The Cost Of Waiting For Mortgage Rates To Go Down
Here’s some information that can help you make an informed decision when you set your homebuying plans.
To-Dos: Your October Home Checklist
The leaves are falling, pumpkins are showing up at market, and the cozy comforts of home beckon — it must be October. Make the most of this month’s bountiful harvest, get some exercise raking leaves in the brisk air, and button down your house in preparation for winter.
North Shore Real Producers
Michelle Gassensmith and her team, the Gassensmith Group at Compass in Crystal Lake, bring a combined 55 years of experience to the table. “Clients and real estate partners can trust our team to be an ethical, honest and hardworking team of agents,” says Michelle.
Top Agent Magazine
Erin Matthews got her start in real estate seven years ago through her experience with managing the investment properties she owns with her husband. With her interest sparked, Erin completed her real estate license and built her business for five years as a solo agent before joining her current team at Compass.
Michelle Gassensmith
Gassensmith has worked in real estate for 17 years, assisting first-time, move-up, and luxury buyers and sellers in McHenry, Kane and Lake counties.
Think Home Prices are Going to Fall? Think Again!
Over the last two years, the rate of home prices appreciated at a dramatic pace. While that led to incredible equity gains for homeowners, it’s also caused some buyers to wonder if home prices will fall.
Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?
Defining the American Dream is highly personal…does it still include homeownership?
Reinvigorate Your Living Spaces With These Simple Changes
Simple changes you can make to reinvent your current spaces.
When most people think about buying a home, they imagine house hunting in the spring or summer. And it’s true — those warmer months tend to bring out the largest number of buyers and sellers. But here’s something many don’t realize: fall and winter can actually be some of the best seasons to purchase a home. If you’re thinking about making a move, the cooler months may offer you some real advantages.
1. Less Competition Means Better Opportunities
During the spring and summer, the housing market is buzzing. More buyers are actively searching, which can lead to bidding wars and multiple-offer situations. But once autumn arrives — and especially as winter sets in — many buyers pause their search. Holiday travel, school schedules, and colder weather naturally reduce the number of people actively looking.
Less competition = more leverage.
With fewer buyers in the market, you’re less likely to face pressure to rush your decisions or stretch your budget just to “win” a house. You can take your time, compare options, and negotiate more confidently.2. More Negotiating Power — Including Offers Below Asking
Because the buyer pool is smaller this time of year, sellers tend to be more open to negotiation. If a home has been on the market for a while or the seller is motivated to close by year-end, you may have the opportunity to make an offer under the asking price — something that can be harder to do during peak season.
Sellers may also be more willing to offer credits toward repairs, pay closing costs, or adjust timelines to fit your needs. In other words, your dollar can stretch further in the fall and winter market.
3. Interest Rates Often Dip Toward the End of the Year
Another major advantage? Interest rates sometimes ease at the end of the year. While rates fluctuate and are always
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