Shelly Powell+FollowWhy Buying a Home Feels Like a Luxury NowEver feel like owning a home is just out of reach? You’re not alone—over 75% of U.S. homes are now too pricey for the average family, says Bankrate. The dream of homeownership is slipping away, especially in big cities where you’d need a six-figure salary just to get in the door. The shortage of affordable homes is the real culprit, but if you’re eyeing the South or West, there’s a bit more hope as new builds pick up. Hang tight—mortgage rates might dip a little in 2026! #RealEstate #HomeBuying #MoneyHacks00Share
russellolson+FollowMortgage Rates Drop: Is It Time to Refix?Grab your coffee—here’s a hot tip: mortgage rates are dropping, with some deals now as low as 3.5%. Lenders are fighting for your business, so if your fixed-rate deal from 2020 is ending soon, you might snag a better rate than you feared. The catch? The best rates usually need a bigger deposit, but there’s more choice for everyone. If you’ve been waiting to move or remortgage, now’s the time to shop around! #RealEstate #MortgageTips #HomeBuying00Share
Aaron Ballard+FollowIs Your Home Losing Value? Here’s the ScoopHere’s a coffee break reality check: Over half of U.S. homes actually lost value in the past year, says Zillow. If you bought before the 2020s price jump, you’re probably still up big, but folks in places like Denver and Austin are feeling the pinch. The upside? If you’re house hunting and can handle the rates, there are more homes to choose from than buyers right now. Just remember: a dip in value isn’t the same as owing more than your home’s worth! #RealEstate #HomeValues #MoneyTalk00Share
Matthew Jackson+FollowBarbara Corcoran’s 20% Down Rule: Real Estate’s Not-So-Secret SauceEver wonder how Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran built her real estate empire? Her go-to move is simple: always put 20% down and buy in neighborhoods that are just starting to get cool (think: new coffee shops, not fancy boutiques). That way, you’re less likely to panic-sell if the market dips, and you’re more likely to cash in as the area improves. It’s a classic move that still works—even when prices feel sky-high. #RealEstate #RealEstateTips #BarbaraCorcoran00Share
Brad Caldwell+FollowChauncey Billups’ Oregon mansion sold amid scandalChauncey Billups just sold his Lake Oswego estate for $4.275M, right as his legal troubles heat up. The Blazers coach, now on unpaid leave, let go of his lavish home—complete with a pool, golf green, and home theater—mere weeks after being arrested there. Federal charges accuse Billups of recruiting for illegal, Mafia-backed poker games across the country. While he’s pleaded not guilty and plans to fight, the NBA has sidelined him and Portland’s moved on with a new acting coach. What do you think—can Billups bounce back, or is this the end of his NBA chapter? #RealEstate #ChaunceyBillups #TrailBlazers10Share
Brian Sanchez+FollowHow Far Does Your Dollar Go in St. Louis?Thinking about buying a home but sticker shock has you frozen? Turns out, more folks are skipping pricey big cities and heading to Midwest 'refuge markets' like St. Louis and Cleveland, where your money actually gets you a house (not just a closet). With more buyers coming from the coasts, these spots are heating up—so if you want space and a shorter commute, now’s the time to look! #RealEstate #HomeBuyingHacks #MidwestLiving00Share
Denise Kemp+FollowSibling drama over selling our family homeWatching a sibling try to sell your inherited family home to her friend for way less than it’s worth is a recipe for tension—and legal headaches. Every co-owner has a say, and no one can force a sale without everyone’s agreement. Before things get heated, check the will and estate documents, get an independent appraisal, and calmly lay out the risks of selling below market value. If your sister’s friend really wants the house, they should pay a fair price. Have you ever dealt with family property drama? How did you handle it? #RealEstate #Inheritance #FamilyDrama20Share
Heather Moore+FollowLuxury buyers return to Lakeshore EastA $4 million condo sale at Cirrus Tower is turning heads in Lakeshore East, signaling that wealthy second-home buyers are quietly making a comeback downtown. This isn’t just a one-off—brokers say about 30 recent Cirrus deals went to folks looking for a pied-à-terre, and the building’s top-floor homes are drawing serious attention. With lake views, resort-style amenities, and a lock-and-leave lifestyle, Cirrus is reshaping what downtown living means for Chicago’s affluent crowd. Are we seeing a new era for luxury living in the city center? What does this mean for the neighborhood vibe? #RealEstate #ChicagoRealEstate #LakeshoreEast00Share
Matthew Jackson+FollowChicago’s prewar apartments: Charm vs. costVintage apartment lovers, Chicago’s lakefront is packed with prewar gems—think grand foyers, solid walls, and timeless Beaux Arts or Art Deco details. These homes offer serious space and character, but here’s the catch: monthly HOA fees can be sky-high, sometimes topping $6,000! While prices range from $315K to over $1.2M, many units linger on the market because of those hefty assessments. Still, if you crave historic charm and don’t mind trading open-concept trends for old-school elegance, these buildings might be your dream. Would you pay more for vintage style and amenities, or is modern living worth the trade-off? #RealEstate #ChicagoRealEstate #PrewarApartments00Share
Samantha Welch+FollowLatin’s Dearborn property gamble sparks debateLatin School’s $10 million bet on four North Dearborn buildings is coming to an end—without the expansion many hoped for. After three years of uncertainty and no clear plan, the school is selling the properties just to pay off the debt, with little chance of making a profit. Some parents and teachers feel it’s a missed opportunity, especially since the buildings sat unused for so long. Others wonder if the disruption of a big construction project would have been worth it. What do you think—was this a smart move, or a costly misstep for the community? #RealEstate #Dearborn #LatinSchool00Share
