Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago How to Know if Selling Now Is the Right Move for You If you’re struggling to keep up with mortgage payments, you might wonder whether it’s better to try to stay in your home or sell it now. While every situation is unique, understanding key factors can help you make a confident, informed decision. Consider Your Financial Situation Start by evaluating your current finances: Are you behind […]
Building an Equitable Chicago Understanding Layers of Capital in Equitable Development Financing Introduction Equitable development projects often rely on a financing structure very different from traditional commercial real estate deals. Instead of a single lender and predictable equity, these projects are built using multiple layers of capital—each serving a specific purpose, reducing risk, or advancing community benefit.For new equitable developers in Chicago, understanding how these layers fit […]
Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago How Your Home’s Equity Impacts Your Options During Financial Hardship When money gets tight and mortgage payments become difficult, many homeowners assume they have only two options: catch up or lose the home. But for many people, equity becomes a critical factor that expands— or limits—what they can do next. Understanding how equity works can give you more clarity and help you have informed conversations […]
Building an Equitable Chicago Navigating Political and Regulatory Landscapes in Chicago Development Introduction Chicago’s development environment is full of opportunity, but it’s also deeply shaped by political relationships, neighborhood priorities, and regulatory processes. For new equitable developers, understanding how to navigate these systems is essential. You don’t need political connections to succeed—you just need a grounded strategy, a clear understanding of how decisions are made, and the […]
Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago Understanding the Foreclosure Timeline: What to Expect and When When you first fall behind on your mortgage payments, it can feel like things spiral out of control overnight—but foreclosure is a process, and it takes time. Understanding that timeline can help you act strategically and preserve your options before deadlines close in. Each lender and state follows specific steps, but most foreclosure processes share […]
Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago Working With Your Lender to Find Solutions When homeowners fall behind on payments, it’s easy to feel like the lender is the enemy—but in many cases, the opposite is true. Lenders often prefer to work with you rather than move forward with foreclosure, which can be costly and time-consuming for them too. The key is to communicate early, honestly, and consistently. Why […]
Building an Equitable Chicago Community Engagement That Builds Trust and Reduces Risk Introduction Equitable development succeeds or fails based on community trust. Engaging residents, local organizations, and business owners early in the process isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also smart risk management. Projects with meaningful community input face fewer delays, attract stronger support, and create spaces that truly serve the people who live there. 1. […]
Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago How to Spot Foreclosure Scams and Protect Yourself When homeowners fall behind on mortgage payments, they often become targets for scams disguised as help. These offers can look convincing, but they’re designed to take advantage of people under stress. Recognizing the warning signs can help you protect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind. Common Red Flags “Pay us upfront, and […]
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Building an Equitable Chicago Building a Team for Equitable Development Introduction Equitable development doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes a coordinated team of professionals, partners, and community stakeholders who understand the mission as much as the mechanics. For new developers, assembling the right team can be one of the most important (and most overlooked) steps in ensuring a project’s success. 1. Start with Mission Alignment Every […]
Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago Selling to a Cash Buyer: When Time Is Running Out If you’re facing a foreclosure deadline, a traditional sale might not move fast enough. In these situations, selling your home to a cash buyer could offer a quicker, more predictable path forward. Cash buyers—often investors or local property buyers—purchase homes without the need for financing, inspections, or lengthy closing timelines. This can make a big […]
Building an Equitable Chicago How to Finance Small-Scale Equitable Development Projects Introduction For many new equitable developers, financing is the biggest hurdle between vision and reality. Traditional funding models often favor large-scale developments with established track records, leaving smaller, community-focused projects struggling to find support. The good news: Chicago offers a growing number of tools and partnerships to help small-scale developers access capital while keeping community […]
Building an Equitable Chicago Case Studies in Equitable Development: Lessons from Chicago and Beyond Introduction One of the best ways to understand equitable development is to see it in action. Case studies showcase how mission-driven projects have addressed challenges, leveraged partnerships, and created lasting community impact. While no two developments are identical, there are common threads and lessons that can guide new developers in Chicago. 1. Englewood Square – […]
Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago Selling Your Home Before Foreclosure When mortgage payments become overwhelming, some propertyowners believe foreclosure is inevitable. But in many cases, you still have time to take control by selling before the foreclosure process is complete. This option can allow you to avoid the long-term financial consequences of foreclosure, protect your credit as much as possible, and in some situations, even […]
Building an Equitable Chicago Measuring Impact in Equitable Development Introduction Equitable development is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about creating meaningful, measurable benefits for the communities where projects take shape. But how can developers know if their work is truly making a difference? Measuring impact requires both qualitative and quantitative benchmarks to capture the full picture of success. 1. Why Measuring Impact Matters […]
Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago Understanding a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure When facing the possibility of foreclosure, homeowners often look for options to minimize long-term financial damage. One alternative that sometimes comes up is a deed in lieu of foreclosure. This option allows you to voluntarily transfer ownership of your property back to the lender, effectively handing over the keys and walking away. While it’s not […]
Success Stories From Packed Estate to Full-Price Sale: How a Thoughtful Strategy Delivered a Smooth Outcome in Back of the Yards $225,000 | Mixed-Use | 5209 S Halsted, Chicago, IL Challenge When an estate needed to sell a mixed-use property in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, they faced an uphill climb. The building—a former hardware store with three apartments—was packed to the brim. The store was still full of unsold inventory, while the apartments contained […]
Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago What Is a Short Sale and How Can It Help You Avoid Foreclosure? If you owe more on your mortgage than your home is currently worth, you might feel stuck. Selling seems impossible, and foreclosure feels inevitable. But there’s another option worth considering: a short sale. A short sale allows you to sell your property for less than the balance on your mortgage, with your lender’s approval. While […]
Building an Equitable Chicago Risk Management in Equitable Development Introduction Equitable development carries unique rewards, but like any real estate project, it comes with risks. For mission-driven developers, risks often feel more complex because they involve both financial performance and community outcomes. Understanding how to anticipate, manage, and mitigate these risks is critical to long-term success. 1. Financial Risks Equitable projects can face funding […]
Navigating Foreclosure in Chicago Loan Modification Basics: What Homeowners Should Know When financial challenges make it difficult to keep up with your mortgage, one option some homeowners explore is a loan modification. Unlike refinancing, which replaces your mortgage with a new one, a loan modification changes the terms of your existing loan to make payments more manageable. What Is a Loan Modification? A loan modification is […]
Building an Equitable Chicago Creative Financing Strategies for Equitable Development Introduction Financing is often the biggest barrier for equitable developers. Traditional lending requirements can be too rigid, while community-oriented projects may not fit neatly into conventional underwriting models. Yet, creative financing strategies can help bridge the gap, making it possible to bring socially impactful projects to life. This post explores financing tools and approaches that […]