DC Rise Real Estate

The August Rise

Elevating Dreams, Building Wealth, Enhancing Communities

A Note From Danielle

And just like that... we're wrapping up summer.

Tonight my kids headed to Back to School Open House — from 2nd grade all the way to 8th — and we're ready for another year as Hornets in Scales Mound!

It's amazing how much we learn as parents while helping our kids navigate this world. My oldest was homeschooled last year, and this year she decided to go back. Watching her walk through those doors with confidence tonight solidified something for me: we made the right move last year. Not everything has to look the same for everyone. We all walk different paths, and it's okay to take yours.

I'm excited for all the kids starting a new year. There's something so refreshing about a clean start — I love a brand new calendar, and a new school year is about the closest thing we get to that. If your kids (or grandkids!) are heading back to school, I wish them the very best year yet.

Local Market Deep Dive: Jo Daviess County

So what are we actually seeing out there? In a word: flat — and that's a good thing.

We're down just 13 closed sales year over year, and average sale price is up a little over 3% — exactly the steady, healthy appreciation we'd want to see. In my opinion? Life is good.

Here's the stat I actually love most: last year, from September 1st through December 31st, 165 homes sold in Jo Daviess County. That means roughly 37% of this year's total sales are still ahead of us. History repeats itself, year over year, and it really can be that simple.

We get asked about "timing" constantly. Here's the truth: timing to sell is just as good as timing to buy. You sell when it's time to sell, and you buy when you find the house you want. Don't overthink it.

I promise you — there are buyers still out there who didn't find what they were looking for in spring 2026. And life is about to change for other buyers who don't even know yet that they're about to be in the market. They're going to need something to buy. Don't be afraid to sell this fall. Homes sell then too! 🙂

Rise Nights Are In Full Swing

We are honored to host Rise Nights again this season. Here's where you'll find us:

Voting is live now! Vote for a senior who has demonstrated leadership on and off the court or field. Rise Leadership winners earn the chance to apply for a $1,000 scholarship at the end of their senior year.

Cast Your Vote

Each team will receive a Rise sport shirt to build coheiveness on and off the field. This year, we're hosting Rise Nights for both the home and away teams, and we're hoping to capture one big group photo of the kids in their shirts. Our mission is simple: when we lift each other up, we all rise.

Big News: We're Purchasing a Building in Apple River

We are purchasing the building in Apple River formerly known as The Thriving Thistle! This will become our new headquarters, where our operations team will be based. Rest assured, we're keeping our Eagle Ridge office in Galena, with all the familiar faces who have been there all along.

This space will bring together office space, a wellness center with chiropractic care, massage therapy, and reflexology, a gym, yoga, the bistro/restaurant, and the gas station c-store — a pretty neat spot you'll have to see once we're open! We're shooting to open this fall.

See You at the Corn Boil!

This Saturday is the Corn Boil in Galena, and our team will be there early — shucking corn! If you don't have anything else going on, stop by for some corn.

This is the biggest homecoming celebration Galena has ever had — come home for the Bicentennial Corn Boil! Music, food, games, and all the fun a person can handle.

Corn Boil Details

DC Rise Real Estate

Serving Jo Daviess & Carroll Counties, IL — Galena Territory, Apple Canyon Lake & Lake Carroll — and Southwest Wisconsin

Elevating Dreams, Building Wealth, Enhancing Communities