ChicagoFirstTimeHomeBuyer.com is a reference guide for people buying their first home in the City of Chicago. It explains the assistance programs, costs, contract steps and deadlines that apply here, in plain language, with every fact linked to the agency or document it comes from.
What the site covers
- Down payment assistance, including the City’s HomeGrown grant and IHDA’s IHDAccess Home.
- The buying process, from pre-approval through attorney review and closing.
- What it costs to buy, including the Chicago transfer tax, property taxes and exemptions.
- Guides on current topics such as loan limits, condo rules, mortgage rates and homebuyer education.
How pages are checked
Each page shows the date it was last reviewed and a numbered list of sources, which point to primary agencies such as the City of Chicago Department of Housing, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Cook County Assessor and Treasurer, and HUD. When a program changes, the page is updated and its review date changes with it. The full process is described in our editorial standards.
Who is behind it
The site is maintained by Chicago real estate brokers who work with first-time buyers. Broker profiles are being added. Until then, you can reach the team with a question about your own situation.
This site offers general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Program terms change, so confirm details with the administering agency before you rely on them.