With an uncertain future, a decision to buy a home should be based on preference and not potential profits

Chicago has relatively high housing costs compared to some parts of the country. If you trade a home in Chicago for one that’s in Boise, Idaho, or in Arizona or California, you’ll have to think about the price disparity. If you sell a home in Chicago for $1 million, that will buy you a small, 1,200-square-foot house in Santa Barbara, Calif., but a six-bedroom, four-bath home on a nice lot in Boise.