Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Selling an Evanston Home? Make a Plan Before You Start Spending

Before you order new countertops, call a painter, or launch a weekend demolition project, take a breath. Getting ready to sell starts with your next move—not necessarily your next renovation. What’s your timing? What needs attention? What paperwork do you have? And which projects are worth discussing before you commit? I put together a free Evanston Seller Prep Checklist to help you work through those questions. Condo owners will also find a section on association paperwork, assessments, parking, storage, and move procedures. Use it to get organized. Then let’s talk about your home. Read the article and download the checklist: https://www.willtveit.com/before-you-spend-a-dime-getting-your-evanston-home-ready-to-sell

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Evanston Market Snapshot: October 2026

The latest Evanston housing numbers are a good reminder that one citywide median never tells the whole story. Prices look nearly flat year over year, but price per square foot is up, more than half of homes are selling above asking, and buyers are still competing for the best listings. Here’s what the October 2026 market looks like — and what I think buyers and sellers should take from it. Read more here: https://www.willtveit.com/evanston-real-estate-market-update-october-2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Condo Financing Changes: What Chicago and Evanston Buyers Should Know

When buyers think about qualifying for a mortgage, they usually focus on their own finances: income, credit, down payment, debt, and interest rates. With a condominium, however, the building itself can also affect financing. A financially qualified buyer may still encounter lending issues if the condominium association does not meet a lender's requirements. Reserves, insurance, deferred maintenance, special assessments, litigation, and other association matters can all affect whether conventional financing is available for a particular unit. Read full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/condo-financing-changes-chicago-evanston

Renting vs. Buying in Chicago | What Newcomers Should Know

Moving to Chicago often starts with one big question: Should I rent first, or buy right away? There isn’t one right answer, but there are a few Chicago-specific factors that can make the decision easier. Read full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/renting-vs-buying-in-chicago

What Is Your Home Really Worth? How to Price Your Home for Sale

The honest answer is that no online estimate, neighborhood average, or recent sale can determine your home's value on its own. A realistic price requires looking at the property, recent comparable sales, current competition, and what buyers are willing to pay now. That is true whether you own a single-family home, condominium, townhome, or small multi-unit property in Evanston, Chicago, or the North Shore. Online estimates can be a useful starting point, but they have not walked through your home. They may not know that you renovated the kitchen, replaced the roof, added a bathroom, or have a much better view than another unit in the same building. They may also miss condition issues that a buyer will notice immediately. If you are wondering what your home is worth, the details matter. Read full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/what-is-my-home-worth-evanston-chicago

Moving to Chicago for Work? A New Resident’s Relocation Checklist

Moving to Chicago for a new job can be exciting, but the practical details can pile up quickly. Beyond choosing the right neighborhood and home, new residents need to navigate transportation, vehicle requirements, utilities, parking, moving logistics, housing costs, and the everyday services that make a new city feel like home. Whether you are relocating for Google’s new Chicago office at the Thompson Center, another downtown employer, or a position elsewhere in the Chicago area, this practical checklist can help you get organized. Read full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/moving-to-chicago-relocation-checklist

What Is My Home Worth?

The honest answer is that no online estimate, neighborhood average, or recent sale can determine your home's value by itself. A realistic price requires looking at the property, recent comparable sales, current competition, and what buyers are willing to pay now. That is true whether you own a single-family home, condominium, townhome or small multi-unit property in Evanston, Chicago or the North Shore. Online estimates can be a useful starting point, but they have not walked through your home. They may not know that you renovated the kitchen, replaced the roof, added a bathroom, or that your unit has a much better view than another one in the building. They may also miss condition issues that a buyer will notice immediately. If you are wondering what your home is worth, the details matter. Read the full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/what-is-my-home-worth