FAQ questions

How much do I need for a down payment on a home?
The amount you need for a down payment depends on the type of loan and your financial situation. While 20% is a common benchmark, many buyers put down less—some conventional loans allow as little as 3%, and FHA loans require just 3.5%.

What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
How does my credit score affect my mortgage rate?
What are closing costs, and how much should I expect to pay?
How long does the homebuying process usually take?
Can I buy a home if I’m self-employed or have irregular income?
What’s included in my monthly mortgage payment?

What is a 2-1 buydown, and how does it work?

Who pays for the 2-1 buydown—the buyer, the seller, or the lender?

What's Your Home Worth?

Get your home's market value in minutes — no obligation, no pressure.

Trying to figure out what your Chicago home is worth? You're not alone. Homeowners spend thousands on appraisals, but there's a faster, smarter way: a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

In this guide, I'll walk you through how we calculate your home's value—and why it matters way more than you think.


How We Value Your Home

A CMA isn't magic. It's data-driven.

Here's what we do:

1. Find Comparable Properties

We locate 5–7 homes similar to yours that sold recently in your neighborhood (usually within the last 6 months). We look at square footage, bedrooms & bathrooms, condition (renovated vs. needs work), days on market, and final sale price.

2. Adjust for Differences

Your home isn't identical to the comps. Maybe your kitchen is newer, or theirs has a garage. We adjust the comparable prices to account for these differences.

3. Calculate Your Range

Based on the adjusted comps, we give you a realistic range for your home's value. Not a guess. Data.


What's Included in Your Free Valuation

When you request your CMA, you'll get:

Comparable Properties Analysis

5–7 recently sold homes in your area with sale prices, days on market, and key features

Market Trend Analysis

Are prices going up or down in your neighborhood? How long are homes sitting on the market?

Recommended Price Range

Your home's estimated market value + conservative and aggressive pricing options

Next Steps Discussion

If selling: pricing strategy + timeline. If investing: rental income potential.


Example: How a CMA Works

Let's say you own a 3-bed, 2-bath condo in Lincoln Park.

Comparable Properties (Recent Sales)

  • 3BR/2BA condo on Clark St → Sold for $850k (35 days)
  • 3BR/2BA condo on Fullerton → Sold for $875k (42 days)
  • 3BR/2BA condo on Diversey → Sold for $825k (28 days)
  • 3BR/2BA condo on Armitage → Sold for $860k (38 days)
  • 3BR/2BA condo on Sheffield → Sold for $840k (31 days)

Market Adjustment

  • Your condo has a renovated kitchen +$20k vs comps
  • Your condo is on a corner lot +$15k
  • Your building has newer amenities +$10k
  • Total adjustments: +$45k

Your Estimated Value Range

Conservative (sell in 30 days): $850k–$870k

Aggressive (hold out for top price): $880k–$900k

Bottom Line: List between $850k–$900k depending on your timeline.


Why CMA Matters More Than You Think

Overpricing is the #1 home-selling mistake.

Home that's listed too high: Sits on market longer (days add up). Receives fewer offers. Price drop happens anyway (looks desperate). You lose months + thousands in carrying costs.

Underpricing is leaving money on the table.

Home that's listed too low: Sells fast (looks hot). But you're out $20k–$50k+ in equity. Can't undo it once sold.

A CMA gets it right the first time.


Ready to Know Your Home's Value?

Get your free Chicago CMA in minutes. No obligation. No pressure.

Get Your Free Valuation

Have questions? Call me directly at (773) 949-4374 or reply to this email.

What's Your Home Worth?

Get your home's market value in minutes — no obligation, no pressure.

Trying to figure out what your Chicago home is worth? You're not alone. Homeowners spend thousands on appraisals, but there's a faster, smarter way: a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

In this guide, I'll walk you through how we calculate your home's value—and why it matters way more than you think.


How We Value Your Home

A CMA isn't magic. It's data-driven.

Here's what we do:

1. Find Comparable Properties

We locate 5–7 homes similar to yours that sold recently in your neighborhood (usually within the last 6 months). We look at square footage, bedrooms & bathrooms, condition (renovated vs. needs work), days on market, and final sale price.

2. Adjust for Differences

Your home isn't identical to the comps. Maybe your kitchen is newer, or theirs has a garage. We adjust the comparable prices to account for these differences.

3. Calculate Your Range

Based on the adjusted comps, we give you a realistic range for your home's value. Not a guess. Data.


What's Included in Your Free Valuation

When you request your CMA, you'll get:

Comparable Properties Analysis

5–7 recently sold homes in your area with sale prices, days on market, and key features

Market Trend Analysis

Are prices going up or down in your neighborhood? How long are homes sitting on the market?

Recommended Price Range

Your home's estimated market value + conservative and aggressive pricing options

Next Steps Discussion

If selling: pricing strategy + timeline. If investing: rental income potential.


Example: How a CMA Works

Let's say you own a 3-bed, 2-bath condo in Lincoln Park.

Comparable Properties (Recent Sales)

  • 3BR/2BA condo on Clark St → Sold for $850k (35 days)
  • 3BR/2BA condo on Fullerton → Sold for $875k (42 days)
  • 3BR/2BA condo on Diversey → Sold for $825k (28 days)
  • 3BR/2BA condo on Armitage → Sold for $860k (38 days)
  • 3BR/2BA condo on Sheffield → Sold for $840k (31 days)

Market Adjustment

  • Your condo has a renovated kitchen +$20k vs comps
  • Your condo is on a corner lot +$15k
  • Your building has newer amenities +$10k
  • Total adjustments: +$45k

Your Estimated Value Range

Conservative (sell in 30 days): $850k–$870k

Aggressive (hold out for top price): $880k–$900k

Bottom Line: List between $850k–$900k depending on your timeline.


Why CMA Matters More Than You Think

Overpricing is the #1 home-selling mistake.

Home that's listed too high: Sits on market longer (days add up). Receives fewer offers. Price drop happens anyway (looks desperate). You lose months + thousands in carrying costs.

Underpricing is leaving money on the table.

Home that's listed too low: Sells fast (looks hot). But you're out $20k–$50k+ in equity. Can't undo it once sold.

A CMA gets it right the first time.


Ready to Know Your Home's Value?

Get your free Chicago CMA in minutes. No obligation. No pressure.

Get Your Free Valuation

Have questions? Call me directly at (773) 949-4374 or reply to this email.