Before making the decision to buy a home, it's important to plan for all the costs you’ll be responsible for. While you're busy saving for the down payment, don't forget you’ll want to prep for closing costs too.

Here’s some helpful information on what those costs are and how much you should budget for them.

What Are Closing Costs?

A recent article from Bankrate explains:

“Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .”

Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. According to Freddie Mac, while they can vary by location…

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Some Highlights

  • Trying to buy your first home? If you’re worried about affordability today or the limited number of homes for sale, these tips can help.
  • Look into homebuyer programs, expand your search area, and consider a multi-generational home.
  • Let’s connect so you have an expert on your side to help you make your dream a reality.

Previously posted at Simplifying The Market.

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Are you thinking about purchasing a new home in Geneva, Illinois? If so, The Kombrink Team is here to guide you on this exciting journey! With a remarkable 30 years of experience in the Geneva real estate market, we have established ourselves as one of the top real estate teams in the area.

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Why Choose The Kombrink Team?

  • 30 Years of Local Expertise: Our deep understanding of Geneva’s real estate landscape sets us apart. This knowledge is crucial in helping you find the perfect home.
  • Hundreds of Happy Homeowners: Over the years, we have had the pleasure of assisting numerous clients in finding their dream homes. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our countless five-star reviews.
  • Commitment to Excellence: We strive to be the best…

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If you’re planning to move soon, you might be wondering if there'll be more homes to choose from, where prices and mortgage rates are headed, and how to navigate today’s market. If so, here's what the professionals are saying about what’s in store for this season.

Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist, First American:

“. . . it seems our general expectation for the spring is that we will see a pickup in inventory. In fact, that already seems to be happening. But it won’t necessarily be enough to satiate demand.”

Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist, Bright MLS:

“There is still strong demand, as the large millennial population remains in the prime first-time homebuying range.”

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, Realtor.com:

“Where we are right now…

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39W710 Norton Lake Dr, Campton Hills, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 4 BEDROOMS 4.5 BATHROOMS 0.38 acres Lot

True luxury found in this sought after Norton Lake Home of St Charles! Former builder's model boasts exquisite features alongside $150k in owner upgrades. St Charles Schools! Walk to Bell-Graham Elementary. This professionally landscaped lot sits adjacent to trails and lakes; backing to green space. Inviting front porch, concrete drive, 3-car sideload garage with custom built-in shelving. Deluxe backyard oasis complete with stone patio with firepit, pergola with ceiling fan and…

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Thinking about buying a home? If so, you're probably wondering: should I buy now or wait? Nobody can make that decision for you, but here's some information that can help you decide.

What’s Next for Home Prices?

Each quarter, Fannie Mae and Pulsenomics publish the results of the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). It asks more than 100 experts—economists, real estate professionals, and investment and market strategists—what they think will happen with home prices.

In the latest survey, those experts say home prices are going to keep going up for the next five years (see graph below):

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Here’s what all the green on this chart should tell you. They’re not expecting any price declines. Instead, they’re saying we’ll see a 3-4% rise each…

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Even with the latest data coming in, the experts agree there’s no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis like the one we saw back in 2008. While headlines may be calling attention to a slight uptick in foreclosure filings recently, the bigger picture is that we’re still well below the number we’d see in a more normal year for the housing market. As a report from BlackKnight explains:

“The prospect of any kind of near-term surge in foreclosure activity remains low, with start volumes still nearly 40% below pre-pandemic levels.”

That’s good news. It means the number of homeowners at risk is very low compared to the norm.

But, there’s a small percentage who may be coming face to face with foreclosure as a possibility. That’s because some…

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As we dive into the latest real estate trends for Geneva, Illinois, there's something exciting for current and potential home sellers to consider. A quick glance at the most recent chart depicting the average market time for homes in our beloved Geneva might just have you rubbing your hands with glee.

Geneva IL Average Market Time Chart

Let's break it down. The graph in question shows a clear and consistent trend. Since January 2021, the average market time for homes has seen a significant drop. From highs of 80+ days on the market, we've witnessed a gradual but steady plunge, bringing us to a remarkable under-30-days average as we step into the spring of 2024.

What does this mean for you, the savvy homeowner? In plain terms, the buyer demand is buzzing, but the hive of available…

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Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – and that’s leading to multiple-offer scenarios. And moving into the peak homebuying season this spring, this is only expected to ramp up more.

Remember these four tips to make your best offer.

1. Partner with a Real Estate Agent

Rely on a real estate agent who can support your goals. As PODS notes:

“Making an offer on a home without an agent is certainly possible, but having a pro by your side gives you a massive advantage in figuring out what to offer on a house.”

Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking…

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Some Highlights

  • With the number of new listings going up and average days on market going down, buyers may have more options, but will still want to move fast.
  • For sellers, inventory is still low and houses are selling fast, meaning your house should stand out and may get multiple offers if you price it right.
  • If you want to know more about what’s happening in our area, let’s connect.

Previously posted at Simplifying The Market.

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