Found 372 blog entries tagged as For Buyers.

The real estate market in Geneva, Illinois, continues to evolve, offering both opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers. With record-low inventory levels and increasing demand, the market remains highly competitive. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, understanding the latest trends can help you make informed decisions.

Low Inventory Creates a Competitive Market

One of the most significant challenges in Geneva’s real estate market right now is the historically low inventory. Currently, the Months Supply of Inventory is at just 0.83 months. This means that if no new homes were listed, the current supply would be sold out in less than a month.

March 2025 Months Supply of Housing Inventory Geneva Illinois

To put this into perspective, a balanced market typically has around 4 to 6…

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A Competitive Market in Elgin, Illinois

Elgin, Illinois, is witnessing a tightening real estate market as of March 2025. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, understanding current trends can help you make informed decisions. The following report dives into inventory levels, pricing trends, and the pace at which homes are selling.

Inventory Levels Are Tightening

Currently, Elgin has a 1.3-month supply of inventory, meaning that if no new homes were listed, it would take just over a month to sell all the existing properties. This metric is crucial in evaluating the balance between supply and demand.

March 2025 Months Supply of Housing Inventory Elgin Illinois

Over the past 12 months, inventory levels have declined by 8%, which suggests fewer homes are being listed. This decline indicates a

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Want to know two reasons this spring might finally be your time to buy? Inventory has grown and sellers may be more willing to negotiate as a result. That means you’ve got more options and more power than buyers have had in years. Let’s break it down.

1. You Have More Homes To Choose From

The number of homes for sale this February was higher than it’s been in any of the past five Februarys – and that’s great news for your home search. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show the supply of homes on the market has grown by 27.5% in just the last year:

a graph of blue barsMore choices for your search is a good thing – and experts also say that inventory is projected to continue rising this year, which is even better. It means it should be easier to…

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a close-up of a calculator

Some Highlights

  • Before you even start looking at homes, there’s something you should do first – and that’s get pre-approved for your mortgage.
  • Pre-approval is when a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow for your home loan. This helps you determine your budget and makes your offer stand out for sellers.
  • ​Connect with a trusted lender to get the process started.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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For years, sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market. With so few homes for sale and so many people who wanted to purchase them, buyers faced tough competition just to get an offer accepted. But now, inventory is rising, and things are starting to shift in many areas.

So, is the market finally balancing out? And does that mean buyers will have it a bit easier now? Here’s what you need to know.

What Makes It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market?

It all comes down to how many homes are for sale in an area compared to how many buyers want to buy there. That’s what ultimately determines who has the most leverage.

  • A Seller’s Market is when there are more buyers than homes available, so sellers hold the power. This leads to rising…

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Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I really afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job?

Here’s the thing: every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts.

The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s completely normal. Here's some information that can give you a bit of perspective, so you don’t have these concerns.

Focus on What You Can Control

Since homeownership is new to you, you’re probably feeling like it’s hard to know what to budget for. And that can be a bit scary. You’ll have the mortgage,…

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Introduction

The St. Charles, Illinois, real estate market remains a hot topic as we step into March 2025. With inventory on the rise, homes selling slightly above list price, and properties moving off the market in just over a week, it's crucial to stay informed. Whether you're considering buying, selling, or simply watching the trends, this detailed market update provides the key insights you need.

Housing Inventory: A Noticeable Shift

Right now, St. Charles has a two-month supply of inventory, marking a significant 59% increase over the past year. While this increase provides buyers with more options, it still reflects a seller-favored market since a balanced market typically has a four to six-month supply.

March 2025 Months Supply of Inventory St Charles Illinois

An increasing…

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If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because of high mortgage rates, you might want to take another look at the market. That’s because mortgage rates have been trending down lately – and that gives you a chance to jump back in.

Mortgage rates have been declining for seven straight weeks now, according to data from Freddie Mac. And the average weekly rate is now at the lowest level so far this year (see graph below):

a graph with a line going upWhile that may not sound like a significant shift, it is noteworthy. Because the meaningful drop from over 7% to the mid-6’s can change your mindset when it comes to buying a home. Especially when the forecasts said we wouldn’t hit this number until roughly Q3 of this year (see graph below):

Why Are Rates Coming Down?

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At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run.

Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal Pace

The idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking in most markets. According to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, industry analysts are saying prices are projected to keep rising through at least 2029.

While we’re no…

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It’s no secret that remote work has surged over the last few years. And that flexibility gave a lot of people the freedom to move — and work — from wherever they wanted.

But now, a growing number of companies are requiring employees to return to the office. And that’s leading some people to make decisions about where they live and if they need to move.

How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting Housing

During the rise of remote work, a lot of employees took the opportunity to move away from expensive or crowded city centers. Some opted for suburban neighborhoods and larger homes with yards, while others relocated to more rural areas. But lately, more people are returning to the city.

And according to data from Bright MLS,more than half of…

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