What Areas of Your Home Should You Invest in to Increase Value?

When considering home improvements, homeowners might assume that spending 10k on a new pool will automatically increase the value of their property. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Homeowners often face the challenge of distinguishing between investments that genuinely increase property value and those that yield minimal returns. Not all renovations are created equal in the eyes of potential buyers or their Read More

Keeping What Matters to You After Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

Facing financial challenges and the decision to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is an overwhelming experience. The fear of losing your home, car, and other valuable assets is real and weighs heavily on your mind. These items represent more than just financial value; they are integral parts of your life and hold emotional significance. It's important to understand, though, that filing for Chapter 7 doesn't always Read More

Marry the House, Date the Rate

It’s a popular phrase in the real estate world. “Marry the house, date the rate.” It’s popping up more consistently on today’s market as buyers grapple with high mortgage interest rates. But, what does the phrase really mean and does it apply to you? Simply put, it's about committing to a property in a long-term “marriage,” while maintaining a flexible stance towards the interest rate. We wouldn’t normally advise Read More

Invisible Dangers to Uncover During a Home Inspection

The process of inspecting a home is potentially the most important element of any Illinois real estate purchase. This nuanced step aims to protect not only your purchase but the long-term health of you, your loved ones, and anyone else who will be occupying the property. An inspection needs to go beyond surface-level defects and shine a light on the often-overlooked dangers that may lie beneath. It's a step in the Read More

What Does Refinancing Your Mortgage Accomplish?

Refinancing a mortgage is a popular option for homeowners looking to accomplish a number of different financial goals. As we dive into this, we want to make it clear that Velazquez Consumer Law, LLC handles real estate law and is not a loan servicing company. However, we frequently speak with clients about refinancing mortgages they are actively signing or have already signed to get the most out of their Read More

How Do I Know I’m Getting a Fair Deal on the Illinois Real Estate Market?

The property hunt is a daunting one. You have probably already looked at dozens of Zillow listings and talked to friends, family members, colleagues, and whoever else is willing to listen about your search. You’ve gotten advice from a number of sources but still can’t quite figure out how to tell what’s a fair deal and what’s not. You’re not alone. We deal with clients every day who are stressed about the purchase Read More

Title Insurance May Be Optional But You Can’t Afford to Pass It Up

Buying a home in Illinois is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. It’s no mistake that owning a home is part of the “American Dream.” Real estate is one of the best assets you, your family, and/or your business can own. Acquiring Illinois real estate creates a pathway toward generational wealth, so it’s imperative that you take a holistic approach. The fewer stones left unturned the better protected you Read More

Are You on a One-Way Track Toward Bankruptcy?

We regularly work with clients to dispel myths and stigmas surrounding bankruptcy, but there’s no way around the fact that filing will set you back at least temporarily. In an ideal world, no American would be under so much debt that bankruptcy becomes the only option. In reality, there are numerous common mistakes that put people on a train headed right toward bankruptcy station. We want to explore some of the Read More

Is Your Real Estate Contract Set Up To Fail?

In buying or selling real estate, the contracts you sign make or break the deal. These documents detail exactly what is being sold to who for what, but the language in the contract is far more nuanced than that. One of the biggest reasons you need an experienced Illinois real estate attorney in your homebuying (or selling) process is to review the contract top to bottom to ensure common real estate contract Read More

Is Your Estate Plan Effectively Preparing You For Retirement?

Estate planning accomplishes a number of important goals for individuals, families, and businesses. Having a plan is imperative, but what that looks like will be different from person to person depending on the circumstances. Many people look at estate planning as a means to pass down assets and money earned over your lifetime. While this is true, it’s only one small piece of a much larger puzzle. An effective Read More