Kurt Clements Realtor Exp Realty

10/25/2026

Buyers, this is big.

The housing market is giving you a level of negotiating power we haven't seen since the years following the housing crash.

According to Redfin, there are now 63% more sellers than buyers nationwide, and 41 of the 50 largest metros favor buyers. That means, in most places, you have more say in what you're willing to pay, what you're willing to accept, and what you want to negotiate.

And sellers have more reason to listen.

Of course this varies market to market, but this shift is creating opportunities for buyers who are ready to jump in – even with today’s higher rates.

DM me, and let's make sure you know how to take advantage of it.



For more information, reach out!

10/24/2026

Today, a growing number of homeowners who set out to sell end up as landlords instead. About 9% of homes for rent were up for sale first. In the industry, we call it “accidental landlords.”

And if you’re watching the market and trying to decide between selling or renting, here’s what you need to know…

While renting out your house can be a great fit for some people, being a landlord is a job of its own. Suddenly, you’re fielding weekend calls about a leaky dishwasher and you’ve got a plumber on speed dial. And you’re still on the hook for the mortgage any month the house sits empty.

That doesn’t mean renting is a bad option, it just means you have to know what you’re getting into. And if you’d rather sell, let’s talk. Because with the right price and a strong marketing plan it is still doable today.



For more information, reach out!

10/23/2026

Aurora isn't one market; it's five, and the zip codes tell a very different story depending on where you look.

60502 and 60503 are where the higher-end activity is concentrated, averaging $625,000 and $528,000 sold in August. Meanwhile, 60505 remains the most budget-friendly option, with an average sold price of $288,000. School districts tell a similar story: homes in Indian Prairie 204 averaged $540,000 sold, and Oswego 308 came in at $528,000, while East Aurora 131 was more affordable, averaging $302,000.

Aurora as a whole remains a seller's market, but which part of that market you're in depends entirely on the zip code and school district you're looking at.

If you're thinking about making a move, feel free to reach out — happy to share today's numbers or talk through what's happening with your specific home.

Kurt Clements | eXp Realty | kurtclementshomes.com

📊 Data: July–August 2026

10/23/2026

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are making a comeback, and it's easy to see why.

In October, starting rates for ARMs were running almost a full percentage point below fixed-rate loans. On a median-priced home, that can mean your payment could be roughly $150-300 less per month.

For buyers struggling with affordability, that’s worth considering. Just know that they do come with some trade-offs – the biggest of which is that your rate (and your payment) could rise after a set timeframe.

And just in case you’re thinking…aren't ARMs risky? You should know today's ARMs aren't like the ones from 2008. But they do work differently than a fixed-rate mortgage, so it pays to understand them first.

A trusted lender can help you explore how these loans work, how they can help, and walk you through the what-ifs.



For more information, reach out!

10/22/2026

Let's talk about what homes are actually selling for in Aurora right now.

The average sold price in August was $424,000, up from $414,000 in July. That's happening even though fewer homes sold in August, 111 versus 134 in July. Here's the interesting part: average list price on active listings fell from $511,000 in July to $487,000 in August. So sellers are pricing a little more realistically, and buyers are still paying close to what's asked, with homes moving in an average of just 31 days.

Aurora continues to have the lowest market entry point compared to Naperville, Oswego, and Plainfield, which matters whether you're buying your first home or your next one.

Follow Kurt Clements Homes for weekly updates on the far west suburbs of Chicago, or reach out anytime for today's numbers.

Kurt Clements | eXp Realty | kurtclementshomes.com

📊 Data: July–August 2026

10/22/2026

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.

Renting can be a good fit for the right person with the right house, but it isn’t the only option. A smart sales strategy can help your house stand out to buyers from day one.

So, if you’re on the fence, let’s sit down and compare what selling and renting would each look like for you.



For more information, reach out!

Selling your house is a big step, and you want it to go smoothly. And with houses taking a little longer to sell these days, renting it out might start to sound like a nice backup plan.

10/21/2026

If you own a home in Aurora, here's what the market looked like in August.

152 homes are currently under contract, and homes are selling in an average of just 31 days. Yes, that's a touch slower than July's 29 days, and we saw 111 sales in August compared to 134 in July, but that's a normal seasonal shift, not a sign the market's turning. Aurora still has the lowest entry point and one of the shortest days-on-market numbers of any of its neighboring communities, and the average sold price actually climbed to $424,000.

Priced right and marketed well, homes here are still moving quickly.

Questions about the Aurora market, or want today's actual numbers? Drop them in the comments.

Kurt Clements | eXp Realty | kurtclementshomes.com

📊 Data: July–August 2026

10/21/2026

Confused by Home Price Headlines? Here’s Why.

National headlines can’t tell you what your home is worth or how much room you have to negotiate. Local data can. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s look at how prices are moving in your area, so you can set your price or make your offer with confidence.



For more information, reach out!

Whether you own a house already or you’re looking to buy one, you probably care about home prices.

10/20/2026

If you're house hunting in Aurora, the numbers are worth a look.

There are 161 homes active on the market right now, up from 144 in July, so you have more to choose from than in July. And where you shop makes a real difference here. Over in 60505, the average sold price in August was $288,000, one of the most budget-friendly pockets in the far west suburbs. On the other end, 60502 and 60503 are running higher, averaging $625,000 and $528,000, if you're looking for more space or a move-up buy.

It's still a competitive market overall, but with more inventory on the ground than in July, buyers have a little more room to compare and find the right fit.

If you're thinking about making a move, feel free to reach out — happy to walk through today's numbers or what they mean for your specific budget.

Kurt Clements | eXp Realty | kurtclementshomes.com

📊 Data: July–August 2026

10/20/2026

New Homes Cost Less in 1 in 3 Major Markets

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about 1 in 3 major markets. How much less, exactly? Nationally, a newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less. So, brand-new could be more budget-friendly than you think. Want to see how newly built and existing homes compare where you’re looking? Let’s tour one of each.



For more information, reach out!