Laura DeLacey Bougadis with john greene Realtor

06/17/2026

Online home estimates (like Zillow's Zestimate or Redfin's estimate) are a great starting point. They're free, instant, and give you a ballpark based on public data like recent sales, tax records, and square footage.

But here's where they have limits:

🏡 Online tools can't account for your updated kitchen, fresh flooring, or the fact that your backyard is one of the best on the block.

🏡 Algorithms compare your home to nearby sales, but not always the *right* ones. A home down the street may look similar on paper but be very different in reality.

🏡 Real estate moves fast. Online estimates are often based on data that's weeks or months old.

Real estate agents provide homeowners with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that considers the condition of your home, neighborhood nuances, current buyer demand, and active competition.

Online estimates are definitely a helpful tool to give you a very general idea. But a local agent's valuation will consider the full picture.

06/16/2026

Here's the latest look at average mortgage rates! 📉

Don't hesitate to let me know if you need any lender recommendations!

06/15/2026

The sellers having the most success today are the ones who understand the market has changed and are adapting to meet it where it is when necessary.

Sometimes that means negotiating on closing costs. Sometimes it means offering something else. The key is knowing which concessions are worth it for your local market.

Read more:

A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.

06/12/2026

Our jgR open homes this weekend are worth the trip! Here's the lineup: https://bit.ly/3rgtVZ0.

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

Because the lender takes on the risk directly, conventional loans generally require higher credit scores and down payments compared to government-backed alternatives.

Not sure which open is best for you? Talk to a lender to explore all your options.

06/09/2026

Embrace comfort without giving up sun-kissed warmth. Sundew is a balanced neutral that works well in transitional spaces, like living rooms and kitchens, where versatility is a must.

What do you think of June's color of the month?

See more design inspiration here: https://bit.ly/4xkM5s7

06/08/2026

Inflation is still above where the Fed wants it, and that means mortgage rates are likely to stay elevated for a while. But for people who need to move, strategy matters far more than trying to perfectly time the market.

Learn more:

Data shows inflation is moving in the wrong direction. But before the headlines send anyone into a panic, here's what's actually going on, why it matters for the housing market, and what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling.

06/05/2026

Planning your weekend? Add visiting the jgR open homes to your list: https://bit.ly/3rgtVZ0

If you see any homes you like, please reach out. I'm happy to help!

06/04/2026

Tacoville takes over Naper Settlement this weekend for three days of incredible Latin food, live music, and cold drinks.

With 20+ hand-selected vendors and food trucks from across Chicagoland, you’ll find everything from classic carne asada and al pastor to slow-braised birria, quesadillas, loaded nachos, fresh elotes, churros, and dozens of bold flavors.

Learn more and get tickets here: https://bit.ly/4dOUHzF