James D. Smith RE/MAX Plaza Realtor

James D. Smith RE/MAX Plaza Realtor Broker & Realtor at RE/MAX Plaza | Gurnee | It Is Not How Many Properties I Sell – It Is About How Many Of My Clients I Help And How I Help Them

James D Smith is a always answer my Phone and I focus on my client's needs Broker in the Lake County IL area that is known for undefined exceptional MPR Military Relocation Professional and National Association Of Realtors Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) skills. With over 36 years of Real Estate experience, James D makes each transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible for undefined clients.

119+ Five Star Reviews on Google

James D began undefined career in Real Estate in 1990, and since then has joined RE/MAX Plaza, where undefined has been able to provide numerous clients with undefined knowledge, expertise, and unparalleled passion for the field. In addition to helping clients buy and sell homes, James D is also highly skilled in *SRES Seniors Real Estate Specialist, *AHWD At Home with Diversity working with military families, and ADPR Accredited Distressed Property Representative. James D will be sure to exceed your Real Estate expectations. Contact undefined today!

Low Home Prices, Lower Taxes: Why These Underrated States Are a First-Time Buyer's DreamAs someone who's been guiding bu...
09/26/2026

Low Home Prices, Lower Taxes: Why These Underrated States Are a First-Time Buyer's Dream
As someone who's been guiding buyers and investors through the ins and outs of real estate for more than two decades, I pay close attention to where opportunities truly exist for those entering the market. It’s interesting to see how ten states—Iowa, Alabama, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri—stand out for first-time homebuyers, offering median home prices well below $410,700 and notably low property tax rates. While my focus is on the unique communities of Lake, McHenry, and Cook Counties here in Illinois (and southern Wisconsin), it’s valuable to understand how different markets compare across the country. Knowing how affordability and tax rates can shape long-term value is key, whether you’re seeking your first home or evaluating investment potential. That’s the kind of perspective I bring to every client conversation—helping you weigh the variables that matter most for your goals.


http://www.jdshomes.net/agent-news/james-d-smith/1970519-Low-Home-Prices%2C-Lower-Taxes%3A-Why-These-Underrated-States-Ar

Home Prices Rise 2.6% YoY Despite Expanding InventoryEven with more homes on the market, we’re seeing national home pric...
09/25/2026

Home Prices Rise 2.6% YoY Despite Expanding Inventory
Even with more homes on the market, we’re seeing national home prices continue to climb—up 2.6% year over year, reaching a median of $400,000 in July. Home sales also saw a bump of 2.9%, and inventory grew by 4.4%. What’s interesting is how this growth plays out across property types: single-family homes grew by 2.5%, condos by 2.3%, and townhomes by 0.8%. After more than two decades working throughout Lake, McHenry, and Cook Counties—and southern Wisconsin—I've seen firsthand how local market dynamics can differ from national trends. If you’re weighing options in our area, it’s always worth looking at not just the numbers, but what they mean for your next move or investment.


http://www.jdshomes.net/agent-news/james-d-smith/1946494-Home-Prices-Rise-2.6%25-YoY-Despite-Expanding-Inventory

09/25/2026

Home appreciation and equity go hand in hand when it comes to building value in your home. 💰 Learn how an increase in your home’s value can impact your equity. 📊

Contact me today!
Focusing on your Needs. Over 100 5-Star reviews and counting!
847-274-8301
[email protected]
www.myjdshomes.com

09/24/2026

Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
After more than 20 years navigating the real estate landscape in Lake, McHenry, and Cook Counties, I’ve learned that understanding market shifts is key to making informed decisions. Right now, we’re in the midst of what many are calling a housing stalemate. Higher mortgage rates are making it tough for buyers to justify monthly payments, leading many to press pause on their search. I’m seeing pending sales slow down, which tells me fewer people are moving from browsing to making real offers. On the other side, homeowners who locked in lower rates aren’t eager to list, keeping inventory tight. The end result is a market where buyers are holding out for better terms while sellers hesitate to give up their favorable loans—leaving transactions at a crawl. Whether you’re thinking about your next move or simply keeping an eye on the market, local expertise can make all the difference in understanding how these trends might impact your goals.

09/24/2026

Looking to buy or sell in Lake, McHenry Counties IL.?

Contact me today!
Focusing on your Needs. Over 100 5-Star reviews and counting!
847-274-8301
[email protected]
www.myjdshomes.com

09/24/2026

Thank you Suzanne for your stellar review!
“James is the best of the best. He is someone you definitely want in your corner. He goes above and beyond to take extra care of his clients. James will do whatever it takes. I certainly hope that we work together again soon.”
Feel free to reach out for any of your real estate needs and see why my clients are always well taken care of!
Focusing on your Needs. Over 100 5-Star reviews and counting!
847-274-8301
[email protected]
www.myjdshomes.com

09/23/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
We’re seeing a noticeable shift in the housing market: in the four weeks ending August 23, new US listings edged up by 0.4%, and total homes for sale rose 0.5%, reaching levels we haven’t seen since early in the second quarter. On the other hand, pending home sales slipped by 1.1% to a six-month low, as elevated housing costs continue to keep many buyers on the sidelines—even as inventory improves nationwide.

The median US home sale price is now up 1.9% year-over-year, topping $400,000, while average mortgage rates are hovering close to 7%, marking a 13-month high. For active buyers, these rising inventories and softer demand are creating more favorable conditions, opening up opportunities for negotiation, price reductions, and seller concessions in many markets.

From my experience working with families and investors throughout Lake, McHenry, and Cook Counties, I can say that homes that have been on the market for several weeks often present the best leverage for buyers. Sellers who price their homes realistically—rather than aiming for the highs of previous years—are seeing the most success. In this environment, whether you’re considering a move or evaluating an investment, smart analysis and local insight make all the difference.

09/23/2026

An open house is your chance to make a strong first impression with buyers. 👋 Take a little time to prepare your home and highlight its best features. 🌟

Contact me today!
Focusing on your Needs. Over 100 5-Star reviews and counting!
847-274-8301
[email protected]
www.myjdshomes.com

09/22/2026

Median Home Price By State: How Much Do Houses Cost?
Keeping a close eye on home prices is essential, especially for those of us invested in the real estate market. As of July 2026, the U.S. median price for single-family homes reached $418,610—an increase of 3.93% compared to last year—while mortgage rates climbed to 6.66%. It’s interesting to note that Washington, D.C. currently leads the nation with a median price of $1,342,343. Over my 20+ years serving the Chicagoland area—particularly Lake, McHenry, and Cook Counties, as well as southern Wisconsin—I’ve seen how these national numbers set the stage for our local market trends. Understanding where prices are headed helps you make confident decisions, whether you’re seeking a new family home or evaluating an investment opportunity. My ongoing commitment is to keep you informed with the expertise and local perspective you deserve.

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5445 Grand Avenue #200
Gurnee, IL
60031

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