Chicago Real Estate Questions, Answered

Working with Radu

Which Chicago neighborhoods do you serve?

I focus on Uptown (ZIP 60640 and 60613) and Edgewater (ZIP 60660 and 60640) on Chicago's lakefront. I also work in West Ridge, Rogers Park, Albany Park, Irving Park, Lincoln Square, Lake View, Norwood Park and Jefferson Park in Chicago, and Skokie, Niles, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Wilmette, Arlington Heights and Naperville in the suburbs, and across greater Chicagoland.

Do you work with buyers, sellers and investors?

Yes. I represent buyers and sellers of condos, townhomes, single-family homes and multi-family buildings, and I work with investors on residential and commercial property. I have more than 20 years of experience in Chicagoland real estate and have closed more than 275 sales and leases since 2004, including nearly 40 foreclosures and short sales.

Will I work with you directly or with a team?

Directly with me. I am an independent Illinois Licensed Real Estate Managing Broker, not part of a large franchise, so you deal with me from the first conversation to the closing table.

What does "your realtor for life" mean?

It means the relationship does not end at closing. Many of my clients come back to me for their next move, and many send their friends and relatives to me.

Do you help with rentals?

Yes. I help landlords find qualified tenants for their condos and homes, from pricing and marketing to showings and the lease, and I help tenants find apartments, condos and houses to rent on Chicago's North Side and in nearby suburbs such as Skokie and Des Plaines.

Do you speak Romanian?

Yes. I work in English and Romanian, and I can explain every step of the American buying or selling process in Romanian. Da, lucrez și în limba română.

How can I check your real estate license?

I am an Illinois Licensed Real Estate Managing Broker, license #471.012113. You can verify the license and its status on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) license lookup. I am also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

How do commissions work?

Openly, and with no surprises. If you're selling, the commission is negotiable and agreed in writing before we list. If you're buying, we sign a short buyer agreement before touring homes. Every Realtor in the U.S. has used one since August 2024, and it simply explains what I'll do for you and how compensation works. In many purchases the seller can cover the buyer's agent compensation as part of the negotiation. I'm always happy to walk you through it before you commit to anything.

How do I get started?

Call or text (773) 860-7617, email radu.realtor@yahoo.com, or send a message through the contact form. Tell me whether you are buying, selling or investing, which areas you are considering and your timing, and we will plan the next steps together.

Buying a home in Chicago

What do I need before I start looking at homes?

Get pre-approved by a mortgage lender so you know your budget, set aside money for the down payment and closing costs, and talk with your agent about the buyer agreement, a short, standard document. A pre-approval letter also makes your offer stronger when you find the right home.

Are there programs for first-time buyers in Illinois?

Yes. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) offers down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible buyers through participating lenders. Eligibility, income limits and amounts change, so confirm the current terms with an IHDA-participating lender before you make an offer.

Do I need a real estate attorney in Chicago?

In the Chicago area it is standard for the buyer and the seller to each hire a real estate attorney. The standard Chicago-area residential contract includes an attorney review period, usually five business days after the offer is accepted, during which either attorney can propose changes or cancel the contract.

How long does it take to buy a home?

With a mortgage, closing often takes 30 to 45 days after your offer is accepted. During that time you complete attorney review, the home inspection, the appraisal and final loan approval. Cash purchases can close faster. The search itself depends on your budget, the neighborhood and the market.

What should I check before buying a condo?

Review the condo association's budget, reserve fund, monthly assessments, any planned special assessments, and its rules on pets, rentals and parking. In Illinois, the seller must provide these association documents under Section 22.1 of the Condominium Property Act. This matters in Uptown and Edgewater, where most homes for sale are condos.

Selling a home

What does a seller have to disclose in Illinois?

Sellers of most homes with one to four units must complete the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Report and give buyers the Illinois radon disclosure. Homes built before 1978 also need the federal lead-based paint disclosure. Your attorney can confirm what applies to your property.

How do you decide the asking price?

I prepare a pricing analysis from recent comparable sales and current competing listings in your building or neighborhood, then adjust for condition, updates and location. We agree on the price together before the home goes on the market.

Do you handle short sales and foreclosures?

Yes. A short sale is a sale where the lender agrees to accept less than the amount owed on the mortgage. It needs the lender's approval and usually takes longer than a regular sale. I work with owners facing a short sale and with buyers interested in short sales and foreclosed (bank-owned) properties. More on the foreclosures and short sales page.