With over two decades in Chicagoland real estate—and a background in both banking and commercial properties—I’m always watching how shifts in interest rates ripple through our local market. Right now, persistent inflation and higher long-term Treasury yields are casting doubt on any quick return to the lower rates some may be hoping for. The Federal Reserve is juggling inflation concerns while also watching for signs that the economy’s pace may be slowing. For buyers and sellers alike, this means borrowing costs for homes—and even commercial spaces—could remain elevated into 2027. In times like these, I find that recognizing value and understanding quality construction become even more important. As investors and families alike navigate these uncertainties, a balanced, informed approach is essential to making confident real estate decisions.
Blog
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U.S. Home Prices Ease Across Major Metros
Observing the Mid-Q3 numbers, it’s clear that home prices have softened across many major U.S. metros—price per square foot declined year-over-year in 36 out of the 50 largest metro areas. Nationally, we saw a ~2% dip in price per square foot compared to last year, making this the tenth consecutive month of annual softening. For many sellers, this has meant adjusting list prices more noticeably to align with shifting buyer expectations, especially as the market lost steam towards the end of the quarter. High mortgage rates continue to weigh on affordability, particularly in markets that saw pandemic-era surges—prompting sellers to find more common ground with buyers. With inventory holding above pre-pandemic levels, even boom-era markets are giving back some of their rapid gains. Having spent over 20 years guiding families through the nuances of the Chicagoland real estate market, I know firsthand how important it is to recognize true value and quality, especially in a changing landscape. My combined background in banking and commercial real estate allows me to help clients navigate these shifts with clarity and confidence.
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America’s Best Buyer’s and Seller’s Markets, Ranked by ZIP Code
With more than 20 years helping families navigate real estate in Chicagoland, I’ve seen firsthand how much local conditions shape both buying and selling experiences. A recent analysis of over 6,000 ZIP codes highlights just how much market dynamics—like supply, sale-price ratios, and time on market—can tip the scales in favor of either buyers or sellers. Understanding where your local ZIP code stands can make all the difference when it comes to negotiation. My background in banking and commercial real estate has always helped me spot value and quality in our Western Suburbs, and I enjoy guiding clients through these shifting markets with a focus on diligence, honesty, and effective strategy.
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US Housing Market in September: Key Trends to Watch
September brought some noteworthy shifts to the US housing market. We saw 12.6% fewer homes being delisted, and sellers made price cuts on 20.4% of listings—the same pace we saw in 2025. Inventory continued to climb in the Midwest and Northeast, with increases of 10.5% and 9.1%, respectively. Mortgage rates have also edged up to 6.67%, which could further temper buyer demand. Having spent over two decades guiding families through Chicagoland’s real estate ups and downs, I pay close attention to these trends—especially here in the Western Suburbs. My background in banking and commercial real estate helps me read between the lines of these numbers to spot opportunities and risks, whether you’re buying or selling. As always, recognizing value and quality construction remains at the heart of my approach.
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Homes in Highly Rated School Zones Cost 35% More Than the Average U.S. Home–But the Premium Is Much Smaller in Some Parts of the Country
One trend I continue to see in our market—and across the country—is the significant premium placed on homes located in highly rated school zones. Nationally, homes in these top school districts cost 35% more than the median U.S. home, with buyers needing an income of $159K compared to $118K elsewhere. Only about 13% of these homes are within reach for median earners, and the size of that price premium shifts depending on the metro area. In my two decades working with families throughout the Western Suburbs, I’ve seen firsthand how school quality can shape home values and affordability. My background in banking and commercial real estate helps me spot where value and quality align, even in competitive markets like these. For anyone weighing the importance of schools against budget and long-term investment, understanding these dynamics is essential.
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Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
Over my 20+ years guiding families through the ups and downs of Chicagoland real estate, I’ve seen markets shift—but right now, both buyers and sellers are feeling stuck. With mortgage rates higher, many buyers are pausing their search, finding it harder to justify monthly payments and waiting for conditions to improve. At the same time, pending sales are losing steam, which means fewer buyers are moving from browsing to making actual offers. On the other side, homeowners who locked in lower rates aren’t eager to trade up, so we’re seeing fewer new listings. This creates a unique kind of gridlock: buyers are holding out for better payment options, while sellers are reluctant to let go of their favorable loans. Transactions are moving at a slower-than-usual pace, and patience is key. My background in banking and commercial real estate helps me see these patterns and advise families on how to navigate them, whether you’re preparing to sell or hoping to buy. Recognizing value and timing is more important than ever.
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US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion
As someone who has spent over two decades helping families navigate the real estate market here in Chicagoland, I’m always tuned into both the numbers and the bigger picture. In Q2 2026, we saw nominal US home prices continue their steady climb. Yet, after adjusting for inflation, there’s another story—home values actually declined in real terms for the 13th month in a row. Even with a national index showing annual appreciation near 1.5% in Late-Q2 (up from 1% earlier), that’s still about 2 percentage points behind inflation, which hovered near 3.5%. This subtle erosion is slower now, thanks to lower inflation and stronger price gains, but it’s a reminder that the true value of a home isn’t always reflected in the headline numbers. A federal measure has shown positive annual appreciation every quarter since early 2012, underscoring just how resilient nominal prices have been—even as real value faces pressure. Affordability remains front and center, especially as typical monthly payments for existing single-family homes rose again, making it even tougher for first-time buyers. My background in banking and commercial real estate has taught me to look beyond surface numbers, focusing on value, sound construction, and the attributes that matter most—because understanding the full story behind the data is the key to making confident decisions in any market.
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States with the least—and most—housing market inventory heading into the fall
As someone who’s spent over 20 years helping families navigate the ever-changing real estate landscape in Chicagoland, I keep a close eye on housing inventory trends—especially as we head into the fall. National inventory saw a modest 2.1% year-over-year increase from July 2025 to July 2026, a significant slowdown from the 24.7% jump the year prior. Even with this uptick, inventory remains 9.1% below where we stood in 2019, and the Midwest and Northeast markets are still feeling the squeeze. Across the country, active inventory grew by 23,465 homes. For clients in the Western Suburbs and beyond, understanding these numbers is key to making informed decisions, whether you’re preparing to buy or sell. Drawing on my background in banking and commercial real estate, I always aim to highlight how shifts in supply can impact both value and opportunity for families in our community.
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NAHB Highlights Growing Homeownership Demand Amid Rate Changes
As someone who has spent over two decades guiding families through real estate decisions in the Chicagoland area, I see firsthand how rising mortgage rates and home prices are impacting affordability. According to the latest NAHB findings, median-income families now need to dedicate 34% of their income just to qualify for a new home mortgage. The burden is even heavier for low-income households, who may spend as much as 67-71%, and in certain metro areas, the figure tops 50%. Add in the current shortage of 1.2 million housing units, and it’s clear the challenges are mounting. My background in banking and commercial real estate helps me navigate these complexities for my clients—finding value and quality construction remains my priority, even in a market where financial strain is top of mind for so many families.
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Things To Watch in the US Housing Market This September
September brings a few important shifts in the U.S. housing market. In August, pending sales dipped by 0.2% and contract signings fell 3.7%. The median list price dropped by 1%—marking the tenth consecutive month of decline. Inventory is up by 3.6%, though it’s still not back to pre-pandemic levels, keeping affordability at the forefront for many buyers and sellers.
With more than two decades helping families in the Western Suburbs, I always pay close attention to metrics like these. My background in banking and commercial real estate helps me put these numbers in context—especially when it comes to understanding value and navigating changing conditions. As inventory shifts and prices continue to adjust, recognizing quality and true opportunity becomes even more important for both buyers and sellers. I’m always focused on helping my clients make sense of these trends so they can make confident decisions about their next move.
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