Lisa Jensen Group at Keller Williams North Shore West

The luxury market is thriving. With more million-dollar homes than ever before and prices on the rise, this could be the perfect time to start your search for a high-end home.

DM me if you want to explore your options.

2025 Housing Market Forecasts: What To Expect

Looking ahead to 2025, it's important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market.

Mortgage Rates Are Projected To Come Down Slightly

Mortgage rates play a significant role in the housing market. The forecasts for 2025 from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and Wells Fargo show an expected gradual decline in mortgage rates over the course of the next year.

And many experts believe these signs will encourage the Federal Reserve to lower the Federal Funds Rate, which tends to lead to lower mortgage rates.

Expect More Homes To Sell

The market will see an increase in both the supply of available homes on the market, as well as a rise in demand, as more buyers and sellers who have been sitting on the sidelines because of higher rates choose to make a move. That’s one big reason why experts are...

2025 Housing Market Forecasts: What To Expect Looking ahead to 2025, it's important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market.

Are We Heading into a Balanced Market?

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market over the past couple of years, you know sellers have had the upper hand. But is that going to shift now that inventory is growing? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

What Is a Balanced Market?

A balanced market is generally defined as a market with about a five-to-seven-month supply of homes available for sale. In this type of market, neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage. Prices tend to stabilize, and there’s a healthier number of homes to choose from. And after many years when sellers had all the leverage, a more balanced market would be a welcome sight for people looking to move. The question is – is that really where the market is headed?

For now, this is still seller’s market territory – it’s just not as frenzied of a seller’s market as it’s been over the past few years.

What This Means for You and...

Are We Heading into a Balanced Market? If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market over the past couple of years, you know sellers have had the upper hand.

🏡𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 🔐
5708 Fieldstone Trl, McHenry, IL 60050
Property Type: Single Attached-Condo
💰Offered at $289,000
2 🛏 2.1 🛁2882 sq. ft 📐 2 Garage

Come check out this beautiful end-unit townhome with tranquil views. It features two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The main floor master suite has a full bath and walk-in closet, while the upper level features a second bedroom with a flexible loft space adaptable to a third bedroom. The fully finished basement has a feeling of home, so cozy and inviting. Additional highlights include a two-car garage and low-maintenance brick exterior, leading to a private oasis ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

"where new memories begin, and old ones are cherished."

For more info: https://smyl.mredllc.com/listings/MTIxNDkxMjg6NTU5MTc

Co-Op Offered Check Here: https://lisajensengroup-listings.my.canva.site/

Lisa Jensen REALTOR®
KW North Shore West
📞 815-790-9600
📲 [email protected]
🖥www.thelisajensengroup.com

🏡𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 🔐
614 W Perry St , Belvidere, IL 61008
💰Offered at $149,999
2 🛏 1 🛁1169 sq. ft 📐 1 Garage 🔨1930

Welcome to 614 W Perry, a 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch in Belvidere conveniently located near the downtown shopping, restaurants, parks, and more, within walking distance of Perry Elementary. This charming property boasts two spacious bedrooms, updated flooring, a generous living room, and a versatile kitchen/dining area ideal for family dinners and quality time. The main floor laundry has ample storage, newer windows, a roof/siding, and brand-new air conditioning. Fully fenced-in yard with shed for all your extra toys. Full home warranty for peace of mind! SO, Ditch the rent checks and come check it out!

"where new memories begin, and old ones are cherished."

For more info:
https://smyl.mredllc.com/listings/MTIxNDgyNDU6NTU5MTc

Co-Op Offered Check Here: https://lisajensengroup-listings.my.canva.site/

Lisa Jensen REALTOR®
KW North Shore West
📞 815-790-9600
📲 [email protected]
🖥www.thelisajensengroup.com

🏡𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 🔐
9113 Memory Trl, Wonder Lake, IL 60097
💰Offered at $219,999
2 🛏 1 🛁817 sq. ft 📐 1 Garage

Welcome to Memory Trail, a charming two-bedroom ranch on a private dead-end street boasting an open-concept living room and spacious kitchen. It is within walking distance of Wood Creeks Park, featuring a walking path and community Lake rights with a private beach on Wonder Lake. Completely rehabilitated in 2016, this home is move-in ready. Enjoy a large fenced-in yard and discover the numerous advantages of this property, making it an ideal opportunity to transition from renting to ownership.

"where new memories begin, and old ones are cherished."

For more info:
https://smyl.mredllc.com/listings/MTIxNDc5NzI6NTU5MTc

Co-Op Offered Check Here: https://lisajensengroup-listings.my.canva.site/

Lisa Jensen REALTOR®
KW North Shore West
📞 815-790-9600
📲 [email protected]
🖥www.thelisajensengroup.com

🏡𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 🔐
605 Hunters Way, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
💰Offered at $305,900
2 🛏 2 🛁1,220 sq. ft 📐 1 Garage 🔨1985 Built

This custom ranch home boasts two bedrooms with hardwood flooring, two bathrooms, and a spacious sunroom adaptable for various uses. The kitchen features a bay window, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and all-black appliances. The combined dining and living room has a masonry fireplace and oak hardwood floors. Enjoy the fantastic tranquil view while relaxing in your custom four-season room with vaulted ceilings and skylights. The property includes Pella windows and doors, a fully fenced yard, newer HVAC, and a roof. Minutes from the Metra Train, restaurants, stores and more!

"where new memories begin, and old ones are cherished."

For more info:
https://smyl.mredllc.com/listings/MTIxNDgyMTM6NTU5MTc

Co-Op Offered Check Here: https://lisajensengroup-listings.my.canva.site/

Lisa Jensen REALTOR®
KW North Shore West
📞 815-790-9600
📲 [email protected]
🖥www.thelisajensengroup.com

How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers

While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal. Here’s what that means when you buy: more options for your search, more negotiation power for you, it’s more likely sellers will make select repairs, and more moderate price growth. If you want to talk more about what rising inventory means for you, let’s connect.

How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal.

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.

1. I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash

If you’ve heard home prices are going to come crashing down, it’s time to look at what’s actually happening. While prices vary by local market, there’s a lot of data out there from numerous sources that shows a crash is not going to happen. So, if you think waiting will score you a deal, know that data shows there’s not a crash on the horizon, and waiting isn’t going to pay off the way you’d hoped.

2. I Won’t Be Able To Find Anything To Buy

If this nagging fear about finding the right home if you move is still holding you back, you probably haven’t talked with an expert real estate agent lately. Throughout the year, the...

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear?

Thank you, Madison & Conor, for allowing us to be part of your real estate journey. We would also like to Thank Monique for trusting us with her babies and how excited we are to bring them home as her neighbors.☺🏡

"where new memories begin, and old ones are cherished."

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there are 3 reasons you may want to make your move this fall.

1) Inventory is growing, giving you more options
2) Newly built homes may be more budget-friendly than you’d expect
3) Mortgage rates have come down from their peak last October

Want to talk about what this means for your move? DM me.

3 Reasons To Move in Today’s Shifting Market

The housing market is in a transition. And that gives you 3 key opportunities going into the fall. There are more homes actively for sale. Builders are motivated to sell, so a newly built home may be more achievable than you think. And mortgage rates have come down from their recent peak. If you’re ready and able to buy, you may find the housing market this fall a bit easier to navigate. Let’s connect to get started.

3 Reasons To Move in Today’s Shifting Market The housing market is in a transition. And that gives you 3 key opportunities going into the fall.

Is Affordability Starting To Improve?

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home. And while affordability is still tight, there are signs it's getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year. Here’s a look at the latest data on the three biggest factors affecting home affordability.

1. Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have been volatile this year, bouncing around from the mid 6% to low 7% range. But there's some good news. Data from Freddie Mac shows rates have been trending down overall since May. When rates decline, it's easier to afford the home you want because your monthly payment will be lower. Just don’t expect them to go back down to 3%.

2. Home Prices

The second big thing to think about is home prices. Nationally, they’re still going up this year, but not as fast as they did a couple of years ago. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at...

Is Affordability Starting To Improve? Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home.

🏡𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 🔐
701 Brittany Ln, Island Lake, IL 60042
💰Offered at $240,000
3 🛏 1.1 🛁1,297 sq. ft 📐 1 Garage 🔨1985 Built

Discover your haven in this captivating three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath end unit space with a private fenced yard that sets the tone for a serene lifestyle. The beautiful engineered hardwood flooring adds elegance throughout the home. Enjoy spacious living areas, including an open-concept living, kitchen, dining space, and a separate family room for quality time with loved ones. The master bedroom with a walk-in closet and shared bath is your private sanctuary.

"where new memories begin, and old ones are cherished."

For more info:
https://smyl.mredllc.com/listings/MTIxMzY2NDc6NTU5MTc

Lisa Jensen REALTOR®
KW North Shore West
📞 815-790-9600
📲 [email protected]
🖥www.thelisajensengroup.com

This property is still available and ready to welcome it's new owners.🏡

Good news for all the buyers out there.

The supply of homes for sale has grown significantly this year. There are 36.6% more homes actively for sale compared to 2023. This means more options for you.

But this doesn’t mean we have an oversupply. Inventory is still almost 29% lower compared to more normal years like 2017-2019.

🏡𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 🔐
3109 River Birch Ct , McHenry, IL 60051
Property Type: Attached-Single
💰Offered at: $279,900
2 🛏 2 🛁1,188 sq. ft 📐 2 Garage 🔨Built Year 2000

Discover the pleasures of our impressive ranch end-unit home, situated in the serene Timber Trails neighborhood. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom haven features a finished English basement, ample storage, and an attached two-car heated garage. Relax on the spacious deck and take in the picturesque scenery. With shopping, dining, and entertainment just a stone's throw away, this home offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation!

"where new memories begin, and old ones are cherished."

For more info:
https://smyl.mredllc.com/listings/MTIxMzU2NzQ6NTU5MTc

Lisa Jensen REALTOR®
KW North Shore West
📞 815-790-9600
📲 [email protected]
🖥www.thelisajensengroup.com

Where Will You Go After You Sell?

If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too.

So how do you decide which route to go? The choice is yours – you just need to figure out what’s most important to you.

Here are some benefits of buying a newly built home right now:

>>Have brand new everything with never-been-used appliances and materials
>>Use energy efficient options to save money and leave a smaller footprint
>>Minimize the need for repairs and benefit from builder warranties
>>Take advantage of builder concessions that can help with affordability

Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, shares, “Homebuyers who are looking for that ‘new-home smell’ may...

Where Will You Go After You Sell? If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available.

🏡𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱! 🔐
4506 Lakewood Rd , McHenry, IL 60050
Offered at: $425,000
3 🛏 2 🛁 1759 Sq. Ft📐 4🚗

Discover 4506 Lakewood Road, a private community retreat situated in the highly sought-after Lakewood subdivision. This residence boasts a 3/4-acre lot with 80 feet of frontage, offering unparalleled views of McCullom Lake, stunning sunsets, and spectacular fireworks. Enjoy local festivities and events from the comfort of your backyard or take a leisurely stroll to Peterson Park for Mchenry's most popular events. This three-bedroom, two-bath home features lake views from nearly every room, a spacious family room, a living room, and a 4-season room perfect for morning coffee. The master suite includes a full bath and breathtaking lake views. Store your watercraft and toys in the oversized garage and additional shed. Don't miss out on the opportunity to start living the Lake Life! Schedule your viewing today!

"where new memories begin, and old ones are cherished"

For more info:
https://smyl.mredllc.com/listings/MTIxMzUwODA6NTU5MTc

Co-op Offered: https://lisajensengroup-listings.my.canva.site/

Lisa Jensen REALTOR®
KW North Shore West
📞 815-790-9600
📲 [email protected]
🖥www.thelisajensengroup.com

Thinking about selling, but not sure where you’ll go?

The good news is the supply of newly built and existing homes for sale has grown this year. That gives you more options – each with their own perks.

So, which will you choose? A charming existing home or a shiny new build?

Let me know which features you’re looking for in your next home. Drop your answer below.

🏡𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 🔐
1711 Meadow Ln , McHenry, IL 60050
Offered at: $259,000
3 🛏 1.1 🛁1,176 sq. ft 📐 1 Garage

Experience the ultimate combination of comfort and convenience with this completely renovated ranch home in the heart of McHenry. This impressive home boasts three cozy bedrooms, 1 1/2 bathrooms, a generously sized kitchen with an eat-in area, a spacious fenced-in backyard with a shed and an attached one-car garage, and a fully fenced-in lot. There is nothing to do but move in and love where you live! It's just minutes away from shopping centers, parks, community festivals, private beaches, and restaurants. A MUST SEE!!

"where new memories begin, and old ones are cherished."

For more info:
https://smyl.mredllc.com/listings/MTIxMjQ4Mzc6NTU5MTc

Lisa Jensen REALTOR®
KW North Shore West
📞 815-790-9600
📲 [email protected]
🖥www.thelisajensengroup.com

3 Reasons Why We’re Not Headed for a Housing Crash

Back in 2008, there was an oversupply of homes for sale. Today, there’s an undersupply. The three main sources of inventory show this isn’t like the last time. Existing homes, new homes, and foreclosures are all way below the levels we saw during the housing crash. Inventory data shows there just aren’t enough homes available to have a repeat of what happened back in 2008.

3 Reasons Why We’re Not Headed for a Housing Crash Back in 2008, there was an oversupply of homes for sale.

The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

Here’s a look at some of the most common mistakes – and how an agent will help you avoid them when you sell.

1. Overpricing Your House

Many sellers set their asking price too high and that’s why there’s an uptick in homes with price reductions today. An unrealistic price will deter potential buyers, cause an appraisal issue, or lead to your house sitting on the market longer.

2. Skipping the Small Stuff

You may try to skip important repairs, thinking you can pass the task on to your buyer. But visible issues (even if they’re small) can turn off potential buyers and result in lower offers or demands for concessions.

3. Not Looking at Things Objectively

Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you’d want to see – especially if you didn’t stage...

The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now The housing market is going through a transition.

Should You Rent Out or Sell Your House?

Figuring out what to do with your house when you're ready to move can be a big decision. Should you sell it and use the money for your next adventure, or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth?

Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting?

Even if you're interested in becoming a landlord, your current house might not be ideal for renting. Maybe you're moving far away, so keeping up with the ongoing maintenance would be a hassle, the neighborhood isn't great for rentals, or the house needs significant repairs before you could rent it out.

If any of this sounds like it might apply, selling might be your best option.

Are You Ready for the Realities of Being a Landlord?

Managing a rental property isn't just about collecting rent checks. It's a time-consuming and sometimes challenging job.

For example, you may get calls from tenants at all hours of the day with maintenance...

Should You Rent Out or Sell Your House? Figuring out what to do with your house when you're ready to move can be a big decision.