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The Law Office of Dionna Reynolds

Chicago Estate Planning Lawyer

833-878-7837
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Dionna Reynolds
    • Tanya S. Hurd Jones
    • Judith Smith Stephney
    • Javier Porcayo
  • Practice Areas
    • Estate Planning Attorney
      • Wills and Trusts Attorney
    • Real Estate Attorney
      • Real Estate Attorney – Investor
    • Eviction Services
    • Professional Notary Services
    • Probate and Estate Administration
    • Property Tax Appeals
    • Quit Claim Deed / Deed Filing Service
    • Nonprofit and Business Formations
    • Corporate Lawyer
  • Book Online
  • Blog
    • Klarna, Afterpay & Buy Now, Pay Later Are Now Being Reported to Credit Bureaus — What You Need to Know and How Bankruptcy Can Help
    • Top Books on Financial Literacy & Estate Planning
    • The Law Office of Dionna Reynolds, LLC Expands with Downtown Chicago Location and Announces New Book Available for Preorder
    • 🌷“Easter, Eggs, and Estate Plans: Don’t Leave Your Family Hunting for Answers”🐣
    • Exciting News: Our New Downtown Office is Now Open—By Appointment Only!
    • Understanding Mechanics Liens: What Contractors and Property Owners Need to Know
    • Probate Horror Stories: What Happens When You Don’t Have a Will
    • Valentine’s Day for Your Business: Show Your Clients Some Love!
    • The Cost of Waiting: Why Estate Planning Can’t Wait
    • Navigating Complicated Real Estate Matters: Why Buying Without a Deed is Risky and How We Can Help You Sell Property
    • New Year, New Opportunities: Empowering Families and Communities in 2025
    • Empower the Future: Teaching Financial Literacy to Youth & Teens
    • New Federal Reporting Requirement for Illinois Businesses: Are You Ready?
    • Local Attorney Dionna Reynolds Wins $10,000 BMO Celebrating Women Grant
    • Why Estate Planning Is Essential for Homeowners and Their Families
    • Back-to-School: A Perfect Time for Both School Supplies and Legal Documents
    • Rooting for Team USA in the Olympics: A Time for National Pride and Personal Preparation
    • Why Now is a Good Time to Pursue Eviction in Cook County
    • Inflation, Interest Rates, and Your Home Buying Dreams: A Mid-Summer Reality Check
    • Don’t Be Left in the Dark: Birth Order Doesn’t Dictate Caregiving Decisions
    • Summer Safety Tips for Your Home: Stay Cool and Secure This Season
    • Navigating a Shifting Market: Tips for Buyers and Sellers in a High-Interest Rate Environment
    • Understanding Guardianship for Adults: Protecting the Elderly with Medical Conditions and Mental Incapacity
    • Understanding Reassessments in Calumet and Bremen Townships: A Guide for Property Owners
    • Unveiling the Wealth-Building Potential of Trusts: A Simple Guide
    • The TikTok Ban: Implications for Real Estate and the Average American
    • Navigating Evictions: A Delicate Balance Between Protecting Rights and Property
    • Empowering Women During Women’s History Month: The Vital Role of Estate Planning and Entrepreneurship
    • Paving the Way: The Role of Real Estate Law in Advancing Civil Rights
    • Happy New Year from The Law Office of Dionna Reynolds, LLC – Here to Help You Achieve Your 2024 Goals!
    • Honoring Loved Ones During the Holidays: Preserving Family Legacies Through Probate
    • “The Gift of Peace: Why Estate Planning is the Perfect Holiday Present for Your Family”
    • “Year-End Surgeries: The Importance of Estate Planning and Power of Attorney”
    • Cybersecurity Impact on Real Estate Closings: A Guide for Clients Using Fidelity National or Chicago Title
    • Navigating Eviction: A Guide for Landlords to Protect Their Investments
    • Navigating Inflation: Financial Tips from Your Trusted Attorney
    • Why Millennials Should Set Up Their Estate Plan Now
    • The Power of Attorney: Why It’s Essential for Your Peace of Mind
    • What is a Real Estate Land Trust?
    • Do Not Be Discouraged When Buying a Home
    • 5 Tips From Attorney Reynolds on How To Sell Your Home
    • Benefits of Homeownership vs. Renting
    • Five Top Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Attorney
    • Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 4
    • Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 3
    • Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 2
    • Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 1
    • Do Not Call Registry
    • ESTATE PLANNING
    • How to Lower Your Property Taxes
    • How to Contest a Will
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Dionna Reynolds
    • Tanya S. Hurd Jones
    • Judith Smith Stephney
    • Javier Porcayo
  • Practice Areas
    • Estate Planning Attorney
      • Wills and Trusts Attorney
    • Real Estate Attorney
      • Real Estate Attorney – Investor
    • Eviction Services
    • Professional Notary Services
    • Probate and Estate Administration
    • Property Tax Appeals
    • Quit Claim Deed / Deed Filing Service
    • Nonprofit and Business Formations
    • Corporate Lawyer
  • Book Online
  • Blog
    • Klarna, Afterpay & Buy Now, Pay Later Are Now Being Reported to Credit Bureaus — What You Need to Know and How Bankruptcy Can Help
    • Top Books on Financial Literacy & Estate Planning
    • The Law Office of Dionna Reynolds, LLC Expands with Downtown Chicago Location and Announces New Book Available for Preorder
    • 🌷“Easter, Eggs, and Estate Plans: Don’t Leave Your Family Hunting for Answers”🐣
    • Exciting News: Our New Downtown Office is Now Open—By Appointment Only!
    • Understanding Mechanics Liens: What Contractors and Property Owners Need to Know
    • Probate Horror Stories: What Happens When You Don’t Have a Will
    • Valentine’s Day for Your Business: Show Your Clients Some Love!
    • The Cost of Waiting: Why Estate Planning Can’t Wait
    • Navigating Complicated Real Estate Matters: Why Buying Without a Deed is Risky and How We Can Help You Sell Property
    • New Year, New Opportunities: Empowering Families and Communities in 2025
    • Empower the Future: Teaching Financial Literacy to Youth & Teens
    • New Federal Reporting Requirement for Illinois Businesses: Are You Ready?
    • Local Attorney Dionna Reynolds Wins $10,000 BMO Celebrating Women Grant
    • Why Estate Planning Is Essential for Homeowners and Their Families
    • Back-to-School: A Perfect Time for Both School Supplies and Legal Documents
    • Rooting for Team USA in the Olympics: A Time for National Pride and Personal Preparation
    • Why Now is a Good Time to Pursue Eviction in Cook County
    • Inflation, Interest Rates, and Your Home Buying Dreams: A Mid-Summer Reality Check
    • Don’t Be Left in the Dark: Birth Order Doesn’t Dictate Caregiving Decisions
    • Summer Safety Tips for Your Home: Stay Cool and Secure This Season
    • Navigating a Shifting Market: Tips for Buyers and Sellers in a High-Interest Rate Environment
    • Understanding Guardianship for Adults: Protecting the Elderly with Medical Conditions and Mental Incapacity
    • Understanding Reassessments in Calumet and Bremen Townships: A Guide for Property Owners
    • Unveiling the Wealth-Building Potential of Trusts: A Simple Guide
    • The TikTok Ban: Implications for Real Estate and the Average American
    • Navigating Evictions: A Delicate Balance Between Protecting Rights and Property
    • Empowering Women During Women’s History Month: The Vital Role of Estate Planning and Entrepreneurship
    • Paving the Way: The Role of Real Estate Law in Advancing Civil Rights
    • Happy New Year from The Law Office of Dionna Reynolds, LLC – Here to Help You Achieve Your 2024 Goals!
    • Honoring Loved Ones During the Holidays: Preserving Family Legacies Through Probate
    • “The Gift of Peace: Why Estate Planning is the Perfect Holiday Present for Your Family”
    • “Year-End Surgeries: The Importance of Estate Planning and Power of Attorney”
    • Cybersecurity Impact on Real Estate Closings: A Guide for Clients Using Fidelity National or Chicago Title
    • Navigating Eviction: A Guide for Landlords to Protect Their Investments
    • Navigating Inflation: Financial Tips from Your Trusted Attorney
    • Why Millennials Should Set Up Their Estate Plan Now
    • The Power of Attorney: Why It’s Essential for Your Peace of Mind
    • What is a Real Estate Land Trust?
    • Do Not Be Discouraged When Buying a Home
    • 5 Tips From Attorney Reynolds on How To Sell Your Home
    • Benefits of Homeownership vs. Renting
    • Five Top Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Attorney
    • Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 4
    • Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 3
    • Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 2
    • Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 1
    • Do Not Call Registry
    • ESTATE PLANNING
    • How to Lower Your Property Taxes
    • How to Contest a Will
  • Contact Us
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Blog

Latest Blog

13 June

5 Tips From Attorney Reynolds on How To Sell Your Home

Dionna Reynolds, Real Estate Attorney

As an attorney specializing in real estate, I would like to offer you five valuable tips to help you sell your home:

  1. Prepare Your Property: Before listing your home, take the time to make your home “nice”. Enhance its curb appeal by ensuring the exterior is well-maintained, tidy, and inviting. Inside, declutter, depersonalize, and make any necessary repairs or upgrades to showcase your home’s best features.
  2. Price it Right: Setting the right price is crucial to attract potential buyers. Conduct a comparative market analysis to determine a competitive and realistic listing price. Avoid overpricing, as it can discourage buyers and you do not want to underprice your home. Consult with a qualified real estate agent or appraiser to help you arrive at an accurate price point.
  3. Disclosure and Documentation: Familiarize yourself with your state’s disclosure requirements and provide accurate and complete disclosures to potential buyers. Be transparent about any known issues or defects in your property.
  4. Negotiate Wisely: Be prepared for negotiation when receiving offers. Carefully review and consider each offer, including the proposed purchase price, contingencies, and terms. Understand your rights and obligations during the negotiation process, and consult with a real estate attorney if needed to protect your interests and ensure a fair and favorable outcome.
  5. Engage Professionals: Selling a home involves numerous legal and financial intricacies. It’s crucial to work with a team of professionals who can guide you through the process. Consider hiring a reputable real estate agent, and a skilled real estate attorney.

Written by Javier Porcayo · Categorized: Uncategorized

05 June

Benefits of Homeownership vs. Renting

Here are several compelling reasons why buying a home is often considered better than renting:

Firstly, homeownership provides the opportunity to build equity. With each mortgage payment, a portion goes towards the principal balance, effectively increasing your ownership stake in the property. Over time, as the property value appreciates, you can accumulate significant equity. This equity can be tapped into through refinancing, home equity loans, or selling the property, providing financial flexibility and potential wealth creation.

Moreover, homeownership offers stability and a sense of permanence. When you rent, you are subject to the decisions and whims of the landlord, including potential rent increases or lease terminations. Owning a home provides stability, allowing you to establish roots in a community and create a sense of belonging. You have control over your living environment and can customize and personalize your home as you wish, providing a sense of pride and satisfaction.

Another advantage of homeownership is the potential tax benefits. Mortgage interest and property tax payments are often tax-deductible, reducing your overall tax liability. This can result in significant savings, especially in the early years of homeownership when interest payments make up a larger portion of the mortgage.

Additionally, owning a home provides the opportunity to benefit from potential appreciation in property value. While real estate markets can fluctuate, historically, property values tend to increase over the long term. This can result in significant financial gains when it comes time to sell the property.

Furthermore, owning a home can provide a sense of security and control over your living situation. You don’t have to worry about landlords making changes to rental terms, and you have the freedom to make modifications or improvements to the property as you see fit. This level of control and stability can contribute to a higher quality of life and peace of mind.

Lastly, homeownership allows you to build a legacy and leave something tangible for future generations. It provides the opportunity to create a long-term asset that can be passed down to your heirs, potentially providing financial security and stability for your family in the future.

While homeownership comes with responsibilities such as maintenance and upfront costs, the long-term benefits and potential financial advantages make buying a home a preferable option for many individuals and families. It is a significant investment in your future and can be a key component of long-term financial planning.

Written by Javier Porcayo · Categorized: Uncategorized

08 May

Five Top Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Attorney

Here are the Five Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Attorney:

  1. Complex legal requirements: Real estate transactions can involve complex legal requirements and paperwork that can be difficult to understand. A real estate attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that all of the paperwork is properly completed and filed.
  2. Title issues: Title issues, such as liens or easements, can arise during a real estate transaction that can cause problems and delays. A real estate attorney can help you identify and resolve any title issues before you complete the purchase.
  3. Contract negotiation: The purchase contract for a property can be complex, and negotiating the terms can be challenging. A real estate attorney can help you negotiate favorable terms, such as contingencies, financing, and closing costs.
  4. Liabilities and contingencies: Real estate transactions can involve liabilities and contingencies that need to be addressed, such as property defects or zoning issues. A real estate attorney can help you identify and mitigate these risks and ensure that you are protected throughout the transaction.
  5. Closing process: The closing process for a real estate transaction involves a lot of paperwork and can be confusing. A real estate attorney can help you review all of the documents, explain any legal terms, and ensure that everything is properly executed and filed with the appropriate authorities.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment if you are looking for a Real Estate Attorney.

Written by Javier Porcayo · Categorized: Uncategorized

04 May

Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 4

At what age should I get an estate plan?

It is generally recommended that adults who have assets and property to their name create an estate plan as soon as possible, regardless of their age. While it may be more common for individuals in their later years to have an estate plan in place, unforeseen circumstances can occur at any time, and having an estate plan can provide peace of mind and ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of incapacity or death.

Young adults who are just starting their careers and accumulating assets may not have a significant estate, but they may still benefit from having an estate plan. For example, a young adult who owns a vehicle or has a life insurance policy may want to designate beneficiaries for these assets in case of an unexpected death.

As people age, their estate plans may become more complex and involve a wider range of assets and beneficiaries. However, it is important to remember that an estate plan is not a one-time event, and it should be updated periodically to reflect changes in personal circumstances, assets, and laws.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Written by Javier Porcayo · Categorized: Uncategorized

10 February

Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions – Volume 3

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint a person or organization to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so.

There are generally two types of power of attorneys, medical (health care) and financial (property). Power of attorneys for health care and property enable your designated agent to act regarding all or some of your very necessary health care and property decisions. This is particularly useful in event you are unable to act due to disability or incapacity.

Your Power of Attorney/Agent must be:

•          Over the age of 18,

•          Able to make his/her own decisions,

•          Someone other than your primary healthcare provider (such as your doctor or caregiver).

Without power of attorneys, a legal proceeding and court approval may be necessary to execute decisions.

We Offer Flexible Appointments. Our FREE consultations are available over the phone, via Zoom, Teams, or in person. Weekend, early morning, and evening appointments are made upon request. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Written by Javier Porcayo · Categorized: Uncategorized

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Client Testimonials

Attorney Reynolds handled the purchase of our condo and was excellent! She made sure we understood every detail and was available for our many questions. I will certainly engage Attorney Reynolds in future real estate matters.

L.S

Super knowledgeable and friendly office of attorneys and staff that area always willing to offer sound advice or just a listening ear. I highly recommend the Law Office of Dionna Reynolds to all my real estate clients both buyers and sellers to ensure they have proper counsel and a smooth transaction!

B.H

I had a great experience working with Attorney Reynolds and her team. They put the clients first, respond fast to messages. If you want a first class experience, contact Attorney Reynolds.

K.J

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