Hello Autumn!

From fall foliage and fun fall-themed activities and events, change is in the air. And the real estate market has been changing too.

Let’s capture the season’s momentum and turn it into your next great chapter.

Connect with me today to see what opportunities are on the horizon for you!

Gayle Mullins

Your Real Estate Partner, ABR

Home Matters & More!

Where To Start When Buying and Selling At the Same Time

If you’re a homeowner getting ready to move, one question usually comes first: should you buy your next home before you sell, or sell your current house before you start looking? There’s no single right answer. The best call depends on your finances, your local market, and your timeline.

Let's connect today and talk about you best moves.

Why this week is favorable

According to Realtor.com’s 2026 analysis, the Sept. 27–Oct. 3 window combines several buyer‑friendly conditions

More inventory: ~13.3% more active listings than an average week, and nearly 32% more than at the start of the year
Lower competition: Buyer demand is expected to be ~30% below the annual peak and ~14% below an average week

Price softness: Median listing prices projected to be ~3.5% below the seasonal high, with potential savings of ~$14,000 on a $416,000 home

Longer market times: Homes may spend ~13–14 days longer on the market than at peak, giving buyers more negotiation leverage

Fresh listings: Around 20% more new listings than at the start of the year

Local considerations for Downers Grove

While the national best week aligns with the Chicagoland market, local timing can vary. In Chicago, the last week of September offers ~16.8% more listings, 33.5% less competition, and median prices ~5.8% below peak.

Downers Grove’s market is closely tied to the Chicago area, so the Sept. 27–Oct. 3 window is likely to be especially favorable locally.

DuPage County Housing Market Update

DuPage County’s housing market in August 2026 remains a seller’s market, with prices up nearly 5% year-over-year, pending sales surging, and inventory growing faster than the national average.

Key Market Indicators

Median sale price: $448,499, up 4.8% YoY
Median price per sq ft: $253, up 4.1% YoY
Pending sales: 1,085, up 16.6% YoY (nearly 19 pct points above the U.S. trend)
Active listings: 3,607, up 11.4% YoY
New listings: +14.3% YoY
Days on market: 51 days, up 4 days YoY See More
Read More Here

Bottom line: Both sellers and buyers should act strategically to capitalize

on the current market conditions.

How Buyers & Sellers

Can Navigate the Market

If you’re buying in DuPage County, the data offers slightly better news than a year ago.

Inventory is up 11%, days on market have lengthened, and the share of homes selling above asking has dipped. Use the additional supply to compare options carefully, and don’t feel pressured to waive contingencies. That said, about 40% of homes still sold above list, so aggressive offers remain necessary for the most desirable properties.

If you’re selling, price accurately to attract the wave of new buyers. But be aware that you face more competition and higher interest rates from other listings than a year ago:

Inventory is up 11%, and overpricing risks extended days on market.

Now with the raise in interest rates, the days of universal bidding wars are fading; correct pricing from day one is more important than ever.

See the latest August numbers in the Western Suburbs below. Contact me with any questions and to schedule your free equity analysis.

FALL, FAMILY & FUN

Activities for Kids in the West and NW Suburbs

Fall Fest in

Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago’s favorite free and family-friendly festival is back at Lincoln Park Zoo for another season of harvest-time fun! From September through October, stop by the zoo to roast s’mores, watch professional pumpkin carvers, pick your own pumpkin, and catch live music and entertainment as you explore decorated gardens in autumn color. Plus, look out for fall-themed enrichment for zoo animals—there are new surprises every weekend!

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

LISLE

Walk the walk for animals in need at Barkapalooza! The 1-Mile Waggin’ Tails Walk is a dog-friendly and family-friendly walk at Barkapalooza. Bring your crowd-friendly dog for a fun group walk that raises money

for rescue animals!

You are not required to bring a dog to participate in the walk. All Waggin’ Tails walk participants will be eligible for fundraising awards, as well as entry to Rescue Fest.