StartingPoint Realty Blog
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...
StartingPoint Realty Receives Torch Award for Ethics from Better Business Bureau of Chicago
StartingPoint Realty, a client-focused, educational real estate brokerage serving Chicago and the suburbs, has been presented with the Torch Award for Ethics by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Chicago and Northern Illinois. StartingPoint Realty was just one of...
Making a Standout Offer on a Chicago Home
During your Chicago home search, you'll probably face some competition for certain properties. Here's how to make a standout offer and be memorable to sellers! 1. If you aren't paying cash, Conventional financing is the next best thing. Conventional mortgages...
Attached Homes are Trending with Chicagoland Home Buyers
Chicago area townhomes and condos are hip and trendy once again! September data from the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® shows an 11% increase in attached home prices on a year-over-year basis. Contract activity for attached homes increased 5.1% from September...
Chicago Home Buyers Lose Urgency and Get Picky
The Chicago real estate market can change as fast as the weather. During August, detached, single-family homes were selling at a good clip, averaging just 21 days on the market. Then a funny thing happened. September rolled around, and Chicago home buyers seemed to greet new inventory with a collective “meh.”