take out a loan to build a home from scratch. But vacation homes and investment properties aren’t eligible for VA financing. In addition, the VA sets time limits around occupancy. Generally, you must move into your home within 60 days of closing. If you’re currently deployed, that rule can be challenging. A spouse can substitute for a deployed service member to meet the occupancy date, but single people may have a harder time fulfilling the requirement. It can be done, though. A lender who has VA mortgage experience can help you iron out any occupancy issues you may have.
Tip Number Four: Your Credit Counts
One important advantage VA loans have over traditional mortgages is that VA borrowers are subject to more lenient financial qualifications. Officially, there is no credit score bar you have to clear before you can be approved for a VA mortgage. But having good-to-excellent credit can help you secure a larger loan and/or a better interest rate.
Even a quarter-point difference in the interest rate you’re offered can amount to thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. That’s why getting your credit in the best possible shape before you apply for a loan is essential. Download a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus to see where you stand. Then do whatever credit repair that needs to be done. Make sure all of your credit accounts are current—and stay that way—while you’re applying for a mortgage. Close any accounts that you’re no longer using. If you find any negative remarks on your report that aren’t legitimate, dispute them. Fixing mistakes on your credit report can take some time. So be sure you attend to your credit well in advance of submitting a loan application.
Tip Number Five: Get Pre-Qualified Before You Start House Hunting
Today’s real estate market is very competitive. Nowadays, home sellers are inundated with offers and 43% accept one within a week of listing their homes. Sellers aren’t interested in wasting time and want to talk to serious buyers only. Prequalifying for a loan through one or more lenders—that is, securing a letter that states how much money a lender would be likely to loan you and at what interest rate—is one way to show home sellers that it’s worth their time to work with you. Many home sellers won’t even entertain offers from buyers who aren’t prequalified.
Getting prequalified also can help you set home price parameters for yourself and hone in on properties you can reasonably afford. It’s easy to do. And it won’t affect your credit score, even if you prequalify with more than one lender.
South Loop Property for Sale | 1717 S Prairie Ave #1105 | 3 Bed | 2Bath
A gorgeous and modern apartment right in the heart of the Prairie District, you will love this 11th-floor unit in a full-service amenity building. A 24-hour doorman, fitness room, sauna and so much more make this South Loop home the exact place you want to be. As you step inside, rich hardwood floors, tons of natural lighting and a modern open concept entertainment space welcome you home. A fully-equipped chef's kitchen with high end Bosch SS appliances, solid cherry cabinetry, designer granite counter tops and Grohe faucets just perfect for the cook of the family. Enjoy entertaining in the roomy balcony with gorgeous city views. Beautifully finished and in the perfect location, you don't want to let this one pass you by!