Buy Owner Blog

With Buy Owner, you pay NO commissions. Period. But if you wonder what this means exactly, we’re here to help. Understanding real estate commission can be a bit confusing and may warrant a lot of questions. When do you pay? Who do you pay? Who pays: the seller or the buyer? While commission rates vary, depending upon how many real estate agents are involved, the sale price of the house and other negotiations, here is a general explanation as to how commission works.
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Not only are sinks a necessary part of a functional cooking space, but they also can be a great way to go green! [...]

On August 12, 2009, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn confirmed changes made to the Seller Disclosure Form and to the Radon Disclosure Law. [...]

One of the most important aspects of buying a home is choosing a location. Do you want to live in the heart of an urban community near public transportation, close to everything imaginable? Or would you prefer to be tucked away in a quiet country setting, with big-city amenities located within 20-30 minutes driving distance? Before making a decision, let Buy Owner be your guide to city and country living and inform you of the benefits and drawbacks of each lifestyle.

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Before my grandma died, she began getting rid of things: the guns my grandpa made before he’d died—sold in a garage sale; the box of silverware he’d given her as a present—mine to take; the knick-knacks, the books, the furniture—all gone—sold, trashed or passed on to someone. Before she moved into my family’s house, where she’d live for a while, we had to sell hers, and that meant getting rid of things.

In a way, this was very hard, a beginning of the end, so to speak, when she said goodbye to the home she’d known for decades. But in another way, this was good, selling her house before she died and not after. We didn’t have to wonder how she’d want us to do things or sort through a lifetime of possessions.

This is a process familiar to many, whether selling a home for a loved one who is ill or for a loved one who’s passed away, and it’s never easy. The important thing to remember is to take things one step at a time and to have help whenever possible.

To help navigate you through the experience, here are a few tips from Buy Owner:

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By keeping your pantry neat and organized, you will improve the appearance and functionality of your kitchen while maximizing the storage space in your home. [...]

Before your turn on the heat and search for last year’s Halloween decorations, here are 10 final green living tips for an ideal summer season. [...]

The best way to succeed as a seller in today’s market is simple, and it all goes back to pricing. [...]

Even if you’ve never moved before, you probably know it’s a lot of work. And with that work comes stress, which is about the last thing you need when your life is already in the midst of change and relocation. So, if you are planning a move, do yourself a favor and plan ahead to make the process as efficient and simple as possible!

1. Change your address – Notify the post office, the IRS and any applicable government agencies about your new location. Contact anyone who would need to send you bills, such as credit card companies, insurance providers and medical centers. Also, get in touch with utility and phone/cable/Internet providers to discontinue service at your old location and schedule it for your new one.

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Sellers, are you wishing you could replace your appliances but can’t afford the cost? There’s another answer. With a few simple materials, a little time and a lot of elbow grease, you can turn your old appliances into like-new showpieces, designed to make your kitchen instantly more impressive to potential buyers. Want to know how?

Step One: Cleaning
This step may seem unnecessary, in which case you’ll be tempted to skip it—but don’t. Thoroughly scrubbing and sanitizing your appliances lays the groundwork for any improvement.

Step Two: Choose Replacement Materials
There are several options to choose from when it comes to updating your appliances. While these options may not last the next 20 years, they do extend the life of your outdated appliances temporarily, which is especially valuable when your home is for sale!
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