It’s been an interesting 2018 already when it comes to housing and homeownership. Below is a list of the expected changes in the housing market for 2018.

As your trusted REALTOR® serving Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs, I look forward to visiting about your specific needs.

• There is a low inventory of homes for sale and more than 50% of these are not affordable to first time buyers.

• This will lead to new construction but due to ever rising prices of land and building costs most expansion will be in the suburbs and outlying areas of cities.

• There are many people who are about to become first time homebuyers, including millennials, immigrants and foreign investors.

• Many previous homeowners had declared bankruptcies in the previous crisis and are now eligible to buy after seven years.

• Homeowners looking to downgrade or upgrade as family needs change push up demand on some properties.

• As the cost of living rises in the bigger cities many look for job opportunities and homes in cheaper cities.

• The rising cost of building pushes up the price of existing homes and most homeowners will prefer to stay put and to remodel existing homes.

• Developers will concentrate their efforts on building homes for lower to middle income buyers and will have to provide to their future needs such as wider passages.

• Most millennials prefer to live in urban areas but will most likely buy in the suburbs where homes are more affordable.

• The new tax bill might discourage some buyers. Some homeowners might look to sell and buy in states with lower taxes.

If any of these expectations look like they may affect your housing situation, and you would like to have a meaningful conversation about your options… let’s talk.

Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. By joining the National Association of REALTORS®, I hold this distinction and proudly use this title. Here are some guidelines I adhere to because I am a REALTOR®.

• When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly.”
• All REALTORS® are committed to providing an accurate portrayal of market value.
• All REALTORS® abide by a code of ethics outlined in writing and may gain specialized training and certifications to further enhance their services.

Beyond serving as a REALTOR®, I offer the following to each of my clients.

Listen: Your needs are different than every other buyer or seller! I take time to ask insightful questions about your lifestyle needs, your home needs, and then listen to your answers. Any decisions we make together are then based on these needs.

Educate: You should be very clear on what it means to work with a REALTOR®, how the home buying or selling process flows, what costs you will incur, the timetable involved, and more. I have a developed system to efficiently inform you of the process.

Inform: I want to you to know about my qualifications and how I plan on representing you. I make sure you are clear about the process and our strategy. We get on the same page so there are no disappointments, only success!

Negotiate: Well-connected and well-versed, I provide an unparalleled ‘insiders’ expertise at the ready for you. When it’s time for the tough negotiations, I am tactful and results-oriented, with your very best interest in mind.

Nurture: It’s sound cliché, but you really are building a relationship with your REALTOR®. Long term I stay in touch, keep you in the know about your neighborhood, think about your needs, and will be here for you if have a question, anytime!

Follow-thru: With every promise, I follow-thru. I communicate well, have answers when I say I will, and catch the phone when you call.

Ready to have a meaningful talk about your buying or selling needs? I will respond promptly to your inquiry and make the best use of your time, simply reach out.