Apply For A First Time Homebuyers Home Warranty Grant This June

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In celebration of Homeownership Month this June, we’re offering 10 first-time homebuyers a chance to receive a $250 reimbursement grant toward their home warranty.

To Chicago REALTORS®:

 

Nominate one of your first-time homebuyer clients for this special, limited-time reimbursement grant! We’ve made it easy. Share this blog on social media with this  downloadable graphic (to the right). Click here to download.

OR, complete the nomination form for clients you already know are qualified for this grant.      

Click To Apply Online

 

To Applicants:

You did it! You closed on your very first home! CONGRATULATIONS!

One of the ways you can, and have, protected your investment is through a home warranty purchase. Between closing costs, down payments and moving expenses, out-of-pocket expenses can add up.

This year, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation is proud to help ease the burden of homeownership costs by offering Chicago REALTOR® clients the chance to obtain a $250 reimbursement grant for purchasing a home warranty package.

Criteria For Applicants

To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant must have closed on the home within six months of the application submission date.
  • Applicant must be one of the primary homeowners.
  • Applicant must be a first-time home owner.
  • Application must include a 150 word statement on “what owning my first home means to me.”
  • NOTE: Homes purchased in underinvested communities will be given priority consideration.

Click Here To Apply Online

Cool, Clean & Covered: Home Maintenance for A Stress-Free Summer

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As springtime slips away and we make way for long summer days, don’t forget about these important measures you can take to make sure your home is protected and operating efficiently all season long.

  • CHECK FOR CRACKS AROUND DOORS & WINDOWS

    The money you spend on keeping your home cool can slip through the cracks if you’re not careful. Check your windows, doors and vents for any loose fittings that could leave you paying to air condition the outdoors. Install or upgrade weatherstrips to reduce leakage or try a window insulation kit.

  • REVERSE YOUR CEILING FAN DIRECTION

    Switching your ceiling fan from clockwise to counterclockwise removes strain from your air conditioning unit by pushing cold air down, away from the ceiling and circulates it to areas where you need a breeze the most.

  • CHECK FOR MOLD AFTER SPRING SHOWERS

    Plentiful spring rains can also mean leaks and wetness in basements and attic spaces. Venture into these areas to see if you can spot any visible mold, feel an unnatural level of humidity in the space or smell something funky brewing. These are all signs you should act quickly before a small issue impacts your home in big ways.

  • CLEAN OUT GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

    Springtime changes can also mean leaves, petals or other plant matter getting snug in your gutters and rain spouts. Tackle this chore on your own—ideally with the help of a friend or family member—or pay for a pro to clean your tracks and keep your gutters functioning properly.

  • TEST SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

    While the recommended frequency for testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is every month, the batteries should be switched out annually. And what better time to make sure you’re protected from smoke and fumes than bonfire and cookout season? It’s also important to replace the entire detector unit every 10 years, so if you’re new to your home or unsure of the last time your detectors were refreshed, be on the safe side and swap out the unit.

A few simple steps today can help you stay safe, cool and stress-free all summer long.