Week of May 5, 2026
Data sourced from Altos Research. Updated every Tuesday.
Be Wise About the Market
I was on vacation last week and all I can say is that two weeks can change a lot in a spring market. That’s exactly what we’re seeing right now across Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Glencoe, and Lake Forest.
The headlines haven’t changed — inventory is still relatively tight, and most markets still lean toward sellers — but underneath that, something more important is happening:
More homes are coming to market, and buyers are responding differently.
This is no longer a “everything sells instantly” market. It’s a smarter, more strategic market. And that’s actually good news — for both buyers and sellers.
What Changed From Two Weeks Ago
Across all five suburbs, one trend stands out:
Inventory has increased — in some cases meaningfully
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Highland Park: now 40 homes (up from the low 30s range)
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Deerfield: now 30 homes (up significantly from the teens)
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Northbrook: holding around 27 homes, still elevated
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Lake Forest: steady but tighter at 27 homes
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Glencoe: still very tight at just 13 homes
At the same time:
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Market strength is still solid across all five markets
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Prices are not collapsing
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Demand is still absorbing good listings
Translation: We’re not seeing a slowdown — we’re seeing a normalization.
What This Means for Buyers
This is one of the most important shifts buyers have seen all year.
You finally have more options
Two weeks ago, many buyers felt like they were chasing anything that came on the market. Now:
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more listings are hitting
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some homes are sitting longer
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price reductions are starting to appear
Example:
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Highland Park has 18% price reductions
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Northbrook has 30% price reductions
But competition hasn’t disappeared
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Deerfield still shows strong demand even as it cools slightly
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Glencoe and Lake Forest remain tight in luxury segments
Buyer takeaway:
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You don’t have to chase everything anymore
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But when the right home hits, you still need to move
This is the first time in months where buyers can combine: patience + strategy
What This Means for Sellers
Sellers still have the advantage — but it’s changing shape.
The biggest shift: buyers are more selective
Homes are no longer selling just because they’re listed. Buyers are asking:
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Is it priced right?
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Is it updated?
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How does it compare?
The data shows it clearly:
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Northbrook: 30% price reductions, 22% relisted
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Glencoe: 31% relisted
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Deerfield: cooling demand trend despite strong pricing
Seller takeaway:
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The market will reward you — but only if you’re positioned correctly
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The first 10–14 days matter more than ever
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Pricing right is no longer optional
First-Time Buyers — This Is Your Opening
This is quietly one of the best setups first-time buyers have had this year. Why?
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More inventory = more choices
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Slight cooling = less panic buying
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Still-strong demand = confidence in long-term value
Especially in places like Deerfield and Highland Park, where new listings are coming on at more accessible price points
First-time buyer takeaway: You don’t need to rush blindly anymore — but you do need to be ready.
Sellers Sitting on Equity — This Window Is Still Strong
If you’ve owned your home for several years, this market still presents a major opportunity.
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Prices remain elevated across all five suburbs
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Demand is still present
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Inventory, while rising, is not high historically
Example:
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Lake Forest prices continue trending upward with strong demand
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Northbrook shows signs of stabilizing after prior softness
Equity seller takeaway: You’re still in a strong position — but waiting for “peak frenzy” may not be the strategy anymore.
Mortgage Update
Mortgage rates have remained relatively stable, hovering in the low-to-mid 6% range.
That stability is important. It means:
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Buyers have adjusted to current rates
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Financing is no longer the shock factor it was
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Activity is being driven more by inventory and life decisions than rates
Impact:
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Buyers are still active
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Sellers are still seeing demand
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The market is moving based on fundamentals, not fear
The Real Story
Two weeks ago, the market felt tight and reactive. Today, it feels more balanced — but still active. That’s a powerful combination.
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Buyers have more opportunity
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Sellers still have leverage
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First-time buyers have a real entry point
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Equity sellers still have strong pricing support
Bottom Line
The North Shore market isn’t slowing down. It’s becoming more intelligent. And right now, the advantage goes to the people who understand how the market is shifting — not just where it’s been. Be Wise About the Market!
