Buyers gained leverage as rates and uncertainty cooled urgency, while sellers still priced carefully to attract serious offers in today's shifting US market.
30-yr rates touched the mid-6% range in Early-Q2, then moved into the low-6% range, keeping payment math central for buyers and sellers.
Agent Survey Split
Midwest sellers' markets: 70%
Northeast sellers' markets: 74%
South sellers' markets: 13%
West sellers' markets: 22%
Well-priced homes can still draw multiple offers. Buyers may win repair payments, covered closing costs, or flexible move-in timing in softer markets.
Experts said a turnaround depends on rate stability, steady job growth, and less volatility; improved affordability could support stronger optimism into 2027.
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US Buyers Gain More Negotiating Room
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U.S. Home Prices Beat Expectations
A national home price index showed US single-family prices ↑~3%, topping the ~2% forecast and signaling stronger-than-expected housing momentum across major metro markets.
That reading also improved from the prior ~2% level, suggesting the market kept gaining ground as demand stayed firm and available homes remained limited.
Because home prices often reflect broader confidence, this stronger result pointed to healthier economic activity and supportive conditions for housing-related spending and investment.
A resilient housing backdrop can also help adjacent US industries, with construction and home improvement positioned to benefit when buyer confidence and activity hold.
At the same time, firmer price growth may keep affordability in focus, so policymakers and analysts are likely to watch stability and buyer access closely. -
Chicago Joins Four Balanced Housing Markets
Chicago’s real estate market has found a rare balance—something I always strive for with my clients, whether they’re buying or selling. Right now, sellers only outnumber buyers by about 7%. That means neither side has a clear upper hand when it comes to negotiating price, timing, or contract terms. Unlike many other major cities, where buyers tend to hold more leverage due to higher inventory, Chicago’s market is on unusually even ground. For those of you considering a move, this equilibrium creates a unique landscape: buyers and sellers are nearly matched, opening the door for fair, thoughtful deals on both sides. As someone who treats real estate like matchmaking, I appreciate moments like this—where it’s all about finding the right fit, not just pushing for the strongest deal. In fact, among the 50 largest metro areas, Chicago is one of only four with these balanced conditions. It’s an uncommon scenario that deserves some attention if you’re weighing your next real estate steps.
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Chicago Home Values Rise 5.1%
It’s been an encouraging year for Chicago homeowners—recent late-Q3 data shows our home values have climbed about 5.1% over the past year. In a landscape where many large metro areas have seen price adjustments and softer conditions, Chicago stands out as a market that’s held steady. That’s thanks in large part to our city’s unique mix of relative affordability and tight supply, which has kept things balanced for both buyers and sellers.
For those thinking about buying, it’s important to know that less leverage is available here compared to markets where prices are still dropping—so negotiating room may be limited. For sellers, this means a firmer environment with more confidence in pricing. I always strive to help my clients see the full picture, whether you’re searching for the right fit or aiming to get top dollar. As your real estate matchmaker, my focus is on listening to your needs and guiding you to the best options for your situation. Chicago’s resilience is one more reason I’m proud to serve this community—and why maintaining a reputation for attentive, personalized service matters more than ever.
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Affordable Homes Under $500K Are Selling Fastest in These Housing Markets
As someone who prides myself on finding the right fit for my clients, I’ve noticed just how quickly affordable homes under $500,000 are moving in certain markets. In places like St. Louis and Detroit, these properties are being snatched up in just 41 days—well ahead of the national average of 56 days. It’s the same story in Kansas City, Sacramento, Columbus, Cleveland, Baltimore, Chicago, Richmond, and Minneapolis. When you’re trying to match clients with homes that fit both their needs and their budgets, speed and strategy are everything. Listening closely to what buyers want, and helping sellers see the full picture, has never been more important in these fast-moving markets. Timing and attention matter—especially when the right opportunity can disappear in just a few weeks.
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In 17 US cities, new homes are now cheaper than old ones
I always keep an eye on market shifts that could help my clients make smart moves—especially when it comes to balancing budgets and finding the right fit. Interesting news: in 17 US cities, buyers are now finding that new-construction homes—particularly in fast-growing regions like the Sun Belt—are actually more affordable than older homes. On average, new builds in these areas are over 14% cheaper per square foot compared to existing homes, thanks to a mix of price cuts and builder incentives. Of course, in places where new construction is limited, those new homes still come at a premium. For anyone weighing the pros and cons of new versus existing properties, these trends highlight the importance of looking at the total picture and local market dynamics. My approach has always been to listen closely and help clients find the right match, whether that means stretching your dollar or maximizing your sale.
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Happy Halloween
Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!
