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Buying a home for the first time can be stressful, but with these tips from Edward R. James Companies, you will be on the right track to finding the right home for you. Contact us to meet with an agent so we can help you become a homeowner to the house of your dreams.

calculator and forms on desk

Plan and Polish

The best way to take on the process of buying a home is to be prepared. Plan your finances and set a budget early on. Check your credit score and continue to polish it. Start saving up for your down payment, and stick to your budget. Don’t forget about closing costs!

mortgage approval stamp

Get Preapproved

A preapproval from your lender is a letter that states exactly how much they will loan to you. Getting preapproval for your mortgage will put you in a better position when making an offer on a house, making the process easier once your offer is accepted. Checking this box is helpful for positioning you as a serious buyer, which will continue to help this process go smoothly.

luxury kitchen

Make a List of Your Needs

This list is essential when shopping for your new home to have a better idea of what you are looking for. Keeping a list will help you narrow down which places are worth touring, and how best to spend your budget. Don’t go in blind, but remember to keep an open mind! You may be surprised by things you end up liking or not liking once you start looking.

luxury home exterior

Find a Real Estate Agent

Having a real estate agent by your side is the best way to save yourself time and hassle, because they help you with every step of the process. Real estate agents familiar with the area you are interested in can best advise you on pricing and market conditions. They may find problems with a house that you were unaware of, or have suggestions of new places to look at which would better suit your needs within your budget.

Buying your first home can seem like a far off goal, but our team at Edward R. James Companies wants to make that goal attainable for you. It is our mission to enhance your life by creating exceptional homes in exceptional places. Check out our homes for sale today!

Contact Us

wooden housing market graph

The housing market can be overwhelming, but here at Edward R. James Companies, we have all the information you need for a smooth process in Illinois. Keep reading to learn more about the Illinois housing market today, and get in touch with us if you are looking to buy a home! Whether it’s your first home or your next home, Edward R. James Companies is committed to creating the perfect home for you.

gray luxury home

Buying

While overall housing prices are increasing, the average prices in Illinois are lower than the national median. These low prices can offset mortgage rates, which are stabilizing around 6.7%. However, the inventory of houses are low, making it trickier to find everything you want in your home, and you might encounter more bidding wars with other home buyers.

house for sale

Selling

Some also say Illinois is currently a “seller’s market” with high demand for homes and low inventory. This means interest rates increase and more buyers paying over listing price. Property values in Illinois are also rising, making this a great time to sell your home for more worth.

renters keys

Renting

The renting market temperature in Illinois is warm, as renters continue to find affordable places due to rent in Illinois being nearly 14% lower than national averages. While monthly rates have decreased since August 2023, the year-over-year charge has increased since 2022.

neighborhood

Market Forecast

The sales prices of Illinois are forecasted to slightly dip, while still higher than in 2022. With this dip, total home sales are estimated to also increase. Rental prices will increase as property taxes rise. There is no forecast of a housing crash, though the market typically slows down a bit towards the end of the year.

The housing market of Illinois has a lot to offer, and has a place for everyone to feel at home. The best way to navigate the housing market is with a real estate agent at your side. Our team understands everyone has unique needs for their homes, and it’s our mission to bring those to life in a house that will always feel like home. Contact Edward R. James Companies to meet with an agent today!

Schedule an Appointment

gray and white living room

If you are interested in building your next home, check out our process at Edward R. James Companies to learn more about luxury homes. These homes are designed to enhance your life and become the sanctuary of your dreams. Read on to learn about what comes with the luxury homes of Edward R. James Companies.

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Exceptional Quality

At the Edward R. James Companies, our luxury homes are built with superior craftsmanship to offer elegant and contextual architecture. We focus on proportions, balance, and materials which provide strong aesthetics and durability. Our builders are dedicated to the details that  make the value of your home exceptional for a long time.

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Customized to Your Needs

A major benefit of building your own luxury home is the opportunity to create a place that reflects your personal style. Our team understands the importance of including personalized features that make your home uniquely yours. Customized options of luxury homes often include smart home technology, personalized cabinetry, unique architectural designs, and more.

white luxury home exterior

Location and Size

Luxury homes are built in exceptional locations. From beautiful views to low crime rates, the location of luxury home builds offer a relaxed lifestyle. These locations also typically include land, which allows your home to be larger in size. Here at the Edward R. James Companies, we specialize in designing large, luxury homes with generous floor plans, high ceilings, and plenty of natural light.

luxury home living room

Lasting Enjoyment

With 60 years of experience under our belt, the Edward R. James Companies understand the importance of the integrity and quality of your home. We are dedicated to not only building homes with materials meant to last, but building homes that you will love for years to come. Luxury homes personalized to your needs, with the right materials and design, will ensure lasting enjoyment.

Luxury homes from Edward R. James Companies come with the qualities that will enhance your relaxation and enjoyment. If you’re interested in a customizable and exceptional luxury home build, contact us today!

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