Michael Heagney, Real Estate Broker IL and WI, Make Your Move

03/25/2026

Illinois comes in at #7, with 9 of the top 10 markets located east of the Mississippi. Take a look at the list — could house flipping be a fit for you? Or perhaps a purchase, rent, and hold strategy?

You can still make a pretty penny flipping houses—if you know where to buy property and you have the capital to get started.

03/10/2026

Many times, the path to wealth and financial security isn’t about how much you make, but how much you save and build over time. For a lot of people, owning real estate has been one of the most reliable ways to do just that — steadily building equity and long-term financial strength.

Revenge saving can help younger homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership, thanks to several strategies.

03/05/2026

Moving can be disruptive. Sure, there are the obvious costs — packing, boxing, transporting everything, and lining up the people power to help get it all done. But it goes beyond the physical move. Once you’ve already bought the next place, life suddenly gets busy. Work schedules, family routines, and everyday priorities all get juggled while trying to get settled into the new home.

At that point, most people simply want to get their belongings moved and start living in the new place as quickly as possible. The focus shifts to getting settled, restoring some normal routine, and making the new house feel like home. Because of that, many are willing to spend what it takes to make the transition happen quickly and smoothly.

Liquidity and preparation are so important. Having access to funds and a plan in place helps take the pressure off during what should be an exciting time — allowing the move to feel less stressful and the new chapter to begin sooner.

A new study from Realtor.com shows that movers are excited to invest money in new products, services, and upgrades despite the added expense.

01/29/2026

The interesting piece here is that homeowners insurance is typically required for homes that carry a mortgage. Therefore, these 1 in 7 homes without insurance are typically owned outright. You would think the budgeting that got them here would be the same budgeting used to maintain insurance. Hmmm.

More than 11 million homeowners in the U.S. lack home insurance, leaving about 1 out of 7 homes uninsured in the event of disaster.

01/22/2026

🏡 4 bedrooms 5 bathrooms 4731 sq ft $1,857,500 Lake Bluff
Closing out 2025 with a charmer! Story goes: this was the second house built in Lake Bluff, circa 1860. After several updates, advancements, and enhancements, you get this gem—sitting just a block from Lake Michigan.

Congrats and good luck to my buyers as they return to Illinois for a fresh new start in the Bluff. They wanted a unique home with character and a story—and we found it 🙌.

Michael Heagney
847-456-4290

01/21/2026

The 5 D’s of Selling a Home - They Happen - Time Takes Over

Death
The passing of an owner or family member, leading to an estate sale or inheritance situation.

Divorce
A change in marital status that requires dividing assets and often selling the home.

Debt
Financial pressure, job loss, or other economic stress that makes selling necessary.

Distance
Relocation for work, family, lifestyle, or retirement—moving closer or farther away.

Diapers
Family size changes (kids arriving or leaving), driving the need for more or less space.

The housing market recently reached a milestone that suggests the "lock-in" effect, discouraging home sellers from putting their properties on the

12/19/2025

As I continue to grow my commercial real estate practice alongside my residential work - building new relationships and adding more commercial transactions to my portfolio - it’s meaningful to be recognized by my office and by Berkshire Hathaway. I appreciate the support and acknowledgment as I continue expanding this side of my business. If you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in commercial or residential real estate, or simply want to connect and compare notes, I welcome the conversation.

Michael Heagney
847-456-4290

11/26/2025

Is your Realtor combing the Private Network for you daily? I just snagged this little gem for my buyer through the Private Network—no photos even posted yet… stayed on the listing agent until we had first dibs. !
🏡 Closed - Mundelein 3 beds 2 baths 1388 sq ft $285,000
Michael Heagney
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
www.michaelheagney.com
847-456-4290

11/15/2025

Hot tubs definitely have their allure—there’s no better way to relax and unwind. But they come with a cost: upkeep, maintenance, and the occasional repair. I also find that for many homeowners, the excitement wears off; after a few months, they’re rarely used. If you’re selling a home with a hot tub, make sure it’s pristine, because a clean, well-maintained tub can add value. On the flip side, no one wants to inherit a neglected one, which can actually hurt your home’s appeal.

If you own a hot tub, there are several factors to consider to ensure you're not turning off a potential buyer.

10/23/2025

Also, not to be confused with sewer backup insurance — which I’ve found to be a more common issue in our area. Many homeowners with flood insurance assume sewer backup coverage is included in their policy, but it’s typically separate and added as a “sewer backup rider.” It’s usually relatively inexpensive, so it’s worth checking with your insurance agent.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. A licensed insurance agent can advise you on purchasing the right flood insurance to protect your assets.

10/22/2025

🏡 Closed! List side - Antioch IL 3 Bedrooms 2.5 Bathrooms 1677 sq ft sold $306,500 / listed at $275,000 11% over-asking!
This one took some time and prep. The seller was busy traveling for work and couldn’t devote much time to the process—but I knew it was imperative to push through my punch list to ensure we got the highest price possible in such a strong seller’s market.

It took us a little longer to pull the trigger and go “live,” but it was well worth it. The offer came in well over asking—as is, quick closing, and completely drama-free. A huge weight off my seller’s shoulders!

Thank you for believing, trusting, and committing to the process 🙌
Michael Heagney
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
www.michaelheagney.com
847-456-4290

10/08/2025

Pluses and minuses. Everyone loves shopping and looking at homes. This AI-powered staging model can feel like entertainment—or even a bit like doom scrolling. While a serious buyer may find some benefits, it’s always best to visit a home in person. It’s amazing how the feel of a place—its location, yard, condition, and community—can completely change a buyer’s perception, far beyond just how the furniture is laid out.

Zillow (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) has introduced Virtual Staging, an AI-powered feature built directly into the Zillow Showcase listing experience.