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L&T Circle of Trust - January 2026 Illinois Community Newsletter

L&T Circle of Trust - January 2026 Illinois Community Newsletter

Stability in the Prairie State

Local Insights

The 2026 Illinois Property Tax Relief discussions are heating up in Springfield. For homeowners in Cook and Lake Counties, we’re seeing a rise in Assessment Audits. Ensuring your home’s documented condition aligns with its market value can help prevent overpayment this year.

Home Updates

Illinois home values have increased 6.1% over the past year. While inventory remains tight, the Institute for Housing Studies forecasts an additional 5% price growth for the Chicago Metro area in 2026.

For policyholders, this means your home’s replacement cost has likely increased. If you haven’t updated your dwelling coverage in the last 24 months, you may be underinsured.

Take advantage of these Home360 Program resources to stay proactive:

👉 Click HERE to review your home value and equity with a licensed real estate agent
👉 Click HERE to request a home insurance revaluation quote to ensure your coverage reflects current replacement costs

Vehicle Spotlight

With Illinois’ heavy use of road salt along the I-94 and I-294 corridors, a mid-winter undercarriage wash is strongly recommended. Salt buildup is the #1 cause of brake and fuel line corrosion. Addressing it now helps protect your vehicle and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Community Events

Naperville Winter Ale Fest – January 24
A premier outdoor craft beer event featuring local breweries.
Chicago Winter Farmers Market – Sundays in January
Fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local specialties.

Open Houses & Programs

Rent-to-Own Program- Helps qualified buyers move into a home now while working toward ownership.

The Smith Group (brokered by Illinois Real Estate Partners) helps you find a home and, through our corporate partner, purchases it on your behalf and rents it to you with an option to buy. To qualify, you’ll need at least $8,000 per month in gross household income, the ability to provide a 5–20% down payment, and a move-in timeline of 45–60 days or more. There is no minimum credit score, and the program is available for homes priced at $200,000 or higher. For more details, contact us at: (312) 487-4983. You can also get more information here: https://www.smithandcompanyrentals.com/rent_to_own/