- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- 1: Getting Ready
- 2: The Costs of Space
- 3: Understanding Credit
- What is Credit?
- Establishing Credit
- Credit Reports
- Credit Scores
- Your Credit Report and Score
- Good Credit vs. Bad Credit
- Alternative Credit
- If Credit Problems Arise
- Rebuilding Credit
- Avoiding Predatory Practices
- Credit and Your Space Hunt
- Lending Criteria
- Credit and Insurance
- Credit and Identity Protection
- Resources: Chapter 3
- 4: Professional Services
- 5: Finding Space
- 6: Residential Leases
- 7: Commercial and Industrial Leases
- 8: Buying Real Estate
- 9: Types of Mortgages
- 10: The Mortgage Application
- 11: Ownership Models
- 12: Purchasing Alternatives
- 13: Chicago Zoning Ordinance
- 14: Chicago Building Code
- 15: Chicago's Neighborhoods
- 16: Property Taxes
- 17: When You Find a Property
- 18: Inspections
- 19: After Moving In
- 20: Insurance
- 21: Utilities
- 22: Rehabbing Your Space
- 23: Safe and Healthy Spaces
- 24: Green Practice
- 25: When Disputes Arise
- 26: Space Emergencies
- 27: Facility Development Planning
- Bibliography
Avoiding Predatory Practices
Steer clear of “creditor predators”: organizations, companies and practices that charge high fees and rates. Participating in these programs will cost you more money in the long run, and could even contribute to your cash flow problems. The remainder of this section will discuss common predatory practices.