East Peoria · First-Time Buyers
First-Time Home Buyers in East Peoria
Your first home, explained step by step, with every cost laid out before you commit.
First-time home buyers in East Peoria: what you get
If you're one of the first-time home buyers in East Peoria wondering where to start, start with a conversation. No obligation, and no question is too basic.
A first home costs more than the price. We'll go over the down payment, closing costs, insurance and Illinois property taxes before you fall for a house.
Why East Peoria buyers work with me
I'm Shannan Werckle, a Broker-REALTOR® with eXp Realty and the name behind Greater Peoria Living. I've sold multiple homes in East Peoria, and on the bluffs I know how much a view can add.
If you're nervous about making an offer, that's completely understandable. I'll lay out your options, tell you which I'd choose and why, and the decision is yours.
Many East Peoria homes were built on the bluffs between the 1960s and the 2000s, and some take full advantage of the views.
How it works in East Peoria
- A no-pressure first conversation
- Our buyer-brokerage agreement, explained line by line
- Pre-approval with a lender I trust
- A focused search and my notes on each home
- Your offer, inspections, appraisal and closing, with an update at every step
For the full picture, see how I help buyers, or read more about first-time home buyers in Greater Peoria. You can also see the East Peoria overview or compare First-Time Buyers in Peoria, First-Time Buyers in Washington, First-Time Buyers in Pekin. When you're ready, tell me about your plans or call (309) 740-0990.
Frequently Asked Questions
What costs should a first-time buyer expect?
Beyond the price: the down payment, earnest money (usually about 1% on Peoria-area contracts), closing costs, insurance and property taxes. We'll go over them before you commit.
What school districts serve East Peoria?
East Peoria Elementary School District 86 serves the grade-school years, and students then attend East Peoria Community High School District 309.
East Peoria
What first-time buyers looks like in East Peoria
Across the Illinois River from downtown Peoria.
- The homes
- A bluff town, with hills, little flat land and pretty vistas. Many homes were built on the bluffs from the 1960s through the 2000s. As across the area, new construction mostly stopped around 2008 to 2010, apart from some newer apartment development.
- Schools people ask about
- East Peoria Elementary School District 86, then East Peoria Community High School District 309.
- Getting around
- Directly across the Illinois River from downtown Peoria, over the Murray Baker and Centennial bridges. I-74 runs through town, east toward Bloomington-Normal and west toward the Quad Cities. Peoria's sister city.
- Nearby
- The Levee District, once lined with Caterpillar plants, now has restaurants, live music, a movie theater, hotels, and concerts and events at Festival Park in warmer months, plus the Fondulac District Library. Costco, Target and plenty of other shopping are in town. Fondulac Drive has several lookout points back across the river at Peoria, and at night the skyline, St. Mary's Cathedral, the hospitals and the lit-up bridge make it one of the prettiest views in the area.
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Shannan?