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HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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METRO NEWSPAPER SERVICE Shopping for a new home is an exciting experience. As prospective buyers shop around and attend open houses, they are likely to fine-tune their list of what they need and what they want in their next home. One choice buyers will be faced with is how much home to buy. Determining how much square footage an ideal home should have can be difficult. While many home buyers can envision themselves enjoying a palatial estate, square footage is a significant variable in regard to home prices. When trying to determine how much home to buy, prospective homebuyers can ask themselves a range of questions to help make that decision.
How much can I afford?
Homebuyers’ budgetary considerations should extend beyond the asking price of a home and into what they will be able to afford should they purchase a particular property. Projected monthly mortgage payments can be easy to determine, but utilities can fluctuate considerably from home to home. Energy prices are fluid, but the more square footage a home has, the higher utility bills are likely to be. When determining how much home you should buy, you first need to identify what you can afford, and that mock budget should include estimates regarding monthly utilities. In addition, upgrading and renovating a larger property is likely to cost more, so that’s another budget-related variable to consider when determining how much home to buy.
How much home can I take care of?
Seasoned homeowners know that the work required to own a home never ceases. First-time buyers must keep that in mind when shopping for a home. A home with lots of square footage will require more daily and long-term maintenance than a smaller home. If you don’t have the time, the means or the will to keep up with maintaining a property, then perhaps a home with a small footprint in terms of square footage is for you. If taking care of the home is not a concern, then extra square footage may not be a deterrent.
How significant a variable is ZIP code when selling a home?
Another variable to consider when determining square footage is the ZIP
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code of a home. Selling might not be foremost on the minds of prospective buyers, but a large home in a town with a poor school district and safety concerns is unlikely to generate as great a return on investment as a smaller home in a town with a reputation for great schools and little crime. However, the real estate market is forever in flux, so prospective buyers who prefer a larger home but don’t want to break the bank to purchase one are urged to work with a real estate professional to identify areas that might
be up-and-coming and offer the best of both worlds. That’s no small task, but local real estate agents and realtors can be invaluable assets in such pursuits.
How much home do I need?
Of course, how much home a buyer needs is a unique and important variable. But this also is a difficult question to answer. Buyers who plan to grow their families will need enough space to accommodate everyone who eventually lives under their roof. Couples buying a
home together who discuss how big a family they want to have can use that discussion to inform how large a home to buy. Buyers who like to get out and about can ask how much time they’re likely to spend at home and use that to determine how much square footage they need at home. The ideal amount of square footage in a home varies from buyer to buyer. Determining what suits you may come down to how you answer a variety of questions.
HOMEFINDER HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Determining how big a home you really need
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Features of the Week
HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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3 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom Home For Sale!
• Beautifully remodeled all-brick ranch offering 1,300 square feet of stylish and comfortable living. • The home features an updated interior with granite countertops and tile floor in the kitchen and all brand-new carpeting in the bedrooms. • The master suite offers a full bathroom. Step outside to a spacious new deck overlooking a koi pond complete with waterfall and fountain feature, creating a peaceful backyard retreat. • The propertybacks directly to the golf course of the Kankakee Country Club providing scenic views and added privacy. • Must see! Call today!. • MLS# 12692239 1740 E Duane Blvd., Kankakee, IL | $169,000
815-929-9381
Completely remodeled, one-of-a-kind home in River Bluff!
• Over 5,000 square feet of luxurious living space and sits on aserene cul-de-sac along the Kankakee River. • With endless river views, this exceptional property features two expansive exterior decks, a walk-out basement, and aprivate gazebo with a custom-built deck right on the water-perfect for relaxing or entertaining in total privacy. • Inside, the home is filled with natural light and stunningfinishes. The remodeled kitchen is a chef’s dream, showcasing custom Brazilian cherry cabinets, high-end appliances, an oversized island, and plenty of cabinetry andcounter space. Beautiful hardwood floors flow throughout the main level, enhancing the elegance and warmth of the space. • The master suite is a true retreat, completewith a cozy sitting room and fireplace, a luxurious en suite bathroom featuring a Jacuzzi tub, dual vanities, and a dual walk-in shower. • The fully finished basement is an entertainer’s paradise, offering a 7.5 x 15-foot Endless Pool with an underwater treadmill, a full bathroom, a wet bar, and a spacious recreational area. • Significant updates over the last three years include a new roof, remodeled kitchen, flooring, a freshly painted exterior, new main deck, new AC units and furnaces, as well as a water softener and reverse osmosis system, river front deck. • This riverfront gem combines modern comfort with peaceful natural surroundings in a way that fewproperties can. Call today for your private showing! MLS# 12648398
2471 Girard Turn, Kankakee, IL | $650,000
815-929-9381
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Well-Maintained Duplex in a Wonderful Community
• 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 2 car garage. • Spacious living room that’s perfect for relaxing or entertaining. • Great kitchen complete with appliances, abundant cabinet space and plenty of room for a dining table. • The 2 car attached garage provides convenient parking and additional storage. • Incredible backyard, featuring a shaded patio, fenced yard, and storage shed. Great for entertaining, gardening, or simply unwinding! • Many updates. • MLS#12709844
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5 HOMEFINDER HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Metro Newspaper Service
Strategies to boost your home offer success METRO NEWSPAPER SERVICE The real estate market can be highly competitive. When inventory is limited and prices are high, prospective buyers must be ready to pounce and make an offer before the competition kicks up and the home is off the market. The ability to move quickly with an offer can help buyers land a home in a competitive market, but that decisiveness may not be enough to ensure an offer is accepted. Buyers accustomed to the home buying process know there’s no guarantee an offer will be accepted, but they can take steps to improve their chances of standing out in a competitive market where sellers may be fielding multiple offers at once. • Use recent sales data to inform your offer. Though there are places with non-disclosure laws that do not mandate property sales prices be made pub-
lic, such data is readily available in many areas. That information can be invaluable to home buyers in competitive real estate markets because it gives them a strong idea of how much homes have been going for in towns and even specific neighborhoods they’re targeting with their search. That data also tends to be relied upon when sellers list their homes. Sellers may see how much a neighbor’s home sold for and use that to set the price of their own homes. With that knowledge in hand, buyers can tailor their offers to reflect recent sales figures. • Obtain a mortgage preapproval. Bank of America notes that a mortgage pre-qualification estimates what buyers might be able to borrow based on a credit check and information they provide, such as income data. Once that information is provided, prospective buyers may obtain a preapproval if a
lender deems them creditworthy. A preapproval is important because it shows sellers that a buyer has the credit and financial backing necessary to follow through on an offer. Many sellers ask if bidders are preapproved because the preapproval facilitates a quicker sale. • Increase your earnest money offer if
you’re truly committed to buying a particular home. Fulton Bank advises buyers to offer more earnest money, which is akin to a good faith deposit toward the purchase of a home. A typical earnest money deposit may be somewhere between 1% and 3% of the purchase price, but an earnest money offer of 5% may indicate to sellers that you’re a committed buyer. But Fulton Bank notes that buyers who rescind their offers may or may not have their earnest money offer refunded. • Speak to your agent or realtor about including an escalation clause. It’s always
best that buyers work with a real estate agent or realtor when looking for a home. When you find a property that interests you in a competitive market, discuss with your real estate representative if an escalation clause might boost the chances that your offer is accepted. Rocket Mortgage notes that an escalation clause is part of a real estate contract that indicates a buyer is willing to automatically raise their offer on a home if the seller receives a higher offer. The escalation clause indicates the most a buyer is willing to offer. The inclusion of an escalation clause is a big decision, which is why it can be so helpful to speak with your representative before deciding for or against including one in your offer. It can be hard to compete in the real estate market. But there is much buyers can do to increase the chances their offers are accepted.
HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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Renovations with the biggest bang for your buck METRO NEWSPAPER SERVICE Home renovations are a significant part of homeownership. Naturally, people want to make their own personal marks on the homes they buy and ensure that their properties fit their needs and wants. While many renovations add value to a home, some offer more value than others. When allocating dollars to renovations, particularly when finances are tight, homeowners may want to direct their efforts to those projects that will offer the highest rate of return on investment. Each year Zonda Home, in conjunction with Remodeling magazine, puts together a list of high-return projects. Exterior projects drive the most value for owners who are selling their homes, and they consistently top the list of highROI improvements. Here are five projects offering a strong ROI that homeowners may want to consider. 1. Garage door replacement: A garage door replacement is part of the curb appeal improvements homeowners can consider. At an average cost of $4,672, it offers a recouped cost of 267.7% according to the 2025 Zonda report. 2. Steel door replacement: Also boasting an ROI north of 200%, a steel door installation is a wise choice for homeowners who want to drive up the value of their homes. 3. Manufactured stone veneer: Manufactured stone veneer is a manmade masonry product that looks like natural stone but is lightweight and easier to install. It can offer a recouped cost of 207.9% on the $11,702 investment.
4. Fiber-cement siding replacement:
Homeowners in the market for new siding can consider fiber-cement siding, which will see the investment recoup slightly more than 100% of its cost. 5. Minor kitchen remodel: Kitchens are the heart of a home, and a minor
Metro Newspaper Service
remodel offers a 113% return. Inside the home the golden rule is to keep things simple. Minor remodels tend to offer a better rate of return than major ones. Buyers will pay for move-in ready and updated, but sellers likely will not recoup the costs for luxury upgrades or over-the-top renovations. It’s important to note that 2025 was the first time a practical backup generator made the list of top improvements. Falling into the No. 7 spot, the generator averaged a return of 95.3%, which underscores how homeowners are gearing improvements toward the changing climate and unpredictable weather. Those remodeling primarily to increase equity for future sales may want to consider exterior projects and basic kitchen improvements.
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HOMEFINDER HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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Is now the time to refinance? METRO NEWSPAPER SERVICE Refinancing a home may be on the minds of many as mortgage interest rates continue to drop from the heights they reached just a short while ago. Data from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed average 30-year fixed mortgage rates hovering around 6.51% as of late May 2026. The rates are a notable step down from the almost 8% peaks in late 2023. Norada Real Estate Investments says traditional advice on refinancing is to wait for a full 2% drop in interest rates. However, modern market dynamics may require a far less rigid approach. Homeowners who bought homes with peak rates during the post-pandemic surge are recognizing that small shifts are now opening opportunities to refinance and save money. Consideration of various factors can help homeowners determine if now is the time to refinance.
The need to refinance
Before determining if it’s the right time to refinance, homeowners should assess why they want to. First Savings Mortgage Corp. says people refinance for various reasons. For some, they want to shorten the loan term to save on overall interest. Others need access to cash and use a cash-out refinance to tap into their home equity. Someone who has an adjustable-rate mortgage may want to refinance to switch to a fixed-rate one. People who need relatively fast access to cash may be looking to refinance more quickly than those who are doing so to switch a mortgage type or shorten terms.
Rate reductions
According to mortgage analysis from AmeriSave Mortgage Corp., an interest rate reduction of just 0.75% to 1% is often enough to justify a refinance. On a $400,000 loan balance, dropping the rate from 7.5% to 6.5% can cut roughly $260 off the monthly principal and interest payment. So, even though rates aren’t historically low, if they are lower than when the original loan was initiated, it may be prudent to refinance.
The break-even point
Refinancing comes with certain costs that homeowners will have to pay. Data from Rocket Mortgage indicates that closing costs typically range between 3% and 6% of the total loan amount, and include title searches, property appraisals, loan origination, and underwriting. Timing a refinance should occur at the breakeven point, or the exact month when the homeowner’s accumulated monthly savings surpasses the upfront costs of securing the new loan, says Norada.
Removing PMI
Private mortgage insurance is added to the mortgage when a borrower presents a down payment that is less than 20% of the loan’s value. Conventional borrowers will have the PMI removed once they have reached 20% equity, but others may want to refinance to have the PMI removed sooner if the home’s value has risen significantly since purchase. Removing PMI can improve cash flow. Timing a refinance requires consideration of factors unique to each homeowners. Working with a reputable lender can help homeowners identify and weigh the pros and cons of refinancing.
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9 HOMEFINDER HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
HARBOR
COMING TOGETHER TO PROVIDE SAFETY, STABILITY, AND A FRESH START FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Thank you for turning closings into CHANGE! Your generosity is changing lives.
We are honored to partner with Harbor House to raise funds to sponsor one of the family unit’s in the new building. Thank you to our members who made donations so far. If you would like to help support our efforts scan the Qr Code
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HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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How to make a real estate listing stand out METRO NEWSPAPER SERVICE The real estate market is notably competitive. While the competitive nature of real estate is often discussed in terms of buying, sellers might face some stiff competition when trying to make their properties stand out. The popularity of real estate listing websites like Zillow, Trulia and Redfin has made it easier than ever for buyers to find properties for sale. But those sites feature so many listings that it’s not always easy for sellers to make their properties stand out. With that in mind, homeowners can work with their real estate agents or realtors to tailor a listing that’s sure to draw the attention of buyers. • Identify what makes your property unique. Homeowners can take a tour of their properties with their real estate
representative to identify what makes their homes and grounds unique. Details like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and the total square footage certainly draw the attention of buyers, but neighborhoods tend to feature similarly sized properties. But an emphasis on unique features, whether it’s a fully finished basement or a recently remodeled outdoor living space, can make a listing stand out. • Read a listing as if you were a prospective buyer. In addition to emphasizing the unique features of your home, you can read a draft of your listing to see if it would appeal to you if you were a buyer. Does the listing adequately convey what makes your property special? Is there enough information about the property? Does the listing get into specifics or is the description generalized? Buyers will look at an
assortment of listings, and it can be easy to confuse one with another. Concise but detailed characterizations can increase the chances buyers remember your listing. • Emphasize key characteristics in bullet points. A listing that’s too wordy may not be read in full, but work with your real estate representative to identify points of emphasis and even list those as bullet points to make the listing more reader-friendly. • Be honest. Buyers come from all walks of life, but none want to read a listing and then feel as if they’ve been misled upon visiting a property. While it may seem as though everyone wants a move-in ready home, many buyers will not scoff at a listing that notes DIY potential. At the same time, if a home is indeed move-in ready, emphasize that so buyers who don’t want to
swing any hammers know they won’t have to if they buy your home. An honest characterization will attract buyers, while a misleading description of the property will come across as a red flag that will make buyers wonder what else sellers might be hiding. • Highlight the area as well. Buyers aren’t just investing in a home, they’re investing in a place to set down roots. Consider the town where you live and use the listing to highlight its strong points. If your town is a walkable locale with a thriving local shopping and food district, emphasize that in your listing. If the town boasts a topnotch school system, be sure to allude to that in the listing. Sellers and their real estate representatives can employ various measures when writing a property listing to make it stand out.
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REFLECTION--- HOLD ON TO HOPE ; HOPE LOOKS FOR THE GOOD IN PEOPLE INSTEAD OF HARPING ON THE WORST Unknown
5601 CENTRAL AVE RICHTON PARK
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KANKAKEE
MOMENCE
PENDING Excellent location on Central just South of Sauk Trail and across from Walmart- property in path of development with city sewer and water. Natural gas nearby Property has historical home, multiple sheds: 80by60; 80by80; 80by80; 40by60; 40by60 with approximately 50,000 bushels of grain storage, multiple other buildings
A piece of history being the oldest surviving commercial structure in Gilman - originally a flax mill -and several other businesses since. Currently empty the huge stone structure lends itself to banquet hall, restaurant, motel and many other innovative businesses.
Tucked away among mature trees and set well back from the road, this approximately 20-acre property offers the privacy and peaceful setting that country buyers are searching for. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home features over 1,350 square feet of living space with an inviting, open-concept layout, spacious kitchen, and cozy fireplace. A 2.5-car, detached garage accompanies this home. An added perk - this home wil remain fully furnished for its new owners! All appliances, pots, pans, furniture, etc wil stay; with the exception of the living room’s taxidermy deer head. Outside, you’ll find a beautiful blend of mature trees, a beautiful nursery with dozens of evergreens and red buds, open ground, and a scenic pond. Approximately 7-8 acres are currently til able, offering many agricultural opportunities and income. A nice-size shed behind the home provides additional storage space, while the gazebo offers a peaceful space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The privacy, space, and beauty this property has to offer is one exceptional package. Sold AS IS
PENDING
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WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOUR FARM IS WORTH? CALL ME NEW FARMS 73 acres more or less Yellowhead Twp PENDING ............................................................. $11,500/ACRE NEW 114 acres +/- Martinton- Excellent Tenant PENDING ............................................................... $11,250/ACRE NEW 120 acres +/- Martinton - Excellent Tenant ...................................................................... $12,500/ACRE NEW 102+/- acres Sullivan Twp - ......................$11,000/ACRE NEW 159.57 acres Sumner Twp Excellent Tenant...........................................................$2,060,000 3.32 Acres Commercial Corner - Elwood ...................... CALL 3.5 acres on Rt. 113 (Division St) Diamond .............$399,000 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION 5 Acres Manteno - Good Location - Commercial Land .CALL 7.4 ac. Industrial Dr Momence .............................................. CALL 12.32 ACRES-1-57 frontage close to Ricky Rockets ... CALL 13.79 Acres corner of Eames and Bluff Channahon ..................................................................... CALL 32 acres Manteno-Development written all over it ... CALL
38+/- acres Cropsey ........................................................PENDING
Lot 8 and 9 ..................................................................... $1,595,000
1.46 Acre Lot Elwood ............................................................... CALL
FARMLAND
3.32 Acre lot Elwood................................................................. CALL
NEW 12.47 acres - Eastern Ave Manhattan - Development area ...................................................................................... $635,000 90 ACRES +/- LOVEJOY TWP .. PENDING $12,500/ACRE NEW Herscher -- Rt 115 Frontage - Commercial Lots ............................................................................................... CALL 40 acres Richton Park across from Walmart ................. CALL 51 acres Manteno - Rt 50 Frontage- Development Potential .................................................................................... CALL 7 commercial lots I-55 and Rt 47 -- Dwight ................... CALL Great lot on Rt 50 in Manteno ..................... REDUCED CALL 2.82 acres corner of Rt 53 and Peotone/Wilmington Rd ................................................ CALL 40.53 acres - Momence Development-93 lots plotted ......................................................................................... CALL 4.58 acres - Elwood- right on Mississippi ......................... CALL 20 ac+/- Development Rt 45/24 Gilman ........................... CALL 158 acres Manteno ..................................................................... CALL
4 Ac.-Beecher Corner Lot-Development Written All Over It ...........................................................................................................CALL 4 Commercial lots right on Rt. 52 north of Manhattan .................................................................................. CALL Lot 2 ...................................................................................... $599,900 Lot 3 ...................................................................................... $324,900 Lot 4 ...................................................................................... $399,900 Lot 5 ..............................................................PENDING $399,000 11 Acres - Rivers Plaza Channahon .................................... CALL Lot 1 ......................................................................................$375,000 Lot 2 ......................................................................................$375,000 Lot 3 ......................................................................................$375,000 Lot 4 ......................................................................................$375,000 Lot 5 ......................................................................................$599,000 Lot 7 and 8 ..................................................................... $1,595,000
LOTS 2.82 acres corner of Rt 53 and Peotone/ 4 acres+/- Rt 1 in Beecher - Development 7 commercial lots in Dwight - I-55 & Rt 47 Exposure Wilmington Rd ......................................................CALL 19 acres+/- Peotone/ Wilmington Rd - I-57 exposure SM-CL2341541
Got a farm for sale? Want to know what your farm is worth? Call me!
HOMEFINDER HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
RICH HANSEN
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E-mail: RHansen972@aol.com
HOMEFINDER / shawlocal.com/daily-journal • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
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