Buying a new home can be a stressful and daunting task. For first-time home buyers, it might be overwhelming with the amount of new information thrown their way and the large amount of questions they want to ask.
With millions of homes out there, the process of finding the perfect one for you may take some time. But, when you finally find the house that best suits you it will be time to do some number crunching. There are various aspects of the home buying process first-time home buyers might not know about, such as inspector costs, closing costs and the cost to having a lawyer present at the signing. Luckily, there are programs that can help ease the financial burden for first-time homebuyers. If you are a first-time home buyer in Illinois, it could be useful to see if you qualify for Illinois Housing Down Payment Assistance (IHDA) program. Here’s what you need to know about IHDA:

What is it?

1stHomeIllinois is a program that is specifically tailored to assist people such as first-time homebuyers with financial assistance on the purchase of their home. The program offers assistance for down payment and closing costs to buyers that meet the requirements for acceptance. 

What does it offer?

The program offers up to $7,500 for closing costs and down payment assistance. To help with mortgage payments, it offers a 30-year fixed-rate plan that comes with a fair interest rate. Also, home buyers get to choose the type of loan they would like such as FHA, VA, VSDA and conventional. 

What are the requirements?

The program is tailored towards first time home buyers, so if you have owned a home within the past 3 years you won’t qualify for assistance. There are also specific location restrictions, buyers must choose a home in Boone, Cook, DeKalb, Fulton, Kane, Marion, McHenry, St. Clair, Will or Winnebago county. The buyer must put down 1% of the purchase amount or $1,000, whichever amount ends up being greater. Buyers must also be in good credit standing, and meet the income and purchase restrictions. Some homebuyers might not qualify if their income exceeds the highest amount listed for the program. The home must be purchased as a primary residence. Finally, the buyer must complete a homeownership counseling class which can be completed online or in person. 

If you are a first-time home buyer who would like assistance in the home buying process, or with finding out what assistance you qualify for, click here to contact us. 

Enjoy a little taste of Ireland a short distance from any Oak Forest property. Chicago Gaelic Park brings the sounds and activities of Ireland right to Chicago. This facility offers a beautiful venue to host such events as weddings, birthday parties, life celebrations, and corporate events. It is also home to the Carraig Pub and a cultural center that promotes Irish culture by housing sports, dance, music, theater, and religious activities. Local community groups can also utilize the facilities for meetings and events. Conveniently located on 147th Street in Oak Forest, it is a short drive from I-80 and the I-294 tollway.

There is always something going on here. Enjoy a drink with coworkers after a hard day, or come enjoy traditional Irish grub while listening to live music with buddies or family members. Show off your smarts at trivia night the first Tuesday of every month. Keep an eye on the calendar for other events such as a bridal boutique, essay contest, dancing, and special luncheons. Those planning a wedding should also check out this facility. The staff will ensure a beautiful and smooth wedding day that guests will truly remember. All Oak Forest property owners are invited to visit Chicago Gaelic Park to learn more and plan a time to come check it out.

KidsWork Children’s Museum is a great spot for the children of Frankfort real estate owners to come learn, play, and imagine. Located on South White Street, come for a day, or consider a membership to come back as often as you wish all year. There are exhibits to peak the interest of all young children. The tot spot provides a safe place for toddlers to play and learn. Creativity abounds when children step into the puppet theater or art room. Children can learn all about the concepts of empty, full, and gravity, as well as experience different textures at the sensory table. A large table top touch screen computer is available for math and science games as well as puzzles. Exhibits about music, light and shadows, mirrors, and a pet vet station are also at KidsWork.

This facility is a great one to consider for a party. Let the museum take care of everything instead of going through all of the trouble of hosting it at your piece of Frankfort real estate. A party package allows up to 30 people to come and use the party room for 1 ½ hours and also enjoy unlimited playtime in the museum until closing time at 4 p.m. A staff member is available to help coordinate the party and guests also receive free parking. All of this is only $175.00. In addition to parties, this is also a fun option for a field trip. Visit KidsWork Children’s Museum to learn more and to plan a visit.

A little piece of Palos Park real estate brings a bit of Italy to the neighborhood. Stop in at Frangella Italian Market and get everything you need to create a culinary masterpiece in the kitchen of your Palos Park home. The shelves are stocked with high quality imported and local items from Italian desserts, dry pastas and sauces to fragrant spices. Fresh meats, cheeses and breads are available and sliced to order in the deli. Frangella Italian Market offers catering as well. Keep your guests happy with delicious appetizers, pasta, pizza, salads and more. The market is open 7 days a week for your shopping convenience. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A visit to the market may stimulate your appetite and with a working sandwich shop, that’s no problem! The extensive sandwich and soup menu in the delicatessen will have something to please everyone. Try Frangella’s Italian Beef Sub, named Top 3 Best Beef Sandwiches in Chicago by ABC 7’s Hungry Hound Steve Dolinsky. Other favorites include the meatball or Italian sausage Sub.  Bring one back to your Palos Park home and buon appetito! Visit Frangella Italian Market online to see the complete menu, current specials, and a list of products for sale.