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Across Global markets, metals pricing is rising. Aluminium briefly eased after a ceasefire, then climbed again as renewed fighting disrupted Strait of Hormuz shipping.
Nickel prices are rising with shipping disruptions from Indonesia. Concrete is climbing on higher energy, transportation, and raw material costs, though local supply shapes impacts.
Insulation pricing climbed too, led by petroleum-dependent polyiso board. Manufacturers announced further increases of ~5%-8%, adding to earlier hikes of ~6%-12% recently.
Gypsum and steel stud makers also announced price increases, citing higher material, energy, and transportation costs, while weak residential demand helped limit actual impact.
Lumber hit a 4-yr high as Canadian import tariffs and mill cutbacks tightened supply; lower futures hinted at easing ahead, while lead times kept stretching.

Home price gains across the US are still marching upward—about 0.3% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted basis in mid-Q3. While that’s a touch slower than the previous two months, values are still on the rise. In fact, with a yearly increase of roughly 4%, we’re seeing the fastest pace of growth in the past year. Even as monthly momentum cools, it’s clear that property values continue to climb nationwide.

Mid-Q3 has brought what’s being called the strongest buyer’s market on record, driven by elevated housing costs and ongoing economic uncertainty. Inventory is up, but demand remains tempered. Despite the softer month-to-month numbers, prices aren’t dropping—many homeowners have significant equity and are under little pressure to make steep concessions.

For buyers, this slower growth offers the space to compare options and negotiate more confidently. For sellers, pricing strategically from the outset is essential to stand out, especially as competition increases. Having spent over two decades navigating every corner of the residential market—from traditional homes to REO and foreclosure properties—I’ve learned that understanding these shifts is key to both buying and selling successfully.

Chicago’s real estate market continues to hold strong: in Mid-Q3, the city’s median list price hit $395K, reflecting a seller-friendly environment. With just 15,100 active listings and inventory down about 6% from last year, buyers are seeing limited options—homes are spending a median of 36 days on the market. Across Illinois, it’s clear that supply scarcity is the defining theme. Even now, statewide inventory hasn’t bounced back to pre-pandemic comfort levels, putting us among the slowest markets nationally to recover supply. New housing construction per capita remains low, a reality that both investors and those relocating need to factor in as they consider their next move. Mortgage rates hovering near 7% continue to challenge affordability, but the persistent shortage of listings keeps competition steady for buyers, sellers, and investors well into 2026. After more than two decades in Chicago’s residential market—navigating everything from REOs to traditional sales—I’ve seen firsthand how these dynamics shape opportunities and strategies for everyone involved.

For Chicago shoppers, Fall 2026 can reward buyers who value more choice and stronger negotiating leverage over chasing the very lowest monthly payment.
Mortgage rates moved back near 7%, raising monthly costs in Chicago and making affordability a bigger factor than home price alone for buyers.
In the broader Fall 2026 setup, Chicago shoppers may face fewer bidding wars and ask sellers for price cuts, closing-cost help, or temporary rate buydowns.
Chicago was one of the cities flagged for Early-Fall opportunity, with Mid-Fall singled out as a promising moment to look for deals.
For Chicago buyers planning 7-10 yr stays, securing the home now can matter more than the rate, while shorter timelines may favor waiting.

As someone who’s navigated Chicago’s housing market for over two decades, I’ve seen its resilience firsthand. Recently, Chicago has shown stronger price momentum than many Sun Belt cities, driven by limited inventory and our city’s relative affordability. According to Zillow, annual home-value growth continues here, yet owning a home in Chicago remains within reach compared to several coastal metros. If demand holds steady, prices could remain supported even if national housing activity slows as we approach 2027. And with the possibility of lower mortgage rates on the horizon, Chicago’s standing as an affordable major metro could become even more attractive to buyers. It’s another reminder of why I love working in this market—there’s always a new chapter unfolding.

Built in 2006, Income Producing & Room to Grow! This tenant-occupied 2-unit offers an opportunity to acquire a multifamily property with existing rental income and potential for future income growth. Each unit features 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, separate living and dining rooms, kitchen, and wood flooring. Tenants pay their own utilities, helping reduce owner-paid operating expenses. Current rents may offer an opportunity for future increases based on prevailing market rents and subject to existing lease terms and applicable regulations. The gated rear yard includes a parking pad for convenient off-street parking. The property offers access to public transportation, neighborhood shopping and services, parks and recreation, major thoroughfares, the Illinois Medical District, and Downtown Chicago. With two 3-bedroom units, tenant-paid utilities, existing rental income, off-street parking, and 2006 construction, this property offers several features for consideration by a future owner. Tenant occupied; property is being sold subject to existing leases and tenant rights.