The Midwest housing market is entering April 2026 as the nation's strongest region, fueled by its relative affordability and a steady "rebalancing" that favors first-time buyers. |
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| I can now assist you with sales, purchases, or rentals in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.
Looking for housing elsewhere in the U.S. or beyond? Contact us to learn more about Engel & Völkers' global network of Advisors. |
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Financing International Real Estate from the U.S. |
For many Americans, the biggest question about buying property overseas isn’t where to buy—it’s how to pay for it. Financing international real estate is very possible, but it works differently than a standard U.S. mortgage. Understanding your options early can save time, reduce risk, and improve your negotiating power. 1. Cash Is Common—But Not the Only Option
In many international markets, sellers expect cash buyers, particularly in competitive destinations. According to global brokerage insights from Engel & Völkers, cross-border transactions often move faster when financing is already secured or unnecessary. That doesn’t mean financing is off the table—it simply means preparation matters.
If you have significant equity in a U.S. home, one straightforward strategy is leveraging that equity through a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance. This allows you to remain within the U.S. lending system while deploying capital abroad. |
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We're sold our two Evanston flips! Working on two projects simultaneously — including our largest ever, a townhouse that required a full gut rehab — was quite the experience. But the team came through it with flying colors, and as always learned important lessons. Read more at Booker Builds. |
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Why Wellness Design Is Defining 2026 Homes |
What makes a home feel truly good?
According to Engel & Völkers Lifestyle and Design Expert, Jennifer Adams, one of the defining trends of 2026 is wellness design. And when asked, her answer is immediate. “It is hot.”
Wellness design goes far beyond adding a few houseplants or choosing calming paint colors. As Jennifer explains, “Bringing wellness into the home is going to transform the way we think about furniture design, bedding, remodeling, and even the way the house is built. It will influence everything.”
At its core, wellness design is about creating an environment that supports your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. “It’s really taking in every single sense of your body to transform your environment,” she says. |
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Engel & Völkers - Chicago North Shore 566 Chestnut Street 2nd Floor I Winnetka I IL 60093 224-420-0040 - Ellis 847.418.7318 - Erin
erin.booker@evrealestate.com I erinbooker.evrealestate.com |
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