The J&L Team with Coldwell Banker Realty-McMullen Office

10/24/2026

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are making a comeback, and it's easy to see why.

In October, starting rates for ARMs were running almost a full percentage point below fixed-rate loans. On a median-priced home, that can mean your payment could be roughly $150-300 less per month.

For buyers struggling with affordability, that’s worth considering. Just know that they do come with some trade-offs – the biggest of which is that your rate (and your payment) could rise after a set timeframe.

And just in case you’re thinking…aren't ARMs risky? You should know today's ARMs aren't like the ones from 2008. But they do work differently than a fixed-rate mortgage, so it pays to understand them first.

A trusted lender can help you explore how these loans work, how they can help, and walk you through the what-ifs.

10/23/2026

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

Today's market has more options than many people realize. Finding the right one could be as simple as getting more information about tools like ARMs. A trusted lender can run the numbers with you, walk you through the what-ifs, and help you explore the possibilities.

Is an ARM a good option for you? Talk to a loan officer to find out.

When mortgage rates climb, buying a home can start to feel like trying to hit a moving target. Every jump in rates makes monthly payments bigger, and that pushes a lot of buyers to look for another way in.

10/22/2026

🏡✨ JUST LISTED in Elk Grove Village!

📍 422 Atlantic Lane | Elk Grove Village, IL
💰 Offered at $672,500

Space to spread out, room to entertain, and plenty to love! ❤️

Welcome to this spacious two-story home in the desirable Stockbridge subdivision, offering nearly 2,000 square feet of above-grade living space, thoughtful features, and a layout designed for everyday living!

🏡 A few highlights:

🛏️ 4 spacious bedrooms, all on the second floor

🛁 2 full baths + 1 half bath

🔥 Dramatic floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and soaring living room ceiling

🍽️ Updated kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, center island & breakfast area

🧺 Convenient main-floor laundry

✨ Primary suite with private bath and custom closet organization

🎮 Full basement with finished bonus room — perfect for a home office, workout space, or hobbies!

🌳 Large deck, brick paver patio & beautifully landscaped yard

🚗 Attached 2-car garage

✅ NO HOA!

With several major improvements already completed, including newer heating and cooling equipment, this home offers a wonderful opportunity to settle into an established neighborhood and make it your own.

📍 Convenient to shopping, dining, expressways, and more!

📲 Curious to see more? DM or Comment 👉🏼STONE👈🏼 for all details or to schedule your private tour!

The J&L Team | Coldwell Banker Realty 💙

10/22/2026

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.

Renting can be a good fit for the right person with the right house, but it isn’t the only option. A smart sales strategy can help your house stand out to buyers from day one.

So, if you’re on the fence, let’s sit down and compare what selling and renting would each look like for you.

Selling your house is a big step, and you want it to go smoothly. And with houses taking a little longer to sell these days, renting it out might start to sound like a nice backup plan.

10/21/2026

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about a third of major markets.

And nationally, the gap is pretty big. A newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less than an existing one.

Prices can look very different from one area to the next, though. So, what neighborhoods do you have your eye on? Let’s tour a new home and an existing one, and see how they compare.

10/20/2026

New Homes Cost Less in 1 in 3 Major Markets

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about 1 in 3 major markets. How much less, exactly? Nationally, a newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less. So, brand-new could be more budget-friendly than you think. Want to see how newly built and existing homes compare where you’re looking? Let’s tour one of each.

10/19/2026

🚨Brand New Listing in Chicago, Illinois awaiting your design ideas for its new chapter! 🏡🚧🔨💫

Opportunity Awaits for Buyers Ready to Renovate! This classic brick 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow offers original character, architectural charm, and an opportunity for those prepared to take on a renovation project. The spacious living room features a decorative fireplace and built-in cabinetry, while the separate dining room, hardwood floors, crown molding, and original details reflect the home's timeless appeal. The kitchen area, currently without a functioning kitchen, requires a complete installation and leads to an adjacent enclosed back porch offering additional possibilities. Upstairs, a wide-open unfinished attic presents potential for future improvements, while the full unfinished basement offers ample storage space and convenient backyard access. Outside, the property features a fenced yard and detached 2-car garage with non-functioning electric at this time. This home requires significant renovation and is best suited for buyers with the resources and vision to complete the necessary improvements. An opportunity to restore and reimagine a home with character and potential. Property is being conveyed strictly "as-is." Cash or renovation financing required.

Offered at $297,500

Listing will be posted separately

10/19/2026

Want a More Affordable Home? Don’t Overlook Condos.

The first home you buy doesn't have to be a single-family house. If affordability has been holding you back, let's expand your search and see whether a condo could fit the price point you're looking for.

When you picture buying your first home, chances are you’re imagining a traditional single-family house with its own yard, maybe a garage, and little extra room to grow. But with affordability still tight, getting everything on that list right away may come with a higher price tag than you’re co...

10/18/2026

Are you 1 in 4 million?

If you don't own a home yet, rent is probably the biggest monthly expense you have. And if you're not getting credit for paying it - now you can.

There’s a change rolling out now that lets renters opt in to counting their on-time rental payments toward their credit history. And that could help as many as 4 million more people qualify for a mortgage.

Maybe you’re one of them.

Even if you're not ready to buy a home today, there's no downside to taking simple steps to build your credit profile for the future.

It's time to take credit for bills you already pay. Ask me how.

10/17/2026

Homes Are Still Selling – Even in a Slower Market

Don't let a headline about slowing home sales convince you no one is buying. Homes are still selling every minute of every day.

If you need or want to move, let's talk about what it'll take to make sure yours is one of them.

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?