If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes on the market right now and that’s creating some competition among buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there are ways to navigate these waters. The first thing you’ll want to do is get pre-approved for a mortgage. That way you’ll know your numbers and can set yourself up for success from the start of your home search.

What Pre-Approval Does for You

To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to know what pre-approval is. As part of the homebuying process, a lender looks at your finances to determine what they’d be willing to loan…

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Some Highlights

  • While remote work peaked during the pandemic, many people still work from home today.
  • If you’re one of them, it could have an unexpected benefit when you’re looking to buy a home.
  • If you can work from home, you might have more choices for where to live. Let’s connect to talk about your options and what's most important to you.

Previously posted at Simplifying The Market.

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1147 Twin Elms Ln, Batavia, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 4 BEDROOMS 3.5 BATHROOMS 0.26 acres Lot

Showstopping executive home in desirable Tanglewood Hills of Batavia! Prime lot location adjacent to park district land and siding to conservation area for breathtaking views. Wonderful neighborhood amenities include a private pool, lighted tennis courts, paths and clubhouse. Close to interstate. Professional mature landscaping, 3-car attached garage with new carriage doors, new paver edging on driveway and welcoming front porch. Huge new backyard paver patio with…

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Buying and owning your own home can have a big impact on your life. While there are financial reasons to become a homeowner, it's essential to think about the non-financial benefits that make a home more than just a place to live.

Here are some of the top non-financial reasons to buy a home.

According to Fannie Mae, 94% of survey respondents say “Having Control Over What You Do with Your Living Space” is a top reason to own.

Your home is truly your own space. If you own a home, unless there are specific homeowner association requirements, you can decorate and change it the way you like. That means you can make small changes or even do big renovations to make your home perfect for you. Your home is uniquely yours and by buying, you give yourself…

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The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift. Experts say it’ll continue to be popular for years to come and project that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. To give you some perspective, that's a 417% increase compared to the pre-pandemic years when there were just 7 million remote workers.

If you’re in the market to buy a home and you work remotely either full or part-time, this trend is a game-changer. It can help you overcome some of today’s affordability and housing inventory challenges.

How Remote Work Helps with Affordability

Remote or hybrid work allows you to change how you approach your home search. Since you’re no longer commuting every day, you may not feel…

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1864 Isle Royal Ln, Hanover Park, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2.5 BATHROOMS 0.13 acres Lot

Completely rehabbed two story home on fenced lot in popular Farmington Glen! Ideal location walking distance to park. Close to shopping, dining and expressways. 2-car attached garage, welcoming front porch, generous backyard with patio. Newer roof and siding in 2013. Step inside to find vaulted ceilings, neutral decor and an open flowing floor plan. All new flooring including carpet and luxury vinyl plank. Fresh interior paint. Vaulted living room, separate dining room and large…

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Are you thinking about selling your house? If so, today’s mortgage rates may be making you wonder if that’s the right decision. Some homeowners are reluctant to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on their next home. If you’re worried about this too, know that even though rates are high right now, so is home equity. Here’s what you need to know.

Bankrate explains exactly what equity is and how it grows:

“Home equity is the portion of your home that you’ve paid off and own outright. It’s the difference between what the home is worth and how much is still owed on your mortgage. As your home’s value increases over the long term and you pay down the principal on the mortgage, your equity stake grows.”

In other words, equity is how much your home…

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An important factor shaping today’s market is the number of homes for sale. And, if you’re considering whether or not to list your house, that’s one of the biggest advantages you have right now. When housing inventory is this low, your house will stand out, especially if it’s priced right.

But there are some early signs that more listings are coming. According to the latest data, new listings (homeowners who just put their house up for sale) are trending up. Here’s a look at why this is noteworthy and what it may mean for you.

More Homes Are Coming onto the Market than Usual

It’s well known that the busiest time in the housing market each year is the spring buying season. That’s why there’s a predictable increase in the volume of newly listed…

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1455 Golfview Dr, Glendale Heights, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 2 BEDROOMS 2.5 BATHROOMS

Completely updated townhome backing to golf course in popular Glendale Lakes neighborhood! Ideal private location close to parks and trails yet just minutes from shopping, dining and I-355. Beautiful lot with mature landscaping, 1-car attached garage, and private backyard patio. Step inside to find wood laminate flooring, vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, and a modern neutral decor. Light and bright gourmet kitchen with solid surface countertops and breakfast bar. Generous living…

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644 Riverbank Dr, Geneva, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2.5 BATHROOMS

Truly stunning luxury Geneva townhome in ideal location adjacent to Fabyan Forest Preserve. Close to Fox River, parks, golf, Metra train, and historic 3rd St shopping. Landscaped lot complete with 2-car attached garage and oversized backyard deck. Step inside to find a gorgeous open concept floor plan with expansive family room, adjacent dining area, and gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, island with breakfast bar and pantry. Generous bedroom sizes include the…

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