What really goes on behind the scenes of today’s mortgage market? We sit down with one of our favorite mortgage boss ladies in the business Neena Vlamis, owner of A & N Mortgage for a timely and insightful conversation as we head into the 2026 spring season.

We dive into mortgage extension risks, what a real preapproval letter actually looks like, and the special mortgage products Neena currently offers. We also explore the growing conversation around 50-year mortgages why they’re being discussed, what they could mean for buyers if they ever become official, and Neena’s expert opinion on whether they make sense for the market.

We also break down the new 2026 conforming loan limits and discuss how these changes may impact buyer purchasing power, loan strategies, and planning for the upcoming spring market.

Add in hard-earned insights and mortgage trade perspectives, and this episode is truly jam-packed with knowledge you won’t want to miss.

On the next episode of The Fine Print in Real Estate: Holiday Edition, we’re skipping the 12 Days of Christmas and breaking down the 12 Myths of Real Estate. From overpricing listings and common lending misconceptions to the big question—is staging really necessary when selling your home? 

This episode is packed with valuable insights to carry you confidently into the new year, whether you’re preparing to buy or sell. Don’t miss it!

In this episode, we dive into some of the biggest real estate topics impacting homeowners right now from understanding the ADU Ordinance and the 606 Ordinance Update to preparing your home to sell in a shifting market. We’ll also talk about the 2024 tax bill that’s coming out soon and what it means in a triennial reassessment year plus how these changes could affect your property’s value and your next move. And if you’ve been thinking about renting out your home to keep your low interest rate, we’ll explore why that strategy might not be as smart as it seems. We’ll break down the pros, cons, and financial realities to help you make confident decisions about your property and your future.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Swanberg from Premier Home Inspections to talk about getting your home ready for winter. We cover simple preventative steps that can save you from costly repairs, whether gutters are a must-have or just an upgrade, and what to watch out for when buying a flipped home. If you’re a homeowner or thinking about buying, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you protect your investment and head into winter with confidence.

We sat down with Jason Goldberg from Opteon, a global leader in valuation, advisory, and property services, to dive deep into the world of appraisals — and trust us, you’re going to want to hear this one! We’re talking everything from appraisal waivers, how appraisers determine home value, to why an appraisal might still be needed even on a cash purchase. This episode is packed with valuable info for anyone starting their home buying journey — or just looking to better understand the process.

We sit down with Julio Neira, President of Inspectrum Inc., a trusted Chicagoland inspection company, to break it all down!

We’re diving into what really matters during home inspections:
• What’s a big deal vs. a little deal
• What counts as a safety hazard 
• How to spot signs of lead-based paint in older homes and condos

Whether you’re house hunting now or just starting to plan , this episode is packed with must-know info!

 In this episode of The Fine Print in Real Estate, we’re diving into all things homeowners insurance with Chris Collins from State Farm! From what to ask before choosing coverage to why cash buyers sometimes forget this crucial step (yep, no lender = no reminder!), we’re breaking it all down so you can make confident decisions when buying a home. Oh, and yes—I did ask if he knows Jake from State Farm. Spoiler: he didn’t know either Jakes, but he does know his stuff when it comes to insurance. This is one info-packed sit-down you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, I sit down with one of my favorite lenders, Terrence Terrell with A & N Mortgage and we dive into all the must-know topics for buyers and sellers alike.

We cover:

• Navigating condo buildings and understanding HOAs

• What non-warrantable properties are and why they matter

• Breaking down adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)

• The importance of getting that preapproval letter before you start shopping

• How to make working out a priority—even when you’re so busy you don’t know which way is up

This conversation is packed with valuable insight, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way.

This week, we cover the New 606 Block District Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Pilot Program, which offers tenants the First Right of Refusal, giving them a path to ownership in one of Chicago’s most dynamic areas. We also provide insight into the Clear Corporation in Real Estate and share our strategies for preparing listings ahead of the busy Spring Market.

We’re joined by a special guest, Jill Perno, a new agent with @properties Christie’s International and the newest addition to our team. Jill shares what inspired her to enter the real estate industry, how she’s navigating today’s market with her clients, and what it’s been like working alongside her fearless leader, Amber.

Tune in for market insights, team highlights, and a fresh perspective from one of real estate’s rising stars.