The Weekly Agenda

• Message of the Moment

• The Market Report

• News, Blog & Socials

• The Private List

• The Spotlight

• The Weekly Residence

Message of the Moment

,

The Bears are officially on a heater — four straight wins and Chicago fans are daring to hope again. Meanwhile, temps are dropping faster than a Soldier Field punt return — it’s cold, it’s gray, and my morning cold plunge feels more like a polar expedition. ❄️ As we settle into this chilly stretch, don’t forget to show some love to our sponsor this week — their support keeps The Weekly Welcome running strong (and maybe helps cover the coffee bill, too).

This week’s feature dives into something every buyer should understand: The $280 Shift in Affordability — a breakdown of how changing rates and prices are impacting what your monthly payment really means in today’s market. It’s an eye-opener for anyone thinking about buying or refinancing and a great reminder of why understanding affordability matters more than ever.

Before you scroll on, please take a moment to support our sponsor. They’re the reason we can keep sharing these updates, stories, and market insights with our Lake County community every week. A quick visit, like, or share goes a long way — and helps keep The Weekly Welcome free for everyone.

And as always, if you know someone who’s thinking about buying, selling, or just needs a trusted voice to navigate this market, I’d be honored to help. I love working with great people like yourself — and your referrals truly mean the world to me.

~ Michael

Home insurance rates up by 76% in some states

Over the last 6 years, home insurance rates have increased by up to 76% in some states. Between inflation, costlier repairs, and extreme weather, premiums are climbing fast – but that doesn’t mean you have to overpay. Many homeowners are saving hundreds a year by switching providers. Check out Money’s home insurance tool to compare companies and see if you can save.

Compare coverage

The Market Report

Lake County real estate continues to favor sellers across the board. Detached homes are commanding strong prices and moving quickly, while attached properties are even swifter to market, often going under contract in just over a month. The luxury segment remains resilient, with high-end homes continuing to attract buyers in less than two months on average. With supply still limited and demand holding steady, the market rewards well-presented homes and strategic positioning.

Residential - Detached

Residential - Attached

Luxury

News, Blog & Socials

The Private List

Coming Soon

• 2858 Falling Waters Ln, Lindenhurst : 2+ bed / 2.5 Bath

Buyer Needs

• Wadsworth home with Warren schools. 4 Bed / 3 car garage or room for expansion. Some remodeling okay.

• Fixer-Upper Homes - no repairs needed; cash investors available.

The Spotlight

The Spotlight is our way of featuring the local businesses, places, and people that make Lake County stand out. If you’re looking for a trusted referral, this is a great place to start. And if you have a favorite spot or service you think deserves to be highlighted, share it with me—I’d love to include your recommendations in a future edition.

The Weekly Residence

This week, we’re featuring 224 Newberry Avenue in Libertyville — a timeless 4-bedroom home in the heart of Heritage East. With its wrap-around porch, chef’s kitchen, and finished English basement, it perfectly blends charm and modern comfort. Just a short stroll from downtown Libertyville, this one checks every box for location and lifestyle.

Let’s Connect

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.

Additional Resources:

• Starting a career in Real Estate? Schedule a call

• Join Keller Williams School of Real Estate? Learn More

• Can KW grow your business? Let’s Talk

• Forwarded this email? Join are mailing list.