October Newsletter
What’s Your Home Worth & MORE?!
Discover my incredible new Home Value Estimator tool, a must-try resource that offers a wealth of valuable information beyond just estimating your home's value. With this tool, you can delve into your home's equity and explore various options if you decide to sell. For instance, it provides insights into the potential price of a new home you could purchase using your home equity, the option to invest in additional properties, the amount you can cash out, and the funds available for home remodeling, among other benefits.
Moreover, our tool features a nifty toggle function, allowing you to customize your monthly payments and see the substantial interest savings over the loan's lifespan by making extra payments. You'll also find comprehensive market data, including recent home sales in your area and a buyer heat map, along with numerous other valuable features.
Simply input your address below to generate your personalized report. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. The best part is that you can subscribe to receive these reports on a monthly basis. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Market Update
Inventory continues to remain an issue for the housing market in DuPage County. Over 20% less new listings in September 2023 vs 2022. Sales volume also remains in decline due to a combination of low inventory and even higher interest rates than last month. Rates are currently 7.75%-8% right now.
With that being said, who is actually buying/selling right now? No matter what kind of real estate market exists, life goes on, and the “7 D’s of moving” will always apply: Death, Diamonds (marriage), Divorce, Diapers, Default, Downsizing, D’Relocation. Ok the last one wasn’t technically a “D”, but you get the gist. That seems to be the majority of what I’m seeing right now in the marketplace. There are the few stagnant overpriced listings from sellers who are just testing the market that don’t need to sell, but buyers today seem to know better, especially with the higher cost to buy. My parents still recall having a 17% interest rate when they bought their first home in the 1970s, which makes a 7.75% rate look not so bad!
The rate is probably going to be what it is for the rest of this year. If waiting for rates to go down next year is the plan, then plan on spending more on price in the spring/summer when buyer competition is back out there amidst lower rates. Or buy the house you can afford and desire now, and refinance when the rate goes down. The lenders I work with are offering no-cost refis if you buy this year.
Thank you to everyone who sent supportive messages/calls/texts during my training, wished me well before the big day, and congratulated me after I finished. Thank you to those who generously donated to the American Cancer Society on my behalf. My sister, Christine, friend Annette, and I raised $5,809 and the total event raised $1,778,869 for cancer research and support programs. The support I have felt through this journey is indescribable and amazing. Part of the reason why I chose American Cancer Society was for my cousin, Dina, who has been battling cancer on and off for way too long. Her strength far outshines my own.
A special thanks to my family for making the weekend so special. It meant everything to be able to see them throughout the course. They truly got me through it. This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, especially with an injured foot at the end of training! I’ve learned a lot about myself during this journey. I’ve learned that I’m not much of a marathon runner , but most importantly, if I can finish a marathon, I can do anything I set my mind to!
Bucket list check, onto the next challenge!
I DID IT!
1st Chicago Marathon in the books!
Halloween Styling
Have you decorated for Halloween yet? I love these photos from Studio McGee below. Check out her blog, How to Style Your Home for Halloween for more inspiration. I always love to pop into Home Goods for new and fun Halloween decorations but here are a few other great options to find more.
Book Recommendation
Small choices really do make a big difference. I recently read this book and it has really helped inspire me to do better. A lot of it is “common sense”, but there are quite a few things I learned and have applied after reading this book. Especially the importance of sleep and making better food choices. I found it very interesting and helpful. I hope you decide to pick it up and give it a chance. Link to buy when you click on image.
New Episode
In case you missed it, watch my new Wheaton Wednesday episode at Maypole Restaurant downtown Wheaton. If you haven’t been yet you need to go! I promise you won’t regret it.
The food is amazing and the restaurant, which used to be a bank, is decorated and styled so well it’s so pretty and a great place to dine.
Fall Wreath Making at That Girl + Co.
I went to this great wreath making workshop with a new mom group I got invited to called “Momtourage”. It was fun to have an opportunity to be creative and create something for my home while hanging out with an awesome group of women! The shop is called That Girl + Co, which is lifestyle studio in Lemont, IL. They host hands-on workshops rooted in project-based learning + events that empower while giving back to our female community. They also host parties for children as well! They also offer carefully curated boutique products from female vendors and purpose-driven makers that are socially and environmentally conscious. Their motto is, “You’re already That Girl. We’re just here to help you realize that.”
Check their class + event calendar: That Girl + Co and their Instagram page @thatgirlandco.
