If you’ve ever felt like the real estate market suddenly "wakes up" in May, you're not imagining it. Year after year, May consistently ranks as one of the most active months for buying and selling homes. And while national numbers reflect this seasonal surge, the North Shore of Chicago stands out for just how competitive things can get during this time of year.
Here’s a look at why May is so popular, how the market is behaving in 2025, and why local sellers in the North Shore should be paying close attention.
The National Picture: Why May Matters
Nationally, the real estate market experiences a noticeable uptick every spring, with May typically sitting near the top in terms of home sales volume. Several factors contribute to this:
- Better weather – Homes show better, and buyers are more motivated to get out and tour.
- School calendars – Many families time their moves to close after school ends and before the new year starts.
- Financial timing – Buyers often use tax refunds toward down payments, which gives them more buying power in the spring.
Even with higher mortgage rates in 2025 (hovering around the 6.75% range for a 30-year fixed), the spring market is still the most active period of the year. While sales volume is slightly softer compared to peak pandemic years, buyers who held off last year are reentering the market now that more inventory is starting to hit.
And it’s not just perception—real data backs it up. May has historically delivered some of the strongest price premiums for sellers. In many parts of the country, homes that list in May can sell for 10–15% more than their January counterparts. That’s not a small bump—especially when every dollar matters in today’s higher-rate environment.
What’s Happening in the North Shore Market
Now let’s zoom in on the North Shore of Chicago—where May isn’t just busy, it’s prime time. While national headlines often focus on market slowdowns, North Shore sellers are seeing a very different story. Inventory remains tight, competition is high, and well-priced homes are moving fast.
Here are a few key stats:
- The median home price in the North Shore region has increased by about 15% compared to the same time last year.
- Closed home sales rose more than 11% year over year, showing that buyer demand is still strong, even with interest rates where they are.
- Multiple offer situations are common, particularly in towns like Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, and Northbrook, where inventory levels are still well below pre-2020 norms.
The bottom line? Buyers are active, and when listings come to market in May, they’re often greeted with immediate attention and strong offers.
Why May Works So Well for Sellers
If you're a homeowner in the North Shore thinking of selling, May offers a few strategic advantages:
1. Peak Visibility
More buyers are actively searching this time of year than almost any other month. Your home is likely to see more online views, more private showings, and more open house traffic.
2. Warmer Weather = Better Presentation
Curb appeal goes a long way in real estate, and homes tend to show better when flowers are blooming, lawns are green, and the sun is shining. That emotional connection matters—and often translates into higher offers.
3. Motivated Buyers
Families who want to move and settle before the next school year are often highly motivated in May. They’re pre-approved, focused, and ready to write strong offers.
4. Competing Less with New Listings
By listing in May—versus waiting until summer—you’re catching the wave of buyer demand before too much additional inventory hits the market. Less competition can mean faster sales and better terms.
Why Buyers Act in May Too
This isn’t just a seller’s market. Buyers also tend to jump into the process this time of year for very practical reasons:
- They want to beat the summer rush – especially if they’re targeting homes near good schools or specific neighborhoods.
- They want to lock in a rate before any potential increases – while rates are high by recent standards, there’s still concern they could go higher even most experts predict they will not.
- They know more inventory is coming – so even if they paused their search over the winter, spring reactivates their motivation.
In fact, over 70% of buyers nationwide said they delayed their search last year due to inventory concerns. But now that more homes are hitting the market in the North Shore—up roughly 30% compared to last spring—buyers have definitely been reengaging.
What This Means for You
Whether you're buying or selling, understanding the rhythm of the market helps you make better decisions. Here’s what we’re seeing right now:
- Sellers: If you’re thinking of listing, now is the time to act. Proper pricing and preparation are key, but listing in May gives you access to serious buyers and the best shot at top dollar. Inventory is still tight on the North Shore and buyer competition has tended to push prices sellers are able to achieve.
- Buyers: Be ready. Get pre-approved and be in a positioned to get a clear to close in 3 – 4 weeks. Also, know your must-haves, and move quickly when you find the right home. May is competitive, the market is competitive, and the best homes don’t sit.
Final Thoughts
While national headlines might focus on slower sales or affordability challenges, real estate is local—and the North Shore of Chicago is a perfect example of a market that’s still thriving.
If you’re a homeowner wondering what your house could sell for, or a buyer hoping to get into the market before summer, May is the moment. The combination of high buyer interest, limited supply, and strong pricing makes this one of the most strategic times of year to make a move.
Let’s talk if you want to take advantage of the May momentum. We’d be happy to walk you through your options, your market value, and what a successful sale or purchase could look like this spring. June is upon is, a popular month as well.
