StartingPoint Realty Blog
Is a Cash Offer the Best Offer for Your Chicago Home?
If you're a Chicago area homeowner, you've probably received a postcard from a home-buying company at least once. "We buy houses for cash! No hassles! Fast closing!" As good as this deal sounds, it's a better deal for the buyer than it is for you. That's because...
Navigating the Spring Housing Market
As the chill of winter gives way to the warmth and renewal of spring, the real estate market comes alive with promise and opportunity. For homeowners looking to sell, this season offers a prime opportunity to showcase their properties in the best light possible,...
Home Inspection Tips for Chicago Home Buyers
When Chicago area homes are selling fast, buyers may feel pressured to skip the home inspection. This is not a good idea! Waiving a home inspection leaves you vulnerable to potential hazards and expensive repairs. And while home sellers are required to supply a...
Navigating the Market: 7 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
At StartingPoint Realty, we understand that buying your first home can feel like a daunting task. That's why we're here to provide you with essential tips to help you navigate the real estate market with confidence and ease. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a...
It’s Already Spring for Chicago Home Sales
The groundhog was right! We're having an early spring in Chicago, no matter what the temperature is outside. Chicago area real estate began heating up in January, with early-bird home buyers looking to beat the spring rush. Last month, Chicago homes for sale spent an...
How Chicago Home Buyers can Avoid the Most Common Mortgage Denial
Imagine you've applied for a mortgage for your Chicago home purchase. You might feel confident after walking through an online mortgage pre-qualifier. You have good credit, a good employment record, steady income, and a down payment in the bank. According to...
Chicago Area Real Estate Forecast for 2024
What does the future hold for Chicago area home buyers and sellers? We have some educated predictions for you! First, we need to talk about the variables. In March 2024, Chicago voters will decide if the city's real estate transfer tax will be changed. A...
Chicago Home Prices Bolstered by Lack of Listings
The dynamics of supply and demand continue to pressure Chicago home buyers. The latest data from Illinois REALTORS© shows statewide home inventory down by 28.5% during September, when compared to September 2022. The short supply of homes for sale has fueled higher...
Chicago Home Affordability Falls as Prices and Rates Rise
There's an old saying in real estate: "The best time to buy a home was five years ago." Or even one year ago! But right now, Chicago's home affordability is at its worst level since 2008, with median home prices rising 9.6% from a year ago. Chicago home buyers are...
Chicago Home Buyers Shrug Off Higher Interest Rates
Mortgage interest rates have hovered above 7 percent for the last few weeks. Despite interest rates being at the highest levels in 20 years, Chicago home buyers are snapping up properties at a brisk pace. Between July 2023 and August 2023, Chicago homes averaged just...
How to Make a Compelling Offer on a Chicago Home
Home buyers in Chicago continue to deal with competition in the market. Here are quick tips to make your purchase offer stand above the rest! 1. Get a mortgage pre-approval from a local, reliable mortgage company with a good reputation for closing on time. 2....
Chicago Home Inventory Dives, Prices Rise
If you’re a Chicago home buyer, this market is déjà vu all over again. There are relatively few homes for sale and home prices are rising. Chicago’s June home inventory was 24.8% lower than June 2022, with new listings down about one-third from a year ago. As of...
Fraud Prevention Tips for Chicago Home Buyers and Homeowners
Real estate fraud affects home buyers and homeowners in Chicago and around the country. These scams happen year-around, but they increase during the summer when real estate activity is high. Here are two examples you'll want to know about! Down payment...
Buydowns Offer Rate Relief for Chicago Home Buyers
If you've never heard of a mortgage buydown, it's worth learning about! A mortgage buydown reduces your financing costs by temporarily lowering the interest rate. This perk may be offered by Chicago area home builders, or other sellers, as a purchase incentive....