The Best 3 Minute’s in Real Estate.
That Bears loss stung — but let’s get one thing straight: this was a season to be proud of.
This team gave us something we haven’t had in a while — momentum. Growth. A reason to believe again. They showed resilience, made real progress, and reminded us that success isn’t always about the final score. Sometimes it’s about trajectory. And by that measure, the Bears are absolutely heading in the right direction. Next year looks promising — and this season laid the foundation. And in a lot of ways, that mirrors what we’re seeing locally in real estate.
The Lake County housing market remains strong — not overheated, not falling apart — just steady, competitive, and grounded in fundamentals. Buyers are active, sellers still have leverage when homes are priced and prepared correctly, and the market continues to reward smart decisions over emotional ones.
This week’s theme is preparation over perfection…
Before You Renovate, Read This
Thinking about selling your Lake County home this spring? Don’t wait for the weather to warm up. Today’s buyers have more options than they did just a few years ago, and the homes that sell fastest are the ones that feel thoughtfully prepared and move-in ready. In this post, I break down which updates actually deliver value — and which ones usually don’t — so you can spend smarter and stand out in today’s market.
The Housing Market, Right Now
Detached homes:
Buyer interest is steady, but urgency has softened. Well-priced homes still move, but buyers are taking a breath before making decisions—and that’s creating more balanced negotiations.
Attached homes:
Condos and townhomes are seeing consistent activity, especially from first-time buyers and down-sizers. This segment feels practical right now: fewer bidding wars, more room for thoughtful offers.
Luxury homes:
The luxury segment remains selective. Buyers are active, but expectations are higher, pricing matters more, and homes that feel truly dialed-in continue to stand out.
If you want the full breakdown and what this means heading deeper into the year, I put it all together here: Lake County, IL Housing Market Outlook for 2026
The Private List
Coming Soon
This home is currently available off-market or quietly circulating before broader exposure:
225 Walker Pl, Mundelein — A strong option for buyers who value convenience, solid layout, and the opportunity to move early before competition ramps up.
If one of these catches your eye—or if you’d like access to homes before they officially hit the market—just reply “Private List” and I’ll share details.
Buyer Needs
Investor cash buyer — AS-IS, Lake County area
Wadsworth buyer — 4+ bedrooms, 3-car garage, Warren schools
Gurnee area townhouse - under $245,000, +2 bed
And if you know someone who might be a fit for one of these situations, feel free to pass this along. A quick introduction can make a big difference for both sides.
Spotlight: Matt Brua | Local Lending Partner
When I introduce clients to Matt Brua at Fairway Mortgage Corp, it’s because I know exactly how he shows up. He’s calm, responsive, and takes the time to explain things clearly — especially when the process feels overwhelming. He doesn’t rush decisions, doesn’t overpromise, and communicates early so there are no surprises later. That consistency is why I trust him with my clients and why so many of them end up recommending him to others.
Learn more about Matt here: https://www.mattbrua.com
One Last Thought
Markets change. Headlines change. Teams rise. What doesn’t change is the value of good information and timing your move around your life—not the noise.
If a move is on your radar for 2026, or if you just want clarity without pressure, I’m always happy to talk it through.
Until next week,
