Jim Schmidt - RE/MAX Realty Associates

10/21/2026

Are home prices going up or down? It depends on where you look.

Over the past year, prices in Chicago climbed almost 7%. In Seattle, they dipped about 1.6%. That’s a nearly 9-point gap between two major cities.

Look at little closer, though. Home prices are rising in 13 of the 19 major cities on this chart. And where prices are down, the dips are small (less than 2%).

So, this isn’t a crash. It’s just a market normalizing after overheating during the pandemic. And that’s hitting some areas differently than others.

Here’s what it really means. Your local market matters.

If you’re selling where prices are still rising, you may not need to cut your price. And if you’re buying where prices are softer, you may have more room to negotiate.

National headlines can’t tell you which side your neighborhood is on. Local data can. Let’s look at how prices...

Jim Schmidt | REALTOR®
REMAX Realty Associates
217-840-0788
cu4realestate.com

10/21/2026

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about 1 in 3 major markets. How much less, exactly? Nationally, a newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less. So, brand-new could be more budget-friendly than you think. Want to see how newly built and existing homes compare where you’re looking? Let’s tour one of each.

Jim Schmidt | REALTOR®
REMAX Realty Associates
217-840-0788
cu4realestate.com

10/19/2026

The credit landscape is changing, but action is required on your part. You have to take credit for what you do. And the sooner you get started, the better.

Ready to see where you stand? A quick conversation with a loan officer costs you nothing and could show you you're closer to owning a home than you think.

Jim Schmidt | REALTOR®
REMAX Realty Associates
217-840-0788
cu4realestate.com

What's the biggest payment you make every month? If you’re a renter, it's probably your rent.

10/16/2026

Don't let a headline about slowing home sales convince you no one is buying. Homes are still selling every minute of every day.

If you need or want to move, let's talk about what it'll take to make sure yours is one of them.

Jim Schmidt | REALTOR®
REMAX Realty Associates
217-840-0788
cu4realestate.com

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/15/2026

🏡 OPEN HOUSE | SUNDAY 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 🏡

Looking for incredible space, a premier location, and a home with solid bones? Come tour this well-kept ranch in Savoy this weekend! Perfect for anyone looking to build quick equity or customize a space to match their personal style.

📍 10 Greenfield Ct, Savoy, IL 61874
⏰ Sunday | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Why this property is a must-see:

• 🌳 Park-Like Location: Situated on a desirable corner lot in Arbor Meadows, your backyard patio opens up directly to a massive 3-acre community commons area! Plus, you are just minutes from multiple local parks, trails, and schools.

• 💪 Solid Bones & Mechanics: Built to last with a highly functional layout, featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, a formal dining room, and an expansive family room with hardwood floors.

• 🎨 Your Blank Canvas: Move right in and take your time updating! Bring your design ideas to maximize this solid 1,769 sq. ft. ranch layout.

• 🚗 Bonus Space: Includes a large 2-car garage and a wide driveway with plenty of extra room for parking, storage, or weekend hobbies.

Skip the private showings and come see the potential in person this Sunday!

👉 Click the link for photos and pricing details:
https://zenlist.com/listing/mred:12708971?as=jim.schmidt

10/14/2026

Hoping mortgage rates will come down soon? The latest inflation report just made that outlook a little more complicated.

Inflation climbed to 3.7% in September, higher than economists expected. And while rising gas prices were a big driver, costs increased across several other categories too.

Why does that matter for housing? Because stubborn inflation makes it harder for the Fed to justify lowering their Federal Funds Rate. It could even increase the chances of another hike.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly control mortgage rates. But inflation and Fed expectations influence them, which means there's no guarantee mortgage rates will move lower anytime soon.

If you're planning to buy or sell, don't let a hoped-for rate drop be the only thing driving your timeline.

Let's look at what today's market means for your move and build a plan around the...

Jim Schmidt | REALTOR®
REMAX Realty Associates
217-840-0788
cu4realestate.com

10/14/2026

Don’t let today’s uncertainty make you lose sight of what homeownership can do over time. Most homeowners say they’d make the same choice again. And decades of home-price growth help explain why.
If you’re wondering whether buying makes sense for you right now, let’s look at the numbers together – and what owning a home could mean for you in the years ahead.

Jim Schmidt | REALTOR®
REMAX Realty Associates
217-840-0788
cu4realestate.com

With everything going on, it’s understandable if you’re wondering if you’d regret buying right now.

10/13/2026

Happy 251st Birthday U.S. Navy!

10/12/2026

Planning for the years ahead often comes down to one big decision: stay or move.

Staying in your house could mean you have to do some updates like grab bars, walk-in showers, and wider doorways. Moving to a 55+ community lets you skip the remodel and puts a lot of perks right outside your door.

Many offer on-site amenities, added security, and an HOA that takes care of shared spaces. Plus, they make it easy to feel connected to the people around you.

And the equity you've built in your current house could help you make the move.

Weighing your options? Reach out to talk through what makes the most sense for you.

Jim Schmidt | REALTOR®
REMAX Realty Associates
217-840-0788
cu4realestate.com

10/09/2026

Good news if you're house hunting: the asking price may not be the final word. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. With budgets stretched thin, a little give on price or terms can take some pressure off your wallet. But how much you can negotiate depends on where you're buying. So, let's chat about what you can ask for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing.

Jim Schmidt | REALTOR®
REMAX Realty Associates
217-840-0788
cu4realestate.com