Closer

I speak about the house as though it’s all wrapped up with a bow but, in reality, there are still a few hurdles to jump. Verbal acceptance of the contract was conveyed last Thursday with an intended closing date of July 11; it’s Tuesday night and we still haven’t ironed out some issues with the [...]

Part II: The Art and Pseudo-Science of Buying A Foreclosure Property

As it happened, this house was beautiful inside. In addition to the expected hardwood floors, it contained original unpainted woodwork, formal living and dining rooms with paneled glass doors, a side entry crowned with a cedar closet (with full length beveled mirror on the front of the door), radiator steam heat, plenty of sunlight, partially [...]

Part I: The Sea of Bungalows Gave Up Its Dead and Its Dying

Shopping for homes in Chicago’s suburbs with a very small budget, I became quickly acquainted with the most common foreclosure scenario: broken pipes, water damage from above and below, mushy floors, foundation damage and neighbors who may or may not have been on the police department’s list of usual suspects.
Dozens of previews later, I found [...]