Get Real With Eddie

Falling Mortgage Rates Without Fed Action—What Gives?

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

The Housing Market Just Got More Affordable — Here's How

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

Housing Market Is Changing

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
 

Is the REAL ESTATE Market About to Collapse?

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

What's REALLY Holding Back the Housing Market?

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

Housing Affordability Is Improving

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

Are BIG Investors Buying All The Homes Now?

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
⏱️ Chapters00:00:00 Builders' sentiment falls00:09:43 Mortgage demand soars00:17:12 Buyer remorse00:28:05 Are BIG investors buying up all the home

Northern Illinois Housing Market Stats Are SHOCKING in 2025?

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, IL00:10:05 Sales Data for Plainfield, IL00:13:34 Sales Data for Crest Hill, IL00:18:40 Sales Data for Shorewood, IL00:21:30 Sales Data for New Lenox, IL00:30:11 Sales Data for Will County, IL00:35:02 Sales Data for Grundy County, IL00:43:39 Sales Data for Chicago, IL00:47:28 Sales Data for Northern Illinois (Entire MLS Region)00:50:22 Sales Data for Chicago Metro Area

2026 Real Estate Trends Nobody's Talking About Yet

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 202603:20  Ask Yourself These 5 Questions Before Buying10:39  Why 2026 Is a Good Year to Be Optimistic About Real Estate17:13  What to Do If Your Home Didn’t Sell29:26  Plainfield, IL Market Sales Data35:33  Buyer Demand Is Picking Back Up45:14  Why January Is the Best Time to Buy a Home

DISASTER? Call in the COMMUNITY Emergency Dream Team!

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 202600:01:13 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