North Suburban & North Shore Single Family Homes
Data updated weekly
Market Overview
This week’s data shows a North Suburban and North Shore single-family housing market that remains seller-leaning overall, but with clear differences in pace, pricing pressure, and buyer behavior by suburb.
While all nine suburbs analyzed fall within either a Seller’s Market or Slight Seller’s Advantage based on their Market Action Index (MAI), the strength of that advantage varies meaningfully. Mid-priced markets continue to show the strongest demand and fastest absorption, while higher-priced North Shore communities show more selective buyer activity and longer decision timelines, despite limited inventory in many cases.
Inventory levels remain constrained across much of the region, but days on market and pricing sensitivity increase as price points rise, reinforcing the importance of suburb-specific strategies rather than broad market assumptions.
Suburb-by-Suburb Breakdown
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove is currently the strongest seller’s market in this report. Demand is high, inventory remains tight, and homes are moving quickly. With the highest MAI among all tracked suburbs and the shortest median days on market, this market reflects continued buyer urgency, particularly in well-priced listings. Sellers benefit from speed and leverage, while buyers face limited options and faster decision cycles.
Deerfield
Deerfield sits in a slight seller’s advantage, with moderate inventory and steady buyer activity. Homes are taking longer to sell compared to the strongest markets, suggesting buyers are active but selective. Pricing accuracy matters here—well-positioned homes move, while aspirational pricing can lead to extended market time.
Glenview
Glenview remains a seller’s market, but with a noticeably slower pace than Buffalo Grove or Wilmette. Inventory is higher relative to many neighboring suburbs, which gives buyers more choice and leads to longer marketing timelines. This is a market where condition, location, and price alignment are key differentiators.
Highland Park
Highland Park continues to show a slight seller’s advantage with balanced dynamics. Inventory is moderate, demand is present, and median days on market indicate buyers are taking time to evaluate options carefully. This market rewards strategic pricing and strong presentation, particularly in higher price ranges.
Northbrook
Northbrook reflects a more measured seller-leaning environment. While inventory is not excessive, buyer activity is cautious, resulting in longer days on market than the more competitive suburbs. Homes that are priced realistically and offer strong value relative to nearby alternatives perform best.
Wilmette
Wilmette stands out as one of the stronger seller’s markets on the North Shore. Inventory remains low, buyer demand is solid, and homes are moving relatively quickly. This combination supports pricing strength, particularly for homes that align with current buyer preferences around location and condition.
Winnetka
Winnetka continues to operate as a seller’s market, but with dynamics shaped heavily by price point. Inventory is very limited, which supports sellers, yet longer days on market indicate buyers are deliberate and selective. The data suggests demand exists, but execution matters significantly at higher prices.
Glencoe
Glencoe shows a slight seller’s advantage, with low inventory but the longest median days on market among the suburbs analyzed. This reflects a market where buyers have options at higher price points and are willing to wait. Pricing and expectations must be aligned closely with current conditions.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest also reflects a slight seller’s advantage, though with higher inventory and extended marketing timelines. Buyer demand is present but cautious, and homes typically require more time to find the right match. Sellers benefit from patience and a clear understanding of competitive positioning.
Closing Summary
This week’s data reinforces a key theme across the North Suburban and North Shore single-family markets: there is no single market—only local markets.
Mid-priced communities continue to experience stronger demand and faster sales, while higher-priced North Shore markets remain active but require precision, patience, and strategy. Inventory constraints support sellers broadly, but days on market and MAI readings show that buyers are still making careful, data-driven decisions.
Going forward, this report will track week-over-week changes in demand, inventory, pricing, and market speed to identify where momentum is building—and where it may be shifting. This first edition establishes the baseline.
Next week’s update will focus on what changed, not just where the market stands.
