Fox Valley Real Estate Blog - For Sellers

Here’s What a Recession Could Mean for the Housing Market

Recession talk is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. And that leaves people wondering what would happen to the housing market if we do go into a recession.

Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in housing for each recession going all the way back to the 1980s.

A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will Fall

Many people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time we saw such a steep drop in prices. And it hasn’t happened since.

In fact, according to data from CoreLogic, in four of the last six recessions, home prices actually went up (see graph below):

So, if you’re thinking about buying…

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The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here – Are You Ready?

If selling your house is on your to-do list this year, the time to start prepping is now. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is coming up fast.

A recent Realtor.com study analyzed years of housing market trends (excluding 2020 since it was an outlier) and found that April 13–19 is expected to be the ideal window to put your house on the market this year:

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4 Things To Expect from the Spring Housing Market

Spring is in full swing, and the housing market is picking up along with it. And if you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell, here’s the inside scoop on why this spring may be a great time to make your move.

1. There Are More Homes for Sale

After a long stretch of tight inventory, the number of homes for sale is finally improving. According to recent national data from Realtor.com, active listings are up 27.5% compared to this time last year.

Look at the graph below and follow the green line for 2025. You can see, even though inventory levels still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic norms (shown in gray), that number is higher than it has been going into the spring market over the past few years (see graph below):

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How Buying or Selling a Home Helps Your Local Economy

Whether you’re buying or selling a house, here’s something to think about that most people don’t. Your decision doesn’t just impact your life and your family’s, it sparks a ripple effect that has a positive impact on your entire community.

Every year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out a report that breaks down the financial impact that comes from people buying and selling homes.

The data shows that if you buy an existing (previously lived-in) home, you're giving the local economy a boost of just over $60K. And if you buy a newly built home, that number goes up to over $125K (see visual below):

That’s because of all the people needed to build, fix up, and sell homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of…

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Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?

If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you’re not the only one. Newsweek reports that data from CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December alone – that's more than any other December going all the way back to 2017 (see graph below):

Whether it was because offers weren’t coming in, the timing around the holidays felt overwhelming, or they wanted to see if the market would improve in the new year – a lot of other homeowners decided to press pause, too.

But now, with spring fast approaching, it’s time to reassess. The market is already picking up, and waiting any longer to jump back in may only mean you’d face more competition from other sellers down the road.

Why Now…

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Geneva, Illinois Real Estate Market Update – March 2025

The real estate market in Geneva, Illinois, continues to evolve, offering both opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers. With record-low inventory levels and increasing demand, the market remains highly competitive. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, understanding the latest trends can help you make informed decisions.

Low Inventory Creates a Competitive Market

One of the most significant challenges in Geneva’s real estate market right now is the historically low inventory. Currently, the Months Supply of Inventory is at just 0.83 months. This means that if no new homes were listed, the current supply would be sold out in less than a month.

To put this into perspective, a balanced market typically has around 4 to 6…

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Elgin, Illinois Real Estate Market Update – March 2025

A Competitive Market in Elgin, Illinois

Elgin, Illinois, is witnessing a tightening real estate market as of March 2025. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, understanding current trends can help you make informed decisions. The following report dives into inventory levels, pricing trends, and the pace at which homes are selling.

Inventory Levels Are Tightening

Currently, Elgin has a 1.3-month supply of inventory, meaning that if no new homes were listed, it would take just over a month to sell all the existing properties. This metric is crucial in evaluating the balance between supply and demand.

Over the past 12 months, inventory levels have declined by 8%, which suggests fewer homes are being listed. This decline indicates a …

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March 2025 St. Charles Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

Introduction

The St. Charles, Illinois, real estate market remains a hot topic as we step into March 2025. With inventory on the rise, homes selling slightly above list price, and properties moving off the market in just over a week, it's crucial to stay informed. Whether you're considering buying, selling, or simply watching the trends, this detailed market update provides the key insights you need.

Housing Inventory: A Noticeable Shift

Right now, St. Charles has a two-month supply of inventory, marking a significant 59% increase over the past year. While this increase provides buyers with more options, it still reflects a seller-favored market since a balanced market typically has a four to six-month supply.

An increasing…

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Do You Know What Your House Is Really Worth?

Some Highlights

• Over the past 5 years, home prices have risen dramatically. If you own a home, that means your house may be worth a lot more than you think. ​
• Nationally, prices are up nearly 60% since 2019. ​And, if selling has been on your mind, you can use that bigger-than-expected return to power your next move.
• ​Do you want to know how much your home is worth in today’s market? Let’s connect.​ The number may surprise you.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today’s Market

Selling a house comes with a lot of moving pieces, and the last thing you want is a deal falling apart over unexpected repairs uncovered during the buyer’s inspection. That’s why it pays to anticipate potential issues before buyers ever step through the door. And one way to do that is with a pre-listing inspection.

What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection? 

A pre-listing inspection is essentially a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your house on the market. Just like the inspections your buyer will do after making an offer, this process identifies any issues with the condition of your house that could have an impact on the sale – like structural problems, faulty or outdated HVAC systems, or other essential repairs.

While it’s a…

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