Darby Zwagerman Real Estate - atproperties

09/03/2026

Think New Homes Cost More? Not Right Now.

New homes may actually cost less than an existing home right now. And that’s opening up a window for you to get brand-new for less.

If you want a list of new home communities near you that are currently offering incentives or doing price cuts, let’s connect. That way you have someone in your corner helping you get the best deal possible.

Darby Zwagerman | ☎️ 773-294-9147 | Broker at | Christie's International Real Estate

Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards.

09/02/2026

The ‘ber months are here...and so is your September Chicago Edit.

This might be the busiest month on the calendar — I rounded up everything worth knowing in one place. What’s happening around town, what’s in and what’s out, and a few other surprises.

Save it, send it to a friend who never knows what’s going on until you tell them, and let me know what I missed in the comments.

What’s on your list now that fall is (unofficially) here?
 
 
 

09/01/2026

If you want to be moved in by the holidays, here’s when you actually need to call your agent.

Most people think finding the house takes the most time. It usually doesn’t.

Closing alone takes 30 to 45 days once you’re under contract. Add the time to find the right home and get financing lined up before you even start looking, and “by the holidays” means starting the conversation now, not in October.

Save this so you know your real timeline. Drop a 🏡 below if a move is on your radar this year and I’ll walk you through what it actually looks like.
 
 

08/31/2026

The lock-in effect is real.

But it doesn’t have to keep you from moving on if your current house isn’t serving you anymore.

While you wait for rates to drop, prices are rising and competition is steadily increasing.

Here’s some quick, back-of-the-napkin math to put it in perspective.

➡️ Buy now at $500,000 at a 6.5% rate with 20% down, and your payment lands around $2,528/mo.
➡️ Wait, and buy later at $515,000 at a 6.25% rate with 20% down? That payment is about $2,537/mo.

(Principal and interest only — taxes, insurance, and HOA if applicable will vary.)

A future drop in rates doesn’t automatically make a home more affordable if prices keep climbing. Waiting can mean you pay more and build less equity over time.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence because of your rate, talk to a lender Barry Schwartz to run your actual numbers, not the back-of-the-napkin version.

You might have more room than you think. Send me a message if you’re ready to have a conversation.

Interior by STUDIO SVEN, filmed at The Aerie Residence.

08/31/2026

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.

Darby Zwagerman | ☎️ 773-294-9147 | Broker at | Christie's International Real Estate

You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.

08/27/2026

Apparently, I spend a lot of time wondering if my clients know how much I’m thinking about them. 😂

Because somewhere along the way, it stops feeling like just another transaction. You get invested in the people, the outcome, all the little moments in between.

And there are definitely a few things I wonder if my clients know...

Swipe to see what’s going through my realtor brain.

Ken with Kevin Raugstad is the best!
 

08/27/2026

One Number Could Change Everything About Your Next Move

If it's been a while since you've gotten a professional look at your home's value, let's change that.

Reach out for a free, personalized Home Equity Assessment that estimates what your house could sell for, how much equity you've likely built, and what that could mean for your next move.

You may have six figures of equity without even realizing it. And that’s enough to change everything about your next move.

Darby Zwagerman | ☎️ 773-294-9147 | Broker at | Christie's International Real Estate

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now.

08/26/2026

I have to be honest with you: there have been days when I thought about quitting.
 
Anyone who owns their own business has probably had those moments.

I’m not going to pretend real estate is easy. It can be emotional, it can be unpredictable and there are days when I have thought ...”what if I did something else?”  

But somewhere in between the happy closing day photos on Instagram...and me, alone in my house at night questioning all of my life choices, are my clients.

And that is why I keep showing up.

Because helping families and individuals find that first home, their next chapter, the investment property that will span generations...it’s truly a privilege.

And I can’t imagine doing anything else. Anyone else? Tell me in the comments

08/24/2026

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

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.

Darby Zwagerman | ☎️ 773-294-9147 | Broker at | Christie's International Real Estate

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.