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All agents are NOT alike! Find out why I am a top real estate expert. Call me: 773-883-5769.
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Get Free Presentation On My Home Marketing. Before signing a contract with any Realtor, make sure you know EXACTLY how your home will be marketed. Find Out More > View All Offers >
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"We felt very informed and extremely comfortable" "He found a home and negotiated a purchase for us within a month, and sold our condo in 5 days!!!" Mark and Jodi, Lakeview Read Quote > View All Quotes >
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Don't Forget To Request A Quick Status Report On Any Homes Or Properties That Interest You!  It can take days, weeks, or longer for changes to appear on web sites. Don't waste your time with less than current information. Request my free Status Report and find out if the homes you are interested in are still on the market, under contract, in escrow, or if the price has been reduced. The Status Report that you'll receive by email will also include other important information that has been left out or that is available to me through my professional resources, such as how long the property has been on the market, when it was last sold, what it sold for, and more. When you click on any link above, you'll see your chosen site, along with a form at the bottom of your screen. Use this form to request my quick Status Report on any homes or other real estate that interests you. It's free and without obligation. Remember: As a top Chicago, Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Bucktown area Realtor, it's my job to know more about a property than any web site. Make sure you have the most current information! 
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Buying Land and New Construction >Buying New or Buying Old
New homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, and buyers are usually willing to spend more on a new home because of lower maintenance costs. Builders' warranties on new homes, when combined with a new roof, appliances, and major systems, usually make major repairs unnecessary and help to counter a slower initial rate of appreciation.
Census Bureau Housing Surveys suggests that operating costs are lowest for brand new homes and slightly higher for relatively new existing homes. Operating costs per square foot of living space are consistently higher for progressively older existing homes. Utility costs represent the largest factor in operating costs. Energy consumption per square foot depends on the size of the home, the insulation and quality of the windows, air leakage and the efficiency of the furnace.
New homes require fewer expenditures for routine maintenance. The cost of maintenance first increases with age, then declines, so you will generally spend less maintaining a home built before 1960 than for a home built between 1970 and 1975.
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| Q |
What is a "jumbo mortgage"?
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| A |
The term "jumbo mortgage" currently refers to a mortgage loan in excess of $359,650, although the threshold amount may change as the market fluctuates. |
See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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Mortgage Broker: Katheryn Keller Since entering the mortgage industry in 1999, Katheryn Keller has helped numerous individuals realize their dream of homeownership. Find Out More > View All Affiliates >
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