It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of waiting for the perfect moment to make your move – especially in today’s market. Maybe you’re holding out and hoping mortgage rates will drop, or that home prices will fall. But here’s what you need to realize: trying to time the market rarely works. And here’s why.

There is no perfect market.

No matter when you buy, there’s always some benefit and some sort of trade-off – and that’s not a bad thing. That’s just the reality of it. If you’re not sure you buy into that, think back to the last 5 years in housing.

Just a few years ago, mortgage rates hit a historic low. To take advantage of that, a ton of buyers rushed to buy a home and lock in those lower rates. The side effect? With such a big increase in…

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187 Remington Dr, St Charles, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 2 BEDROOMS 3 BATHROOMS 0.04 acres Lot

Discover the perfect blend of comfort, space, and convenience in this stunning 2BR/2.5BA townhome in Remington Glen, St. Charles! Situated on a beautifully landscaped lot, this brick and vinyl home features a large gated front courtyard, perfect for outdoor enjoyment. The 2-car attached garage adds practicality, while full cinder-block walls between units ensure superior safety, soundproofing, and fire protection. Inside, you'll love the open floor plan, featuring arched openings and…

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Some Highlights

  • Wondering what to expect when you buy or sell a home this year? Here’s what the experts say lies ahead.
  • Mortgage rates are projected to come down slightly. Home prices are forecast to rise in most areas. And, there will be more homes available for sale.
  • Want to know more about what this could mean for your plans this year? Let’s connect to discuss your 2025 goals. 

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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1432 Dean St, St Charles, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 2 BEDROOMS 1 BATHROOMS 0.21 acres Lot

Welcome to 1432 Dean St, where modern upgrades meet timeless charm! Nestled on a beautifully landscaped lot with mature trees, this fully rehabbed 2-bedroom home boasts an enviable location just steps from the park and close to downtown St. Charles, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve and the scenic Fox River. New driveway in 2024. The backyard is your private retreat with a cozy firepit, spacious patio, and an oversized 2-car garage featuring a floored attic with stairway access and a unique 11x9…

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There’s one essential step in the homebuying process you may not know a whole lot about and that’s pre-approval. Here’s a rundown of what it is and why it’s so important right now.

What Is Pre-Approval?

Pre-approval is like getting a green light from a lender. It lets you know how much they’re willing to let you borrow for a home. To determine that number, a lender looks at your financial history. According to Realtor.com, these are some of the documents a lender may ask you for during this process:

  • W-2s from the last two years
  • Tax returns from the last two years
  • Pay stubs from the last 30 days
  • Bank statements from the last 60 days
  • Investment account statements (if applicable)
  • Two years of history of where you’ve lived

The…

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Are you hesitant to sell your house because you’re worried no one’s buying with rates and prices where they are right now? Here’s some perspective that can help.

The market actually isn’t at a standstill. While there weren’t as many sales last year as there’d be in a normal market, roughly 4.15 million homes still sold (not including new construction), according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And the expectation is that number will rise in 2025. That means more people will likely move this year, and they need homes to buy. Homes like yours.

But even if we only match last year’s sales pace, here’s what that looks like.

Every Minute Homes Are Selling – Literally

  • 4.15 million homes ÷ 365 days in a year = 11,370 homes sell each…

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Your credit score plays a big role in the homebuying process. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at to determine which loan options you qualify for and what your terms might be. But there’s a myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back.

The Myth: You Need To Have Perfect Credit

According to Fannie Mae, only 32% of potential homebuyers have a good idea of what credit score lenders actually require.

That means two-thirds of buyers don’t actually know what lenders are looking for – and most overestimate the minimum credit score needed.

The Reality: Perfect Isn’t Necessary

But the truth is, you don’t need perfect credit to become a homeowner. To see the average score, by loan type, for recent homebuyers check out the…

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Have you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner? As home values rise, so does your net worth. And, if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or longer), there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a pile of equity — maybe even more than you realize.

What Is Home Equity?

Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $500,000 and you still owe $200,000 on your home loan, you have $300,000 in equity. It’s essentially the wealth you’ve built through homeownership. Right now, homeowners across the country are seeing record amounts of equity.

According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the average homeowner with a…

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1781 Trent Ct, Wheaton, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 0.04 acres Lot

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome nestled on a premium waterfront cul-de-sac lot. Surrounded by mature landscaping, this home offers breathtaking lake views from your private backyard patio-ideal for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Inside, an open floor plan with neutral decor awaits, featuring a spacious living room with a slider to the patio, a formal dining room, and an eat-in kitchen with Corian countertops and a charming brick accent…

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Some Highlights

  • Experts say rates will come down slightly in the year ahead – but some volatility is expected. So, you shouldn't try to time the market.
  • Instead, it's better to focus on how even a small change impacts your future mortgage payment. As rates come down, even a little bit, your monthly payment on your next home will too.
  • Want to see what this looks like at a different price point? Let’s connect.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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