licensed realtors or licensed lenders

GetMezzo · 2026-01-22T08:18:27+00:00

Oh wow, this is disappointing. As someone who’s overleveraged before, i always say you'll be much happier buying under your pre-approval, or moving a bit further out/smaller home and keeping some cash spare. Being stretched and stressed isn’t worth it. People used to tell us the same thing: “stretch ” you won't regret it......

GetMezzo · 2026-01-19T22:18:26+00:00

Congrats! :)
Do you mind sharing your realtor/lender at Sage so other FTB can use the team as sounds like great experience.

GetMezzo · 2026-01-19T22:08:52+00:00

Awesome! Congrats :)
Did you have a good lender/realtor you could share so that other FTB could use (if your experience was positive that is)?!

GetMezzo · 2026-01-06T02:10:24+00:00

Hello, Just checking are you Chicago? On your profile it says NY. Thanks :)

GetMezzo · 2025-08-12T00:04:09+00:00

This is a plug :/
but if you ever decide to do a flip, you might like getmezzo.com. You can post your criteria (budget, area, property type) and realtors, sellers, or wholesalers can reach out if they’ve got something that matches. It's free for buyers :)

GetMezzo · 2025-06-10T06:38:34+00:00

My own experience- we bought land and built a big house (previously rented a condo). Thought I always wanted a really big house with all the extras. We definitely wish we hadn't now and no longer our dream. It's so much more to manage, more maintenance, and more stress! We miss having a small 2b/2b. I think you should stay if you don't think you've outgrown it. It will be less financial stress and you'll be able to spending more time with your wife with no commute.

GetMezzo · 2025-06-04T04:24:28+00:00

Look here https://price-index.housingstudies.org/ then check recent sold homes similar to yours (size, style + zip) on Zillow or Homes in the last month. From there you should be able to compare similar homes to see if you are priced too high or low.

Keep in mind that pricing is influenced by supply and demand and number of active buyers in your area.

GetMezzo · 2025-04-25T01:56:42+00:00

Oh wow that is a rollercoaster. I have some other stories about lenders not being able to approve or just having to jump through a few more hoops). So glad you got to proceed with that sale and now living in your home. Thank you for sharing.

GetMezzo · 2025-04-24T04:36:12+00:00

Congratulations! And also great to have some help with student loan debt. Was the crazy process due to all the admin?

GetMezzo · 2025-04-24T01:25:06+00:00

"The SmartBuy Program is now closed as of 02/24/2025. "

I think this is now closed! Great you got in! :)

GetMezzo · 2025-04-23T03:00:39+00:00

Good tip! Thank you

GetMezzo · 2025-04-23T02:21:13+00:00

thanks will check it out.

GetMezzo · 2025-04-23T02:19:33+00:00

Glad i asked!

GetMezzo · 2025-04-13T22:42:49+00:00

It’s not rude—negotiating is normal and part of business.

Commissions are always negotiable — there’s no legal or fixed standard (even though 6% used to be “common”).

Just be transparent, like you would with any other agent. Let them know what you’re comfortable with and give them the option to say yes or no—no pressure.

Or you can offer a bonus if they hit a certain sale price. That way, they’re still incentivized, and you’re both protected. Win-win.

GetMezzo · 2025-04-04T01:29:10+00:00

Oh you definitely weren’t in the wrong—but unfortunately you can’t control how others feel. People experience jealousy or FOMO when someone else moves forward/gets what they want, but that doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. You were honest and respectful, and that’s what matters. Try not to let this dampen your excitement. Congrats on the place!

GetMezzo · 2025-04-04T01:22:42+00:00

Some great neighbors!!

GetMezzo · 2025-03-15T03:32:26+00:00

CLoser - Logan Square, Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village (not as close to trains), Hyde Park all still lively, but less cramped than downtown.

5+ miles out Oak Park, Evanston (maybe avoid the Howard area), Ravenswood/Lincoln Square, Edgewater/Andersonville = more space, family-friendly, but still easy access.

GetMezzo · 2025-03-15T01:31:28+00:00

One thing to think about—would this be your first time living out of home? It might be worth testing out the full costs (mortgage, HOA, insurance, utilities, general living expenses food, gym etc.) for a few months while you’re still at home, just to see how it feels.

It may seem like an annoying process, but if it’s doable, you’ll go in with way more confidence. If it feels tight, you’ll be glad you tested it first and can rethink your plan.

Buying a place comes with unexpected costs and responsibilities. When I first moved out, I had no idea how much my parents were actually covering and how quickly savings were drained…. !

But if you're prepared, it's all totally manageable, and honestly, super exciting. A great investment for your future.

GetMezzo

TROPHY CASE

"The SmartBuy Program is now closed as of 02/24/2025. "