January 2026 Chicago Real Estate Market Snapshot
January 2026 marked an important moment in Chicago’s real estate market — a shift toward balance after several years of strong seller conditions. While inventory remains tight in many areas, activity is picking up and opportunities are emerging for both buyers and sellers who are prepared and informed. Here’s a quick look at what the... More
Why Your 3-Bedroom Condo Isn’t Enough: Finding Your “Forever Home”
Outgrowing your 3-bedroom condo? Learn why more Chicago buyers are upgrading to 4-bedroom single-family homes in Sauganash and Norwood Park—and how to find a true forever home. More
IRPINO Real Estate’s 2025 Annual Report: State of the Chicagoland Real Estate Market
We are so excited to provide you with something of significant value — our 2025 Annual Report for the Chicago Real Estate Market. Here at IRPINO Real Estate in Chicago, we are proud to not only be your local Uptown, Chicago real estate broker, but also a knowledge broker providing helpful information about the state... More
What Are Property Taxes in Illinois — and How Are They Calculated?
Property taxes are one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and buyers in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. While they may not be the most exciting part of owning real estate, property taxes play an important role in supporting the communities we live in. Here’s a clear, straightforward breakdown of what property... More
Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost More Than You Think
With so much information available online, some homeowners consider selling their home without an agent in hopes of saving on commission. On the surface, it may sound like a smart financial move — but the reality often tells a very different story. In many cases, selling without professional representation can actually cost sellers more, not... More
3 Questions to Ask Before You Buy or Sell This Year
Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, selling a long-time property, or making a move somewhere in between, one thing is true: the more clarity you have upfront, the smoother the process will be. Before you start scrolling listings or preparing your home for the market, it helps to take a step back and... More
The 3 Disclosures Every Illinois Home Seller Must Complete (and Why They Protect You)
Selling your home comes with a lot of moving parts, and paperwork is often the part sellers feel most nervous about. One area that causes confusion (and sometimes unnecessary stress) is disclosures. The good news? Disclosures are not meant to trip you up. In fact, they’re designed to protect you, keep the transaction ethical, and... More
December 2025 Chicago Real Estate Market Snapshot
As we close out 2025, the Chicagoland real estate market is showing clear signs of momentum heading into the new year. December marked a strong finish, with steady demand, improving price growth, and faster-moving homes across the Chicago metro area. The average home sale price landed at $518,000, while the median days on market dropped... More
Why January Is a Smart Time to Start Planning Your 2026 Move
January often feels like a “pause” month in real estate — the holidays are over, winter is in full swing, and many people assume it’s too early to think about buying or selling. In reality, January is one of the smartest times to start planning your next move. For sellers, this is the ideal window... More
Chicago Continues to Outperform the National Housing Market
When headlines talk about a cooling national real estate market, it’s easy for homeowners to assume the same story applies everywhere. But real estate has always been local — and right now, Chicago is telling a very different story than the rest of the country. National Market: Slowing Growth Across the U.S., year-over-year home price... More
