How to Find Your Dream Home

Are you ready to begin searching for your dream home? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or moving from your existing home to something that better fits your needs today, these four steps will help you kick off and simplify your home buying process.



1. Set a realistic and meaningful budget

Before you begin your house hunt, you should establish a realistic budget. It can be hard to guess how far your money will go, especially due to recent inflation and rising mortgage rates. You need to account for the closing costs of the property, taxes and other costs associated with a new home.

 

A mortgage lender can help you realistically assess your budget during the pre-approval process. A mortgage pre-approval, which is in effect for two or three months, states that you are qualified to borrow a certain amount from the bank under specific terms. 

Smiling couple sitting in a drawn room

When you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you can afford to spend on a home. Then, you can limit your search to homes in your budget. It will also make you a better candidate after you’ve made an offer on a home, if you find yourself in a multiple-offer situation.


In order to get pre-approved, you’ll need to bring information about your income and assets to a lender. They will also check your credit score, and ask about how much you have saved for a down payment. Then, they’ll let you know the loan you can expect. A pre-approval is not binding, so feel free to talk to a few different mortgage lenders and compare terms.



The pre-approval process may seem like a lot of stressful paperwork when all you want to do is get out and see some houses, but it will set you up for success in your home search.

Don't forget!

If you’re moving from an apartment to a house your utility bills will likely increase, since you’ll be heating, cooling and lighting a larger space. If you have been renting, these costs, as well as your water bill, may have been included in your monthly rent. Be sure to include estimates of utility costs into your calculations when you determine how much you can spend on your new home. You’ll also want to factor in moving costs, needed renovations or repairs, set-up fees for Internet and TV service and costs associated with taking care of the exterior of the property.

2. Figure out your must-haves and deal-breakers


When you first start thinking about the home you want, it’s easy to dream big. When you begin listing all the things you’re looking for, your home may require a spacious guest bedroom, a finished basement, a kitchen with the latest features and a massive landscaped yard. And if you’re house hunting as part of a family, everyone may have their own priorities.


But try taking a step back — which elements are most important to you, and which are things you want to have but could live without? Maybe you can redo the kitchen once you move in, or you’d trade that yard for proximity to a beautiful public park.


Now, make sure you know what aspects of a home are absolute dealbreakers. If you’ve lived next to a noisy highway for years and already know you won’t do it again, don’t even bother putting homes that fit that description on your tour list.



To ensure you have a reasonable set of must-haves and deal-breakers, take everything you’ve listed from your dream home brainstorm and rank them in order of importance. Then, you’ll know your priorities when you begin touring homes and can find the house that fits your needs.

3. Consider your neighborhood options


Before you start looking at individual homes, take some time to get to know the neighborhoods you’re considering. If your circumstances allow, take a day trip to each area you’re most interested in. Don’t just stay in your car — get out and take a walk around. Figure out where you’d likely go for groceries, shopping or a meal out, and get a sense of what the trip is like. If you are moving with kids or intend to have them in your new home, do some research on the schools and on nearby places they can go for sports, arts or other after-school activities.


You don’t want to limit your options too tightly at this stage, but getting a sense of different neighborhoods you may consider may help you hone your priorities. Look back at your list of must-haves and deal-breakers to determine whether a neighborhood is the right fit for you and your family. Knowing what you like about one area or another will help your REALTOR® recommend additional places to broaden your search if needed.

4. Work with a Mainstreet REALTOR®


As you start your house hunt process, you’ll soon realize it’s a lot to manage on your own, especially if you’re moving to a new area. A Mainstreet REALTOR® can help you gain access to any of the homes for sale that match your needs, provide guidance throughout the buying process and serve as your advocate in negotiations. Whether you want to buy a new home, buy a vacation home, or find a luxury house for sale, you'll want a Mainstreet REALTOR® by your side.


When looking for a real estate professional to help you find your dream home, be sure you choose a Mainstreet REALTOR®. Anyone with a real estate license can be a real estate agent, but Mainstreet REALTORS® are held to higher standards. They follow a strict Code of Ethics set by the National Association of REALTORS®. This code protects homebuyers and sellers by guiding how REALTORS® represent their clients in every step of the process, ensuring all parties are treated fairly and with respect.


In addition to meeting this higher standard, your Mainstreet REALTOR® can contribute:


Local Expertise

Mainstreet REALTORS® work locally, and bring firsthand knowledge of the market to your home search. Sure, anyone can research home listings online, but a local Mainstreet REALTOR® will bring years of experience in a given neighborhood to help you find homes that fit your criteria. They can advise you on the best time to start looking based on the local market, and what to consider when you make an offer.


Data

Mainstreet REALTORS® have access to the Multiple Listing Service, which provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on homes in your area. With it, your Mainstreet REALTOR® can find you homes that fit your needs and help you negotiate throughout the buying process.


Specialized Training

Depending on your needs, you may want to work with a Mainstreet REALTOR® with a certain specialty. Through Associations like Mainstreet REALTORS®, REALTORS® have access to continuing education opportunities in real estate. Many become certified in specialties like military relocation or working with homes with environmentally-friendly features. When you work with a Mainstreet REALTOR® with the relevant certification, you know they have experience finding exactly the type of home you're looking for.


Whatever your needs, your Mainstreet REALTOR® will guide you through how to buy a house that's right for you.


Ready to start your home search? Hire a Mainstreet REALTOR® today and take the first step toward finding your dream home.

Chicago Suburbs with the Best Outdoor Recreation: Parks, Trails and Nature Preserves

By Amy Robey • July 16, 2025
Outdoor entertainment in the Chicago suburbs is easy to find; if you know where to look.

Summer in the Suburbs: Top-Rated Public Pools and Water Parks Near Chicago

By Amy Robey • July 16, 2025
As the mercury rises and summer break stretches on, families across Chicagoland begin their annual search for the perfect place to cool off and create lasting memories. While the city offers its fair share of beaches and pools, many suburban families are discovering that Chicago suburban pools and water parks provide unparalleled amenities, shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere that makes summer days truly special. For families with young kids or those considering a move to the suburbs before the new school year begins, the quality of local aquatic facilities can play a role in the decision-making process. After all, easy access to exceptional swimming and water recreation can transform those long summer days from mundane to magical, while providing parents with peace of mind about safe, supervised activities for their children. In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about water recreation in the Chicago suburbs. The Suburban Advantage: Why Chicago Suburb Pools Lead the Pack Chicago's suburban communities have invested heavily in their aquatic infrastructure, creating facilities that rival private clubs at a fraction of the cost. These Chicagoland water parks and community pools offer amenities that urban facilities simply cannot match due to space constraints and budget limitations. From lazy rivers to competitive lap pools, climbing walls to children's splash zones, suburban aquatic centers have become true community gathering places that strengthen neighborhood bonds while providing world-class recreation. The benefits extend beyond just the facilities themselves. Suburban pools typically feature ample parking, shorter wait times and a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages multi-generational enjoyment. Many also offer swimming lessons, water aerobics classes and special events that turn a simple pool visit into a comprehensive recreational experience. Naperville: The Gold Standard for Suburban Chicago Summer Activities Naperville's Centennial Beach stands as perhaps the crown jewel of Chicago suburban water recreation areas. This historic quarry-turned-aquatic-paradise features a massive swimming area with sandy beaches, diving boards and separate areas for different skill levels. The facility's unique history – it was once a working quarry – gives it a distinctive character that sets it apart from typical municipal pools. The city's commitment to aquatic excellence doesn't stop there. Naperville also operates the Fort Hill Activity Center, which houses an impressive indoor aquatic facility perfect for year-round swimming. With its lap pools, therapy pools and family recreation areas, Fort Hill demonstrates how suburban communities can provide comprehensive aquatic programming that serves residents of all ages and abilities. Schaumburg's Wet and Wild Adventures Schaumburg Township has earned recognition for its exceptional aquatic facilities, particularly the Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Park. The township's approach to water recreation emphasizes both fun and fitness, with facilities designed to accommodate everything from serious swimmers to families seeking casual recreation. The community's investment in these facilities reflects a broader commitment to quality of life that attracts families from across the region. Schaumburg's pools feature modern filtration systems, accessibility accommodations and programming that keeps families engaged throughout the summer season. Wheaton: Where Community and Recreation Converge Wheaton's Memorial Park Pool Complex exemplifies how suburban communities can create aquatic destinations that serve as true community centers. The facility combines traditional pool amenities with modern features like splash pads, water slides and dedicated areas for different age groups. What sets Wheaton apart is its integration of aquatic facilities with broader park amenities. Families can easily transition from pool time to playground activities, sports fields or picnic areas, creating full-day recreational experiences that build strong community connections. The Western Suburbs: Hidden Aquatic Gems Moving further west, communities like Glen Ellyn, Lombard and Downers Grove have developed aquatic facilities that rival anything found in larger cities. These Chicagoland water parks may be smaller in scale than major theme park destinations, but they offer the perfect balance of excitement and accessibility for families seeking regular summer recreation. Glen Ellyn's Lake Ellyn Park provides a unique combination of swimming and natural beauty, while Lombard's Paradise Bay Water Park offers thrills like water slides and a lazy river in a family-friendly environment. Downers Grove's facilities emphasize both recreation and fitness, with lap swimming, water aerobics and competitive programs that serve active families year-round. Northern Suburbs: Excellence in Aquatic Programming The northern suburbs have distinguished themselves through innovative programming and facility design. Communities like Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect and Des Plaines have created aquatic centers that function as true community hubs, offering everything from infant swim classes to senior water aerobics. These facilities often feature unique amenities like therapy pools, climbing walls and specialized areas for different activities. The programming extends beyond simple pool access to include swim teams, diving clubs and water safety instruction that helps families make the most of their aquatic investments. Making the Most of Suburban Aquatic Facilities Families considering a move to the suburbs that value hot summer fun should evaluate potential communities based on their aquatic offerings and how well these facilities align with their lifestyle needs. Consider factors like: Proximity to home : The closer the facility, the more likely your family will use it regularly Season pass costs : Many suburban facilities offer affordable season passes that provide excellent value for active families Programming options : Look for facilities that offer lessons, camps and special events that match your family's interests Hours of operation : Extended hours and weekend availability can make a significant difference in accessibility Additional amenities : Concessions, parking and nearby parks can enhance the overall experience. The Investment in Community Quality of Life These exceptional aquatic facilities represent more than just places to swim – they're investments in community quality of life that pay dividends in property values, family satisfaction and neighborhood cohesion. Suburban communities that prioritize these amenities often see higher property values and stronger community engagement, making them attractive options for families planning long-term moves. Planning Your Summer Suburban Adventure As summer reaches its peak and families begin thinking about the upcoming school year, there's no better time to explore what Chicago's suburban communities have to offer. Whether you're seeking the excitement of water slides and splash zones or the tranquility of well-maintained lap pools, the suburbs provide options that can transform your family's summer experience. The combination of exceptional facilities, reasonable costs and strong community programming makes suburban Chicago summer activities particularly attractive for families seeking a balance of recreation and relaxation.  Ready to dive into suburban life? Browse homes within walking distance of these summer hotspots here on Chicagolandhomes.com , and discover how the perfect pool or water park could be just around the corner from your new home. Your family's best summer memories might be waiting in a community you haven't yet explored!
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