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If you stepped outside this week and wondered whether you’d accidentally woken up in a cryotherapy chamber, you’re not alone. The cold has officially reached the stage where even my Polar Dive is like, “Bro… chill.”

And speaking of things that start off painfully cold, the Bears managed to sabotage the first half of yesterday’s game in a way that only the Bears can — missed opportunities, questionable decisions, and a collective “what are we doing?” energy that united all of Chicago. But credit where it’s due: they redeemed themselves in the second half and actually looked like the team we wish they’d show up as for all four quarters. Too little too late, but at least they warmed us up before sending us back into emotional hibernation.

As we roll into another week of winter-in-full-swing, don’t forget you’ve got backup for the holiday table conversations. This week’s post — “The 3 Housing Market Questions Coming Up at Every Gathering This Season” — is basically your survival kit for when Aunt Sally asks if now is “a terrible time to buy” or your cousin wants to debate mortgage rates between bites of ham. I even included a link so you can check current interest rates on the spot, which means you’ll walk into every gathering armed, informed, and ready to shut down misinformation with grace… or at least with data.

And before I wrap, I just want to say thank you for your support — whether you read every week, send this newsletter to friends, or simply trust me to be part of your real estate journey. We recently shared our “5,000 Stories” milestone over on YouTube, celebrating the impact our clients and community have made together. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/5WfVGQnjuUo

~ Michael

And please take a minute to support tour sponsor Elite Trade Club by checking out their link below.

What This Means Right Now

Lake County’s market remains fairly healthy — not overheated, but firm. Prices are trending upward slowly but steadily, and demand is still enough to keep time-on-market modest and inventory limited. That makes it a market where sellers still have leverage, particularly if pricing and condition are right. For buyers, it’s not a rush-hour scramble, but the pool of well-priced, desirable homes is thinner than in cooler markets — so thoughtful timing and preparation are key.

If you are curious about your equity or current home value get a FREE report here.

If you or someone you know is thinking about a move, The Private List is where we connect buyers and sellers before homes ever hit the market. It’s a simple way to match needs and opportunities early.

This week’s Spotlight goes to a long-time local favorite: Timothy O’Toole’s. If you’ve lived in Lake County for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard someone say, “We should just go to O’Toole’s.” And for good reason — it’s one of those rare spots that works for every mood: game day, date night, family dinner, late-night bite, or just escaping the cold with something warm and dangerously good. Their menu is stacked, the atmosphere is always welcoming, and they’ve mastered that perfect blend of neighborhood pub and elevated comfort food. If you haven’t been in a while, consider this your sign to stop by and treat yourself.

🗣️ Got a local favorite you think deserves the Spotlight? Reply back and tell me — restaurant, shop, hidden gem, whatever you love. I’m always looking to feature more Lake County standouts, and your suggestions help keep this community-driven and fun.

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This week’s Residence is a fun one — a charming Lake Villa raised ranch with a surprise walk-out lower level, a cozy fireplace, and one of those screened porches that makes you immediately daydream about summer nights and citronella candles. It’s the kind of home that reminds you why people love living in Lake County: quiet streets, big yards, and layouts that actually make sense for real life. Take a peek — it’s a great example of how a well-loved home can blend practicality, personality, and warmth all in one.

How can I help you with your next move? Whether you’re curious about your home’s value, exploring neighborhoods, or just starting to plan, I’d love to sit down and talk through your goals.

You can schedule a one-on-one consultation with me anytime—it’s the first step toward making confident, informed decisions.

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