Bob Brandt Re/Max Suburban 847-274-3193

04/01/2026

Excited to share that I’ve earned my RE/MAX Suburban Certificate of Completion and am now certified in AI-powered real estate strategies.

This isn’t about selling anything—it’s about staying current and continuing to grow. The tools we have today are evolving quickly, and AI is opening up some really interesting and important possibilities, especially in how we market homes and even in the photography space. From smarter systems to faster workflows, it’s all about working more efficiently while delivering better results.

That said, technology will never replace the personal touch. I’ll be incorporating these tools where they make sense, but my focus remains the same—understanding my clients, communicating clearly, and doing what’s best for them.

A big thank you to RE/MAX Suburban for offering this education and certifying me.

A lot has changed over my 42 years as a Realtor, but the fundamentals haven’t: work hard, stay honest, and always do your best to help people.

03/22/2026

Here is a new vacant land building home site especially for airplane lovers as it backs up to a private airstrip in Genoa Illinois! It is a gorgeous flat 1 acre plus lot in Aero Lake Estates where you can build your Aviation Dream Home! It is on a cul-de-sac in a smaller, great, country Aviation community. With unobstructed views and beautiful sunsets out your door you will enjoy going out for an evening flight or sitting on your deck. Call for more information.

03/13/2026

💰 On a $450,000 home sale with a 5.5% agent commission, the commission alone is $24,750. That is before closing costs, staging, repairs, or anything related to the new home.
The scenario most people run in their heads: sell the bigger house, buy a smaller one, pocket the difference. The scenario they actually experience: 30% to 50% of that price difference gets consumed by transaction costs on both sides.

Closing costs on the sale typically run 1% to 3% of the sale price. Closing costs on the purchase run 2% to 4% of the purchase price. On a $450,000 sale and a $300,000 purchase, that is $10,000 to $25,000 in closing costs alone.

Moving costs, storage, and the inevitable furniture and update expenses on the new home add another $6,000 to $18,000. Pre-sale repairs and staging to maximize the sale price can run $5,000 to $15,000.

The expected $150,000 in freed equity can shrink to $70,000 to $100,000 after all costs. That is still meaningful, but it is not the number most people plan around.

Capital gains tax may also apply. The $250,000 single or $500,000 joint exclusion protects most homeowners, but not all. If you have lived in the home for decades and it has appreciated significantly, it is worth running the numbers.

Downsizing can still be the right call. Lower maintenance, reduced property taxes, and a home that fits your current stage of life are real benefits. The point is to run the actual math, not the headline math, before making the decision.

02/07/2026

01/04/2026

Here are two residential Airpark communities in Northern Illinois where you can live right next to your airplane and fly from your private airstrip. One is called Casa de Aero in Hampshire and the other is Aero Lake Estates in Genoa. Also in Huntley is a private airport with private hangars that is called The Landings. Like living next to your favorite Golf Course or on your favorite Lake, living next to your airplane is a dream come true for some lucky folks.

10/23/2025

08/18/2025

Top 10 U.S. Cities by rent price 👇

08/18/2025

U.S. Home Prices by State.

06/19/2025

Dr. Jessica Lautz, the Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®, reacts to the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac decreasing to 6.81%.

05/26/2025

Today we remember and honor those who served and sacrificed.

04/11/2025

Better call Bob if you have any real estate questions!
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