Get Real With Eddie

Is it better to rent or buy in today’s housing market? In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee with EXIT Real Estate Specialists break down one of the biggest questions facing buyers right now. The conversation starts with the rent vs buying debate. With rents continuing to climb in many markets while interest rates fluctuate, many people are trying to decide if homeownership still makes sense. Eddie and Nancy explain how buying a home can still be a powerful long-term financial strategy through equity growth, stability, and wealth building. Next, they dive into a hidden advantage that repeat buyers have in today’s market. Homeowners who already own property often have built-up equity that can create stronger buying power when it’s time to move. That equity can help with down payments, negotiations, and flexibility when competing for the right property. Pricing strategy is also a major focus of this episode. The wrong price can make or break your sale in today’s housing market. Eddie and Nancy explain why some homes are sitting on the market while others sell quickly, and how proper pricing can attract serious buyers and generate stronger offers. The show also covers the top mistakes sellers are making today. From unrealistic pricing to poor preparation before listing, many sellers are hurting their own chances of success. Understanding these mistakes can help homeowners position their property better and sell faster in today’s market. If you are thinking about buying, selling, or investing in real estate, this episode offers practical insight into what is really happening in the housing market right now. Hosted by Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee with EXIT Real Estate Specialists, bringing real conversations and real market insights every week. #EddieRuettiger #NancyVallee #EXITRealEstateSpecialists #GetRealWithEddie #RealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstateAdvice #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RentVsBuy #HomeOwnership #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MoveUpBuyer #HomeSellerTips #RealEstateInvesting #IllinoisRealEstate #ChicagolandRealEstate #WillCountyRealEstate #HousingTrends #MarketUpdate #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateRadio #PropertyMarket #RealEstateEducation #BuyAHome #SellAHome 00:00:00 Rent vs Buying 00:15:09 Hidden Advantage that Repeat Buyers Have 00:28:45 Price Can Make or Break Your Sale 00:44:13 Top Mistakes Sellers are Making Today

Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee with EXIT Real Estate Specialists as they take a deep dive into the latest trends shaping the housing market. In this episode, they discuss whether mortgage rates are actually coming down even without a Fed rate reduction, what that means for buyers and sellers, and how housing affordability has shifted in recent months. Eddie and Nancy break down the latest building activity, highlighting where the market is gaining momentum and where it’s still slowing. They also explore whether rates have reached the “magical number” that makes buying more accessible, and share insights on why the housing market slowed in January—plus what it could mean for the rest of the year. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or simply keeping an eye on market trends, this episode gives you the real, actionable information you need to make smart housing decisions in today’s market. #HousingMarket #MortgageRates #HomeBuying #RealEstateUpdate #EddieRuettiger #NancyVallee #EXITRealEstateSpecialists #HousingAffordability #BuildingActivity #InterestRates #MarketTrends #RealEstateTips 00:00:00 – Are rates coming down without the Fed rate lowering 00:13:58 – Housing affordability has shifted 00:22:16 – Building activity has gained ground 00:36:19 – Have rates hit the magical number 00:44:24 – Why do you think the housing market slowed in January

Congress just passed a new housing bill, and the National Association of Realtors is applauding it — but what does it mean for buyers and sellers? In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, we break down why it’s becoming more affordable to buy a home, review the latest sales data for Shorewood, and discuss the top reasons people are still choosing homeownership. We also take a closer look at why townhomes are growing in popularity among today’s first-time buyers and what that means for the market overall. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on trends, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in the housing market right now. #RealEstate #HousingMarket #ShorewoodIL #IllinoisRealEstate #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #Townhomes #HomeBuying #MarketUpdate #GetRealWithEddie Chapters 00:00:00 NAR Applauds Congress on Housing Bill 00:10:40 It Is Getting More Affordable to Buy a Home 00:18:42 Shorewood, IL Sales Data 00:27:15 Top Reasons to Buy a Home 00:45:26 Townhomes Are Popular with Today’s First-Time Home Buyers

Inflation data is looking better — but what does that actually mean for rates and housing? This week on Get Real with Eddie, we break down improving inflation numbers, why down payments are shrinking, and why cash buyers are starting to step back. We also dive into how to make your equity work for you, what’s happening with inventory levels, and why move-up buyers are leaning toward new construction. Plus, we review the latest sales data for Morris, Illinois. If you’re buying, selling, or thinking about leveraging your equity in today’s market — this episode is for you. #RealEstate #HousingMarket #IllinoisRealEstate #MorrisIL #InventoryUpdate #HomeEquity #NewConstruction #MoveUpBuyers #InflationNews #MarketUpdate #GetRealWithEddie Chapters 00:00:00 Inflation Data Looks Good 00:08:40 Down Payments Dip & Cash Buyers Retreat 00:20:27 Making Your Equity Work for You 00:28:49 Sales Data for Morris, IL 00:31:19 Inventory Is Making a Comeback 00:45:25 Move-Up Buyers Are Choosing New Construction

Real estate headlines are loud right now — rising foreclosures, fragile mortgage demand, insurance spikes… but what’s actually happening on the ground? In this episode, we break down why foreclosures aren’t flashing red, what’s really driving buyer hesitation, how insurance is quietly reshaping affordability, and what the numbers say in Plainfield, IL. Plus, new construction pricing and why downsizing might be the next big move. #RealEstate #HousingMarket #Foreclosures #MortgageRates #InsuranceCosts #PlainfieldIL #IllinoisRealEstate #NewConstruction #Downsizing #MarketUpdate #GetRealWithEddie #HomeSales #HousingData 00:00:00 Why is rising foreclosures not a red flag 00:12:19 Mortgage demand is fragile 00:16:59 Insurance costs are rising 00:30:13 Sales data for Plainfield, IL 00:33:02 New construction price has increased 00:44:06 Downsizing may becoming into a place

Mortgage rates just hit a 3-year low — so why isn’t the housing market exploding? In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, we break down what’s happening with the upcoming Federal Reserve leadership change, why lower rates aren’t automatically creating more inventory, and what’s really propping up today’s market. We also dive into: • What a new Fed Chair could mean for interest rates • Why the market feels “stuck” even with lower rates • Local sales data from Joliet, Illinois • How to build smarter in today’s environment • What an NFL player actually wants in a luxury home If you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or just watching the market closely — this episode gives you straight insight without the noise. This is Get Real. #GetRealWithEddie #HousingMarket #MortgageRates #FederalReserve #RealEstateNews #IllinoisRealEstate #JolietIL #MarketUpdate #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #LuxuryHomes #InterestRates #RealEstatePodcast #BuildingBetter #RealEstateInvesting 00:00:00 New Fed Chair Coming 00:09:25 Rates Are Lower — So What’s Holding the Market Up? 00:16:30 Rates Hit a 3-Year Low 00:27:44 Sales Data for Joliet, IL 00:34:40 Building Better 00:44:11 What an NFL Player Wants in a Home

Are BIG investors really buying up all the homes — and pushing everyday buyers out of the market? In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee break down what’s actually happening in today’s housing market. From falling builder sentiment to surging mortgage demand and growing buyer remorse, we dig into the data behind the headlines and separate fact from fear. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to understand today’s real estate market, this episode gives you the straight talk you won’t hear in clickbait news stories. Are BIG investors really buying up all the homes and pushing everyday buyers out of the market? In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee break down what’s actually happening in today’s real estate market. We cover falling builder sentiment, surging mortgage demand, buyer remorse, and the big question everyone is asking — are large investors taking over the housing market? If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just want real facts instead of headlines, this episode delivers straight talk backed by real data. Get Real with Eddie airs on 1340 WJOL AM in Joliet, IL and is also available as a podcast, YouTube channel, and online at www.getrealwitheddie.com Like, comment, and subscribe for weekly real estate insights. #getrealwitheddie #realestate #housingmarket #realestatepodcast #realestatenews #homebuyers #homesellers #realestateinvesting #investors #mortgagerates #housingmarketupdate #illinoisrealestate #jolietrealestate #1340WJOL #EXITRealEstate ⏱️ Chapters 00:00:00 Builders' sentiment falls 00:09:43 Mortgage demand soars 00:17:12 Buyer remorse 00:28:05 Are BIG investors buying up all the home

In this week’s episode of Get Real With Eddie, hosts Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee of EXIT Real Estate Specialists break down the full year 2025 real estate sales data — from hyper-local market stats to broader trends across Northern Illinois and the entire Chicago metro area. This annual market recap gives homeowners, buyers, sellers, and investors a clear picture of what actually happened in the housing market in 2025 and what those numbers could mean moving into 2026. You’ll hear insights on: ✔️ Home sales trends and price movement ✔️ Market activity by city and county ✔️ Chicagoland housing patterns ✔️ What the data may signal for the year ahead Whether you're tracking your home’s value, thinking about making a move, or simply want to stay informed, this episode delivers the real numbers behind the real estate headlines. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00:00 Sales Data for Joliet, IL 00:10:05 Sales Data for Plainfield, IL 00:13:34 Sales Data for Crest Hill, IL 00:18:40 Sales Data for Shorewood, IL 00:21:30 Sales Data for New Lenox, IL 00:30:11 Sales Data for Will County, IL 00:35:02 Sales Data for Grundy County, IL 00:43:39 Sales Data for Chicago, IL 00:47:28 Sales Data for Northern Illinois (Entire MLS Region) 00:50:22 Sales Data for Chicago Metro Area

Is 2026 the year you finally make your move in real estate? In this episode of Get Real With Eddie, we break down what’s really happening in today’s market — and why smart buyers and sellers are getting organized and positioning themselves for success right now. From real local data in Plainfield, IL to buyer demand trends and why January is one of the best months to buy, this show is packed with practical insight you can use immediately. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property that didn’t move, or just watching the market, this episode will help you make smarter decisions in 2026. #GetRealWithEddie #WinningInRealEstate #RealEstate2026 #HousingTrends #MarketUpdate #HomeBuyingTips #HomeSellingTips #RealEstateStrategy #PlainfieldIL #JolietIL #ShorewoodIL #WillCountyIL #IllinoisRealEstate #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MoveUpBuyers #InvestInRealEstate #LocalMarket #RealEstatePodcast #RealtorLife #JanuaryIsTheBestTimeToBuy 00:00  Organization in 2026 03:20  Ask Yourself These 5 Questions Before Buying 10:39  Why 2026 Is a Good Year to Be Optimistic About Real Estate 17:13  What to Do If Your Home Didn’t Sell 29:26  Plainfield, IL Market Sales Data 35:33  Buyer Demand Is Picking Back Up 45:14  Why January Is the Best Time to Buy a Home

In this episode of Get Real With Eddie, we kick off 2026 by spotlighting the Joliet Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the powerful role local volunteers play in protecting and supporting our neighborhoods during times of crisis. From natural disasters to community emergencies, these everyday heroes are often the first line of defense — providing life-saving assistance, organization, and hope when it matters most. We also connect the dots between community strength and real estate confidence. With headlines causing uncertainty, Eddie breaks down what’s really happening with home values and what it means for homeowners, buyers, and investors in 2026. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to sell, buy, or hold, this episode brings clarity through real local data and real-world insight. Finally, we look ahead at why more buyers are planning to move in 2026 and what that means for the Joliet and Will County housing market. Whether you care about community safety, your home’s value, or your next move, this episode delivers the facts without the fear.   #GetRealWithEddie, #JolietRealEstate, #WillCountyHomes, #CommunityStrong, #CERTTeam, #EmergencyPreparedness, #JolietIL, #HomeValues, #2026HousingMarket, #LocalHeroes, #DisasterPreparedness, #RealEstateTalk, #HousingTrends, #BuyersMarket, #IllinoisRealEstate Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to 2026 00:01:13 Joliet Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 00:28:12 Do the headlines have you worried about your home’s value? 00:44:32 More buyers are planning to move in 2026

The Federal Reserve has dropped rates—so what does that really mean for buyers, sellers, and investors right now? In this episode, we break down how lower rates impact the housing market, where to find the best deals today, and what the latest Will County sales data is telling us about local trends. We also talk strategy—how to stretch your options in a changing market, protect yourself and your home, and spotlight a great opportunity at 3806 Brenton Drive in Joliet, Illinois. Whether you’re actively house hunting, investing, or just trying to understand where the market is headed, this episode delivers practical, real-world insight you can use. #RealEstate #HousingMarket #FedRateCut #MortgageRates #IllinoisRealEstate #WillCounty #JolietIL #HomeBuying #RealEstateInvesting #MarketUpdate #SmartBuying Chapters 00:00:00 The Fed Drops Rates 00:10:37 How to Find the Best Deal Now 00:17:49 Will County Sales Data 00:26:50 Talking Sci-Fi 00:30:05 How to Stretch Your Options 00:37:09 3806 Brenton Dr, Joliet, IL For Sale 00:44:48 Things to Protect Your Home and Yourself

In this episode, Eddie breaks down what Fed Day means for the housing market and what interest rate decisions could mean for buyers and sellers. The conversation explores whether a housing reset may be on the horizon, offers a quick and easy-to-understand history of inflation, and explains how economic shifts impact real estate locally. The episode also highlights a new listing at 3806 Brenton Dr in Joliet, located in the highly desirable Plainfield School District, and wraps up with a discussion on one of Illinois’ fastest-growing boomtown communities and why so many people are moving there. #RealEstateMarket #FedDay #InterestRates #InflationExplained #HousingMarketUpdate #IllinoisRealEstate #JolietIL #PlainfieldSchools #HomesForSale #Boomtowns #BuyersAndSellers #MarketTrends #LocalRealEstate #GetRealWithEddie 00:00:00 Fed Day Breakdown: What the Fed May Do Next 00:06:20 Is a Housing Reset on the Horizon 00:17:29 Inflation Explained: A Quick Historical Overview 00:38:57 Featured Listing 3806 Brenton Dr Joliet Plainfield School District 00:44:34 Spotlight on One of Illinois’ Fastest Growing Boomtowns

This episode dives into some of the most talked-about real estate topics happening right now, beginning with a snowy Midwest start and moving straight into major market shifts. You’ll hear why Zillow removed climate data from listings and what that means for buyers and sellers. We break down the surprising trend of new and existing homes costing about the same and explore the latest numbers on new construction. You’ll also learn four key reasons your home may be landing high on buyers’ wish lists in today’s market. We cover why experts aren’t worried about a recession, highlight the featured property at 3806 Brenton Dr in Joliet, and wrap up with what the public is feeling about the market right now. This episode offers clear, practical insights to help you stay informed in a fast-changing real estate landscape. #RealEstate #HousingMarket #MarketUpdate #RealEstateNews #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #NewConstruction #ZillowUpdate #HousingTrends #EconomicOutlook #JolietIL #HomePrices #RealEstateInsights #MarketSentiment #RealEstate2025 00:00:00 SNOW, SNOW, SNOW 00:01:57 Zillow takes Climate Data off of home listings 00:09:17 New and existing homes cost the same 00:18:26 Numbers on newly built homes 00:29:05 4 reasons your home is high on buyers' wish list 00:44:05 Experts are not worried about a recession 00:48:00 3806 Brenton Dr Joliet IL for sale 00:49:13 The public feeling of the market

Sam kicks off the show with a mission to spread some holiday cheer, and then we dig into what Fed officials are hinting at for December rate cuts and how that could steer the early-2026 market. We break down the latest sales numbers in Romeoville to show where demand is heating up and where buyers are hesitating. To wrap it up, we talk about the home features people are suddenly asking for again — and why some trends deserve a comeback. #realestate #GetRealWithEddie #housingmarket #interestrates #RomeovilleIL #homebuying #homeselling #Fed 00:00:00 Sam Is Here for a Giving Cause to Brighten the Season 00:10:48 What the Fed Officials Are Saying About December Cuts 00:28:43 Sales Data on Romeoville, IL 00:31:33 Features That Need to Come Back Into the Home

The 50-year mortgage has become the newest lightning rod in real estate — some call it a necessary tool for affordability, others say it’s a trap that stretches buyers too thin over too long. Eddie and Nancy dig into the debate with no sugar-coating: who this kind of loan actually benefits, who it hurts, what it could do to pricing, and why it’s even being discussed right now. They also tackle a growing reality in 2026: the market is shifting again, and early signs show buyers and sellers adjusting in real time. From small decisions that cost buyers big opportunities (yes, even an $80 difference) to the often-misunderstood VA loan, this episode lays out what matters and what’s noise. You’ll also get a straight-up look at Joliet’s latest sales data, a featured listing with an open house, and some blunt truth about why builders are getting overlooked at a time when they might be the key to inventory relief. Packed episode, no fluff — just the insights people actually need. #RealEstate #HousingMarket #GetRealWithEddie #MortgageTalk #50YearMortgage #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #JolietIL #PlainfieldIL #VALoan Chapters 00:00 Nancy is back from NAR NXT 00:02:40 Housing market is turning a corner in 2026 00:08:20 Would you let 80 dollars hold you back from buying a home 00:13:08 The 50 Year mortgage Pros and cons 00:29:45 Joliet, IL sales data 00:33:13 The VA LOAN 00:43:34 3806 Brenton Drive, Joliet, IL 60431, for sale with an open house 00:46:23 Builders are being overlooked 

Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee unpack the latest National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Buyer and Seller Survey — and the results are eye-opening. From shifting buyer motivations to what’s really driving the market, they break down what’s next for both buyers and sellers. Plus, they share Plainfield’s latest sales data, highlight a featured listing, and talk about why 2026 could be the perfect year to sell. #GetRealWithEddie #RealEstatePodcast #EddieRuettiger #NancyVallee #HousingMarket #PlainfieldIL #RealEstateTrends #HomeSelling #HomeBuying #MarketUpdate #EXITRealEstateSpecialists #RealEstateInsights #NAR2025 00:00 Nancy is going to NXT! 02:55 National Association 2025 Buyers and Sellers Survey takeaways — and it’s shocking 20:20 How to get your home sale deal across the finish line 32:56 Plainfield, IL sales data 37:51 2617 Ruth Fitzgerald Plainfield, IL — 3 bedroom, 3 bath for sale 43:46 Are you thinking of selling in 2026

Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee tackle the question on everyone’s mind — did the real estate boom pass you by? They break down why the market still has opportunities, what’s driving buyer motivation, and how sellers can make their homes stand out. From Lockport’s latest housing data to the real reasons homes feel more expensive, this episode dives deep into what’s really happening in today’s market. #GetRealWithEddie #RealEstatePodcast #EddieRuettiger #NancyVallee #IllinoisRealEstate #LockportIL #HousingMarket #RealEstateBoom #MarketUpdate #EXITRealEstateSpecialists #RealEstateTips #HomeSelling #HomeBuying Chapters: 00:00 Our hearts go out to the family of Kevin Kollins 02:06 Did the market pass you by? Think again — new chances are here 13:52 The real reason homes “feel” more expensive (it’s not what you think) 21:35 Sales data for Lockport, Illinois 29:04 Why some homes sell quickly and others don’t 44:32 Smart Home Staging: It’s More Than Just Decor

The 2025 housing market is changing fast — and builders are leading the shift. In this episode of Get Real with Eddie on 1340 AM WJOL, Eddie Ruettiger and co-host Nancy Vallee from EXIT Real Estate Specialists break down what’s driving these BIG changes in new construction, buyer demand, and home prices across Joliet, Plainfield, Shorewood, and surrounding areas. We’ll talk about why builders are pulling back, how AI is powering a new construction boom, what buyers are doing differently, and what this means for home sellers heading into 2025. Plus, real-world sale data for Shorewood and a story that might make you rethink Airbnb. If you want to stay ahead of the 2025 real estate market — whether you’re buying, selling, or investing — this is the episode you need to hear. #2025HousingMarket #BuildersPullingBack #HousingMarketChanges #RealEstate2025 #NewConstructionSlowdown #JolietRealEstate #PlainfieldHousingMarket #ShorewoodHomes #IllinoisRealEstate #BuyerDemandShift #HomePrices2025 #RealEstatePodcast #GetRealWithEddie #WJOLRadioShow #EXITRealEstateSpecialists Chapters: 00:00 It’s a Gray Day 01:30 AI Is Powering a Construction Boom 10:12 New Construction: Buyers Are Turning, Builders Are Pulling Back 27:41 Shorewood Home Sales Data 30:26 Two Offers: How Sellers Choose Between Them 43:58 An Airbnb Saved Me from a Nightmare Home

In this week’s episode, Eddie Ruettiger breaks down what’s happening right now in the Illinois real estate market. From key takeaways at the Reignite Conference for Illinois Realtors to why mid-October could be the best time to buy, we cover everything buyers and sellers need to know. We’ll dig into pricing trends in Oswego, address unrealistic seller expectations, and discuss how today’s interest rates are shaping buyer behavior. Plus, we’ll explore the pros and cons of buying a home in mid-October—analyzing market trends and uncovering the unique advantages this time of year can offer. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or simply watching the market, this episode will help you make sense of today’s shifting real estate landscape and decide if now is the right time to make your move. #RealEstateRadio #IllinoisRealtors #PlainfieldRealEstate #OswegoHomes #RealEstateMarket #HomeBuyingTips #InterestRates #HousingTrends #EddieRuettiger #EXITRealEstateSpecialists #ReigniteConference #RealEstateNews #BuyersAndSellers #OctoberRealEstate 00:00:00 Reignite Conference for Illinois Realtors 00:06:11 The Best Time to Buy is October 00:13:49 What Buyers Need Most 00:19:15 Prices in Oswego, IL 00:28:24 Unrealistic Pricing 00:37:27 2617 Ruth Fitzgerald, Plainfield, IL 00:43:33 Rates, Rates, Rates

We explore how today’s real estate market is creating two very different experiences for buyers and sellers. Rising interest rates and limited inventory are shaping unique challenges and opportunities on both sides of the transaction, and we’ll discuss how to navigate this shifting landscape effectively. We also take a closer look at the latest sales data from Morris, Illinois, examining home prices, days on market, and what these trends reveal about the direction of the local market. For those considering a lifestyle change, we share practical strategies for downsizing without taking on new debt—helping you move forward with financial confidence. And to wrap things up, we dive into the growing trend of celebrities entering the real estate world, exploring what drives their investments and what lessons everyday buyers and investors can learn from their approach. #RealEstate #HousingMarket #IllinoisHomes #HomeBuying #SellingAHome #Downsizing #RealEstateInvesting #MarketUpdate #MorrisIL #GetRealWithEddie 00:00:00 Buyers and Sellers Face Different Conditions Today! 00:26:13 Sales Data on Morris, IL 00:34:47 Downsizing Without Debt! 00:40:06 Celebrities Getting Into Real Estate