Micaela Green

The other costs that come with buying a condo

Like single-family homeowners, condo residents pay for their property by taking out a home loan and making a monthly mortgage payment. But condo ownership can come with other costs:

June 10, 2025

What does 'pending' mean in real estate?

"Pending" is a label the real estate industry uses to signify that a home sale is nearly complete.

June 4, 2025

14 Things to Check on Your Final Walk-Through

Your final walk-through ensures that the property you plan to buy meets your expectations before closing. You’ll go through every room in the home and check the exterior to confirm that its condition matches what you saw the last time you were at the property. In some cases, the home may be in even better shape if you've negotiated for renovations or repairs.

January 1, 2025

Living in Bellevue, WA: Everything You Need to Know

Bellevue stands out amongst the crowd of Seattle's satellite cities. It offers upscale homes, a highly sought-after school district, a vibrant downtown and an outdoorsy atmosphere. Originally settled as a lake community for Seattleites to vacation, Bellevue quickly grew into its own. Major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon settled in Bellevue, bringing plenty of job opportunities and making the city a popular destination for homebuyers. 

January 1, 2025

When Was My House Built?

Uncovering an old home's past is a fascinating experience that may pique a history buff's interest. Still, as a new or existing homeowner, that information may not always be top of mind. There are a number of reasons why you might need to know the age of a home. For example, you may be getting ready to buy, taking on a remodeling project or purchasing a home warranty. We’ll walk you through how to find out when your house was built, as well as ways to pinpoint the dates of any major changes to your property, such as a home addition or renovation. 

January 1, 2025

11 Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

With nearly 150 culturally rich and diverse communities across the Windy City, figuring out where to call home may seem daunting if you’re a young professional. “There are a lot of neighborhoods around The Loop that are great for young professionals who want to be in the mix,” says Realtor Grigory Pekarsky with Vesta Preferred LLC. “If they’re straight out of college, areas like River North and West Loop are popular, especially for their nightlife. As they start to settle down, Gold Coast and the neighborhoods around Lincoln Park are preferred.”

January 1, 2025