Nicci Mertens - Licensed Real Estate Broker

09/23/2026

You can't control where mortgage rates go, but you can control your credit, your loan, and the kind of home you buy. Working with a trusted lender can help you lock in the best rate you qualify for. And when you’re ready to make a move that fits your budget, let’s connect.

If you're trying to buy a home, affordability is probably what keeps you up at night.

09/21/2026

Selling this fall? Starting strong matters even more this time of year.

In the fall, buyer activity typically starts to slow while the number of homes for sale climbs. That means fewer buyers may be looking at more options – so you want your house to stand out from day one.

Here’s the cheat sheet for how to make that happen.

Price it for today’s buyers. Not what your neighbor sold for a few years back.

Make your house hard to pass up. Tackle essential repairs and spend time on your curb appeal.

Stay flexible when offers come in. This is not the season to play hardball.

And be ready to adjust when needed. If you keep getting the same feedback from buyers, take it to heart.

If you want to sell before the end of the year, let’s make sure you have the right strategy from the start. Because with the right plan, selling in the fall is a no brainer.

09/20/2026

The best time to buy a home this year is here.

Realtor.com says September 27–October 3 is expected to bring the best combination of buyer-friendly conditions in 2026.

We’re talking about more homes to choose from, better pricing, less competition, and more time to decide. And maybe that’s enough to offset some of the pressure today’s higher rates are putting on your budget.

Want to find out? Let’s have a quick conversation about what’s expected in our market and what’s available in your price point. Just DM me to get started.

And just so you know, the window doesn’t close after that one week. It’s open all October long.

09/18/2026

When affordability is this tight, waiting for lower mortgage rates can feel like your only way in. But 41% of buyers who waited actually wish they'd bought sooner. And right now, inflation, the economy, and global events are all having an impact on rates – and could even nudge them up. So, waiting might not pay off the way you hope. You don’t have to buy now. Move only when the numbers work for you. But talk to a trusted lender first, so you know all your options.

09/16/2026

If you want to buy a house this year, there’s still a way to make it happen, even with today’s rates. This fall gives you the chance to get some of the best seasonal perks the market has to offer.

Want help figuring out when those advantages typically show up in our market?

Let's have a quick conversation about how our market works and the steps you’ll need to take to get ready.

Want to buy a house this year, but not sure if the timing’s right? Seasonally, it may actually be a better time to buy than you expect.

09/15/2026

🏡✨ JUST LISTED | ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ✨🏡

📍 310 W Kirchoff Rd
💰 $637,000

A storybook farmhouse on a massive, lush lot — and this one is truly something special! 🤍

Overflowing with charm, character and warmth, this home beautifully combines those architectural details you just can’t recreate with the modern updates today’s buyers are looking for.

✨ Inside you’ll find:
• Original maple floors & beautiful crown molding
• A stunning family room with vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams & wide-plank flooring
• Gorgeous stone wood-burning fireplace
• Spacious eat-in kitchen with modern appliances, extensive cabinetry & large pantry
• First-floor office/flex space
• 4 possible bedrooms
• Beautifully remodeled second-floor bathroom
• Tons of natural light throughout
• Freshly painted interior & exterior
• Updated flooring & several new windows
• Updated plumbing + additional mechanical improvements

And then there’s the LOT. 😍🌳

French doors open to an incredible private backyard with a brand-new fence, expansive entertaining deck and huge lush front and back yards — perfect for summer nights, entertaining, kids, pets or simply having room to breathe.

Additional updates include a newer roof, plus a 2.5-car garage and basement with exceptional storage.

📍 And the location? DYNAMITE.

Walk to South Middle School, enjoy nearby Pioneer Park, Sunset Meadow Park and Arlington Lakes Golf Club — all while being just 5 minutes from Downtown Arlington Heights, restaurants, shopping and the Metra.

This is truly one of those “they don’t build them like this anymore” homes. ❤️

📲 DM me for details or to schedule your private showing!

Nicci Mertens | REALTOR®
Compass
📞 773-972-9123



I kept the storybook/vintage-home angle front and center, because that’s what makes this property stand apart from a typical Arlington Heights listing.

09/14/2026

🚨 HOME RUN FIX & FLIP OPPORTUNITY — ORLAND
PARK! 🚨
🏡 High-end property in a very desirable, prestigious Orland Park subdivision with serious upside.
📍 Prime location
💰 Strong fix & flip potential
🏠 High-end neighborhood
🪽 This one will go QUICK!

Serious investors only. Contact me ASAP for price, numbers & details.

09/14/2026

Your home's price point is the real story right now, more than anything you're hearing in national headlines. Let's map out exactly where your house fits in this split market and build a pricing strategy that gets you the speed and price you're after.

Ask a couple people how the housing market is doing and you’ll probably get a couple different answers. That’s because right now, the market runs on 2 very different tracks, split by price point.

09/13/2026

🏗️ LOTS & TEARDOWNS WANTED

I have developers READY TO BUY & CLOSE QUICKLY.

North Shore
Northwest Suburbs
• Southwest Suburbs
• Chicago
• Target acquisition: $400K-$600K

Looking for vacant lots, teardowns, major fixers, and off-market opportunities.

Have something coming soon or something that never hit the market? DM me.

• Call or text: 773-972-9123

Serious buyers. Ready to move.