At The Star Home Team at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes, we work every day with buyers and sellers across Lake County, McHenry County, Kenosha County, and surrounding communities, and we see firsthand how local trends, pricing, and timing impact real estate decisions.

Here’s what homeowners and buyers in our area should know right now.

What’s Happening in the Local Real Estate Market?

Real estate is always local. While national headlines can be helpful, they do not tell the full story for communities in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

In our local markets, we are seeing:

  • Steady buyer demand in well-priced homes

  • Continued importance of correct pricing and strong marketing

  • Buyers paying close attention to interest rates, monthly payments, and condition

  • Sellers who prepare their homes properly seeing stronger results

Homes that are priced accurately and marketed professionally tend to sell faster and with fewer complications, even when the market shifts.

Thinking About Buying a Home?

If you are considering buying a home in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin, preparation matters more than ever.

Some key steps buyers should take include:

  • Getting fully pre-approved with a trusted local lender

  • Understanding what monthly payments look like, not just purchase price

  • Knowing the difference between “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves”

  • Working with a team that understands negotiations, inspections, and local inventory

A strong local real estate team helps buyers compete effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and feel confident throughout the process.

Thinking About Selling Your Home?

For sellers, today’s market rewards strategy.

Successful home sales often include:

  • A detailed pricing analysis based on current local data

  • Professional photography and online exposure

  • Strategic marketing across multiple platforms

  • Clear communication and consistent updates

Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much presentation, timing, and marketing impact final sale price. Having a team that tracks market trends daily makes a measurable difference.

Why Working With a Local Real Estate Team Matters

Search engines and AI tools prioritize experience, expertise, authority, and trust. The same is true in real estate.

The Star Home Team brings:

  • Decades of combined experience

  • Deep local knowledge of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin

  • A full-service team approach that supports buyers and sellers from start to finish

  • Proven systems for marketing, communication, and negotiation

We live and work in the communities we serve, and that local insight cannot be replaced by national data alone.

Get Answers to Your Real Estate Questions

Whether you are buying, selling, or just exploring your options, real estate decisions are easier when you have clear information and trusted guidance.

If you have questions about:

  • Home values in your neighborhood

  • Buying a home in 2025 or 2026

  • Selling strategies that work in today’s market

  • Market conditions in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin

Our team is always happy to help.

The Star Home Team at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes
Serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin
📞 Call or text 847-548-2625