| Houses by Area | Houses by Price | Houses by Type | Houses by Feature |
Thinking of buying a home in Chicago? If you don’t want the restrictions of a homeowners association and are willing to manage the maintenance, buy a house!
Less than 0.5% of Chicago houses are part of a homeowners association. The only restrictions you’ll have to observe are those imposed by the City of Chicago.
Do keep in mind that instead of paying a monthly assessment you should put away money each month to cover maintenance and improvements. At some point the hot water heater, sump pump, roof , air conditioner or furnace may need replaced. Cracks may develop in the driveway. Trees may need trimmed or removed. [continued below]
Houses by Price
You’ll need to decide if you’re going to buy lawn care and snow removal equipment and take care of both yourself or hire services. Trees are beautiful, but you might feel a little differently after you’ve raked and bagged all their leaves.
To get top dollar when it’s time to sell your house you’ll need to have the same finishes and appliances as the new or newly renovated houses you’ll be competing with for buyers. 10 years ago most of us hadn’t heard of smart appliances. Imagine how common they’ll be 10 years from now! Set aside funds each month for those upgrades. [continued below]
Houses in Popular Areas
An inspection by an IL licensed home inspector is a must immediately after your offer is accepted. Before the inspection list all of the questions you can think of. Attend the inspection and follow the inspector. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the house and how to best maintain it. The inspector will be happy to answer your questions.
Take a tape measure to the inspection. After the inspector is finished you can measure for new window coverings or spaces for your furniture. You won’t get another chance to do this until the final walk-through immediately before your closing.
Depending on the inspector’s report you may opt for mold, termite or radon inspections. During attorney review is the time to uncover issues that you may be able to negotiate with the seller. [continued below]
Houses by Type
| 1 Story | 1.5 Story |
| 2 Story | 3 Story |
| 4+ Story | Raised Ranch |
| Split Level |
Most Chicago houses have more than one floor. You’ll find few ranch houses. Consider if you’ll have any family members now or in a few years that might be an issue for. If so, you may need to narrow your search to a home with a first floor bedroom and bath or if you can afford it, an elevator.
If you’ll have multiple generations living in the house, consider a house with an in-law arrangement. Another option is a house with an additional coach house.
Houses by Feature
| 1st Floor Bedroom | Coach House |
| Elevator | In-Law Arrangement |
Many listings for Chicago houses mention “Standard Chicago Lot”. Unfortunately, the actual lot dimensions in many of those listings are not the standard Chicago lot size. The correct dimensions for such a lot are 25×125.
As you shop for a house remember that it has a lot more considerations and responsibilities than owning a condo. With a thorough inspection and proper maintenance a house in Chicago can be a wonderful home!
Fran Bailey specializes in downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park and Lake View condos, co-op apartments and houses. She has shared home buying and selling advice since 2006 and written about over 130 Chicago high rises. To schedule showings for any listings, get a 
