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Some Highlights

  • Are you torn between whether to buy a home now or wait? Consider this.
  • Forecasts show prices will climb for ​at least the next 5 years. If you wait, the price of a home will be higher later on. But, if you buy a $400K now, you could gain roughly $83K in equity as prices rise.
  • If you're able to buy now, this equity is one reason why it'll be worth it in the long run. Let’s connect if you're ready to talk through ways we can make it happen.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house.

It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they're doing.

According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes, and how you benefit when your agent uses them effectively (see graph below):

  • Listing on the MLS – Real estate agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. And that’s great for you because…

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A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.

There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.

1. FHA Loans

If your down payment savings and your credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and…

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If retirement is on the horizon, now’s the time to start thinking about your next chapter. And you probably want to make sure you’re set up to feel comfortable financially to live the life you want in retirement.

What you may not realize is you likely have a hidden goldmine of cash you’re not thinking about — and that’s your home. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows that home values have gone up nearly 60% over the last 5 years alone (see graph below):

a map of the united statesAnd that appreciation gave your net worth a big boost. According to Freddie Mac, over the same five-year period:

“ . . . Boomer overall wealth increased by $19 trillion, or $486,000 per household, half of which is due to house price appreciation.”

So if you’ve been in your…

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Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?”

But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress.

What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case.

1. Less Competition from Other Buyers

The winter months tend to be quieter in the real estate market. Fewer people are actively looking for homes, which means you’ll likely face less competition when you make an offer. This makes the…

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2504 Carrolwood Rd, Naperville, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 2 BEDROOMS 3 BATHROOMS

Nestled on a beautifully landscaped corner lot with mature trees and private backyard patio, this move-in-ready end-unit townhome offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience! Featuring Pergo flooring throughout the main level, the expansive living and dining areas flow seamlessly into a bright kitchen with a breakfast bar and pantry-ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs, you'll find new carpeting, a vaulted primary suite with a private bath, a versatile loft area, and the convenience of…

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1119 Lakewood Rd, Elgin, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this beautifully upgraded home in Willow Lake Estates, Elgin's premier 55+ community! Featuring over 1,500 sq. ft. of living space, this home boasts luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, a spacious living room, and a huge eat-in kitchen-perfect for entertaining. The primary suite offers a private bath with double sinks, while the landscaped lot, inviting front porch, and attached 1-car garage add to the charm. Just one block from the lake and river, you'll enjoy…

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15 Cottonwood Cir, Batavia, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 4 BEDROOMS 3 BATHROOMS 0.23 acres Lot

This beautiful 4BR/2.5BA two-story offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and modern updates. Nestled on a landscaped, fenced lot, this home boasts fantastic curb appeal with a welcoming front porch and a 2-car attached garage. Step inside to hardwood flooring, elegant trim details, and a neutral decor that complements any style. The spacious living room features French doors leading to the cozy family room, complete with a fireplace and slider to the large backyard deck with built-in…

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a screenshot of a home sale

Some Highlights

  • Last year, as many as 1 in 3 sellers took their home off the market because it wasn’t selling.
  • If this happened to you too, you don’t need to be embarrassed. What you need are answers. And a local real estate agent can help with that by seeing if it was priced too high, needs some repairs, or didn’t get the right exposure.
  • If you still want to move, let’s connect to come up with a new strategy. Together, we can get your house sold.​

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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It’s no secret that affordability is tough with where mortgage rates and home prices are right now. And that may have you worried about how you’ll be able to buy a home. But, if you don’t need a ton of space, you may find you have more cost-effective options in an unexpected place: new home communities.

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes 

Since smaller homes typically come with smaller price tags, buyers have turned their attention to homes with less square footage — and builders have shifted their focus to capitalize on that demand. As U.S. News notes:

“The combination of higher home prices and mortgage rates has strained a lot of people's budgets. And that's something builders recognize. To this end, they may be leaning toward smaller spaces .…

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