Week of April 7, 2026
Data sourced from Altos Research. Updated every Tuesday.
Be Wise About the Market
Spring has clearly arrived in the North Shore housing market — but what’s becoming increasingly clear is that this is not one single market. Some communities are extremely tight with buyers competing for very limited inventory. Others are starting to show small increases in listings, which is quietly creating opportunities for buyers who know where to look.
For buyers, understanding where competition is strongest and where leverage exists is becoming the difference between winning and missing out. For sellers, the market is still very favorable — but success depends more than ever on pricing strategy and preparation.
Here’s what we’re seeing across the North Shore and North Suburbs this week.
The Big Picture
Across the region, inventory remains historically limited in many communities while buyer demand remains steady as the spring market gains momentum. Lower and mid-priced homes continue to attract the most activity, while higher-end homes tend to move more selectively.
For buyers, this means preparation matters. Many buyers are still competing for desirable homes, especially in the $700K–$1.5M range. For sellers, the opportunity remains strong — but homes priced too aggressively are seeing buyers pause and evaluate other options.
Where the Market Is Tightest
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove remains one of the tightest markets in the region with extremely strong buyer demand and homes selling quickly. For buyers, competition remains intense and well-prepared buyers are often moving quickly when the right home appears. For sellers, this continues to be an ideal environment. When homes are priced correctly, buyers are already waiting.
Deerfield
Deerfield is also seeing strong demand with limited inventory keeping pressure on the market. For buyers, this means homes can move quickly and preparation is key. For sellers, the limited number of available homes continues to support strong pricing.
Wilmette
Wilmette continues to attract strong buyer interest, particularly for homes near schools and walkable neighborhoods. For buyers, competition can still be strong in desirable areas. For sellers, homes that are priced correctly and move-in ready are seeing strong activity.
Markets Showing More Balance
Some communities are beginning to show small increases in inventory, creating slightly more balance between buyers and sellers.
Glenview
Inventory has increased slightly, giving buyers a bit more choice than earlier in the year. For buyers this creates opportunities to negotiate, particularly on homes that have been on the market longer. For sellers, pricing strategy matters more here than in the tightest markets.
Northbrook
Northbrook remains active but balanced compared to some surrounding markets. For buyers, this can be one of the communities where patience and negotiation can pay off. For sellers, the market still supports strong pricing — but the best results continue to come from homes priced correctly at launch.
Highland Park
Highland Park continues to see steady activity across multiple price ranges, with buyers actively watching new listings. For buyers, desirable homes still move quickly. For sellers, strong marketing and accurate pricing continue to attract motivated buyers.
Luxury Market Snapshot
Luxury markets across the North Shore continue to move differently than mid-market homes.
Glencoe
The high-end market in Glencoe remains selective with longer marketing times for some properties. For buyers, this segment can offer some of the best negotiating opportunities right now. For sellers, patience and pricing discipline are key.
Winnetka
Winnetka continues to attract strong demand at the luxury level, though buyers remain selective and focused on value. For buyers, opportunities appear when homes linger on the market. For sellers, presentation and pricing remain critical to generating early activity.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest continues to offer some of the largest inventory options at higher price points. For buyers, this often creates negotiating leverage compared to tighter markets. For sellers, homes that stand out in condition and pricing tend to attract the most serious buyers.
Mortgage Rate Update
Mortgage rates moved slightly higher over the past week but remain relatively stable compared with recent months. The average 30-year mortgage rate is currently in the mid-6% range, a level that buyers have largely adjusted to over the past year. For buyers, the key takeaway is that many are moving forward knowing they can refinance later if rates fall. For sellers, buyer demand has remained resilient even with rate movement, particularly in markets where inventory remains tight.
What This Means Going Forward
The biggest takeaway from this week’s data is that the market is becoming increasingly segmented. Some communities remain extremely competitive with very little inventory. Others are beginning to offer more balance and negotiation opportunities.
For buyers, the strategy is no longer simply “wait or jump.” It’s understanding which markets give you the best chance to win a home. For sellers, this market continues to reward those who price correctly and prepare their homes well from the start.
In a market like this, information matters. And the advantage goes to the informed.
