🍂 Why Autumn?

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, you may feel the urge to spend money apple picking or at a corn maze. Resist that urge this year, instead start looking for your next home. Autumn is quietly emerging as one of the most strategic seasons for home buyers. While spring and summer are often know as the most popular times to buy a home, fall offers unique advantages that can make the home-buying process smoother, more affordable, and better timed for those also planning to sell. Here are three compelling reasons why buying a home in autumn just might be your best move:

1. A Slower Market Means a Smoother Buying Experience

During the peak seasons of spring and summer, homes tend to sell quickly, often sparking bidding wars and rushed, bad decisions. In contrast, autumn sees a slowdown in market activity. Fewer buyers are actively searching, which means:

• You’re less likely to face intense competition.
• Sellers may be more flexible and open to negotiation.
• You have more time to evaluate properties and make thoughtful decisions.

This calmer pace can lead to a more relaxed and deliberate buying process, reducing stress and increasing the likelihood of finding a home that truly fits your needs.

2. Prices Are More Negotiable and Appreciation Slows

Historically, home prices tend to stabilize or even dip slightly in the fall. Sellers who list now are MOTIVATED. They often need to close before winter, making them more open to price negotiations, offering incentives like covering closing costs, or being open to negotiating home inspection repairs.

Furthermore, home appreciation typically slows during the colder months. This gives buyers a chance to get in the market before prices start climbing again after the New year.

3. Ideal Timing for Sellers Planning Ahead

If you’re buying a new home but also planning to sell your current one, autumn offers a unique advantage: you don’t have to rush. You can:

• Move into your new home gradually.
• Take time to renovate or stage your old home.
• List your property in the spring when buyer demand surges again.

Many of my clients follow this method so they can take advantage of buying when it’s easier in the fall, and selling when the market heats up (and prices too!) in the spring.

🍁 Final Thoughts

Autumn may not be the most popular season for real estate, but it’s often the most strategic. If you’re looking to purchase a home around the Chicagoland area or Southern Wisconsin, then you need to give me, Steven Johnson with Coldwell Banker Realty, a call today. I have over a decade of experience and know how to navigate the changing markets of the season. Call or text me at (847) 525-6121 or see my Zillow page!

Lake Villa homeowners have a new neighbor! And she picked a great home. Daniela was referred to me by a past client & friend. She let me know that she was looking in both Illinois & Wisconsin. Given that I am licensed to sell homes in both states, it made a lot of sense why she was referred to me. We searched for a bit, and had to put in a few offers before we got one accepted. After a few weeks, we were “under contract.” The home was a relatively newer build compared to other homes in the area, plus it had a very practical floor plan. It seemed like a good fit, but we were surprised when the inspection detailed some serious issues, so we moved onto the next home. Less than a week later we tour another home that seemed to match her needs. We submitted an offer and it was again accepted! But just like an unlucky penny, a poor home inspection came rolling back to us. Back in the home search again, Daniela was hoping that the 3rd time truly is the “charm.” A few weeks later, I showed Daniela a charming home on a double lot with an updated, open kitchen and a huge island. Holding our breath and crossing our fingers (and toes!) for a positive home inspection, we awaited the verdict. Luckily, the inspection items were manageable and Daniela negotiated a sizable credit to cover the concerns she did have. One month later and Daniela has now joined the ranks of “Lake Villa Homeowners!”

Are you looking to become a Lake Villa homeowner?

Are you looking to purchase your first home in Lake Villa? Maybe you’re selling a home in Barrington or purchasing an investment property in Des Plaines. My name is Steven Johnson and I am an experienced real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. I’d love to help you with your real estate needs. Give me a call or visit my website to learn more (847) 525-6121 StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com

1505 W Pheasant Trail Ln #8, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

You know, after 4 years of a seller’s market you’d think we’d start to see a shift. Yet here we are, in year 5, with record low inventory yet again. I just listed this updated condo in Arlington Heights. It’s beautifully renovated- featuring an updated kitchen, two updated bathrooms, hardwood floors and new carpet throughout. Shortly after listing we accepted an offer, within 4 days. The real estate market has truly shifted to the point where accurately priced homes sell within a week, with very few exceptions. At some point we’ll see a shift to a more stable market, but for the time being I anticipate this market environment continuing.

What are your real estate goals?

Are you looking to buy an updated condo in Arlington Heights? Do you have a home to sell in Round Lake? Are you looking for an investment property in Chicago? No matter the need real estate agent Steven Johnson is waiting patiently for your call. Steven has been a licensed real estate agent for over 10 years now and is ready to use his experience to help you accomplish your goals. Licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin, Steven is ready to help you and guide you through the process. Call or text Steven today to get started (847) 525-6121 or visit his Website, Zillow page, or Google page to learn more.

It’s rare to see downtown Arlington Heights condos for sale these days. Either they sell right away or don’t come available at all. It’s easy to see why. The location is great; it’s close to major roads and it has a Metra train stop conveniently located downtown which will take you to Chicago. There are countless restaurants and shops located in the main block. Also, there’s the Metropolis Performing Arts Center which puts on plays and live concerts year round. In the summer, the town has live music at Harmony Park which draws in hundreds if not thousands of people. Plus, Arlington Heights introduced outdoor dining options in Arlington Heights, now known as “Arlington Alfresco.” To top it off, there is a lot of speculation that the Chicago Bears will move to Arlington Heights, making people believe that it would be a huge draw for the town. Being such a lively area with a bright future ahead of it, very few owners have a desire to move away, and many of those that do are choosing to keep the condos and rent them out.

The 6 buildings of downtown Arlington Heights, where you’ll find condos for sale.

1 S Highland Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Also known as “Metropolis Place.” This red and green building sits on the corner of S Highland Ave and W Campbell St. It was built in 2001 and the building is home to 63 condos across 8 floors, mostly consisting of 2 bed/2bath and 1 bed/1 bath condos. Each unit has a balcony and comes with a storage locker. The residents park at the Vail Street garage, a public multi-story parking garage which reserves the 2nd and 3rd floor parking spots for residents and train commuters.

200 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Also known as “Campbell Courte.” This 8 story building features 91 units, mostly consisting of 2 bed/2 bath and 1 bed/1 bath units, although the top floors do have varying floor plans including some with 2-levels of living with loft areas. Residents have their own private parking spaces and the units come with storage lockers. Each condominium has a balcony.

77 S Evergreen Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. This building is called “Arlington Towne Square.” The building has a full time doorman, an exercise room, and a party room. Residents also have water, heat, air conditioning, and internet included in their monthly assessments (at the time of writing this). Residents park in the building’s private garage which is attached to the public Evergreen garage. For residents who need extra parking, they can rent additional spaces from the Village in the public parking garage for a monthly fee. The building is the largest and tallest in downtown Arlington Heights, with 94 units spanning over 13 stories. Arlington Towne Square features a variety of floor plans, including 2 bed/2 baths, 2 bed/2.1 baths, 1 bed/1 baths, 1 bed/1.1 baths, a few 3 bedroom units, and a 5 bed/3 bath unit. Units come with storage lockers. Many units come with balconies (though not all). A few units come with large private terraces.

10 S Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. The “Metro Lofts” is a luxury condo building built in 2007. The building has an industrial feel to it, with most units having exposed concrete ceilings and heating ducts. The building holds 55 units, most of which are 2 bed/2 bath and 1 bed/1 bath floor plans. Each unit has a balcony however a few units have large private terraces which overlook downtown Arlington heights. The building has a rooftop for residents as well as a gym and a meeting room. Owners park in the Vail street garage, similar to the Metropolis Place residents of 1 S Highland Ave. Units also come with storage.

44 N Vail Ave, Arlington Heights, Il 60005. This building is known as “Village Green” and features 80 total units across 7 stories. It was built in 2,000 and features a variety of floor plans including 1 bed/1baths, 1 bed/1.1 baths, 2 bed/2 baths, and a few 3 bedroom units. The penthouse unit features a 3rd floor turret space, accessible through a spiral staircase great for stargazing. Residents park in their own private heated garage. Each unit comes with a balcony and storage. The first floor of the building has commercial space including the popular Peggy Kinnane’s (as of the time of writing this). The building is located on the corner of Vail Street and W Campbell St.

151 W Wing St, Arlington Heights, Il 60005. This brown brick building is called “Wing Street Residences” and is know for its curved balconies. The building consists of 62 units across 9 stories, each coming with storage and a balcony. The building’s floor plans consist mostly of 1 bed/1 bath, 2 bed/2 bath, 2 bed/2.1 bath, and 3 bed/3.1 bath units. A few condos are multi-level with over 5,00 square feet. Heat, water, and cable are included in the monthly assessment fees (at the time of writing this).

What’s stopping you from buying a downtown Arlington Heights condominium?

Do you want to know when downtown Arlington Heights condos come for sale? Hi, my name is Steven Johnson and I am a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. I’ve been a full time Realtor for over 10 years and am ready to help you with your home search. You may find very few downtown Arlington Heights condos for sale these days due to high demand to live in the area. I’d love to help you with your home search. I have access to many tools and technology to help you find the right home and can often connect you with home sellers before homes come to the market. Give Steven Johnson a call or text today to get started on your home search (847) 525-6121 or visit StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com to learn more.

Last week, Jose and Lauren closed on a 2-flat in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. I’ve worked with Jose before, he’s a close friend of mine. I also helped him secure a condo in Rodger’s Park several years back. Looking to expand his rental portfolio, he reached out again. This time, he was looking to do what many real estate investors call “house hacking.” Essentially, house hacking is where you live in a property but find a way to leverage the property to get someone else to help pay your mortgage. Renting out your garage to neighbor, leasing your home on Airbnb or another short term rental site while you are traveling, and leasing out one of the units of a multi-family building while you live in the other unit are all examples of house hacking. Jose opted for the later, looking to move into one of the units while renting out the other unit. This way, he could subsidize his ownership costs and his mortgage. Plus, there are financing incentives to purchasing an investment property this way. Usually for owner occupied home purchases, lenders will give you a substantially better interest rates than what investors would get. Plus, you can put down as low as 3-5% when it’s an owner occupied purchase (investors are typically require to put down 20%-25% minimum).

The search begins.

Soon into our search, Jose and Lauren found a 2-flat in Avondale with perfect location. It was close to main roads, the expressway, public transport, and in the heart of Avondale. Our initial offer on it did not materialize into an accepted offer. The seller had a different price in mind than we had. We kept searching for a few weeks, but the property remained in Jose and Lauren’s minds. A few weeks later we decided to revisit the offer. Both seller and buyer made concessions to find middle ground. Finally- we were under contract on this Avondale home. After doing our due diligence, getting the inspection and property appraisal done, Jose and Lauren got the “clear to close” from their lender. Fast forward to now, Jose and Lauren are now HOMEOWNERS. Congrats you two! Jose, thank you so much for choosing to reach out to me on your home purchase. I always go the extra mile for my clients and, even after the sale is complete, I am always a resource you can count on. I’m always a call, text, or email away.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home in or around Chicago?

Jose and Lauren bought a 2-flat in Avondale, but that’s not all that I sell and not the only area I sell in! Hi, my name is Steven Johnson and I’m a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. I’ve been a Realtor for over 10 years now and I’m ready to use my experience to help you. I sell homes, condominiums, townhomes, multi-unit buildings, and vacant land. I am licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin and primarily sell property in the counties of Cook, Lake, Mchenry, Walworth, Kenosha, Dupage, and Kane. If you’re looking for a professional who always goes the extra mile and has years of experience closing 100’s of transactions, then I’m your guy. Give me a call/text at (847) 525-6121. Or, visit my Website, Zillow page, or Google page. I am excited to speak with you and am looking forward to your call!

This downtown Highland Park condominium has officially closed. These units very rarely come available, largely due to the great location. We were strategic in our listing strategy- we understood we were seeking a buyer before the market gets red hot. As a result, we started on the private network to test how many buyers were in the market for this kind of condominium. We were fortunate to find the right buyer for the condo without having to go live on the market.

Selling a home is all about making a gameplan. What is your plan to get the home ready to sell? How is the market currently and where will it be at in the coming weeks and months? Does the seller have a unique circumstance where we’d need to get creative to sell the home in a more stress-free way? These are all questions that I discuss with my clients who are looking to sell. Every seller is different, and I am always looking to develop a strategy that works best tailored for you specifically. To get started on your home selling journey, call Steven Johnson with Coldwell Banker. Whether you’re also selling a downtown Highland Park condominium, or a home in Chicago or its northwest suburbs, Steven Johnson is ready to sell your home (847) 525-6121

What is the one, most efficient thing you can do to make your home sell for more money? Most believe that remodels in the kitchen and bathrooms are the most efficient updates you can make. Truth is, these updates will increase the value of the home, but when compared to how much money you put into it, it rarely makes financial sense. Instead, if you’re looking to make your home sell for more money, then look to clean it. Most homeowners would be shocked to hear this, as it seems like it’s too simple of an answer. Cleaning it doesn’t permanently change anything about the home, yet it’s the most efficient way to make your home sell for more money?

Home buyers associate a clean home with a well maintained home.

If only I had a dollar for every time a buyer has told me “even though the home isn’t updated, we like it because it feels so well taken care of.” A clean home allows buyers to envision themselves living in it. It affords them the luxury of concluding that certain things don’t need to be replaced, which saves them money. Home buyers often assume that if you keep your home clean that you also gave proper attention maintaining the expensive mechanicals. The roof, furnace, AC, windows, and water heater are costly to replace. The less money that the buyer of your home feels they need to put into the home with updates, the more money they will be willing to pay for your home. This is especially true in today’s real estate market given that the majority of buyers are putting less than 20% down. As a result, buyers are looking to pinch pennies when buying a home and often are willing to slightly over pay for a well maintained home. In conclusion, you can make your home sell for more money with minimal work, even on a tight budget.

About the author- Steven Johnson, Realtor with Coldwell Banker

Are you looking to sell your home and need more advice? Are you looking to buy a home and need an agent who can point out things to consider? Do you disagree with my argument and want to share your point of view? Regardless of the reason, I’d love to connect with you. Feel free to call/text me at (847) 525-6121. Or, email me at Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

Like this blog post? I’ve got more! check out more here Blog – Steven Johnson

Justin and Katherine came to me looking for a home to rent from a referral of a friend of mine (thank you Danny!). After a few weeks searching, and discussing their options, they came to the conclusion that it might make more sense for them buy a home instead. I connected them with a few trustworthy lenders that I work with frequently with and soon after they were pre-approved. We began our search, and it didn’t take long for for Justin and Katherine to find a home in Palatine that checked all of their boxes. Everything was going smoothly, however soon after we discovered that there were budgeting issues with the association that would make it difficult for their loan to get approved. With time running out, we quickly started their search again and it didn’t take long to secure another home in Palatine. Fortunately for all parties involved, things went much smoother with this home and we were able to get it closed quickly due to everyone doing their part. At last, Justin and Katherine are now owners of their new home in Palatine! Thank you for choosing to work with the best Realtor in & around Chicago, Steven Johnson!

Are you looking to buy or sell a home? Find me (Steven Johnson) on Zillow, Realtor.com, and Google! I am also easy to reach- call or text me any time at (847) 525-6121

I was first introduced to Daniel through a mutual friends a few years back. Daniel soon reached out letting me know he was going to start looking for his first home. We started his home search and Daniel intently studied the market. After a few weeks, Daniel determined it was best he hold off on his home search for a few years due to changing interest rates and so he could increase his down payment. Earlier this year, Daniel let me know he was ready to start searching again. After a few failed offers, we found a home that would be a perfect fit- until the home inspection detailed several concerns with the home which could turn his investment into a liability. Daniel decided to keep looking. Shortly after, he found an updated ranch home with a full basement in Lake in the Hills. Daniel’s offer was quickly accepted, inspections items were promptly negotiated, and now Daniel is finally a homeowner. Congrats Daniel! I appreciate that you chose to work with me on the purchase of your first home.

Are you looking for a home in Lake in the Hills? Or maybe you’re looking to sell a home? No matter the real estate need, I’d love to help. Call me, Steven Johnson, with all of your real estate needs (847) 525-6121

We said goodbye to this charming summer home/started home last week. When we look to sell a Lake Villa home like this, it’s important to look at the property’s best features. For this home, we determined it was the beautiful views of the Chain of Lakes as well as Lake rights to it. It is the perfect spot for both the summer and winter months! We were able to generate a strong offer for my clients after just the first weekend it was listed. Congrats to both the buyer and seller!

sell a Lake Villa home, or buy one!

Hey you. Are you looking to sell a Lake Villa home or a home on the Chain of Lakes? Maybe you’re looking to purchase one? My name is Steven Johnson and I am a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty who is vastly experienced in selling homes in the area. Get give a call today to discuss your goals (847) 525-6121