Olson Home Buyers Blogs

Blogs: Your Source for All Your Home Selling Insights

Welcome to the Olson Home Buyers Blogs, where you'll find a wealth of information and insights into the world of real estate in Illinois. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply interested in the local housing market, our blogs are here to educate and inspire you.

Should You Clean or Sell A Hoarder House As-Is?

By joleanolson | July 27, 2025

If you’ve inherited or own a hoarder house, you might be facing a difficult decision: Should you clean or sell a hoarder house as-is? Both options have pros and cons, and the right path depends on your timeline, finances, and emotional bandwidth. In this post, we’ll compare both routes side by side, breaking down the…

How to Clean Out a Hoarder House Without Feeling Overwhelmed

By joleanolson | July 27, 2025

Dealing with a hoarder house-especially one inherited from a parent or relative-can be physically draining and emotionally complicated, especially when you don’t know the beginning idea of how to clean out a hoarder house. What looks like piles of junk to others might be filled with memories, trauma, or even family secrets. Whether you’re preparing…

Loan Modification vs. Short Sale vs. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure: Which Option Fits Your Situation?

By joleanolson | July 26, 2025

If you’re behind on your mortgage, trying to avoid foreclosure, and comparing a loan modification vs. short sale vs. deed in lieu (whew!), you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. The good news? You have options-and you’re not alone. Many Chicago homeowners face these same decisions, and we’re here to walk you through each one with compassion, transparency,…

What to Do When Your Loan Modification Fails in Chicago

By joleanolson | July 16, 2025

What to Do When a Loan Modification Fails: A Chicago & Illinois Homeowner’s Guide When you’re already struggling to keep up with mortgage payments, a loan modification can feel like a lifeline. But what happens if your loan modification application is denied-or worse, you’re approved and still fall behind? For Chicago and Illinois homeowners, you’re…

How to Sell a Rundown Home: When Severe Wear & Tear Has You Feeling Stuck

By joleanolson | June 13, 2025

Life happens, and sometimes, it leaves a home in rough shape and when you need to sell a rundown home, it can be tough. Over decades, that can mean chipped paint, creaky floors, plumbing issues, outdated wiring, and more. If it’s been years since significant upkeep, or the property just isn’t aging gracefully, it’s easy…

What to Do When Your Chicago Home Is Damaged by Water or Flooding

By joleanolson | June 13, 2025

Living in Chicagoland means accounting for intense weather: rains, floods, and icy thaws that often damage homes. Chicago experiences significant flood damage, with the most recent extreme rainfall events in July and September 2023 causing widespread flash flooding and damage to roadways and structures. Flooding in the Chicago area has historically caused an estimated $10 million…

Chicago Landlords Struggle with Rising Costs & Taxes: How to Sell a House as a Landlord

By joleanolson | February 18, 2025

If you’re looking for answers to sell a house as a landlord, you’re not alone. Landlords in Chicago are facing tough times with their rental properties. Costs are rising, new rules are coming in, and tenants’ needs are changing. Let’s look at what’s happening and how selling your property for cash might help. Rising Costs…

How To Sell Your House Without Any Cost in Chicago

By joleanolson | October 7, 2024

Selling a house traditionally can be a costly affair. Between real estate agent commissions, closing costs, repairs, and potential staging expenses, the fees can add up quickly, often eating into the profit you were hoping to make from your sale. But what if there was a way to sell a house without any cost?  …

How to Handle an Inherited Property: A Comprehensive Guide

By joleanolson | October 6, 2024

Inheriting a property can be both a blessing and a burden. While the gift of a home or land often symbolizes a loved one’s legacy, it can also present you with unexpected responsibilities and difficult decisions. Whether the inherited property comes with positive emotions or brings up complicated family dynamics, it’s important to approach the…