Jane Haynes, Realtor at Baird & Warner, Libertyville, IL

06/24/2026

That House That’s Been Sitting Could Be Your Best Shot at a Deal

A house sitting on the market isn’t always a glaring red flag. In today’s market, it may be your best opportunity yet.

For help deciding which lingering listings are actually worth a second look, let’s connect.

Contact me if you'd like to talk about selling or buying!

Open up a home search and you'll see them. Listings that have been on the market for two months. Three. Some longer.

06/24/2026

Only 5% of Sellers Sell Without an Agent – Here's Why

There’s a reason only 5% of sellers sell without an agent. The ones who tried it on their own say this is where things went sideways: getting the price right, knowing how to prep, and selling on time. And these aren’t small details. They’re what determines how much you walk away with. Skip the guesswork. Let’s connect.

Contact me if you'd like to talk about selling or buying!

06/22/2026

Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says.

Right now, local markets are moving in very different directions. And your strategy as a buyer or seller should reflect your market.

Want to know which way our local market is leaning and what that means for your move? Let's connect.

Contact me if you'd like to talk about selling or buying!

Remember a few years back when sellers held all the power and buyers were stuck offering way over asking or waiving inspections just to get a chance at the house? In many markets, those days are behind us.

06/22/2026

A few years ago, sellers could say "no" to just about everything a buyer asked for.

No repairs.
No concessions.
No negotiation.

Today? The market looks a little different.

Zillow says 67% of sellers pay some or all of their buyer's closing costs.

That doesn't mean every seller should do it. But it does mean the most successful sellers today understand something important:

The market has shifted. And that's means negotiation is back on the table.

Sometimes helping with closing costs makes sense. Sometimes another concession is the better move. But it’s normal for today’s market to require some give and take.

The key is knowing what buyers are asking for in your area, and which compromises are actually worth making.

Want to know what sellers in our area are negotiating right now? Send a message or drop a comment below.

Contact me if you'd like to talk about selling or buying!

06/21/2026

Look at the updated Gurnee Market Update on Single Family Attached Homes Market Watch Report.

With real estate being local, it's important to work with a local expert that understands the changing market.

06/19/2026

Just Listed! Do not miss this new listing at 1520 QUEEN ANN Lane , Gurnee.

OFFICIAL LISTING website. 1520 Queen Ann Lane , Gurnee, IL 60031, 1314 square foot, 2 bedrooms, 2 full & 1 partial bathrooms, asking price of $330,000, MLS ID 12675123

06/19/2026

🏡 ACTIVE | 📍 1520 QUEEN ANN Lane, Gurnee, IL 60031
💲 330,000 | 🛏 2 bed 🛁 3 bath

06/19/2026

Everything you need in one-level living! Main floor laundry! Lots of flexible living space. 2-Car Garage. Lovely deck with private back yard. Just Listed at $330,000. Open House Saturday 6/20 from 12-2 pm AND on Sunday 6/21 1-23pm!

06/17/2026

Putting off buying a home? Maybe you're waiting for a crash to get a better deal – or afraid you'll buy now and watch your home's value fall later.

Either way, the widespread drop you're bracing for may not be coming.

Yes, a few markets are seeing mild declines. But more than 100 economists and housing experts expect home prices will actually rise nationally over the next five years – not fall.

And waiting for a deal that never comes could mean passing up the chance to gain thousands in equity or paying more in a few years for the same home.

So before you decide to wait, let's talk about your options and what prices are really doing in our area.

Contact me if you'd like to talk about selling or buying!

06/15/2026

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year."

But before you decide, make sure you understand what you could be giving up too. Because moving this Summer does have its advantages.

For buyers, it could give you more options in your price point. Historically, there are over 30% more fresh listings in the Summer compared to the rest of the year.

For sellers, it can mean a better sales price. Data shows, on average homes sell for 4% more in the typical Summer month compared to usual month in the Fall or Winter (when demand typically falls off).

The point isn't to rush into anything. It's just to make sure you have the full picture before deciding whether waiting is really your best move.

DM me if you want to talk through your options. No pressure, just perspective based on years of experience.

Contact me if you'd like to talk about selling or buying!