Why Chicago and St. Louis Buyers Are Looking South Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a noticeable shift—more buyers from Chicago and St. Louis are looking beyond their local markets and discovering Southern Illinois.What’s driving that interest?It comes down to lifestyle, value, and the desire for a place to truly unwind.For many, the idea of owning a second home used to feel out of reach....

Why Pricing Your Home Right Matters More Than Ever in Southern Illinois If you’re thinking about selling a home in Southern Illinois right now, the most important decision you will make is your pricing strategy.Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground every week.Even though inventory is still lower than the number of buyers, homes that are not priced competitively are sitting longer. But when a home is...

Many buyers are surprised to learn this, but being separated is not the same as being legally divorced.In Illinois, this can create a real issue when you go to close on a home.I recently helped a buyer who had been separated from her spouse for several years. Everything was moving forward smoothly until the lender and title company reviewed her marital status. That’s when an important detail came...

First-time homebuyer Southern Illinois? This 2026 guide walks you through the full home buying process step-by-step from pre-approval to closing. Serving Marion, Herrin, Carterville & beyond. Buying Your First Home in Southern Illinois? Start Here. Hi, I’m Amanda Goins, a local Southern Illinois Realtor. This guide will help you buy your first home in Marion with...