Videos
Short real estate videos
Quick, plain-language tips for Illinois buyers, sellers and investors.
These videos are general information only, not tax or financial advice. Every situation is different. Programs, rules and market conditions change, and results are not guaranteed.
Selling
What's my home worth?
Request a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA). A CMA is an estimate, not an appraisal. AI-generated voice.
Selling your home yourself?
Tips for for-sale-by-owner sellers: price with data, screen every buyer the same way, and prepare your Illinois disclosures. AI-generated voice.
Sell first or buy first?
There's no one right answer. Here's how to think it through. AI-generated voice.
Buying and selling at the same time?
Know your equity, plan your timing, and coordinate both closings. AI-generated voice.
Selling your home: the $250,000 / $500,000 exclusion
Coming soon. How the federal home-sale gain exclusion (IRC Section 121) generally works: the 2-out-of-5-year rules and common exceptions. This is not a property tax exemption. General information only, not tax advice. Talk with a tax advisor about your own situation.
Can I sell my house with a lien or judgment?
Often, yes. Here's how it typically works. Every situation is different. AI-generated voice.
Buying
Buying in an HOA or condo association: pros and cons
Possible pros: shared amenities and exterior upkeep, such as landscaping, snow removal, or roofs, depending on the association. Possible cons: fees that can go up, possible special assessments, and rules on rentals, pets, and exterior changes. Before you buy, review the budget, reserves, rules, and minutes. Review documents with your own attorney. AI-generated voice.
First-time buyers: steps and IHDA
Check your budget, get preapproved by a licensed lender, then shop for homes. IHDA offers down payment assistance programs for eligible buyers. Limits apply; learn more at ihda.org. AI-generated voice.
Contract to closing in Illinois
After you sign, there is usually an attorney review period and a home inspection. Then the lender's appraisal and loan approval, the title commitment, a final walk-through, and closing. Timelines vary. AI-generated voice.
Investing
1031 exchanges: the basics
Coming soon. How a like-kind exchange of investment property generally works: a qualified intermediary, 45 days to identify, 180 days to close. General information only, not tax advice. Talk with a qualified intermediary and a tax advisor about your own situation.
Inherited homes
Selling an inherited home: first steps
Probate may come first. Usually only the person authorized to sign, such as an executor, can sell. Keep the home secured and insured, then ask for a free CMA. AI-generated voice.
Myth: “I can't sell until probate closes”
Sometimes a sale can happen during probate. It depends on the situation. AI-generated voice.
Real estate myths
Myth: “I can't sell if there's a lien”
Often, you can. Many liens are paid off from the sale proceeds at closing. AI-generated voice.
Myth: “Nobody uses an attorney in Illinois”
In Illinois, buyers and sellers commonly hire a real estate attorney. For questions about your own sale, ask your own attorney. AI-generated voice.
Myth: “You need a big down payment”
Not necessarily. Requirements vary by loan program and buyer. Talk to a licensed lender and check official programs at ihda.org. AI-generated voice.
Myth: “As the seller, I pay both agents”
Commissions are negotiable and not set by law. Since August 2024, buyers typically sign a written agreement with their agent before touring. AI-generated voice.
Myth: “My Zestimate® is my home's value”
It's an automated starting point. Online models can't see your updates or condition. Ask for a free comparative market analysis. AI-generated voice.
Safety
Wire fraud warning
Always verify wiring instructions by phone, using a number you already know. Never trust emailed changes. If something seems wrong, call your bank right away and report it at ic3.gov. AI-generated voice.
Questions about a video? Call or text 224-628-4587 or email brokeranettwator@gmail.com.
Anett Y. Wator, Illinois Real Estate Broker, IL License #475.220814 · At Home Realty Group, Inc., IL License #478.010054, Palos Hills, IL · Equal Housing Opportunity