Pricing a Home Right the First Time: What Overpricing Really Costs Sellers
Setting the right price is one of the most important decisions when selling your home. Price it too low, and you leave money on the table. Price it too high,…
Should I Make Repairs Before Selling or Sell As-Is?
Selling a home comes with a constant question: “Do I fix everything, or just list it as-is?” It’s tempting to dive into renovations and repairs, but the reality is, not…
9 What Home Sellers Should Do 60 Days Before Listing (Checklist for 2026)
If you’re planning to sell in 2026, here’s the honest truth: Most sellers start preparing about 45 days too late. Two months out is the sweet spot. Not so early…
Thinking of Moving from Illinois to Indiana?
What Home Sellers Should Know Before Crossing the Border If you’re a homeowner in Illinois and you’ve recently found yourself comparing houses in Indiana “just out of curiosity,” you’re not…
Why Some Naperville Home Sellers Are Choosing Lower Listing Commissions in 2026
For years, sellers were told that selling a home meant paying a single, bundled commission—often around 5–6%—without much discussion. That structure has changed since 2024. After the NAR settlement, commissions…
Zillow vs Reality: Why Online Estimates Aren’t Always Your Home’s True Value
If you’ve looked up your home’s value online lately, you’ve probably seen very different numbers depending on where you look. Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com — all the major real-estate websites give…
How Much Does It Really Cost to Sell a Home in Chicagoland?
If your home is sold for $xxx, do you really net $xxx? Home sellers are often surprised at how many line items appear on a closing statement. Online calculators usually…
Best Time of Year to Sell a Home in Chicagoland vs. NW Indiana
If you’ve owned a home for more than a few years, you’ve probably heard this advice - “Spring is the best time to sell.” That’s only part of the story.…
Naperville, IL: What Is My Home Worth Right Now?
For many Naperville homeowners, the big question isn’t IF they can sell — it’s WHAT PRICE they can realistically expect from serious buyers. With data now showing both appreciation and…
Munster, IN: What Is My Home Worth Right Now?
If you’ve looked at online home estimates — Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com — you’ve probably seen lots of different numbers. One site might say your home is worth $370,000 and another…
Should I Sell My Home in 2026 or Wait Until 2027?
Lately this question has been on a lot of homeowners’ minds: “Is now the right time to sell — or am I better off waiting a year?” It’s a smart…
2026 Housing Market Forecast – What Sellers in NW Indiana, Chicago & Naperville Should Know
If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, understanding the 2026 housing market trends can help you time your listing, set expectations on pricing, and plan your next move…
How to File Homestead Property Tax Deduction (Lake County, IN): Your Smart Savings Guide
If you’re buying a home in Lake County, Indiana—or already own one—you’re in luck: Indiana offers a homestead deduction that can halve your property tax cap, making it an essential…
Cross Border Real Estate: Comparing 2026 Closing Costs in NW Indiana vs Chicago
How do closing costs differ between Northwest Indiana and Chicago, IL in 2026? Here’s a data-backed breakdown for home buyers comparing both sides of the border. Understanding 2026 Closing Costs…
Listings under contract reach 8-month high
For the week of 4/4-4/11, Greater Chicago area residential real estate market: New listings are not catching up to previous year's numbers; available for-sale properties can not meet the high…
8 Eye-Opening Things Home Inspectors Can’t Tell You
What’s included in a home inspection may not be as important as what isn’t.A home inspection may feel like a final exam, but it's not quite so clear cut. Your inspector's report…
Unexpected Remodeling Expenses That’ll Bust Your Budget
By: Lisa Kaplan GordonSurprise! That remodeling project you’ve been planning, such as taking down a wall or adding a kitchen island, can have sticker-shock repercussions. Why? Hidden costs, including moving pipes…
You Could Be Wrecking Your Home — And Not Know It (Yet)
Even veteran homeowners make these 9 common — and avoidable — mistakes. Don’t be one of them. #1 Using Bleach as a Cure-All If bleach is your chicken soup…
7 Important Repairs to Make Before Selling A House
The most critical things to do to increase your home’s value before putting it on the market.As a smart seller, you'll want your home in tip-top shape — but you…
Multiple Offers Again?! How to Win When Buying a Home in This Competitive Market
You finally found a home that you’d like to offer, but you found out there are 4 other offers on this house already. Someone outbids you. Fine, let’s move on…