Tuesday, August 26, 2014

What is a contingency?

Contingency:
A condition that must be met before a contract is legally binding.

For example, home purchasers often include a home inspection contingency; the sales contract is not binding unless and until the purchaser has the home inspected. Your real estate contract will most likely contain contingencies. These items must be cleared up before the contract can be finalized. The attorneys at Bradford Miller Law can help you negotiate a solution, such as the seller paying for repairs to the property. However, some buyers may want the contract nullified for certain defects. If you can't agree, the contract can be canceled.

Buying or selling a house involves a lot of legal details, and real estate law is always changing. It's a good idea to talk with an experienced real estate lawyer to be sure you meet all the state's requirements. Once you decide to sell or buy real estate, Bradford Miller Law, P.C. can help you with your transaction at a very reasonable rate. Our experienced Real Estate Attorneys have been representing real estate clients for several years now and have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. At www.bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find information about our firm and information about selling a home. To discuss your pending or potential real estate transaction call us at 312-238-9298 for a Free 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Final walk-throughs

A final walk-through is an inspection of the property that you are purchasing. The inspection is performed anywhere from a few hours to five days before the closing. This inspection is performed so the buyer can make certain that the property is in the same condition as it was when they agreed to buy it, that the agreed upon repairs, if any, were made and to check that nothing has gone wrong with the property since the last time they saw it. A final walk-through is not a home inspection. This is not the time to begin negotiations with the seller to do repairs, nor is it a contingency. It is never a good idea to forgo the final walk-through.

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. can assist you with all your real estate needs. From buying, selling, renting and even helping you with a building code violation we are here to help with all your real estate needs at a very reasonable rate. Our experienced Real Estate Attorneys have been representing real estate clients for several years now and have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. At  www.bradfordmillerlaw you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information. To discuss your pending or potential real estate transaction call us at 312-238-9298 for a Free 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Foreclosure activity report

On August 14, 2014, Mary Ellen Podmolik, Chicago Tribune reporter published an article titled "Foreclosure activity continues to fall in Chicago area, U.S."

She reported that foreclosure activity in the Chicago area decreased in July but the state continues to have one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation. In an area that stretches from Kenosha, Wisconsin to Northwest Indiana, 6,572 homes received a foreclosure notice last month, RealtyTrac said. Foreclosure proceedings were started against 2,267 properties, while a court-supervised foreclosure auction was scheduled on another 2,516 homes. Banks repossessed 1,789 properties. The overall level of activity is down 12 percent from June and 7 percent from July 2013. Still, Illinois had the 4th highest foreclosure rate last month.

If you are facing foreclosure, you have options available. A short sale is a real estate transaction in which the lender agrees to the sale of a house for less than the balance owed on the loan. Banks are usually much more interested in facilitating short sales which avoid costly foreclosures. And, short sales allow you to repair your credit sooner than if you went through a foreclosure.

Bradford Miller Law has been representing both buyers and sellers of short sale properties for several years. We offer free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale. Call us At 312-238-9298 for a Free 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago residential real estate attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago eviction attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago building code violations, Chicago real estate attorney fees. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Cook County property and recording fraud

Property and recording fraud is one of the fastest growing white collar crimes. Fraudsters often target paid-for homes that have no mortgage, usually owned by an elderly person who may have no heirs, and file forged ownership documents with a County Recorder.

Once the document is recorded, it is up to the homeowner to petition the court, at their own expense, to get a court order to have the fraudulent recording removed. Selling the home or trying to obtain a mortgage or a refinancing can be impossible until the fraud issue is resolved.

The Cook County Recorder of Deeds offers a Free Property Fraud Alert that will call or email you any time a document is recorded against your property, or the property of a loved one. Visit www.cookrecorder.com for more information or to sign up for this service. If you receive an alert and/or are concerned about fraud, you can also contact their Fraud Unit at (312) 603-4000.

Original Source: cookrecorder.com

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. can assist you with all your real estate needs. From buying, selling, renting and even helping you with a building code violation we are here to help with all your real estate needs at a very reasonable rate. Our experienced Real Estate Attorneys have been representing real estate clients for several years now and have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. At  www.bradfordmillerlaw you will find information about our firm along with helpful real estate information. To discuss your pending or potential real estate transaction call us at 312-238-9298 for a Free 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

More homeowners are becoming landlords

On June 17, 2014, Les Christie of CNN Money reported an article titled  "More homeowners becoming landlords" The article states in part that low mortgage rates and soaring rents have convinced a growing number of homeowners to hang onto their former homes and become landlords instead.

Reports show that 19% of current homeowners either purchased or refinanced homes between 2011 and 2013, when rates were historically low falling just below 3.4%. The math works in most landlords' favor these days. Rents have risen by about 20% nationwide since mid-2006, the housing bubble peak, while home prices are still about 21% below what they were at that time. For people who are still underwater on their mortgages and unable to profit from a sale, renting helps soften the blow.

Thinking about becoming a Landlord? Contact Bradford Miller Law to discuss the options that are available to you when it comes to your real estate property. Every situation is different. Bradford Miller Law, P.C. focuses on real estate law, landlord tenant law, building code violations and estate planning. We are committed to providing you with expert legal support and approach every client with a focus on integrity, advocacy, and understanding. To discuss your pending or potential real estate transaction, your ongoing legal needs as a property owner or landlord, call us at 312-238-9298 for a free 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.




Thursday, August 7, 2014

Disconnect your downspouts to prevent basement sewage backup

The City of Chicago was the first major metropolitan area in the country to successfully implement an inlet control system to relieve basement flooding. The system works by installing valves to slow the flow of storm water into the sewer system. Storm water is detained on city streets for brief periods before flowing back into the sewer system. This measure helps relieve the burden on the sewer system and reduce the frequency of basement flooding and combined sewer overflows into the waterways.

The effectiveness of the inlet control system depends on the number of roof downspouts that are disconnected from the sewer system. While impractical in some places (where there are only hard surfaces or where drainage could impact neighboring property), the potential to reduce basement flooding and increase natural infiltration is great.

The City actively encourages homeowners to disconnect their downspouts from the sewer system and direct the water instead to their yards or gardens. Downspout disconnection can help prevent basement sewage backup. Before you disconnect your downspout, consider where you are directing the water, and that cold weather will cause icing conditions. When you are completed, your project should be a permanent solution which is beneficial to your grass, flowers, shrubbery and trees. Important Things to Remember:
  • Direct Downspout extensions towards the street or alley to prevent seepage into building foundations or adjacent properties. 
  • Firmly anchored splash blocks should be installed if downspout drainage is to travel over landscaping or dirt.  
  • Do not allow water to splash or pond on adjacent private property. 
  • Make sure downspout extensions end at least three feet away from basement foundations, and water is being directed on ground that slopes away (downward) from your building.
If you own property in Chicago, make sure you keep current with the maintenance of your property. Owners are required by law to make necessary repairs and maintain their property in a safe condition. Our experienced Real Estate Attorneys have been representing real estate clients for several years now and have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. Please feel free to visit our website  for information about our firm and information about buying or selling a home. To discuss your pending or potential real estate transaction call us at 312-238-9298 for a Free 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602
312-238-9298
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Part 3: Ways to make your home sell faster

Deciding to sell your home is a crucial decision and the selling process can be quite demanding. Here’s a checklist of suggested staging tips to help you increase your house’s emotional appeal:
  • Kitchen:  Aromas from fragrant goodies like freshly baked gingerbread or just-brewed coffee bring back wonderful memories of home.
  • Bathrooms:  Always have fresh towels in bathrooms. Buy new shower curtains; old ones are usually spotted with mildew. Put new soap in the soap dishes.
  • Clear everything off your refrigerator: Most folks use magnets or tape to stick everything from vacation snapshots and finger-painting masterpieces. Clear everything off.
  • Comfort:  Keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A house that’s too hot or too cold is not inviting.
  • Flowers:  Vases of colorful, fresh flowers spotted throughout the house make a wonderful impression on prospective buyers.
Original Source: www.coldwellbankeronline.com

Once you decide to sell your home, Bradford Miller Law, P.C. can help you with your transaction at a very reasonable rate. Our experienced Real Estate Attorneys have been representing real estate clients for several years now and have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. Please feel free to visit our website for information about our firm and information about selling a home. To discuss your pending or potential real estate transaction call us at 312-238-9298 for a Free 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602
312-238-9298
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, Short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.