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집을 팔 준비를 하다 보면,생각보다 많은 셀러들이  "우리 집이 팔릴 수 있을까요?" 라는 걱정을 하십니다.그리고 의외로, 그 판단을 좌우하는 핵심 요소 중 하나가  바닥 , 특히  카펫 입니다. 최근 HGTV의 인기 프로그램  Unsellable Houses 에서도 플로랄 무늬 카펫이 깔린 집이 "바이어에게 매력을 잃을 수 있다"는 의견이 나왔습니다.프로그램 진행자는  이런 스타일은 개성이 너무 강해서, 대부분 바이어의 취향과 맞지 않기 때문에 빠른 교체가 필요하다 고 조언했습니다. 바이어가 꺼려하는 카펫의 진짜 이유 카펫, 특히  무늬가 강한 카펫 은 개성을 표현하기엔 좋지만 바이어에게는  '리모델링 필요함'이라는 인상 을 강하게 줄 수 있습니다. 바닥 마감재 전문가 유리 그라콥스키(Yuri Grakovski)는 다음과 같이 설명합니다:오늘날 바이어들은  입주 즉시 살 수 있는 깔끔한 집 을 원하고, 오래된 카펫은  리노베이션이 필요하다는 신호로 받아들여질 수 있다 고 합니다. 특히 밀레니얼, Z세대와 같은 젊은 바이어일수록 카펫에 대해  알러지 유발, 반려동물 냄새, 청소의 번거로움  등을 걱정하며  딱딱한 바닥재(hard flooring) 를 선호하는 경향이 강합니다. 그렇다면 어떤 바닥재가 가장 인기가 있을까요? 하드우드(Hardwood):  여전히 리세일 밸류가 가장 높고, 오크, 메이플, 히코리 등 자연스럽고 밝은 톤이 가장 선호됩니다. 엔지니어드 우드(Engineered Wood):  하드우드와 비슷한 외관이면서도 수분 저항성이 높고, 가격은 더 저렴합니다. 럭셔리 비닐 플랭크(LVP):  방수, 스크래치 방지, 원목·석재 느낌까지 주는 요즘 가장 인기 있는 선택지 입니다. 타일(Tile):  따뜻하고 습한 지역에서는 여전히 가장 널리 쓰이며, 특히 욕실, 주방, 플로리다룸 등에서 강세를 보입니다. 카펫 교체, 비용은 얼마 들까요? 카펫 제거:  보통 1~2달러/평방피트 (제거 방식에 따라 차이 있음) 하울어웨이(폐기 및 운반):  별도 비용 발생 하부(Subfloor) 보수:  하자가 있을 경우 추가로 $500~$2,000까지 들 수 있음 예를 들어, 소변이 스며든 파티클보드 누수로 인한 곰팡이 삐걱거리는 마루 등의 문제가 발견될 수 있습니다. 청소 vs 교체, 어느 쪽이 더 좋을까? 전문 청소:  $200~$400 정도면 가능하지만 카펫이 8년 이상 되었거나 얼룩, 꺼짐, 냄새가 있으면  큰 효과를 보기 어렵습니다. 교체:  전체 교체 시 평균 $3,000~$6,000의 비용이 들 수 있으며, 이로 인해  리스팅 가격을 $10,000~$15,000까지 올릴 수 있는 잠재력 이 있습니다. 결국  오래된 카펫은 외관뿐 아니라 냄새, 위생, 분위기 등 전체적인 집의 인상을 좌우 합니다.특히 거실, 주방, 복도 등 고빈도 이동 공간에서는  중립적이고 모던한 LVP나 우드로 교체하는 것이 훨씬 효과적 입니다. 마무리하며 "우리 집은 깨끗하고 정리도 잘 되어 있는데 왜 바이어 반응이 없지?"그 이유가  플로랄 카펫 한 장 때문일 수 있습니다. 지금 시장은  첫인상 이 전부입니다.특히 inventory가 부족한 시카고 서버브에서는  잘 정리된 매물일수록 빠르게 팔릴 가능성 이 높습니다. 침실에는 부드러운 중립색 카펫을,거실과 주방에는 현대적인 LVP나 우드를 선택하는 전략으로  단번에 바이어의 호감을 얻을 수 있습니다.

Flooring Choices Can Impact Buyer Interest—and Your Final Sale Price If you’re preparing to sell your home, you might find yourself asking: “Will buyers be interested in my house?” Surprisingly, one of the biggest factors that affects that answer is  your flooring—especially carpet. On HGTV’s  Unsellable Houses , a home with floral-patterned carpet was flagged as a major buyer turn-off. The hosts explained that bold styles like that, while expressive, often feel outdated or “too personal” to today’s buyers—and should be replaced before listing. ❌  Why Buyers Avoid Carpet (Especially Patterned Ones) While patterned carpet may reflect your style, buyers often see it as a red flag. Flooring expert Yuri Grakovski notes: “Today’s buyers want move-in-ready homes. Old carpet signals renovation.” Millennial and Gen Z buyers , in particular, tend to view carpet as allergen-prone, pet-smelly, and hard to clean. These buyers overwhelmingly prefer  hard flooring. ✅  What Flooring Do Buyers Want? Hardwood  – Still the top resale winner. Light, natural tones like oak, maple, and hickory are most popular. Engineered Wood  – Looks like hardwood but resists moisture better and costs less. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)  – A modern favorite. Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and mimics wood or stone beautifully. Tile  – Popular in warm, humid climates and for kitchens, bathrooms, and Florida rooms. 💵  How Much Does Carpet Replacement Cost? Carpet Removal : $1–2 per sq ft Haul Away : Extra charge Subfloor Repairs : $500–$2,000 if there’s damage from pet urine, mold, or squeaks 🧼  Clean or Replace? Professional Carpet Cleaning : $200–$400, but often ineffective if the carpet is over 8 years old, stained, or smells. Full Replacement : Average cost $3,000–$6,000 → Could increase your  listing price by $10,000–$15,000 In short,  old carpet doesn’t just affect appearance—it affects the entire impression  of cleanliness, air quality, and move-in readiness. If you update just one thing, start with high-traffic areas like the  living room, kitchen, and hallway  using modern LVP or hardwood. In bedrooms,  neutral-tone carpet  can still work. ✅  In Summary “Why aren’t buyers showing interest in my house?”It might be that floral carpet from 15 years ago. In today’s competitive market—especially in  inventory-tight Chicago suburbs —the first impression is everything. Updating your flooring could be the difference between sitting on the market and selling fast.Want to strategize what to keep and what to upgrade? Let’s talk. 📞  Let’s update your listing from the ground up. Call  Hansang Chul at Chicago Bokdeokbang :  773-717-2227 📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

요즘 부동산 시장이 예전만큼 빠르게 움직이지 않다 보니  “이제 시장이 나빠진 게 아닐까?”  하고 걱정하시는 셀러 분들이 많습니다. 하지만 전체적으로 보면, 지금의 시장은  과열된 셀러 마켓에서 점점 더 ‘건강하고 정상적인 시장’으로 돌아가고 있는 과정 입니다. 이는 시장이 무너지는 것이 아니라, 지금까지 비정상적으로 셀러에게만 유리했던 흐름이 서서히 균형을 찾아가는 단계 라고 보셔야 합니다. 다만, 오늘의 내용은  전국적인 데이터와 흐름에 기반한 설명 이며, 지역마다 시장의 체감은 전혀 다를 수 있습니다. 대표적으로 제가 활동하고 있는  시카고 서버브의 좋은 학군 지역 은 여전히 매물이 부족하고, 바이어 경쟁이 치열한 시장이 이어지고 있습니다. 따라서 현재 상황을 정확히 이해하시려면,  해당 지역의 현장 데이터를 반드시 확인하셔야 합니다. 1. 매물이 늘고, 바이어의 협상력이 다시 돌아오고 있습니다 전국적인 데이터에 따르면, 매물 수는 점점 늘어나며 팬데믹 이전의 수준으로 서서히 회복되고 있습니다. 이는 곧  바이어가 선택할 수 있는 폭이 넓어졌다는 뜻 이고, 그만큼 셀러 입장에서는  집을 돋보이게 만들고 전략적으로 접근해야 할 필요성 이 높아졌습니다. 하지만, 다시 한 번 강조드립니다: 이 흐름은 모든 지역에 해당되지 않습니다.  예를 들어, 시카고 북부 서버브의 인기 학군 지역은  여전히 매물 부족 상태 이며, 좋은 조건의 주택은 여전히 오퍼 경쟁이 치열합니다. 그렇기 때문에, 지금은  지역 전문가와 함께 현장 맞춤 전략을 세워야 할 시기 입니다. 2. 가격 책정, 지금은 더 민감하고 중요합니다 요즘 바이어들은 예전처럼 가격이 높다고 무작정 따라오지 않습니다. 선택지가 많아진 만큼, 조금만 비싸게 느껴져도 관심을 돌리는 시장 이 되었습니다. 하지만 가격을 정확히 맞추지 못하면, 판매가 지연되거나, 결국 가격을 인하해야 하는 상황에 처하게 됩니다. 2024년 5월 기준, 전체 셀러 중  약 19.1%가 가격을 낮춰야 했습니다.  이런 상황을 피하려면 어떻게 해야 할까요? →  해당 지역 시장을 정확히 파악하고 있는 전문가와 협업하여 현실적이고 경쟁력 있는 가격을 책정 하는 것이 가장 현명한 방법입니다. 3. 유연한 협상 전략이 성패를 가릅니다 예전에는 바이어가 검사, 감정 평가 등 거의 모든 조건을 포기하고서라도 집을 사야 했던 시절이 있었습니다. 하지만 지금은 바이어들이 다시  수리 요청, 크레딧 요구, 클로징 비용 분담  등을 적극적으로 제안하는 상황입니다. 실제로 Redfin 자료에 따르면, 전체 셀러의 44.4%가 바이어와의 협상에 유연하게 응하고 있다고  합니다. 이런 변화는 ‘손해’가 아니라  거래 성사로 가는 전략적인 선택지 입니다. 지난 5년간 주택 가격은 평균 55% 상승했기 때문에, 지금 약간의 양보를 하더라도  결과적으로는 여전히 높은 수익을 남길 수 있습니다. 단, 어떤 협상 전략이 효과적인지는  지역과 가격대에 따라 다르기 때문에, 현장 경험이 있는 전문가와 구체적으로 시뮬레이션해보시는 것이 좋습니다. 마무리하며 지금의 시장은 더 이상 단순한 셀러 마켓도, 바이어 마켓도 아닙니다. 정상화되고 있는 전환기 시장 이며, 바로 이럴 때가  올바른 전략과 예측이 진짜 실력을 발휘하는 시기 입니다. 그리고 다시 한 번 강조드립니다: 오늘 소개된 모든 흐름은  전국 단위분석 이며, 시카고 지역의 서버브, 특히 학군이 우수한 지역은 여전히 매물이 부족하고, 바이어 간 경쟁이 여전한 지역이 많습니다. 이런 상황에서는  지역별 맞춤 전략 이 더욱 중요합니다. 지금 시장에 맞는 전략을 함께 고민하고 싶으시다면, 언제든 편하게 연락 주세요.

Lately, many homeowners are wondering: “Is the market getting worse?” Homes aren't moving as fast as they used to, and that’s making some sellers anxious.But here’s the truth: the market isn’t crashing — it’s recalibrating. We’re simply moving away from the hyper-competitive seller’s market of the past few years toward a healthier, more balanced environment. That doesn’t mean it’s easy.It means strategy and precision are more important than ever. And remember: while this analysis is based on national data, local markets vary widely. For example, in high-demand school districts around the Chicago suburbs, inventory is still tight , and competition among buyers remains strong. So what’s true nationally might not be true on your street — local insight is key. 1️⃣ Inventory Is Rising — Buyers Have More Leverage Nationwide, housing inventory is increasing and slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels.Buyers now have more options, which means sellers must work harder to stand out and price wisely. But again, this isn’t universal.In Chicago’s northern suburbs, especially near top schools, inventory remains low and good homes are still getting multiple offers. That’s why local market strategy is essential. 2️⃣ Pricing Matters More Than Ever Today’s buyers are price-sensitive. With more choices, they won’t chase overpriced homes. As of May 2024, 19.1% of sellers reduced their asking price. To avoid that situation, the smartest move is to work with an expert who understands your local market and can help you set a realistic, competitive price from the start. 3️⃣ Flexibility Wins in Negotiation Gone are the days when buyers waived every contingency.Now , they’re requesting repairs, credits, and closing cost assistance again — and sellers are responding. In fact, Redfin reports that 44.4% of sellers are making concessions in today’s market.That’s not a loss — it’s a smart move.Even if you make a small concession today, most sellers are still seeing strong returns after several years of value growth (up to 55% on average over 5 years!). The right negotiation strategy varies by area and price point, so it’s best to run the numbers with a local expert. ✅ In Summary We’re no longer in a pure seller’s market or a full buyer’s market.This is a transitional period of normalization , where expert guidance makes all the difference. And once again — national trends don’t tell the whole story.In places like the Chicago suburbs with strong school districts , inventory remains low and buyer demand is still high.Success now depends on tailoring your strategy to your specific neighborhood . 📞 Want to understand what’s really happening in your area? Let’s talk. Call Hansang Chul at Chicago Bokdeokbang : 773-717-2227 📧 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

지난해, 무려 70%의 바이어가 주택 구매를 중단했다는 사실은 놀랍지 않습니다. 혹시 여러분도 그중 하나였나요? 그렇다고 부끄러워할 필요는 없습니다. 그때는 시장 상황이 결코 좋지 않았기 때문입니다. 매물은 부족했고, 집값은 높았으며, 모기지 금리는 롤러코스터처럼 오르락내리락했습니다. 그러다 보니 마음에 드는 집을 찾기도, 감당할 수 있는 가격에 집을 사기도 어려운 상황이었습니다. 또 팔고 싶어도, 다음 집을 구하기 어려우니 망설이는 분들도 많았습니다. 하지만 이제 시장이 변하고 있습니다. 그리고 지금이 다시 움직일 때일 수 있습니다. 더 많은 선택지, 더 좋은 기회 올해는 더 많은 사람들이 다시 이사를 준비하고 있습니다. 건설업체들도 새로운 주택 공급을 늘리면서, 바이어들에게 다양한 옵션이 열리고 있습니다. 더 많은 매물 = 더 많은 가능성 을 의미합니다. 하지만 중요한 것은 단순히 매물이 많아졌다는 사실만이 아닙니다.지금처럼 적절한 수준의 재고량은, 여러분이 집을 팔 때는 빠르게 팔 수 있으면서, 동시에 새로운 집을 구할 때는 선택권이 넓어지는 최고의 균형 상태라는 점입니다. 실제 데이터를 보면 이를 더 분명히 알 수 있습니다. Realtor.com에 따르면, 현재 매물 수는 지난해 같은 시기보다 28.5%나 증가했습니다. 그러나 여전히 팬데믹 이전 평균보다는 낮은 수준을 유지하고 있습니다. 이것이 왜 중요한지 잘 아시겠죠? 매수자 입장에서는 선택할 수 있는 집이 많아졌습니다. 매도자 입장에서는 경쟁 매물이 과도하지 않아, 잘 준비된 집은 여전히 빠르게 팔릴 가능성이 높습니다. 즉,  더 많은 선택지, 적당한 경쟁, 꾸준한 수요 를 모두 갖춘  완벽한 시장 타이밍 이 만들어진 것입니다. 시간이 갈수록 기회가 줄어들 수 있습니다 또 한 가지 기억해야 할 점이 있습니다. Realtor.com 데이터에 따르면, 매물량은 17개월 연속 증가하고 있으며, 전문가들은 올해 내내 이 추세가 이어질 것으로 예상하고 있습니다. ResiClub 공동창업자인 Lance Lambert에 따르면 현재 매물이 전년 대비 증가하고 있다는 사실은, 올해 말까지 시장에 나오는 매물량이 더 많아질 가능성이 높다는 것을 강하게 시사한다고 합니다. 이 말은 무슨 뜻일까요? 지금 팔면 더 좋은 조건에서 주목받을 수 있지만, 시간이 지나면 시장에 경쟁자가 더 많아져 여러분의 집이 묻힐 위험이 커진다는 의미입니다. 시카고 및 일리노이 지역에서도 현재 바이어 수요가 회복되고 있으며, 특히 4~5월 동안은 거래가 활발해지는 경향을 보이고 있습니다. 이 기회를 놓치지 말아야 합니다. 즉, 지금이 움직여야 할 순간입니다 혹시 주택 시장이 신호를 보내기를 기다리고 계셨나요?그 신호는 이미 왔습니다. 지금이 바로 움직일 때입니다. 업그레이드를 고민하고 계시든, 다운사이징을 고려하고 계시든, 완전히 새로운 지역으로 이사할 계획이시든, 지금 시장은 지난 몇 년 중 가장 균형 잡힌 기회를 제공하고 있습니다. 여러분을 망설이게 하는 것은 무엇인가요? 지금 바로 전문가와 상담하여 여러분의 가능성을 확인해 보시기 바랍니다.

Last year, it’s no surprise that nearly 70% of buyers put their home search on hold. Were you one of them? If so, there’s no reason to feel bad — the market conditions simply weren’t favorable. Inventory was tight, home prices were high, and mortgage rates were fluctuating like a roller coaster. It was tough to find a home you loved  and  could afford. Many homeowners also hesitated to sell, worried about finding their next place. But the market is shifting — and this could be your time to move. More Options, Better Opportunities This year, more people are making moves again. Builders are also increasing new home supply, opening up more options for buyers. More inventory = more possibilities. But it’s not just about  more  homes for sale — it's about the  right  market balance.Right now, we have just enough listings where: If you're selling, you can still expect strong interest and a quick sale if your home is well-prepared. If you're buying, you have a wider range of choices without the extreme competition we saw before. It’s the sweet spot: more opportunities, moderate competition, and steady demand. The Data Makes It Even Clearer Real numbers back this up. According to Realtor.com , active inventory is up 28.5% compared to this time last year — but it’s still below pre-pandemic levels. Why does this matter? For buyers : There are more homes to choose from. For sellers : There’s not so much competition that your home gets lost in the crowd. It’s a rare window where both buyers and sellers can benefit at the same time. This Opportunity Won’t Last Forever There’s something else to keep in mind: inventory has been rising for 17 straight months, and experts predict it will continue increasing throughout the year. Lance Lambert, co-founder of ResiClub, notes that the ongoing growth in listings strongly suggests even more homes will hit the market by the end of the year. What does that mean for you? If you sell now , you can stand out and attract more attention. If you wait , you’ll face more competition as more homes come onto the market. Locally, in the Chicago and Illinois areas, buyer activity is already picking up — especially during the spring months of April and May. Historically, this is one of the most active periods for real estate, and it’s shaping up that way again. The Time to Act Is Now Have you been waiting for a clear signal from the market? Consider this your sign: it’s time to make your move. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading, downsizing, or relocating to a new area, today’s market offers some of the best balanced opportunities we’ve seen in years. What’s holding you back? Connect with a trusted real estate expert today and find out what’s possible for you.

지난 몇 년 동안 부동산 시장은 ‘셀러의 시장’이라는 말로 요약할 수 있었습니다. 특히 인기 지역에서는 낮은 매물량 덕분에 집을 팔면 큰 수익을 얻을 수 있었지요. 하지만 최근 들어 모기지 이자율이 높은 수준에서 고착되면서, 바이어들의 구매 심리가 위축되고 있습니다. 이로 인해 많은 주택이 시장에 장기간 머무르는 사례가 늘어나고 있습니다. 그렇다면 집을 시장에 계속 내놓아야 할까요, 아니면 잠시 철수해야 할까요? 오늘은 그 중요한 판단을 도와드리겠습니다. 집을 시장에서 빼야 할 때 신호 1. 개인 재정 상황에 변화가 생겼을 때 집을 내놓은 후 재정적 상황이 변했다면 판매를 연기하는 것이 현명할 수 있습니다.예를 들어 갑작스러운 실직이나, 예상치 못한 큰 지출(자동차 고장 등)이 발생했다면, 다음 집 구매에 필요한 자금을 마련하는 데 어려움을 겪을 수 있습니다. 2. 낮은 가격 제안만 들어올 때 리스트 가격을 너무 높게 설정했거나, 가격 협상에 유연성이 없다면 매물은 시장에 오래 남을 수 있습니다.한 달 이상 팔리지 않는 경우, 바이어들은 해당 매물에 문제가 있다고 인식할 수 있으니 주의가 필요합니다. 3. 집에 중대한 문제가 발견되었을 때 홈 인스펙션 과정에서 구조적 문제나 주요 시스템 고장이 발견된다면, 수리를 완료한 후 다시 시장에 내놓는 것이 바이어 신뢰를 높이는 데 도움이 됩니다. 4. 주요 리노베이션이 필요한 경우 주변 매물과 비교했을 때 우리 집이 경쟁력이 떨어진다면, 키친 리모델링이나 욕실 업그레이드와 같은 개선 작업이 필요할 수 있습니다. 시장에서 물러나 수리를 진행하고 재출시하는 것도 전략입니다. 5. 시장에 매물은 넘치고 바이어는 부족할 때 공급 과잉, 수요 부족 상황에서는 아무리 좋은 집이라도 팔기 어렵습니다. 이런 경우 매각 시점을 다시 조정하는 것도 하나의 방법입니다. 6. 에이전트와의 협력이 잘 되지 않을 때 에이전트가 비협조적이거나 시장에 대한 전략적 조언을 충분히 제공하지 못한다면, 계약을 종료하고 새로운 에이전트를 찾기 위해 잠시 매물을 철수하는 것도 고려할 수 있습니다. 시장에 계속 남아 있어야 하는 이유 그럼에도 불구하고 집을 계속 시장에 내놓는 것이 좋은 경우도 있습니다. 첫째, 이미 지출한 마케팅 비용을 고려해야 합니다.둘째, 봄 시즌처럼 매수 수요가 급증하는 시기를 맞이하면, 예상보다 높은 가격에 판매할 기회를 잡을 수 있습니다.실제 시카고와 일리노이 지역에서도 4월 중순부터 주택 문의가 꾸준히 늘어나고 있으며, 특히 가격이 적정하게 책정된 매물은 빠르게 오퍼가 들어오는 추세입니다. 현재 시카고 메트로 지역은 작년 같은 기간 대비 매물은 14% 증가했지만, 바이어 수요도 함께 상승하고 있어, 지금 집을 매물로 유지하는 것이 더욱 전략적일 수 있습니다. 결론: 지금은 기다릴 때가 아니라, 현명하게 대응할 때입니다 집이 바로 팔리지 않는다고 실망할 필요는 없습니다. 상황을 정확히 파악하고, 필요한 수정을 거쳐 시장에 다시 강력하게 어필할 수 있도록 준비하는 것이 중요합니다.

Over the past few years, the real estate market has largely been considered a "seller's market." Thanks to low inventory, especially in popular areas, selling a home often meant securing a significant profit.However, with mortgage rates remaining high recently, buyer confidence has cooled, leading to an increasing number of homes lingering on the market longer than before. So, should you keep your home listed, or is it time to pull back? Today, let’s walk through how to make that critical decision. Signs It Might Be Time to Take Your Home Off the Market 1. Your personal financial situation has changed. If your financial circumstances have shifted after listing your home, it may be wise to delay the sale.For instance, an unexpected job loss or a major expense like a car repair could make it difficult to secure the funds needed for your next home purchase. 2. You’re only receiving lowball offers. If your listing price is set too high, or if there’s little flexibility during negotiations, your home may sit on the market too long.If your property hasn’t sold after more than a month, buyers might start assuming there’s something wrong with it, so caution is advised. 3. Major issues are discovered during inspection. If a home inspection uncovers structural problems or major system failures, addressing those repairs first and relisting afterward could build buyer confidence. 4. Your home needs major renovations. If your home doesn’t stack up well against nearby listings, you may need to invest in updates like a kitchen remodel or bathroom upgrade. Temporarily pulling the home off the market to complete these improvements can be a strategic move. 5. There’s a surplus of inventory and a shortage of buyers. In a market oversaturated with listings and lacking active buyers, even the best homes can struggle to sell. In such cases, reconsidering your timing might be smart. 6. You’re not getting the support you need from your agent. If your real estate agent isn’t proactive or isn’t providing effective strategies for your sale, it could be time to end the contract and find a new agent after pausing your listing. Reasons to Keep Your Home on the Market Still, there are cases where it makes sense to stay the course.First, consider the marketing costs you’ve already invested.Second, certain times of year, like the spring market, can see a spike in buyer activity, increasing your chances of selling at a better price. In fact, in the Chicago and Illinois areas, buyer inquiries have been steadily rising since mid-April, and properly priced homes are receiving offers more quickly.Although inventory in the Chicago metro area has risen by 14% compared to this time last year, buyer demand is also climbing, meaning it could be strategic to keep your home listed right now. Conclusion: It’s Not Time to Quit — It’s Time to Adjust If your home doesn’t sell immediately, there’s no need to be discouraged. What’s important is to carefully assess the situation, make any necessary adjustments, and come back stronger to appeal to the market. Now is the time to rework your strategy and seize new opportunities.

혹시 집을 팔면서  리얼터 없이 직접 매물로 내놓는 방식 , 즉  FSBO(For Sale By Owner) 를 고민해보신 적 있으신가요? 복잡한 절차 없이, 커미션도 아낄 수 있다면 매력적으로 들릴 수 있습니다.하지만 최근 시장 흐름을 보면,  이 방식이 점점 사라지고 있다는 사실 을 알 수 있습니다. 데이터를 보면 답이 보입니다 전미부동산협회(NAR)의 최신 자료에 따르면, 리얼터 없이 집을 판매하는 셀러의 비율은 사상 최저치 를 기록하고 있습니다.즉, 점점 더 많은 셀러들이 전문가와 함께 움직이고 있다는 뜻입니다. 게다가 FSBO를 시도하려는 사람들 중  무려 4명 중 3명은,스스로도 그것이 좋은 결정인지 확신하지 못하고  있다는 조사 결과도 있습니다. 왜 이런 현상이 나타날까요?지금 시장은 급격히 나빠지진 않았지만,**전략 없이는 어려워지는 ‘복잡한 전환기’**에 접어들었기 때문입니다. 이럴 때일수록 전문가의 역할이 빛납니다 1. 지금 시장에 맞는 '정확한 가격 설정' 집을 제대로 팔기 위해선  정확한 가격을 매기는 것 이 가장 중요합니다.이건 단순히 이웃집 몇 년 전 판매가를 기준으로 할 수 있는 일이 아닙니다. Zillow에 따르면, 에이전트는 현지 시장 흐름을 면밀히 분석해실제 구매자들이 어떤 가격에 반응하고 있는지를 파악할 수 있는 사람 이라고 합니다. 즉, 바이어들이 어떤 조건에 매력을 느끼고,지금 이 시장에서 어떤 매물이 실제로 팔리고 있는지 정확히 알고 있는 전문가가 바로 리얼터입니다. 2. 복잡하고 민감한 계약서류, 혼자 하시겠습니까? 집을 팔 때는  디스클로저, 계약서, 컨틴전시 조항 등수많은 법적 서류와 문서 작업이 필요 합니다. 단 하나의 실수도  거래 지연, 소송 위험,계약 무효 로 이어질 수 있습니다.특히 요즘은 바이어가 다양한 조건을 다시 제시하고 있어,이 부분을 꼼꼼하게 검토하고 작성하는 것이 그 어느 때보다 중요합니다. 리얼터는  수백 건 이상의 거래 경험을 바탕으로서류 한 장, 조항 하나까지 정확하게 안내 해드립니다. 3. 바이어가 줄어든 시장, 빠르게 팔 수 있는 전략이 있습니까? 이제는 매물이 늘어나면서 집이 예전처럼 빠르게 팔리지는 않는 시장 입니다. 하지만 그렇다고 팔 수 없는 건 아닙니다. 전문적인 마케팅 도구, 바이어 네트워크,검증된 판매 전략 이 있다면지금도 빠르게 판매할 수 있습니다. 일반 셀러는 이런 네트워크나 도구가 부족한 경우가 많기 때문에, 전문가의 조력이 있느냐 없느냐가판매 속도와 조건에 큰 차이를 만들 수 있습니다. 마무리하며 지금 시장은 변화하고 있습니다.단순히 가격이 오르고 내리는 것이 아니라, 전략과 준비가 있어야 제대로 팔 수 있는 시장 입니다. 이럴 때일수록  경험 많은 리얼터와 함께하는 것이,가장 빠르고, 가장 안전하며, 결과적으로 더 수익이 되는 선택 이 될 수 있습니다. 혹시 FSBO를 고민 중이시라면, 지금의 시장 흐름과 실제 사례를 함께 검토해보시길 권해드립니다. 혼자 결정하지 마시고, 전문가와 함께 자신 있게 시작하세요. 📞 혼자 하지 마세요. 준비된 전략과 경험이 있습니다 ‘시카고 복덕방 한상철’ 773-717-2227,  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

In Today’s Market, It May Be Riskier Than You Think Selling your home without a real estate agent — also known as  FSBO (For Sale By Owner)  — might sound appealing. No commissions, more control, and less red tape... right? But recent data shows a clear trend:  FSBO is declining. According to the  National Association of Realtors (NAR) , the percentage of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low.And surveys show that  3 out of 4 FSBO sellers  are unsure whether they made the right decision. Why?Because today’s market isn’t crashing — but it’s  complex  and  in transition. This is when having a real estate professional really matters. 📊  Let’s Look at Why FSBO is Fading 1. Accurate Pricing Requires Strategy Setting the right price isn’t just about looking at your neighbor’s sale last year.According to Zillow, agents understand  what today’s buyers respond to , and how to read  real-time market data .A good Realtor knows what’s actually selling — and why. 2. Legal Contracts Are Complicated and Risky Disclosures, contingencies, inspection terms —one mistake can delay closing, void the contract, or even lead to legal action.Realtors handle hundreds of contracts and can guide you through every line item with clarity. 3. Slower Market = Strategic Marketing Needed With inventory growing, homes don’t sell as fast as they used to.But they  do  still sell — with the right tools, buyer network, and targeted marketing strategy.This is where FSBO sellers often fall short. ✅  In Summary Today’s market demands  preparation, negotiation, and experience. A professional Realtor isn’t just someone who lists your home —they are your strategist, negotiator, and legal safety net. If you’re considering FSBO, take a moment to review the real trends —then let’s talk. You don’t have to go it alone. 📞  Don’t go solo. The strategy and experience you need is just one call away. Call  Hansang Chul at Chicago Bokdeokbang :  773-717-2227 📧  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

요즘 부동산 시장을 지켜보는 분들이 가장 많이 묻는 질문 중 하나는 “지금은 바이어가 유리한 시장인가요?”  입니다. 한동안 셀러가 절대적인 주도권을 가졌던 시장에서이제는  균형이 바이어 쪽으로 서서히 기울고 있는 조짐 이 나타나고 있습니다. 하지만 아직 '전형적인 바이어 마켓'이라 보긴 어렵습니다.지금은  바이어와 셀러 모두에게 중요한 전환기 , 그 미묘한 균형을 잘 읽어야 할 시기입니다. 바이어 마켓의 정의, 그리고 지금 시장의 모습 바이어 마켓이란  매물 수가 바이어 수를 초과 하는 시장을 의미합니다.이 경우 바이어는 더 많은 선택지와 협상력을 갖게 되며,셀러는 더 낮은 가격 제안이나 조건을 받아들여야 할 수 있습니다. 2008년 금융위기 이후 주택 공급은 수요를 따라가지 못했고,수년간 셀러가 시장을 주도해 왔습니다. 하지만 지금은: 매물은 늘어나고 집이 팔리는 속도는 느려지고 가격 인하 및 셀러 인센티브가 증가 하면서 시장 전반이 점차  바이어 친화적으로 이동 하고 있습니다. 바이어 마켓으로 향하는 신호들 1. 재고 증가 Realtor.com에 따르면, 2024년 5월 기준  미국 전체 매물은 100만 건을 돌파 했습니다.이 수치는 팬데믹 이전 수준으로 돌아가고 있는 흐름을 보여줍니다. 2. 판매 속도 둔화 집이 시장에 머무는 평균 일수는 51일로,작년보다 6일 늘었고 일부 지역에서는  팬데믹 이전보다 더 오래 걸리고 있습니다. 3. 가격 인하 비중 증가 2024년 5월, 전체 리스팅의  19.1%가 가격을 인하 했습니다.이는 2016년 이후 5월 기준으로 가장 높은 수치입니다. 4. 셀러 인센티브 증가 일부 셀러는 클로징 비용 지원, 수리 비용 제공,심지어  $10,000 이상의 인센티브 를 제시하며 거래를 유도하고 있습니다. 지금은 ‘전환기 시장’입니다 지금 상황을 단순히 바이어 마켓이라고 보긴 어렵습니다.재고는 늘었지만 여전히 6개월 분 재고 수준(균형 시장 기준)에 미치지 못하고 있으며,금리 역시 여전히 부담스러운 수준입니다. 하지만 시장은 확실히 변하고 있습니다: 바이어는 전략적으로 협상에 나설 수 있는 여건을 확보 하고 있고 셀러는 과거와 같은 고집은 버리고 유연하게 대응 해야 하는 시기입니다. 바이어라면 지금 무엇을 해야 할까요? ✅  사전 대출 승인 받기 → 경쟁 지역에선 여전히 빠른 대응이 중요합니다. ✅  시장에 오래 나온 집 주목하기 → Days on Market이 긴 집일수록 협상 여지가 많습니다. ✅  컨틴전시 활용하기 → 지금은 검사나 감정 조건(inspection, appraisal contingencies)을 다시 사용할 수 있는 시장입니다. ✅  현지 데이터를 꼭 확인하기 → 재고 수, 평균 거래일, 가격 인하 비율 등은 지역마다 다르므로 꼭 분석해야 합니다. 셀러라면 어떻게 대응해야 할까요? ✅  현실적인 가격 책정 → 지나치게 높은 가격은 오히려 바이어를 멀어지게 만듭니다. ✅  준비된 매물 만들기 → 클린하고 입주 준비 완료된 느낌이 여전히 가장 중요합니다. ✅  현지 시장을 정확히 이해하기 → 우리 동네는 빠르게 팔리는가? 아니면 시간이 걸리는가? ✅  불안해하지 말고, 전략적으로 움직이기 → 잘 준비된 매물은 여전히 경쟁력이 있고,협상에 유연하게 대응하면 좋은 조건으로 계약이 가능합니다. 마무리하며 지금의 부동산 시장은 단순한 ‘바이어 마켓’이라기보다는 장기간의 셀러 마켓이 끝나고 새로운 균형을 찾아가는 과도기적 시장 입니다. 바이어는  더 많은 선택지와 협상 기회 를 갖게 되었고,셀러는  기대치를 조정하되 여전히 유리한 위치에서 판매가 가능한 시기 입니다. 무엇보다 중요한 건  지역 시장에 대한 정확한 분석 입니다.전국 평균이 아니라,  지금 내가 사려는 혹은 팔려는 동네의 흐름을 아는 것 이성공적인 결정의 핵심입니다. 📞 지금 이 시장, 어떻게 움직이시겠어요? ‘시카고 복덕방 한상철’ 773-717-2227,  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

One of the most common questions people are asking right now: “Is this a buyer’s market?” After several years of a seller-dominated market, signs are starting to emerge that the scales are slowly tipping toward buyers.But it’s still  too early to call this a true buyer’s market. Instead, we’re in a period of  transition  — where subtle shifts matter and strategy is everything. 🧭  What Is a Buyer’s Market — and Where Are We Now? A  buyer’s market  happens when  inventory exceeds demand  — meaning buyers have more leverage, more options, and more room to negotiate.Sellers, in turn, may need to lower prices or offer incentives to close a deal. Since the 2008 financial crisis, housing supply has struggled to keep up with demand, resulting in a prolonged  seller’s market .But today, that tide is slowly turning: Inventory is increasing Homes are sitting longer on the market Price reductions and seller incentives are becoming more common 📈  Signals That the Market Is Shifting 1. Inventory is rising As of May 2024, Realtor.com reports that U.S. active listings  surpassed 1 million  for the first time in years —a sign that we’re returning to pre-pandemic levels. 2. Homes are taking longer to sell The average days on market is now  51 days , up 6 days from last year, and even higher in some regions. 3. More listings are cutting prices In May 2024,  19.1% of all listings  had price reductions — the highest share for a May since 2016. 4. Seller incentives are rising From covering closing costs and repair credits to offering  $10,000+ incentives , sellers are getting creative to attract offers. ⚖️  What Does This Mean? It’s a Transitional Market While we’re seeing  buyer-friendly trends , this isn’t a full-blown buyer’s market yet.Inventory still hasn’t reached the 6-month supply benchmark considered "balanced,"and mortgage rates are still posing affordability challenges. That said: Buyers  now have more room to negotiate and use contingencies Sellers  need to adjust expectations and stay flexible to stay competitive 🧠  If You’re a Buyer: What to Do Now ✅  Get pre-approved → In competitive areas, quick action still matters ✅  Watch properties with longer Days on Market → These homes may have more room for negotiation ✅  Use contingencies wisely → You can now include inspection and appraisal contingencies more often than before ✅  Rely on local data → Conditions vary dramatically by neighborhood — don’t rely only on national averages 🏠  If You’re a Seller: How to Stay Competitive ✅  Price realistically → Overpricing turns off buyers fast in this market ✅  Make your home move-in ready → Clean, updated, and staged homes still move quickly ✅  Understand your local market → Are homes in your area selling fast or sitting? ✅  Stay calm and be strategic → Well-prepared listings still sell — and flexibility in negotiations goes a long way ✅  In Summary Today’s real estate market is not a buyer’s market —but it’s no longer the pure seller’s market we saw in recent years either. Instead, we’re entering a  period of adjustment ,where  balance is returning  and both buyers and sellers need to be informed, flexible, and well-prepared. Above all, don’t rely on national headlines. The most important insights come from understanding your local market. 📞  Navigating a transitional market? Let’s talk. Call   Hansang Chul of Chicago Bokdeokbang  at  773-717-2227  or email  ChicagoBDB@gmail.com