Managing Broker (IL: 471020559)
13 years experience
Clinton County, Illinois represents a fascinating microcosm of rural Midwest real estate dynamics, where agricultural heritage meets modern residential development. Located in south-central Illinois between St. Louis and Springfield, this county of approximately 37,000 residents maintains a remarkably intimate real estate network with exactly 64 actively licensed agents serving the entire market. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that all 64 agents maintain current email contact information, reflecting the county's surprisingly high level of digital connectivity despite its rural character.
The real estate landscape here tells the story of America's heartland transformation, where century-old farmsteads are being converted into modern rural estates while new subdivisions emerge around growing communities like Carlyle, Breese, and Trenton. These 64 agents navigate everything from lakefront properties along Carlyle Lake to historic downtown commercial buildings, creating a diverse portfolio that challenges the typical rural market assumptions.
Carlyle anchors the county's real estate activity as both the county seat and largest community, with its proximity to Carlyle Lake driving a unique waterfront property market rarely seen in central Illinois. The lake's 26,000 acres create demand for recreational properties, permanent residences, and seasonal homes that command premium prices compared to traditional agricultural parcels. Breese and Trenton form the county's other significant market centers, each offering distinct character with Breese's German heritage reflected in well-preserved historic homes and Trenton's position along major transportation corridors attracting new construction.
The county's real estate markets extend beyond these primary centers into smaller communities like Beckemeyer, Hoffman, and New Baden, where agents often specialize in agricultural transitions and rural residential development. These markets operate with surprising sophistication, as proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area influences pricing and development patterns throughout the county.
Clinton County's 64 agents manage an unusually diverse portfolio for a rural market, balancing traditional agricultural sales with recreational lake properties, historic preservation projects, and suburban-style developments. The county's position within commuting distance of both St. Louis and various regional employment centers creates multiple buyer demographics, from urban professionals seeking rural retreats to local families upgrading from starter homes to established properties.
Market complexity increases with seasonal fluctuations driven by Carlyle Lake's recreational appeal, agricultural commodity cycles affecting farm sales, and infrastructure developments that can rapidly shift property values. These 64 agents must understand everything from lakefront zoning regulations to agricultural easements, making specialization both necessary and challenging in such a concentrated professional network.
With all 64 licensed agents maintaining current email addresses, Clinton County offers businesses an unprecedented opportunity for complete market penetration through digital outreach. Mortgage lenders, insurance companies, home improvement contractors, and real estate technology providers can reach the entire professional network efficiently, ensuring no potential partnerships or client referral sources are overlooked in this tightly knit market.
The county's unique combination of agricultural, recreational, and residential markets means these agents influence diverse business opportunities beyond typical real estate transactions. From land development projects around Carlyle Lake to historic renovation financing in downtown districts, connecting with Clinton County's complete agent network provides businesses access to deal flow and market intelligence that might otherwise require expensive local marketing campaigns or time-intensive relationship building.
As of 2/17/2026, James Swartzlander has 19 properties for sale in Breese and surrounding areas. These are the top 10 listings.
$739,000
Listed 2025-12-17
$1,800,000
Listed 2025-12-17
$158,375
Listed 2025-12-17
$25,000
Listed 2025-11-05
$450,000
Listed 2025-11-08
$499,000
Listed 2025-12-17
$90,000
Listed 2025-11-05
$357,000
Listed 2025-12-17
$280,000
Listed 2025-12-17
$39,000
Listed 2026-01-12
James Swartzlander currently has no rental properties available in Breese and surrounding areas. Check back later.