Jim Schmidt - RE/MAX Realty Associates

09/04/2026

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.

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

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

09/02/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.

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

09/02/2026

Do you realize how much pull you have right now as a buyer?

There are more sellers than buyers on the market right now. That means a lot of sellers know they’ll have to compromise a bit to get their house sold, which leaves you room to negotiate on price and terms.

Of course, exactly how much room you have depends on where you’re looking. But more and more markets are trending in favor of buyers, so let’s chat about what’s going on in our area.

Send a DM, and we’ll turn your negotiating power into a set of keys.

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

08/31/2026

Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.

With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold.

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

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.

08/28/2026

Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?

For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when everything feels shaky, it’s easy to second-guess the move you were ready to make. But the truth is, the housing market is one thing that’s been remarkably stable.

Home prices have been relatively steady for about 4 years now. The number of homes for sale is right about where it was last year (up 2%). And mortgage rates have held in the same general 6-7% range since late 2022.

A steady market comes with a perk. You can actually plan. What works for your budget today probably won’t look all that different in a few months.

You don’t have to wait for things to calm down. The housing market’s already pretty steady. Send me a DM or drop a comment below, and let's compare the market you walked away from to the one that's here now.

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

08/26/2026

Still waiting for mortgage rates and home prices to come down? Here’s what the forecasts shows. Expect more of the same. Rates likely won’t change much – and prices will likely rise. Sometimes the best move isn't waiting for the market to change. It's finding out what's still possible right now. Let’s talk it over.

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

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day to all the good boys, good girls, and very spoiled pups out there! 🐶❤️

Give them an extra treat today. They deserve it!

08/24/2026

The latest home price data just made one thing clear.

More markets are seeing prices rise. And fewer are seeing them fall.

Just one quarter ago, home prices were rising in 71% of markets. Today, it's 80%. That’s a pretty big shift in just 3 months.

Now, that doesn't mean prices are climbing everywhere. But it does mean there’s no widespread crash happening. If anything, prices may have turned a corner.

Thinking about making a move? Send me a DM, and let's look at what's happening in our market before you decide what to do.

And don’t buy into every headline you see about prices falling. The data clearly tells a different story.

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

08/24/2026

Champaign County’s real estate market remained strong through July 2026, with overall median sales prices rising 3.9% year-over-year to $265,000 and single-family homes reaching $292,000 (+4.3%).

The biggest win for buyers is a massive 47.8% surge in available inventory (up to 427 active listings), providing significantly more options even as demand keeps homes selling fast at an average of just 25 days on market.

08/21/2026

One of the biggest stories in the housing market these past few years has been how much the supply of homes for sale has grown. It’s the #1 bright spot for buyers in this market.

But you may have heard that growth has been slowing down.

It’s true it went from +31% a year ago to just +2% now. But that’s no reason to worry about your move.

Because nationally, inventory has been up year-over-year for 33 straight months. And the latest data shows the slowdown may have already hit its floor.

Plus, since rates aren't expected to come down much anytime soon, inventory growth may be about to pick back up.

The bottom line? Inventory is still better than it was last year – and that gives you options. And even more choices may be coming soon.

Wondering what this means for your plans? Send me a DM and let's talk through what’s available right here, right now.

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