StartingPoint Realty Blog
2018 Holiday Events in Chicago and the Northwest Suburbs!
Ready or not, the holiday season is here! Whether you’re looking for bright lights in the big city, or hometown traditions, these holiday events in Chicago and the Northwest Suburbs will cheer the whole family! Mark your calendar, and check the links we’ve included...
Buying vs. Renting in Chicago and Arlington Heights
Does buying a Chicago home still offer a better value than renting? Let's consider what's changed in recent months. According to Illinois REALTORS®, Chicago Metro area home prices increased by an average of 3.9% on a year-over-year basis*. Meanwhile,...
How Interest Rates Affect Your Home Buying Power
Buying a Chicago home has become more expensive, and it isn't just home prices at work. While Chicago median home prices increased by 4.5% in September*, mortgage interest rates are becoming a big part of the story. Here's why! As of October 25, 2018, the average...
Do These 5 Things Before Buying Your First Home
From the very first steps to closing day, StartingPoint Realty will guide you every step of the way. In the meantime, do these five things before buying your first Chicago home.
StartingPoint Realty, Inc., Named Among Top 1% of Sales Teams Nationwide
StartingPoint Realty, Inc. stands among an elite group of top-performing real estate sales teams, according to 2017 transaction statistics compiled by REAL Trends and as advertised in the Wall Street Journal. The teams in REAL Trend’s list of “America’s Best Real...
The Best Chicago Suburbs to Live in Right Now
Whether you’re living in Chicago or are making a move from out of town, it’s important to research potential cities before making a move. As experienced real estate agents in Chicagoland, we know a thing or two about the best Chicago suburbs. From top-rated schools,...
5 Signs You’re Ready to Stop Renting and Buy a Home
There’s a lot of conflicting advice when it comes to renting versus buying. While renting offers a flexible way of living and the opportunity to easily move from place to place, homeownership allows you to establish roots and build equity in your property. It can even...
Chicago Homeowners Are Financially Ahead of Renters
Chicago homeowners are in better financial shape than renters when it comes to monthly cash flow, according to a study by PropertyShark and RENTCafe. The study examined the median incomes, monthly living expenses and the housing costs of homeowners and renters in 50...
Chicago Home Buyers Still Facing Limited Inventory
If you've been a little frustrated by your Chicago home search, you're not alone. According to Crain's Chicago Business, the inventory of single-family homes dwindled down to 3.8 months of supply during June. A year ago, single-family home inventory stood at 5 months...
Big Decisions for Your Chicago Home Search
Buying your first Chicago home involves a great deal of decision making! While you may feel daunted by this, you can take a lot of fear and uncertainty out of the home buying process with some advance planning. Once you have attended a first-time home buyer seminar...
What to Do in a Multiple Offer Situation in Chicago Real Estate
StartingPoint Realty is back with the latest update from the Chicago area real estate market! Sales may be down, but interest rates are rising and demand is still high! We're providing buyers and...
Making the Right Offer when Buying a Chicago Home
The list price of any Chicago home is seldom absolute. The actual sales price that seals the deal could be well above, or below, the original list price. So, once you've found the right home, how much should you offer for it? There's no simple answer to this...
What First-Time Home Buyers Shouldn’t Reveal to a Seller’s Agent
As a first-time Chicago home buyer, you'll be excited, and maybe a little nervous, as you tour homes for sale. Whether you're at a scheduled showing, or visiting open houses and model homes, you'll probably meet the seller's agent. This person will be listening to...
Should Home Buyers Pay Points on a Mortgage?
As mortgage interest rates creep up, the question of paying points on a mortgage is popping up again. You might already notice mortgage rate advertisements saying something like, "30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage, 4.35% with 1 point!" Ok, great, but what the heck is...