Buying
find the right home at the right price
Over $1.2 billion in sales later, I still love the feeling of handing over a set of keys to Chicago’s newest property owners. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, current homeowner, or seasoned investor, you can count on me for the utmost care and consideration. You deserve an advocate and expert on your side, and that’s where I come in.
My real estate career is thirty years in the making, and I have the connections to prove it. I have direct access to the industry’s most elite group of attorneys, mortgage consultants, inspectors, contractors, and more. Every purchase is unique, which is why I custom-assemble a team based on your individual needs so that you’re in the best hands at every turn.
I’ve mastered the art and science of negotiation. When you’re ready to make an offer, my in-depth understanding of the market is leveraged to get you the best possible price and terms. My winning medley of education, preparedness, and forthrightness is how I bring both sides together for a win/win outcome.
From my induction into the Chicago Association of REALTORs© Hall of Fame, to my election as the organization’s third-ever woman President, I continue to uphold my mission to be the industry’s greatest. I’m a three-time recipient of the peer-appointed “REALTOR© of the Year” award, and it’s a privilege to be chosen by fellow brokers.
#1 in sales
Baird & Warner
for the past 10+ years
$1.2+ billion
Lifetime sales volume
Top 1%
CHICAGO BROKERS
Past 10+ years per MRED
BUYER’S TIMELINE
The First Steps
1. Mortgage Pre-Approval
If you’re not paying cash, you’ll need to connect with a local and experienced mortgage lender to get a pre-approval letter for financing. The lender will identify how much home you can afford, determine a monthly payment you’re comfortable with, and provide a pre-approval letter that shows sellers you’re serious and qualified when submitting an offer. I have trusted lenders if you need a referral.
2. Consultation with Millie
Let’s fine tune your wants and needs together. I can help you narrow down a list of desired areas and property features so that your future home fits your lifestyle to a tee. My knowledge of the market conditions, inventory, and schools in each Chicago neighborhood gets you one step closer to your dream home. I’ll also explain the home buying process and terms of a purchase contract, so there aren’t any surprises down the road.
3. Home search
We’ll go over active and off-market listings, and schedule showings at properties that check your boxes. As a top-producing broker, I have privileges to an exclusive list of off-market and private listings, so I utilize my resources and vast network to research befitting properties that aren’t yet for sale.
Your Perfect Home
4. Write an offer
When you find “The One,” I’ll analyze comparable sales to review with you, along with any insight I’ve gathered to craft a successful offer. Contracts can be confusing and overwhelming, but I’ll walk you through the specifics so that you feel confident and at ease. If the offer is accepted, both you and the seller will sign the contract, and you’ll be under contract.
5. Attorney review + inspection
This 5-7 day period is your window to deliver the initial earnest money, perform your inspections and have your attorney review the contract. Then you can propose modifications to the seller including inspection repair/credit requests. Once you and the seller come to an agreement to move forward and your attorney review is closed, your additional earnest money will be due. Attorneys typically charge a flat fee and inspections are based on square footage. No worries, I have a list of trusted referrals for you to contact.
“Moving from Lexington, we really relied on Millie to explain the different neighborhoods. It quickly started to feel like talking to family when we spoke with her, and we felt we could really trust Millie.”
6. Condominium docs review
If you’re purchasing a condo or townhome, it’s important to get a good grasp on the overall state of the building’s homeowners association. You and your attorney should review all documentation, including the rules and regulations, bylaws, meeting minutes, budgets, and resale disclosures.
The Home Stretch
7. Clear to close
After attorney review, you’ll complete your loan application and your lender will order the appraisal. The appraisal informs the lender if the home is worth the amount you agreed to pay. If you’re buying with cash, you’re not required to get an appraisal. You’ll supply additional documentation, like bank statements and pay stubs, and if the lender approves the loan application, you’re given clearance to close.
8. Closing preparation + final walk-through
In time for closing, you’ll need to obtain homeowner’s insurance, transfer utilities into your name for a post-closing start, organize your move, and schedule your down payment and closing cost funds to be wired to the title company. We’ll schedule a final walkthrough to ensure that the agreed-upon inspection items were completed and that the property is in the same condition.
“It was my first time buying, so it was very helpful to be guided through the process. I’m a person that likes to talk things through, so Millie’s guidance and teaching along the way were exactly what I needed.”
9. Closing day
At the closing, your attorney will review all of the paperwork with you virtually or in-person. Once the paperwork is signed and your funds are received, you’ll get the keys to your new home. Congrats to Chicago’s newest homeowner!
10. Projects + customization
From contractors to interior decorators, I have the resources you need to create a home that is uniquely yours.
