Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way.

According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the desire to be near family and friends is the #1 reason people move (see graph below):

a screen shot of a graphThat’s because moving isn’t just about finding a new house – it’s about living a life where you’re surrounded by the people who matter most. Whether it’s catching up over weeknight dinners, watching your kids play with their cousins, or just knowing someone’s there when you need them, living near loved ones changes…

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Building equity in your house is one of the biggest financial advantages of homeownership. And right now, homeowners across the country are sitting on record amounts of it.

Here’s a look at how that equity could be a game changer for you, and why it’ll flip your perspective from “Why would I move right now?” to “Why wouldn’t I?”

Home Equity: What Is It?

Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is valued at $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.

Why Equity Is Such a Big Deal for Homeowners Looking To Sell

Recent data from the Census and ATTOM shows how significant today’s home equity really is. In…

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1170 Hanover Dr, Batavia, IL

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

Nestled in the highly sought-after Cherry Park neighborhood, this beautifully updated home offers modern comfort and convenience in a picturesque setting. Ideally located within walking distance to grade school, park, and the scenic Illinois Prairie Path, it's also close to the middle school, interstate, shopping, and dining. The landscaped lot features a charming front porch, a 2-car attached garage, and a fenced backyard that's perfect for entertaining with a stamped concrete patio, gazebo…

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1090 N Elma Ave, Elgin, IL

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

This stunning home in Cobblers Crossing has been beautifully updated and offers 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, a full finished basement, and additional crawl space storage. The craftsmanship throughout the property is evident, with custom tilework enhancing the entire home and updated floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights providing an abundance of natural light. The main living areas boast hardwood flooring that flows seamlessly from the kitchen into the family room. The kitchen has…

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Some Highlights

  • There’s a misconception going around that you have to put 20% of the purchase price down when you buy a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive.
  • And if you want to give your savings a boost, look into down payment assistance. There are thousands of programs that offer an average benefit of nearly $17,000.
  • To learn more about loan options or down payment assistance programs, connect with a trusted lender and check out downpaymentresource.com.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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More entry-level homes – also known as starter homes – are popping up on the market. And after several years with very few homes available to buy and prices rising, there are finally some more options for first-time buyers.

Inventory Is Increasing – Especially at Lower Price Points

Over the past year, the total supply of homes for sale has improved. According to Realtor.com, in November there were 26.2% more homes for sale compared to this time last year, marking 13 months of inventory growth and the most homes available since December of 2019.

Interestingly, the growth isn’t spread evenly among all types of homes, though. According to Redfin, starter homes have seen the biggest increase (see graph below):

a graph of a number of homesSo, if you’re a first-time buyer…

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In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful. The automated estimates you’re seeing online often miss key details that affect the true market value of your home.

Before you toss a for sale sign in your yard and expect to bring in the number you saw for your house online, you need to understand why these tools generally aren’t spot-on and why working with an expert real estate agent is the best way to get an accurate picture of what your house is really worth.

The Myth: Online Home Value Estimates Are Accurate

Online home valuation tools give you an approximate value for your house based on the data that’s publicly available for your home.…

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116 A St, Genoa, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 1 BATHROOMS 0.17 acres Lot

Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Genoa, Illinois, perfect as a starter home or investment opportunity! While it needs a little TLC, this property boasts a newer furnace, wood laminate flooring, and a first-floor bedroom for added convenience. Enjoy the outdoors on the backyard deck or take advantage of the 1-car garage for storage or parking. Located in a prime spot close to schools, parks, and downtown, you can even walk to the middle school! Whether you're ready to roll up your sleeves or…

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Some Highlights

  • Data shows 7 out of 10 prospective homebuyers don’t know the minimum credit score required by lenders or that it varies by lender and loan type.
  • According to Experian, the range is anywhere from 500 to 700 for the minimum credit score. That means you don’t need perfect credit to buy a home.
  • Your credit score is important – but that doesn’t mean it needs to be perfect. Work with a lender to learn more about home loan options that may work for you.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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When planning a move, a newly built home might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with more brand-new homes on the market and builders focusing on smaller, more affordable options, this type of home may just be the key to crossing the homebuying finish line.

Here's why a new build is worth considering – and how an agent can help you find one that meets your needs and your budget.

1. More Newly Built Homes Are Available Right Now

First, let’s break down the types of homes on the market. A newly built home is a house that was just built or is under construction. On the other hand, an existing home is one a homeowner has already lived in.

Right now, the number of existing homes for sale is still low. And, if you’re struggling to find…

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