Kasey Cassar

05/22/2026

First Time Home Buyer, Again?!?

Did you know that under certain circumstances you may requalify to be a First Time Home Buyer again?

In many cases, if you haven't owned a home in the last 3 years, you can requalify for First Time Home Buyer Programs, including down payment assistance and special loan programs

So even if you you have owned a home years ago, sold it, and have been renting since- you may still have options available to you.

Other exceptions are
▫️Single people who only previously owned a house with a spouse
▫️Displaced homemakers
▫️People whose previous homes were not permanently attached to a foundation (Mobile homes or trailers)

If you've been thinking about buying again and want to see if you may qualify for, reach out to your lender and see if you can requalify. Each program has different rules.

05/20/2026

🚨Zillow Users🚨

Right now, Zillow does NOT have direct access to listings from Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) , which is the main MLS system used by real estate agents in the greater area of Illinois.

What does this mean for you?

❗️Some homes may show up later on Zillow
❗️Some listings could be missing or outdated
❗️In some cases, you might not see the "full picture" of what is actually available

If you are actively looking, it is a good reminders that working with a local agent gives you access to everything in real time. That means it is not delayed/outdated or filtered.

05/15/2026

A lot of people focus on the commission line and miss the bigger picture. The goal is to make a smart financial decision for one of the biggest purchases in life.

A good Realtor can often save you more money than the cost of commission by:
🏚️Negotiating Purchase Price
🏚️Finding inspection issues before they become costly surprises
🏚️Negotiating repairs, credits, or closing costs
🏚️Prevent over paying in a competitive market
🏚️Structuring offers strategically to protect your money
🏚️Catching contract details that could cost you later
🏚️Helping house avoid emotional decision that lead to bad deals
🏚️Recommending trusted lenders, inspectors, and contractors

Reality is that the commission is visible. The money that a Realtor can save you often isn't. It happens behind the scenes through negotiation, experience, and protecting our clients interest.

Realtors are not sales people, you either like the home or you do not. We are here to protect you by helping you make the best financial decision.

05/13/2026

🏡House Tour Tuesday🏡

Today we are looking at 203 E. Lake St. Ashkum, IL and it’s listed by Ashley Christenson from the Amelia Bodie Team.

🛏️ 3 Bedroom
🛁 2 Bathroom
🧺First floor laundry
💧Pool

This house was built for hosting summer parties! The second kitchen in the detached garage is a great asset to the pool!

Call me if you are unrepresented and want to see this property?

05/10/2026

This article released by the NAR is telling us that people are more often moving to be closer to the people they love. In a world full of “things”, this is extremely heartwarming to know that we are prioritizing the people in our lives. ❤️

Baby boomers accounted for more than half of all home sellers according to NAR’s 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report. Among all sellers, the most commonly cited reason for selling their home was to move closer to friends and family. Gain additional insights: https://bit.ly/4sGXMG9

05/08/2026

🏡 FUN FACT FRIDAY with Kasey 🏡

Did you know?
Homeownership can be one of the best shelters from inflation.

When you purchase a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, your principal and interest payment stays consistent over time — even while rent prices and everyday living expenses continue to rise. That stability can help protect your monthly housing costs from inflation.

Another bonus? 📈
Historically, home values tend to appreciate over time, often outpacing inflation — especially in markets where inventory remains tight.

In today’s competitive market, having a trusted REALTOR® on your side matters. From finding hidden opportunities to negotiating the best deal, I’m here to help you navigate the process and find a home that works for your goals and your future.

📩 Thinking about buying or curious about today’s market? Let’s connect!

05/06/2026

Most buyers think they’re seeing everything on Zillow… but that’s not actually the case.

Here’s what a lot of people don’t realize 👇

Not all homes are publicly listed online.

Some properties are:
✔️ “Coming soon” listings
✔️ Private/off-market opportunities
✔️ Shared within agent networks before hitting sites like Zillow

That means if you’re only searching on your own, you could be missing out on the right home—and in some cases, the best deals.

Working with a Realtor gives you access to opportunities you won’t always find scrolling online, plus guidance on how to act fast when something good comes up.

If you want access to everything available (not just what’s public), I can set you up with a search that updates in real time 👇

👉 https://bit.ly/42iZ6V6

No pressure—just a better way to stay ahead of the market.

—
Kasey Cassar
Village Realty

04/22/2026

It is a sellers market! Give me a call to list!

04/20/2026

Renting can be hazardous to your wealth! Stop paying for your landlord's vacation. Click the link below to start the home buying process!

https://connectmls.mredllc.com/common/externalAction.jsp?do=dynaconn.soy.setup.leadwidget.SubmitLeadForm&agentID=940823

04/19/2026

Find out which generation is leading the housing market from NAR’s 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report, which breaks down who’s buying and selling and the trends driving moves.

04/18/2026

Today is the day! Don’t miss out on this one, you can be floating in the pool by summer!