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Chicagoland Real Estate Guides for Veterans, Buyers, and Investors
Our team writes about VA loans, PCS moves, investing in Chicago multifamily, and buying or selling a home across Chicagoland. Search for a post, or scroll through the newest ones below.
Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans: What to Know Before Deadlines Hit
Veterans with a VA disability rating can lower their property taxes in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, but each state sets different rating tiers, forms, and filing dates. We compare the three programs around Chicagoland and explain which deadlines fall in October, January, and the spring. You'll also learn which documents to gather, how surviving spouses qualify, and how an exemption changes the math on your next home.
The VA Loan Funding Fee Explained: What Veterans Pay and Who's Exempt
VA funding fee rates range from 1.25% to 3.3% on a purchase loan, depending on your down payment and whether you've used the benefit before. Veterans who receive VA disability compensation owe no fee whatever their rating, and surviving spouses who receive DIC are exempt too. We walk through real dollar examples, the refund rule for retroactive ratings, and the choice between paying the fee at closing or financing it.
How the Illinois Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities Works in Cook County
Illinois veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more can cut their property taxes through the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities. We explain what each rating tier saves, what Cook County asks for when you apply, and how surviving spouses keep the benefit. You'll also learn how the exemption affects a home purchase and how to recover savings from years you missed.
VA Loans and Service-Connected Disability: The Benefits Most Veterans Don't Know About
Service-connected disability compensation can affect both the VA funding fee and mortgage qualification. Learn how the funding fee exemption works, when a refund may apply, how lenders use tax-free disability income, and what to ask before buying in Chicagoland with Dorazio Real Estate.
The Chicago Veteran's Guide to Property Tax Savings
Chicago veterans with service-connected disabilities can reduce or eliminate their property tax bills through Cook County exemptions. Veterans rated 70% or higher pay zero property taxes on homes worth up to $820,000 in market value. Here's your complete guide to maximizing VA benefits for this year and beyond.
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Read by topic
Each topic opens every post we've written on it. The second link in each card goes to the page about that service.
VA loans
These posts cover buying a home with your VA loan benefit. Read the VA loan posts, or see how our team helps VA buyers.
PCS moves
These posts help military families moving to or from Chicagoland on orders. Read the PCS posts, or see our relocation concierge.
Investing
These posts cover rental property and multifamily buildings in Chicago. Read the investing posts, or see how we help investors.
Buying and selling
These posts walk first-time buyers and sellers through the process. Read the first-time buyer posts and the home sale posts, or see our buyer's agent and listing agent pages.
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