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최근 주택시장에서 눈에 띄는 변화 중 하나는 매물이 늘어나면서 일부 셀러들이 원하는 가격을 받지 못해 시장에서 매물을 철회하는 경우가 많아졌다는 점입니다. Realtor.com에 따르면 올여름 신규 매물 100건 중 약 21건이 시장에서 거둬들여졌다고 합니다. 셀러 중심이던 시장이 점차 바이어 친화적으로 이동하고 있다는 신호입니다. 이런 상황에서 셀러들이 바이어의 관심을 끌기 위해 보다 창의적인 전략을 사용하는 경우가 늘고 있습니다. 그중 흥미로운 방법 중 하나가 바로  향기를 활용하는 전략 입니다. 향기와 기억의 연결고리 향기는 감정과 기억을 자극하는 강력한 요소입니다. 시각이나 청각과 달리 후각은 뇌의 감정과 기억을 담당하는 영역과 직접 연결되어 있어 특정 냄새가 오래된 기억을 불러일으키거나 강한 감정적 반응을 유도할 수 있습니다. 실제로 소매업계에서는 수십억 달러 규모의  향기 마케팅(scent marketing)  산업이 형성되어 있습니다. 일부 연구에서는 특정 향기가 고객의 구매 의도를 크게 높인다는 결과도 나왔습니다. 이러한 원리는 부동산 시장에서도 마찬가지로 작용합니다. 집 안에 은은하고 따뜻한 향기가 퍼져 있으면 바이어가 그 공간을 자신의 집처럼 느낄 가능성이 커집니다. 긍정적인 효과와 부작용 향기는 집을 따뜻하고 환영받는 공간처럼 느끼게 하는 강력한 도구가 될 수 있습니다. 실제로 베이킹 냄새, 특히 달콤하고 은은한 향은 바이어에게 좋은 첫인상을 주고, 집에서의 생활을 상상하게 돕습니다. 그러나 무조건 긍정적인 효과만 있는 것은 아닙니다. 곰팡이나 담배, 애완동물 냄새 등은 바이어가 집을 보기도 전에 떠나게 만들 수 있습니다. 또한 과도한 방향제나 향초 역시 바이어에게 집에 문제가 있어 이를 가리려 한다는 인상을 줄 수 있습니다. 따라서 무엇보다 중요한 것은 기존의 불쾌한 냄새를 제거하고, 그 위에 은은하고 자연스러운 향을 더하는 것입니다. 향기를 활용한 판매 전략 전문가들은 집을 팔 때 가능한 한  모든 감각을 자극하는 전략 을 활용하는 것이 효과적이라고 조언합니다. 깔끔하게 정리된 시각적 요소, 편안한 촉감, 잔잔한 음악, 그리고 은은한 향기가 조화를 이루면 바이어가 집에 대한 감정적 애착을 갖게 되고, 이는 구매 결정으로 이어질 수 있습니다. 결국, 집을 판다는 것은 단순히 구조와 가격만의 문제가 아니라  감정과 경험의 문제 이기도 합니다. 적절하게 준비된 향기는 바이어가 집을 더 따뜻하게 느끼게 하고, ‘여기서 살고 싶다’라는 생각을 강화시킬 수 있습니다. 결론 집을 팔기 위해서는 가격 전략과 마케팅이 가장 핵심이지만, 세부적인 요소 하나하나가 바이어의 선택에 큰 영향을 줄 수 있습니다. 향기는 그중에서도 특히 감정에 직접적으로 작용하는 요소입니다. 불필요한 냄새를 없애고 은은한 향기를 더하는 것만으로도 집이 주는 첫인상은 달라질 수 있습니다. 지금 집을 매각하려고 고민 중이시라면, 단순히 청소와 정리만이 아니라 바이어의 감각과 감정까지 고려하는 전략을 세워보시길 권해드립니다. 성공적인 매각 전략 상담은 ‘시카고 복덕방 한상철’에게 문의하시기 바랍니다. 📞 773-717-2227 📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

One of the noticeable shifts in today’s housing market is that with more listings coming online, some sellers are withdrawing their homes after not receiving the offers they hoped for. According to Realtor.com , this summer about 21 out of every 100 new listings were pulled from the market. This signals a shift from a seller-driven market toward a more buyer-friendly one. In this environment, sellers are turning to creative strategies to stand out — and one surprising but effective method is the use of scent . 🌸 The Link Between Scent and Memory Scent is one of the strongest triggers of emotion and memory . Unlike sight or sound, smell connects directly to the brain’s emotional and memory centers. A familiar scent can spark old memories or create strong emotional responses. That’s why scent marketing has become a multi-billion-dollar industry in retail. Research shows certain aromas can increase purchase intent — and the same principle applies to real estate. A subtle, warm scent in a home makes it easier for buyers to picture themselves living there . 👍 Benefits and Cautions Positive: Pleasant, natural aromas (like light baking scents or vanilla) can make a home feel welcoming and memorable. Negative: Bad odors (mold, smoke, pets) can drive buyers away instantly. Overpowering candles or air fresheners may backfire, making buyers suspect issues are being covered up. The key is to remove unpleasant smells first and then add subtle, natural scents that enhance the space. 🛠️ Scent as Part of a Selling Strategy Experts recommend appealing to all five senses when preparing a home for sale. Clean and staged visuals 👀 Comfortable textures 👋 Gentle background music 🎶 And importantly — a warm, subtle fragrance 🌸 When these elements work together, buyers build an emotional attachment to the home, increasing the chance of an offer. Selling a home isn’t just about structure and price — it’s about feelings and experiences . The right scent can reinforce the thought: “I want to live here.” ✅ Conclusion Pricing and marketing are core to selling, but small details can make a big difference. Scent directly impacts emotions , shaping the buyer’s first impression. If you’re preparing to sell, consider strategies that engage not only the buyer’s eyes but also their senses and emotions . 👉 For a successful selling strategy, consult with: Chicago Realty – Hansang Chul 📞 773-717-2227 📧 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

집을 시장에 내놓았는데 원하는 오퍼를 받지 못하는 경우가 있습니다. 이런 상황에서 일부 셀러들은 매각 대신 임대로 전환하는 선택을 합니다. 부동산 업계에서는 이를  ‘Accidental Landlord(의도치 않은 임대인)’ 이라고 부릅니다. 최근에는 이런 사례가 점점 늘어나고 있습니다. 왜 이런 현상이 늘어나는가 최근 몇 년간 금리가 높은 수준을 유지하고 주택 가격이 상승하면서 바이어들의 구매력이 약화되었습니다. 이로 인해 거래 속도가 느려지고, 일부 매물은 시장에 장기간 머무르는 경우가 많아졌습니다. 매도자가 가격을 낮추기보다는 임대로 돌려 수익을 창출하려는 선택을 하는 것입니다. 하지만 임대가 항상 정답은 아닙니다. 임대 전환을 고민하기 전에 몇 가지 중요한 질문을 던져야 합니다. 1. 임대 수익성이 있는가? 외부 지역으로 이사하는 경우, 원격으로 관리할 수 있는지 검토해야 합니다. 임대에 적합하도록 추가 수리나 비용이 필요한지 따져야 합니다. 해당 지역이 임대 수요가 높은지, 실제로 수익을 낼 수 있는지 분석해야 합니다. 만약 이 질문에 확신이 서지 않는다면 매각 전략을 다시 점검하는 것이 더 나을 수 있습니다. 2. 임대 관리 책임을 감당할 수 있는가? 임대는 단순한 ‘수동적 수익’으로만 보기 어렵습니다. 심야의 긴급 수리 요청, 연체된 임대료, 세입자 변경 시 수리 문제 등 다양한 부담이 발생할 수 있습니다. 자금과 시간이 충분히 준비되지 않으면 예상보다 큰 스트레스를 받을 수 있습니다. 3. 숨은 비용을 고려했는가? 임대용 보험료는 일반 보험보다 약 25% 비싸게 책정됩니다. 관리 회사를 이용할 경우 월세의 약 10%가 수수료로 나갑니다. 공실 기간에는 임대 수입 없이 모기지와 유지비를 부담해야 합니다. 이처럼 보이지 않는 비용들이 쌓이면 수익성이 크게 줄어들 수 있습니다. 시카고 교외 시장의 현실 미국 전반적으로는 임대 전환을 고려하는 셀러들이 늘어나고 있지만, 시카고 교외의 인기 지역—특히 우수 학군과 한인 선호 지역—에서는 여전히  셀러 마켓 의 성격이 강합니다. 좋은 매물은 여전히 빠르게 팔리고 있으며, 실수요 바이어들이 적극적으로 움직이고 있습니다. 따라서 이 지역에서는 임대 전환보다 전략적인 가격 조정과 마케팅 강화로 매각을 성사시키는 것이 더 현명할 수 있습니다. 결론 임대 전환은 일부 상황에서 유용할 수 있지만, 원래 의도하지 않았던 선택인 만큼 많은 책임과 리스크를 동반합니다. 시카고 교외의 셀러라면, 임대 전환을 고민하기 전에 지역 시장 상황에 맞는 가격 전략을 재검토하고, 숙련된 에이전트와 협력하는 것이 우선입니다. 지금 매각을 준비하고 계시다면, 전문가와 상의하여  시장에 맞는 가격과 전략 을 세우시길 권장드립니다. ‘시카고 복덕방 한상철’ 773-717-2227,  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

Sometimes a home sits on the market without attracting the offers a seller wants. In these cases, some owners consider renting instead of selling — becoming what the real estate industry calls an  “Accidental Landlord.”  Recently, this trend has been on the rise. 📊  Why More Sellers Are Turning to Rentals Over the past few years,  higher mortgage rates  and rising home prices have reduced buyer affordability. This has slowed transaction speed, and many listings now stay on the market longer. Instead of lowering their asking price, some sellers choose to rent the property out to generate income. But renting is  not always the best answer . Before making this choice, it’s important to ask: ❓  Key Questions Before Renting Is It Actually Profitable? If you’re moving out of the area, can you realistically manage the property remotely? Does the home require repairs or upgrades before it’s rent-ready? Is there strong rental demand in the neighborhood to ensure steady income? If the answer isn’t clear, revisiting your selling strategy may be smarter. Can You Handle the Responsibility? Renting is not purely “passive income.” Think about late-night repair calls, unpaid rent, and turnover maintenance. Without time and financial backup, being a landlord can create more stress than reward. Have You Considered Hidden Costs? Landlord insurance is typically  25% higher  than standard homeowner insurance. Property management fees often run  around 10% of rent . Vacancy periods mean covering the mortgage and expenses with no rental income. These hidden costs can eat away at profits. 📍  Chicago Suburb Market Reality Nationwide, more sellers are considering renting. But in Chicago’s most popular suburbs — especially  top school districts and Korean-preferred neighborhoods  — the market remains a  seller’s market . Homes in these areas still move quickly with strong buyer demand. Here, it may make more sense to  adjust your pricing strategy and enhance marketing  rather than switching to a rental model. ✅  Conclusion Renting can work in some cases, but as an  unplanned strategy , it brings responsibilities and risks. For sellers in Chicago’s desirable suburbs, it’s often wiser to  revisit your pricing and selling strategy  with the help of an experienced agent. 👉 If you’re preparing to sell, now is the time to consult with an expert and create a plan that fits today’s market. Chicago Realty – Hansang Chul 📞  773-717-2227 📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

최근 자료에 따르면, Fix‑N‑Flip 시장이 확실히 둔화되고 있습니다. 특히 2025년 2분기에 활동하는 투자자들의 판매 실적이 전년 동기 대비 눈에 띄게 저조한 것으로 나타났습니다. Fix-N-Flip 시장의 둔화 원인 금리 및 경제 불확실성 이 투자자들의 구매 심리를 위축시키고 있습니다. 건축 자재 가격 상승 및 인건비 증가 도 수익성을 압박하고 있습니다. 일부 시장에서는  보험료 상승과 기후 리스크 가 추가 부담으로 작용하고 있습니다. 예컨대 플로리다, 캘리포니아, 남서부 지역에서는 이런 요소들이 판매 둔화를 더욱 심화시키는 요인으로 꼽히고 있습니다. 셀러에게 주는 시사점 Fix‑N‑Flip 투자자가 줄어들면서 현금 오퍼 가능한 구매자층이 축소되고 있어, 기존 셀러가 매도처를 찾는 데 시간이 더 필요해질 수 있습니다. 또한, 예전처럼 과거 고점을 기준으로 기대 가격을 설정하면 매물이 시장에 오래 머무를 수 있으므로, 시세에 맞춘 현실적인 가격 전략이 필요합니다. 하지만 전국적 흐름에도 불구하고,  시카고 교외의 한인 선호 지역과 우수학군 지역 은 여전히 강한 셀러 마켓을 형성하고 있습니다. 이런 지역에서는 여전히 수요가 높고 매물이 나오면 빠르게 거래되는 특징이 있어,  전략적 접근을 통해 뛰어난 기회를 잡을 수 있습니다. 매력적인 매물로 만들기 위한 전략 리노베이션 비용과 예상 시세를 명확하게 제시 하여 바이어가 투자 가치를 쉽게 판단하도록 돕습니다. 사전 점검(Pre‑list Inspection) 과 “as‑is” 상태의 솔직한 공개는 바이어의 신뢰를 얻고 협상을 부드럽게 만듭니다. 투자자 네트워크 활용 : 현지 투자자 그룹과 협업하거나 “deal alert”, “bring the toolbox” 같은 키워드를 활용해 매물 노출을 극대화합니다. DIY 바이어를 위한 포인트 강조 : 집의 ‘가능성’을 중점적으로 어필하면 바이어가 미래의 변화를 상상하며 더 빠르게 움직일 수 있습니다. 시카고 지역의 시장 상황도 함께 고려해야 합니다 Illinois Realtors 자료에 따르면, 시카고 메트로 지역은  2025년 2월 기준 단독주택 가격이 전년 대비 7.5% 상승했고, 재고는 여전히 역사적으로 낮은 수준 입니다. 또한, 판매까지 걸리는 기간은 줄고 있어 수요 자체는 안정적입니다. 이 상황은 Fix-N-Flip 시장과 일반 주택 시장 모두에 영향을 미치므로, 단순히 투자자 수요를 기준으로 판단하지 않고  지역별로 세심하게 접근 하는 것이 중요함을 시사합니다. 결론 Fix-N-Flip 시장의 둔화가 위기로 보일 수도 있지만, 오히려 현명하게 접근하면 가장 유리한 시장 조건일 수 있습니다. 특히 시카고 교외의 인기 지역은 여전히 수요가 탄탄하며,  정확한 가격 책정과 디테일한 준비 로 리모델링 바이어뿐 아니라 일반 바이어까지 매력을 느끼게 할 수 있습니다. 주택 매도를 준비 중이시거나 매물 전략에 고민이 있다면, 지금 바로 상담해보시기 바랍니다. ‘시카고 복덕방 한상철’ 773-717-2227,  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

Recent data shows that the  Fix-and-Flip market has noticeably slowed . In Q2 2025, investor sales activity dropped significantly compared to the same period last year. ⚠️  Why the Fix-and-Flip Market Is Slowing Interest rates and economic uncertainty  are cooling investor demand. Rising  construction material costs and labor expenses  are squeezing profit margins. In some regions,  insurance hikes and climate risks  are adding further pressure — especially in Florida, California, and the Southwest. 💡  What This Means for Sellers With fewer Fix-and-Flip investors in the market, the pool of  all-cash buyers  has shrunk. This means: Homes may take longer to sell. Sellers who price based on past market peaks risk having listings sit unsold. A  realistic, market-aligned pricing strategy  is essential. But despite the national slowdown,  Chicago suburbs — especially Korean-preferred neighborhoods and top school districts — remain strong seller’s markets.  Demand is still high, and good homes sell quickly with the right strategy. 🛠️  Strategies to Make Your Listing Stand Out Show clear numbers:  Provide renovation costs and after-repair value so buyers see the investment potential. Pre-list inspection + honest “as-is” disclosure  builds buyer trust and eases negotiations. Tap into investor networks:  Use groups and keywords like  “deal alert”  or  “bring the toolbox”  to attract local flippers. Appeal to DIY buyers:  Highlight the home’s  future potential , helping buyers visualize upgrades and motivating quicker action. 📍  Chicago Market Context According to Illinois Realtors, as of February 2025: Single-family home prices in the Chicago metro area are  up 7.5% year-over-year . Inventory remains  historically low . Days-on-market have shortened, signaling  stable demand . This means sellers must look beyond investor activity alone and carefully consider  local market dynamics . ✅  Conclusion While the Fix-and-Flip slowdown may look like a challenge, it’s actually an  opportunity for smart sellers . In Chicago’s popular suburbs, demand remains strong. With  accurate pricing and detailed preparation , homes can attract not just investors but also end-users looking for a place to call home. 👉 If you’re planning to sell or want to refine your listing strategy, now is the time to act. Chicago Realty – Hansang Chul 📞 773-717-2227 📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

최근 온라인에서 신규 주택 공급이 2008년 금융위기 이후 가장 높은 수준에 도달했다는 이야기를 보신 분들이 많으실 겁니다. 과거의 기억 때문에 다시 위기가 오는 것 아니냐는 불안이 생길 수 있지만, 실제 데이터를 보면 상황은 완전히 다릅니다.   이번 상황이 2008년과 다른 이유 현재 신규 주택 공급이 늘어난 것은 사실이지만, 이는 전체 시장 상황을 온전히 설명하지 못합니다. 시장의 재고를 제대로 이해하려면 신규 주택뿐 아니라 기존 주택 재고까지 함께 봐야 합니다. 두 데이터를 합쳐서 보면 지금의 공급 상황은 2008년 당시의 공급 과잉과는 큰 차이가 있습니다. 즉, 단순히 신규 주택 공급만 보고 위기라고 단정할 수는 없습니다. 15년 넘는 기간 동안 이어진 공급 부족 2008년 위기 이후 주택 건설업계는 긴 기간 동안 신규 공급을 줄여왔습니다. 무려 15년 넘게 신규 주택을 충분히 짓지 못하면서 전국적으로 큰 주택 부족 현상이 발생했습니다. 최근 들어 건설량이 조금씩 회복되고 있지만, 여전히 격차를 메우려면 최소 7년 이상은 걸릴 것이라는 분석이 있습니다. 이 말은 지금의 신규 공급 증가가 단기적인 과잉이 아니라, 오히려 오랫동안 부족했던 공급을 조금씩 해소하는 과정이라는 의미입니다. 지역별로 상황은 다릅니다 전국 평균으로 보면 공급 부족 현상이 여전하지만, 지역별로는 차이가 있습니다. 일부 지역에서는 재고가 다소 늘어났지만, 시카고 교외의 학군 좋은 지역이나 한인들이 선호하는 서버브는 여전히 재고가 부족하고 셀러마켓이 유지되고 있습니다. 이런 지역에서는 좋은 매물이 나오면 여전히 빠르게 팔리고 있어, 바이어는 기다리기보다는 기회를 잡는 것이 유리합니다. 결론 신규 주택 공급이 늘어나고 있다는 사실만으로 2008년과 같은 위기를 걱정하실 필요는 없습니다. 전국적으로는 여전히 공급 부족 상황이고, 특히 시카고 서버브 인기 지역은 매물이 나오자마자 거래가 성사되는 경우가 많습니다. 지금은 불안감을 키울 때가 아니라 전문가와 함께 시장 기회를 확인하고 움직여야 할 시기입니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 📞 773-717-2227 📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

Lately, you may have seen headlines saying that new home supply has reached its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. Understandably, this brings concern — could another crisis be on the way? But the data tells a very different story. 📊  Why This Is Not 2008 It’s true that new home supply has increased, but that doesn’t tell the whole picture. To fully understand inventory, we need to look at both  new homes and existing homes . When combined, today’s overall housing supply is nowhere near the oversupply levels of 2008. In other words, higher new construction numbers alone do not mean we’re headed for another housing crash. 🏗️  15+ Years of Underbuilding Since the 2008 crash, homebuilders significantly cut back production. For  over 15 years , the U.S. has faced a chronic housing shortage. While construction has recently picked up, experts estimate it will take at least  seven more years  to close the supply gap. This means today’s increase in new housing is not an oversupply — it’s simply the beginning of catching up after years of shortage. 📍  Local Market Differences Nationally, housing inventory is still tight. Some regions have seen modest increases in supply, but in areas like  Chicago suburbs with top-rated schools and strong Korean communities , inventory remains low. Homes in these areas continue to sell quickly once they hit the market. For buyers, waiting often means missing opportunities. ✅  Conclusion Don’t let headlines about new housing supply fuel unnecessary fear. The market today is  very different from 2008 . Nationwide we still face a housing shortage, and in popular Chicago suburbs, it’s still a  seller’s market . Now is the time to explore opportunities with an expert, not sit on the sidelines. Chicago Realty – Hansang Chul 📞 773-717-2227 📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

이번 주 30년 고정 모기지 금리가 6.58%로 유지되면서, 지난해 10월 이후 가장 낮은 수준을 기록했습니다. 불과 2주 전 6.63%였던 것을 감안하면 소폭의 하락이지만, 바이어에게는 의미 있는 변화입니다. 그렇다면 이번 금리 변화가 실제로 월별 주택 대출 상환액에 어떤 영향을 줄까요? 월별 모기지 비용 비교 리얼터닷컴의 계산에 따르면, 중간 주택 가격인 약 439,450달러 주택을 20% 다운페이먼트로 구입할 경우, 현재 6.58% 금리 기준 월 상환액은 약 2,241달러입니다. 지난주 6.63% 금리로는 2,254달러였으니, 매달 12달러를 절약할 수 있는 셈입니다. 이 차이는 작아 보일 수 있지만, 지난해 10월 금리가 7.79%까지 치솟았을 때를 생각하면 상황은 완전히 달라집니다. 당시에는 같은 주택을 구입할 경우 월 2,537달러를 부담해야 했습니다. 지금은 매달 296달러, 연간으로는 약 3,552달러를 절약할 수 있습니다. FHA 대출 기준에서는 더 큰 차이 만약 FHA 대출을 이용해 3.5%만 다운페이먼트를 한다면 어떨까요? 현재 6.58% 금리 기준으로는 월 2,670달러 수준입니다. 지난주보다 14달러 낮아졌고, 2023년 10월 금리 피크 시점과 비교하면 매달 390달러를 절약할 수 있습니다. 장기적으로는 10만 달러 이상 차이 모기지는 30년 장기 대출입니다. 그렇기 때문에 월 단위의 작은 차이가 결국 수십 년 동안 엄청난 금액의 차이를 만들어냅니다. 예를 들어 20% 다운페이먼트로 현재 6.58% 금리에서 주택을 구입한다면, 총 상환액은 약 807,004달러입니다. 반면 7.79% 금리에서 동일한 주택을 구입했다면 910,204달러를 지불해야 했습니다. 결과적으로 약 103,578달러의 차이가 발생합니다. FHA 대출을 선택할 경우에도 현재 금리로는 972,992달러가 들지만, 지난해 고금리 시기였다면 1,097,933달러였습니다. 무려 124,941달러의 차이가 나는 셈입니다. 시카고 지역 시장 맥락 이러한 금리 하락은 시카고 및 서버브 시장에도 긍정적인 영향을 주고 있습니다. 전국적으로 매물은 늘고 있지만, 한인 선호 지역이나 학군이 좋은 서버브 지역은 여전히 매물이 부족합니다. 이 때문에 좋은 조건의 집은 시장에 나오자마자 빠르게 팔리고 있습니다. 지금은 금리 부담이 줄어든 상황에서 기회를 선점할 수 있는 중요한 시기라고 할 수 있습니다. 결론 이번 금리 하락은 단순한 수치 이상의 의미가 있습니다. 바이어에게는 매달 수백 달러, 장기적으로는 수십만 달러의 차이를 만들어 주기 때문입니다. 또한 시카고 교외 인기 지역은 여전히 셀러마켓이 유지되고 있어, 망설이다가는 좋은 매물을 놓칠 수 있습니다. 지금이야말로 전문가와 상담하며 전략적으로 움직일 시점입니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 📞 773-717-2227 📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

This week, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate held steady at 6.58% , the lowest level since October last year. Just two weeks ago, it was 6.63%, so the drop is small, but it’s still meaningful for today’s buyers. So what does this rate shift actually mean for your monthly mortgage payment? 📊 Monthly Mortgage Payment Comparison According to Realtor.com , if you buy a median-priced home of about $439,450 with a 20% down payment: At today’s 6.58% rate , your monthly payment would be about $2,241 . At last week’s 6.63% rate , it would have been $2,254 — that’s $12 saved per month. It may sound small, but compared to last October’s peak of 7.79% , the difference is dramatic. Back then, the same house would have cost $2,537/month . That’s $296 less each month now — or about $3,552 saved per year . 🏦 FHA Loan Savings If you use an FHA loan with just 3.5% down : At today’s 6.58%, the monthly payment is about $2,670 . That’s $14 less than last week, and $390 less per month compared to October’s 7.79% peak. 💰 Long-Term Impact – Over $100,000 Difference A mortgage is a 30-year commitment, and small monthly changes add up to huge lifetime savings. Conventional loan, 20% down: At 6.58% → Total repayment about $807,004 . At 7.79% → Total repayment about $910,204 . Savings: $103,578. FHA loan, 3.5% down: At 6.58% → Total repayment about $972,992 . At 7.79% → Total repayment about $1,097,933 . Savings: $124,941. 🏘️ Chicago Market Context This rate drop is also boosting momentum in Chicago and suburban markets. Nationwide, housing inventory is increasing, but in Korean-preferred neighborhoods and top school districts, homes remain scarce. Desirable listings are still selling quickly. With rates easing, now is a critical time to seize opportunities before the best homes are gone. ✅ Conclusion This mortgage rate drop isn’t just a number — it translates into hundreds of dollars per month and over $100,000 across 30 years . In Chicago’s popular suburban areas, the market remains a seller’s market, and hesitation could mean missing out on the right home. 👉 Now is the time to consult with an expert and move strategically. Chicago Realty – Hansang Chul 📞 773-717-2227 📧 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

최근 몇 년간 주택을 사려던 분들이 가장 걱정했던 것 중 하나는 바로 ‘바이어 간의 치열한 경쟁’, 즉  Bidding War 였습니다. 원하는 집에 여러 명이 동시에 오퍼를 넣고, 그 과정에서 가격이 치솟으며 경쟁이 심화되는 상황이 흔했기 때문입니다. 하지만 지금 시장은 예전과는 다릅니다. 전국적으로 살펴보면, 최근 데이터에 따르면 2025년 6월 기준 주택의 약 20%만이 복수 오퍼를 받았다고 합니다. 이는 불과 1년 전 31%에서 크게 줄어든 것이고, 2023년 39%와 비교하면 절반 수준으로 떨어진 수치입니다. 다시 말해, 경쟁이 크게 완화되었고 바이어들이 숨을 고를 수 있는 시장이 되었다는 의미입니다. 지역별로 다른 경쟁 상황 물론, 전국 평균만 보고 판단할 수는 없습니다. 지역별 상황을 보면 큰 차이가 있습니다. 예를 들어 북동부 지역은 여전히 약 34%의 매물이 복수 오퍼를 받고 있습니다. 반대로 남동부 지역은 6%에 불과해 경쟁이 사실상 거의 없는 상황입니다. 이 차이는 결국 인벤토리(매물 수)의 차이에서 비롯됩니다. 매물이 부족한 곳에서는 여전히 바이어들이 몰리며 경쟁이 발생합니다. 반대로 매물이 많은 지역에서는 선택지가 넓어져 가격 협상 여지가 커지고, 복수 오퍼도 줄어드는 것입니다. 특히 시카고 서버브 한인 선호 지역의 경우 여전히 매물이 부족해 좋은 매물은 시장에 나오자마자 빠르게 팔리고 있습니다. 따라서 전국적으로 경쟁이 완화되었다고 해도, 시카고 교외의 인기 학군 지역처럼 특정 지역은 여전히 셀러마켓이라는 점을 반드시 고려하셔야 합니다. 셀러들의 양보 증가 또 다른 중요한 변화는 셀러들의 태도입니다. 최근 Redfin 자료에 따르면 전체 셀러의 절반 가까이가 바이어를 유치하기 위해 클로징 비용을 대신 부담하거나 가격을 인하하는 등의 양보를 하고 있다고 합니다. 몇 년 전 치열했던 시장에서는 상상하기 어려운 상황입니다. 이제 바이어들은 집을 살 때 협상력을 가질 수 있으며, 무리한 조건을 감수하지 않아도 되는 시장이 만들어지고 있습니다. 하지만 이 역시 지역별로 차이가 크기 때문에, 반드시 경험 있는 지역 전문가의 안내가 필요합니다. 결론 만약 아직도 “혹시 경쟁 때문에 내가 원하는 집을 못 사지 않을까” 하는 두려움이 있으시다면, 지금이 다시 시장을 살펴볼 시기입니다. 전국적으로 경쟁은 줄어들고 있고, 일부 지역에서는 바이어에게 유리한 환경이 조성되고 있습니다. 다만, 시카고 교외의 인기 지역처럼 여전히 셀러마켓인 곳도 많기 때문에, 구체적인 전략은 반드시 지역 전문가와 상의하셔야 합니다. 지금이 바로 숨 고르며 원하는 집을 찾을 수 있는 기회일 수 있습니다. 주저하지 마시고 전문가와 상의해 보시기 바랍니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 📞 773-717-2227 📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

For the past few years, one of the biggest fears buyers had when shopping for a home was the intense bidding wars. Multiple offers, skyrocketing prices, and high-stress negotiations made the process overwhelming. But today’s market looks different. 📉  National Competition Has Declined As of June 2025, only about  20% of homes nationwide received multiple offers . That’s a steep drop from 31% just a year ago, and nearly half the rate of 2023 (39%). This shift means less pressure, fewer bidding wars, and more breathing room for buyers to make thoughtful decisions. 📍  Regional Differences Still Matter Competition isn’t uniform. In the  Northeast , around 34% of homes still see multiple offers, while in the  Southeast , the rate is as low as 6%. The main factor?  Inventory.  Areas with tight supply still generate competition, while markets with more listings give buyers greater choice and negotiating power. In the  Chicago suburbs , especially in top school districts and neighborhoods favored by Korean families, inventory is still limited. That means desirable homes can sell quickly—even while national competition is easing. 🤝  More Seller Concessions Another shift is that sellers are more willing to compromise. According to Redfin, nearly half of sellers are now offering concessions, such as covering closing costs or lowering prices—something rare during the peak of competition. This gives buyers stronger negotiating leverage. ✅  Bottom Line If fear of bidding wars has kept you from entering the market, now may be the time to take another look. Competition is down nationally, and in many regions buyers hold more power than in recent years. Still, in hot suburban areas like parts of Chicago, it remains a seller’s market—so local expertise and strategy are essential. 📍  Chicago Realty – Hans Chul 📱 773-717-2227📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com