Nancy Hibler, Realtor

When it comes to the housing market, numbers can be confusing, which is why your trusted REALTOR ® , Nancy Hibler of Karges Realty, is here to help you understand what 2017 looked like, and what you can expect in 2018. What We Saw in 2017 Illinois ended the year on a positive note, ending in positive marks in both sales and median prices. However, the problem we saw all too often was the market being affected by the lack of available inventory. December 2017 home sales showed a slight decrease from the year before, going from 11,803 in December 2016, to 11,488 in December 2017, a 2.7% drop. Even though the amount of sales slightly dropped, the statewide median home price ticked upward, going from $174,000 in December 2016, to  $185,000 in December 2017. This median is a typical market price where half the home sold for more and half sold for less. “The Illinois housing market posted a solid performance in 2017,” said Matt Difanis, ABR, CIPS, GRI, president of Illinois RE...

Whether you're downsizing, a soon-to-be empty nester, or relocating to another state, the task of selling your house can be challenging.  Although it’s a huge undertaking,  strategic and pro-active planning can help speed the process. Here are some tips to help navigate your house selling approach.    Detach.   Take your personality out of the house. While this can be painful, the sooner you decide on it the better,  giving the potential buyer an opportunity to let in their personality.     Curb Appeal.  Landscaping is the foundation to making a good impression.  You will need to mow the lawn, prune bushes, and weed. Spruce up the front with some potted plants. Prospective buyers need to have an uncluttered view of your lawn before they enter your house.     Clean up the Outside. Don’t forget about the exterior of your house and buyers first impressions.  This is a good time to rent a pressur...