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.

When a House Becomes a Happy Home

When a House Becomes a Happy Home

We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership. No matter the size or shape of a living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people....

2020 Forecast Shows Continued Home Price Appreciation

2020 Forecast Shows Continued Home Price Appreciation

Questions continue to rise around where home prices will head in 2020. The latest forecast from CoreLogic shows continued appreciation at 5.4% over the next year: Additionally, ARCH Mortgage Insurance Company in their current Housing and Mortgage Market Review...

Where is the Housing Market Headed in 2020? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Where is the Housing Market Headed in 2020? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights: Interest rates will be lower than they have been since before 1980 at 3.8% and are projected to remain steady throughout 2020! According to CoreLogic, home prices will appreciate at a rate of 5.4% over the course of the year. Experts predict that the...

5,300 Reasons to Be Happy You’re a Homeowner

5,300 Reasons to Be Happy You’re a Homeowner

Studies have shown that, in many cases, the largest asset a family owns is the house they live in. Over the last twelve months, that asset has gained substantial value. CoreLogic just released their 2019 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights Report. The report...

The Biggest Issue Facing Housing Next Year

The Biggest Issue Facing Housing Next Year

This coming year the housing market will be defined by 3 things- inventory, interest rates, and appreciation.  But the biggest issue the housing market will face in 2020 is an inventory shortage.  There aren’t enough homes on the market for buyers, especially on the...

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in 2020

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in 2020

It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces, but we can have deep sentimental attachments to the homes we’re leaving behind, too. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale, depending on how we manage them. When it...

Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter

Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter

Some Highlights Winter is a great time to list a house, since inventory is traditionally low, and most sellers are holding off until spring to put their homes on the market. Waiting for warmer weather when more competition is on the market will only put your house up...

Holiday Gifts Are Not the Only Hot Things Right Now

Holiday Gifts Are Not the Only Hot Things Right Now

Black Friday is behind us and holiday gifts are flying off the shelves in stores and online. Unlike last year, however, there’s another type of buyer that is very active this winter – the homebuyer. Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index, which tracks...

Have You Outgrown Your Home?

Have You Outgrown Your Home?

It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home. The good news is, it’s okay to admit if your house no longer fits your needs. According to...

A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership

A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership

Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them: Refinance: If you already own a home, you...

Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs?

Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs?

Saving for a down payment is a key step in the homebuying process, and it’s not the only piece you need to include in your budget. Another factor that’s important to plan for is the closing costs required to obtain a mortgage. What Are Closing Costs? According...

What is the Best Investment for Americans?

What is the Best Investment for Americans?

Some are reporting that there is trepidation regarding the real estate market in the United States. Apparently, the American people are quite comfortable. Porch.com, a major network helping homeowners with their renovation projects, recently conducted a survey which...

What is the Best Investment for Americans?

What is the Best Investment for Americans?

Some are reporting that there is trepidation regarding the real estate market in the United States. Apparently, the American people are quite comfortable. Porch.com, a major network helping homeowners with their renovation projects, recently conducted a survey which...

Is A Bigger House Within Your Budget?

Is A Bigger House Within Your Budget?

At this time of year, many families come together to celebrate the season. It’s also the time when many realize their homes are just not quite big enough to host all of their guests and loved ones. Are you one of those homeowners dreaming for a larger space to call...

It’s ‘National Roof Over Your Head’ Day!

It’s ‘National Roof Over Your Head’ Day!

Did you know that each year in the United States, we celebrate “National Roof Over Your Head Day” on December 3rd? As noted on the National Calendar, it was “created as a day to be thankful for what you have, starting with the roof over your head. There are many...

5 Reasons to Sell This Winter

5 Reasons to Sell This Winter

Below are five compelling reasons to list your house this winter. 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are...

Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights: Existing Home Sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.46 million. The inventory of existing homes for sale remains below the 6 months needed for a normal market and is now at a 3.9-month supply. Inventory remains low due to high demand from buyers...

Tips to Sell Your Home Faster

Tips to Sell Your Home Faster

When selling your house, there are a few key things you can prioritize to have the greatest impact for a faster sale: 1. Make Buyers Feel at Home Declutter your home! Pack away all personal items like pictures, awards, and sentimental belongings. Make buyers feel like...

The True Cost of Not Owning Your Home

The True Cost of Not Owning Your Home

There are great advantages to owning a home, yet many people continue to rent. The financial benefits are just some of the reasons why homeownership has been a part of the long-standing American dream. Realtor.com reported that: “Buying remains the more attractive...

7 Reasons to List Your House This Holiday Season

7 Reasons to List Your House This Holiday Season

Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to list their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why listing your house now or...

The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights: With interest rates around 3.66%, now is a great time to look back at where they’ve been over the past few decades. Comparatively, they’re pretty low! According to Freddie Mac, rates are projected to increase to 3.9% by this time next year. The impact...

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