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Category: Uncategorized

    Buyer & Seller Perks in Today’s Housing Market

    By John Lyons | April 30, 2021

    Right now, the housing market is full of outstanding opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of buying your first home, moving up to a bigger one, or selling so you can downsize this spring, there are perks today that are powering big moves for people across the country. Here are the top two to... Read More

    93% of Americans Believe a Home Is a Better Investment Than Stocks

    By John Lyons | April 20, 2021

    A recent Survey of Consumer Finances study released by the Federal Reserve reveals the net worth of homeowners is forty times greater than that of renters. If you’re wondering if homeownership is a good investment, the study clearly answers that question, and the answer is yes. Do Americans believe a home is a better investment than stocks? In a post... Read More

    Homeownership is Full of Financial Benefits

    By John Lyons | April 12, 2021

    A Fannie Mae survey recently revealed some of the most highly-rated benefits of homeownership, which continue to be key drivers in today’s power-packed housing market. Here are the top four financial benefits of owning a home according to consumer respondents: 88% – a better chance of saving for retirement 87% – the best investment plan 85% – the... Read More

    What It Means To Be in a Sellers’ Market

    By John Lyons | March 29, 2021

    If you’ve given even a casual thought to selling your house in the near future, this is the time to really think seriously about making a move. Here’s why this season is the ultimate sellers’ market and the optimal time to make sure your house is available for buyers who are looking for homes to purchase. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The... Read More

    To Renovate or Not To Renovate Before You Sell

    By John Lyons | March 19, 2021

    When thinking about selling, homeowners often feel they need to get their house ready with some remodeling to make it more appealing to buyers. However, with so many buyers competing for available homes right now, renovations may not be as vital as they would be in a more normal market. Here are two things to keep in... Read More

    What Are the Benefits of a 20% Down Payment?

    By John Lyons | March 12, 2021

    If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you may be wondering how much money you need to come up with for your down payment. Many people may think it’s 20% of the loan to secure a mortgage. While there are plenty of lower down payment options available for qualified buyers who don’t want to put... Read More

    Homeowner Exemption

    By John Lyons | March 9, 2021

    Cook County homeowners may reduce their tax bills significantly by taking advantage of the Homeowner Exemption.  Exemptions reduce the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of your home, which is multiplied by the tax rate to determine your tax bill. Homeowner Exemption reduces the EAV of your home by $10,000 starting in Tax Year 2020 (payable in... Read More

    3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

    By John Lyons | February 23, 2021

    There have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage) has dramatically increased over the past few years. CoreLogic indicated that equity increased for the average homeowner by $17,000 in the last year alone. ATTOM Data Solutions, in their... Read More

    6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership Today

    By John Lyons | February 15, 2021

    Over the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more than the houses we live in. They’re our workplaces, virtual schools, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and protection through the evolving health crisis. Today, 65.8% of Americans are fortunate enough to call their... Read More

    Owning a Home Is Still More Affordable Than Renting One

    By John Lyons | January 22, 2021

    If spending more time at home over the past year is making you really think hard about buying a home instead of renting one, you’re not alone. You may be wondering, however, if the dollars and cents add up in your favor as home prices continue to rise. According to the experts, in many cases,... Read More