The process of buying a home in Chicago involves several steps, from researching the market and obtaining financing to finding a home, entering into a contract, and closing the deal. Professional consultants and realtors will help you through each step and make sure the process goes smoothly and successfully.
Before buying a home in Chicago, it is recommended to have a home inspection done to help identify hidden defects. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Hire a Professional. It is recommended to hire a home surveyor or a qualified building inspector who can inspect the home and identify hidden problems. They will inspect all the important systems (electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, etc.) and describe any problems that need to be addressed.
- Request a Maintenance History. Ask the current owner or real estate agent for information about repairs, maintenance, and updates made to the home over the years. This can help you find out if there were any problems and how they were fixed.
- Conduct a self-inspection. You can inspect the home yourself for visible signs of problems, such as cracks in the walls, mold, moisture stains, doors and windows not working properly, etc. Inspect the attic, basement, roof, and other areas where hidden problems may exist.
- Request official information. Request information about the home from local government agencies, such as the Chicago Department of Health and Building, to find out if there have been any warnings or violations issued against the home.
It is important to remember that no inspection is 100% guaranteed to detect all hidden problems. Therefore, before purchasing a home, it is also recommended to contact an oyster attorney who can help you understand what legal steps may be taken if problems are discovered after the purchase.