Stana Vukajlovic - Compass

09/25/2026

Homes in Highly Rated School Zones Cost 35% More Than the Average U.S. Home--But the Premium Is Much Smaller in Some Parts of the Country
One trend I continue to see in our market—and across the country—is the significant premium placed on homes located in highly rated school zones. Nationally, homes in these top school districts cost 35% more than the median U.S. home, with buyers needing an income of $159K compared to $118K elsewhere. Only about 13% of these homes are within reach for median earners, and the size of that price premium shifts depending on the metro area. In my two decades working with families throughout the Western Suburbs, I’ve seen firsthand how school quality can shape home values and affordability. My background in banking and commercial real estate helps me spot where value and quality align, even in competitive markets like these. For anyone weighing the importance of schools against budget and long-term investment, understanding these dynamics is essential.


http://www.stanavukajlovicrealestateagent.com/agent-news/stana-vukajlovic-1/1963812-Homes-in-Highly-Rated-School-Zones-Cost-35%25-More-Than-the-Av

09/24/2026

For more information, contact me at [email protected]

Price cuts have climbed for 7 straight months.

Right now, more than 4 in 10 homes for sale have already had one, and it usually comes down to one thing – the market's moving faster than most sellers expected and their pricing hasn’t necessarily kept up.

A home that needs a cut usually just sat too long priced above what buyers will actually pay right now.

Selling soon? Let's set your number right from day one, so you skip that wasted time.

House hunting? A home that's had its price reduced means the seller's already been through that wait. And sellers who've been sitting are usually ready to deal.

09/24/2026

For more information, contact me at [email protected]

Why So Many Sellers Are Cutting Their Price Right Now

Price cuts are a normal part of today’s housing market, and both buyers and sellers can use them to their advantage. Let's look at what's actually happening with prices in your neighborhood, so you know exactly where you stand before you list or make an offer.

Price cuts are turning up everywhere right now, and they read very differently depending on which side of the deal you’re on.

09/24/2026

Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
Over my 20+ years guiding families through the ups and downs of Chicagoland real estate, I’ve seen markets shift—but right now, both buyers and sellers are feeling stuck. With mortgage rates higher, many buyers are pausing their search, finding it harder to justify monthly payments and waiting for conditions to improve. At the same time, pending sales are losing steam, which means fewer buyers are moving from browsing to making actual offers. On the other side, homeowners who locked in lower rates aren’t eager to trade up, so we’re seeing fewer new listings. This creates a unique kind of gridlock: buyers are holding out for better payment options, while sellers are reluctant to let go of their favorable loans. Transactions are moving at a slower-than-usual pace, and patience is key. My background in banking and commercial real estate helps me see these patterns and advise families on how to navigate them, whether you’re preparing to sell or hoping to buy. Recognizing value and timing is more important than ever.

09/23/2026

For more information, contact me at [email protected]

Not sure where to start if you’re thinking about moving? You’re not alone.

Right now, there are actually 4 different housing markets running at once, and each one plays by its own rules.

Cash buyers. Buyers taking out a mortgage. Homeowners feeling reluctant to give up their current low rate. And builders eager to sell their extra inventory.

Which group you fall in can completely change how you should approach your move. But that’s where an agent comes in.

We have the expertise on what to do for your specific situation and the strategies that are going to work for you.

Comment below and tell me which group you’re in. Let's figure out your next move from there.

09/23/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
We’re seeing a shift in the market, with more homes coming onto the scene and buyers taking a step back. In the four weeks ending August 23, new U.S. listings inched up 0.4% and total homes for sale rose by 0.5%—the highest inventory we’ve seen since early Q2. Despite this, pending home sales dipped 1.1% to a six-month low, as many buyers remain cautious with housing costs and average mortgage rates hovering near 7%, a 13-month high. The median U.S. sale price is now up 1.9% year-over-year, topping $400K.

For those actively searching, these conditions can open doors to better negotiation—especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. Sellers who set realistic prices, rather than chasing past market highs, are seeing the best results. After two decades helping families navigate the Western Suburbs, I’ve found that understanding current trends and emphasizing value and quality construction can make all the difference. Whether you’re considering selling or searching for the right home, a thoughtful approach tailored to today’s climate is key.

09/23/2026

For more information, contact me at [email protected]

There Are 4 Types of Housing Markets Right Now. Which 1 Are You In?

Four different housing markets are running at once: cash buyers, financed buyers, locked-in owners, and builders. Each one plays by its own rules, and the right move for one is exactly the wrong move for another.

Let's figure out which one you're actually in and build your next move from there.

Today’s housing market splits into four distinct types. You’ve got cash buyers, buyers financing a purchase, owners who feel locked into a low rate, and builders with homes to sell.

09/22/2026

Ask Me Anything!
Have questions about real estate but not sure where to start?
https://www.roomvu.com/ask-me-anything?branded-user=stana-vukajlovic-1&share=true&c=2026-09-18

09/22/2026

Waiting until fall won't make homes more affordable, but here's what will
Many folks hope that waiting until fall might bring relief in home affordability—but the numbers tell a different story. Right now, the income needed to purchase a median-priced home in the US has nearly doubled, landing above $120,000. With mortgage rates hovering near 6.5% and prices still trending upward, postponing rarely creates better opportunities. What truly makes a difference is preparation. Typical down payments range from 6-9%, though there are still paths to lower or even zero down options if you know where to look. After more than two decades helping families navigate the Western Suburbs, I’ve seen how understanding value, quality, and smart financing choices can be the real game-changer in this market. If you’re thinking ahead, focusing on readiness—rather than hoping for a market shift—puts you in the strongest position.

09/22/2026

For more information, contact me at [email protected]

If you’re selling this season, a little effort out front goes a long way. Because the moment a buyer pulls up to a showing, they're already forming an opinion.

But there are a few simple things you can do to nail that first impression. Think tidying up your landscaping, bringing in some seasonal flowers, and sweeping the walkways. Or even just cleaning out the gutters and making sure the path to your door is well lit.

You don’t need to do a big overhaul to get buyers’ attention.

Let’s chat about what people in our area are looking for right now, and get your house prepped to sell this fall.