Vernetta Griffin's Realty Insights

Single Story For Sale in Woodlawn

• 2,000 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $330,000

Woodlawn, Chicago  -  LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! THIS ELEGANT HOME IS LOCATED STEPS FROM THE UNIV OF CHIC CAMPUS, MUSEUMS, PARKS AND HYDE PARK. 3 BEDRMS, 2.1 BATHS, FIREPLACE IN LIV ROOM, MAST BATH HAS MARBLE, JACUZZI & DOUBLE SINKS, KITCHEN HAS MAPLE CABINETS, GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, DBL OVEN, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES. FAM ROOM & BACKYARD W/DECK ARE GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING! SURROUND SOUND IN MSTR BED (INCLUDES LCD TV) AND FAM ROOM.

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Examining A Home Objectively: What Matters And What Doesn't

Everyone heads out to look at potential homes with a list of the things they want in a house, and a list of the things they definitely do not want. In addition to that wish list, there are also some other things you will notice about the homes you visit that may strike you as potential problems.

When looking at homes, it is important to know what things are deal breakers and what things are minor issues that you can deal with easily. Turning down a  dream home because of something that is an easy fix seems like a silly thing to do, but it happens surprisingly frequently,

Cosmetic Issues

You walk into a home and it has terrible wallpaper or paint colors you wouldn't dream of using, and it turns you off immediately. While the gut reaction is normal, it is important to step back from that instinct and think about it objectively. Painting is not particularly difficult or expensive, so try to imagine how the home would look with a different color palette, one that is more your style.

The ability to recognize which issues are merely cosmetic can be easily fixed is an important key to finding a house you will love. Be prepared to visualize the home as you could make it with a few cosmetic changes. It will open you up to the possibilities and might allow you to consider homes that aren't perfect the way they are now, but could be just right with a little elbow grease and paint.

Major Repairs

In some cases the major repairs that a house needs might be obvious. In other cases they might only be unearthed during a home inspection. Either way, you will need to give serious consideration to whether or not you are willing to deal with the problem.

If the home needs expensive repairs, you can either try to get the seller to do the repairs or accept that you will need to do them yourself. In most cases, the seller will probably not be willing to take on major repair work, but might reduce the price accordingly, Still, this might be a deal breaker if you are seeking a turnkey home.

Knowing the Difference

A home inspection is the best way to uncover all of the issues, both minor and major, that a house might have, When you review the inspection, look for things that can be easily fixed as well as those that can't. The amount of work you want to do on your home will determine what problems you can personally live with.

Happy House Hunting!

Vernetta
Britton Realty Group
(312) 933-9024

A Single Woman's Guide to Home Ownership

The traditional view of home ownership usually includes a married couple, but times have changed, and more and more single women are entering the housing market.  In fact, almost twice as many single women are purchasing homes than single men, and almost one in five homes purchased today are purchased by single women.  So why are single women making up such a large part of the housing market, and what are the special considerations single women should make when purchasing a home?

What Women Want!

The demographics of single women buying homes are quite diverse.  From young professional women in their 20s to divorced mothers in their 40s, there are really no typical single women making home purchases, and their needs are just as diverse.  Overall, however, there do appear to be a few trends in the market, and here is a list of what the average single woman is looking for in a new home.

ü  Most spend less than $200,000

ü  Prefer two bedrooms or more

ü  Less likely to choose new construction

ü  Will compromise size and cost to get other amenities, but not location

ü  Smaller spaces are acceptable, and many prefer condos

ü  Desire security and safe neighborhoods with a strong community feel

ü  Look for close proximity to stores, shopping, and fitness centers

Things to Consider

If you are a single woman looking to enter the housing market, or know someone who is, then what should be considered before making the leap into home ownership?

Essentially the considerations are much the same as those of any homeowner.  Taking a realistic look at your financial situation is always important.  Seeking out the advice of a qualified financial advisor and a REALTOR® can make the process less difficult.  It is also important to be sure you are not entering into any unwise loan agreements that may not be wise down the road, such as no-money-down deals.  It is also important to have a clear picture of what your needs as a homeowner are, and that you don't settle for something that will not work with your particular lifestyle.

For more information contact:
Vernetta Griffin | REALTOR®, ABR®, SFR
Britton Realty Group
(312) 933-9024

Price Reduced on 7835 S Merrill in South Shore

South Shore, Chicago  -  Announcing a price reduction on 7835 S Merrill, a 2 bath, 5 bdrm 1 1/2 story "Bungalow". Now MLS® $128,500 $125,900 - Reduced!.

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Buying A Home With Past Credit Problems

Make Your House FHA-Loan Friendly

How Important Is Your Credit Score?

Now is a great time to buy, but first do your homework