StartingPoint Realty Blog
Chicago Area Home Buyers Remain Active in Market
Statistically, Chicago area home sales activity has declined, but home buyers are very active in the market. Here's a look at the sales trends, along with our advice for Chicagoland buyers and sellers! According to the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®, 35,741...
Buying a Chicago Area Home in 2023? Read This First!
If you plan to buy a Chicago area home in 2023, the first rule is to be prepared. Here’s how to get ready for home buying, and keep your purchase power at its best! 1. Attend a free home buying seminar with StartingPoint Realty. We share the how-to’s of home buying,...
Plan Ahead to Sell Your Chicago Home
If you are thinking of selling your Chicago area home during 2023, get ready to put your plan together! Preparing your home for the market, and packing for your move, will be easier when you have plenty of time. Here's where to start! 1. Choose your Chicago area real...
Welcome the Holidays with these Chicago Area Events!
The holiday season is here! Whether you’re looking for big city lights or hometown traditions, these holiday events in Chicagoland will cheer the whole family! Please be sure to check the event websites to confirm dates and times before heading out. Hours of operation...
Chicago Home Sales Start to Cool
Chicago home buyers have more options to choose from as the market cools off. There were signs of a slowdown in August, with homes spending more time on the market, and price reductions happening in areas that rarely see them. We shared examples from our own...
Chicago Renters Face Competition
If you thought bidding wars were only a problem for Chicago home buyers, think again! Some Chicago renters face competition as available units remain behind demand. Here's what's going on, according to reports from Block Club Chicago and Yardi Matrix. Just as...
Chicago Area Home Prices Heat Up for Summer
Chicago metro area home prices climbed in June, reaching a median sales price of $340,000. This is a 6.6% increase over June 2021, continuing the year-over-year trend of higher home prices. In the City of Chicago itself, median home prices increased 4.7% to $367,000....
Finding Your Chicago Area Home Value
As a Chicago area homeowner, it pays to be informed about the market value of your home. You might be saying, "No worries! I can look up my home value online." While there are a number of online home value websites out there, they can only offer a rough estimate....
Chicagoland Buyers Still Want Move-In Ready Homes
Chicago area home buyers are challenged by low inventory and rising interest rates, but they still want the nicest property their money will buy. The buyer preference for updated, move-in ready homes has been consistent for years, and it's likely here to stay. While...
Chicago Home Buyers, Shop by Payment – Not Price!
Chicago area home buyers are used to shopping by home price, but the current mortgage rate environment calls for new thinking. In just a few months, mortgage interest rates moved from the mid-three percent range to over five percent. While rates are still cheap by...
Where are Chicago Home Prices Heading?
Now that interest rates are rising, there are predictions about a slowdown in Chicago home prices. Here are things Chicago home buyers and sellers should know! As of February 2022, Chicago area home prices increased 10% on a year-over-year basis, according to...
Chicago Area Homes Selling Fast in 2022
Chicago home buyers who were hoping for an easier market in 2022 aren't seeing it yet. Typically, January ushers in a batch of fresh listings, which are viewed by eager buyers looking for a head start on the spring market. But as the weeks roll by, there hasn't been a...
Will Rising Interest Rates Slow the Chicago Real Estate Market?
Mortgage interest rates began to climb in early 2022, and higher rates are in store for Chicago home buyers in the months ahead. Will higher rates mean a slowdown in Chicago's real estate market? Before we answer that, let's get a quick dose of perspective. As of...
Chicago Area Home Buyers Should Focus on the Basics
Ever go into a grocery store for three things, and walk out with bags full of stuff that wasn't on your list? We've all done it. It's easy to get distracted, despite knowing exactly what you needed when you began the trip. When it comes to buying a Chicago...