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the advantages of selling your home in the spring

Spring is widely recognized as a favorable season for selling a home due to a combination of increased buyer activity, improved weather conditions, and enhanced property presentation. With more buyers in the market, homes often attract competitive offers, leading to quicker sales and potentially higher prices. Keep reading to get a comprehensive look at the advantages of selling your home in the spring.

1. increased buyer demand.

Spring normally brings a natural uptick in real estate activity. Favorable weather conditions encourage more home searches, and longer days offer more daylight for viewing, leading to a noticeable increase in buyer activity.

2. higher sale prices.

With more…

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what every first-time homeowner should know

Becoming a homeowner for the first time is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with responsibilities and challenges. Understanding the key aspects of homeownership can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential things every first-time homeowner should know:

1. budget beyond the mortgage.

As a first-time buyer, it's typical to focus on your mortgage payment, but homeownership includes other costs such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, utilities, and even furniture purchases after the closing. Be sure to also factor in extra closing costs that come on top of your down payment. Get an estimate from your lender and make sure you know what to expect…

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a positive real estate market outlook for 2025

As we step into the new year, the real estate market continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®, the market is on a positive path forward. Below are key factors shaping the 2025 housing market and what they mean for those looking to buy or sell their homes. 

1. rising home sales.

Home sales are expected to rise in 2025, driven by favorable market conditions that encourage increased activity. The rise in population hasn't matched the rise in home sales, signaling there is pent up demand and can indicate a strong market ahead. Additionally, the influx of new jobs further supports a positive…

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what to expect when buying and selling real estate during the holiday season

The holiday season is a unique time of year when the world seems to slow down, and celebrations take center stage. But for those buying or selling real estate, the holidays can be an unexpected window of opportunity. While the market is quieter, it offers distinct advantages and challenges. Here’s what you need to know about navigating real estate during the holidays.

1. motivated buyers and sellers.

During the holiday season, many sellers choose to take their homes off the market, and fewer buyers are actively searching. While this reduces competition, those who are engaged in the market tend to be highly motivated. Whether it’s due to job relocations, or personal…

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what you need to know about written buyer agreements

If you’re starting the process of buying a home today, it’s essential to understand some important new regulations around written buyer agreements. Keep reading to get a breakdown of what these updates mean and how they might impact your home-buying experience.

1. these agreements are a legal requirement.

Following the National Association of REALTORS®’ proposed settlement of litigation, written buyer agreements are a requirement between you and your Realtor®, and will become a legal requirement for all real estate brokers beginning January 1, 2024 in Illinois. These agreements outline the services your agent will provide during the home-buying process and clarify any financial…

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understanding the closing process in real estate transactions

Closing a real estate transaction is a big step in the home buying and selling process. It's the final stage where the ownership of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer. Keep reading to get a comprehensive look at the steps involved in closing a real estate deal and what both buyers and sellers should expect.

1. the offer and acceptance.

The offer outlines the price a buyer is willing to pay as well as other terms they are offering or require. Sellers can accept the offer, reject it, or negotiate the terms. Once both parties agree, the offer becomes a legally binding purchase agreement.

2. escrow and earnest money deposit.

After the offer is…

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how to balance buying and selling a home at the same time

Balancing the act of buying and selling a home simultaneously can be a stressful task. It requires careful planning and precise timing. However, with the right approach, it can be managed smoothly and efficiently. Here’s how to navigate this challenging yet rewarding process.

prepare your home for a sale.

To expedite the sale of your current home, invest time in making it market-ready. Clean, declutter, and stage your home to appeal to potential buyers. Minor repairs and cosmetic updates can potentially make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells (but make sure you get professional advice -- some updates can actually decrease the value of your home!). The more…

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3 questions to ask before selling your home

Selling your home is a significant decision, one you need to prepare for. From determining your home's value to preparing it for the market, there's a lot to consider. Whether you're a seasoned seller or it's your first time, keep in mind these 3 questions when you begin:

1. what's my home value?

This seems like an obvious question, but it is often overlooked in importance. It’s the first question you need to ask because you need to stack up your home’s potential sale value against your loan payoff and costs. If your payoff and expenses exceed value, your plan might change a bit.

There is no need to stress - talk to one of our professionals first. It’s important to get an accurate market analysis…

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summer 2024 real estate market outlook

The housing market is an ever-evolving landscape, influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, demographic shifts, and buyer/seller behaviors. As we look ahead to the summer, we'll analyze what's next for the real estate market, especially with all the new commission changes on the horizon. In this blog, we delve into some of the predictions and insights offered by experts in the field, to gain a glimpse into the possible trajectory of the housing market in the coming months.

1. high demand, low inventory.

Demand for homes has continued to increase; however, high mortgage rates and lower inventory have caused existing-home sales to decline. Experts predict that sales may increase slightly,…

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the role of home appraisals: understanding their impact on your transaction

When you're in the midst of buying or selling a home, the appraisal is a pivotal moment. But what exactly is a home appraisal? In simple terms, it's an unbiased estimate of a property's fair market value, conducted by a licensed or certified professional appraiser. Home appraisals serve multiple purposes, all of which significantly impact your real estate transaction.

why do home appraisals matter?

Appraisals determine the market value of your property by considering various factors such as size, condition, location, and comparable sales in the area. Secondly, appraisals are often essential for securing financing. Though it depends on your loan program, most loans…

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