On The Move - Ben Morgridge - Keller Williams Experience

Name: On The Move - Ben Morgridge - Keller Williams Experience
Address: 5122 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL, US
Telephone: +16305980755

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On The Move - Ben Morgridge - Keller Williams Experience

I am a Realtor based in the western suburbs of Chicago. Let me know how I can help you reach your real estate goals!

While traveling all around our great city, I thought it would be fun to share those experiences with you all. Born and raised in the western Suburbs of Chicago, Ben is a proud alumni of Fenwick High School and The University of Dayton (GO FLYERS!). Ben currently resides in Darien with his wife and 2 boys. A sports fan, outdoor enthusiast and passionate about giving back, Ben is excited to help you

find the perfect buyer for your home, locate your dream home, and even add an investment property to your portfolio.

06/25/2026

My clients are the best!

06/24/2026

The “Safety Net” Clause: Understanding Contingencies in 2026 🤝⏳

It’s Wisdom Wednesday! You’ve found the house (or the buyer), the price is right, and the champagne is on ice. But wait—the contract is "Contingent." What does that actually mean for your move?

In today’s market, a contingency is essentially a "safety net" that allows a party to walk away from the deal without losing their earnest money if certain conditions aren't met.

Here are the 3 most common contingencies we are seeing in Darien right now:

1. The Inspection Contingency: This is the big one. Buyers are using this window not just for "deal-breakers," but to negotiate credits for rising repair costs.

2. The Appraisal Gap: With home values in Darien up nearly 5% over the last year, sometimes the bank’s appraiser doesn't see the value the market does. This clause determines who covers the "gap" if the loan amount comes in low.

3. The "Home Sale" Contingency: This is making a comeback! Many buyers in 2026 need to sell their current home to afford the next one. As a seller, accepting this requires a "Kick-Out Clause" to protect your timeline.

💡 Pro-Tip: The shorter the contingency period, the stronger the offer. If you’re a buyer, having your local lender "fully underwritten" can allow you to shorten or even waive the financing contingency, making your offer stand out in a multi-offer situation!

Confused about the fine print? That’s what I’m here for. Drop a "HELP" in the comments if you want a breakdown of the current standard contract!

06/23/2026

🏡 First impressions are everything for !

Curb appeal: Are you Team "Sharp & Modern" or Team "Warm & Classic"? 🌳🏠

The front of a home sets the tone before you even step through the front door. For a long time, the peak of luxury was the Ultra-Modern look (on the left): sharp geometric lines, dark slate finishes, and massive glass windows. It’s bold, it’s expensive, and it makes a statement.

NOW: We’re seeing a return to Classic Warmth (on the right). This "Modern Heritage" style is taking over! It’s all about mixing high-end textures like hand-cut limestone, warm cedar shakes, and creamy lime-wash finishes. It feels established, inviting, and timeless.

Both of these homes have incredible value, but they appeal to very different lifestyles.

So, let's play "This or That: Exterior Edition":

⬅️ Team A: The Sleek, High-Contrast Modern

➡️ Team B: The Warm, Textured Classic

If you were pulling into the driveway every evening, which one would you want to call home? Drop an A or B in the comments! 👇

06/19/2026

Feature it Friday!
Checking out Borse Park in Willowbrook. A great redesigned park with a splash pad, baseball fields, pickleball courts, a fishing pond, and even Chick-Fil-A!

06/17/2026

The 5-Minute First Impression: Curb Appeal Wins for Under $100 🌸🏡

It’s Wisdom Wednesday! In the 2026 market, a buyer has usually made up their mind about your home before they even step through the front door. We call this "The Drive-By Filter."

If the exterior looks neglected, buyers assume the interior systems (like the HVAC or plumbing) are neglected, too. The good news? You don’t need a massive landscaping budget to win them over.

Here are 3 "Quick Wins" to boost your home’s value this weekend for under $100:

1. The "Power" of Clean: Renting a power washer for a morning to spray down your driveway, walkway, and siding is the single most cost-effective way to make your home look "new."

2. Fresh Hardware & Numbers: Replace faded house numbers and a worn-out mailbox. Sleek, modern hardware tells buyers the home is updated and well-cared for.

3. The Entryway Anchor: A fresh, neutral welcome mat and two symmetrical potted plants by the front door create an inviting "focal point." Stick to seasonal blooms to show the home is actively maintained.

💡 Pro-Tip: Take a photo of your house from the street in black and white. Why? It helps you see the "shape" and "clutter" of your home without being distracted by color. If it looks messy in grayscale, it needs a trim!

Small changes lead to big offers. Which of these are you tackling this weekend? 🛠️

06/16/2026

🏡 It’s a backyard edition of !

Does your outdoor space feel like a "showroom" or a "sanctuary"? 🪵🔥

We’ve all seen the high-end, polished outdoor kitchen look (on the left). It’s sleek, it’s functional, and it has been the gold standard for years. But lately, we’re seeing a shift in how people want to feel when they step into their backyard.

NOW: Enter the Reimagined Retreat. This trend isn't about spending more; it’s about changing the energy. We’re moving away from built-in stainless steel and towards "Indoor-Outdoor Living." Think:

Warmth: Swapping the grill station for a focal-point firepit.

Texture: Layering outdoor rugs and using furniture with curved, softer silhouettes.

Atmosphere: String lights and oversized planters that make the yard feel like a private lounge rather than just a patio.

Both spaces are beautiful, but they serve a completely different "vibe."

So, let's play "This or That":

⬅️ Team A: The Sleek & Modern Outdoor Kitchen

➡️ Team B: The Cozy & Layered Firepit Retreat

Which one would you rather spend your Saturday night in? Drop an A or B below! 👇

06/15/2026

MARKET MONDAY
Want to know what happened in the Real Estate market in your town last week? Just let me know and I can be sure to add your town to the list for next week!

06/14/2026

Beautiful day out celebrating my clients at the ballpark! Thank you to everyone who came out!

Address

5122 Main Street
Downers Grove, IL

Telephone

+16305980755

Website

https://benm.kw.com/

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