All about navigating the real estate market. 

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…

14 Views, 0 Comments

photo otwo people looking at a tablet screen

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…

118 Views, 0 Comments

woman on her computer at a desk

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…

124 Views, 0 Comments

photo of home interior with fall decor

how to prepare your home for a fall sale

If you're planning to sell your house this fall, now is the perfect time to start preparing. With cooler weather, beautiful autumn colors, and motivated buyers hoping to move before the holidays, fall can be a good time to list your home. There are several steps you can take to ensure your home stands out and attracts potential buyers during this season. Read on for a comprehensive checklist to get your home ready for a fall sale.

1. boost curb appeal.

First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. In the fall, curb appeal means keeping leaves raked, walkways clear, and your entryway warm and inviting. Consider adding a seasonal touch like a fall…

247 Views, 0 Comments

photo outdoor patio

simple strategies to help your home sell

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 general -…

195 Views, 0 Comments

photo of a computer with a home on the screen

buying a home in the spring market: what you need to know

Spring is one of the busiest times of the year for real estate. As the weather gets warmer buyers and sellers are often more likely to make a move. If you're considering buying a home this spring, here’s what you need to know to navigate the market successfully.

1. be prepared for competition.

Spring is a popular time for homebuyers, which means competition can be fierce. Many buyers come out of winter ready to make a purchase, so it's important to be prepared. Get pre-approved for a mortgage, have your financial documents in order, and be ready to make quick decisions when you find a home you love.

2. start your search early.

With increased demand, homes can sell quickly. Start…

493 Views, 0 Comments

photo of home in spring

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…

1019 Views, 0 Comments

.signing papers with a pen

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…

948 Views, 0 Comments

photo of woman signing papers at desk

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…

987 Views, 0 Comments

handing over keys to someone's hand as well as a small home in the other hand

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…

831 Views, 0 Comments