Our Mission:
To simplify the real estate journey for physicians by providing expert guidance, tailored property solutions, and a seamless experience that respects their demanding schedules and unique needs—whether they're planting roots, relocating, or investing.
Our Vision:
To be the trusted real estate partner for physicians across Chicago and its suburbs, known for excellence, discretion, and a deep understanding of the medical community's lifestyle and goals.
Why Work With Hope:
Hi, I’m Hope—a realtor based in the west suburbs of Chicago with a passion for helping physicians and healthcare professionals navigate the fast-paced real estate market with ease, confidence, and clarity.
I know how demanding your career is—long hours, limited time, and a whole lot of responsibility. That’s why I’ve tailored my real estate services specifically for busy professionals like you. Whether you're relocating for a new role, looking to invest, or finally ready to buy that dream home in the Chicagoland, I’m here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Get In TouchWhat Sets Me Apart
I get you
My clients aren’t just transactions—they’re humans with demanding jobs and big goals. I’ve worked with physicians, residents, and other medical professionals, and I know how to accommodate unpredictable schedules and high-stakes decisions.
Local Expertise with Heart
I’ve lived and worked all over the west suburbs area— I love matching people with neighborhoods that actually fit their lifestyle, commute, and vibe.
Hands-On, Always
You’re working directly with me. I’ll be in your corner from our first conversation to the closing table (and long after that, too). Think of me as your advocate, advisor, and low-key hype woman throughout the process. You also have the benefit of our entire team behind me including admin assistants that help make the entire transaction smooth from start to finish.
Clients Say It Best
“Hope found us the perfect house on a tight deadline and made sure we got everything we needed—even while we were managing a long-distance move.”
“She was always one step ahead, super responsive, and genuinely cared about our needs.”
More Than Real Estate
I don’t just help people buy and sell—I help them transition into the next big chapter of life. I’m honored to be a steady guide through it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Physician Loans
A physician home loan is a specialized mortgage designed for doctors purchasing a home.
Physician home loans are also commonly referred to by several other names, including:
Doctor loans
Physician mortgage loans
Medical professional loans
Doctor mortgage programs
Physician home financing
Physician loan programs
Resident and fellow home loans (targeting medical trainees)
| Physician Loan | Conventional Loan | |
| Availability | Available to residents, fellows and attending physicians. | Available to anyone who qualifies. |
| Guidelines | Does not have to fit exactly into strict Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac guidelines (more flexible guidelines). Have different guidelines from lender to lender. | Must fit into Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac guidelines. Similar guidelines from bank to bank. |
| Down Payment | Lower down payments (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%). | > 20% down payment. |
| PMI* | No PMI. | < 20% down payment results in PMI. |
| Student Loans | Student loan monthly debt burden may be calculated differently, depending on phase of repayment. (See student loan section.) | Student loan monthly debt burden is calculated using 1% of the loan amount. |
| W-2 | You may be able to close prior to starting work with an employment contract or offer letter. | W-2, need minimum of two paychecks. |
| 1099 | 1099 – two years of tax returns or possibly fewer with an employment contract or well-worded letter. | 1099, requires two years of tax returns. |
| Rates | Variable – banks may have the same, higher or, in some cases, lower rates than conventional loans. | Rates vary slightly from bank to bank. |
| Reserve Requirement | May not have a reserve requirement. | Reserve requirement often times three to six months of PITI (monthly principal, interest, taxes and insurance). |
| Cap on Gift Funds | Some do not have a cap on how much gift funds you can receive. | May have a cap on how much gift money you can receive. |
Lower down payments (0-15%)
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
More flexible underwriting standards with:
Student loan debt
Short work history
Contract prior to working
Interest rates on a doctor’s home loan may be slightly higher than those of a conventional mortgage, primarily due to the lower down payment requirements.
While each lender has slightly different qualification criteria, most physician home loan programs generally require you to:
Be a licensed physician or doctor
Have current employment or a signed employment contract
Maintain a strong credit score (typically 700 or above)
Doctor of Medicine, M.D.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, D.O.
Doctor of Optometry, O.D.
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, D.P.M.
Doctor of Dental Surgery, D.D.S.
Doctor of Dental Medicine, D.M.D.
Although it's not our primary area of focus, we encourage pharmacists and lawyers interested in physician mortgage loans to contact us directly. Some of our lending partners may offer programs that suit your needs.
Yes, our lenders provide products for physicians throughout their medical journey.
In addition to offering support after years of rigorous education and training, banks recognize that doctors are a reliable investment.
Statistics indicate that doctors generally have some of the lowest, if not the lowest, default rates of any profession.
Doctors also benefit from high earning potential, both now and in the future.
Moreover, doctors typically enjoy stable careers that are less susceptible to economic fluctuations.
Banks have developed a product that enables doctors to secure a mortgage despite challenges such as:
Limited savings for a down payment
Substantial student loan debt
A relatively short work history
Most conventional loans are packaged and sold on the secondary market, which means they must adhere to strict guidelines, especially those set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (government-sponsored entities). Physician home loans, however, fall under a special category known as portfolio loans. These loans are kept by the lender within their own institution and investment portfolio. This allows lenders to apply more flexible qualification criteria for borrowers, such as physicians. Due to the low default rates associated with doctors, banks have designed these loans to eliminate common barriers that residents, fellows, and new doctors often encounter when applying for conventional loans.
Yes, they are available in all 50 states, but not all banks or lenders provide loans in every state.
The property purchased with a Physician Home Loan must serve as your primary residence, whether it’s a condo, co-op, townhouse, single-family home, or multifamily property (as long as you occupy it). It cannot be used as an income property that you do not live in.
Yes, certain lenders offer refinancing through a Physician Home Loan, with loan limits similar to those of standard physician loans.
Student Loans
Deferment / Forbearance: These loans may not be factored into your monthly debt payments at all.
Income Based Repayment (IBR): They may use the exact amount you're currently paying, which is often more favorable than the 1% of the total loan amount that conventional lenders may apply.
Full Repayment: Similar to a conventional loan, but ideally, by this time, your income has increased enough to comfortably qualify.
Yes, student loans can affect your ability to qualify for a home, particularly if you’re seeking a conventional loan. The amount you're currently paying, or 1-2% of the loan balance, is factored into your debt burden, which impacts your debt-to-income ratio and your qualification for a loan.
Refinancing your student loan debt to lower your monthly payment may help improve your qualification. However, depending on your current repayment plan, refinancing may not be ideal if you’re planning to purchase a home soon. We recommend speaking with one of our student loan refinancing partners to get more information and plan your strategy. Our partners offer special incentives to all Curbside clients. Contact us for further details.
Hope Henderson
Realtor®
