Thinking about buying a home? Then you probably have a dozen (or a hundred) questions bouncing around in your head. The good news: you’re asking the exact same things every other buyer asks—whether they’re wide-eyed first-timers or seasoned movers who haven’t bought in years.

Below are the most common questions real buyers ask—and the clear, no-nonsense answers that make the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming.

1. “How Much Can I Actually Afford?”

This is usually the question that launches the whole journey. A solid starting point is the classic 28/36 rule:

• Keep housing costs under 28% of your monthly income.
• Keep total debts under 36%.

But honestly? The most accurate answer comes from a lender. A pre-approval will show you what you can spend—and just as importantly, what you’re comfortable spending.

2. “Do I Really Need a Pre-Approval Before I Start Looking?”

Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Absolutely, yes.

A pre-approval proves you’re a serious buyer. In a competitive market, it can be the difference between getting the home you love… and watching someone else move into it.

3. “How Much Should I Save for a Down Payment?”

Here’s the part that surprises a lot of people:
You don’t always need 20% down.

Depending on the loan, minimums can be:

• 3% — Conventional
• 3.5% — FHA
• 0% — VA or USDA (if you qualify)

A bigger down payment can lower your monthly costs, but many buyers purchase with far less—and it’s perfectly normal.

4. “What Will My Closing Costs Be?”

Closing costs usually run 2–5% of the purchase price, and they cover things like:

• Appraisal
• Title insurance
• Loan origination fees
• Escrow fees
• Prepaid taxes & insurance

Your lender or agent can give you a breakdown early on so nothing sneaks up on you at the finish line.

5. “How Long Does the Buying Process Take?”

It depends—but here’s a general roadmap:

• Home shopping: a few days to a few weeks
• Under contract to closing: usually 30–45 days

Cash buyers or vacant homes can move faster, but inspections, appraisals, and loan processing all take time. Patience pays off.

6. “What Should I Look for During Showings?”

Besides the “Do I like the layout?” questions, keep an eye on:

• Roof condition
• Signs of water damage
• Foundation cracks
• HVAC age
• Window quality
• Noise levels
• Storage space

Your agent will help you spot red flags, but a sharp eye never hurts.

7. “Do I Need a Home Inspection?”

Yes. Always.
Even if the home looks flawless, an inspection can uncover issues with plumbing, electrical systems, the roof, or the foundation. It’s one of the best forms of protection you have.

8. “What If the Inspection Finds Something?”

Take a deep breath—this happens all the time.

Depending on the issue, you can:

• Request repairs
• Ask for a credit
• Negotiate the price
• Walk away (if your contract allows)

Inspections aren’t meant to scare you. They give you clarity and leverage.

9. “How Do I Know If It’s the Right House?”

Some buyers get a magical “This is it!” moment. Others don’t—and that’s okay.

Ask yourself:

• Does it meet my must-haves?
• Can I comfortably afford it?
• Can I see myself here for the next 3–5 years?
• Does anything feel wrong?

If the home checks the important boxes and feels like a good fit, trust that instinct.

10. “What Does My Agent Actually Do for Me?”

A great agent is your:

• Market expert
• Negotiator
• Paperwork pro
• Scheduling coordinator
• Problem solver
• Advocate

Their job is to make the process smoother, safer, and a whole lot less stressful.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you are in your homebuying journey, remember: your questions are normal. Everyone wonders about the same things—and the more you ask, the more confident and empowered you’ll feel.

Whenever you’re ready to take the next step, the answers (and the support) are here.

For Chicago’s Baby Boomers, there was nothing like coming home for lunch and tuning into WGN-TV’s ‘Bozo’s Circus,’ originating from their studios at 2501 W. Bradley Place in Chicago’s North Center, their home since 1961.

It was the hottest ticket in town from its premiere in 1960 to its final broadcast in 2001. That break in the day prepared kids for the second half of the school day, bolstered by Bozo (Bob Bell, Joey D’Auria) and Ringmaster Ned (Ned Locke), and of course, the Grand Prize Game (ask your parents/grandparents!)

And there was much more…starting in the spring, there were baseball broadcasts of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, called by Jack Brickhouse.⚾ Or, after school, there was the lineup of ‘Garfield Goose and Friends,’ followed by WGN-TV News.

Now in its 76^th year, WGN-TV has never lost its deep Chicago roots, nor its commitment to independent programming and news.

History 

As their website indicates, WGN Television hit the airwaves on April 5, 1948 on Channel 9 in Chicago from its studios at Tribune Tower.  Colonel Robert McCormick led the Tribune Company into the TV era, believing that “in television, we have embarked upon another of America’s adventures.”

According to a Chicago Tribune article, “The Chicagoland Newsreel” was the city’s first TV newscast, debuting on Channel 9’s second day on air.

“We had 35-to-40-pound film cameras,” Richard “Ike” Isaac, a cameraman at WGN for more than 40 years told the Tribune. “It had these like Mickey Mouse things, you might have seen it in the old news reels.” 

What does WGN Stand For?

WGN-TV’s call letters are derived from the Chicago Tribune’s first slogan, the “World’s Greatest Newspaper.”

Though WGN was initially an affiliate of the DuMont and CBS television networks, WGN-TV realized it could better serve the Chicago area audience as an independent station, with local talent and original programming. 

Personal recollection: “What’s Wrong with this Picture?”

Some of their early shows held a personal memory for my mother, Betty Moore. While you won’t find the show among the archives, she was a writer at WGN for an early, short-lived 1950’s game show called “What’s Wrong with This Picture” It was humorous, short film clips that contestants had to name what was wrong in a certain amount of time. My Mom wrote the host’s copy for clips like a cheerleader wearing flippers, a basketball player hoisting a football into a net, etc. 

Original, Independent Programming and News

The station developed innovative programming, such as the first TV courtroom drama, “They Stand Accused,” and a precursor to American Bandstand-style shows called “Music.” They also were the first station to broadcast local beauty pageants and the Chicago Auto Show.

By 1957, WGN became one of the first local television stations to offer a limited schedule of live programs in color.  

One year later, the station had scored many firsts, including the first televised appearance of former President Truman in Chicago as well as mobile coverage of General MacArthur’s visit to the city. 

In the 1960s, WGN became the first Chicago TV station to expand a nightly newscast to a half-hour with Jack Taylor; produced shows such as “Garfield Goose and Friends” and “Ray Rayner and His Friends,” sports telecasts that included Chicago Blackhawks hockey and Bulls basketball; and developed a vast movie library that was featured on a number of showcases such as “Family Classics,” with hosts Frazier Thomas and later, Roy Leonard. 

By the 1970’s, “Donahue” came  to Chicago as Phil Donahue moved his groundbreaking daytime talk show to the WGN-TV Studios in 1974.  The station added meteorologist Tom Skilling as weatherman in 1978. The station also recognized the importance of the farm sector by starting a weekly series for the farm belt, “U.S. Farm Report.” 

WGN-TV began to extend its reach outside of the Chicago area in the mid-1970s, when its signal was transmitted via microwave relay to cable television providers in areas of the central Midwestern United States that lacked access to an entertainment-based independent station, eventually reaching more than 500 stations and earning the moniker “superstation.”

In 1980, WGN-TV premiered the Midwest’s first hour-long newscast in prime-time by moving its half-hour 10 p.m. newscast “NewsNine” to 9 p.m. and expanding it to an hour as “The 9 O’Clock News.”  In 1983, WGN-TV adopted its promotional identity, “Chicago’s Very Own.”  By 1994, WGN station management moved The Bozo Show to Sunday mornings.  In its place, the station decided to launch a new weekday morning newscast; the WGN Morning News made its debut on September 6, 1994.

Today 

WGN-TV remains a beacon for independent stations around the country, producing such shows as Adelante, Chicago, a bi-weekly public affairs program hosted by Lourdes Duarte,focusing on Chicago’s Hispanic community and culture.

People to People is a bi-weekly public affairs program. Hosted by Micah Materre,  the program covers community events and topical discussions focusing on the African-American community.

Daytime Chicago is a morning lifestyle program. Hosted by Tonya Francisco and Amy Rutledge, it features subjects such as fashion, cooking, travel and the arts.

Spotlight Chicago is an afternoon lifestyle program hosted by Ji Suk Yi and former WGN Morning News traffic reporter Sarah Jindra. 

For a complete list of WGN’s programming, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

The weather has certainly changed around the Chicago area. Just a few days ago it was sunny and in the 60s. Now we are dealing with snow and cold! But as we head into the winter season many of us like to tackle some of the mess we have accumulated around the house. Being inside more can certainly make us realize some stuff has to go. Here are a few tips on how to get started.

Get a before photo: First, take a picture of the room you want to de-clutter in panorama mode. This will give you a better perspective so you can really see all the stuff you have around. It almost gives you a little separation from the room and lets you see it with fresh eyes. You can also look forward to a before and after photo to keep you motivated!

Change your mindset: Sometimes we feel guilty and may think we purchase too many things and have wasted money. It makes it hard to get rid of things we no longer have use for. Shut off that emotional side of your brain and view your things clinically. Tell yourself, “It served its purpose, it’s ok to move on. 

Find a charity: It always feels better to donate to a cause that you stand behind. Get familiar with their mission and website. This will encourage you to give as much as you can. It changes your perspective on your belongings. Your possessions will go to a new home and help others out at the same time. 

Aim for “empty”: It does not mean you need to get rid of everything, but you can learn to love open space. So, aim for empty counters, empty shelves, empty floor space, etc. At the very least, aim for room to breathe. Try to go for no more than 90% full. 

Follow the “one in, one out” rule: This is an easy way to keep order. It also makes it easier to keep your home clean. The more stuff you have, the more stuff you have to clean. The goal is to minimize the stuff you have to clean and the area should be empty enough, so you don’t have to move a ton of stuff. 

There’s no need to feel guilty about getting rid of things, or worry about needing them later. If push comes to shove, you could probably fit any irreplaceable items you own into two large totes! As you go, keep asking yourself, “If this item was lost or destroyed would I be relieved?” The answer is yes most of the time! Even if it isn’t, the sense of relief you feel at having more space and breathing room will outweigh any sense of loss. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Here they come!  The Holidays will be here before you know it so there’s no better time than this weekend to begin your preparations as well as enjoying the many holiday events planned for this year.

Explore two immersive holiday areas at the LEGO® Holiday Lane this Saturday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) at Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood.  The first immersive area is known as Central Park which is the heart of the LEGO Holiday Lane featuring a towering, illuminated LEGO Christmas tree; a Build to Give Zone where attendees build a LEGO heart ornament to add to the LEGO Holiday Lane tree; visit Cataclaws Cabin where you uncover festive surprises in this warmly lit hideaway and even have an opportunity to snap a photo with Cataclaws herself; and hop aboard the LEGO DUPLO® Express for a joyful photo.  The second immersive area is Main Street which features a festive downtown with interactive storefronts and LEGO sets galore which also include a LEGO Toy Store; a Pet Adoption Center; a Sleigh Station; and much more.  Your inner creative builder will be sparked to create at this event!

Help kick off the beloved Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights exhibits at Griffin Museum of Science & Industry’s Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival this Saturday (10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) located at 5700 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive in the Hyde Park neighborhood.  Switch flipping on their four-story Grand Tree will happen at 11 a.m. with Santa Larry, the first Black Santa to spread holiday cheer at the Mall of America.  This day-long festival then continues with live performances by local cultural organizations; seasonal samplings from Stan’s Donuts; shopping for unique gifts in the Holiday Shop; and much more.  Plus, this event is included in your General Admission ticket!

There’s no better time to begin crossing off items on your holiday gift list or creating one than at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair this Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd.) in Rosemont.  This year’s activities for all ages includes exhibitors with new, hot, and classic toys and games; LEGO & TOMY activations; playing Giant Jenga; meeting Benny the Bull or Crazy Aaron from Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty; tabletop tournaments; toy giveaways; and much more.  In addition, the Young Inventor Challenge for kids ages 6 to 18 will showcase their toy and game inventions to toy and game execs, the media, and public.  Don’t miss this opportunity to attend North America’s largest toy and game fair open to the public just in time for the arrival of the holidays!

Celebrate the upcoming holiday season at Brookfield Zoo’s Tree Trim this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) located at 8400 31^st Street in Brookfield.  Simply purchase a tree to decorate which also comes with 20 free zoo tickets valued at over $600.  It’s a great way for Girl Scout troops, schools, families, and community groups to create lasting memories and be part of a dazzling holiday tradition that lights up Chicagoland!  Registration is required and event runs rain or shine.

This Sunday at 12 p.m., the Chicago Bears will be hosting the New York Giants at Soldier Field (1410 Special Olympics Dr.) in the South Loop.  Honestly, I don’t know how much more I can take watching the Bears!  Winning by 1 point in last Sunday’s game was pure luck – not talent.  I want the “Monsters of the Midway” back!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Andersonville is known for its diversity, its Scandinavian beginnings, and its great restaurants. Through November 9, there’s another reason to know Andersonville, by tasting the autumnal flavors of their inaugural Andersonville Autumn Restaurant Week.

Already famous for its annual Winter Restaurant Week, this Autumn Restaurant Week boasts 17 participating restaurants, offering multi-course brunch, lunch, and dinner options ranging from $35 to $60 (prices vary by location). 

For example, Anteprima, 5316 N. Clark, is featuring a $45 prix fixe menu, with your choice of a Kale Salad with roasted butternut squash, Grilled Polenta, or Chicken Meatballs for your first course, followed by your choice of Mushroom Risotto, Chianti-Braised Beef, or Seared Salmon, and for dessert, your choice of Lemon Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, or Chocolate Hazelnut Torte. For reservations, click here. 

Genteel Southern cuisine is on the docket at nearby big jones, 5347 N. Clark.  Chef Paul Fehribach is preparing such starters as Blackened Cauliflower, charred in a spicy rub, served with wild black walnut, romesco sauce and pea greens. Or Cajun Boudin Balls with homemade Fischer Farms pork and Cahokia Farm rice sausage croquettes served with cayenne mayonnaise and piccalilli. Main courses include Fried Chicken served with reezy-peezy and chili sauce, choose light or dark meat.  #beatbobbyflay Breakfast Sandwich, with soft-griddled eggs, house-cured chaurice sausage, Jarlsberg swiss cheese, and spicy apple chutney on a buttery biscuit, and choice of side,  or Shrimp & Grits, which has Texas Gulf shrimp in house-cured tasso ham gravy with shiitake mushrooms and creamy Anson Mills grits. For dessert, your choice of Beignets, smothered in powdered sugar and served with a tangy puree of Klug Farm raspberries, or an  Heirloom Apple Galette Nichols Farm apples stewed in compote with Bourbon whiskey, baked atop hand-rolled puff pastry, finished with salted caramel sauce. For reservations, click here. 

At the whimsical Kopi Café, 5317 N Clark, their $25 prix fixe menu choices includes their Salmon Davis, Jr., a fortified twist of the classic Reuben sandwich, with pastrami, flavoured smoked salmon, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and chipotle aioli, and served with boiled potatoes.Or, a Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Focaccia Sandwich, withbasil pesto and organic field greens, followed by a Carrot Cake or Peanut Butter Torte for dessert. For reservations, click here. 

There are many more restaurants throughout Andersonville participating. For a complete list of restaurants and menus, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago