Inheriting a home can feel like a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it’s often a final gift from someone you loved. On the other, it can instantly become a responsibility you didn’t ask for—and maybe don’t have the time, funds, or emotional energy to manage.

Chicago is no stranger to debates about housing, affordability, and neighborhood health. But in 2026, one issue has gained unprecedented attention: vacant homes

Relocating to Chicago is exciting—but coordinating a major move while selling your home can feel like a full-time job. The process involves timelines, financial decisions, logistics, and market strategy, all working together to create a smooth transition.

Winter is the season when property owners gain the clearest financial picture of the year. Nearly twelve months of expenses, rental income, repairs, upgrades, and paperwork are sitting in front of you, giving you a complete snapshot of your property’s performance.

Winter has a way of revealing the truth about a property. While spring sunshine and freshly mulched flower beds can make any home look picture-perfect, cold weather has no interest in staging.

This guide breaks down exactly what drives winterization costs, from outdoor faucet protection ($75–$150) and sprinkler blowouts ($75–$175) to pipe insulation ($100–$300) and HVAC service ($80–$200). You'll learn what's included in professional service, how DIY compares (typically $100–$300 in materials but 6–10 hours of labor), and how to evaluate quotes to ensure fair pricing.

Frozen pipes cause over 250,000 insurance claims annually in the United States, with average repair costs exceeding $5,000 per incident. For Chicago homeowners, the risk increases significantly when temperatures drop below 20°F for extended periods.

This guide explains exactly how to winterize a house so pipes don't freeze, covering both long-term prevention measures and emergency actions when temperatures plummet.

You wake up to a 28°F morning in Chicago. You rush to turn on the kitchen faucet. Nothing happens. Your pipes froze overnight.

This nightmare is avoidable with the right winterization steps.

This complete guide breaks down exactly what needs to be done to winterize a house—from essential DIY tasks like draining outdoor faucets and insulating pipes, to knowing when you should call in a professional for HVAC service or sprinkler blowouts.

Navigating house ownership during probate can be a complex process. Probate is a legal procedure that occurs after someone passes away. It involves distributing the deceased's estate according to their will or state law. 

Raising rent in Chicago is more than just updating a number on a lease; it’s a balancing act between staying profitable, keeping your property competitive, and respecting your tenants’ rights.

Foreclosure rates in Chicago are rising sharply, and it’s not affecting every neighborhood equally. While the city as a whole is feeling the pressure from economic stress, inflation, and higher mortgage rates, certain communities are being hit much harder than others.

Deciding to downsize your home can feel overwhelming, but it often leads to a simpler, more fulfilling life. Many homeowners live in houses that are bigger than they need.

Renting to Section 8 tenants in Chicago offers unique opportunities and challenges for landlords. The Section 8 program, managed by the Chicago Housing Authority, provides rental assistance to low-income families.

Owning rental property in Chicago can be rewarding, but it comes with serious responsibilities. Landlords must follow strict rules to protect both themselves and their tenants. Understanding these rules helps avoid costly legal trouble and builds trust with tenants.

While Chicago doesn’t have traditional rent control, the city has strong regulations that protect tenants and guide landlords through the rental process.

Vacant houses catch a lot of attention, especially from cash buyers looking for quick investments — and from owners hoping to finally sell that long-empty property. But before rushing into a cash deal, it pays to dig into the property's history.

Cash home buyers in Chicago set offers by calculating your home’s After Repair Value (ARV), subtracting estimated repair costs, and accounting for holding expenses and a profit margin.

Inheriting a family home in Chicago can feel like a gift, but turning that inheritance into a usable asset isn’t always simple. Title transfer, probate, tax issues, and family disagreements can all create costly delays and stress, especially if your goal is selling an inherited home in Chicago.

Inheriting a property can be both a blessing and a challenge. Deciding whether to renovate before selling is a crucial step. Renovationscan boost the property's value and attract more buyers. However, they also require time, effort, and money.

Owning rental property in Chicago can feel like riding a roller coaster: rewarding at its best and frustrating at its worst. One of the most stressful moments for any landlord is dealing with tenants who fail to pay rent on time, or not at all