As we begin another year, everyone wants to know: “Where is the housing market headed in 2019?”

It’s not only buyers, sellers, and homeowners who are impacted. The real estate market plays an integral role in the overall U.S. economy.  Fortunately, key indicators point toward a stable housing market in 2019 with signs of modest growth. However, shifting conditions could impact you if you plan to buy, sell, or refinance this year.



HOME VALUES WILL INCREASE

The value of real estate will continue to rise. Freddie Mac predicts housing prices will increase by 4.3 percent in 2019.1  While the rapid price appreciation we witnessed earlier in the decade has slowed, the combination of a strong economy, low unemployment, and a lack of inventory in many market segments continues to push prices higher.

"Ninety percent of markets are experiencing price gains while very few are experiencing consistent price declines," according to National Association of R ...

The holiday season is upon us, and many of us have already begun to celebrate. From trimming trees to lighting candles, it’s the time of year to fill your homes (and hearts) with holiday joy.

But there’s no need to stop at your front door. Let the spirit of the season radiate outward from your house into your community. Some homeowners hang outdoor lights and decorations to help make the neighborhood “merry and bright.” But that’s not the only way to share the magic of the holidays with others.

Not sure where to start? Check out these 9 inspirational ideas for spreading cheer far and near!




THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

You probably don’t have to look far to find someone who could benefit from a gift or kind gesture this time of year. Try one (or all) of these ideas for sharing the season with those closest to home.

1. Host a Holiday Party

Hosting a neighborhood holiday party is a great way to reconnect with old friends and ...

Your Naperville Real Estate Relocation Guide: 7 Steps to a Seamless Move



Whatever your reasons are for relocating to a new area, the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re moving across across town or across the country, you’ll be changing more than your address. Besides a new house, you may also be searching for new jobs, schools, doctors, restaurants, stores, service providers and more.

Of course you’ll need to pack, make moving arrangements, and possibly sell your old home. With so much to do, you may be wondering: Where do I start?

In this guide, we outline seven steps to help you get prepared, get organized, and get settled in your new community. Our hope is to alleviate the hassle of relocating within or to Naperville and western suburbs — so you can focus on the exciting adventure ahead!


1. Gather Information

If you’re unfamiliar with your new area, start by doing some research.1 Look for data on average housing prices, d ...

With Thanksgiving upon us, it’s only the beginning of the holiday season if you plan on hosting any holiday parties in your new Naperville home.  Are you ready for having company, or does the thought leave you anxious and overwhelmed? 

Fortunately, if you follow these 7 simple tips, you are sure to get through each party just fine:

1.Start planning!  If you’ve not already done so, it’s not too late.  But try not to plan for more than you can handle, so you don’t get burned out or discouraged easily.  Even if you have the room or time to host lots of holiday parties during such a busy season, it’s best to pick and choose which parties are worth hosting, and which ones are worth passing on so that you can still enjoy the holidays, but without the stress.  If you are hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas, decide how many people you have room to invite, and only then should you figure how much food and drink to have available.& ...