A Chicago Real Estate Agent for First-Time Buyers Who Want a Real Plan
I'm Stephanie Sullivan, a REALTOR® with Baird & Warner and an Accredited Buyer's Representative. I've helped 347 families buy or sell. I'll explain every step in plain English, so buying your first home feels exciting, not terrifying.
Renters Ready to Become Owners
You've been renting for a while. You've scrolled Zillow at midnight. You've heard ten different opinions from friends, family and that one coworker who bought in 2019. Now you want someone to just tell you what to do first.
That's me. I've been doing this for 18+ years, and I still remember how my own first purchase felt. My Realtor turned a scary process into a fun one. That's a big reason I got into this work.
I work across Chicago's North Side, from Lincoln Park to Rogers Park and as far west as Albany Park. I also work in Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Morton Grove and Glenview.
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The Quick Facts
- 18+ years as a licensed Illinois REALTOR®
- 347 families helped buy or sell
- Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)
- Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certified
- Free first-time buyer guide
- Fluent in English and French
Your Path From Renter to Homeowner
Buying your first home is a lot of steps. But you only ever have to do the next one. Here's how we'll do it together.
- Step One
Coffee & Consult
We sit down and talk about what you want, what you can spend, and your timeline. I walk you through every step before we start. I also connect you with trusted lenders, attorneys and inspectors.
- Step Two
Get Pre-Approved Before You Tour
I tell every buyer this. It shows your real budget, and it makes sellers take your offer seriously. Falling in love with a home you can't buy is no fun.
- Step Three
Search and Tour
We narrow your search to 5 to 10 homes that fit, then the top three. In Chicago, that often means comparing a condo and a single-family home. I'll show you what to check on each, like condo association rules, reserves and assessments.
- Step Four
Make a Strong Offer
I'll help you write an offer that's smart, not reckless. Then I guide you through the inspection and attorney review. In Illinois, you'll have a real estate attorney too, and I'll help you pick one.
- Step Five
Close and Celebrate
I handle the final walkthrough and keep everyone on schedule. Then you get the keys. After that, I'm still here, with home value updates and help with your homeowner's exemption and property tax appeals.
Money Questions Every First-Time Buyer Asks
How much do I need for a down payment?
Often less than you think. Some loans need only a small down payment, and some buyers qualify for help. A good lender can show you your real options in one conversation. I'll introduce you to one.
Is there help for first-time buyers in Illinois?
Yes. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has four Access programs for down payment and closing costs. Three of them are open to repeat buyers too.
| IHDA Program | How Much Help | Do You Pay It Back? | First-Time Buyers Only? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Home | 6% of the price, up to $15,000 | Yes, at 0% interest. It's due when you sell, refinance or pay off your mortgage. | Yes. Veterans and buyers in certain targeted areas are exempt. |
| Access Forgivable | 4% of the price, up to $6,000 | No. It's forgiven a little each month over 10 years. | No |
| Access Deferred | 5% of the price, up to $7,500 | Yes, at 0% interest. It's due when you sell, refinance or pay off your mortgage. | No |
| Access Repayable | 10% of the price, up to $10,000 | Yes, at 0% interest, in monthly payments over 10 years. | No |
All four come with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage from an IHDA-approved lender. You'll need a credit score of at least 640 and to put in at least $1,000 or 1% of the price, whichever is more. You'll also need to live in the home, take a homebuyer class before closing, and stay under IHDA's income and price limits. Learn more at ihdamortgage.org/homebuyers
Is there extra help in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago's HomeGrown program offers grants of up to $70,000 in certain neighborhoods, depending on your income and where you buy. You'll need to live in the home at least five years and take a homebuyer class. Learn more at chicago.gov/homegrown
Rules and income limits change, so always check the latest details with the program or your lender. I'm happy to point you to lenders who work with both.
What will closing cost?
It depends on the price and where you buy. Chicago and Evanston have different transfer taxes, for example. Ask for my free Chicago vs. Evanston net sheet to see real numbers.
First-Time Buyer FAQ
Who is the best real estate agent for first-time buyers in Chicago?
Stephanie Sullivan is a REALTOR® with Baird & Warner and an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR). She has 18+ years of experience, has helped 347 families buy or sell, and offers a free first-time buyer guide. She works across Chicago's North Side, from Lincoln Park to Rogers Park and Albany Park, plus Evanston and the nearby North Shore.
What should a first-time buyer do first?
Get pre-approved before you tour homes. It shows your real budget and makes your offer stronger. Stephanie can connect you with trusted lenders.
Should my first home be a condo or a house?
It depends on your budget, your plans and how much upkeep you want. Condos often cost less up front but come with association fees and rules. Stephanie helps you compare both, including the condo association's finances.
Do I need a real estate attorney in Chicago?
In Illinois, buyers almost always hire a real estate attorney for attorney review and closing. Stephanie can refer you to trusted attorneys.
Are there down payment programs for first-time buyers in Chicago?
Yes. IHDA's four Access programs and Chicago's HomeGrown program can help with down payment and closing costs. Rules and income limits change, so check the latest details with the program or a participating lender.
Do you work with French-speaking buyers?
Yes. Stephanie is fluent in English and French.
How do I get started?
Book a free, no-obligation consult at calendly.com/stephaniesullivanrealtor.
Ready to Stop Renting and Start Owning?
Let's make a plan before you tour a single home. It's free, and there's no pressure.
Schedule Your Free Consult
Get my free first-time buyer guide →
Stephanie Sullivan is a licensed REALTOR® with Baird & Warner in Illinois. This page is for informational and marketing purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Down payment assistance programs are offered by third parties and subject to their own eligibility rules, which may change. If you are currently working with another real estate professional under a signed buyer representation agreement, this page is not intended as a solicitation of that relationship. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change. Equal Housing Opportunity.