MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER
🎉Join us for our PARKING LOT PARTY June 5th!
🦴🏡 How to Spot A Home
With Good Bones
❓Answers to the Top 5 Questions
Buyers and Sellers Are Asking
in Today’s Market
Brought to you by The Glover-Smith Group
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🎉 You're Invited! 🎉
Join us for our Annual Parking Lot Party on June 5th — a celebration for everyone who’s bought, sold, or referred with us!
How much fun will it be??
We will have an awesome cookout
Sucre Ice Cream
Dunk Tank
Bounce House
Twisty Balloon
Face Painting
Bubble Station
Chalk Station
4 Square
Bags
& Much More!
It’s our way of saying THANK YOU for being part of
our real estate family.
📍 Where:Our Office - 226 W. Adams Street, Morton, IL 61550
⏰ Time: 5:00 pm
Bring the whole crew — we can’t wait to see you there! 🏡🍔🍦🎈
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How to Spot a Home with Good "Bones"
When you're house hunting, it’s easy to get distracted by flashy finishes or turned off by outdated décor.
But one of the smartest things you can do as a buyer is to look past surface details and ask:
Does this home have good bones?
This real estate phrase refers to a home’s underlying structure and quality – and it can mean the difference between a smart investment and a costly project.
Here’s how to spot the signs of a solid home.
1. A Strong Foundation (Literally and Figuratively)
Start from the ground up – the foundation is one of the most expensive parts of a home to fix. Look for cracks in the walls, especially near windows and doors, sloping floors, or doors that won’t close properly. These could signal settlement issues. While hairline cracks aren’t uncommon, anything wider than ¼ inch should be checked out by a pro.
Tip: Ask if there’s been a recent foundation inspection or structural engineer report.
2. Layout and Flow that Works
Walls can be painted. Cabinets replaced. But changing a home’s layout? That’s where things get expensive fast. A home with a functional floor plan, good natural light, and logical room flow has a strong foundation for updates over time. Open concept isn’t everything – sometimes defined spaces work better – but overall flow matters.
3. Roofing, Electrical, and Plumbing
These are big-ticket systems, and their condition tells you a lot about the home’s long-term value. A roof nearing the end of its life, knob-and-tube wiring, or ancient plumbing may not be deal-breakers, but they should factor into your budget.
Good sign: Updated electrical panels, visible copper or PEX plumbing, and a roof under 15 years old.
4. Windows and Doors
Original windows in older homes can be charming, but they can also be energy hogs. Check for drafts, rotting frames, or condensation between panes. Solid, well-sealed windows and doors mean the home is better insulated – and more comfortable and affordable to live in.
5. The Overall Feel of Solid Construction
Sometimes, you just feel it: doors close with a satisfying “click,” floors don’t creak, and nothing feels flimsy. Older homes, in particular, often feature higher-quality materials like real wood and plaster – signs that the home was built to last.
Bottom Line:
A home with good bones may not be the prettiest one on the block today, but with a little love and the right vision, it can become a dream home – and a smart financial move.
Not sure what to look for during your search?
That’s where we come in! We can help you evaluate properties beyond the surface and connect you with trusted inspectors who know how to spot potential red flags.
Let’s find you a home that’s built to last – and fits your style, too.
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Should I wait for interest rates to drop?
How do I compete in a market with low inventory?
What costs should I expect beyond the down payment?
Do I need to make updates before listing?
How do I price my home right in a shifting market?
⬇️Find the answers to these questions
and so much more at our website!⬇️
https://www.gloversmithgroup.com/blog/
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Wishing you a fun, safe, and sunny summer — we hope to see you at our Parking Lot Party on June 5th!
Your Friends at The Glover-Smith Group