Crib Chatter

This 1-bedroom at 4300 N. Marine Drive in the Buena Park neighborhood of Uptown came on the market in March 2025.

Built in 1929, 4300 N. Marine Drive has 88 units and onsite heated rental parking. It has an on-site engineer and 24/7 door staff but no other amenities.

There are just 2 residences per floor.

The listing says this unit is a “one of a kind luxury condo.”

While the building was built in 1929, it doesn’t appear to have many of its vintage features.

It has been “impeccably remodeled.”

There are 3/4 inch white oak floors throughout and 9 foot ceilings.

It has 2 electric fireplaces, one in the living room and one in the dining room, along with built in cabinets and bookcases in the living room.

There’s also a Murphy bed in the living room.

The unit has a full size dining room.

The “gourmet kitchen” has white cabinets and quartzite counter tops along with Miele appliances, including a wine fridge.

There is also a custom “chic” coffee bar.

The “spa-inspired” bathroom is also white with marble tiles, custom lighting and Kohler fixtures along with a floating Studio 41 vanity.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available to rent for $100 a month.

This building is “steps” from Montrose Beach and all the restaurants of Buena Park and north Lakeview. It’s near bus lines.

Listed in March 2025 for $472,000, it has been reduced $43,000 to $429,000.

Buyers love “new.”

What will it take to make the sale?

Camie Cirrincione at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #306: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1200 square feet

• Sold in December 1989 for $92,450 (per Redfin)
• Sold in November 2011 for $150,000
• Originally listed in March 2025 for $472,000
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $429,000
• Assessments of $1000 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavengers, snow removal and Internet)
• Taxes of $3,773
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking is available for $100 a month
• 2 electric fireplaces
• Bedroom: 23×12
• Living room: 20×15
• Dining room: 19×12
• Kitchen: 11×7

This 3-bedroom corner unit at 1258 N. Milwaukee in Wicker Park came on the market in April 2025.

Built in 2014, 1258 N. Milwaukee is a boutique building with 7 units, an elevator and attached garage parking.

There are no amenities with the building.

It’s a south and west facing corner unit with a wrap around deck which overlooks a courtyard on Milwaukee.

The listing says you can “entertain like crazy” in this extra wide unit which has 33′ interiors.

It has “brand new” floor-to-ceiling Pella windows in every room.

The kitchen has white and gray (?) cabinets with an island that seats 3. It has Thermador appliances with a walk-in-pantry which is open to the living and dining rooms.

There’s a fireplace in the living room with built-in bookcases.

It has dark hardwood floors throughout.

The unit has 2 “spa-caliber” quartz baths.

The primary suite has an en suite bath with an oversized steam/spray shower, a double bowl vanity, separate jet tub and a professionally organized walk-in-closet.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1 car attached garage parking.

This building is in the heart of Milwaukee Avenue, including all the shops and restaurants in Wicker Park and Bucktown. It’s a block to the Division blue line station and is close to several bus lines.

At 1718 square feet, this unit has come on the market at $799,500. That is $179,500 above the 2014 sales price of $620,000.

It appears to be the first re-sale of the unit since the original purchase in 2014.

Will this sell quickly?

Mario Greco at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3S: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1718 square feet

• Sold in November 2014 for $620,000
• Currently listed at $799,500
• Taxes of $9,963
• Assessments of $795 a month (includes scavenger and snow.
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Attached garage parking included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Bedroom #3: 11×11
• Kitchen: 17×10
• Laundry room: 4×4
• Walk-in-closet: 6×5
• Walk-in closet: 6×5
• Living room: 21×18 (includes the dining room)
• Foyer: 6×5
• Deck: 21×7

This single family home at 79 E. Cedar in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 2025.

Anyone who has walked down Cedar, notices this home. I have taken pictures of it for 15 years.

And now we get to see inside.

Built in 1884, the listing says it was Bertha Palmer who commissioned architect Joseph Lymen Silsbee of Silsbee and Kent. The listing calls it a “neo-Moorish masterwork.”

It’s on a smaller than standard Chicago lot measuring 26×72. It has an attached, heated 2-car garage. There’s apparently no backyard, but there is heated pavement in front of the home.

The listing says the house also has original latticework and wrought iron fences.

It has been “meticulously refurbished.”

It has many vintage features including 5 fireplaces, including one in what looks like the primary bathroom.

The house also has a wood staircase in the entryway, with carvings. There’s wood crown molding and wood floors on the main level.

The house has 5 bathrooms and 4 powder rooms.

The listing says there’s a spa (but no pictures).

There are 3 kitchenettes and a wine room (no pictures).

The listing also says there is a “Parisian style elevator” that serves all floors (no pictures of it).

3 of the 4 bedrooms are on the second floor and the primary is on the third floor.

There are pictures of a kitchen which has stainless steel and wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

The house has a separate dining room.

The listing has a theater room in the basement along with the laundry room.

But the most unique feature is the rooftop conservatory which has a gold dome and a terrace which wraps around the conservatory.

If you watch the video on the property, it is only of the outside of the home, but you can see the rooftop terrace is large enough to have several eating and seating areas, including a grill.

There is also a second balcony on the third floor that wraps around the home as well.

The listing says there are “lake views from every room.”

It has central air.

The listing calls it “one of a kind.”

This house is near Lake Shore Drive, several bus lines, the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast and the Mag Mile. It’s also near Oak Street Beach.

Listed in April 2025 for $7.9 million, it appears that it hasn’t been on the market since 1996, whcn Redfin and Zillow say it sold for $1.035 million.

There are only 7 single family homes available in Chicago over $7 million right now.

Will the sellers get their price?

Mia Wilkinson at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures and the video here. (Sorry, there’s no floor plan).

79 E. Cedar: 4 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 7,523 square feet, single family home

• Sold in June 1996 for $1.035 million
• Currently listed at $7.9 million
• Taxes of $32,425
• Central Air
• 26×72 lot
• 2-car attached heated garage
• 5 fireplaces
• Parisian style elevator
• Bedroom #1: 24×23 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 24×22 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 16×15 (second floor)
• Living room: 37×24 (main floor)
• Dining room: 23×11 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 16×13 (main floor)
• Foyer: 7×7 (main floor)
• Theater room: 17×21 (basement)
• Laundry room: 10×8 (basement)
• Other room: 23×16 (third floor)
• Balcony: 32×17 (third floor)
• Terrace: 61×25 (fourth floor)- is this also the conservatory and dome?

This 2-bedroom loft in the Franklin Building at 720 S. Dearborn in Printers Row came on the market in April 2025.

Built in 1916, the Franklin Building was converted to loft condos in the 1980s. It has 64 units. There is no parking with the building and no door staff or other amenities.

The listing calls this loft a “rare gem in the heart of Printers Row.”

It has been “thoughtfully renovated.”

This is an authentic loft with 10′-4″ ceilings, exposed brick, concrete columns and beams along with a full wall of east facing industrial windows.

It is an “open concept” layout with sliding doors that separate the living room, dining room and kitchen from the bedrooms.

The loft has light oak hardwood floors throughout.

There is a “chef’s kitchen” with classic white cabinets, white quartz countertops, a panda white marble backsplash, gold finishes, stainless steel appliances and an island with seating for four.

The primary suite has exposed brick walls and a spa-inspired en suite bath.

The second bedroom, which is currently being used as an office, also has its own en suite bathroom.

Both bathrooms have marble flooring and cream concrete countertops.

This loft has the features that buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. There’s no parking but it’s available for rent, or to buy, in the neighborhood.

This building is near buses and the Red Line is “right outside your door.” It’s in the heart of Printers Row with its restaurants and shops. It’s also near Grant Park and Millennium Park, universities, theaters, and museums.

Listed in April 2025 for $499,999, that’s about $155,000 above the 2018 purchase price of $345,000.

Buyers love “new.”

Will this sell quickly to a loft lover?

Matt Laricy at Americorp has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1105: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1700 square feet, loft

• Sold in June 1994 for $232,000
• Sold in October 2012 for $286,000
• Sold in December 2018 for $345,000
• Currently listed for $499,999
• Assessments of $870 a month (includes heat, a/c, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $8633
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking- but available for rent in the neighborhood
• Bedroom #1: 14×18
• Bedroom #2: 13×15
• Living room: 14×16
• Dining room: 18×13
• Kitchen: 12×13
• Walk-in-closet: 13×8

This 2-bedroom at 2221 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park came on the market in April 2025.

Some of you may remember this building as we’ve chattered about it in 2020 and in 2022. In 2022, the chatterati complained about living above the taqueria and we had an extensive discussion about what kind of loan you could use to buy this unit.

You can see our 2022 chatter here.

Why the discussion about the loan? It has 5 units, with two commercial spaces and three residential.

The 2022 listing stated:  “Financing restrictions with HOA, inquire with listing agent for details.”

It was converted into condos in 1999.

As you may recall, this unit has the only private garage for the building, which is down the side alley. That garage includes some additional storage.

The unit has many of its vintage features including original oak mill woodwork with custom, solid oak built-ins including a hutch in the dining room.

It also has ceiling medallions in several rooms and bay windows in the living and dining room.

The kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and stone counter tops.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom, which is rare in a vintage unit.

It has the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit and central air, along with the garage parking.

The listing states that the following updates:

Updates include: New HVAC (2022), paint, plaster repair, wood hutch and trim restained (2022), new windows (2023), new kitchen faucet (2024), new tile flooring in kitchen and both baths(2025), added storage racks in garage (2022), new wireless garage door opener, garage keypad installed (2023), and EV charger installed (2024).

This listing also says that investors are welcome. Not only that but it is “one of the only associations in Lincoln Park that specifically allows short term Airbnb rentals.”

The building is professionally managed.

It’s close to Oz Park, the shops and restaurants on Lincoln and everything else that Lincoln Park has to offer.

In 2022 this unit went under contract quickly.

Inventory is even lower in 2025 than it was in 2022.

It has been listed at $550,000, which is $150,000 higher than the 2022 purchase price of $400,000.

Is the Airbnb possibility a selling point, or a negative, for a possible buyer?

Ted Kuhlmann and Mary Anne Divina at Compass now have the listing again. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1N: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet

• Sold in June 1999 for $129,000
• Sold in May 2001 for $250,000
• Sold in August 2014 for $268,000 (included garage parking)
• Sold in June 2015 after renovation for $395,000 (included garage parking)
• Sold in April 2022 for $400,000 (included garage parking)
• Currently listed for $550,000
• Assessments are now $374 a month (they were $295 a month in 2022)(includes exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes are now $8,028 (they were $6878 in 2022 and $6338 in 2020)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Private 1-car garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Living room: 17×12
• Dining room: 15×14
• Kitchen: 13×11

This 4-bedroom at 2130 N. Lincoln Park West in East Lincoln Park came on the market in April 2025.

Built in 1929, 2130 N. Lincoln Park West is a boutique building with just 33 units and 39 garage spaces.

The building has a on-site building concierge and engineer, extra storage, an exercise room and a common garden terrace with grills.

The listing says this unit “feels like a ranch house in the sky” with 2559 square feet on one level.

It has views of Lincoln Park, the Lake and the downtown Chicago skyline.

It has a split bedroom floor plan.

The living room faces the lake and has crown molding and built-in bookshelves along with a faux fireplace.

There is a formal dining room.

The unit has elevator entry into your own private foyer which is the central gallery with original plaster barrel ceilings.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has white cabinets with marble countertops, high-end stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar.

The primary suite has an en suite bathroom.

The fourth bedroom has a built-in desk and is currently being used as a home office.

The unit has the features that buyers look for including 2 zone space pac air conditioning, washer/dryer in the unit and one garage parking space is included.

It’s near a bunch of bus lines. The listing says you are near the 22, 36, 151 and 156.

The building is also near “miles of running trails,” bike paths and beachfront along with the shops and restaurants of Lincoln Park.

Listed in April 2025 at $1.15 million, that is $150,000 above the 2023 sales price of $1 million.

The listing says that units are “rarely available” in this building.

Will this seller get the premium in this East Lincoln Park location in just 2 years?

Barbara Laken at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #6S: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2559 square feet

• Sold in July 1978 for $326,000
• Sold in June 1992 for $425,000
• Sold in December 2002 for $690,000
• Sold in August 2023 for $1 million
• Currently listed at $1.15 million
• Assessments of $2050 a month (includes heat, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,095
• Space Pac cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 1 garage space included
• Faux fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×15
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Bedroom #3: 10×7
• Bedroom #4: 16×9
• Gallery: 7×38
• Kitchen: 14×15
• Living room: 24×15
• Dining room: 18×15
• Walk-in-closet: 10×4
• Laundry room: 6×3

This 3-bedroom in The Barry at 3100 N. Sheridan in East Lakeview came on the market in February 2025.

Built in 1925, The Barry is celebrating its centennial this year. It has just 65 units. There is no attached parking.

The building has 24/7 door staff, maintenance staff, a common courtyard with teak furniture and cooking area,. extra storage, an exercise room, and bike storage.

The listing says this unit has a unique blend of historical grandeur and modern sophistication.

There is a C tier elevator that leads to a private vestibule.

The unit has some of its vintage features including a formal entry foyer, crown molding, hardwood floors in the living/dining room, a fireplace in the living room and large bedroom sizes.

It has a separate dining room and a library with bookshelves.

This unit is owned by an interior designer. Here’s a list of its finishes:

Macassar Ebony custom cabinetry, Venetian plaster, burled walnut fireplace surround, Sandra Jordan’s Alpaca fabric library draperies, wool draperies in the living and dining rooms, mahogany wood kitchen cabinetry, Kallista plumbing fixtures, Phillip Jeffries’ silver leaf and horsehair wall covering are just some of the features that stand out!

The kitchen has dark cabinets and a tiled backsplash with 2 Miele dishwashers, a Thermador 6-burner cooktop, a double electric oven, and a Subzero refrigerator.

There’s a wet bar with a Subzero 72-bottle wine and beverage refrigerator.

The primary suite has an en suite bathroom with a walk-in-shower.

There’s a powder room.

The unit has features that buyers look for including “high velocity” air conditioning and a side-by-side washer/dryer. It does not have parking, however, but that is available to lease in the neighborhood.

The unit also has a Sonos sound system and built-in speakers.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview as well as Lincoln Park and the Lakefront.

It’s near several bus lines.

Listed in February 2025 at $1.325 million, it remains at that price.

At 3000 square feet, is this a single home replacement in the sky?

Wade Marshall at Engel & Voelkers Chicago has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #9C: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3000 square feet

• Sold in July 2001 for $650,000
• Originally listed in February 2025 for $1.325 million
• Currently still listed at $1.325 million
• Assessments of $2,521 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $12,171
• Space pac cooling
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking- but available in the neighborhood
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×21
• Bedroom #2: 12×20
• Bedroom #3: 13×18
• Foyer: 10×8
• Dining room: 14×22
• Living room: 15×25
• Kitchen: 8×23
• Library: 19×17
• Walk-in-closet: 6×4
• Bar: 6×10
• Laundry: 4×3

This 4-bedroom duplex-up penthouse in the Meeker Mansion at 3030 N. Lake Shore Drive in East Lakeview came on the market in March 2025.

Built in 1913 for industrialist Arthur Meeker, it was converted into 4 luxury condos by LR Development in 2010. The mansion is in the Georgian-style with a brick and limestone exterior.

It has an elevator which opens privately into each unit. There is also attached garage parking.

This unit occupies the top two floors but it doesn’t have any of its vintage features intact.

On the main floor is the living/dining room combination, a family room that is open to the kitchen, the laundry and a powder room.

There is a 20 foot wide balcony off the family room/kitchen.

The chef’s kitchen has custom black cabinetry, professional grade appliances, including a built-in wine fridge, and a built-in banquette.

The main floor also has the set-up that families look for as all four bedrooms are on that floor and all of them are en suite.

They have carpeting.

The primary bedroom has a sitting area, 2 walk-in-closets and a spa-like bath with floor-to-ceiling natural stone tile, a dual vanity, an oversized tub and a glass-encased shower.

One of the other three bedrooms is currently used as a custom closet.

The second floor has a home office with a 275 square foot private terrace, a fitness room with a skylight, a recreation room or flex space, and a full bath.

The unit has custom shades throughout.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and an attached 2-car garage.

This mansion is in the prime area of East Lakeview, close to the lakefront, Lincoln Park, and the shops and restaurants of Lakeview.

Listed at $2.5 million, that’s just $200,000 over the 2010 sales price of $2.3 million.

At 4,265 square feet, is this a deal?

Ryan Prevett and Timothy Salm at Jameson Sotheby’s have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #PH 401: 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 4,265 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in May 2010 for $2.3 million
• Listed in March 2025 for $2.5 million
• Currently still listed at $2.5 million
• Assessments of $1,564 a month (includes lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $43,041
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car attached garage included
• Private elevator entry
• Bedroom #1: 20×15 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 9×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×16 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 8×16 (main floor)
• Living/dining room: 19×26 (main floor)
• Family room: 16×17 (main floor)
• Study: 18×15 (second floor)
• Storage: 4×16 (second floor)
• Work room: 9×20 (second floor)
• Recreation room: 13×16 (second floor)
• Balcony: 5×20 (main floor)
• Terrace: 25×11 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom in 1400 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in March 2025.

Built in 1960, 1400 N. State Parkway is a boutique building with 96 units and attached garage parking.

It has door staff, storage and bike storage.

This unit is a “super bright” corner unit with south, north and west city views.

It has dark hardwood floors throughout, including the bedrooms.

The listing says it has a newly renovated kitchen with white and gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

It has updated closets with sleek frosted doors.

The two bathrooms have both been updated with high-end finishes.

The unit has a large, south facing balcony with city views and a peak of Lake Michigan.

It has some of the features buyers look for including garage parking but I’m not sure if it’s deeded or if it’s rented. Other listings have deeded parking available for $40,000.

The unit does not have central air but it has wall units and baseboard heat. There is no washer/dryer in the unit but coin laundry in the building.

This building is in the “unparalled charm of the Gold Coast tree-lined streets.” It’s near several bus lines and the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast and Old Town.

It has easy access to Oak Street Beach and Lincoln Park.

Listed in March 2025 at $440,000, it last sold in September 2023 for $420,000.

Can it get the premium just 18 months later?

Olin Eargle at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #12A: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed but other A unit are 1250 square feet

• Sold in December 1987 for $126,000
• Sold “estate sale, as is” in October 2019 for $280,000
• Sold in September 2023 for $420,000
• Originally listed in March 2025 for $440,000
• Currently still listed for $440,000
• Assessments of $982 a month (includes heat, cable, doorman, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $5226
• No central air but wall unit cooling
• No in-unit washer/dryer but coin laundry in the building
• Garage parking included (owned or rented?)
• Bedroom #1: 15×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Living room: 19×15
• Dining room: 12×10
• Kitchen: 11×8
• Foyer: 11×4
• Balcony: 14×4

It’s time to get back to the monthly sales data. We’ve been chattering about how low the inventory has been this spring.

It hit new lows for this cycle in February 2025.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

The city of Chicago experienced a 3.1 percent year-over-year home sales decrease in February 2025 with 1,306 sales, down from 1,348 in February 2024. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in February 2025 was $360,000, a 9.1 percent increase from February 2024 when the median price was $330,000.

Here is the sales data for February going back to 1997 (courtesy of G):

• 1997: 881 sales
• 1998: 991
• 2000: 1383
• 2001: 1151
• 2002: 1677
• 2003: 1566
• 2004: 1814
• 2005: 2228
• 2006: 1855
• 2007: 1703
• 2008: 1454
• 2009: 870
• 2010: 1257
• 2011: 1092
• 2012: 1250
• 2013: 1411
• 2014: 1361
• 2015: 1497
• 2016: 1567
• 2017: 1529
• 2018: 1535
• 2019: 1449
• 2020: 1496
• 2021: 1658
• 2022: 1924
• 2023: 1238
• 2024: 1306
• 2025: 1348

Here is the Median Price Data also going back to 1997 (thanks G!):

• 1997: $117,000
• 1998: $132,000
• 1999: $143,750
• 2000: $161,500
• 2001: $180,200
• 2002: $212,000
• 2003: $215,000
• 2004: $229,900
• 2005: $268,900
• 2006: $267,500
• 2007: $270,000
• 2008: $290,000
• 2009: $218,125 (with 31% being REO/Short Sales)
• 2010: $176,000 (with 46% being REO/Short Sales)
• 2011: $150,250 (with 50% being REO/Short Sales)
• 2012: $140,300 (with 52% being REO/Short Sales)
• 2013: $158,000
• 2014 $175,000
• 2015: $212,000
• 2016: $236,000
• 2017: $246,000
• 2018: $272,000
• 2019: $272,500
• 2020: $290,000
• 2021: $320,000
• 2022: $320,000
• 2023: $310,000
• 2024: $330,000
• 2025: $360,000

Reminder: The high for home sales in February for the last 17 years was in February 2022, just before the Federal Reserve started raising interest rates.

Yes, it has been 3 years since the Chairman Powell and the Federal Reserve started aggressively raising interest rates, which pushed up mortgage rates.

Even today, with the Fed cutting, mortgage rates remain elevated compared to early 2022.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.84% in February 2025, down from January’s 6.96% but up from February 2024 when it was 6.78%.

In February 2022 the average 30-year fixed mortgage was 3.76%.

“With fewer homes on the market, buyers are competing more aggressively, and sellers are seeing strong appreciation,” said Tommy Choi, Illinois REALTORS® 2025 President and co-founder and owner of Weinberg Choi Residential at Keller Williams ONEChicago. “Illinois’ real estate market continues to show resilience, and as confidence among buyers and sellers continues to grow, Illinois will remain a dynamic and competitive landscape for homeowners.”

Statewide inventory fell 0.6% year-over-year to 16,782 from 16,886 last year.

In Chicago, inventory plunged 18% to 3,664 homes from 4,470 homes a year ago. How low is that?

• February 2021: 8,055
• February 2022: 6,225
• February 2023: 5,155
• February 2024: 4,470
• February 2025: 3,664

“Our three-month forecast expects statewide closed sales activity between March and May to be nearly 3 percent higher than last year,” said Geoff Smith, Executive Director, Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University in Chicago.

“House price growth is expected to flatten out with prices of single-family homes projected to increase in the coming months following seasonal trends but be slightly lower in May 2025 compared to last year. General consumer and homebuyer sentiment declined in February due to increasing uncertainty surrounding the broader economy, interest rates and homebuying conditions.”

In Chicago, average days on the market fell 4.4% to 43 days from 45 days last year.

Of the 1306 sales, 835 were condos and 471 single family homes. Condo sales were up 3.1% year-over-year and single family home sales were down 12.5%.

“Chicago’s housing market held steady in February. Even as closed sales dipped slightly compared to last year, buyers remained active,” Erika Villegas, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and broker and owner of RE/MAX In the Village said. “As we head into the spring market, demand is steady and buyers are prepared to act quickly, despite continued low inventory and rising prices.”

Inventory continues to be low in March.

Will prices continue to rise?

Low inventory and higher median prices stymie Illinois home sales in February [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, March 20, 2025]