Quick gut reaction. Which investment do Americans trust more than stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds? The answer hasn't changed in 14 years. 

It's real estate. And this year, that answer comes with even more conviction behind it. New data shows people aren't just saying homeownership is a smart move, they're feeling better about it than they have in years. Let's dig into why.

Real Estate Takes the Top Spot – Again

Every year, Gallup asks Americans to name the best long-term investment. And for the 14th year in a row, real estate came out on top (see graph below):

a graph of different colored lines

That's not a fluke or a hot streak. That's 14 straight years of beating out stocks, gold, and everything else.

Think about everything that's happened in that stretch –…

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If you've been thinking about selling, you've probably seen plenty of headlines suggesting buyers have just about disappeared. But there's a big difference between a slow market and a stalled one.

Yes, mortgage rates are still higher than most people would like. Homes aren’t selling as fast as they were. And every week seems to bring another headline about buyers sitting on the sidelines. But here's what you haven't heard.

Despite everything going on, buyer demand has been remarkably resilient.

In fact, more sellers are getting to put up the “pending sale” sign now than during the last two years. What's even more surprising is that they're doing it at a time of year when activity usually starts to slow down.

And if you're thinking about…

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149 Goldenrod Dr, Sugar Grove, IL

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$799,900

4 Beds - 5 Baths - 0.25 acres Lot

An exceptional custom home in the desirable Settlers Ridge neighborhood, this award-winning Midwest Custom Home showcases impressive design, craftsmanship and more than 6,000 square feet of living space, including the fully finished walkout basement. Located within the sought-after Kaneland school district, this beautifully appointed home offers a 3-car garage, professionally landscaped fenced yard, inground sprinkler system, brick paver patio and scenic pond views, all with convenient access to the interstate. Inside, a dramatic 2-story foyer introduces an interior…

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If you’re planning to tour homes this weekend, Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles are three of the best places to begin your search in the western suburbs. The Tri-Cities offer a strong mix of downtown charm, Fox River scenery, established neighborhoods, parks, trails, local restaurants and a wide range of home styles.

Below, you’ll find open houses scheduled for Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2026 in Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles, Illinois. Open house times and availability can change quickly, so it’s always smart to confirm the details before heading out.

Geneva, IL Open Houses This Weekend

Downtown Geneva IL near Graham’s Chocolates, a popular stop while touring open houses in the Tri-Cities.

Geneva continues to be one of the most popular stops for buyers in the Tri-Cities. With its downtown, Metra access, Fox River setting,…

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Negotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too. 

That’s why whether you’re buying or selling today, there are two terms you’ll hear a lot: concession and incentive.

  • A concession is something a seller agrees to during negotiations to get a deal done.

  • An incentive is a perk a builder (or a seller) advertises upfront to attract buyers.

Let’s run through what you need to know about both and how they could play a role in your move.

More Sellers Are Agreeing to Concessions

Almost half (46%) of homeowners who sold recently gave the buyer a concession, according to Redfin. That’s the highest share on record for this time of year. And roughly…

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If you’re planning to tour homes this weekend, Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles are three of the best places to start your search in the western suburbs. The Tri-Cities offer a strong mix of downtown charm, Fox River scenery, established neighborhoods, parks, trails, local restaurants and a wide range of home styles.

Below, you’ll find open houses scheduled for Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, 2026 in Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles, Illinois. Open house times and availability can change quickly, so it’s always smart to confirm details before heading out.

Geneva, IL Open Houses This Weekend

Downtown Geneva IL near Graham’s Chocolates, a popular stop while touring open houses in the Tri-Cities.

Geneva remains one of the most popular stops for buyers in the Tri-Cities. Between its downtown, Metra access, Fox River setting, restaurants,…

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6N192 Weber Dr, St Charles, IL

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$445,000

3 Beds - 5 Baths - 1.17 sqft Lot

Ready for more space, more privacy and the chance to build instant sweat equity? Situated on over an acre in a prime St. Charles location, this sprawling 3 bedroom, 3 full and 2 half bath ranch offers 2,363 square feet of opportunity and endless potential. Sold as-is, this home features generous room sizes throughout, including a spacious living room, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and tile backsplash, plus an inviting family room with plenty of space to gather. Hardwood flooring can be found in all bedrooms, while luxury vinyl plank…

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If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're not the only one. Mortgage rates stayed higher than people wanted. Affordability remained tight. And uncertainty overseas added another layer of pressure nobody saw coming.

That's why so many people are asking the same question: Will the second half of the year be any better for the housing market?

While nobody has a crystal ball, there are a few encouraging signs things could start moving in a better direction. Here's what to watch.

Mortgage Rates Could Be Near a Turning Point 

One of the biggest reasons mortgage rates haven't come down yet is inflation. And higher energy prices and uncertainty overseas are at least part of the reason inflation is still elevated. The…

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Student loans are back in the spotlight. And whether you've been following the headlines closely or just catching bits and pieces here and there, there's a good chance they've been on your mind lately.

And if you’re questioning whether you have to hit pause on your plans to buy a home, here's the thing you have to remember:

Having student loans doesn't automatically mean buying a home has to wait.

The Biggest Myth About Student Loans and Buying a Home

One of the most common misconceptions among first-time buyers is that they have to pay off their student loans before they can qualify for a mortgage. But in most cases, that's just not true. 

As an article from Redfin explains, student loans usually get evaluated the same way other debts do,…

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1282 Newport Cir, Pingree Grove, IL

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$319,900

3 Beds - 3 Baths - 0.05 acres Lot

Welcome to Cambridge Lakes in Pingree Grove, where comfort, convenience and community amenities come together in this spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath end unit townhome. Set on a landscaped lot with a vinyl and stone exterior, charming front porch, brick paver patio and 2-car attached garage, this home offers great curb appeal and easy everyday living. Inside, a 2-story foyer creates a bright first impression and leads into generous living spaces, including a formal dining room, large family room and a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and…

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