Why is now a good time to make a move in real estate? Eight great reasons below:

(1) In reviewing the data, Chicago metro area home prices are expected to go up 11.2% in 2014, the highest of any metro area in the country. Arlington Heights specifically, has increased in value from December of 2012 to December of 2013,  14.8%.

(2) Rates are still historically low and are going to increase over the following years. This will not hinder the market as many think, it will support a stronger economy.

(3) As of early January, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have decided to hold off on increased loan fees that were already on the books. It doesn't matter what lender you go to, almost all home loans are backed by Fannie and Freddie, almost everyone will pay these inevitable extra fees. Once again, it won't hinder the market, it will absorb it. They will start charging said fees again in the near future.

(3) Inventory is low. Historically low. The absorption rate, or  the number of properties that can be bought or sold in Arlington Heights is up 150% over the last three years.

(4) The spring market is 100%, year after year, the start of the busy season. There are just flat out more buyers. Get a move on in the next 45 days. The competition is going to be fierce from a buyers perspective. Being pre-approved, and ready to make decisions quickly and aggressively will be key.

(5) Corporate buyers are buying up mass amounts of property, all cash for rental portfolios they are remarketing as securities in the stock market. They've already bought up a huge amount of property in 2013 and will continue to do so until pricing does not match their rental income returns.

(5) There is no bubble in sight. Loan underwriting is the best it has ever been. The amount of QUALITY loans being put in the market is unlike anything there has ever been. No one is over-leveraged and every piece of info on a loan application since 2008 has been under a microscope. This is one of the positives things that resulted from the last housing crash.

(6) General macroeconomics are the best they have been in years. Unemployment is steadily decreasing, the stock market is at an all-time high with no signs of tapering, loan delinquencies are the lowest they have been in several years and the list goes on. This time is very reminiscent of economic growth we saw in the 90's.

(7) Put your money to use. Traditionally. CD's, bonds and money markets have lower returns. Real Estate is a strong long term investment.

(8) Rents are rising along with home prices. In almost all cases it is cheaper to buy in this current climate. You can put down as little as 3% and still less expensive than renting. Buy a rental property if you already own - just buy soon.

Holly Connors is a Senior Real Estate Broker with Award Winning @ properties. She is an Arlington Heights Resident and Real Estate Broker.