Wicker Park First-Time Buyer: Meet Vanessa
How did you know this home was “the one?”
It was love at first sight! But I knew it was “the one” when I kept obsessing over it after I saw it and started to picture my furniture in the space.
What do you love most about your home?
The space! I love the open concept kitchen and living room, combined with the charm of exposed brick and natural light.
What was a must-have in your home?
I didn’t go into the experience without a strict “must-have” list. But as soon as we started looking, I realized what I liked and didn’t like. I definitely wanted a 2 bedroom, and my “must haves” started to include hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, and a fireplace. Chicago is cold ! The neighborhood feel was also really important to me.
Why did you decide it was time to stop renting and buy your first place?
I have lived all over the U.S. (NJ, Boston, Baltimore, Seattle) and I was ready to “plant roots” when I took a new job and moved to Chicago last year. The low interest rates and buyer’s market pushed me to take the plunge from renting to buying
Did your criteria for your home change as your search progressed?
Somewhat. Originally, I worried about price and thought I was definitely going to end up in a 1 bedroom. But many of the 2 bedroom options we saw were feasible price wise, and I realized the extra space was really important to me. So we quickly focused solely on 2 bedroom condos.
What is your favorite room in the house and why?
I love the living room with the charm of a fireplace and exposed brick. It also gets amazing light.
What are you most excited about in your new home?
Eventually, entertaining. I really love having more space and a place that feels like me. Decor is still sparse, but I’m excited to continue to furnish and decorate it over the next year.
Favorite memory in your new home?
On the day I closed, I came by the condo after to check-it out. It was a surreal and excited feeling to be a homeowner. I felt really proud that I was able to do it on my own.
What drew you to Wicker Park?
Being so new to Chicago I didn’t have one particular neighborhood in mind. But I really fell in love with Wicker Park. It is vibrant and walkable. I love that there are lots of restaurants and bars nearby, but side streets and quieter and charming.
“I’m a first time home buyer, so I didn’t know anything about anything. Meg is like working with a friend and she walked me through each step of the process. In particular, it was so helpful to have her set me up with her trustworthy contacts along the way - everyone from a lender to a contractor, for some after-close renovations. She was very knowledgeable about the market and answered all of my first time home-buyer questions.”
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