BUYING AND SELLING A HOME

An investment in a home is historically the largest single investment in most people's lifes.

Consider these factors in selecting a home: location, location, and location, price, taxes, maintenance, transportation, and suitability for your current and probable future needs. Once you have decided upon the area in which you wish to live, you may wish to save both time and frustration by working with an experienced real estate broker. I have been a licensed real estate since 1992 but limit my expertise in real estate to practicing law.

We generally recommend to our clients that they contact us before signing a real estate contract. A real estate contract is binding on you and your bargain is made when it is signed even if the contract grants your attorney to make certain modifications. The real estate attorneys ability to make these modifications is often limited in the fine print of the contract. Therefore, your lawyer can assist you more before that agreement is signed than at any later time.

As the purchase of your home may be one of the largest purchases of your life, you should consult with your attorney as to the form of ownership; for example, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, tenancy by the entirety, or in trust.

• I have a will. Isn't that enough?
• What is probate and why should I avoid it?
• What are the benefits of a Living Trust?

• ReMax of Barrington
• Barrington Realty
• ERA Countrywood
• Wynstone Realty

• Illinois State Bar Association's Public Information on Leasing

© 2011 Joseph M. Lucas & Associates, L.L.C.