In Illinois, How Are My Property Taxes Determined?

Did you know that, as of 2018, Illinois residents paid the second-highest property taxes in the U.S.? That stat comes courtesy of a report brought to our attention by the Chicago Tribune, which found that Illinois came only behind New Jersey in terms of property taxes. Property taxes are collected by state and local governments, and go toward any number of essential functions, including providing funding for schools, infrastructure, public works projects, first responders, and more. //READ MORE

2020-03-05T12:57:49-06:00March 5th, 2020|Community|

Investment Property Vs. Second Home

Maybe you’ve always had dreams of owning multiple homes in different cities across the globe – you know, a beachfront property in Malibu, a gleaming penthouse in New York, a cozy cabin in Telluride.  Perhaps your goal has always been to retire as a “snowbird,” and spend the chilly half of the year in California, before coming back to Chicago for a sunny spring. Or, perhaps, you’re the sort of person who’s always aspired to own //READ MORE

2019-10-21T15:50:09-05:00October 31st, 2019|Community|

Exploring FAQs About Trusts In Illinois

Trusts are an important concept to understand, with serious long-term implications when it comes to probate, estate planning, tax preparation, and asset protection. They’re used by homeowners, investors, and anyone looking to safeguard their family’s financial future. So, what are some of the most important and frequently asked questions and considerations about trusts here in Chicagoland? Let’s dive into several FAQs about trusts that we tend to encounter here in Illinois: //READ MORE

2019-09-10T08:43:53-05:00September 19th, 2019|Community|

3 Things to Consider About Investment Properties in Chicago

A recent edition of the Home Purchase Sentiment Index from Fannie Mae found that consumer confidence in housing is remarkably high, with more Americans agreeing that right now is a great time to buy or sell a home, compared to the same period last year. Studies like this one are not unique. Throughout the years, there has been plenty of research done on housing, and many of these reports have served to reinforce the long-held notion //READ MORE

2019-09-10T08:26:38-05:00September 12th, 2019|Community|

What Do Transfer Taxes Look Like In Chicago?

Most people, when they pay for something, realize that they’re not actually going to end up handing over the exact price listed on the label. That ice cream cone isn’t really 99 cents. That brand new couch isn’t really $1500. Your cell phone bill may be “locked in” at some affordable rate, but your actual monthly payment is going to end up looking quite a bit higher. Have you ever heard the term “sticker shock?” Merriam-Webster //READ MORE

2018-11-28T11:10:46-06:00September 25th, 2018|Community|