Central Illinois Real Estate Blog

The State of Real Estate in Macon County

The Macon County residential real estate market for the first quarter of 2020 outpaced the first quarter of 2019 by just over 40% in terms of both dollar volume and units sold. Dollar volume was up by $9 million and 79 more homes were sold as compared to the same time period in 2019. To say the market started strong is an understatement.  

Average list price increased 2% to approximately $116,500 from $114,600 and average sales price increased 1% to $109,800 from $108,500.  Buyers and sellers alike were encouraged as the demand was high, the inventory was low, interest rates were experiencing record lows, and financial measures were pointing upward. As a classic example of a right-side up economy: demand was greater than the supply.

Then COVID-19 hit…

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Home Buyers: Lean Back In

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of today’s buyers wondering how or even if they should proceed with their home search. Questions about safety, financial ramifications, and uncertain job security linger as they question moving forward with their longtime plans.

But as an encouraging sign of the market, and eventual recovery, Brinkoetter Realtors’ home buyers are still signing contracts, closing on purchases,  and making plans to move their families into the homes they’ve been dreaming of. 

While it’s hard to know when things will begin to normalize, industry experts seem to agree that real estate will recover quickly, and may even eventually help to support the economy back to a healthy state.

With that in mind, there are many things buyers can be…

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The Business of Humanity

Our nation is crying. While some Americans are fighting for their lives, other Americans are fighting for their livelihoods. No one is immune from concern.

But during these dark, thick-with-worry days, business leaders from every industry find themselves seated beside each other in one common place:

Today, we are all in the Business of Humanity.

During a team phone conference, Brinkoetter Realtors Designated Managing Broker and Owner, Tom Brinkoetter, told his team, “This isn’t a time for business. This is a time to be here for your clients. Check on them. Call them and ask them what they need, or if there are errands you might run on their behalf. Let them know you are there for them.”

Tom is in the Business of Humanity.

Local radio host and community…

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Everyday Heroes

Fear around public health emergencies like the coronavirus can bring out the worst in people, but it can also provide inspiring examples of people and companies choosing to be kind. Even in the midst of the crisis, people are making sure those in quarantine don’t feel alone, turning canceled events into opportunities to give back, giving of themselves and offering their business services, talents, and treasure. 

Brinkoetter Realtors is proud to be working in partnership with Brian Byers and the Neuhoff Media team to bring recognition to our community’s “Everyday Heroes.” 

Says Brinkoetter Designated Managing Broker and Owner, Tom Brinkoetter, "We’re all in this thing together. We want to honor the individuals, businesses, and organizations going…

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It’s a Sellers’ Market. 
And a Buyers’ Market.

These days, our local housing market is as uncrowded as the hand sanitizer shelf at your local grocery store.

Competition is lean and the demand is mean. At the time of this publication, there are a mere 231 active residential listings in Macon County. So for sellers who are are ready to list, the lack of competition is going to add up to mean a big-time advantage.

For Brinkoetter Realtor, Louis Kappler, these days listing a home that’s priced to sell and in show-ready condition is a fast-moving process. “I was recently working with a client whose home was immaculate and priced accurately. They listed on a Wednesday morning and it was sold by Wednesday afternoon.”

Continues Kappler, “I think sellers have a real advantage right now, but having a good…

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Real-ationships: The advantages of working with a realtor who knows you, your needs, and your story

The Key Team is taking over the Brinkoetter "Vlog" this week, talking about the advantages of working with a realtor who knows you, knows what you need, and knows your big-picture story. Check them out!

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“Supporting our friends, especially in local businesses, is vital not only to our city’s economy, but our community as a whole.”

As I am putting my pen to paper, it is the final day to vote for the Herald & Review Reader’s Choice Awards. If you know me at all, you know I am loyal to a fault and I spend a majority of my money at local businesses. I take this so far that I refuse to eat at the new Chipotle location because I’d rather go to Solsa! It’s ok. You can laugh at me. I know it’s a little ridiculous.

Scrolling through my social media feeds, I have seen an outpouring of support for local businesses and people in Decatur. This makes me so proud of our city! Supporting our friends, especially in local businesses, is vital not only to our city’s economy, but our community as a whole.

In an entrepreneurial career like real estate, it is so important to have support from our…

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Things you should, and shouldn’t, sacrifice in a new home

When you’re in the market for a new home, it’s a good idea to create a list of “Wants” and “Must Haves.” You’ll also need to think through a budget. Not only will this help you and your family get on the same page, it will better equip your real estate agent to find your perfect fit.

Along the way, you may find that you’re willing to give up a few of your “Wants” in order to get your “Must Haves.” According to Brinkoetter agent, Jodi Brinkoetter, sometimes sacrificing things that can eventually be repaired and upgraded is an easy way to narrow your search.

“While I always want buyers to get exactly what they want, sometimes they have to sacrifice some of their ‘Wants.’ I would suggest sacrificing things that they can budget for and change in the…

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Macon County Residential Real Estate Update

There’s good news for the residents of Macon County: not only is our Real Estate Market doing well, we remain the most affordable housing market in the country. 

Here’s the good news, by the numbers:

- The average sales price of a home rose from $109,859 in 2018 to $118,195 in 2019 which represents an increase of 8%.

- Days on market averaged 85 in 2018 and 66 in 2019 which represents a decrease of 29%.

- The average sale-price to list-price ratio was up to 96% in 2019, representing an increase over 2018’s 95%.

- A lack of housing inventory over the past year is the main factor driving these positive numbers. At the time of this publication, there are less than 400 active residential listings being marketed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).…

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Function, Style, and Intentional Design: The Art of Home Staging

In the age of HGTV reality shows, buyers expect homes to look like they do on TV and are willing to pay more for what they want. The goal of Home Staging is to make a home appeal to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property faster and for more money. And it works!

Meet Brinkoetter Realtor and Home Stager, Aimee Dial.

“Home Staging is not just a hobby for me; it combines my two passions: real estate and interior design,” says Dial. “And with a Bachelor’s degree in interior design, seven years of real estate experience in three states, and twice an owner of a home staging business, I am an expert in the topic.”

According to Dial, vacant homes are much more difficult to sell than furnished homes. “It’s difficult for most…

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