Urban Aire Realty

10/09/2026

Real Estate Tips for Making More Informed Property Decisions

Look at More Than the Listing PriceWhether buying or selling, it is important to understand that a property's price is influenced by multiple factors.Recent com

10/08/2026

Bret Derrickson, 630-697-2600
www.UrbanAireRealty.com
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Planning for the years ahead often comes down to one big decision: stay or move.

Staying in your house could mean you have to do some updates like grab bars, walk-in showers, and wider doorways. Moving to a 55+ community lets you skip the remodel and puts a lot of perks right outside your door.

Many offer on-site amenities, added security, and an HOA that takes care of shared spaces. Plus, they make it easy to feel connected to the people around you.

And the equity you've built in your current house could help you make the move.

Weighing your options? Reach out to talk through what makes the most sense for you.

10/08/2026

Bret Derrickson, 630-697-2600
www.UrbanAireRealty.com
,

Renovate or Relocate? What To Know Before You Decide To Age in Place

Staying and moving can both be good choices. What matters most is finding the place where you'll feel comfortable and at home for years to come.

If you'd like help weighing the two, let's connect. We can look at what your house could sell for and what 55+ communities in our area have to offer, so you can decide what feels right for you.

You've spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it's natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.

10/07/2026

Bret Derrickson, 630-697-2600
www.UrbanAireRealty.com
,

Myth vs. Reality: Does the Fed Control Mortgage Rates?

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its hikes can keep them higher for a while. The goal is to bring inflation, and eventually rates, down over time. With more hikes likely this year, waiting may not pay off. So, let's map out a plan that works at today's rates.

You've probably heard the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is raising rates again. And if you're planning to buy or sell a house, you may be wondering what that means for you.

10/07/2026

Bret Derrickson, 630-697-2600
www.UrbanAireRealty.com
,

The Fed is raising the Fed Funds Rate to cool inflation, and that can keep upward pressure on mortgage rates for a while. But you can still make a move that works for you.

It just takes the right strategy.

Buyers need to know their real budget at today's rates. Sellers need a price and plan that fits what buyers can afford right now.

Relief on rates could take some time. If you're thinking about a move, let's put together a game plan built for today's rates, so you'll know your next step.

10/06/2026

Bret Derrickson, 630-697-2600
www.UrbanAireRealty.com
,

Over half of homes (60%) are selling below their original asking price right now. And that stat’s held steady for about a year and a half.

With affordability still so tight, having room to negotiate on price will take some of the biggest financial pressures off your move.

Where you've got the most pull comes down to the neighborhood. Let's chat, and we'll pinpoint where you can push hardest.

10/06/2026

Bret Derrickson, 630-697-2600
www.UrbanAireRealty.com
,

Buyers Have More Room To Negotiate Right Now

Good news if you're house hunting: the asking price may not be the final word. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. With budgets stretched thin, a little give on price or terms can take some pressure off your wallet. But how much you can negotiate depends on where you're buying. So, let's chat about what you can ask for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing.

10/05/2026

Bret Derrickson, 630-697-2600
www.UrbanAireRealty.com
,

Two Moves That Can Get You Into Your First Home Sooner

Your first home may not be as far off as it feels. When the numbers make sense for you, buying a starter home and putting down less than 20% can get you there years sooner.

Want to see which starter homes in our area could fit your budget? Let's connect.

For a lot of first-time buyers, owning a home can feel perpetually a few years out of reach.

10/05/2026

Bret Derrickson, 630-697-2600
www.UrbanAireRealty.com
,

Feeling like buying your first place is still years away? Here’s how to shortcut it.

While data shows saving up and reaching the break even point where owning costs about the same as renting usually takes around 15 years, there are ways to get there faster.

If you set your sights on a starter home, it’s actually closer to seven years. That cuts the time in half. You’re looking at 4.6 years to save and 2.6 to break even.

But keep in mind, those numbers assume you put 20% down. Most first-time buyers put down far less, so that saving timeframe can shrink even more.

DM me, and I'll share a few ways to reach your first home sooner – like talking to a lender about down payment assistance programs.

Since you’ve probably already been saving for a while, you may be closer than you realize.

10/02/2026

Understanding Home Prices Beyond the Listing Price

Home prices are one of the most visible parts of the housing market, but the number attached to a property does not tell the entire story. Buyers and sellers ca