StartingPoint Realty Blog
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....
Home Prices Keep Pressure on Chicago Area Buyers
Bidding wars are back in popular neighborhoods as Chicago area home buyers compete for limited inventory. Available housing inventory in February 2023 totaled 17,684 homes for sale, representing a drop of 11.4% from February 2022. As of March 2023, home inventory...
Avoid Price Regrets when Selling Your Chicago Home
We often talk about avoiding buyer's remorse, but home sellers can feel regrets, too! In both cases, feeling post-transaction remorse can involve a lack of information, or a rushed decision. However, there are certain regrets that surround the home sales price itself....
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...