Search Results

Recent disruptions to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) during the federal government shutdown have left nearly 5 million homeowners temporarily without coverage.Experts estimate that this could delay over 1,300 home sales per day — a strong reminder that flood risk and insurance availability are now central issues shaping real estate transactions across the U.S. Home Prices Now Depend on Flood Risk According to Realtor.com , homes located in low-risk flood zones in cities such as Miami and Tampa have appreciated faster over the past decade compared to high-risk properties.That gap has widened further in the past three years, showing that buyers are increasingly prioritizing safety and Flood Factor ratings in their purchasing decisions. In contrast, homes in high-risk areas are selling more slowly and showing weaker price growth. Today , buyers evaluate not only schools and commute times, but also climate resilience and flood exposure. Changing Buyer Awareness Just a few years ago, few buyers thought seriously about flood risk.Now , surveys show that 30% of buyers have changed their search area due to flood insurance or climate concerns.Among Gen Z buyers , more than one in three say they’ve revised their homebuying strategy altogether. This trend will likely accelerate as younger, data-driven buyers enter the market — marking a long-term shift in how properties are valued and purchased. What Sellers and Buyers Should Do 🏠 For Sellers Obtain and present an Elevation Certificate or documentation that clearly defines your home’s flood risk. Invest in drainage improvements, roof and wall waterproofing , or other protective upgrades — these can increase both appeal and appraised value. 🧭 For Buyers Before touring homes, use FEMA Flood Maps or Flood Factor to assess location risk. Review mortgage and insurance requirements early in the loan process — flood insurance costs can significantly affect affordability. Today, insurance premiums are a permanent part of homeownership costs.Smart buyers must evaluate not only home prices but also long-term maintenance and risk management when planning their purchase. Conclusion Flood risk and insurance challenges are no longer limited to coastal or southern states — they’re shaping property values nationwide.As natural disasters grow more frequent, resilience and risk management will increasingly define a home’s true market value. Even in Chicago and its suburbs , many properties fall within flood-prone zones. If you’re planning to buy or sell, consult with a local expert to review flood exposure, insurance requirements, and pricing strategy before entering the market. 📞 Chicago Bokdeokbang — Hansangcheol 773-717-2227 | ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

최근 연방정부 셧다운으로 인해  National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP, 연방 홍수보험 프로그램) 의 승인이 일시 중단되면서, 약 500만 가구의 보험이 공백 상태에 놓였습니다. 이로 인해 하루 평균 1,300건의 주택 거래가 지연될 수 있다는 분석이 나왔습니다. 그만큼 홍수 위험과 보험 문제는 이제 단순한 뉴스가 아니라  부동산 거래의 성패를 좌우하는 핵심 요소 로 떠오르고 있습니다. 집값 흐름, 홍수 위험에 따라 갈린다 Realtor.com 분석에 따르면 마이애미와 탬파 같은 플로리다 고위험 지역에서, 홍수 위험이 낮은 주택이 지난 10년 동안 더 빠른 가격 상승세를 보여왔습니다. 특히 최근 3년간 그 격차는 더욱 벌어졌습니다. 이는 바이어들이 점차  안전한 입지와 홍수 위험 지수(Flood Factor) 를 중요하게 평가하고 있음을 보여줍니다. 반대로 고위험 지역 주택은 매각 속도가 느려지고 가격 상승도 둔화되고 있습니다. 이제는 학군, 직장 접근성 같은 전통적인 요인과 함께,  홍수 위험 관리 능력 이 매수자들의 주요 고려 사항으로 자리 잡고 있습니다. 바이어들의 인식 변화 불과 몇 년 전만 해도 홍수 위험을 고려하는 바이어는 소수였습니다. 그러나 최근 조사에 따르면 약 30%의 바이어가 보험 문제와 기후 리스크 때문에 주택 검색 지역을 변경했다고 답했습니다. 특히 Z세대 바이어의 30% 이상은 아예 구매 전략 자체를 바꿨다고 응답했습니다. 앞으로 이 비율은 더욱 확대될 것으로 예상됩니다. 즉, 젊은 세대일수록 기후 위험과 보험 비용을 철저히 계산하고 있으며, 이는 장기적으로 시장의 흐름을 크게 바꿀 것입니다. 셀러와 바이어가 준비해야 할 것들 셀러 : 매물을 내놓기 전, 먼저 고도 증명서(Elevation Certificate)와 같은 서류를 확보해 홍수 위험을 명확히 설명할 수 있어야 합니다. 또한 배수 시설 개선, 지붕·벽 방수 보강 등 기본적인 리스크 관리가 매물의 가치를 높여줄 수 있습니다. 바이어 : 집을 보러 가기 전, FEMA 홍수 지도와 Flood Factor 같은 무료 툴을 통해 위치 위험을 사전에 확인하는 것이 필요합니다. 또한 대출 과정에서 어떤 보험 요건이 있는지 반드시 체크해야 합니다. 보험료 상승은 이제 주택 보유 비용의 일부로 무조건 고려해야 할 필수 요소입니다. 단순히 집값만 보는 것이 아니라,  장기적인 유지비용과 리스크 관리 능력 까지 살펴야 진정한 내 집 마련 전략이 됩니다. 결론 홍수 위험과 보험 문제는 더 이상 특정 지역만의 이야기가 아닙니다. 앞으로는  재난 리스크 관리 능력이 곧 자산 가치를 결정하는 시대 가 될 것입니다. 바이어와 셀러 모두 정보를 철저히 확인하고, 시장에 맞는 전략을 세워야 성공적인 거래를 이어갈 수 있습니다. 시카고와 서버브 지역에서도 홍수 위험 구역(Flood Zone)에 속한 주택이 많습니다. 지금 집을 사고팔 계획이 있으시다면, 전문가와 함께 정확한 위험도와 보험 요건을 먼저 점검하시길 권해드립니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 773-717-2227 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

집을 시장에 내놓으실 때 가장 중요한 요소 중 하나는 바로  가격 입니다. 단순히 높게 책정해 두고 상황을 지켜보자는 전략은 지금 시장에서는 오히려 역효과를 낳을 수 있습니다. 단순히 오퍼를 놓치는 수준이 아니라, 애초에 계획했던 이사 자체가 지연되거나 무산될 위험이 있습니다. 지나치게 높은 가격, 왜 위험할까? 많은 셀러들이 이웃집이 몇 년 전 높은 가격에 팔린 사례를 떠올리며 같은 금액을 기대하곤 합니다. 하지만 그때와 지금은 시장 상황이 다릅니다. 현재는 매물이 늘어나 바이어들이 선택할 폭이 넓어졌고, 과거처럼 경쟁 입찰로 집값을 밀어 올리는 경우가 줄어들었습니다. 바이어들이 원하는 가격대가 아니면, 그들은 그냥 다른 집으로 발걸음을 옮길 수 있습니다. 다행히 셀러에게 여전히 큰 이점은 있습니다. 연방주택금융청(FHFA)에 따르면 지난 5년간 주택 가치는 평균 54%나 상승했습니다. 즉, 지금 약간의 가격 조정을 하더라도 여전히 상당한 이익을 남길 가능성이 높다는 의미입니다. 문제는 여전히 과거 가격에 집착하는 셀러들입니다. 이 경우 매물이 장기간 시장에 남게 되고, 오히려 뒤늦은 가격 인하는 바이어들에게 부정적인 신호로 작용할 수 있습니다. 오버프라이싱은 결국 이사를 막는다 리스트 가격을 너무 높게 잡으면 바이어들이 관심을 두지 않습니다. 결국 오퍼가 들어오지 않고, 시간이 지나면서 매물은 오래된 리스팅으로 보이게 됩니다. 그제야 가격을 낮추더라도 바이어들은 의심의 눈초리로 보게 되고, 매각 자체를 포기하는 상황까지 생길 수 있습니다. 실제로 최근 조사에 따르면, 집을 시장에서 아예 철회하는 사례가 늘고 있으며, 그 주요 원인은  셀러의 과도한 가격 기대  때문이라고 합니다. 성공적인 매각의 비밀: 현실적인 가격 전략 셀러가 직면한 가장 중요한 과제는  현실적인 가격 책정 입니다. 새로운 직장으로의 이사, 가족 돌봄, 더 넓은 공간 확보 등 매각의 이유가 무엇이든, 지나친 욕심으로 인해 계획 자체가 무산되면 안 됩니다. 현재 시장에서 빠르게 팔리는 집들은 공통점이 있습니다.  지역 시장에 정통한 에이전트와 함께 적정 가격을 설정하고, 시장 흐름에 맞는 전략을 세운 집 이라는 점입니다. 올바른 가격대와 좋은 컨디션의 집은 여전히 빠르게 팔리며, 경우에 따라서는 복수 오퍼까지 들어옵니다. 결론 지금 집을 팔고 싶으시다면, 단순히 매각을 성사시키는 것을 넘어서  이사를 성공적으로 마무리하는 것 이 진짜 목표가 되어야 합니다. 이를 위해서는 현실적인 가격 책정이 가장 중요한 출발점입니다. 시카고와 서버브 지역에서 집을 매각하시려는 계획이 있다면, 지금 바로 전문가와 함께 지역 시장에 맞는 가격 전략을 세워 보시길 권해드립니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 773-717-2227 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

When it comes to putting your home on the market, one of the most crucial factors is pricing .Simply listing high and “waiting to see what happens” can seriously backfire in today’s market.It ’s not just about missing offers — overpricing can delay or even derail your entire moving plan. Why Overpricing Is So Risky Many sellers remember what their neighbors’ homes sold for a few years ago and expect similar numbers.But the market has changed. Today, inventory is higher , giving buyers more choices and less pressure to compete.If your home isn’t priced within buyers’ expectations, they’ll simply move on to another property. The good news is that sellers still hold a strong position overall.According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) , home values have risen by an average of 54% over the past five years .This means that even with a slight price adjustment, most homeowners can still expect to sell at a healthy profit. However, clinging to outdated price expectations can be costly.Homes that start too high often sit on the market too long , and later price cuts send negative signals to buyers — suggesting desperation or hidden issues. Overpricing Can Stop Your Move Cold When list prices are too high, buyers don’t engage.No showings. No offers.Over time, the listing becomes “stale,” and even after a price drop, buyers remain skeptical. Recent surveys show that more sellers are pulling their homes off the market altogether , with unrealistic pricing being a top reason. The Secret to a Successful Sale: Realistic Pricing Every seller has a personal reason for moving — a new job, family needs, or simply wanting more space.But if your home sits unsold because of overpricing, those life plans can be put on hold indefinitely. The homes that sell quickly today share one thing in common:They’re priced strategically with guidance from a local market expert . Homes that are priced right, well-prepared, and in good condition are still selling fast — sometimes even receiving multiple offers. Bottom Line If you’re planning to sell, your real goal isn’t just to get an offer — it’s to complete your move successfully. And that starts with a realistic pricing strategy . If you’re considering selling your home in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, now is the time to partner with a professional who can help you design the right price strategy for your specific neighborhood. 📞 Chicago Bokdeokbang — Hansangcheol 773-717-2227 | ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

최근 부동산 뉴스를 보시면 ‘집값이 Flat하다’는 제목을 자주 접하셨을 겁니다. 언뜻 들으면 가격이 그대로 멈춘 것처럼 느껴지지만, 실제 시장은 훨씬 복잡합니다. 지역별로 다른 가격 흐름 2020~2022년의 급등세가 완화된 것은 사실이지만, 지금은 지역마다 다른 양상을 보이고 있습니다. ResiClub과 Zillow 자료에 따르면 미국 50대 주요 도시 중 절반은 여전히 가격이 조금씩 오르고 있고, 나머지 절반은 소폭 하락세를 보이고 있습니다. 즉, 평균 수치를 보면 Flat해 보이지만, 실제로는  어느 지역에 있느냐에 따라 전혀 다른 시장을 경험하게 되는 것 입니다. 차이를 만드는 요인: 매물(Inventory) 하버드대 주택연구센터(JCHS)에 따르면, 매물이 급증한 지역은 가격이 떨어지고 있고, 반대로 매물이 부족한 지역은 가격이 계속 오르고 있습니다. 이는 단순히 통계 수치로는 보이지 않는  지역별 차별화 를 보여줍니다. 또 한 가지 기억해야 할 점은, 지금 가격이 조정되는 지역들 대부분은 불과 몇 년 전 집값이 과도하게 오른 곳이라는 사실입니다. 지난 5년간 전국 평균 집값은 약 50% 올랐고, 일부 지역은 그보다 더 큰 상승을 기록했습니다. 따라서 지금의 소폭 하락은 여전히 많은 주택 소유자들에게 높은 자산 가치를 유지하게 하고 있습니다. 바이어라면 이렇게 보셔야 합니다 가격이 계속 오르고 있는 지역이라면,  망설이는 사이에 더 높은 가격을 지불 해야 할 수 있습니다. 가격이 약간 조정되는 지역이라면,  수리 요청이나 클로징 비용 지원 같은 협상 카드 를 활용할 수 있습니다. 즉, 지역별 흐름을 아는 것이 바이어에게 협상력과 전략을 가져다줍니다. 셀러라면 이렇게 준비하셔야 합니다 가격이 오르는 지역이라면 큰 양보 없이도 거래가 성사될 가능성이 높습니다. 가격이 조정되는 지역이라면,  처음부터 정확한 가격 책정 이 필수이고 협상에 유연하게 대응해야 합니다. 특히 셀러의 경우, 지역 시장을 잘 아는 에이전트의 도움을 받아야 올바른 가격 전략을 세울 수 있고, 실제로 가격을 맞춘 주택은 여전히 빠르게 팔리고 있습니다. 결론: 진짜 이야기는 로컬에서 나온다 전국 평균 수치는 큰 그림을 보여줄 수는 있지만, 실제로는 각 동네마다 다른 흐름이 나타나고 있습니다. 지금은  내 ZIP 코드 안에서 어떤 일이 벌어지고 있는지를 정확히 아는 것 이 가장 중요합니다. 주택을 구입하거나 매각하려고 고민 중이시라면, 지금 바로 전문가와 상담해보시길 권해드립니다. 지역별 데이터를 기반으로 한 현실적인 전략이 필요할 때입니다. 시카고 복덕방 한상철 773-717-2227 ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

You’ve probably seen headlines lately claiming that home prices are flat. At first glance, it sounds like prices have simply stopped moving — but the real story is much more complex. Different Directions in Different Regions It’s true that the explosive growth from 2020–2022 has cooled, but price trends now vary widely by location.According to ResiClub and Zillow , roughly half of the 50 largest U.S. metros are still seeing price gains , while the other half are showing slight declines. In other words, the national average may look flat , but what you experience depends entirely on where you live. The Real Factor: Inventory Research from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) shows that markets with rising inventory are seeing price declines , while areas with limited listings continue to see prices climb. This highlights a key truth: national data hides strong local differences. It’s also worth noting that many of the regions seeing small price drops today are those that surged the most during the pandemic boom. Over the past five years, home prices nationwide have risen by about 50% , with some markets far exceeding that.So even with minor corrections, most homeowners are still sitting on substantial equity. For Buyers 📈 In markets where prices are still rising, waiting could mean paying more later. 💬 In markets with mild price adjustments, buyers can gain leverage — such as asking for repairs or closing cost assistance. 👉 Understanding local market trends is the key to strong negotiation and smart timing. For Sellers 📊 In appreciating markets, you may be able to sell with minimal concessions. 💡 In cooling markets, pricing accurately from the start is essential, along with flexibility during negotiations. Working with an agent who truly understands your local market data can make the difference — homes priced right are still selling quickly. Bottom Line: Real Estate Is Always Local National averages tell part of the story, but every neighborhood has its own rhythm.Right now, what matters most is knowing what’s happening inside your ZIP code. If you’re thinking about buying or selling , now is the time to connect with a professional who can help you create a strategy based on real, local market data. 📞 Chicago Bokdeokbang — Hansangcheol 773-717-2227 | ChicagoBDB@gmail.com

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