Author Archive
Renting vs Buying in Retirement
When most of us think about downsizing, we think of selling the family home and using the proceeds to buy a smaller home. Hopefully there is some cash left over. Some people are re-thinking that strategy, opting not to tie up all that cash or ...
Buying a Home Sight Unseen
In a market where the best homes are selling in days, some buyers are making offers on homes without ever visiting the home. Out of state buyers can’t wait until their travel schedule allows for a showing. The proliferation of property inform...
International Home Buyers
Five countries account for 51 percent of overseas purchases: Canada, China, India, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Chicago’s international appeal are its universities, transportation network, diversified economy and educated workforce. Intern...
Stuck in the City
Many young professionals move to a big city for the lifestyle that city living offers before deciding on where to live long-term or raise a family. As companies start asking employees to return to the office, staying in the city for convenienc...
Stretching to Get a Better Home
It is refreshing to see buyers planning to be in their next home for the next 10 – 20 years. With high interest rates and increasing home prices, some buyers are skipping past starter homes. It’s not just about square footage, but the qual...
Move-Up Challenge
The typical move-up buyers are in their 30’s to 40’s who need more space. In our area, the common profile of a move-up home is a 2-story, 4-bedroom, 2 ½ bath with a basement and a 2-car garage priced between $400,000 - $600,000. The challe...
Upsizing after Retirement
About half of retirees who have already moved after retirement purchased a same size or bigger home. They are accommodating adult children and plan on entertaining more. Nearly 16% of U.S. millennials lived with their parents in 2022. The oth...
Five Basics to Preparing a Home Before Listing
Buyer expectations have risen dramatically over the years. High interest rates and high prices have resulted in buyers being very picky in what they will purchase. Homes in poor condition languish on the market, while dazzling homes attract o...