This is a two bedroom, end-unit townhome in desireable Lincoln Square. This townhouse features three exposures, providing an amazing amount of natural light. There is crown molding, custom window treatments, and the living area has an open floor plan. The chef's kitchen has granite counters and stainless steel appliances, including an island to maximize cabinet and counter space. There is a balcony on the main level, perfect for grilling, and a rooftop deck with skyline views, perfect for entertaining. The bedrooms are on the same level, and the master bath has dual vanity, a separate, glass shower, and a whirlpool tub. The closets were designed by California Closets, and there is a half bath on the main level. There is also an attached, two-car garage with this home. Located steps from the shops, restaurants, and bars of Lincoln Square, and a quick walk to the Brown Line and Metra, this home is in a perfect location!

Located in the heart of Bucktown, this highly upgraded, three bedroom three bathroom townhome is perfect for the discerning buyer. In the Willow Court townhome development, this townhome features an open floor plan with the large living and dining rooms opening to the high-end, eat-in kitchen. The kitchen features custom cabinets and Thermador, Dacor, and Miele appliances. There is maple flooring throughout the living areas. The master bathroom sports limestone flooring and surrounds, Porcher double sinks, an enormous shower with rain head, body sprays, and steam. The master bath also features heated flooring. There is a huge roof deck and also a deck off of the kitchen. This Bucktown townhouse has an attached two car garage.

Elegance defines this beautiful townhome in the Gold Coast's premier gated community, Sutton Place. There are amazing finishes on each level with Brazilian mahogany hardwood flooring, custom welded steel, designer wall treatments and raised panel doors. The eat-in kitchen features custom French country design by Nu Haus with Dacor and Bosch appliances. The gracious and ultra-private master suite has a vaulted ceiling, custom built-ins, and a private terrace. The one-car garage is attached to this warm and inviting home.

Don't be fooled by the exterior.. Check out this totally renovated, four bedroom townhome in Lincoln school district! This fee simple townhouse features restored timber beams, refinished hardwood flooring, and new sliding doors. The gorgeous chef's kitchen opens to the living and dining rooms with a wood-burning fireplace. The living room provides access to the large private patio. The second and third floors feature four huge bedrooms and two tastefully renovated bathrooms. The third bedroom is currently used as a large family room. This townhome is on one of the most heavily-desired streets in Lincoln Park and is steps to the lake. One parking space is included in the sale of this home.

Amazing private community in River North, attached to a full amenity building. This townhome is all brick and has a private entrance. There is hardwood flooring throughout and extremely high ceilings through the open layout. There is an amazing 30' terrace with city views. The state of the art kitchen features appliances from Subzero, Miele and Bosch. The quartz island in the kitchen features a hidden television. There are three bedrooms on the second level along with the laundry room and tons of natural light. The master suite on the third level has a cathedral ceiling and features a custom walk-in closet and master bath featured in Better Homes and Gardens. There is one garage parking space included.

Spacious townhome in sought-after Victorian Place. This home is steps from the Southport Corridor in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. This townhouse is flooded with natural light and has three levels of great living space. There is a large chef's kitchen with island and breakfast bar, that opens nicely into the charming front family room. There are bay windows, a wood-burning fireplace with granite surround, and 12 foot ceilings. Both bedrooms are on the third level and share a new white marble bath. Many units have converted a bedroom into two rooms because they are so large! This townhome also features an attached two-car garage.

This is a delightful and welcoming townhome in the West Town neighborhood, and features a huge, manicured yard. This townhouse has a remarkable open layout with granite kitchen and a light-filled living room. There is a half-bath on the main floor for entertaining. All three bedrooms and two full baths are on the second floor. On the lower level there is a family room, laundry room, and abundant storage space. There is dark espresso hardwood flooring throughout. This townhome also features a two car garage and is a fee simple property. There are no monthly assessments here!

End-unit townhome in a gated community, with attached TWO CAR GARAGE! This townhouse features three bedrooms and two baths, with a wide-open floorplan over three levels. Fireplace in living room, open dining table space, and a breakfast area in the eat-in kitchen. There is abundant storage space within the unit and the attached garage, and there is the ability to build out a rooftop deck. Steps to transportation/close to expressway for easy commute. Steps to Illinois Medical District and Little Italy!

Here is my advice, step-by-step:

1. Decide that you are not going to wait any longer, and you will take the situation by the reins. Decide that you are going to do everything you can in order to avoid foreclosure. By making this decision, you will control what happens instead of letting the process determine your future.
2. Find an experienced, competent, and highly-recommended real estate agent to represent you. Ask around (you don't have to declare your situation), search online for exposure, reviews and professionalism, and most importantly: INTERVIEW THEM. Be sure you talk to at least two agents. Some basic questions to ask an agent can be found here. These do not include short sale specific questions, but those will follow on this very same blog shortly. But know that not all agents, regardless of overall real estate experience, are suited to handle a short sale transaction.
3. Find an experienced real estate attorney. When interviewing agents, be sure to ask who their recommended attorney partners are in terms of short sales. A very important thing to realize is that your uncle, the tax attorney, will not be your best selection for a real estate transaction, let alone a short sale. Find an attorney that specializes in short sale transactions, can clearly describe their experience, and is approachable. You must feel comfortable with your attorney as you are going to have many questions through the process.
4. Discuss the situation with your accountant or tax professional. Depending on the state, your property, and your financial condition, there may be tax consequences. Know about these before moving forward as they may be very impactful.
5. Prepare yourself for the short sale process. A great agent and/or attorney, experienced in short sales,will set candid expectations on how the process will run, what the pitfalls might be, and what the potential impact for you might be down the road. However, in all short sale scenarios you must prepare yourself to be patient, to be willing to provide all types of financial documentation, and to be comfortable asking questions of those representing you, including your attorney and real estate advisor.

This information is very basic, but it helps set a road map to move forward. Short sales are prevalent, and so no matter how large or small your community or real estate market are, there are sure to be great real estate professionals that specialize in short sales. In our next episode we'll discuss, in more detail, how to choose the real estate professional you will decide to work with.

This high-end, Lincoln Park townhome is within the development, and features three bedrooms on the same level. The professional kitchen features SubZero, Wolf, Dacor, and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and has a custom tile backsplash. There are vaulted ceilings in the enormous master bedroom, and the master bath has a frameless glass shower and double vanity. The lofted family room with skylights could be a fourth bedroom. There is massive outdoor space with a 20'x15' deck. This townhouse is in a prime location, with quick access to the Brown Line.

This brick townhouse, in highly desirable Old Town Square, has three bedrooms, two of which have en-suite baths, and a half-bath. The kitchen has plentiful cabinet space, and the unfinished lower level space could be used as a family, bath and extra bedroom. Two parking spaces are included, and there is a 12x12 deck on the top floor. This townhouse is ready for a new buyer to make it their own!

Vintage building, but modern on the inside, this Old Irving townhome is flooded with sunlight. The full basement allows expansion for a third bedroom. Both bedrooms on the second level have en-suite bathrooms, with the master bedroom generously sized. The kitchen has eat-in space, but the townhouse also features a separate dining room. There is an outdoor deck and two outdoor parking spaces included at this price. This home is conveniently located minutes from the expressways, Metra, and both CTA Blue and Brown lines.

This fantastic Ravenswood townhome, with four floors of living space, is west-facing and an end unit. The large kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and an enormous breakfast bar that seats four. There are two outdoor spaces with a balcony off of the kitchen and a deck on the top level. The home is wired for sound throughout, and the living areas feature hardwood flooring. There is a two car, attached garage, and the location couldn't be better. Steps to Andersonville and Lincoln Square, and the Metra and Brown Line are both a quick walk.

Newer construction, turnkey townhome close to shopping, expressway and transportation. This three bedroom, two and one-half bath townhouse has a marble entry into the foyer, nine foot ceilings, and extra-wide, open floorplan. This home features hardwood flooring throuhout the living areas, skylights in both full bathrooms, and a two-car attached garage. There is a covered deck off of the kitchen, perfect for grilling or entertaining. The spacious master suite is on the top floor and the master bath has a double vanity and a separate shower and tub. This professionally managed community has healthy reserves and this home will not disappoint!

This newer construction, four bedroom, three bedroom, fee simple townhome is in the gated Galewood Crossing community. The master bedroom and two others are on the second level, with a full bath and fourth bedroom on the first floor - perfect for guests! Brazilian cherry hardwood floors through the living areas, and the unit features a two-car attached garage.

This gorgeous Old Irving townhome features three bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms, and is in wonderful condition. Two of the bedrooms are on the upper level, each with their own en-suite bath. The huge master suite has an enormous walk-in closet and the bath has a double vanity and separate shower. With north, east and south exposures this unit is sun-filled all day long. There is a private deck off of the dining area. One gated parking space is included at this price.