Are you feeling a bit unsure about what’s really happening with mortgage rates? That might be because you’ve heard someone say they’re coming down. But then you read somewhere else that they’re up again. And that may leave you scratching your head and wondering what’s true.

The simplest answer is: that what you read or hear will vary based on the time frame they’re looking at. Here’s some information that can help clear up the confusion.

Mortgage Rates Are Volatile by Nature

Mortgage rates don’t move in a straight line. There are too many factors at play for that to happen. Instead, rates bounce around because they’re impacted by things like economic conditions, decisions from the Federal Reserve, and so much more. That means they might be up one…

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Some Highlights

  • In today's housing market, you can still come out on top if you have the right team and plan.
  • To win when buying a home, you need to build your team, make strategic plays, consider what’s in and out of bounds, and stand out from the crowd.
  • Let’s connect today to make your winning move.

Previously posted at Simplifying The Market.


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772 Bayberry Dr, Bartlett, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 4 BEDROOMS 2.5 BATHROOMS 0.18 acres Lot

Gorgeous 4 bedroom two story on landscaped fenced lot in the heart of Bartlett! Ideal location close to downtown, parks, shopping, dining, and walking distance to Metra train. Welcoming front porch and two-car attached garage. Large fenced yard with private patio and room to play. Step inside to find modern neutral decor, beautiful upgrades including hardwood flooring throughout the entire home. Spacious kitchen with quartz countertops, chef-grade stainless steel appliances, subway tile…

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Are you on the fence about selling your house? While affordability is improving this year, it’s still tight. And that may be on your mind. But understanding your home equity could be the key to making your decision easier. An article from Bankrate explains:

“Home equity is the difference between your home's value and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. It represents the paid-off portion of your home. You'll start off with a certain level of equity when you make your down payment to buy the home, then continue to build equity as you pay down your mortgage. You'll also build equity over time as your home's value increases.”

Think of equity as a simple math equation. It's the value of your home now minus what you owe on your mortgage. And…

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On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s important if you’re looking to buy a home in 2024.

What Pre-Approval Is

As part of the homebuying process, your lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. According to Investopedia, this includes things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, bank statements, and more.

From there, they’ll give you a pre-approval letter to help you understand how much money you can borrow. Freddie Mac explains it like this:

“A pre-approval is an indication from your lender that they are willing to lend you a certain amount of money to buy your future home. . . . Keep in mind…

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23W302 Cambridge Ct, Glen Ellyn, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 4 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 0.35 acres Lot

Welcome to the epitome of suburban living in the prestigious Foxcroft neighborhood of Glen Ellyn! Nestled on a beautifully landscaped cul-de-sac lot, this updated 4-bedroom ranch home seamlessly blends charm and modern convenience. With a welcoming front brick paver patio, a sprawling backyard oasis complete with a patio, and a concrete drive leading to a 2-car attached garage, this home offers both curb appeal and functionality. Inside, discover a haven of comfort…

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Have you been thinking about selling your house? If so, here’s some good news. While the housing market isn't as frenzied as it was during the ‘unicorn’ years when houses were selling quicker than ever, they’re still selling faster than normal.

The graph below uses data from Realtor.com to tell the story of median days on the market for every January from 2017 all the way through the latest numbers available. For Realtor.com, days on the market means from the time a house is listed for sale until its closing date or the date it’s taken off the market. This metric can help give you an idea of just how quickly homes are selling compared to more normal years:

 


When you look at the most recent data (shown in green), it's clear homes are selling…

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Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today. Right now, the supply of homes for sale is still low. But there is a bright spot. Newly built homes make up a larger percent of the total homes available for sale than normal. That’s why, if you’re craving more options, it makes sense to see if a newly built home is right for you.

But it’s important to remember the process of working with a builder is different than buying from a homeowner. And, while builders typically have sales agents on-site, having your own agent helps make sure you have proper representation throughout your homebuying journey. As Realtor.com says:

“Keep in mind that the on-site agent you meet at a new-construction office works for the builder.…

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172 Canterbury Ct, Bloomingdale, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2.5 BATHROOMS

Discover the epitome of suburban luxury living in The Crossing neighborhood of Bloomingdale with this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2.1-bath townhome. Nestled in a serene and quiet community, yet strategically located close to shopping, dining, transportation, and more, this residence offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. The brick and vinyl exterior, concrete driveway, and 2-car attached garage provide a welcoming entrance, while the private oversized front porch and mature landscaping create a…

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1616 N Leonard Ave, McHenry, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 0.23 acres Lot

Welcome home to the epitome of comfort and convenience in McHenry Lake Estates! This meticulously crafted 3-bedroom residence, nestled on a beautifully landscaped lot, offers an idyllic lifestyle with its close proximity to shopping, dining, parks, the river, beaches, and the Metra train. The allure begins with a 2-car attached garage and a welcoming concrete drive, leading to a spacious backyard adorned with a charming brick paver patio. This outdoor oasis boasts built-in seating, a…

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