How to preapre for your next place during the holiday season…& happy 2026!

People look a fresh start at specific times of the year, and that impacts the real estate industry.  In Chicago and perhaps other areas spring and summer are known as moving season.  Most people move here and become Chicagoians during the spring, for an intership or over the summer after graduating college or graduate school.  Just because it is not currently one of those great seasons doesn’t mean there is nothing to do to prepare for your next move, even if it is months out. So while watching the cartoon with Frank awkwardly seated on his own side, or the one with the guy who lives just north of town who dresses up his dog to b & e and prove a point here are ways to start your preperation to move in the next 6 months.

1. Scouting – research is a great way to prepare where to focus your search. To make sure you don’t regret your choice of place to live.  Weather it is a different block, neighborhood, city or state research can help you understand where to spend your time trying to expierence or simulate living when it comes time to look. As well as search for the type of local places you will frequent once you have moved.
2. Price shopping – Getting a bit of distance from the time you plan on moving can allow you the proper distance to truly analyze what you require vs what you can afford.  Everyone says that they want the cheapest option……until theysee exactly what the cheapest option is.  I hear this often but it is different if that limitation is due to a lack of funds or trying to save.  It also depends on age, you may expect that you can lead a no frills existance but your comfort may over rule that. Espically if it is a choice and not a limitation.  Size and location of place, as well as appliance and proximity to mass transit can and often do impact the price of the unit.
3. Working on your finances – First I must state that I am not a financial professional. Due to my being a real estate professional I do know that one’s finances can effect how your are viewed as a potential renter or home owner as well as if you get a place.  As is often told to those preparing to rent or buy don’t buying anything that can impact you credit score. So the winter may be a good time to do that. Or start to pay of any debt to improve credit if that is a solutation to an issue.