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.
Top 5 Reasons To Hire a Real Estate Agent When You Sell
Some HighlightsThe right agent doesn’t just list your house – they help you sell smarter, faster, and with fewer surprises.With an agent’s help, you’ll know what’s happening in your local market and how to price your house right. You’ll feel confident filling out...
Multi-Generational Homebuying Hit a Record High – Here’s Why
Multi-generational living is on the rise. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 17% of homebuyers purchase a home to share with parents, adult children, or extended family. That’s the highest share ever recorded by NAR (see graph below):And what’s...
What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market
Here’s something you need to know. The housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may not sound like it, this shift is actually a good thing.It’s what you should expect. It’s just that our expectations have been skewed by the...
Think It’s Better To Wait for a Recession Before You Move? Think Again.
Fear of a recession is back in the headlines. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling sometime soon, that may leave you wondering if you should reconsider the timing of your move.A recent survey by John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current...
Why Your Home’s Asking Price Matters More Today
Some HighlightsA growing number of homeowners are overestimating today’s market. And that’s why the number of sellers dropping their price is back at normal levels.A lot of the time this is happening because they’re not paying attention to current conditions. The...
Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It
Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own.Because when everything else feels up...
3 Reasons To Buy a Home This Summer
Are you thinking about buying a home, but not sure if now’s the right time? A lot of people are waiting and wondering what the market’s going to do next. But here’s something only the savviest buyers realize:This summer might actually be the best time to buy in years....
Why More Sellers Are Choosing To Move, Even with Today’s Rates
It’s hard to let go of a 3% mortgage rate. There’s no question about it. It’s the main reason why so many homeowners have delayed their move in recent years. But here’s something to consider.While your low rate might be ideal, it doesn’t make up being too cramped,...
What You Really Need To Know About Down Payments
Some HighlightsThere’s a misconception going around that you have to put 20% of the purchase price down when you buy a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive.And if you want to give your...
Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today
Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk.According to the latest data from the National...
You May Have Enough Equity To Downsize and Buy Your Next House in Cash
Some HighlightsHave you been holding off on downsizing? If so, you should know your equity could make your move possible.Homeowners today have so much equity that a record number are buying their next house in all cash. And that has some big benefits like making their...
Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s What To Do Now.
When your house doesn’t sell, it doesn’t just feel frustrating – it feels personal. You put time, money, and emotional energy into this move. You told your friends and family it was happening. And now that your listing has expired without a buyer? You’re left feeling...
Is Inventory Getting Back To Normal?
After years of it feeling almost impossible to find a home you want to buy, things are changing for the better. Nationally, inventory is growing, and that gives you more options for your move. But here’s what you need to know. That level of growth is going to vary...
The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective
Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know.It's true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don't let...
Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home...
The Big Difference Between a Homeowner’s and a Renter’s Net Worth
Some HighlightsHomeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth in our country and it’s easy to see why.As you pay down your mortgage and as home values rise over time, you gain equity – and that helps grow your net worth. That’s why a homeowner’s net worth is...
The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell
Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.What Is Home Staging?It’s not about making your house look super...
Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?
A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing: those rates were never meant to last. They were a short-term response...
Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment
Lately, it feels like every headline about the housing market comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Are we headed for a crash? Will rates ever come down? And all the media noise may leave you wondering: does it really make sense to buy a home right...
Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think
Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again.Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the...
Home Projects That Add the Most Value
Some HighlightsWhether you’re planning to move soon or not, you want to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Because not all of them will be worth it.Before you decide what upgrades to tackle, talk to an agent who knows what’s in demand in your area...
Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?
You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now?With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today...
The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market
A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door.But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective...
Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit
For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don't know about one of its core benefits.According to a report from Veterans United only 3...