When investing in real estate, you will have a lot of questions, whether you are a first time buyer, repeat buyer, seller, or investing.   It is important to be informed and educated in the processes of buying and /or selling.  Below you will find helpful topics that can educate you and inform you on the real estate profession.  If you see that your question cannot be answered by these topics, please feel free to fill out the contact form.  We will be happy to assist you with those answers.  Please also provide accurate contact information so that we may return an answer to your question.

We have experienced highs and lows in Champaign County.  The presence of the University of Illinois and other major employers shelter this area more than most in the country.  Some cities across the country are having a good year, some are having a stable year, while others decline. 

We tend to see the aftershocks of what the larger markets experience, in all professions.   When we see declines and major financial issues beginning to affect our country, we should expect it to come to us, however at a smaller scale.  Our real estate market did not see the huge appreciation levels that made the national news.  We saw steady, slower appreciation levels that allowed us to not see the devastating effects other markets are experiencing.  We are slower and we are seeing longer market times, that is a fact. 

We are seeing foreclosures but not at the rate other markets are.   Foreclosures are not just due to job loss.  They can come from divorce, and health issues as well.  We tend to hear only that job loss is the cause.  The term foreclosure has been around a lot longer than the last few years with the slowing economy. 

There is no way to tell exactly how long a home will stay on the market right now.  The most important thing is to be educated and choose a full time real estate professional to assist you, whether you are buying or selling.   It is also important to have patience when selling in these slower market times, which can be frustrating.  A full time, professional Realtor will feel your frustration, but continue on to do their job.  Remember Realtors are investing in you and your home before they get paid.  It is in our best interest to find you the home you want/need and when selling to get your home sold.