Illinois statewide home sales hit 10,075 in March 2026 — up 3.1% from March 2025. That’s a real number, and it’s a positive signal. But statewide figures are averages, and averages hide what’s happening in specific markets. Here’s the local read.

What the Statewide Number Tells You

Sales volume increasing means more transactions are closing — which means more buyers are pulling the trigger and more sellers are getting deals done. After a stretch where high rates and low inventory kept a lot of people on the sidelines, the market is moving again. That’s good news broadly.

Illinois prices were also up nearly 6% in 2025 compared to 2024, and the forecast for 2026 projects another 5% increase in the Chicago metro area. Sales volume in the Chicago metro is expected to grow by over 5% in 2026. That’s a meaningful recovery, not just noise.

What It Means Specifically in Lake and McHenry County

The north suburbs are tracking ahead of the state average in several ways:

• Prices in Lake County hit $390,000 median in March 2026, up 4% year over year
• Homes are going to pending in under 9 days in strong pockets
• Inventory is up, but demand is keeping pace
• The lifestyle draw — schools, outdoor access, proximity to both Chicago and Milwaukee — continues to pull buyers north

McHenry County is seeing similar momentum, particularly in communities like Algonquin, Crystal Lake, and Huntley, where price points are lower and buyer activity has picked up as affordability pressure in Lake County pushes some buyers west.

The Rate Question

Mortgage rates are still above 6% and likely staying there through most of 2026. That’s a real cost, and it’s kept some buyers cautious. But here’s what I’ve watched happen: buyers who waited six months hoping for a rate drop mostly got neither the drop nor the house. Rates may ease, but home prices in this market aren’t waiting for them.

If you’re financially ready, the calculus is usually: buy the house, refinance the rate when the time comes.

The Practical Takeaway

The market is more active than it was a year ago. Sellers have a window. Buyers have more inventory than they did, but the best homes are still moving fast. If you’ve been sitting on a decision, the conditions right now are about as clear as they’ve been in a few years.

Want a quick read on what your home is worth in today’s market, or what a specific budget gets you in Libertyville, Mundelein, Gurnee, or anywhere in between? Reach out.

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