Buying a home is one of the most financially important decisions you’ll make, and in a competitive city like Chicago, it can be intimidating to even get started. So how do you start the process if you’re looking to buy a Chicago home or condo? If you’re tired of just browsing through Zillow and want to get the ball rolling, here are a few tips from our team at MG Group:

Find an Agent You Actually Trust
From getting pre-approved to sitting down at the closing table, an experienced agent will be your seasoned guide through every step of finding your dream home. Don’t feel pressure to accept the default agent from a listing or an agent your friend recommends; interview at least a handful of options before making your choice. Attributes like specialty in neighborhoods, schedule/availability and years of experience are all important to note. Check out our points on choosing an agent for a list of questions worth considering. 

Get Pre-Approved
Once you have your trusted agent, they’ll give you a detailed run-through of the buying process (which we also summarize on our For Buyers page). The biggest first hurdle you’ll have to jump is getting pre-approved for your loan. This will involve a lender or bank, and will determine how much money you can borrow to buy a house. Your lender will look at your income, assets and credit score to determine what you may be able to afford. Pre-approval makes shopping easier for you and your agent, so it’s highly recommended across the industry. 

Start Looking!
After you find your agent and get pre-approved, you can officially start diving into house hunting. Whether you have a specific style of home in mind or have your eye on a certain Chicago neighborhood, your real estate agent will help you narrow down your options and help you make your dream home a reality. Ultimately, buying a Chicago home should be an exciting and rewarding experience, and most importantly, a seamless one.