Denise Mathews Realtor - NW Indiana Real Estate

09/27/2026

Housing affordability snapshot for Lake County:

In August 2026, only 31.2% of listings were affordable to a household earning $75,000. The median monthly payment was $2,307, representing 44.8% of income—above Indiana’s 42.6% level.

This is down from 75% of listed homes being affordable in 2021 and even 55% of the listings in the thick of the Covid-era price run-up. Add on higher interest rates as well and you can see why there's a stall in the housing market currently for most people.

However, if you have the means, this is an excellent time to take advantage of the market stall and negotiate some concessions into your new home purchase.

09/11/2026

Big impact doesn’t always require a big renovation. 🏡🔨 See which budget-friendly home updates can add appeal now and potentially pay off when it’s time to sell.

https://lookforther.realtor/remodel/remodeling-tips-advice/budget-friendly-home-remodeling-projects-that-can-boost-a-homes-resale-value/

08/17/2026

A 50+ year pattern is still playing out in today's market.

Mortgage rates have historically tracked the 10-year Treasury yield closely, and that relationship hasn't changed. What has shifted is the spread between the two, a detail that's easy to miss but has real implications for buyers weighing whether to act now or wait.

We unpacked the full context and what it means for today's market on the blog. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4gcuoDC

08/15/2026

If your home was damaged by this last storm you may be able to adjust your assessment.

Download the form here: https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=4773

Or stop by our office for a copy and assistance — we’re here to help.

📍 Lake County Assessor’s Office, 2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN
📞 (219) 755-3100
✉️ [email protected]

08/11/2026

Long term single owners need this!

Under a new bill gaining support in Congress, the tax-free profit limit on a home sale could double to $500K for single filers and $1 million for couples.

07/21/2026

I can’t get enough of Chicago architecture! How about you?

Everyone knows Chicago has a world-class skyline, but if you only look up, you are missing the best part.

An architect designed a breathtaking entrance downtown using a stunning bronze-plated facade with intricate, plant-like art structures.

He spent five years perfecting it.

It is considered one of the greatest examples of decorative architecture in American history, yet most people on State Street walk straight past it.

That's just ONE of 12 Chicago doors that are quietly making modern glass buildings look embarrassing.

Another entrance deep in the Loop features stunning bronze panels paired with fierce panther head door handles.

They were designed by the very same artist who created the iconic lions outside the Art Institute of Chicago.

There is a beachside-style campus spot with dark Gothic doors completely swallowed by colorful crimson ivy.

It looks like it was lifted straight from Oxford and dropped right into the city.

It is one of the most photographed spots, yet most tourists never make it there.

But the ONE that surprised me most after looking at local architecture?

A grand entryway hiding hand-forged bronze masterpieces that weigh over half a ton each.

They are collectively valued at over one million dollars!

You can walk right up and touch them without spending a single penny.

Stop ignoring the streets you walk on. Check out the full list of these hidden architectural gems below 👇

06/17/2026

05/30/2026

Life doesn't always wait for the "perfect" market.

People are still moving every day. Not because rates are perfect or conditions are ideal, but because life happens.

👶 Families grow
💼 Jobs change
❤️ Relationships begin
🏠 Homes that once fit no longer do

If you're wondering whether your next move is possible, start with a conversation. A local REALTOR® can help you understand your options and make a plan that fits your goals. Find the BEST local experts at nira.realtor!

Because sometimes the question isn't "What's the market doing?" It's "What do I need my next chapter to look like?"

05/29/2026

OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEKEND!
Sat & Sun May 30/31 from 1-3 both days
2525 Longwood Dr #101, Highland, IN

SELL PAYING 1st YEAR OF HOA DUES W/FULL PRICE OFFER BY 6/5/26!

Move-in ready 2 BR, 2 BA main level condo with no stairs, $204,900. Click for more info, don't miss out on NO HOA for 1st year!

See this move-in ready main-floor Highland condo with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, garage, and first-year HOA dues paid with full-price offer by 6/5/26.

05/15/2026

April was a steady month for our region’s housing market. Closed sales reached 820, up 3% from last year. The median sale price rose 6% month over month to $275,000, marking a 10% gain from April 2025.

Homes are also moving more briskly—median days on market dropped to 16, down 18% from March. Inventory increased slightly to 1,997 active listings, 3% higher than a year ago, showing more options for buyers. Sellers received an average of 95.9% of the list price, in line with typical levels for this time of year.

Overall, the April 2026 numbers point to a healthy spring market with balanced supply and strong pricing.

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