Tips, market updates, and local insights from our team.
NEW EVERY MONDAY
Real closed-sale numbers for nine Southern Illinois towns, every single week — straight from Greg Holthaus, not the national headlines.
September 7, 2026
456 homes closed across our nine towns in July — one behind last July — and seven of nine towns posted a higher median than a year ago. Where the year's deficit actually came from, town by town, plus Greg Holthaus's call for the fourth quarter.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Our weekly report from Southern Illinois' favorite lake — what's for sale, what it costs, and how to get on the water. From SIRE, your Lake of Egypt specialists.
September 1, 2026
True waterfront on the Lake of Egypt runs a ~$499K median; off-water homes with dock access run ~$180K. This week's lake report breaks down the gap — plus a brand-new $225K true-waterfront cottage that won't last.
FRESH FROM THE SIRE BLOG
Market numbers, new listings, open houses, and financing tips — fresh from the SIRE team every morning.
Open Houses · Sep 10, 2026
Two across four counties — a $550K Carterville ranch open both days, and a $440K Carbondale home just reduced.
Featured Home · Sep 9, 2026
Our new listing at $195,100: a 2007 three-bed, two-bath ranch with a new roof, new floors, new deck and an oversized garage on half an acre. Why “already done” beats “cheaper.”
Marion · Sep 9, 2026
102 homes, four price bands, and the one line that changes what you are shopping for — it sits between $150K and $250K.
Buyer Tuesday · Sep 8, 2026
The four contingencies in every purchase contract — which ones protect you, which one quietly costs you the house, and what makes an offer strong besides price.
Lake of Egypt · Sep 8, 2026
29 parcels for sale, 15 under $50K — and why one acre can cost 81 times another on the same lake.
Market Monday · Sep 7, 2026
July closings finished one home behind last July, and seven of nine towns beat last year's median. The recovery, quarter by quarter.
TIPS & GUIDES
Advice from the SIRE team for buyers and sellers across Southern Illinois.
Essential advice for navigating your first home purchase in Southern Illinois.
March 15, 2026
Southern Illinois housing market trends and analysis for Q1 2026.
March 1, 2026
Professional staging tips that help homes sell faster and for more money.
February 20, 2026