Cook County, IL Housing Market Update: June 2026

Key Takeaways Cook County crossed a milestone in June: more than half of homes sold above their asking price for the first time since mid-2022, while national above-list rates remained near historic lows. The median sale price reached $398,875, up 6% year over year—triple the national rate of price

Existing-Home Sales Continue Sideways Trend in June

Existing-home sales eased in June after reaching a six-month high in May, as modest changes in mortgage rates continued to influence buyer activity. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, sales fell 2.4% from May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.09 million , though they remaine

Mortgage Applications Ease During Holiday-Shortened Week

Mortgage application activity slipped modestly last week as both purchase and refinance demand eased during the holiday-shortened period. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 2.2% decrease in total application volume on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending July 3, with result

How to Spot a Home With Strong Rental Potential While House Hunting

Key takeaways:  Look for homes with renter-friendly features, including functional layouts, desirable amenities, and low-maintenance finishes. Research the neighborhood’s rental demand by reviewing rental rates, vacancy trends, job growth, and local amenities. Estimate potential rental income by com