What are people inside the real estate industry saying about the current market? Would they buy a home today? Is this a good market for first time homeowners?

This recent warm weather in Chicagoland has the HomesPlus team thinking about spring and summer. And the first things that come to mind is having a BBQ or sitting out on your very own porch to watch the beautiful sunset.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has declared January "Radon Action Month" in the state and is urging residents to have their homes tested for Radon.

Decorating a home can be a stressful project. Here at HomesPlus we are trying to simplify the process by giving you the tips you need to know. But, do you even know what style best fits you and your home?

Looking for something different when it comes to your master suite? In our tour of model homes across Chicagoland, we've found a master suite that stands out from the rest.

For months now, Chicagoland home builders have been offering discounts and incentives to entice you to buy a new home. But how long will these incentives last? According to some industry experts, the discounts and incentives could go away with the first sign of improvement in the spring housing market.

Click here to read the Chicago Tribune article on the subject.

Ryland Homes has a deal for you. This weekend only (Jan. 25th-27th), you can save big with their "Purchase Power Advantage" sales event. Go to the Ryland Homes website for additional information.

And when you go to the sales center, make sure you tell them "HomesPlus sent you!"

The Federal Reserve today slashed a key interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point. The federal funds rate - the interest banks charge one another for overnight loans -- now stands at 3.5%. You can read more about the Fed decision at the Chicago Tribune website.

As for what this might mean for mortgage rates, click here for more analysis from Bankrate.com.

Some good news if you're trying to buy a home, fixed-rate mortgages have fallen to their lowest levels in 4 years according to finance giant Freddie Mac.

Click here to read more.

West Point Gardens in Elgin is introducing it's new "Classic Series" of single-family homes. These new homes come with 3-4 bedrooms and start in the low $300s. Details after the jump.

For more information call 847.608.1000 or go online to West Point Gardens