Sheena Valladares Broker - Remax Alliance

09/06/2026

You probably think as a general rule of thumb, brand new homes costs more than existing homes. But right now, that's backwards. This shows just how much.

A newly built home costs about $40k less than an existing one right now. That's because builders are cutting prices and piling on incentives to keep their inventory moving.

And that opens up a window for you to get brand new everything for less than you may expect.

DM me if you want a list of nearby new home communities offering deals like this right now to see if a new build may be in your budget after all.

09/06/2026

🏡🏡🏡👩🏼‍💻👩🏼‍💻👩🏼‍💻🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

09/05/2026

09/04/2026

Everyone's been watching mortgage rates. But there's another trend buyers shouldn't overlook...

Every fall, the housing market tends to shift.

More homes hit the market. Asking prices often soften. And sellers are usually more willing to negotiate.

Those seasonal changes happen almost every year – and they can make buying a little easier.

Let's talk about whether those same trends are showing up in our local market – and what it means for you.

09/02/2026

Sellers Outnumber Buyers Right Now

Buying soon? You’ve got more pull than you might expect. Right now, there are more sellers than buyers on the market. And that means sellers know they’ll have to give a little to get their house sold. Exactly how much negotiating power you have depends on where you’re looking. So, let’s chat about how much power you have here, then turn it into a set of keys. 

09/01/2026

🏡 THINKING ABOUT MAKING A MOVE? THIS COULD BE YOUR SEASON! 🍂

As we head into the end of summer and the beginning of fall, the real estate market is creating some great opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

📈 What are we seeing in today’s market?
• Inventory is giving buyers more options in many areas.
• Buyers may have more room to negotiate than they did during the peak of the market.
• Home values continue to hold strong in many Midwest markets.
• Mortgage rates are still something to consider, but today’s buyer doesn’t necessarily have to wait for the “perfect” rate. Refinancing later may be an option if rates improve. (Money)

🍁 Why is fall a great time to move?

The summer rush starts to slow down, schedules become more predictable, and serious buyers and sellers are still out there. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to make a move, now is the time to start the conversation.

Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or sell your current home, I can help you understand what the market means for your situation.

🏠 Sheena Valladares, Realtor®
Licensed in Illinois & Missouri | 10+ Years Experience

📲 Call or text me today: 618-530-4489

Let’s make your next move a smart one! ❤️🏡

09/01/2026

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

08/30/2026

Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?

For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when everything feels shaky, it’s easy to second-guess the move you were ready to make. But the truth is, the housing market is one thing that’s been remarkably stable.

Home prices have been relatively steady for about 4 years now. The number of homes for sale is right about where it was last year (up 2%). And mortgage rates have held in the same general 6-7% range since late 2022.

A steady market comes with a perk. You can actually plan. What works for your budget today probably won’t look all that different in a few months.

You don’t have to wait for things to calm down. The housing market’s already pretty steady. Send me a DM or drop a comment below, and let's compare the market you walked away from to the one that's here now.

08/28/2026

Worried About a Housing Crash? The Numbers Tell a Calmer Story.

The rest of the world may feel unpredictable right now, but the housing market doesn't have to. Prices, inventory, and rates have all found solid ground.

If stability is what you've been waiting for, it's already here. Let’s connect if you want to talk through what that means for your move.

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

08/25/2026

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.

With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold.

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.