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.
Things To Consider If Your House Didn’t Sell
If your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell, it's completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. Understandably, you're probably wondering what may have gone wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do...
3 Keys To Hitting Your Homeownership Goals in 2024
If buying or selling a home is your goal for 2024, it’s important to understand today’s housing market, know your why, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision for the new year into focus.Over the last year, the economy had a big impact on the...
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The Benefits of Working With an Agent When You Sell Your House [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some HighlightsWhen it comes to selling your house, the expertise of a trusted real estate agent can make a big difference.They’ll explain what’s happening today, what that means for you, and how to price and market your house. They’re also skilled negotiators and...
What You Need To Know About Saving for a Home in 2024
If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be. One way to ease those concerns is to make sure you understand some of the costs you may encounter up front. And to do that, always turn to...
Retiring Soon? Why Moving Might Be the Perfect Next Step
If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, it’s a good time to consider if your current house is still a good fit for the next chapter in your life.Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few...
Get Ready To Buy a Home by Improving Your Credit Score
As the new year approaches, the idea of buying a home might be on your mind. It’s an exciting goal to set, and it's never too early to start laying the groundwork. One crucial step to prepare for homeownership is building a solid credit score.Lenders review your...
These Non-Financial Benefits Turn a House into a Happy Home
There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of homeownership are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too. Here’s...
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Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some HighlightsAs you get ready to sell your house, there are a few things you should add to your to-do list to make it inviting and boost curb appeal.To name just a couple, it’s a good idea to declutter, take down personal photos and items, touch up any scuffs on the...
Sell Smarter: Why Working with a Real Estate Agent May Beat Going Solo
If you're thinking about selling your house on your own, called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO, there are some important things to consider. Going this route means taking on a lot of responsibilities by yourself – and that can be a bit of a headache.A recent report from...
Why Mortgage Rates Could Continue To Decline
When you read about the housing market, you’ll probably come across some information about inflation or recent decisions made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how do those two things impact you and your homebuying plans? Here's what you need to know.The Federal...
Expert Quotes on the 2024 Housing Market Forecast
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing market in 2024. In 2023, higher mortgage rates, confusion over home price headlines, and a lack of homes for sale created some challenges for buyers...
Why Now Is Still a Great Time To Sell Your House
If you were worried buyer demand disappeared when mortgage rates went up, the data shows there are plenty of interested buyers still out there. The housing market isn't as frenzied as it was during the ‘unicorn’ years when buyer demand was through the roof, mortgage...
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What You Need To Know About Down Payments [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some HighlightsIf you want to buy a home, you may not need as much for your down payment as you think.There are various loan options for qualified buyers with down payments as low as 3.5% or even no down payment requirement. There are also thousands of programs...
If Your House Hasn’t Sold Yet, It May Be Overpriced
Has your house been sitting on the market a while without selling? If so, you should know that’s pretty unusual, especially right now. That’s because the supply of homes available for sale is still far lower than what we’d see in a normal year. That means buyers have...
The Surprising Trend in the Number of Homes Coming onto the Market
If you're thinking about moving, it's important to know what's happening in the housing market. Here's an update on the supply of homes currently for sale. Whether you're buying or selling, the number of homes in your area is something you should pay attention to.In...
Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help Pave the Way to Homeownership
If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of first-time homebuyers find saving for a down payment the most challenging step. But the reality is, you probably don’t...
The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After Buying
There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford. At the same time, there are still fewer homes available for sale than the norm. These are two of the biggest hurdles buyers are facing...
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Your Homebuying Adventure [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some HighlightsHere are the key milestones you’ll encounter on your path to homeownership. From building your team, to house hunting, all the way to moving into your new home – it’s an exciting adventure.Your journey starts here. Connect with a local real estate agent...
Why You Need To Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home
If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you don’t have to navigate all of that alone.When it comes to buying a...
How To Turn Homeownership into a Side Hustle
Does the rising cost of just about everything these days make your dream of owning your own home feel less within reach? According to Bankrate, many people are seeking additional income through side hustles, possibly to cope with those increasing expenses and save for...
When You Sell Your House, Where Do You Plan To Go?
If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard the supply of homes for sale is still low, and that means your house should stand out to buyers who are craving more options. But you may also be wondering, once you sell, how does the current supply...
Experts Project Home Prices Will Rise over the Next 5 Years
Even with so much data showing home prices are actually rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who worry there will be another price crash in the immediate future. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae shows that 23% of consumers think...
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3 Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some HighlightsHere are a few reasons you may not want to hold off until the new year to sell your house. Buyers looking right now are highly motivated, the supply of homes for sale is still low, and you may find buyers are more flexible with showings this time of...
Is Owning a Home Still the American Dream for Younger Buyers?
Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it's different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a home still claims...