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Buy your next home with Hiyalita

Work with A CHICAGO REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
WHO goES to bat for you throughout the process.

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Experienced agents you can trust

You’re in good hands with Hiyalita. We’ve won awards and cut our teeth working for the largest brokerage in Chicagoland. We don’t only know the local market — we’ve bought or sold homes just around the corner from where you’re looking. 

Redfin and Zillow are fun for window-shopping. When you’re ready to buy, work with agents who will look out for you as you make one of your greatest investments. 

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Hear from happy homeowners

“Hiyalita went above and beyond the call of duty. We always felt like we were getting an honest opinion and never felt pressured. In a world lacking customer service, they were one of very few who I would ever recommend.”

– Matt T., bought and sold in Avondale, bought in Evanston

“Hiyalita was like human Xanax every time we chatted. They walked us through the process, soup to nuts, when we started and were always a step ahead of our questions. I cannot recommend Hiyalita more to future home buyers.”

– John H., bought and sold in Lakeview, bought in Evanston

“I worked with Hiyalita for the purchase and sale of a home, and they were excellent. In addition to being expert realtors, they were incredibly decent people who are committed to giving back in her clients’ communities.”

– Sally R., bought and sold in Logan Square

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying property can feel complicated, but we’re here to answer your questions and simplify the process.

What’s the cost of working with a Hiyalita real estate agent?

We pride ourselves on fair and transparent pricing. Where other brokerages charge a percentage of the purchase price, Hiyalita charges for the services provided, regardless of the purchase price. Our full buyer services cost $5,000, but are reduced to $4,000 if you find your home within the first 5 showings. As our buy-side fees are paid at closing, you won’t pay anything until we find you the property you were meant to have.

The process varies greatly depending on the market. Some people find their dream home right away. For others, it takes months (and sometimes years). 

Buying a home is a big decision wrapped around several smaller decisions: what area(s) you want to live in, how much home you need/want for the next 5 years, what your budget is. The more you know the answers to those smaller questions, the faster the process will go.

Speak to a lender to obtain a pre-approval. Make sure they have all the relevant financial information so they can offer an accurate prediction of how much you can afford. At the same time, reach out to Hiyalita. We’ll help you get started by narrowing down wants and needs and getting you set up with a search that includes listings in your area of interest.

We will send you all of the privately and publicly listed properties that meet your home search criteria. When you see a home you’re interested in, let your Hiyalita agent know. They’ll schedule a showing that works with your schedule.

24 hours is customary. Depending on the property, we may be able to get in faster.  

If I like a place, what happens next?

You and your agent will discuss pros, cons, and general feedback after each showing. If you’re interested in submitting an offer, let your Hiyalita agent know. We will assist in writing up an offer, submitting to the seller, and negotiating terms until an agreement is reached.

First, the seller needs to sign the initial offer. Then, negotiation takes place over phone and email between the agents. Once an agreement is reached, the seller signs off and the contract becomes enforceable. (You’re able to close on the home.)

You can still change your mind after signing the agreement. If you need to back out after attorney review, inspection, appraisal, or financing, you can usually get your earnest money back. However, we recommend negotiating in good faith — only submit an offer if you truly believe that you’d like to own the property and are financially capable of doing so.

Closing costs are the additional fees charged through title companies, attorneys, real estate agents, lenders, and municipalities. They can include title insurance, loan processing fees, transfer taxes, attorney fees, appraisal, survey, and escrow fees. Closing costs differ from buyer to buyer, but estimate to pay approximately 2.5% to 3.5% of the purchase price.

45 days, give or take a few, is the typical escrow period. However, this may change based on a buyer or seller’s specific needs. A lender typically needs at least 30 days to complete the loan processing.

This is a common need among buyers, since much of your cash is tied up in the equity of your current home. Hiyalita can assist with both sides of the process (buying and selling). We can help you assess your buying power, understand the role of contingent offers, and navigate the timing of a sale and purchase.

Resources for homebuyers in Chicagoland

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or your fifteenth, new questions and situations are bound to come up. Check out our best advice for navigating the homebuying process.

Brokerage fees when listing a Home: what homeowners are really paying for. Hiyalita title card

Brokerage Fees When Listing a Home: What Homeowners Are Really Paying For

Most homeowners focus on the headline real estate commission—typically 5% to 6% of the sale price—without realizing how dramatically that fee impacts their equity at closing. This article breaks down how traditional brokerage fees actually work, why commissions are effectively paid out of homeowner equity (not sale price), and what that means for sellers who still carry a mortgage. Before listing your home, understand what you are really paying for—and why the cost may be far higher than it appears.

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How to Qualify a Buyer for Your Home Before Accepting an Offer

When selling your home, attracting offers is only half the job – the real risk lies in accepting an offer from a buyer who isn’t truly qualified to close. From mortgage pre-approvals and down payments to contingencies, timelines, and motivation, knowing how to properly qualify a buyer can save you time, protect your leverage, and prevent a deal from falling apart. This guide walks homeowners through the key questions and signals to evaluate before accepting an offer, whether you’re working with an agent or selling your home yourself.

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Gearing up to sell your home?

Save thousands of dollars at close by cutting out the cost of commissions. Hiyalita gives you the support and guidance of working with a brokerage. We just price fairly for it. LEARN MORE →

The market moves fast. We do too.

Set up a custom property search with Hiyalita to get notified about new listings and price changes in real time. SET UP MY FREE SEARCH →

Start touring home with Hiyalita

Ready to start your search? Reach out to start touring properties with an experienced Hiyalita agent right away.

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