Ellie Stevens Real People Realty

08/12/2026

Here’s Why Mortgage Rates Are What They Are Right Now

That’s the trade-off with a narrowing spread. Rates may not be where you want them, but they're better than they could've been. If you want help figuring out what that means for your monthly payment, reach out to a local lender




Ahead of the Market. Focused on Your Future.
For more information, text me today: 847-630-4449.

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while.

08/11/2026

Think big investors are snapping up all the homes? The data says otherwise.

The largest institutional investors are now selling more homes than they're buying – and the gap is growing every quarter.

That means those homes are going back on the market for regular buyers. And since big investors tend to own lower-priced homes, a lot of them are right in the range first-time buyers want.

Less competition. More options for you.

DM me and I'll show you what's hitting the market in our area.




Ahead of the Market. Focused on Your Future.
For more information, text me today: 847-630-4449.

08/10/2026

Here’s Where To Start if You’re Selling and Buying at the Same Time

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to buying and selling at once. But for a lot of homeowners, leading with the sale makes moving easier on their mind and their wallet.

Let’s connect, so you can navigate selling and buying with more confidence, more financial power, and less stress.




Ahead of the Market. Focused on Your Future.
For more information, text me today: 847-630-4449.

If you're a homeowner getting ready to move, one question usually comes first: should you buy your next home before you sell, or sell your current house before you start looking?

08/07/2026

Don’t Try To Time the Housing Market

Torn between buying a home now or holding out for the perfect moment? Trying to time the market rarely works. Rates, prices, inflation… These variables are all beyond your control. So, if you want or need to move, focus on your numbers instead. Because… “Ultimately, whether it’s a good time to buy comes down to your personal financial readiness.” If the math works, you can move. It’s that simple. Let’s chat if you want help thinking it over. No pressure, just perspective.




Ahead of the Market. Focused on Your Future.
For more information, text me today: 847-630-4449.

08/06/2026

A lot of buyers are waiting because they think mortgage rates will drop dramatically.

The problem? That's not what today's forecasts say is going to happen.

Experts believe mortgage rates will actually stay in the mid to low 6s through 2027 due to a number of factors – including inflation.

What’s that tell me? Waiting may not pay off the way you hope it will.

So, if moving is important to you, I want you to know waiting isn’t your only option.

Builder incentives, adjustable-rate mortgages, assumable mortgages, and rate buydowns are just a few of the strategies worth exploring that could help with affordability right now.

I’m not saying you have to buy today, but you should at least know your options. Let's talk about what could work for you.




Ahead of the Market. Focused on Your Future.
For more information, text me today: 847-630-4449.

08/05/2026

Big Investors Are Backing Off and That’s Your Opening

Big investors are stepping back, and they're adding homes to the market as they go. If you've been waiting for a better shot at buying, this could be it. Let’s connect so you can see what's popping up in our area. You may have more options than you think.




Ahead of the Market. Focused on Your Future.
For more information, text me today: 847-630-4449.

For years, a lot of would-be homebuyers have worried about the same thing. How do you compete with big investors who can swoop in, pay cash, and snap up the houses you want?

08/04/2026

Did home prices just hit a turning point?

Even though all the headlines out there make it sound like prices are crashing, here’s what the data really says.

Yes, price growth cooled from around 7% in mid-2024 to closer to 3% today. But that’s not a crash. It’s just a slowdown.

And if you look at the right side of this graph, it seems like price growth may have hit its low point and started to turn.

Now, two months of data doesn’t necessarily make a trend. But a few things back this up.

Compared to earlier this year, fewer markets are seeing price declines right now. And, forecasts call for price growth to pick up a bit before end of year.

Whether you’re buying or selling, I want you to have breaking info like this as soon as I have it – especially when it looks like something is changing.

DM me "PRICES" and...




Ahead of the Market. Focused on Your Future.
For more information, text me today: 847-630-4449.

08/03/2026

8 Homes Sell Every Minute

Think no one’s buying right now? Think again. Just over 4 million homes are expected to sell this year. Do some math and that's roughly 8 every single minute. Let's make sure yours is one of them. Send me a message to get started.




Ahead of the Market. Focused on Your Future.
For more information, text me today: 847-630-4449.

07/31/2026

Selling a Luxury House? Here’s Why Now Is a Good Time

Selling a high-end house is a big decision, and you deserve to feel confident going in. With sale prices climbing and buyers active at the top, this is a strong window to make your move.
Ready to cash in? Let’s talk strategy.

If you own a luxury house, you're in a stronger spot than most sellers right now. While much of the market has cooled, the high-end tier hasn't.

07/30/2026

Putting off selling because it feels like the market’s at a standstill and no one’s buying right now?

Sure, the pace has cooled in some areas recently. But houses are still selling all the time. In fact, more than 4 million will sell this year.

Do a little math, and that works out to over 11k sold every day, almost 470 an hour, and about eight every minute.

So, don’t count your house out. Another home just sold as you were reading this – let’s make the next one yours.