Lincoln Park, Lakeview rentals see bids thousands of dollars above asking prices | ChicagoLIVE
High demand is pushing renters to offer significantly more to secure apartments.
High demand is pushing renters to offer significantly more to secure apartments.
Homebuyers are back despite rising rates — What to know
Homebuying rebounded in March as strong demand fueled a spring surge, despite rising mortgage rates, according to Zillow.
Homebuying rebounded in March as strong demand fueled a spring surge, despite rising mortgage rates, according to Zillow.
Mortgage rates increasing again amid Iran war
The economic fallout from the war in Iran is driving up the cost of buying a home. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased this week to its highest level in nearly seven months - 6.46%.
The economic fallout from the war in Iran is driving up the cost of buying a home. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased this week to its highest level in nearly seven months - 6.46%.
Best markets for first-time homebuyers in 2026, according to data
Zillow analyzed data and found the top 10 markets for first-time homebuyers in the U.S.
Zillow analyzed data and found the top 10 markets for first-time homebuyers in the U.S.
Gas prices top $4 nationwide again, hitting drivers in the wallet
With prices climbing to an average of $4.63 in Chicago, drivers say filling up is getting tough as seasonal fuel changes and global factors push costs back to levels not seen since 2022.
With prices climbing to an average of $4.63 in Chicago, drivers say filling up is getting tough as seasonal fuel changes and global factors push costs back to levels not seen since 2022.
Cook County property taxes rising faster than inflation, study finds
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas breaks down why homeowners are seeing sharp increases, how shifting property values impact tax bills, and what residents can do to fight back.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas breaks down why homeowners are seeing sharp increases, how shifting property values impact tax bills, and what residents can do to fight back.
These are the best cities for starter homes, first-time homebuyers in 2026
Homeownership isn’t out of reach – it’s shifting. New data reveals the most affordable U.S. cities where first-time buyers can still break in.
Homeownership isn’t out of reach – it’s shifting. New data reveals the most affordable U.S. cities where first-time buyers can still break in.
The best time to sell your home in 2026 is coming up soon; here’s when
According to the new data, sellers listing a home in this window could see $26,000 more than the start of the year.
According to the new data, sellers listing a home in this window could see $26,000 more than the start of the year.
Here’s where rents are falling the most as US prices hit a four-year low
U.S. renters are seeing modest relief as asking rents continue to decline, with February marking the 30th straight month of year-over-year drops.
U.S. renters are seeing modest relief as asking rents continue to decline, with February marking the 30th straight month of year-over-year drops.
What homebuyers need to know about HOA rules and fees before purchasing
Real estate advisor Ashley Nicole Tarver explains the key questions buyers should ask about homeowners association rules, dues, and potential costs before choosing a home in an HOA community.
Real estate advisor Ashley Nicole Tarver explains the key questions buyers should ask about homeowners association rules, dues, and potential costs before choosing a home in an HOA community.
New Trump orders aim to ease mortgage, construction costs
President Trump signed two orders Friday aimed to make housing more affordable, but it’s unclear how quickly federal measures can spark new construction or lower mortgage costs.
President Trump signed two orders Friday aimed to make housing more affordable, but it’s unclear how quickly federal measures can spark new construction or lower mortgage costs.
Mortgage rates rise to highest level in over a month
Mortgage rates climbed this week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.
Mortgage rates climbed this week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.
Are AI real estate photos misleading buyers?
Property Pixel founder Subhav Gautam explains how AI is being used to enhance real estate listing photos through decluttering, virtual staging and lighting fixes. He also addresses the growing concern over “home fishing,” where edited images can make a property look better than it really is, and says guardrails and honest use are key to keeping buyers from being misled.
Property Pixel founder Subhav Gautam explains how AI is being used to enhance real estate listing photos through decluttering, virtual staging and lighting fixes. He also addresses the growing concern over “home fishing,” where edited images can make a property look better than it really is, and says guardrails and honest use are key to keeping buyers from being misled.
Illinois offers $15,000 grant to help first-time homebuyers
Financial advisor Aaron Sims of Northwestern Mutual explains how a new Illinois first-time homebuyer grant program offering up to $15,000 could help more residents afford their first home.
Financial advisor Aaron Sims of Northwestern Mutual explains how a new Illinois first-time homebuyer grant program offering up to $15,000 could help more residents afford their first home.
Illinois offers up to $15,000 to help first-time homebuyers cover down payment
Illinois will offer eligible first-time homebuyers up to $15,000 to help cover their down payment and closing costs in a new program.
Illinois will offer eligible first-time homebuyers up to $15,000 to help cover their down payment and closing costs in a new program.
Illinois lawmakers want to end seizure of homes over delinquent property taxes
Illinois lawmakers also want to provide a $500 non-refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
Illinois lawmakers also want to provide a $500 non-refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
Home values are rising again — Here’s where the market is rebounding
U.S. home values rose in February for the first time in seven months, and existing home sales increased from a year earlier, according to Zillow.
U.S. home values rose in February for the first time in seven months, and existing home sales increased from a year earlier, according to Zillow.
America’s 10 most expensive ZIP codes: New leader takes the top spot
A new analysis of the 10 most expensive ZIP codes in the U.S. finds that California continues to be home to a significant portion of the nation's most luxurious properties.
A new analysis of the 10 most expensive ZIP codes in the U.S. finds that California continues to be home to a significant portion of the nation's most luxurious properties.
Signs of relief for homebuyers as affordability shows early improvement
Daryl Fairweather of Redfin breaks down new data showing early affordability gains, what’s still challenging buyers in Chicago, and how to navigate the spring housing market.
Daryl Fairweather of Redfin breaks down new data showing early affordability gains, what’s still challenging buyers in Chicago, and how to navigate the spring housing market.
Mortgage rates fall to lowest level since 2022
Mortgage rates fell this week to their lowest level since September 2022, with the average 30-year fixed rate dropping to 6.01% from 6.09% last week, according to Freddie Mac.
Mortgage rates fell this week to their lowest level since September 2022, with the average 30-year fixed rate dropping to 6.01% from 6.09% last week, according to Freddie Mac.