Found 372 blog entries tagged as For Buyers.

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership. As Bankrate explains:

“One of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes is looking for a home that checks each of your boxes. Looking for perfection can narrow your choices and lead you to pass over good, suitable options for starter homes in the hopes that something better will come along.”

The Cost of Holding Out for Perfection

Nothing in life is ever perfect – and that's true when you search for a home too. Unless you’re building a brand-new home from the ground up, chances…

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Hey there!

Looking for luxury living in the Chicagoland area?

You've come to the right place.

Let's dive into the top 10 suburbs with the most million-dollar homes currently on the market.

1. Naperville

Naperville tops our list with 76 million-dollar homes. The average list price here is $1.64 million.

Why Naperville?

  • Excellent schools.
  • Vibrant downtown.
  • Beautiful Riverwalk.

This suburb offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and urban convenience.

2. Lake Forest

Next up is Lake Forest, with 73 million-dollar listings, averaging $2.32 million.

What makes Lake Forest special?

  • Picturesque views of Lake Michigan.
  • Historic homes.
  • Top-tier private schools.

It’s a haven for luxury buyers.

…

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Are you searching for the perfect home in a community that blends charm, convenience, and a vibrant lifestyle? Look no further than Geneva, Illinois! Known for its picturesque neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and rich local culture, Geneva offers an ideal setting for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Here’s why Geneva should be at the top of your list and how The Kombrink Team can help you find the home of your dreams.

Why Choose Geneva, IL?

1. Beautiful Homes: Geneva boasts a diverse array of homes, from historic Victorian houses to modern new builds. Whether you're looking for a cozy cottage or a spacious family home, Geneva's real estate market has something to offer for every taste and budget.

2. Top-Rated Schools: Education is a…

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Some Highlights

  • There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table.
  • Don’t change bank accounts, apply for new credit, make any large purchases or transfers, and don’t co-sign loans for anyone.
  • Here’s a good rule of thumb. Always connect with your loan officer before making any financial decisions once you’ve started the mortgage process.

Previously posted at Simplifying The Market.

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Everyone’s vision for the future is personal and unique. But for many, common goals include success, freedom, and prosperity — values closely tied to having your own home and the iconic feeling of achieving the American Dream.

A recent survey by Bankrate reveals exactly that: homeownership is still a part of the American Dream. The results show, at 78%, that owning a home tops the list, surpassing other significant milestones such as retirement, having a successful career, and more (see below):No Caption Received


So, why is buying a home important to so many today? One reason is the financial and physical security it provides. Many people see homeownership as a way to reduce stress because owning a home with a fixed-rate mortgage stabilizes what is likely their…

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With all the headlines circulating about home prices and mortgage rates, you may be asking yourself if it still makes sense to buy a home right now, or if it’s better to keep renting. Here’s some information that could help put your mind at ease by showing that investing in a home is still a powerful decision.

According to the experts at Gallup, real estate has been crowned the top long-term investment for a whopping 12 years in a row. It has consistently beat out other investment types like gold, stocks, and bonds. Just take a look at the graph below – it speaks volumes:No Caption Received


But why does real estate continue to reign supreme as a top-notch long-term investment? It’s because, even today, buying a home can be your golden ticket to building wealth over…

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When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with. While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one or how it’s different from an appraisal. To keep it simple, here’s an explainer of each one and what they mean for you as a homebuyer.

Home Inspection

Once you’re under contract on a home you’d like to buy, getting an inspection is a key part of the process. An inspection gives you a clear idea of the safety and overall condition of the home – which is important for such a big transaction. As a recent Realtor.com article explains:

“A home inspection is something that protects your financial interest in what will likely be the…

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Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a big question on many people’s minds today. And while what timing is right for you will depend on a lot of other personal factors, here’s something you may not have considered.

If you’re able to buy at today’s rates and prices, it may be better to focus on time in the market, rather than timing the market.

The Downside of Trying To Time the Market 

Trying to time the market isn’t a good strategy because things can change. Here’s an example. For the better part of this year, projections have said mortgage rates will come down. And while experts agree that’s still what’s ahead, shifts in various market and economic factors have pushed back the timing of when that’ll happen. Here’s how that’s…

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Today, we’re diving into the best real estate markets in Illinois for 2024. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, these hotspots are where you’ll want to focus your attention.

1. Naperville: A Perennial Favorite

Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S., Naperville offers a charming downtown area, top-rated schools, and a variety of housing options, from historic homes to new developments. Its robust job market and convenient access to Chicago make it an ideal location for both commuting professionals and growing families.

Why Naperville?

  • Top-Rated Schools: Naperville's schools are among the best in the state, attracting families who prioritize education.
  • Diverse Housing Options: From historic charm…

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As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.

Home Prices Are Expected To Climb Moderately

Home prices are forecasted to rise at a more normal pace. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from seven of the most trusted sources in the industry:

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The reason for continued appreciation? The supply of homes for sale. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“One thing that seems to be pretty solid is that home prices are going to continue to go up, and the reason is that we don't have housing inventory.”

While inventory is up compared to the last couple of years, it’s still low overall. And because…

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