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how to get your offer accepted in a competitive market

Don’t lose another dream house! Here's our list of 4 steps you can take to make your chances better when you run into a multi-offer situation.

1. prepare for a multi-offer scenario before the right home even hits the market.

Get educated on market value and what you should expect to offer on the kind of home you’re looking for. Prepare your max budget. Go see other homes to learn what you really want. A multi-offer situation is not the time to be on the fence or act under pressure — you need to be prepped to know if you actually want this house, and if you do, be ready to offer a healthy and strong price.

2. try to find out what else the seller is looking for.

Price isn’t always…

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simple strategies to help your home sell this summer

If your home stands out (in a good way), it attracts more buyers, gets more traffic, and that typically results in more interest, more offers and a higher end sale. It's important to make sure your home is truly ready for a home sale, to make the most of its market debut and get more buyers to fall in love with it. And while we generally don't recommend any major projects (exceptions abide - ask an arhome agent for the most profitable approach), the good news is there's a lot that you can control when it comes to making your home above-average. 

Here are some uncommon ways that actually make a big difference in your home sale.

1. avoid "fake staging"

We don't mean to avoid staging in…

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the role of home inspections: what buyers and sellers should expect.

Home inspections are a vital component that can influence the outcome of your real estate transaction. It's important to get an idea of what goes into the process and what to expect from a buyer's and seller's standpoint. Read on to learn more about how to be prepared for an inspection and what occurs after.

the purpose of a home inspection.

So, why are home inspections conducted? For buyers, a home inspection is an opportunity to assess the property's condition thoroughly. This process helps identify potential issues, both major and minor, which can influence the buying decision and negotiations. 

the home inspector's role.

Home inspections are typically conducted by…

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man and woman from the back embracing and looking at a house with a for sale sign in front of it which reads arhome realty 773.775.7700 arhomerealty.com / ar on the bottom right

Did you know? According to the most recent National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers study, Realtor®-listed homes have sold on average for 18% more money than For Sale By Owner homes.

How you go about selling your property can really impact how much money ends up in your pocket when all is said and done. Things like marketing price, time on the market, and staging can have a tremendous effect on how much you sell your property for.

For example: if you were to market your home at a too high price, you will likely not see a lot of activity because surrounding homes at similar price points will have better features and options. This will cause market time to run on the clock, and precious sale time to slip away. In the…

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While much of the U.S. housing market began to cool in February, Chicago went in the opposite direction, intensifying, giving seller’s an advantage. A drop in available listings forced a fast-paced environment where homes sold in around half the time it took nationally, and price reductions remained sparse. This shift left sellers firmly in the driver's seat, leaving prospective buyers to navigate a landscape defined by scarce options and limited leverage. Keep readying to get a full breakdown of the recent updates.

1. chicago’s inventory drop fuels higher competition.

Prospective buyers in the Chicago area are facing tightening inventory as available homes continue to dwindle. In February, active listings plummeted, with a significant…

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buying vs. renting: what to consider when making your decision

Deciding whether to buy or rent a home is a significant financial choice that can impact your lifestyle and long-term goals. In this blog post, we'll review the pros and cons of both buying and renting to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique circumstances.

1. financial considerations.

When it comes to finances, buying a home often involves a substantial upfront investment, including a down payment, closing costs, and potential taxes. On the other hand, renting oftentimes requires a security deposit and the first month's rent. Before making your decision, it's crucial to compare monthly mortgage payments to rent costs while also considering additional…

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understanding "as-is" home sales: what buyers and sellers should know

“AS-IS” sales have become a common part of today’s real estate market — not just in competitive times, but as a practical option for both buyers and sellers. Sellers often choose to list a home “AS-IS” to simplify the process and avoid repair negotiations, while buyers may use it to streamline their offer and stand out as serious contenders.

But what does that actually mean for you?

#1. what is an "as-is" sale?

An “AS-IS” sale is a common way of saying that the buyer and seller include a contract clause where the buyer promises that after doing the home inspection, the buyer won’t be asking the seller for any repairs or money. This does NOT waive the buyer’s right to do…

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2026 real estate market outlook

As we step into the new year, the real estate market continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities.  For both buyers and sellers, understanding these evolving trends is crucial to making informed and successful decisions.

1. lower mortgage rates

Mortgage rates have already begun to dip, and the downward trend is expected to continue. The National Association of REALTORS® are predicting rates to even hit 6% soon. Even a slight decline could activate a wave of buyers currently waiting on the sidelines. These falling rates may also give homeowners with low locked-in rates the confidence to finally list their properties. This anticipated surge in market activity has sparked a sense of renewed…

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a picture of a snowy house

Important home safety tips before traveling for the holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and for many, that means packing up and heading out to spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you're escaping to a wintery destination or soaking up the sun on a beach, it's essential to ensure the safety of your home while you're away. We understand the importance of having peace of mind when it comes to your home, so we've compiled a list of safety tips to help our traveling residents enjoy a worry-free vacation.

1. check all doors on the property.

Let's start from the basics, with checking all the doors around your home. Before you head on your holiday trip, take a walk around your property to make sure all doors and windows are securely…

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selling your home in the fall market: what you need to know

If you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s important to understand how the season can impact your experience. While spring often gets the most attention, fall has its own unique advantages for sellers. Fall often has more serious buyers, unique staging possibilities, and many other advantages. Here’s what you need to know about the fall market:

1. less competition in the market.

Fall typically has a decrease in the number of homes available for sale. This decrease can be a great advantage for sellers. The fewer the options on the market, the more your home can stand out and attract more potential buyers. 

2. homebuyers are typically more serious.

During the fall, the group of…

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