After guiding clients through countless real estate decisions over the past twenty years, I’ve seen how timing can make all the difference when buying a home. Insights for 2026 suggest that the period from September 27 to October 3 could offer buyers a unique advantage. During this window, active listings are projected to be up 31.9% compared to the start of the year and 13.3% higher than the average week, greatly expanding your choices nationwide. Listing prices are expected to sit about 3.5% below their seasonal peak—potentially saving you around $14,000 on a median-priced home near $416,000. With competition historically 30.1% lower than the annual high and homes likely spending about 64 days on the market, buyers may benefit from more options and less pressure. As inventory continues to grow and demand softens, early fall may bring more variety, while later in the season could open the door to greater price flexibility. My role is to help you navigate these opportunities so your real estate journey feels informed, personalized, and stress-free.

As someone who has guided clients through Chicago’s property market for over two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the unique resilience of our city’s housing landscape. Recently, Chicago has outpaced many Sun Belt markets in price momentum, thanks in part to a more limited housing supply and consistently lower costs compared to the coasts. According to Zillow, we’re still seeing annual home-value growth here, with affordability that remains within reach for many buyers—a balance not easily found in other major metropolitan areas. If demand continues at this pace, Chicago could see stable or even rising prices heading into 2027, even if national trends slow. The prospect of lower mortgage rates may further energize buyers, all while preserving Chicago’s reputation as an accessible and attractive place to call home. My commitment has always been to provide clarity and confidence for those navigating these shifts, ensuring every client feels empowered to make informed decisions in any market climate.

The Federal Reserve has just raised its key interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it to a range of 3.75%–4%. This marks the first increase since July 2023. With inflation still running above the Fed’s 2% target, officials have indicated that another rate hike could be on the table before the year ends. The next opportunity for a policy review will be at the meeting scheduled for October 27-28, 2026, when economic conditions and inflation will be reassessed. As someone who has spent over two decades guiding clients through the real estate market, I know changes like these can raise important questions about timing and opportunity. Staying informed about these economic shifts is key to making confident decisions on your property journey.

Over the past decade, the landscape of newly built single-family homes in the U.S. has shifted in notable ways. The average size has decreased from 2,700 to 2,400 square feet, yet the price per square foot has surged by approximately 72%. In 2025, one in four new single-family homes sold was under 1,800 square feet—a significant change from a decade ago, when it was closer to one in six. Larger new homes, those at 3,000 square feet or more, have become less common, dropping from about one in three to one in five. Builders are responding to the challenges of rising land, labor, and material costs by designing smaller homes, striving to keep homeownership within reach even as mortgage rates hover around 6% to 7%. For buyers—especially those mindful of budget or taking their first steps into homeownership—these smaller homes can ease the path with lower down payments and more manageable monthly expenses, though the increased price per square foot is a reminder that affordability remains a concern. With over two decades of experience guiding clients through such evolving markets, I understand how these trends can shape your options and strategies as you pursue your real estate goals. My aim is always to empower you with the knowledge needed for a confident, informed decision.

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how Chicagoans are willing to explore new horizons when it comes to finding their perfect home. Recent trends highlight that Chicago remains a leading city for buyers searching for newly built homes far beyond our metro borders. While the data doesn’t specify local pricing or inventory, it’s clear that many are opening themselves to fresh opportunities and different lifestyles outside the city. As someone who has guided clients through countless property journeys, I understand the appeal of casting a wider net and considering all possibilities. Chicago’s place among the top metros for outbound new-home searches truly reflects the adventurous spirit of our buyers.