More Homes, More Power
(for Buyers & Sellers Who Get It)
The housing market has been moving fast for years… but right now, we’re finally starting to see it settle.
Inventory is climbing, buyer urgency is easing, and while prices are still holding steady, the pace and pressure of the pandemic market are starting to soften. It’s not a dramatic flip. It’s more of a quiet shift. But for anyone buying, selling, or just paying attention, it’s a shift worth understanding.
On this beautiful Saturday morning, I thought I’d spend some time breaking it all down—and hopefully give us all something to reflect on: not just what’s happening in the headlines, but what it actually means for you and I.
What’s happening in the market right now?
Here’s the headline:
According to the latest data we have (June 2025 ) from Realtor.com, Zillow, and RE/MAX, the U.S. housing market is showing signs of a long-awaited shift. And it’s not just anecdotal—it’s visible across the board:
Active inventory is up a whopping 30.1% year-over-year
New listings are up 1.4%
Closed sales rose 5.7%
Median sales price? Holding steady around $440,000
This is the 20th consecutive month of annual inventory growth. This marks a clear shift away from the frenzied pandemic-era market and toward something more… well, chill.
Homes are sitting longer. But that’s really not a bad thing.
The average home now spends more time on the market:
53 days, per Realtor.com (up 5 days from last year)
31 days, according to RE/MAX
19 median days to contract, per Zillow (up from 15 in 2024)
For buyers, this is huge. It means more time to think, breathe, inspect, negotiate—instead of panic-buying the first house you tour.
Price reductions are becoming the “norm” (said with a grain of salt)
Nearly 1 in 4 listings saw a price cut in June—26.6% according to Zillow, which is a record for any June on their books.
And this isn’t just happening in sleepy towns—it’s happening in previously hyper-competitive markets like Phoenix, Denver, and Nashville. If you're a buyer who felt priced out before, this new landscape might finally work in your favor.
Zooming in on Chicagoland
Nationally, we’re seeing more supply and softer competition, but here in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, things are a bit more nuanced. (yaaaayy us, haha).
In July, the median sold price in Chicago proper was $381,865, up 7% year-over-year. (buyers, I know, I’m sry).
The average price per square foot rose to $270. And in suburbs like Glenview, Naperville, Northbrook, Elmhurst, you name it… demand remains strong, especially for well-located, updated homes.
There is a catch, though.
Inventory is growing. Yes, we're still well below pre-2020 levels in many areas (meaning sellers still have the upper hand in many ZIP codes), but there are neighborhoods starting to feel a shift more noticeably.
Think of it as a patchwork market. Some homes fly off the market in a weekend. Others sit, see price drops, and require negotiation. It's not "hot or cold." But being successful right now requires understanding the nuances of your specific neighborhood, not just the trends in the headlines.
So… are prices are dropping?
No my qt little buyers. Not exactly. They’re leveling. But not falling.
Realtor.com shows the national median list price at $440,950, essentially flat from last year.
RE/MAX reports median sales price at $440,000, a 2.1% YoY increase and 2.8% higher than in May.
In Chicagoland, growth is still healthy (but not hyper). We’re seeing a general 5–7% YoY increase across most local markets. Which yes, is craaazy (and amazing if you’re a homeowner).
Okay Amanda, what does this mean for me?
So glad you asked. Here’s the big picture of it, but I’m happy to talk one-on-one with you about any questions you may have regarding your specific circumstances:
If you’re buying:
In certain areas (not everywhere or at every price point/type of home), you are seeing a bit more power than you’ve had in a long time.
We can slow down. Ask for seller-paid credits to closing costs. You can feel more at ease and less go-go-go or panicked when touring properties and writing offers on homes you love.
Buuuut don’t fall into the trap of waiting for some mythical crash, either. If the right home, price, and season all align, trust me: it’s worth exploring.
The best time to buy is when the math and the life-stage both say yes.
If you’re selling:
Qt, this is still a very strong market. But, no, it’s not an automatic one. The homes getting top dollar now are staged well, priced right, and strategically marketed. They meet the buyer demand for exactly what buyers are looking for. They show up like a no-brainer. You don’t just need a sign in the yard saying “for sale.”
You need a listing agent who’s truly aware of exactly what today’s buyers want, and how to help them fall in love with your property.
Some final thoughts from me to you
I like seeing these changes in the market if I’m being honest! We’re shifting from craziness to a sense of clarity. From overpromising to real positioning and confident decision-making across the board.
Whether you're buying, selling, or just getting curious about your next move or home, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. But there is always always a smart one. Let’s figure out what that looks like for you.
Stay happy and healthy,
Amanda Lee
Home with Amanda Lee
sources: https://dfwagentmagazine.com/2025/08/01/us-home-inventory-rising-2025/?utm_source=emailoctopus&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CHI%20NTL%20Weekend%20-%208.2Want me to be on the lookout for anything in particular for you?
Or are you wondering what this shift means in your specific neighborhood? Curious about how to price (or negotiate) in today’s market? Orrrrrrr just trying to figure out your next right step?
I’m here! Let’s chat. No strings attached, ever. I would love to help you feel clear, confident, and grounded. no matter where you are in the process. You can call or text me at (630) 995-0940 7-days a week, or send me an email at amandalee@atproperties.com.
