Week of May 19, 2026 | Lyn Wise Group Market Intelligence
Data sourced from Altos Research | Single-Family Homes
The North Shore real estate market is splitting in two — and knowing which side you're on changes everything. As of May 19, 2026, Deerfield, Northbrook, and Highland Park remain strong seller's markets with homes selling in 14 days or less. Lake Forest and Glencoe, particularly above $2.5M, are softening — average days on market are running 100–115 days and buyers have meaningful negotiating leverage that didn't exist six months ago. Here's the full breakdown across all five communities.
MARKET BY MARKET
Deerfield, IL Real Estate Market — May 2026
Median List Price: $1,093,684 | Median Days on Market: 14 | Inventory: 43 | Price Reductions: 9%
Deerfield remains the most compelling story on the North Shore. Even as inventory climbed to 43 homes, the market action index held strong at 57 — and the narrative from the data is clear: more sales demand, fewer homes listed, and a sustained run of rising prices that shows no signs of reversing. New listings are priced closer to $725K, which suggests fresh inventory is coming in at a more accessible level — good news for buyers entering this market.
For buyers: You have more choices than a month ago, but don't get comfortable. At 14 median days on market, well-priced homes are still moving decisively. Come prepared.
For sellers: This is your moment. The data strongly favors you. Price it right from day one and you'll have multiple paths to a great outcome.
Highland Park, IL Real Estate Market — May 2026
Median List Price: $1,299,000 | Median Days on Market: 14 | Inventory: 51 | Price Reductions: 20%
Highland Park has the most inventory of any market we track this week — 51 homes — and that growth is giving buyers real options. But the market action index actually increased from last month (49 → 50), which means demand is keeping pace. Sales continue to outstrip supply, and if that trend holds, expect upward price pressure in the weeks ahead. The 20% price reduction rate is the number to watch: it signals that overpriced listings are getting punished, while correctly priced homes are moving at 14 days.
For buyers: This is a great market to be strategic in. More inventory means more comparison — take advantage of it. But the clock is still ticking on good homes.
For sellers: Your pricing strategy matters more here than anywhere else this week. Sellers who enter the market correctly are winning. Those who test the ceiling are sitting.
Northbrook, IL Real Estate Market — May 2026
Median List Price: $1,147,500 | Median Days on Market: 14 | Inventory: 36 | Price Reductions: 17%
Northbrook quietly strengthened this week. The market action index climbed from 51 to 56 — one of the bigger month-over-month moves we're seeing — even as inventory ticked up to 36 homes. Home sales have been exceeding new inventory for several consecutive weeks. The data suggests prices, which have been softening slightly, are close to finding a floor. The $874,900 mid-market segment is particularly active, with zero days on market for absorbed homes — a sign that the sweet spot of this market is extremely competitive.
For buyers: Northbrook is an optimistic story this week. More homes, a stabilizing price trend, and a market that hasn't gone crazy. But the mid-range segment is moving immediately — don't hesitate.
For sellers: The trend is your friend here. Price it well, present it well, and the demand is there to meet you.
Lake Forest, IL Real Estate Market — May 2026
Median List Price: $2,499,900 | Avg. Days on Market: 100 | Inventory: 37 | Relisted: 24%
Lake Forest continues to operate on its own timetable. With a median list price of $2,499,900 and an average of 100 days on market, this is a market built for patience — on both sides. The market action index slipped from 47 to 44 this week, a continuation of a gradual cooling trend. With 24% of listings having been relisted and no price increases in the data, luxury buyers here are negotiating, comparing, and waiting. The lower entry segment (around $945K) is the most active tier, with new listings coming in and buyers absorbing quickly.
For buyers: Lake Forest is increasingly opportunistic for those willing to be patient and strategic. The upper tiers ($2.75M+) have zero absorption this week — real negotiating leverage exists right now.
For sellers: Presentation and pricing are everything in this market. Homes that aren't performing are sitting for months and being relisted. Come to market prepared, or wait until you are.
Glencoe, IL Real Estate Market — May 2026
Median List Price: $3,049,500 | Avg. Days on Market: 115 | Inventory: 14 | Relisted: 36%
Glencoe is the most interesting market to watch right now. On paper, the market action index of 46 still reads as a seller's market. But peel it back and the picture is more complex: 36% of listings have been relisted, average days on market is 115, and in the top two price segments — $2.57M and $4.8M — zero homes were absorbed this week. The market action index has been flat or declining for weeks while prices have held relatively stable. That divergence can't last forever. If inventory continues to grow against this level of demand, downward price pressure is the likely outcome — especially above $2.5M.
For buyers: Glencoe above $2.5M is quietly becoming a buyer's market in practice, regardless of what the index says. Negotiate with confidence.
For sellers: This is the market that most demands honest counsel right now. If your home isn't moving, the data tells us exactly why — and what needs to change.
North Shore Mortgage Rate Update — May 2026
The 30-year fixed rate remains in the mid-6% range this week — relatively stable and, at this point, increasingly familiar to buyers across all price points. What we're seeing in the data is the behavioral shift that comes after that adjustment: buyers are no longer waiting for rates to drop before making decisions. Instead, inventory levels, pricing, and lifestyle are driving activity again. That's the healthiest sign we've seen in years. When people buy because it's right for their life — not because they're racing a rate — the market functions better for everyone.
What This Week's Data Means for North Shore Buyers and Sellers
The North Shore market this week can be summed up in one word: divergence. The under-$1.5M segment — especially in Deerfield, Northbrook, and Highland Park — remains firmly in seller's territory, with homes moving in two weeks or less. The luxury market above $2.5M, particularly in Glencoe and Lake Forest, is telling a different story: patience, negotiation, and selectivity are the buyer's tools. The common thread across all five markets? Strategy wins. Whether you're buying or selling, the agents who understand the hyper-local data — not just the broad trends — are the ones delivering results right now.
Curious what this market means for your home's value or your search on the North Shore? The Lyn Wise Group publishes this data every Tuesday because we believe informed clients make better decisions. We'd love to walk you through what it means for your specific situation — no obligation, just straight answers.
Call or text: (847) 624-6143
Visit: lynwisegroup.com/home-valuation
Be Wise About the Market.
