Steve is licensed in both Illinois and Florida, so you're not handed off to a stranger halfway through. We personally manage the sale and the purchase, start to finish. Relocating to or from any of the other 48 states? Our network of preferred referral partners covers all 50.
The Relocation Guide: Moving to or from Illinois, Florida or anywhere in the country, sent to your inbox.
Selling or buying in Naperville and the western suburbs? We handle your Illinois move directly, and coordinate the other end ourselves in Florida or through a referral partner anywhere else.
Selling or buying on the Gulf Coast, in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Manatee counties? We handle your Florida move directly, and coordinate the other end ourselves in Illinois or through a referral partner anywhere else.
Moving to or from any other state? Our network of preferred referral partners covers it, and we coordinate the plan with you.
Empty nesters trading snow shovels for sea breezes. Retirees ready for February sunshine and more time with the people they love. Professionals following a new job to the Gulf Coast. We love these moves, and we've made a lot of them happen. Headed the other way, or somewhere else entirely? We're just as ready, and just as excited for you.
Most relocations fall apart in the gap between two agents who've never spoken to each other. Timing a sale and a purchase together, keeping both sides informed, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks is exactly the problem our dual-license practice is built to solve.
Moving to warmer weather and a new lifestyle, or back to Illinois to be closer to children and grandchildren.
Many people moved during the pandemic expecting to work remotely for good. If a return-to-work mandate is pulling you back, timing and pricing matter. We make a plan before you list.
Relocating for a new role or a company transfer, often on a tight deadline. We coordinate the sale, the purchase and the timing so work doesn't stall.
A practical, no-pressure guide to relocating to or from Illinois and Florida, covering the Chicago suburbs and Tampa Bay, Sarasota and the Gulf Beaches. Moving to or from any other state? The guide explains how our preferred referral partners cover all 50.
The same advisor handles your sale and your purchase, in Illinois, Florida or both, with no handoffs and no re-explaining your situation twice.
We plan both closings together, with contingent offers, rent-backs and temporary housing as backup options if the dates don't line up.
Movers, cleanout crews, attorneys, inspectors, lenders, insurance agents and contractors on both ends, so you're not starting from scratch.
Every move follows the same four phases, whichever direction you are headed. Pick one to see what we handle at each stage.
We start with the big picture: what you want your life to look like, what your current home is likely worth, and what your next budget really needs to cover, in Illinois, Florida or anywhere else.
Pricing, preparation and marketing are timed around your Florida plans, so you're never forced to choose between a good sale and a good purchase.
Steve is licensed in both Illinois and Florida, so we’re searching alongside you rather than handing you to someone new. For any other state, we coordinate with a vetted partner so you still have one plan.
Closing is not the finish line. We stay with you until you're settled in.
Many relocation clients sell first and buy second. Because Steve is licensed in Illinois and Florida, one advisor handles the pricing, preparation and sale, then the search and purchase on the other end, all on one timeline. For any other state, a preferred referral partner covers that end and we coordinate the plan.
Plan Your Sale
You are not required to, but the handoff between two agents who have never spoken is where relocations often stumble. Steve is licensed in both Illinois and Florida, so we can manage the sale in one and the purchase in the other together, with one plan and one point of contact. For any other state, we coordinate with a preferred referral partner so you still have one plan.
It depends on your equity, your financing and your timeline. Some people sell first and stay flexible, while others buy first and sell afterward. Each path has trade-offs in cost, risk and stress, so it is worth mapping them out before you list or make an offer.
Beyond the mortgage, budget for homeowners insurance, property taxes and any HOA or CDD charges, plus flood insurance if the home is in a flood zone. These vary widely by community and by home, so compare the total monthly cost, not just the price. The Relocation Guide walks through each one.
Florida assesses property as of January 1, and the homestead exemption is for your permanent residence. You generally apply with the county property appraiser by March 1 of the year you want it to start. A property tax amendment is also on the November 2026 ballot and treats new residents differently at first, so timing your move matters. Read our plain-English breakdown of Amendment 3 and talk with your tax advisor.
Start with timing and numbers: what your Florida home is likely worth, what you would net, and what the Illinois market looks like in the suburbs you are considering. If your employer has a firm deadline, we can plan around it with options like contingent offers, rent-backs or temporary housing. Call us before you list so we can map it out.
Yes. Steve is licensed in Illinois and Florida, and for the other 48 states we work through preferred referral partners, experienced agents we trust. We stay involved to coordinate the plan with you, so you are never handed off and forgotten.
Earlier than most people expect. A conversation well before you list lets us look at timing, pricing, what to fix and what to skip, and the Florida side, so decisions are made calmly rather than under a deadline.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, rates and market conditions change, so confirm details with your lender, attorney and tax advisor.
Our work does not end at closing. Ask about The Annual Advisory Advantage, our relaxed yearly advisory session for clients.
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