2026–2027 Chicago Homebuyer Resource Center
Mortgage, Real Estate, Preapproval, Credit, Closing & Homebuying Resources for Chicago and Chicagoland
Buying a Home in Chicago Starts With a Plan
Buying a home in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs involves much more than finding a property.
Homebuyers may need to understand mortgage preapproval, credit, income documentation, down payments, closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, inspections, attorneys, title work and mortgage programs.
That's why I created this Chicago Homebuyer Resource Center.
I'm David Braun, Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS #303007. I began my mortgage career in 1997, and my philosophy is simple:
Build Your Mortgage Plan Before You Apply.
Chicago Homebuyer Quick Navigation
The Chicago Homebuying Roadmap
- Evaluate your financial position.
- Review credit, income, assets and monthly obligations.
- Determine a comfortable housing budget.
- Compare potential mortgage programs.
- Obtain mortgage preapproval when appropriate.
- Choose a qualified real estate professional.
- Begin your property search.
- Submit and negotiate an offer.
- Complete attorney review when applicable.
- Complete inspections.
- Finalize your mortgage application.
- Complete appraisal and underwriting.
- Arrange homeowners insurance.
- Review closing documentation.
- Complete your closing.
Don't wait until you find the house to start thinking about financing. Understanding your mortgage strategy before making an offer can help you make better-informed decisions.
Chicago Mortgage Preapproval
Mortgage preapproval can help prospective buyers understand their potential financing range before making an offer.
A mortgage professional may review:
- Employment
- Income
- Credit
- Monthly obligations
- Assets
- Down-payment funds
- Property type
- Occupancy
- Loan program
For additional mortgage education, visit DavidBraunMLO.com.
Understanding Mortgage Programs
FHA Loans
FHA-insured financing can be an option for eligible borrowers purchasing a primary residence.
Official FHA information: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Conventional Mortgages
Conventional financing includes mortgages that are not insured by the FHA. Requirements depend on the borrower, property and loan structure.
Learn more through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
VA Home Loans
Eligible veterans, service members and certain surviving spouses may have access to VA-backed home-loan benefits.
Official resource: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
USDA Financing
USDA programs may be available for eligible borrowers and properties in qualifying locations.
Official resource: USDA Rural Development
Credit & Mortgage Qualification
Credit can affect mortgage qualification and pricing, but it is only one part of mortgage underwriting.
Questions Homebuyers Frequently Ask
- What credit score is needed to buy a house?
- What credit score is needed for FHA financing?
- How does credit affect mortgage pricing?
- What is debt-to-income ratio?
- Can someone purchase a home after bankruptcy?
- Should debt be paid down before applying?
Consumers can obtain information about their credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com .
Consumer mortgage information is also available from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau .
Down Payment, Closing Costs & Cash to Close
The down payment isn't necessarily the only money required when purchasing a home.
Depending on the transaction, costs may include:
- Down payment
- Lender-related costs
- Title costs
- Attorney fees
- Inspection expenses
- Appraisal expenses
- Homeowners insurance
- Property-tax related items
- Prepaid interest
- Escrow funding
- Other transaction-specific expenses
Build Your Chicagoland Real Estate Team
A home purchase can involve several professionals with different responsibilities.
Real Estate Professionals
Chicago-area buyers can research real estate professionals through organizations such as:
Real Estate Attorneys
Illinois homebuyers may also work with real estate attorneys. Legal questions should always be directed to an appropriately qualified attorney.
Attorney information: Illinois State Bar Association
Home Inspectors
A professional home inspection can provide information concerning the condition of a property.
Inspector education: International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
Chicago & Chicagoland Homebuyer Resources
Property taxes, municipal requirements and housing programs can vary by location. These government resources can help buyers research their communities.
Chicago & Cook County
- City of Chicago
- Chicago Department of Housing
- Cook County
- Cook County Assessor
- Cook County Treasurer
Chicagoland Counties
Popular Chicagoland Communities
Official Mortgage & Housing Resources
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Fannie Mae
- Freddie Mac
- Illinois Housing Development Authority
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Federal Housing Finance Agency
- Federal Reserve
- Federal Reserve Economic Data
- U.S. Census Bureau Housing Data
About David Braun — The Mortgage Maniac
I've been involved in the mortgage industry since 1997.
Through changing housing markets, interest-rate environments and lending guidelines, one principle has remained constant: educated borrowers are better prepared to make major homeownership decisions.
That's why I created DavidBraunMLO.com—a growing library of mortgage education, Chicago housing information and practical homebuyer resources.
Build Your Mortgage Plan Before You Apply.
Thinking About Buying a Home in Chicagoland?
Start with information. Understand your options. Build your mortgage strategy.
David Braun — The Mortgage Maniac
Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS #303007
Important Disclosure: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, financial or real estate advice. It is not a commitment to lend, mortgage approval, preapproval, guarantee of financing or rate quote. Mortgage programs, interest rates, eligibility requirements and underwriting guidelines are subject to change and may vary based on lender, borrower, property and transaction circumstances. Consumers should consult appropriate qualified professionals regarding their individual circumstances. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Third-Party Links: External resources are provided for educational convenience. Third-party websites and their content can change and are controlled by their respective organizations.
David Braun | Mortgage Loan Officer | NMLS #303007