January 2026 -
Happy (or is it) New Year!
If you want to understand where the real estate market is headed, don't just watch listings—watch searches. Buyers in Chicago are actively browsing and their behavior online tells us exactly what they value. Right now, the most common searches aren't just about price—they're about condition, convenience, and long-term cost. Move-in ready homes, properties with in-unit W/D, garage parking, and outdoor space are at the top. Buyers want homes that fit their lifestyle immediately, without adding a renovation project or surprise expenses.
Another major shift is how strategic buyers have become. Thanks to platforms powered by Google and real estate apps, buyers are comparing dozens of homes in minutes. They're filtering by HOA fees, outdoor space, walkability, and even energy efficiency. This means presentation and pricing matter more than ever. If a home doesn't stand out online within seconds, buyers move on. The first showing isn't in person anymore—it's on a screen, and that digital first impression determines whether someone books a tour or keeps scrolling. They are even asking AI to "find me properties in XYZ neighborhoods that fit my criteria"..... something we haven't been able to do before in my 15 years in Real Estate. The market is changing ya'll.
What this means for sellers is simple: preparation and positioning are everything. The spring market isn't something that magically begins in April—it has started already, when buyers began their search. Homes that are priced strategically, professionally marketed, and aligned with what buyers are actively looking for will win the most attention and the strongest offers. Understanding search behavior isn't just interesting—it's one of the most powerful tools we have to predict demand and position a home for success.
December 2025 -
Closing Out 2025 in Chicago: Real Estate, Real Life and What's Next
As Chicago closes the book on 2025, the real estate market feels a lot like the weather right now — cold on the surface, but quietly shifting underneath. Activity slowed "slightly" compared to the chaos of previous months, but serious buyers and sellers stayed in the game. Pricing largely held steady, demand didn't disappear though inventory still was the biggest issue we faced; and well-positioned homes still moved. It wasn't flashy — it was strategic.
Meanwhile, Chicago did what Chicago does best: unpredictable weather, early snowflakes, late sunsets, and that annual reminder that winter here builds character. Historically, this quieter season is when the best planning happens — fewer distractions, more intentional decisions, and a chance to set yourself up before the spring rush even thinks about showing up.
Looking ahead to 2026 I have real optimism. Mortgage rates are expected to ease even more, we're starting to see buyer confidence rebuilding, and demand is likely to return faster than inventory. Translation: opportunity favors those who prepare early. Whether that means selling before competition ramps up or buying before prices gain momentum, next year is shaping up to reward proactive moves over reactive ones.
On a personal note, 2025 was a year I'm incredibly proud of. I had the privilege of helping 35+ individuals and families buy or sell homes across Chicago, totaling over $16 million in sales. Beyond the numbers, giving back remained a focus — with donations made to Nourishing Hope and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, organizations doing critical work in our communities. Add in amazing clients, strong partnerships, and a whole lot of gratitude; it's safe to say 2025 delivered.
As we head into the new year, thank you to everyone who trusted me with one of life's biggest decisions. Rest up, stay warm, and let's make 2026 a strong one.
November 2025 -
Ok y'all, 2026 is right around the corner and it's been quite the year in the Chicago Real Estate landscape. Here's a current-market snapshot - straight talk, no fluff (but also a few must-know stats):
Right now in Chicago, things are tight. This is not new, as inventory in the city has dropped significantly. According to Illinois Association of Realtors, as of September 2025 there were about 4,290 homes on the market, down 22.2% compared to a year ago. That low supply is driving up prices, and the median sales price citywide is now around $380,000. With the buyers currently in the market ready to move on well-priced homes, we're seeing very efficient demand for quality listings.
Despite some seasonal changes, the broader Chicago metro remains extremely competitive which we appreciate. Stat time!! In October 2025, 7,690 homes closed, which was a 2.0% increase year-over-year. But here's the kicker: even though more homes are selling, the total number of homes available for sale dropped by about 6–7% compared to last year. That supply squeeze means that for sellers who price smart, it's prime time to sell. For buyers (especially first-timers) it's continuing to be more challenging to navigate, so having a sharp real estate advisor (hint hint) is more important than ever!
With regard to multifamily units, the picture is also intriguing. Asking rents across the city are rising (about 3.3% to be precise), showing that demand for rental units remains strong. I'm a landlord, and I work with a lot of investors so I know a thing or two about trying to be attractive to renters in order to fill units. Every other builidng you see being built in town right now is a "luxury rental building" which doesn't mean much today......so if you're weighing an investment in rentals or multifamily property for your portfolio, the fundamentals are still solid. But you'll want to be picky about location and deal structure in order to get the best tenant, longest lease and renter rentention in place. And the ADU rules have recently changed, so if you're unaware of these changes or want more info about adding an ADU to your property give me a call.
