Jim Schmidt - RE/MAX Realty Associates

05/30/2026

JUST LISTED 🚀

Take a look at this fantastic new property that just hit the market located at 1006 S Eastview Dr, Tuscola IL. Reach out here or at (217) 840-0788 for more information.

Jim Schmidt | Realtor
RE/MAX Choice, Champaign IL
217-840-0788

Take a closer look at this $130,000, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,018 Sq Ft, Single Family for sale, located at 1006 S EASTVIEW DR in TUSCOLA, IL 61953.

05/29/2026

After a year or more of rates coming down, things have changed. And lately, mortgage rates have been climbing again.

And if that's made you wonder whether you should delay your move until they drop, you're not the only one.

The honest truth is that rates probably won't come down much until inflation cools off and some of the global uncertainty settles. And no one knows exactly when that'll be.

But what most headlines won't tell you is that rates aren't the only thing that affects affordability. Sure, they’re a big factor, but not all of the affordability news is bad.

Wages, home prices, and inventory are all trending in a direction that could still help make your move possible.

Want to know what that actually looks like for your situation? Drop a comment or send me a DM.

Because even though rates are higher, there are pockets of opportunity...

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

05/27/2026

You’ve probably heard of the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan. But do you know what it offers?

In a recent survey, 68% of Veterans didn’t know they may be able to buy a home with zero money down. 77% didn’t know PMI isn’t always required.

Many also have no idea they may be able to count their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) as income.

Any of those VA loan benefits could make homeownership more achievable than you realize.

If you’ve served (or know someone who has), get in touch with a trusted lender for more information on VA home loan options and what you may qualify for.

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

05/27/2026

Yes, rates have been volatile, and global instability is keeping them from settling down anytime soon. There’s no sugar coating that. But the full picture of affordability is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

Want to run the real numbers for your situation? Let's talk. Reach out and let's set up a quick, no-pressure conversation.

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

Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability.

05/25/2026

VA home loans can put homeownership within reach, and a trusted lender can help make sure you understand the details before you move forward. If you’re active duty, you’ve served, or know someone who has, connect with a trusted lender who can walk you through whether you’d qualify and what the VA benefit offers. You may be able to buy a home sooner than you thought.

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

Nearly half of Veterans (49%) feel homeownership is currently out of reach, according to a recent survey from NewDay USA.

05/25/2026

Home of the free because of the brave.
Wishing you a happy Memorial Day!

05/22/2026

Record mortgage debt makes for a scary headline. But context matters.

Equity is near an all-time high, home values have surged, and the vast majority of homeowners are in a position of real financial strength. The conditions that made 2008 a crisis simply don't exist right now.

If you're wondering what all of this means for your situation, whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of the market, reach out anytime. No pressure, just answers.

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

You may have seen the headlines lately about mortgage debt in America hitting a record high.

05/20/2026

Wondering if buyers ever catch a break in this market? Look at this. 39% of sellers say they expect to make concessions this year. That’s up from 30% in 2025. So, you may have more room to negotiate than you think. Want to know what you can ask for as a buyer? Let’s chat.

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

05/20/2026

Nearly 40% of potential sellers say they're planning to offer concessions this year – up from 30% in 2025.

That increase means you could see more flexibility on things like sellers covering your closing costs, adjusting the price, or making repairs.

But what’s worth asking for and what’s a long shot will vary depending on where you’re looking. That’s where I can help.

DM me and let's talk about what concessions make sense in our market. Because, for buyers, the right ask could save you thousands.

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

05/18/2026

When’s the last time you checked how much equity you’ve built? Because the number might surprise you.

In just the past 6 years, the average homeowner has gained over $128,000 – just from price growth and making their payments.

That’s money that could help fund your next move or a major life goal.

And if you’ve lived there longer than 6 years, your number could be even higher.

Want to find out? I’m offering a free equity assessment for homeowners in our market right now. Just send me a DM to get started.

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