Search Results

최근까지 많은 바이어들이 바로 입주 가능한 ‘턴키 주택’을 선호하며 높은 가격을 지불했습니다. 하지만 집값과 모기지 금리가 부담되는 상황에서 이제는  수리와 리모델링이 필요한 주택, 즉 Fixer-Upper 가 주목받고 있습니다. 미국 내 주택의 절반 가까이가 1980년 이전에 지어진 오래된 주택이라는 점도 이런 흐름을 뒷받침합니다. 실제로  Realtor.com 자료에 따르면 Fixer-Upper로 광고된 매물은 조회 수가 일반 매물보다 52% 더 많았으며, 검색량은 2021년 이후 세 배 이상 늘어났습니다. 무엇보다도 평균 가격이 약 20만 달러로, 단독주택 중간값보다 무려 54% 저렴하다는 점이 바이어들의 관심을 끌고 있습니다. Flipping vs Rental, 어디에 초점을 맞춰야 할까? Fixer-Upper를 활용하는 방식은 크게 두 가지입니다. Flipping : 매입 후 수리·리모델링을 통해 시세 차익을 남기고 되파는 방식 Rental : 수리 후 장기 임대로 꾸준한 현금 흐름과 자산 가치를 누리는 방식 Flipping은 빠른 수익을 노릴 수 있지만, 자재비 상승·금리 부담·공사 지연 등 변수가 많아 위험이 큽니다. 특히 최근 통계에 따르면 Flipping 수익률은 지난 17년 중 최저 수준으로 떨어져 있어, 작은 실수도 수익을 잃게 만들 수 있습니다. 반면 Rental은 안정적입니다. 월세 수입을 기반으로 꾸준히 현금 흐름을 확보할 수 있고, 장기적으로는 주택 가치 상승과 세제 혜택까지 누릴 수 있습니다. 미국 전체 평균 임대 수익률은 약 7.45%로 여전히 역사적 기준에서 강한 수준이며, 특히 도심이나 교통 접근성이 좋은 지역은 공실률이 낮아 장기 수익이 보장되는 경우가 많습니다. 투자 원칙을 기억해야 한다 성공적인 투자를 위해서는 몇 가지 기본 원칙이 있습니다. 70% 룰 (Flipping) : 예상 수리 후 가치(ARV)의 70% 이상 지불하지 말 것 1% 룰 (Rental) : 월 임대료가 매입가의 1% 이상이어야 안정적 현금 흐름 가능 50% 룰 (Rental 운영) : 임대 수익의 절반은 유지보수·세금·보험·공실에 사용된다고 가정할 것 또한 한 가지 시나리오에만 의존하지 않고, Flipping·Rental·자택 거주 등 여러 전략을 동시에 고려할 수 있는 주택을 선택하는 것이 안전망이 됩니다. 시카고 서버브 시장에서의 기회 시카고와 서버브 지역에서도 Fixer-Upper 주택은 점차 관심을 받고 있습니다. 글렌엘린(Glen Ellyn), 롬바드(Lombard), 오로라(Aurora) 같은 오래된 단지에는 수리 후 가치 상승 여력이 큰 주택이 많습니다. 이곳에서 합리적인 매입가로 주택을 확보해 Rental로 돌린다면 안정적인 장기 수익을 기대할 수 있습니다. 반면 네이퍼빌(Naperville)이나 노스브룩(Northbrook)처럼 인기 지역은 매입 가격이 높아 Flipping보다는 Rental이 더 유리할 수 있습니다. 결론 Fixer-Upper는 지금의 시장에서  가격 부담을 줄이면서 투자 기회를 확보할 수 있는 대안 입니다. Flipping은 철저한 관리와 빠른 실행이 필요하지만, 장기적인 안정성을 원한다면 Rental이 더 유리할 수 있습니다. 중요한 것은 내 재정 상황과 시장 여건을 고려해 올바른 전략을 세우는 것입니다. 지금 시카고 서버브에서 어떤 Fixer-Upper 기회가 있는지 전문가와 상의해 보시길 권해드립니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 773-717-2227 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

Until recently, most buyers were willing to pay premium prices for move-in-ready “turnkey” homes. But with home prices and mortgage rates still weighing on affordability, more buyers are turning their attention to fixer-uppers — homes that need repair or remodeling but come with potential for value growth. Nearly half of U.S. homes were built before 1980 , supporting this shift toward older, renovation-ready properties. According to Realtor.com , listings labeled as “fixer-upper” receive 52% more views than standard listings, and online searches for these homes have tripled since 2021 .Most importantly, the average asking price for a fixer-upper hovers around $200,000 — roughly 54% lower than the national median price for single-family homes. 🏗 Flipping vs. Rental: Which Strategy Makes Sense? There are two main ways to take advantage of fixer-upper opportunities: Flipping: Buy, renovate, and sell for a profit. Rental: Renovate, then rent long-term for stable cash flow and appreciation. Flipping offers the chance for faster returns but comes with high risks — rising material costs, rate pressures, and potential construction delays. In fact, recent data shows that flipping profits have dropped to their lowest levels in 17 years , meaning even small mistakes can wipe out margins. Rental , on the other hand, tends to be steadier. Investors can generate consistent monthly income while benefiting from property appreciation and tax advantages over time. The average U.S. rental yield is about 7.45% , a historically strong level. In metropolitan and well-connected suburban areas, low vacancy rates make long-term income even more reliable. 📏 Key Investment Rules to Remember Successful real estate investing always comes back to fundamentals: The 70% Rule (Flipping): Never pay more than 70% of the property’s after-repair value (ARV). The 1% Rule (Rental): Monthly rent should equal at least 1% of the purchase price for steady cash flow. The 50% Rule (Rental Expenses): Expect about half of rental income to go toward maintenance, taxes, insurance, and vacancies. The safest approach? Choose properties flexible enough for multiple exit strategies — whether flipping, renting, or even living in them yourself. 🏡 Opportunities in the Chicago Suburbs In the Chicago suburbs , fixer-uppers are gaining traction. Areas like Glen Ellyn, Lombard, and Aurora offer many older homes with strong renovation potential and attractive entry prices. These can become excellent long-term rental investments with solid returns. Meanwhile, in higher-priced areas like Naperville or Northbrook , flipping can be riskier due to higher purchase costs — making rental conversion a more sustainable path. 🌟 Bottom Line Fixer-uppers are emerging as a smart alternative in today’s high-price, high-rate market. While flipping can yield quick profits with tight management, rental strategies often deliver greater long-term stability and growth. The key is to align your investment strategy with your financial goals and market conditions.Now is the perfect time to explore fixer-upper opportunities across the Chicago suburbs and develop a customized plan with a trusted expert. 📞 Hansangcheol (한상철) | Chicago Real Estate 773-717-2227 | ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

많은 바이어들이 가장 기다리는 소식은 바로 모기지 금리 하락입니다. 최근 들어 금리가 조금씩 내려가고 있지만, 중요한 질문은 이 흐름이 앞으로도 이어질지, 그리고 얼마나 더 내려갈 수 있을지입니다. 전문가들은 앞으로 금리가 더 낮아질 가능성이 충분히 있다고 분석하고 있습니다. 그 근거 중 하나가 바로  미국 10년 만기 국채 수익률 입니다. 국채 수익률과 모기지 금리의 관계 지난 50년간 30년 고정 모기지 금리는 10년 만기 국채 수익률과 거의 같은 흐름을 보여왔습니다. 국채 수익률이 오르면 모기지 금리도 오르고, 수익률이 내려가면 금리 역시 떨어지는 구조입니다. 통상적으로 두 수치 간의 격차(스프레드)는 약 1.76%p 정도입니다. 하지만 지난 몇 년간은 경제 불확실성으로 이 격차가 크게 벌어지면서 모기지 금리가 더 높게 유지되었습니다. 최근 들어 이 격차가 줄어들고 있다는 점은 금리 인하 가능성을 보여주는 긍정적인 신호입니다. 10년 만기 국채 수익률 전망 전문가들은 국채 수익률 자체도 앞으로 내려갈 것으로 예상합니다. 국채 수익률이 낮아지고, 스프레드까지 좁혀진다면 모기지 금리는 내년으로 갈수록 더 완화될 가능성이 높습니다. 일부 전망은 2026년경에는 5%대 후반까지 내려갈 수 있다고 보고 있습니다. 물론 경제 상황, 고용 시장, 인플레이션 등 변수가 많기 때문에 단기간에 큰 폭의 하락을 단정하기는 어렵습니다. 하지만 현재 흐름만 본다면  장기적으로 완만한 금리 인하 추세 를 기대할 수 있습니다. 시카고 바이어와 셀러에게 주는 시사점 시카고와 서버브 지역의 바이어들에게는 분명 기회입니다. 금리가 조금씩 내려오고 있는 지금은 내 집 마련을 위한 전략을 세우기에 좋은 시점입니다. 셀러 입장에서도 바이어들이 다시 시장에 들어올 가능성이 높아지므로, 매각 계획을 앞당길 수 있는 여건이 마련되고 있습니다. 결론 모기지 금리는 국채 수익률과 밀접한 연관이 있으며, 최근의 변화는 바이어들에게 희망적인 흐름을 보여주고 있습니다. 앞으로도 변동은 있겠지만, 장기적으로는 더 나은 조건이 만들어질 수 있습니다. 내 집 마련이나 매각을 고려하고 계시다면, 지금부터 전문가와 함께 금리 변화를 반영한 전략을 준비하시길 권해드립니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 773-717-2227 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

One of the most anticipated questions among homebuyers right now is whether mortgage rates will continue to go down. Rates have started to ease recently—but the key question is: Will this trend last, and how much lower can they go? Experts believe there’s still room for further decline, and a major clue lies in the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield . 📈 The Link Between Treasury Yields and Mortgage Rates Over the past 50 years, 30-year fixed mortgage rates have closely followed the movement of 10-year Treasury yields . When Treasury yields rise, mortgage rates rise. When yields drop, mortgage rates tend to fall. Typically, the spread (the gap between the two rates) averages around 1.76 percentage points . But in recent years, economic uncertainty caused that spread to widen, keeping mortgage rates higher than normal. Now, the good news is that this gap has started to narrow—signaling a positive shift that could point to lower mortgage rates ahead. 📉 Outlook for 10-Year Treasury Yields Analysts expect Treasury yields themselves to decline gradually over the coming year.If yields fall and the spread continues to shrink, mortgage rates could ease even further through 2025 .Some forecasts suggest that by 2026, rates could settle in the high-5% range . Of course, factors like inflation, employment, and the broader economy will all influence the pace of change. But based on current trends, we can reasonably expect a slow and steady decline in rates over time. 🏡 What This Means for Chicago Buyers and Sellers For buyers across Chicago and the suburbs, this is an encouraging sign. Lowering rates open new opportunities to plan for homeownership strategically. For sellers, this trend also brings optimism—more buyers will likely re-enter the market as affordability improves, increasing the chances of successful transactions. 💡 Bottom Line Mortgage rates are closely tied to Treasury yields, and recent movements indicate a hopeful trajectory. While short-term fluctuations will continue, the long-term outlook points toward greater stability and potential rate relief. If you’re considering buying or selling, now is the time to start planning your next move with a professional who understands how to align your strategy with these shifting market trends. 📞 Hansangcheol (한상철) | Chicago Real Estate 773-717-2227 | ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

베이비붐 세대가 보유한 부동산 자산은 19조 달러가 넘습니다. 앞으로 수십 년 동안 이 자산은 자녀와 손주 세대로 대거 이전될 것으로 예상되며, 일부 경제학자들은 이를 ‘실버 쓰나미’라고 부릅니다. 주택은 많은 가정에서 가장 큰 자산이지만, 상속받는 순간부터 무조건적인 축복이 되지는 않습니다. 현금이나 보험금과 달리 주택은 매입이 끝난 뒤에도  재산세라는 지속적인 비용 이 따라붙기 때문입니다. 특히 뉴저지, 뉴욕, 일리노이 같은 고세율 지역에서는 매년 수천 달러에서 수만 달러에 달하는 세금이 부담이 될 수 있습니다. 상속 주택의 재산세 책임은 누구에게? 주택 소유자가 사망하면 상속 이전 과정에서 가장 먼저 정리되는 부채 중 하나가 재산세입니다. 집행인은 주택을 상속인에게 넘기기 전에 반드시 세금을 정산해야 하며, 미납 시 카운티에서 유치권을 걸거나 심지어 압류와 경매까지 진행할 수 있습니다. 또한 일부 주에서는 상속과 동시에 기존의 세금 혜택이 사라집니다. 예를 들어 캘리포니아의 Proposition 19 이후, 자녀가 부모의 집을 상속받을 때 이전의 낮은 세율을 유지할 수 없게 되었고, 시세 기준으로 재산세가 새롭게 부과됩니다. 상속인이 1년 안에 그 집에 실제 거주하지 않으면 혜택이 전혀 주어지지 않기도 합니다. 미납 세금도 함께 상속된다 재산세는 ‘토지와 함께 묶이는 세금’입니다. 따라서 상속인이 집을 이어받으면, 앞으로의 세금뿐 아니라 과거 미납 세금까지 책임져야 할 수 있습니다. 일부 주에서는 고령자 세금 유예 프로그램에 참여한 경우, 소유자 사망 시 그 세금이 한꺼번에 청구되기도 합니다. 이를 몰랐다가는 큰 부담을 떠안게 될 수 있습니다. 지역마다 다른 세금 부담 재산세는 지역에 따라 크게 차이가 납니다. 앨라배마처럼 세율이 낮은 주에서는 연 수백 달러에 불과할 수 있지만, 일리노이처럼 세율이 높은 곳에서는 상속 주택이 연간 1만 달러 이상의 세금을 발생시킬 수 있습니다. 시카고 서버브 지역에서는 은퇴 자산, 학자금 대출, 기존 모기지 상환 등 다른 재정적 의무를 이미 안고 있는 상속인들에게 큰 부담으로 다가올 수 있습니다. 미리 준비하는 것이 답이다 상속인이 세금 문제로 곤란해지지 않도록 하는 가장 좋은 방법은  사전 계획 입니다. 유언장이나 트러스트를 통해 세금을 어떻게 처리할지 명시하거나, 생명보험을 활용해 재산세 등 최종 비용을 충당할 수 있도록 준비하는 가정도 있습니다. 준비가 없다면 상속받은 주택은 자산이 아닌 짐이 될 수 있습니다. 반대로, 계획적으로 접근한다면 가족의 부를 지키고 이어가는 중요한 자산이 될 수 있습니다. 결론 앞으로 본격적으로 다가올 ‘실버 쓰나미’ 시대에, 주택 상속은 단순한 선물이 아니라  재산세라는 숨은 변수 를 반드시 고려해야 합니다. 미리 전문가와 상의해 세금과 비용을 관리하는 전략을 세운다면, 상속 주택은 부채가 아니라 진정한 자산으로 남게 될 것입니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 773-717-2227 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

Baby boomers hold more than $19 trillion in real estate wealth . Over the coming decades, this massive transfer of assets to children and grandchildren is expected to reshape the housing market—an event some economists call the “Silver Tsunami.” For many families, the home is the single largest asset. But unlike cash or life insurance, an inherited home comes with ongoing costs, the biggest of which is property tax . In high-tax states like New Jersey, New York, and Illinois, annual taxes can run into the tens of thousands of dollars—turning a gift into a financial burden. Who Pays the Property Taxes on an Inherited Home? When a homeowner passes away, property taxes are among the first debts that must be settled. Executors must pay off taxes before transferring the home to heirs. If taxes go unpaid, the county can place a lien on the property—or even move forward with foreclosure and auction. In some states, tax benefits tied to the original owner don’t transfer. For example, under California’s Proposition 19, children who inherit their parents’ home often lose the low tax assessment, and property taxes reset to current market value. Unless the heir moves into the home within a year, the benefit is lost entirely. Unpaid Taxes Can Transfer Too Property tax is considered a “lien on the land.” That means heirs may inherit not only future tax obligations but also past unpaid taxes. In states with senior property tax deferral programs, the deferred taxes may come due in a lump sum upon the owner’s death. Without preparation, heirs can be caught off guard by a heavy bill. Tax Burden Varies by State The impact differs dramatically depending on location. In Alabama, annual property taxes might be just a few hundred dollars. But in Illinois, inherited homes can easily come with $10,000+ per year in taxes. In the Chicago suburbs, heirs often already juggle retirement planning, student loans, or mortgage payments—making property tax an additional strain. Planning Is Essential The best way to prevent inheritance from turning into a financial headache is advance planning. Families can use wills, trusts, or life insurance to cover property taxes and other final costs. With preparation, an inherited home remains a valuable asset instead of becoming a liability. Conclusion As the “Silver Tsunami” approaches, inherited homes should be seen not just as gifts but as assets with hidden costs. By consulting with experts and planning ahead, families can ensure property transfers strengthen, rather than weaken, generational wealth. 📞 Hansangcheol (한상철) | 시카고 복덕방 773-717-2227 | ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

그동안 주택 시장을 지켜보기만 하셨다면, 지금이 움직일 때일 수 있습니다. Realtor.com에 따르면  2025년 10월이 올해 가장 바이어 친화적인 시기 가 될 것으로 전망됩니다. 즉, 매물이 늘어나고, 가격이 안정되며, 협상력이 강화되는  골든 윈도우 가 열린다는 뜻입니다. 바이어에게 주어지는 기회 10월을 전후로 매수에 나서는 바이어는 다음과 같은 이점을 누릴 수 있습니다. 선택할 수 있는 매물이 더 많아짐 경쟁 바이어가 줄어듦 집을 둘러볼 시간이 더 충분해짐 상대적으로 더 좋은 가격대 형성 셀러가 협상에 적극적으로 나설 가능성 증가 전국적으로는 10월 12일~18일이 가장 좋은 시기라는 분석이 나왔지만, 지역별로는 다소 차이가 있습니다. 예를 들어 시카고-네이퍼빌-엘진 지역은  9월 28일~10월 4일 이 올해 최고의 매수 주간으로 꼽히고 있습니다. 전문가들이 말하는 이유 전문가들도 올해 가을이 바이어에게 기회라고 강조합니다. 전미부동산협회(NAR) 수석 이코노미스트는 현재 매물이 2020년 코로나 봉쇄 이후 최고 수준이라며, 바이어들이 지난 5년 중 가장 좋은 조건에서 협상을 할 수 있는 시점이라고 설명했습니다. 레드핀의 수석 이코노미스트 역시 금리 하락과 늘어난 매물을 배경으로 바이어가 협상에서 우위를 점하고 있다고 분석했습니다. 즉, 단순히 시장에 매물이 많아졌다는 차원을 넘어,  바이어가 주도권을 쥘 수 있는 드문 기회 라는 점에서 지금을 주목해야 합니다. 시카고 서버브 시장에서의 의미 시카고 서버브에서도 최근 매물이 늘어나며 바이어들의 선택지가 넓어지고 있습니다. 네이퍼빌, 글렌뷰, 노스브룩 같은 인기 지역은 여전히 수요가 높지만, 그 외 지역에서는 셀러가 가격 조정이나 협상에 나서는 경우가 늘고 있습니다. 특히 9월 말부터 10월 초 사이에는 바이어들이 협상에서 더 좋은 조건을 얻을 수 있는 가능성이 높습니다. 결론 올해 주택 시장에서 바이어가 가장 좋은 조건을 누릴 수 있는 시기가 바로 지금입니다. 금리, 매물, 협상 여건이 모두 맞물리는  골든 윈도우 를 놓치지 마시길 바랍니다. 지금 바로 전략을 준비해 두시면, 좋은 매물을 더 나은 조건으로 계약할 수 있습니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 773-717-2227 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

If you’ve been waiting and watching the housing market, this fall may be your moment to act. According to Realtor.com , October 2025 is projected to be the most buyer-friendly period of the year . That means more listings, stable prices, and stronger negotiating power—creating a true golden window for buyers. Why October is a Golden Opportunity for Buyers Those who purchase a home around October can enjoy several advantages: More inventory to choose from Less competition from other buyers More time to tour and compare homes Better price points Sellers more willing to negotiate Nationally, the week of October 12–18 is considered the best week to buy. In the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin metro area , the sweet spot comes slightly earlier: September 28–October 4 . What the Experts Are Saying The Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes that housing supply is now at its highest level since the 2020 lockdowns, making this the best negotiating environment buyers have seen in five years. A lead economist at Redfin also points out that falling mortgage rates and rising inventory are giving buyers the upper hand at the negotiation table. This isn’t just about more listings—it’s about buyers regaining leverage in a market that has been seller-driven for years. Impact on the Chicago Suburbs In Chicago’s suburbs, inventory is climbing, expanding choices for buyers. Hotspots like Naperville, Glenview, and Northbrook remain competitive, but in other areas, sellers are more open to price adjustments and negotiation. Between late September and early October, buyers stand the best chance of securing favorable terms. Bottom Line The housing market’s best conditions for buyers in 2025 are unfolding right now. Rates, inventory, and negotiating power are aligning to create a golden window. If you prepare your strategy now, you’ll be positioned to secure the right home at the right price.

최근 Bank of America 설문조사에 따르면 주택 구입을 망설이는 바이어들이 가장 바라는 것은 명확했습니다. 바로  주택 가격과 모기지 금리의 안정화 입니다. 다행히도 최근 시장에서는 이 두 가지 모두에서 변화를 보이고 있습니다.   주택 가격, 급등세에서 안정세로 지난 몇 년 동안 미국 주택 가격은 기록적인 속도로 올랐습니다. 2020년부터 2021년까지는 1년 만에 20% 가까이 급등하며 많은 바이어들이 시장에서 밀려났습니다. 그러나 현재는  한 자릿수 상승률 로 속도가 크게 완화되었습니다. 일부 지역에서는 여전히 가격이 오르고 있지만, 또 다른 지역에서는 소폭 하락하는 흐름까지 나타나고 있습니다. 가격이 급격히 오르던 때와 달리 지금은  예산 계획을 세우기가 한결 수월한 환경 입니다. 이는 바이어들에게 다시 시장을 고려할 수 있는 기회를 만들어 줍니다. 모기지 금리도 완화되는 중 금리 역시 지난해 고점에서 내려온 상태입니다. 최근 금리는 대체로 6%대 초중반을 유지하고 있으며, 이는 불과 몇 달 전보다 훨씬 나은 상황입니다. 전문가들은 금리가 앞으로도 낮은 6%대에서 움직일 가능성이 크며, 경제 상황에 따라 더 내려갈 여지도 있다고 보고 있습니다. 금리가 조금만 내려가도 월 상환액 차이는 수백 달러까지 벌어질 수 있습니다. 즉, 지금처럼 금리가 조정되는 구간은 바이어들에게  시장 진입의 창(window of opportunity) 이 될 수 있습니다. 시카고 서버브 시장에서의 의미 시카고와 서버브 지역에서도 이 흐름은 비슷하게 나타나고 있습니다. 최근 매물이 늘어나면서 가격 상승 폭은 둔화되었고, 인기 지역은 여전히 수요가 높아 가격이 유지되고 있습니다. 금리가 안정세에 접어들면서, 집을 사고 싶지만 망설이던 바이어들이 다시 발걸음을 옮기기 시작했습니다. 셀러 입장에서도 이 신호는 긍정적입니다. 바이어들이 다시 시장에 들어오기 시작한다는 것은 거래 성사 가능성이 높아진다는 의미입니다. 따라서 지금은 셀러와 바이어 모두 전략적으로 움직일 수 있는 시점입니다. 결론 바이어들이 가장 원하는 두 가지 조건— 가격 안정 과  금리 완화 —이 현실에서 조금씩 나타나고 있습니다. 아직 불확실성이 남아 있지만, 지금은 작년보다 훨씬 나은 조건에서 내 집 마련을 고려할 수 있는 때입니다. 주택 구입이나 매각을 고민하고 계시다면, 지금 바로 전문가와 상의해 보시길 권해드립니다. 동네별 시장 상황을 정확히 분석하고, 지금을 기회로 활용할 수 있도록 함께 전략을 세워드리겠습니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 773-717-2227 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

A recent Bank of America survey made it clear: buyers are waiting for two things before jumping into the housing market—stable home prices and lower mortgage rates. Fortunately, both are beginning to shift in their favor. Home Prices: From Rapid Growth to Stability Over the past few years, U.S. home prices skyrocketed, with some areas seeing nearly 20% gains in a single year (2020–2021). Many buyers were priced out. Today, the pace has cooled significantly, with growth slowing to single digits. Some markets are even seeing slight declines, making it easier for buyers to plan and budget. Mortgage Rates: Coming Down From the Peak Rates have also eased from last year’s highs. Currently, they hover in the low-to-mid 6% range—much better than just a few months ago. Experts believe rates will likely stay around this level, with the possibility of further decreases depending on economic conditions. Even a small drop can save buyers hundreds of dollars per month, creating a real window of opportunity. What This Means for Chicago and the Suburbs The Chicago metro area reflects these national patterns. More listings are coming on the market, slowing price growth, though hot neighborhoods remain competitive. With rates settling, buyers who were hesitant are starting to return, boosting activity. For sellers, this is also good news—more active buyers mean higher chances of closing a deal. For buyers, it means a better environment to re-enter the market. Bottom Line The two things buyers wanted most—stable prices and lower rates—are starting to appear. While uncertainties remain, the conditions today are much more favorable than last year. If you’re considering buying or selling, now is the time to plan strategically with a local expert who knows your neighborhood market. 📞 Sangchul Han 773-717-2227 | ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

이웃이 집을 시장에 내놓고 오픈 하우스를 연다면, 꼭 참석해 보시길 권합니다. 단순히 구경이나 호기심이 아니라, 주택을 소유한 입장에서  시장 흐름을 이해하고 향후 매매 전략을 세울 수 있는 기회 가 되기 때문입니다. 내 동네 시장을 입체적으로 이해하는 방법 오픈 하우스는 말 그대로 살아있는 시장 리포트와 같습니다. 리스팅 정보만으로는 알 수 없는 실제 매물의 컨디션, 업데이트 상태, 세금 차이 등을 직접 확인할 수 있습니다. 예를 들어, 같은 학군 내에 있어도 이웃집은 최신식 주방이나 리모델링된 욕실을 갖추고 있을 수 있고, 그 차이가 가격과 세금에 큰 영향을 줄 수 있습니다. 실제로 리노베이션이 반영된 세금 고지서를 확인하고 놀라는 경우도 있습니다. 이런 경험은 향후 내가 집을 수리하거나 매각할 때 어떤 영향을 받을지 미리 예측할 수 있게 합니다. 리모델링 아이디어와 잠재적 리스크 발견 오픈 하우스는 집 내부를 둘러보며 업그레이드 아이디어를 얻을 수 있는 좋은 기회입니다. 주방, 욕실, 에너지 효율 개선(창호, 스마트 온도 조절기 등)은 꾸준히 높은 투자 수익률을 보이는 대표적인 리모델링입니다. 반면 개인 취향이 강한 맞춤형 공간은 가치를 거의 더하지 못하는 경우가 많습니다. 또한 이웃집에서 문제가 드러난다면 내 집에도 비슷한 리스크가 있을 수 있습니다. 예를 들어 지붕이 강풍으로 손상되었다면, 비슷한 시기에 지어진 내 집도 점검이 필요할 수 있습니다. 이렇게 문제를 미리 확인하고 대처하면 향후 비용과 시간을 크게 줄일 수 있습니다. 바이어들의 반응을 직접 체험 오픈 하우스에 참석하면 단순히 집을 보는 것을 넘어, 바이어들의 생생한 반응을 관찰할 수 있습니다. 어떤 요소에 관심을 보이고 어떤 부분에 불만을 가지는지 듣는 것만으로도 향후 내 집을 시장에 내놓을 때 어떤 점을 강조하고 개선해야 하는지 알 수 있습니다. 또한 직접 질문을 하거나 다른 방문자와 대화하면서 시장의 니즈를 파악할 수 있습니다. 만약 집을 팔 계획이 가까워진다면, 에이전트와 함께 방문하여 시장 조사 차원에서 활용하는 것도 좋은 전략입니다. 결론 이웃집 오픈 하우스는 단순한 이벤트가 아니라  내 집의 가치를 높이고 매매 전략을 준비할 수 있는 기회 입니다. 동네 내 경쟁 매물을 이해하고, 바이어의 반응을 직접 보고, 리모델링 아이디어와 잠재적 리스크까지 확인할 수 있습니다. 앞으로 집을 팔 계획이 있으시다면, 지금부터 이런 기회를 적극적으로 활용하시길 권해드립니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 773-717-2227 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

When your neighbor lists their home and hosts an open house, consider stopping by. It’s not just about curiosity—it’s a chance to understand the market in real time and prepare your own future selling strategy. Understanding Your Local Market Firsthand An open house is like a live market report. Beyond listing details, you can see the home’s condition, upgrades, and even property tax differences.For example, even within the same school district, a neighbor’s updated kitchen or remodeled bathrooms may justify a higher price and affect property taxes. Seeing the actual tax bill after renovations can be eye-opening and helps you predict how similar updates might impact your own home’s value and costs. Remodeling Ideas & Hidden Risks Walking through an open house can spark upgrade ideas. Kitchens, bathrooms, and energy-efficiency improvements (windows, smart thermostats, etc.) often bring high returns on investment. By contrast, highly personalized spaces usually add little value. You may also spot potential risks. If your neighbor’s roof shows storm damage, and your home was built around the same time, it may be worth scheduling an inspection. Catching issues early can save you time and money down the road. Experiencing Buyer Reactions in Real Time Open houses give you more than a look inside—you can observe how buyers react. Notice what features they love and what concerns they raise. These insights can help you decide what to highlight or improve when you eventually sell your home. You can also ask questions or casually chat with other attendees to better understand buyer expectations in your area. If selling is on your horizon, consider attending with your real estate agent to gather insights as part of your market research. Conclusion A neighbor’s open house isn’t just an event—it’s a valuable opportunity to raise your home’s future marketability. By understanding your competition, observing buyer reactions, and gathering remodeling ideas, you can position your home for success when the time comes. 📌 If you’re planning to sell, start leveraging these opportunities now. Chicago BDB | Hansang Chul 📞 773-717-2227 | 📧 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com