If you’ve been following real estate news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines saying home prices are flat. And at first glance, that sounds simple enough. But here’s the thing. The reality isn’t quite that straightforward.

In most places, prices aren’t flat at all.

What the Data Really Shows

While we’ve definitely seen prices moderate from the rapid and unsustainable climb in 2020-2022, how much they've changed is going to be different everywhere.

If you look at data from ResiClub and Zillow for the 50 largest metros, this becomes very clear. The real story is split right down the middle. Half of the metros are still seeing prices inch higher. The other half? Prices are coming down slightly (see graph below).

a graph of prices on a dark backgroundThe big takeaway here is…

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It’s no secret that mortgage rates have shifted. If you’ve been paying attention to the housing market in 2025, you’ve probably noticed that the rates today are higher than what we saw just a couple of years ago. Understandably, this has made some buyers in the Fox Valley area — Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, and surrounding communities — take a step back and wonder if now is really the right time to buy.

We get it. That question comes up often, and honestly, it’s the right one to ask. But from our experience working with hundreds of buyers in the Tri-Cities and beyond, we can tell you that the full picture is a bit more balanced than headlines might suggest. In fact, for many people, buying a home in this market still makes a lot of sense.

Here’s…

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You want mortgage rates to fall – and they've started to. But is it going to last? And how low will they go?

Experts say there’s room for rates to come down even more over the next year. And one of the leading indicators to watch is the 10-year treasury yield. Here's why.

The Link Between Mortgage Rates and the 10-Year Treasury Yield

For over 50 years, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has closely followed the movement of the 10-year treasury yield, which is a widely watched benchmark for long-term interest rates (see graph below):

a graph of a graph showing the rise of a mortgage rateWhen the treasury yield climbs, mortgage rates tend to follow. And when the yield falls, mortgage rates typically come down.

It’s been a predictable pattern for over 50 years. So predictable, that there’s a number…

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515 Dover Ct, Roselle, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 0.11 acres Lot

Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Roselle's Waterbury neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers an ideal blend of comfort and convenience. The landscaped lot features a fenced backyard retreat complete with a pool, patio with pergola, and storage shed-perfect for entertaining or everyday enjoyment. Inside, luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the main level, which includes an inviting living room, adjacent dining room, and updated eat-in kitchen with island, stainless steel…

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If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, now’s the time to lean in. It’s officially the best time to buy this year. According to Realtor.com, this October will have the most buyer-friendly conditions of any month in 2025:

“By mid-October, buyers across much of the country may finally find the combination of inventory, pricing, and negotiating power they’ve been waiting for—a rare opportunity in a market that has been tight for most of the past decade.”

So, if you’re ready and able to buy right now, shooting for this month means you should see:

  • More homes to choose from
  • Less competition from other buyers
  • More time to browse
  • Better home prices
  • Sellers who are more willing to negotiate

Just remember, every market is…

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Is the Fox Valley a Smart Place for First-Time Homebuyers?

For anyone buying their very first home, the Fox Valley stands out as a solid choice. It's not just one thing that makes the area appealing—it’s a combination of value, location, lifestyle, and opportunity. Whether you're a young professional looking to commute to Chicago, a couple searching for your first place to call home, or a family looking to put down long-term roots, the Fox Valley has a lot going for it.

Let’s break it down.

Affordability: A Real Opportunity for First-Time Buyers

Housing affordability is one of the most critical factors for first-time homebuyers. Unlike some nearby suburbs where prices are soaring out of reach, the Fox Valley remains accessible without…

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A recent survey from Bank of America asked would-be homebuyers what would help them feel better about making a move, and it’s no surprise the answers have a clear theme. They want affordability to improve, specifically prices and rates (see below):

a graph of a couple of circles with textHere’s the good news. While the broader economy may still feel uncertain, there are signs the housing market is showing some changes in both of those areas. Let’s break it down so you know what you’re working with.

Prices Are Moderating

Over the past few years, home prices climbed fast, sometimes so fast it left many buyers feeling shut out. But today, that pace has slowed down. For comparison, from 2020 to 2021, prices rose by 20% in a 12-month period. Now? Nationally, experts are projecting…

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431 Parkside Dr, Sycamore, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 2 BEDROOMS 1 BATHROOMS 0.2 acres Lot

Welcome to Parkmoor in Sycamore! This inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch sits on a beautifully landscaped corner lot and offers easy, single-level living. The bright living room is filled with natural light from newer Pella and Anderson windows, while the kitchen includes a handy planning desk and flows into the dining room with sliders to the patio. Both bedrooms are generously sized, with the primary featuring double closets. You'll also appreciate the convenience of first-floor laundry and…

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If you’re planning to buy a home this year, there’s one expense you can’t afford to overlook: closing costs.

Almost every buyer knows they exist, but not that many know exactly what they cover, or how different they can be based on where you're buying. So, let’s break them down.

What Are Closing Costs?

Your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you make when finalizing your home purchase. Every buyer has them. According to Freddie Mac, they typically include things like homeowner insurance and title insurance, as well as various fees for your:

  • Loan application
  • Credit report
  • Loan origination
  • Home appraisal
  • Home inspection
  • Property survey
  • Attorney

National vs. Local: Why the Numbers Look So Different

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3935 Shoreline Dr, Hanover Park, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 0.19 acres Lot

Welcome to Woodlake Trails in Hanover Park! This updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offers easy one-level living on a fully fenced, landscaped lot with a 2.5-car attached garage, redone deck (2024), patio, and a handy storage shed. Inside, you'll find a spacious living room with lighted ceiling fan and a huge eat-in kitchen remodeled in 2021 with granite countertops, newer appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a sliding door to the backyard. The primary suite features a new private…

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