Answers by Carol Hunt

A cracked foundation isn’t automatically a deal breaker. It really depends on the type of crack, the age of the home, and the type of foundation**. Some cracks are very common, especially in homes that have settled over time. Hairline or minor vertical cracks are often not structural and may only require sealing. Larger horizontal or stair-step cracks can indicate movement and should be evaluated more carefully. A few things I would want to know: • How large is the crack? • Is there any water seepage or moisture in the basement? • Do the floors slope on the first or upper levels? • Has the crack changed over time? I’ve sold homes where minor foundation cracks were present in a 20-year-old property and they turned out to be routine settling with no structural concern. The best place to start is with a qualified licensed home inspector. They can evaluate the situation and let you know if it appears routine or if a specialist should take a closer look. If the home truly checks all the boxes for you, it’s worth getting expert guidance rather than ruling it out immediately. Carol Hunt, Broker, e-PRO, GRI Baird & Warner, Winnetka 847-404-7959 [email protected]

A larger down payment can make a buyer’s offer more attractive to a seller, but not because the seller receives more money. The seller is paid the same regardless of the buyer’s down payment. What a larger down payment does is reduce the risk of financing problems. For example, if a buyer is putting 20% down or more, it often means: • The buyer is financially stronger. • The loan is less risky for the lender. • The buyer may have extra funds available if the home does not appraise at the purchase price. If a property appraises lower than the contract price, a buyer with a larger down payment may be able to bring additional cash to closing to cover the appraisal gap. Buyers with very small down payments often cannot do that, which can cause a transaction to fall apart. So while the seller ultimately receives the same price, offers with larger down payments tend to feel more secure and more likely to close. Carol Hunt, Broker, e-PRo, GRI Baird & Warner, Winnetka 847-404-7959 [email protected]

1. County Assessor or Treasurer website Every county publishes property tax records online. If you have a specific address, you can search the county property records to see the most recent tax bill and assessed value. 2. Real estate listing sites Many listings on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, or MLS-based brokerage sites include the latest annual property tax amount in the property details. This gives you a quick estimate while browsing homes. 3. Your real estate agent A Realtor can quickly pull the most recent tax amount and tax history from the MLS and explain how taxes vary by community. Keep in mind that property taxes can change after a sale, especially if a property is reassessed. When you’re determining affordability, it’s wise to estimate a little higher than the current tax bill so there are no surprises later. Carol Hunt Broker, ePRO®, GRI Baird & Warner, Winnetka 847-404-7959 [email protected]

Getting a feel for a neighborhood before moving in is a very smart idea, and there are several ways to do it naturally. Start by visiting the area at different times of day — weekday mornings, evenings, and weekends. Neighborhoods can feel very different depending on traffic patterns, activity, and noise levels. Take time to walk the neighborhood rather than just driving through. You’ll notice how well homes are maintained, whether people are outside, and the general pace of the community. It’s also helpful to spend time in local gathering spots. Parks, coffee shops, small restaurants, and neighborhood stores give you a sense of how people interact. Parks in particular are often a place where casual conversations happen naturally. You can learn a lot simply by observing how people use the neighborhood and how it feels to spend time there. Another valuable resource is an experienced local Realtor who knows the area well. A professional who works in the community every day can often provide insight about the character of different neighborhoods, schools, commuting patterns, and what it’s like to live there. You can learn a lot simply by spending time in the area and observing how the neighborhood feels. Carol Hunt, Broker, e-PRO, GRI Baird & Warner, Winnetka 847-404-7959 [email protected]

Inspection requests are very common, and it’s not unusual for buyers to present a long list after the inspection. The key is separating meaningful issues from minor items. In most cases, I advise sellers to focus only on health, safety, or structural concerns — things such as electrical hazards, plumbing leaks, roof issues, or mechanical problems. Cosmetic items or small maintenance issues often fall into the category of normal homeownership rather than something a seller needs to fix. One strategy many sellers find effective is offering a credit at closing instead of doing the repairs themselves. This avoids delays, prevents additional issues from being discovered during repairs, and allows the buyer to handle the work after they move in. It’s also helpful for the listing agent to set expectations early that the inspection is meant to identify significant concerns rather than a long repair list. Every transaction is a negotiation. The goal is to address legitimate issues while keeping the transaction moving forward without taking on unnecessary work. Carol Hunt Broker, ePRO®, GRI Baird & Warner, Winnetka 847-404-7959 [email protected]

You can absolutely have your broker reach out to the listing agent. It never hurts to ask. Sales do fall apart from time to time, especially during inspection and attorney review. If you\'re interested, you can submit a backup offer so you\'re next in line if the current deal doesn’t hold together. Carol Hunt Baird & Warner, Winnetka, IL Real Estate Broker, ePRO, GRI [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) 847-404-7959