Get Real With Eddie
”Get Real with Eddie” is a real estate radio show hosted by Eddie Ruettiger, Designated Managing Broker and Owner at EXIT Real Estate Specialists, with co-host Nancy Vallee. The show offers expert insights on market trends, investment strategies, mortgage tips, and industry updates. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, tune in for trusted guidance and the latest real estate news.
”Get Real with Eddie” is a real estate radio show hosted by Eddie Ruettiger, Designated Managing Broker and Owner at EXIT Real Estate Specialists, with co-host Nancy Vallee. The show offers expert insights on market trends, investment strategies, mortgage tips, and industry updates. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, tune in for trusted guidance and the latest real estate news.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode, Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee with EXIT Real Estate Specialists break down what’s really happening in today’s housing market and why it feels like there are two completely different markets at play. They dive into how headlines can be misleading when it comes to home prices, what buyers need to do before falling in love with their first home, and key insights from recent sales data in Romeoville, Illinois. If you're thinking about buying or selling this year, they also cover the best timing strategies to help you make the most informed decision in today’s evolving market.
#RealEstate #HousingMarket #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RomeovilleIL #IllinoisRealEstate #MarketUpdate #EddieRuettiger #NancyVallee #EXITRealEstate #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstateTips
Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:02:14 The Tale of Two Markets00:16:18 Don’t Let Home Prices & Headlines Fool You00:28:32 Sales Data for Romeoville IL00:34:42 What to Do Before You Fall in Love with Your First Home00:43:38 The Best Time to Sell Your Home This Year

7 days ago
War Impacts the Housing Market
7 days ago
7 days ago
Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee with EXIT Real Estate Specialists welcome Karie Ramos, also with EXIT Real Estate Specialists, who sat in for Nancy this week, for a timely conversation on today’s housing market. We break down how global events like war are impacting real estate, why mortgage demand is sinking, and how NIMBY attitudes continue to affect affordability. The discussion also highlights signs that affordability may finally be improving and wraps up with a must-know tip every first-time homebuyer needs to hear. If you're thinking about buying or selling in today’s shifting market, this episode delivers the insights you need to stay ahead.
#RealEstate #HousingMarket #MortgageRates #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #IllinoisRealEstate #MarketUpdate #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstateAdvice #EXITRealEstate #EddieRuettiger #NancyVallee #KarieRamos
Chapters:00:00:00 Welcome, Karie Ramos00:02:44 The Effect of the War on the Housing Market00:11:50 Mortgage Rate Demand Sinks00:18:10 NIMBY Effects Affordability00:27:27 Affordability is Improving00:43:39 A Must-Do for First-Time Home Buyers

Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Parents Are Secretly Funding Home Purchases
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
In this episode, Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee with EXIT Real Estate Specialists break down what’s really happening in today’s housing market and whether spring sellers may finally have the edge. They discuss the growing trend of parents helping their kids buy homes, what it means that searches like “can’t sell my house” are trending higher, and how these signals reflect current market conditions. The conversation also dives into local sales data in Romeoville, Illinois, a look at commercial real estate activity in February, and an important push from NAR to improve transparency around HOA data. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to stay informed, this episode gives you a clear, local perspective on where the market is heading and how to make smarter real estate decisions.
#RealEstate #HousingMarket #SpringMarket #HomeSellingTips #HomeBuying #RomeovilleIL #WillCountyRealEstate #IllinoisRealEstate #MarketUpdate #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstateAdvice #EXITRealEstate #EddieRuettiger #NancyVallee #HOA #CommercialRealEstate
00:00:00 – Spring Sellers May Have the Edge00:12:00 – Parents Are Helping Kids Buy Homes00:18:10 – “Can’t Sell My House” Hits High on Google Trends00:36:00 – Romeoville, IL Sales Data Breakdown00:39:15 – Commercial Property Update – February Numbers00:45:48 – NAR Pushes for More HOA Data Transparency

Friday Mar 27, 2026
Mortgage Rates Rising Again?
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
In this episode, Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee with EXIT Real Estate Specialists break down what’s really happening in today’s housing market and what it means for buyers and sellers right now.
Mortgage rates are on the move again, and everyone is asking the same question: Where do we go from here? We talk about why many are calling the 5% range the “magic number,” but more importantly, why you still need to run the numbers for your specific situation.
We also dive into the local market right here in Will County, including a detailed look at recent sales data in Elwood, IL. Plus, we discuss a major trend—single women now owning more homes than ever before—and what’s driving that shift.
There’s also a lot of noise about a potential foreclosure wave… but is it real or just headlines? We break it down so you know what to actually watch for.
And if you’re wondering where the buyers are, they’re still out there. In fact, we currently have active buyers looking for homes right now. But at the same time, we’re seeing more buyers walking away from deals, and we explain exactly why that’s happening.
If you're thinking about buying or selling, this is a must-watch to understand today’s market conditions and how to navigate them.
📲 Have questions or thinking about making a move? Reach out anytime—we’re here to help.
#RealEstate #HousingMarket #MortgageRates #InterestRates #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RealEstateTips #MarketUpdate #WillCountyRealEstate #IllinoisRealEstate #ElwoodIL #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HomeOwnership #RealEstateInvesting #HousingTrends #Foreclosure #RealEstateNews #BuyersMarket #SellersMarket #EXITRealEstate #EddieRuettiger #NancyVallee #LocalMarketUpdate #RealtorLife #HomesForSale
Chapters
00:00 Mortgage Rates Are Climbing Again – What It Means09:55 The “5% Rule” – Why You Still Need to Run the Numbers16:09 Eddie’s Take: The Current Housing Market in Will County19:36 Single Women Are Dominating Homeownership22:46 Elwood, IL Market Breakdown – Latest Sales Data30:27 Is a Foreclosure Wave Coming or Not?37:10 We have buyers44:05 Why Buyers Are Walking Away From Deals

Friday Mar 13, 2026
Questions Every Buyer Is Asking Right Now
Friday Mar 13, 2026
Friday Mar 13, 2026
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 Buying00:15:09 Hidden Advantage that Repeat Buyers Have00:28:45 Price Can Make or Break Your Sale00:44:13 Top Mistakes Sellers are Making Today

Friday Mar 06, 2026
Falling Mortgage Rates Without Fed Action—What Gives?
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
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 lowering00:13:58 – Housing affordability has shifted00:22:16 – Building activity has gained ground00:36:19 – Have rates hit the magical number00:44:24 – Why do you think the housing market slowed in January

Tuesday Mar 03, 2026
The Housing Market Just Got More Affordable — Here's How
Tuesday Mar 03, 2026
Tuesday Mar 03, 2026
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 Bill00:10:40 It Is Getting More Affordable to Buy a Home00:18:42 Shorewood, IL Sales Data00:27:15 Top Reasons to Buy a Home00:45:26 Townhomes Are Popular with Today’s First-Time Home Buyers

Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Housing Market Is Changing
Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Saturday Feb 28, 2026
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 Good00:08:40 Down Payments Dip & Cash Buyers Retreat00:20:27 Making Your Equity Work for You00:28:49 Sales Data for Morris, IL00:31:19 Inventory Is Making a Comeback00:45:25 Move-Up Buyers Are Choosing New Construction

Friday Feb 27, 2026
Is the REAL ESTATE Market About to Collapse?
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
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 flag00:12:19 Mortgage demand is fragile00:16:59 Insurance costs are rising00:30:13 Sales data for Plainfield, IL00:33:02 New construction price has increased00:44:06 Downsizing may becoming into a place

Thursday Feb 12, 2026
What's REALLY Holding Back the Housing Market?
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
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 Coming00:09:25 Rates Are Lower — So What’s Holding the Market Up?00:16:30 Rates Hit a 3-Year Low00:27:44 Sales Data for Joliet, IL00:34:40 Building Better00:44:11 What an NFL Player Wants in a Home







