As your trusted real estate broker, I am excited to bring you the most recent information regarding Chicago’s ever-changing real estate market. This blog post will also dive into the latest trends and figures shaping the national real estate market. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, I hope you will find something interesting!

Price Movements: Chicago’s Performance

In the constantly fluctuating real estate market, one question remains paramount for both buyers and sellers: What’s happening with home prices in Chicago?

In recent months, we’ve seen prices fall in 21 out of the 50 largest metro areas tracked by Zillow. But what about Chicago? I’m happy to report that Chicago has been bucking this trend! Despite the national cooling off from pandemic-era highs, Chicago’s home values have risen by 4% year-over-year. This is a testament to the resilience and desirability of our city’s housing market.

Speedy Sales, Slightly Fewer Pending Homes

Here’s the lowdown for those keeping an eye on the pace at which homes are selling. Nationally, homes are taking an average of 13 days to go into pending status. This is down from 15 days in August 2022. However, there has been a noticeable decrease of 19% in pending home sales compared to last year.

I have seen this trend locally, too. It indicates that while demand remains robust, the market may be seeing some rebalancing between buyers and sellers. Buyers may have a little more time to make decisions, but sellers can still expect their properties to move relatively quickly.

Inventory Dynamics: A Closer Look

Inventory levels are always a crucial factor in determining market conditions. Zillow reports that in the 50 metro areas it surveys, we saw an unusual uptick in August as the inventory of new listings increased by 4% compared to July. However, it’s essential to keep this in perspective. August 2023 had 12.7% fewer new listings than the same period in 2022, and our inventory remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels.

This inventory situation suggests that while more properties are coming onto the market, the supply-demand balance is still favoring Chicago sellers. Buyers should be prepared to act decisively, especially for properties that meet their criteria.

Price Reductions: A Shift in Strategy

One intriguing development in the Chicago market is that we are seeing a larger percentage of homes which has reduced their sales price. This represents a noticeable increase from the previous years. While Chicago’s market remains competitive, this trend indicates that sellers may be adapting their strategies to meet evolving buyer expectations.

For sellers, working closely with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can help price your property effectively from the start, minimizing the need for price reductions, and ensuring a smoother transaction is crucial.

National Comparison: Chicago’s Strength

Now, let’s step back and take a national perspective. Nationally, prices have risen by 1.3% since August 2022. However, some major metropolitan areas have seen substantial declines. For example, home values in Austin, Texas, have plummeted by 10%. Similarly, prices fell by 8.7% in New Orleans, 6.4% in Phoenix and Las Vegas, and 4.2% in San Francisco.

In light of these numbers, we have even more reason to celebrate Chicago’s resilience. Our 4% year-over-year price increase outpaces several other major cities, including New York City (2.1%), Washington D.C. (2.2%), and Detroit (3%). Chicago remains a strong performer compared to many other major cities across the United States.

The Chicago real estate market continues to be a dynamic and exciting space for buyers and sellers alike. With rising home values, quick sales, and evolving inventory dynamics, opportunities remain to be seized in our great city. For all your real estate needs, from buying your dream home to selling your property at the right price, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. As a top real estate broker in Chicago, I’m here to guide you through the ever-changing real estate landscape and help you achieve your goals.