It’s Hurricane Season (again) – Are You Prepared? By E. Christopher Caravette July 2, 2017 With hurricane and storm season upon us, take time to review and record your possessions and important papers. If a storm strikes, knowing what you have will help if disaster strikes. • Safeguard your Paperwork – make sure all of.. read more →
Cook County Treasurer Goes Paperless! By E. Christopher Caravette February 18, 2017 Like many credit card companies, the Cook County Treasurer now offers eBilling to taxpayers. Beginning with the 2016 2nd Installment Tax Bill (which will issue this summer), you can receive your tax bills via electronic mail. To participate, all you need to do.. read more →
First Installment 2016 Cook County Tax Bills are Out!! By E. Christopher Caravette February 1, 2017 By now, every owner of real estate in Cook County will have received the First Installment of 2016 real estate tax bill. What you should know: In Cook County, we pay annual real estate taxes in two (2) installments… read more →
14 Important Rights for Landlords and Tenants in the City of Chicago by E. Christopher Caravette Although many landlord/tenant relationships are governed by a written lease, in the City of Chicago, The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance also applies and controls the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Here are 14 things.. read more →
by E. Christopher Caravette Illinois is one of only a few states that allow Land Trusts which can be a terrific estate planning tool. What is a Land Trust, and how can it benefit you? A Land Trust is established by signing a Trust Agreement with the trustee, usually an institution in the business of.. read more →
What is Zoning? As established by the State of Illinois statutes, zoning is designed to secure adequate light, pure air, and safety from fire and other dangers; to conserve the taxable value of land and buildings; to lessen and avoid congestion in the public streets, and most importantly, to promote the public health, safety, comfort,.. read more →
“We’re Buying a Condominium!” You hear this expression more and more as condominium ownership now covers almost every form or residential housing. Townhomes, duplexes, single-family detached homes and apartment buildings. The principles of condominium ownership apply equally to all. When you buy a condominium unit, you acquire individual and absolute title to the particular space.. read more →
Those of us who live in Cook County, Illinois, know that our real estate is reassessed every three years. Well, for those Cook County residents who live in the City of Chicago, this is the year (the south and west suburban townships experienced it last year, and the north and northwest townships will be reassessed.. read more →
Most home sellers and buyers have been informed that obtaining title insurance will provide them necessary protection over possible title defects; but many remain uncertain why this is so — or even about what title insurance is. Why the Seller Needs to Provide Title Insurance Any prospective buyer will need evidence that his investment in.. read more →