Questions from Today’s Home Buyers

1. Should I buy now or wait for rates to drop?

In all my years in real estate, I’ve never had a buyer regret purchasing a home they loved because rates dropped later they refinanced. But I’ve seen plenty of buyers regret waiting while prices continued to climb.

With Chicagoland home values projected to rise close to 5% this year, waiting six months to save a little on your monthly payment could cost you significantly more in lost equity.

The reality? Strong employment is keeping demand steady. My advice: buy the home you love now… and refinance later.

2. Where are the best opportunities right now?
Savvy buyers are focusing on communities that offer strong value, lifestyle, and long-term upside:

• Buffalo Grove (District 96 & 125): Still a massive search hub for families. Homes that feed into Ivy Hall or Prairie Elementary and eventually Stevenson High School see the most consistent demand. It remains a top-tier choice for those seeking entry into these world-class schools.

• Long Grove (District 96 & 125): The ultimate for those seeking luxury with space. Because many of these homes sit on 1+ acre lots, they offer a "privacy premium" you won't find in denser North Shore towns. We are seeing a healthy balance here, with more room for buyers to negotiate on these larger estates.

• Deerfield: A North Shore favorite where walkability and the Metra convenience are keeping demand high. It’s the perfect spot for those wanting a community-focused feel without sacrificing the commute to the city.

• Vernon Hills: Growing in popularity for its "turn-key" newer homes and massive shopping/dining expansion. It is currently one of the fastest-moving sub-markets in the area for buyers who want modern amenities.

3. Do buyers have any negotiating power?

Yes… sometimes — and this is a big shift from a few years ago.

We’re no longer in a strict “take it or leave it” market. With days on market stretching, we’re successfully negotiating:

• Inspection credits
• Repairs or concessions after inspection
• More flexible terms overall

But here’s the reality you need to understand:
If a home has multiple offers, this is not the time to get aggressive with asks. The seller has options — and they will simply move on to the next clean offer.

In fact, I recently had a seller who did exactly that. A buyer’s attorney came in after inspection asking for a long list of items — many of which were not significant. Instead of engaging, the seller chose to move forward with another buyer who presented a cleaner, more straightforward deal.

On the flip side, if you’re the only offer on the table, that’s where your leverage really comes into play. That’s when we can negotiate more thoughtfully and often secure better terms.