Housing Trends – Rita Kerins-Neighborhood Expert Chicago Real Estate Broker

FOMC Meeting Minutes: Why Fed’s Rate Policy Reversed Course

After raising the target range for the federal funds rate in 2018, the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee did not raise the Central Bank’s key interest rate at its meeting of January 29 and 30. While Committee members did not raise the Fed’s key rate, members were divided on the interest rate decision.

The 2019 Housing Market, While Still Risky, Isn’t All Bad for Buyers

Many new buyers start looking for homes in the spring. The question in 2019 is whether buyers can afford available inventory or want to buy given changes to the tax code and increase in natural disasters.

Case-Shiller: Home Prices Lower in November

Home price growth continued to struggle in November, with Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index moving from October’s reading of 5.30 percent annual growth to 5.20 percent growth in November. This was the lowest reading since January 2015.

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Grows After Lowest Level in 3 Years

After two months of declining builder confidence, the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index gained two points in January with a reading of 58. Component readings of the HMI were also higher with builder confidence in current market conditions rose two points to an index reading of 63. Builder confidence in housing market conditions over the next six months rose three points to 64.

Big Cities vs. Secondary Markets: Where to Buy?

Atlanta, Charlotte, New York and Los Angeles are always on the real estate radar because of big ticket sales and good media coverage. The secondary markets – those markets without the celebrity undertones – may actually be better deals. With the price of borrowing money rising and occupation rates dropping in primary markets, places like Nashville and Birmingham are looking better to investors.

3 Millennial Home-Buying Trends Sellers Should Know

After five consecutive years of Millennials outpacing all other home-buying demographics, sellers would be wise to wrap their thinking around what makes this generation tick.

NAHB Reports Lowest Builder Confidence Reading Since 2014

Obstacles facing home builders have caught up with high builder confidence according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index for November. Builder confidence dropped eight points to an index reading of 60, which was the largest month-to-month drop in builder confidence since 2014. November’s decline in builder confidence was greater than the largest month-to-month decline during the housing crisis.

5 Trends Shaping Green Homes

Think green home design is a fad? Well, think again. Sustainable home designs are gaining popularity at a breakneck speed. In 2017, green homes accounted for more than 60 percent of family home builder’s portfolios, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders.

Contact Rita
773-807-2387
rita@ritaestate.com

Rita Kerins
Real Estate Advisor

A Chicago Native, Rita Kerins is a realtor who balances her tech-savvy skills, with the personal connection of seeing her clients from the start of their journey, all the way to the closing table.

“We truly enjoyed working with Rita. She really understands the Chicago real estate market and helped us reach our end goal of selling. She was very friendly, straightforward, attended every showing in person and constantly provided immediate feedback on every showing.” - Robert and Tanya Eckl

Rita approaches each client with a personal touch. She takes her time to understand their needs and communicates with them every step of the way. Rita truly enjoys the close interactions she has with her clients. Being with her clients when they find the perfect home or sharing the news that their home has sold are the moments that make her truly passionate about her job.

“Rita Kerins is what every buyer and seller needs. She is always there for her clients. At no step of the process did I have to wonder what was next, or feel terrified that I didn’t know what to do, because Rita explained what was going on and what to expect. I’ll always recommend Rita Kerins to all of my friends and co-workers and will ask her to be my agent whenever I go to sell my property and buy my next place. She’s that good!” - Johanna Gonzalez

Let her help you find your perfect home. Contact Rita today!

Designations and Awards

- Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI)
- Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLMHS)
- Certified Social Media Marketer (CSM)
- Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer Award Winner