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.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
There’s a common myth in real estate that short-term thinking will get you ahead—but in this episode, we’re breaking down why the 5-Year Rule might just be the most important thing you’re not hearing from other agents.
We also tackle outdated tax rules, market data from Plainfield, IL, a featured listing in Chicago, and how to make sure your home is priced right from the start. Whether you're buying, selling, or just watching the market, this episode gives you insight you can actually use.
#RealEstateTips #HomeBuying #MarketUpdate #PlainfieldIL #ChicagoRealEstate #RealtorTalk #5YearRule #RealEstatePodcast #HousingMarket #HomeSellingTips #PropertyPricing #TaxTips
📌 Topics Covered:
00:00:00 Nancy is in Heaven00:02:15 Outdated Tax Rules00:14:24 Why Would You Want to Move?00:19:58 Sales Data for Plainfield, IL00:28:34 The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective00:36:00 9107 S Hamilton, Chicago, IL00:42:32 Are You Pricing the Home Correctly?

Saturday Jun 21, 2025
3% Mortgage Rates: Back OR Bust?
Saturday Jun 21, 2025
Saturday Jun 21, 2025
This week on Get Real with Eddie, we kick things off with a Father’s Day recap before diving into the big question: will we ever see 3% mortgage rates again—or is that dream officially over? Eddie breaks down market shifts, why new construction might be more affordable, and what sellers need to know right now. Plus: deep dives into Channahon sales data, the new office launch, and which home projects give you the biggest bang for your buck. We wrap up with one of the top listings in Minooka and a fresh take on the age-old question: to rent or to buy?
#RealEstate #HomeBuying #MortgageRates #SellYourHome #HousingMarket#RealEstateInvesting #HomeValue #MarketUpdate #NewConstruction #3PercentMortgage#BackOrBust #RealEstate2025 #ROIProjects #ChannahonIL #MinookaRealEstate #ToRentOrBuy#GetRealWithEddie #JolietRealEstate #IllinoisRealEstate #EXITRealEstate #GetRealPodcast#EddieRuettiger
⏱️ Chapter Timeline:
00:00:00 Happy Father's Day, How was your Father’s Day00:01:13 3% Mortgage Rates: Are They Coming Back?00:08:47 Why New Construction Could Be Less Expensive00:11:32 The New Office Announcement00:15:41 Selling Your Home in Today’s Market00:21:10 Real Estate Market Data: Channahon, IL00:27:05 Top Home Projects with Best ROI00:33:40 12 Years in a Row: Real Estate Is the Best Investment00:37:37 Featured Listing: 10085 N McLinden Rd, Minooka, IL00:43:05 To Rent or To Buy: That Is the Question

Saturday Jun 14, 2025
Investing in 2025: Why Real Estate Still Reigns SUPREME
Saturday Jun 14, 2025
Saturday Jun 14, 2025
In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee break down why real estate continues to be the smartest long-term investment in 2025. Nancy shares highlights from her recent trip to Washington D.C., and the duo dives into Bank of America’s latest market predictions. Learn why homeownership builds wealth faster than renting, discover what rooms matter most when staging, and get the latest sales data straight from Romeoville, Illinois—including a spotlight on 13 Harmony Ln. If you're serious about building wealth through real estate, this episode is for you.
#GetRealWithEddie #RealEstate2025 #Homeownership #RomeovilleRealEstate #StagingTips #MarketUpdate #WealthBuilding #RealEstateInvestment #NancyInDC
⏱️ Chapter Timeline
00:00:00 – Nancy Went to Washington!00:07:18 – Bank of America Says Market Changes Are Coming Soon00:12:15 – Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment00:18:27 – Romeoville, IL Sale Data00:26:40 – Which Rooms Matter Most When Staging00:35:49 – 13 Harmony Ln, Romeoville, IL00:41:04 – The Net Worth of a Homeowner vs a Renter
![Chicago Suburb SHOCK! [Home Prices are CRAZY in 2025]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog17314842/Chicago_Suburb_SHOCK_Home_Prices_are_CRAZY_in_2025_6cihl_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Chicago Suburb SHOCK! [Home Prices are CRAZY in 2025]
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, hosts Eddie Ruettiger and Nancy Vallee of Exit Real Estate Specialists break down the shocking realities of Chicago suburb home prices in 2025. Are the suburbs still affordable—or has the market gone wild? They dive into what buyers need to know about student loans, how family can help with a down payment, and what's really happening with the latest sales data in Aurora, IL. Plus, they decode confusing real estate terms, discuss the impact of HOAs, and spotlight a featured listing at 1128 N Hickory in Joliet. Whether you're a first-time buyer or just trying to keep up with the market, this episode has the insight you need.
#RealEstate2025 #ChicagoSuburbs #HomeBuyingTips #AuroraILRealEstate #GetRealWithEddie #StudentLoansAndMortgages #HOAExplained #JolietHomes #MarketUpdate2025 #FamilyDownPaymentHelp
00:00:00 – Chicago Subs are Affordable!00:03:03 – Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership00:12:59 – Could Mom and Dad Help You Buy Your Next Home?00:19:25 – Sales Data Breakdown: Aurora, IL Market Update00:26:41 – Real Estate Terms You Should Know00:38:50 – Property Spotlight: 1128 N Hickory, Joliet, IL00:42:33 – Understanding HOAs: What Buyers Need to Know

Monday Jun 09, 2025
IS it STILL Smart to Get a VA Loan? 2025 Update!
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, Eddie and Nancy tackle a big question on the minds of many veterans and active service members: is a VA loan still a smart financial move in 2025? They break down how VA loans compare to conventional options in today’s market, discuss current interest rates, and explain what buyers need to know when navigating the homebuying process with a VA loan.
The conversation also touches on the importance of honoring our veterans, police officers, and firefighters, as well as a closer look at real estate sales data from Lockport, Illinois. Eddie and Nancy discuss how increased inventory is creating new opportunities for buyers and whether we’re currently facing a housing shortage or surplus. They also spotlight a new listing at 13 Harmony Lane in Romeoville and share insights into whether adjustable-rate mortgages make sense in today’s environment.
If you're considering a move, holding onto a low mortgage rate, or just trying to understand the real estate market better, this episode is packed with value and perspective. Be sure to tune in, and don’t forget to subscribe and share!
#VALoan#RealEstate2025#HomeBuyingTips#VeteranHomeLoans#RealEstatePodcast#GetRealWithEddie#HomeOwnership#MortgageTips#LockportILRealEstate#RomeovilleHomes#AdjustableRateMortgage#HousingMarket2025#RealEstateNews#FirstTimeHomeBuyer#RealEstateUpdate#VeteransBenefits#BuyAHome2025#EddieAndNancy#IllinoisRealEstate#SmartHomeBuying
⏱️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps:
00:00:00 – The Weekend00:02:30 – THANK YOU to the Veterans, Police, Firefighters, and More!00:03:11 – VA Home Loans00:10:17 – Finding a Way to Buy a House00:15:48 – Why Move with a 3% Mortgage?00:22:15 – Sales Data for Lockport, IL00:28:19 – More Homes for Sale = More Opportunity00:34:03 – Housing Deficit or Surplus?00:37:37 – 13 Harmony Ln, Romeoville – New Home Coming00:43:08 – Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Friday May 23, 2025
WHY Are Houses GOING UP While Stocks are on a Rollercoaster?
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind—why is the housing market still climbing while the stock market can't seem to find its footing? We explore the myths around home buying, like the outdated "20% down" rule, and break down how your home equity could be the key to your next move.
Plus, we share real market data from Joliet, IL, talk about current foreclosure trends, and reveal which home improvement projects boost your property’s value. We’ll also give you a preview of a townhome hitting the market in Crest Hill, IL and explain why skipping a home inspection could cost you big.
Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or first-time buyer, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate today’s unpredictable market.
#RealEstate #HousingMarket #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstateTrends #EquityMatters #MarketUpdate #HomeValue #StockMarket #InvestSmart #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #MarketTrends #JolietIL #CrestHillIL #IllinoisRealEstate #LocalMarketUpdate #HomeImprovement #HomeRenovation #InspectionMatters #FirstTimeBuyer #PodcastEpisode #NewEpisode #ListenNow #RealTalk #HomeGoals
⏰ Start Time & Chapters:
00:00:00 Graduations & BIRTHDAY MONTH!00:05:34 20% Down Myth is still out there!00:09:15 Stocks are up and down, houses are just going up.00:14:55 Your home equity could make moving possible.00:18:00 Sale data Joliet, IL00:26:50 Foreclosures00:32:55 Home projects that boost the value of your home00:37:50 Townhome coming soon in Crest Hill, IL00:41:46 Why do you want a home inspection?

Tuesday May 20, 2025
Is Your Local Market TOO BRUTAL Right Now?
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, titled "Is Your Local Market TOO BRUTAL Right Now?", Eddie kicks things off with a nod to the surprisingly beautiful weather before diving into the real story—just how tough the local housing market has become. From rising competition to homes that sell within days, Eddie breaks down why some listings are moving fast while others struggle. He also gives a sneak peek at an exciting new property, 1128 N Hickory, that’s hitting the market soon, and reveals which city ranks as the 7th most affordable in the county. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply trying to understand the madness, this episode delivers the insight you need to navigate today’s real estate landscape.
#GetRealWithEddie #RealEstateUpdate #BrutalMarket #HomeSellingTips #HousingTrends #AffordableCities #LocalMarketUpdate #RealEstateBuzz #ComingSoonListing #MokenaRealEstate #IllinoisHousing
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00:00 The Weather has been sooooo nice00:02:10 The local Market is Brutal!00:28:45 Why are some homes selling faster than others?00:36:10 1128 N Hickory is coming soon!00:40:47 The 7th most affordable City in the county is...

Sunday May 18, 2025
What's the Buzz in Illinois Housing RIGHT NOW?
Sunday May 18, 2025
Sunday May 18, 2025
In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, we're diving into the latest happenings across the Illinois real estate scene.
We kick things off at the Springfield Lobby Day, where lawmakers and real estate professionals come together to discuss key housing policies. Then, we zoom in on Mokena, IL, breaking down the latest sales data and what it means for your neighborhood.
Eddie explores the "Tale of Two Housing Markets", comparing trends in different parts of the state—and why buyers and sellers are facing two very different realities. With active buyers looking for homes and inventory still tight, now might be the right time to make a move. Don’t miss the segment on how to find out what your home is really worth in today’s market.
👉 Whether you're thinking of buying, selling, or just staying informed—this episode has something for you!
#IllinoisRealEstate #MokenaIL #SpringfieldIL #IllinoisHomes #ChicagoSuburbs #RealEstateMarke#HousingMarket #HomeValue #BuyersMarket #SellersMarket #RealEstateTrends #RealEstateNews#MarketUpdate #GetRealWithEddie #EddieKnowsHomes #RealTalkRealEstate #WhatsMyHomeWorth #HousingBuzz #RealtorLife
📍 Chapters:
00:00:00 Springfield IL Lobby Day00:18:36 Sales Data On Mokena IL00:28:41 A Tale of Two Housing Markets00:36:36 We Have Buyers Looking for Homes00:41:57 What is Your Home Worth?

Sunday May 04, 2025
Profit from Today's Market Shifts and Strategies!
Sunday May 04, 2025
Sunday May 04, 2025
In this episode of Get Real with Eddie, we're breaking down how you can take advantage of the latest shifts in the housing market — whether you're buying, selling, or planning for the future. We kick things off by sharing key takeaways from the Springfield REALTORS® event and what they mean for today’s buyers and sellers. We then dive into how rising inventory, softening demand, and recent price cuts are creating new opportunities, especially for buyers looking for more negotiating power. If you’ve recently received your tax return, we explain how to leverage those funds as a smart tool in your home purchase. Next, we analyze the latest sales data for Grundy County, highlighting trends and insights to help guide your decisions locally. We also discuss how to evaluate whether your current home still fits your long-term retirement plans and offer clear steps to determine if it’s time to right-size. Finally, we wrap up with five practical strategies to make your offer stand out and get noticed by sellers in a competitive market. Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you profit from today’s market shifts and strategies.
#RealEstateTips #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #MarketUpdate #RealEstateMarket #HomeBuyingTips #Downsizing #RetirementPlanning #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MoveUpBuyer #TaxRefund #GrundyCountyRealEstate #RealEstateStrategy #HousingMarket #GetRealWithEddie #IllinoisRealEstate #SellerTips #BuyerTips #RealEstateInvesting #MarketShift
00:00:00 Springfield was Great! 00:02:19 More homes, few buyers, and price cuts.00:11:01 Your tax return could help you buy a home.00:18:35 Sale Data for Grundy County00:27:05 Does your home fit your retirement plans?00:41:52 Things you can do to make your offer stand out!

Thursday Apr 24, 2025
What's REALLY Happening in Housing Right Now?
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
In this week’s episode of Get Real with Eddie, we’re cutting through the noise to break down what’s actually going on in today’s real estate market. We kick things off at the 3 Rivers Home Expo with special guest Christian Marconi from Midland State Bank. Then, we dive into the latest Will County sales data, explore whether a market crash is really on the horizon, and react to a video claiming homeownership is unaffordable. Plus, we talk about why price reductions are back to normal levels—and what that really means for buyers and sellers.
Whether you're buying, selling, or just watching the market, you won’t want to miss these insights.
#GetRealWithEddie #RealEstate2025 #HousingMarketUpdate #HomeBuyingTips #WillCountyRealEstate #MarketCrashMyth #RealEstateTruth #HousingAffordability #PriceReductions #MidlandStateBank #3RiversHomeExpo #IllinoisRealEstate #RealTalkRealEstate #EddieRuettiger
00:00:00 3 Rivers Home Expo and Christian Marconi Midland State Bank00:15:40 Will County Sales data00:26:40 Do you think the Real Estate Market is about to Crash00:31:50 Nancy sent me a video that it is not affordable to buy a home00:42:34 Price reductions are back at normal levels