The HousingCoach Blog
Important and useful information about Home Buying, Home Selling and the Chicagoland Real Estate market, to help you make the most of Your Personal American Dream. Explore, Learn, and Take Action.
Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign
When it feels like the cost of just about everything is rising, it’s only natural to wonder what that means for the housing market. Some people are even questioning whether more homeowners will struggle to make their mortgage payments, ultimately leading to a wave of...
Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again
It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great.Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it...
You Finally Have More Options for Your Move
Some HighlightsIf you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month.With more options come...
Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?
At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to...
What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise You
Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the...
What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target
Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home.Take a look at the graph below. It...
Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House
According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why.That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other...
If the Asking Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling
Unfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts.
Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity
If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make.
Do You Think the Housing Market’s About To Crash? Read This First
Lately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question: “Is the housing market about to crash?”
Are You Saving Up To Buy a Home? Your Tax Refund Can Help
You’ve been working on your savings and dreaming of that moment when you finally have keys to a place that’s truly yours.
4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring
<p>Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up.</p>
A Recession Doesn’t Mean a Housing Crisis
There’s a lot of talk about a recession lately and how the odds of one are rising.
Why You Don’t Want To Skip Your Home Inspection
When you finally find the home you want to buy, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement.
Does Your Current Home Fit Your Retirement Plans?
Retirement isn’t just a milestone. It's the beginning of something really special.
The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market
Headlines are talking about the inventory of new homes and how we’re back at the levels not seen since 2009.
House Hunting Just Got Easier – Here’s Why
If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of homes for sale over the past few years, here’s some good news.
Things To Avoid After You Apply for a Mortgage
Once a lender has reviewed your finances as part of the homebuying process, you want to be as consistent as possible. Don’t make any big changes that could affect your mortgage application.
The #1 Thing Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price
When you put your house on the market, you want to sell it quickly and for the best price possible; that's generally the goal.
Townhomes: A Smart Solution for Today’s First-Time Buyers
Buying your first home in today’s market can feel tough. Between high home prices and mortgage rates, affordability is still a big challenge.
Here’s What a Recession Could Mean for the Housing Market
Recession talk is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year.
Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It Might Be Time To Hit Play Again
Last year, 70% of buyers abandoned their home search – and maybe you were one of them.
National Housing Trends To Watch
Some HighlightsAt a national level, the housing market has shifted over the past year.There are more homes for sale, price growth has moderated, and homes are taking a little longer to sell.Do you want to know how your area compares? Connect with a real estate agent...
Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It
You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what...