April 7, 2026 - Chicago Homes for Sale MG Group Luxury Real Estate

gut renovation vs new construction chicago

The Real Cost of Gut Renovation vs New Construction in Chicago

Gut renovations look cheaper in Chicago until the drywall comes down. Asbestos abatement, Cook County’s 18-month tax assessment lag, and permit timelines shift the real cost math in ways most buyers never model before committing to a project.

Your Home's Silent Deal-Killer Has Nothing to Do With Price ? home seller prep Chicago

Your Home’s Silent Deal-Killer Isn’t the Price

Personal expression, religious artwork, political displays, and lifestyle markers, stops buyers from imagining themselves in your home. Mario Greco’s eight-point seller prep framework shows Chicago sellers exactly what to remove before the first showing, and why the cost of skipping it can be measured in years.

New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Condo Rules Reshape Chicago Buying ? condo reserve requirements Chicago

New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Rules Change Chicago Condo Buying

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now require full association document review on every Chicago condo transaction, with reserve minimums rising to 15%. Here is what buyers and sellers need to know before the next deal.

$Classic Chicago brick rowhouse with red facade, green trim, and bay windows reflecting Chicago landlord...$

How Mayor Johnson’s Proposed Tenant Ordinance Could Affect Chicago Landlords

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed 2027 tenant ordinance pairs mandatory relocation payments with rent caps. For Chicago landlords, the combination compresses net operating income while adding new exit costs. Here’s how to model what it means for your property before the vote.

Modern red brick residential building with blue railings and stepped architecture under clear sky

Chicago New Construction Property Taxes Catch Most Buyers Off Guard

Cook County assessments lag new construction by roughly 18 months, creating an annual tax gap that can exceed $24,000 for unprepared buyers. Here is what Chicago new construction buyers and sellers need to know, and how to contest every cycle.

Stack of Chicago condo HOA documentation books on wooden table by high-rise window overlooking city skyline

How HOA Documentation Delays Kill Chicago Condo Deals

In Chicago’s shifting condo market, a slow or evasive property management company has become one of the most underestimated threats to closing. Here is what buyers and sellers must know before attorney review ends.