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The Weekly Welcome
Real Estate with Michael Steber
Michael Steber
August 25, 2025
In this weeks episode:
A personal message from Michael
The Private List
News & Blog Update
Local Spotlight
Happy Monday ,
This past week, I had the chance to attend Chicago’s Dîner en Blanc—a reminder of what an incredible city we have just a short drive away. But it also made me appreciate the rhythm and comfort of daily life in the suburbs. Over the years, my view of real estate has shifted: it’s not just about square footage or price tags; it’s about how your home supports the life you want to live. A space that enhances your routines, hobbies, and downtime has a way of making every day richer. And if you’re a buyer right now, good news: the market is giving you a little breathing room to make those lifestyle-driven choices without the rush.
If you enjoy these insights and want more local flavor, be sure to follow me on Instagram and YouTube for tips, market updates, and behind-the-scenes moments from life here in Lake County. And don’t miss this week’s Local Spotlight below—we’re featuring one of our favorite neighborhood gems you’ll definitely want to check out.
See you next Monday,
Michael
The Private List
If you or someone you know is considering a move, now may be the perfect opportunity to connect buyers and sellers before these homes even reach the market.
Coming Soon
24731 W Orchard Pl, Round Lake Heights - 4 bed / 2.5 bath / Split-Level
28227 W Yosemite Ct, Lakemoor - 4 bed / 3.5 bath / 2 story / full basement
Buyer Search
Family looking for a Wadsworth home. Prefer large lot, 4 bedrooms, 3 car garage or ability to build a poll barn.
From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again
If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy. Homes were listed one day and gone the next. Sometimes it only took hours. You had to drop everything to go and see the house, and if you hesitated even slightly, someone else swooped in and bought it – sometimes even sight unseen.
That kind of intensity pushed a lot of buyers to the sidelines. It was stressful, chaotic, and for many, really discouraging.
But here’s what you need to know: those days are behind us.
Today’s market is moving slower, in the best possible way. And that’s creating more opportunity for buyers who felt shut out in recent years.
The Stat That Changes Everything
According to the latest data, homes are spending an average of 58 days on the market. That’s much more normal. And it’s a big improvement compared to the height of the pandemic, when homes were flying off the shelves in a matter of days (see graph below):
That means you now have more time to make decisions than you have at any point in the past five years. And that’s a big deal. Now, you’ve got:
Time to think.
Time to negotiate.
Time to make a smart move without all the pressure.
More Time Means Less Stress (and More Leverage)
Based on the data in the graph above, you have an extra week to decide compared to last year. And nearly double the time you would have had at the market’s peak.
Back then, fear of missing out drove buyers to act fast, sometimes too fast. Today, the pace is slower, which means you’re in control. As Bankrate puts it:
“For years, buyers have been racing to snag homes because of the fierce competition. But the market’s cooled off a bit now, and that gives buyers some breathing room. Homes are staying listed longer, so buyers can slow down, weigh their options and make more confident decisions.”
With more homes on the market and fewer buyers racing to grab them, the balance has shifted. Bidding wars aren’t as common, and that means you may have room to negotiate. And you can actually take a breath before you make your decision.
More listings + a slower pace = less stress and more opportunity
But, and this is important, it still depends on where you’re buying. Nationally, homes are moving slower. But your local market sets your real pace. Some states are moving faster than others. It may even vary down to the specific zip code or neighborhood you’re looking at. And that’s why working with an agent to know what’s happening in your area is more important than ever.
To see how your state compares to the national average (58 days), check out the map below:
AsRealtor.comexplains:
“While national headlines might suggest a buyer’s market is taking hold, the reality on the ground depends heavily on where and what you’re trying to buy. Local trends can diverge sharply from national averages, especially when you factor in price range, property type, and post-pandemic market dynamics.”
A smart local agent can tell you exactly when to move fast and when you can take your time, so you never miss the right home for you.
Bottom Line
If the chaos of the past few years drove you to hit pause, this is your green light. The market’s pace has shifted. You have more time. More options. More power.
And with the right agent guiding you, you’re in the best position you’ve been in for years.
Let’s talk about what the pace looks like in our area, and if now could be the right time for you to re-enter the market.
Local Spotlight
Nestled right here in Libertyville (with an equally charming café now located in Lake Bluff), Hansa Coffee Roasters brings the world’s finest specialty beans to your cup, roasted and served with expert care. From hipsters to Realtors (lol), they offer an artisanal experience that celebrates both quality and community.
