Helen LaLonde, Real Estate Broker, atproperties

Helen LaLonde, Real Estate Broker, atproperties Successfully making "moving dreams" come true for over 30 years! You should LOVE Where You Live!!

A few years ago, sellers could say no to almost everything.No repairs.No concessions.No negotiations.Today, the market l...
06/18/2026

A few years ago, sellers could say no to almost everything.

No repairs.
No concessions.
No negotiations.

Today, the market looks a little different.

According to Zillow, 67% of sellers are helping with some or all of a buyer’s closing costs.

That does not mean every seller should offer concessions. But it does highlight an important shift in today’s market.

Negotiation is back.

Sometimes helping with closing costs makes sense. Sometimes a repair credit or another concession is the better strategy. The key is understanding what buyers are asking for and knowing which requests are worth considering.

The most successful sellers are not necessarily the ones who say yes to everything. They are the ones who know how to negotiate strategically.

If you are thinking about selling and want to know what buyers are asking for in the Western Suburbs right now, send me a message. I’d be happy to share what I’m seeing in today’s market! 🏡

Local coffee spots I need to try ☕🤍One of my favorite ways to start the day is with a good iced coffee, especially when ...
06/17/2026

Local coffee spots I need to try ☕🤍

One of my favorite ways to start the day is with a good iced coffee, especially when I have a few minutes between appointments!

And if there is one thing I know about our community, it is that there is no shortage of great local coffee shops.

I am always looking for new places to try, so tell me, where is the best cup of coffee you've had lately?

Bonus points if it is a local hidden gem!

Drop your recommendations below. You might just help me find my new favorite spot, and who knows, maybe we can grab a coffee and chat real estate sometime! 🏡☕

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing right now:"Maybe I'll just wait until later this ...
06/16/2026

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing right now:

"Maybe I'll just wait until later this year."

And that may be the right decision for some people. But before you decide, make sure you're looking at the full picture.

Because moving this summer comes with some advantages too.

For buyers, summer typically brings more inventory and more choices. Historically, there are over 30% more new listings during the summer months compared to other times of the year.

For sellers, summer can be a strong time to maximize value. On average, homes tend to sell for about 4% more during a typical summer month than they do in the fall or winter, when buyer activity often slows down.

The point is not to rush into a decision. It is simply to understand the opportunities that exist today before assuming waiting is the better option.

If you're thinking about buying or selling, let's talk through your goals, timing, and what makes the most sense for your situation.

No pressure. Just honest advice and perspective! 🏡

Everything just fell into place ✨ I love hearing clients say that everything worked out perfectly.What they do not alway...
06/15/2026

Everything just fell into place ✨ I love hearing clients say that everything worked out perfectly.

What they do not always see are the countless conversations, problem solving, negotiations, scheduling, and behind the scenes details that helped make it feel that way.

From navigating inspection issues to managing timelines and handling unexpected challenges, my goal is always the same: to make the process feel as smooth and stress free as possible for my clients.

Because buying or selling a home is a big deal, and you should feel supported every step of the way.

So I’m curious, what part of the home buying or selling process feels the most overwhelming to you?

Let me know below or send me a message. I’m always happy to help! 🏡

06/12/2026

First Summer Saturday as a Homeowner ☀️🏡 There is something special about that first summer weekend in a home of your own!

Maybe it is enjoying your morning coffee on the patio, opening the windows to let the sunshine in, or finally having a backyard to gather with family and friends.

It is often the little moments that make homeownership feel so rewarding.

So tell me, what does your ideal summer Saturday at home look like?

Hosting a backyard barbecue? Relaxing by the pool? Gardening? A quiet morning on the porch?

Let’s hear it! 👇

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

If you have been waiting for mortgage rates to drop before making a move, you are not alone.But recent inflation data su...
06/09/2026

If you have been waiting for mortgage rates to drop before making a move, you are not alone.

But recent inflation data suggests rates may stay higher for longer than many people hoped.

Does that mean you should put your plans on hold?

Not necessarily.

The reality is that no one can predict exactly where rates will go next. What you *can* control is your strategy.

Things like your credit score, down payment, loan program, and timing can all impact the rate and payment you qualify for.

And sometimes, life does not wait for the perfect market. A growing family, a new job, downsizing, or a change in priorities can make moving the right decision regardless of where rates are.

That is why focusing on what you can control is often the smartest approach.

If you are wondering what today's rates mean for your situation and your timeline, let's talk through it together. There may be more opportunities available than you think! 🏡

May 2026 Market Update 📊 The spring market continued to gain momentum in May, with more inventory hitting the market and...
06/08/2026

May 2026 Market Update 📊 The spring market continued to gain momentum in May, with more inventory hitting the market and home values remaining strong across the region.

Here's a look at the numbers:

• Chicagoland
37,784 homes available (↑5% from April)
Median sales price $361K (↑2%)
10,180 homes sold (↑4%)

• West Suburbs – Cook County
522 homes available (↑6%)
Median sales price $490K (↓6%)
196 homes sold (↑6%)

• DuPage County
3,222 homes available (↑12%)
Median sales price $460K (↑3%)
936 homes sold (↓3%)

As we move into the summer market, inventory continues to grow, giving buyers more options while sellers are still benefiting from strong home values. While activity varies by neighborhood, well-priced homes are continuing to attract serious interest.

Whether you're planning a move this summer or simply keeping an eye on the market, understanding the local trends can help you make informed decisions.

Questions about your neighborhood's market? Let's connect! 🤍

06/08/2026

The things that make you stay 🏡

A beautiful kitchen might get you through the front door. A gorgeous primary suite might make you fall in love.

But the things that make you stay are often outside the house itself.

The neighborhood. The commute. The parks. The schools. The sense of community. The places you visit every week without even thinking about it.

That is why I always encourage buyers to look beyond the listing photos and spend time getting to know the area. Because you are not just buying a home, you are choosing where life happens.

So I’m curious, what is your non negotiable when it comes to a neighborhood?

A short commute? Walkability? Great schools? A strong sense of community?

Let me know below !👇🤍

06/06/2026

"Can we go see it this weekend?" 🏡✨

Honestly, those might be some of my favorite words to hear.

There is nothing quite like finding a home that immediately catches your eye. Maybe it is the natural light, the layout, the charm, or that feeling you get when you can already picture yourself living there.

When that happens, it is time to go see it.

Because in today's market, the best homes tend to get attention quickly, and sometimes that weekend showing is the start of something exciting.

So tell me, what is the one thing that instantly grabs your attention when you're looking at homes online? 👇

Still trying to decide whether to buy your first home now or wait?Here’s something worth thinking about.Research shows t...
06/04/2026

Still trying to decide whether to buy your first home now or wait?

Here’s something worth thinking about.

Research shows that buyers who purchase their first home around age 30 build significantly more wealth over time than those who wait until their 40s.

Why? Because time in the market matters.

Every year spent waiting for the "perfect" moment is a year you are not building equity, benefiting from appreciation, or investing in your future.

That does not mean you should buy before you are financially or personally ready.

But if you are ready and able to buy, waiting may cost more than you realize.

The goal is not a perfect market. It is finding the right opportunity for your situation and your timeline.

If you have been wondering whether now or later makes more sense, let's talk through your options and build a plan that works for you! 🏡

Address

Western Springs, IL
60558

Telephone

+17082078374

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