Borden Buyers Guide

First Class Service

BROKER

Katarina O. (Roscoe Village)

Looking for an apartment in the city during this crazy post-Covid housing boom would have been impossible without Laurie. She calmed our nerves, answered all our questions, and encouraged us with so much patience and kindness. She answered our texts morning, noon, and night—this is way above and beyond what anyone could expect. Laurie was in our corner the whole time. I couldn’t possibly thank (or recommend!!!) her enough.

Alison T. (Northbrook, IL)

Laurie was amazing to work with throughout the entire home buying process. This was my husband and I’s first time buying a home, and Laurie was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. She provided insight at all times, and was there to help us through the entire process from beginning to end, via email, phone, text message, etc. We highly recommend Laurie, I have already recommended her to friends of ours looking to sell their home.

YOU WON’T FIND ANOTHER REAL ESTATE

WHO WILL WORK AS HARD FOR YOU AS LAURIE.

Table of Contents

THE BUYING PROCESS Buying

312 350 5222

laurie@listedbylaurie.com

There are lots of Realtors in Chicago. Why should you choose Laurie? Because while some Realtors tell you what they think you want to hear, Laurie tells you what you need to know! Laurie is hardworking, conscientious, and genuine. Her attention to detail and discerning eye will keep you one step ahead and help you avoid unwelcome surprises. She gets the job done! Prior to entering real estate, Laurie enjoyed a career in retail and fashion. She was a buyer for the iconic Chicago retailer, Mark Shale, and was the buyer for the boutique at the East Bank Club. Laurie infuses her

style, taste, and vision into everything she does. Laurie has experience navigating the Chicago public and private school systems and can help families understand the complicated process. Laurie volunteers at the Ark, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, Honeycomb Project and Share Our Spare. She plays tennis, practices Pilates, loves to travel and is an avid runner, who has run marathons. Laurie and her family live in West Town. Laurie holds a B.S. from Indiana University, where she graduated with honors.

Real Estate Broker

Laurie Borden

Real estate is complex.

That’s where Laurie comes in.

Keller Williams

THE #1 BROKERAGE IN THE U.S.

We are powered by the #1 brokerage in the United States, with offices in over 50 countries. Keller Williams has developed a commanding presence in the real estate industry.

#1 IN REAL ESTATE UNITS SOLD, SALES VOLUME & AGENT COUNT

1 MILLION + TRANSACTIONS

#1 IN SERVICE Newsweek

$332 BILLION IN VOLUME

ONE OF THE WORLDS BEST EMPLOYERS FOR WOMEN. Indeed

#1 MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANY Inman #1 HAPPIEST PLACES TO WORK Forbes

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE TOP 10 Training Magazine

WHY KELLER WILLIAMS

Great Values

We hang our professional license with Keller Williams because they align with our values - integrity, honesty, and due diligence. It’s these values that allow us to provide a quality transaction. It also reinforces that our success is determined by the satisfaction of the clients we serve.

Quality Outcomes

Besides being the number one brokerage for units sold, sales volume, agent count, and customer service, Keller Williams is the #1 brokerage in real estate education. We stay apprised of all new real estate laws and ahead of the ever changing real estate market so our clients are empowered to make a great home buying decision.

Community Outreach

Since May of 2009 our entire company – from the U.S. and Canada to our family abroad – we set aside the second Thursday of the month to Renew, Energize, and Donate within the communities we serve - RED Day.

What You Get

Z E RO COST RE PRESENTATION

Most of the time, the buyer does not have to pay a commission for our real estate expertise, because the seller pays all the commissions.

DU E D ILIGENCE

We do all the small things, with excellence, from start to finish. You will always be in the loop and empowered to make an offer on a property that truly checks your boxes.

NEGOTI A TOR & ADVOCA TE

Rely on our experience and expertise to negotiate with the listing agent to reach a beneficial price that reflects the comps in the specific neighborhood.

YOUR NEEDS PRIO R ITIZED

We listen to what you want and need and prioritize those wants and needs in your online and offline searches.

BOUTIQUE

APPROA CH

We might be powered by the #1 brokerage, but we operate like a small boutique agency. We are flexible, understanding, and compassionate.

S ERVICE BEYOND T HE PURCHASE

After you buy a home, we pride ourselves in service after the closing. You can expect us to stay in touch as you are now part of our family. We are here for you if you need a vendor referral, e.g. an electrician, a plumber, a handyman, etc. if you have questions about your home or the neighborhood, or if you just want to talk.

With home ownership the equity is yours to keep!

With renting you give 100% of the equity made each month to the landlord.

$1,200 $43,200 $72,000 $144,000 $288,000

$1,600 $57,600 $96,000 $192,000 $384,000

$2,000 $72,000 $120,000 $240,000 $480,000

$2,400 $86,400 $144,000 $288,000 $576,000

$2,800 $100,800 $168,000 $336,000 $672,000

$3,200 $115,200 $192,000 $384,000 $768,000

$3,600 $129,600 $216,000 $432,000 $864,000 $4,000 $144,000 $240,000 $480,000 $960,000

Financing

A HOW TO GUIDE

TIMELINE

Getting approved for a home mortgage can take an average of 30-45 days. We can connect you with a mortgage lender who will guide you in obtaining a home loan that fits your needs and budget.

PRE-APPROVAL

Gettinga pre-approvalletterisrequiredina competitive market. Mortgage pre-approval can keep that home you’ve been eying from being sold right out from under you while awaiting loan approval. Being prepared is critical to presenting a strong offer and it gives sellers confidence in your financial ability.

DOWN PAYMENT

Anywhere from 3% to 20% is required for a down payment. The more money you have to put down, the ‘stronger’ the offer is in the eyes of the Seller. Again, in a competitive market, a larger down payment is better but not necessarily required.

CLOSING COSTS

The range of closing costs varies with every home purchase, depending on purchase price and lender. Consult your lender partner for detailed costs relative to your purchase.

SHARING PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE

From when and how to finance your home to sticking within your price range, we answer the most common questions and concerns from home buyers.

GENERAL PRO TIPS

KEEP EMOTIONS OUT:

You might be tempted to ignore major problems with the house that will be difficult, expensive, or impossible to change. Keep in mind, new houses come on the market every day!

PRICE RANGE:

It’s important to know your price range before you start looking. Consider your own budget and what your mortgage lender will allow based on your pre-approval letter.

TOO SLOW:

Losing out on a property that you were ready to make an offer on can be heartbreaking. We give our clients timely advice to help them in these situations.

MORE HOUSES:

There are several homes out there that can meet your needs. If there are snags with the home you like, consider moving on. Being open will keep you from making a rash decision.

PATIENCE:

Been looking for a while? Not seeing anything you like? Desperate to get into that new house? If you have time on your side, wait until you find the house that feels like the “one” when you first step foot inside. You don't want to regret making one of the largest financial decisions of your life.

DECISION MAKING BALANCE:

In a hot market, it may be necessary to act quickly if you find a home you like. We help our clients balance their need to make a quick decision by researching how much the property is really worth by looking at similar closed, contingent, and for sale comps in the subject property’s neighborhood.

DI Y DISASTER:

A fixer-upper can become costly between labor, parts, and your time. Consider your construction abilities or the cost of hiring a contractor, the scope of work, move-in timeline,anddailyschedulebeforeevermakinganofferonaDIYproperty.

T O O MUCH:

If the house does not appraise at or above the amount of your offer, the bank will not give the loan unless A) the seller reduces the price or; B) you pay cash for the difference. If market conditions are similar to or worse than they were when you purchased, you may find yourself upside down on the mortgage and unable to sell. We advise our clients to only buy when the purchase price for the home is reasonable for the house and the location, before ever making an offer.

Service beyond the sale.

Continued Service

You have a real estate expert, ally, and advocate by your side through the entire buying process. But, what happens after you complete your home purchase? Let’s keep in touch. As a way of checking in to see how you are, you can expect a phone call, an email, or the occassional notecard from me to you. If you find yourself needing a plumber, contractor, etc down the line, pick up the phone and simply ask. That’s the kind of service we provide, beyond the closing.

Buying a home is a process. Sometimes the process takes a little longer, while other times it’s swift and sweet. I’m here to help you through the entire process - from start to finish and even beyond the purchase.

Buying Process Breakdown

SIMPLIFYING A COMPLICATED OPERATION

1.CLARIFY

GOALS & CRITERIA

Outlining your wish list and property search criteria.

2.PRE-APPROVAL

Having a conversation with a lender and becoming pre-approved allows you to make a stronger offer when the time comes.

3.YOUR SEARCH SETUP

STEPS 1-5

We will setup your home search on the MLS and tap into alternate resources.

4.VIEW & SELECT PROPERTIES

Once you receive your personalized portal you have the ability to select your properties of interest and begin touring online.

5.ACCESSING HOME VALUE

Once we have found the right home, a comparable market analysis will be performed to determine how the home is priced.

Last Step

11.CLOSING

We will provide you details and facilitate the closing process at the title company designated by the sellers. Closing is approximately 2 hours in length.

6. WRI T E & NEGOTIATE OFFER

Create a strategy for writing up an offer. Signatures can be completed electronically.

7. ACCEPTANCE OF C O N TRACT

Once all parties have signed the contract, initial earnest money is due and and inspection period begin.

8. M ORTGAGE PROCESS

Your lender will receive the contract and start the loan process. An appraisal will be ordered on your behalf.

9. H OME INSPECTION

Usually, a 5 to 7 business day period where you have the opportunity to conduct a home inspection.

1 0. FINAL WALK THR OUGH

An opportunity for you to walk through the property one last time before closing to ensure all aspects of the contract have been met.

Transaction Costs

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT

Buyer Pays (on average):

F Closing Points to Lender (if applicable)

F Document Preparation & Recording Fees – To prepare the mortgage and record the deed $500.

F Application & Appraisal Fee – Charged by the lender; depends on the lender $400.

F Chicago Transfer Stamps – $3.75 per $500 of the purchase price.

F Lender Title Insurance – $550.

F Attorney’s Fee – $500-$700.

F Tax Reserve Fund – Equal to two months of taxes [only if required by the lender].

F Homeowners Insurance Policy – A paid receipt may be requested at the closing (if applicable).

F Closing Fees - $1,500-$2,000

Seller Pays (on average):

F Commission to Real Estate Agents

F Title Insurance For Buyer

F Recording Fees

F Chicago City, Illinois State and Cook County Transfer Tax –Total $2.25 per $500 Seller Costs for Transfer Tax. ($1.50 per $500 of purchase price for City of Chicago; $0.25 per $500 for all Illinois counties; $.50 per $500 for Illinois).

F Attorney’s Fee – Averages $500-$700.

F Escrow Charges – Only if the escrow is established.

SCHEDULE YOUR MOVING

Looking for someone to patch the walls and paint, help you move, or fix that sink? We are happy to make a referral. Two years from now, when you’re ready to add that additional bath, we can help then, too.

NeighborhoodBoundaries

ALBANY PARK

North: Bryn Mawr (5600N)

South: Irving Park (4000N)

East: Chicago River (2600W) (+/–)

West: Pulaski & Elston (4000W

ANDERSONVILLE

North: Bryn Mawr (5600N)

South: Foster (5200N) East: Clark (1200W) (+/–) West: Ravenswood (1800W)

BELMONT HARBOR

North: Addison (3600N) South: Diversey (2800N)

East: Lake Michigan (0E/W)(+/–)West: Broadway (500W) (+/–)

BOWMANVILLE

North: Bryn Mawr (5600N)

South: Foster (5200N) East: Ravenswood (1800W) West: Western Ave (2400W)

BRIDGEPORT

North: 26th Street (2600S)

South: Pershing (3900S)

East: Dan Ryan (400W) (+/–)

West: Ashland (1600W)

BUCKTOWN

North: Fullerton (2400N)

South: North Ave (1600N)

East: Kennedy Exp. (1550W) (+/–) West: Western Ave (2400W)

BUDLONG WOODS

North: Bryn Mawr (5600N)

South: Foster (5200N)

East: Western Ave (2400W) West: Chicago River (3100W) (+/–)

BUENA PARK

North: Montrose (4400N) South: Irving Park (4000N) East: Marine (0E/W) (+/–) West: Kenmore (1100W)

BURNHAM PARK/SOUTH LOOP

North: Jackson (400S) South: Roosevelt (1200S) East: Michigan Ave (400E) (+/–) West: State Street (0E/W) (+/–)

CABRINI GREEN

North: Division (1200N)

South: Chicago (800N)

East: Orleans (340W)

West: Halsted (800W)

CHINA TOWN

North: Cermak (2200S)

South: Stevenson Exp.

East: Wentworth (200W)

West: Stewart (400W)

CITY FRONT CENTER

North: Grand (650N)

South: Chicago River (400N) (+/–)

East: Lake Michigan (500E) (+/–)

West: Michigan Ave. (100E) (+/–)

CLARENDON PARK

North: Lawrence (4800N) South: Montrose (4400N) East: Lake Michigan (400E) (+/–) West: Sheridan (800W)

CLYBOURN CORRIDOR

North: Wrightwood (2600N) South: North (1600N) East: Clybourn (800W) West: Chicago River (1600W)

DEARBORN PARK

North: Polk (800S) South: Roosevelt (1200S) East: State (0E/W) West: Clark (100W)

DEPAUL

North: Fullerton (2400N) South: Armitage (2000N) East: Halsted (800W) West: Racine (1200W)

EAST LOOP

North: Randolph (1N) South: Congress (450E) (+/–) East: Michigan Ave. (100E) (+/–) West: Lake Michigan (450E) (+/–)

EAST ROGERS PARK North: Howard (7600N) South: Devon (6400N) East: Lake Michigan (1800W) West: Ridge (2200W)

EAST VILLAGE

North: Augusta (1000N) South: Grand (500N) East: Ashland (1600W) West: Damen (2000W)

EDGEWATER GLEN

North: Granville (6200N) South: Elmdale (6000N) East: Broadway (1200W) West: Clark (1600W)

EDGEWATER

North: Devon (6400N) South: Foster (5200N) East: Lake Michigan (1000W) West: Ravenswood (1800W)

FULTON CENTRE

North: Carroll (300N) (+/–) South: Lake (150N) (+/–) East: Aberdeen (1000W) (+/–)

West: Ogden (1400W) (+/–)

FULTON MARKET

North: Carroll (300N) (+/–)

South: Lake (150N) (+/–)

East: Union/Halsted (800W) West: Aberdeen (1000W) (+/–)

THE GAP

North: 31st (3100S)

South: 33rd (3300S)

East: Michigan Ave (100E)

West: King Drive (200W) (+/–)

GOLD COAST

North: North Ave (1600N)

South: Oak St. (1000N) East: Lake Michigan (100E) (+/–) West: Clark (100W) (+/–)

GREEK TOWN

North: Monroe (200S) South: Van Buren (500S) East: Halsted (800W) West: Halsted(800W))

HALSTED RIVER TRIANGLE

North: North Ave (1600N) South: Division (1200N) East: Halsted (800W) West: Chicago River (1000W) (+/–)

HUMBOLDT

North: Armitage Ave (2000N)

South: Chicago Ave (800N) East: Western Ave (2400W) West: Pulaski (4000W)

IRVING PARK

North: Irving Park (4000N)

South: Addison (3600N) East: Chicago River (2600W) (+/–) West: Elston (3400W) (+/–)

LAKEVIEW

North: Addison (3600N) South: Diversey (2800N) East: Lake Michigan (100E) (+/–) West: Damen Ave. (2000W)

LAKEVIEW CENTRAL

North: Addison (3600N) South: Wellington (3000N) East: Halsted (800W) West: Southport (1400W)

LAKEVIEW EAST

North: Addison (3600N) South: Diversey (2800N) East: Lake Michigan (100E) West: Halsted (800W)

LAKEWOOD / BALMORAL

North: Bryn Mawr (5600N) South: Foster (5200N) East: Lakewood (1300W) West: Wayne (1332W)

LINCOLN PARK

North: Diversey (2800N)

South: North (1600N)

East: Lake Michigan (150E) (+/–)

West: Clybourn (1200W) (+/–)

LOGAN SQUARE

North: Diversey (2800N)

South: Fullerton (2400N)

East: Western (2400W)

West: Central Park (3600W)

LOOP

North: Lake St. (100N)

South: Jackson (400S)

East: Wabash (1E)

West: Wells (200W) (+/–)

MID-NORTH

North: Fullerton (2400N)

South: Armitage (2000N)

East: Lake Michigan (400E) (+/–) West: Halsted (800W)

NEWTOWN

North: Addison (3600N) South: Diversey (2800N) East: Lake Michigan (0E/W) (+/–) West: Broadway (600W

NOBLE SQUARE

North: North (1600N) South: Augusta (1000N) East: Kennedy Exp. (1300W) (+/–) West: Ashland (1600W)

NORTH CENTER

North: Montrose (4400N) South: Addison (3600N) East: Ravenswood (1800W) West: Chicago River (2700W) (+/–)

OLD TOWN

North: North Ave. (1600N) South: Division (1200N) East: Clark (100W) West: Clybourn (600W) (+/–)

PARK WEST

North: Diversey (2800N) South: Fullerton (2400N) East: Lake Michigan (250E) (+/–) West: Halsted (800W)

PETERSTON PARK

North: Peterson (6000N) South: Bryn Mawr (5600N) East: Lincoln (2800W) West: Kedzie (3200W)

PILSEN

North: 16th (1600S) South: Cermak (2200S) East: Canal (500W) West: Damen (2000W)

PRINTERS ROW

North: Congress Pkwy (500S) South: Polk (800S) East: State (0 E/W) West: Clark (100W)

RANCE TRIANGLE

North: Armitage (2000N) South: North (1600N) East: Halsted (800W) West: Racine (1200W)

RAVENSWOOD

North: Foster (5200N)

South: Montrose (4400N) East: Clark (1400W) (+/–) West: Kedzie (3200W)

RAVENSWOOD MANOR

North: Lawrence (4800N)

South: Montrose (4400N)

East: Chicago River (2500W) (+/–)

West: Sacramento (3000W)

RIVER NORTH

North: Chicago Ave (800N) South: Chicago River (100N) (+/–) East: Clark St (100W) (+/–) West: Chicago River (600W) (+/–)

RIVER WEST North: Division (1200N) South: Grand (500N) East: Chicago River (600W) (+/–) West: Kennedy Exp (1200W)

ROGERS PARK See (East Rogers Park/West Rogers Park

ROSCOE VILLAGE

North: Addison (3600N) South: Belmont (3200N) East: Damen (2000W) West: Western (2400W)

ROSEHILL

North: Peterson (6000N) South: Bryn Mawr (5600N) East: Western (2400W) West: Lincoln (3000W)

SAINT BEN’S

North: Irving Park (4000N) South: Addison (3600N East: Damen (2000W) West: Western Ave (2400W)

SANDBERG VILLAGE

North: North Ave (1600N) South: Division (1200N) East: Dearborn (50W) West: LaSalle (200W) SHEFFIELD / DEPAUL North: Fullerton (2400) South: Armitage (2000N) East: Halsted (800W) West: Magnolia (1232W)

SHERIDAN PARK

North: Lawrence (4800N) South: Montrose (4400N) East: Broadway (1000W) West: Clark (1500W)

SOUTH LOOP

North: Jackson (400S) South: Roosevelt (1200S) East: Michigan Ave (100E) (+/–) West: Chicago River (350W) (+/–)

STREETERVILLE

North: Oak (1000N)

South: Grand (500N)

East: Lake Michigan (500E) (+/–) West: Michigan Ave. (100E) (+/–)

TRI-TAYLOR

North: Harrison (600S)

South: Taylor (1000S)

East: Ogden (2000W) West: Damen (2000W)

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE

North: Division (1200N) South: Grand (500N) East: Damen (2000W) West: Western (2400W)

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE

North: Harrison (800S) South: Roosevelt (1200S) East: Halsted (800W) West: Ashland (1600W)

UPTOWN North: Foster (5600N) South: Irving Park (4000N) East: Lake Michigan (500W) (+/–) West: Ashland (1600W)

WEST DEPAUL

North: Diversey (2800N) South: Fullerton (2400N) East: Racine (1200W) West: Ashland (1600W)

WEST GRACELAND

North: Montrose (4400N) South: Irving Park (4000N) East: Clark (1400W) (+/–) West: Ashland (1600W)

WEST LOOP

North: Lake (100N) South: Eisenhower Exp (500S) East: Kennedy Exp (700W) West: Ashland (1600W)

WEST ROGERS PARK

North: Howard (7600N) South: Devon (6400N) East: Ridge (2000W) (+/–) West: Kedzie (3200W)

WEST TOWN North: Chicago (800N) South: Eisenhower Exp (500S) East: Halsted (800W) West: California (2800W)

WESTGATE MILL

North: Monroe (100S) South: Eisenhower Exp (500S) East: Kennedy Exp (700W) West: Throop (1400W)

WICKER PARK

North: North (1600N) South: Division (1200N) East: Ashland (1600W) West: Western (2400W)

WRIGHTWOOD

North: Diversey (2800N)

South: Fullerton (2400N)

East: Halsted (800W)

West: Racine (1200W)

WRIGLEYVILLE

North: Irving Park (4000N)

South: Addison (3600N)

East: Halsted (800W) West: Clark (1300W)

Unparalleled Support

THE DIFFERENCE MAKER

Every measure is applied to ensure you are completely satisfied with the service and the outcome of your home purchase. From the very first step to the closing table and beyond, you can expect unparalleled support. Yes, buying a home is a complex undertaking, expecially in Chicago. That’s why having Laurie, a trusted and proven real estate expert, is invaluable to meeting your real estate goals. So sit back and watch as Laurie manages a seamless and worry free home purchase, just for you. You aren’t alone. We’re making this move together!

Welcome to the Home Buying Process

Expertise.

With an advanced understanding of Chicagoland and backed by the #1 brokerage for real estate education, Laurie has the experience and skill to get you into the home you want.

Honesty.

Professional and timely communication is provided at every step of the transaction. We give you accurate information so you can make the best decisions. We work with you to accomplish your objectives.

Passion.

We live real estate-from data, to marketing, to negotiations-but what we do is help buyersgetthebestdealontheirterms.