StartingPoint Realty Blog

Chicago Area Home Prices Heat Up for Summer

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....

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Finding Your Chicago Area Home Value

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....

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Chicagoland Buyers Still Want Move-In Ready Homes

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...

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Chicago Home Buyers, Shop by Payment – Not Price!

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...

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Where are Chicago Home Prices Heading?

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...

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Chicago Area Homes Selling Fast in 2022

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...

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Chicago Area Home Buyers Should Focus on the Basics

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...

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Making a Standout Offer on a Chicago Home

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...

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Chicago Home Buyers Lose Urgency and Get Picky

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.”

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Paying Down Debt Boosts Your Chicago Homebuying Power

Paying Down Debt Boosts Your Chicago Homebuying Power

Your Chicago home buying power involves four main things: your income, your down payment, your credit score and your outstanding debt. Even if your debt load is well-managed, it can reduce your home buying power. As far as mortgage lenders are concerned, the more...

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Financing Repairs and Upgrades for Your Chicago Home

Financing Repairs and Upgrades for Your Chicago Home

If you're buying a Chicago home that needs some work, or making upgrades on a Chicago home you wish to sell, there are several ways to finance the improvements. Here's a look at your options!  Chicago area home buyers, let's start with you! If you are buying a...

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