Chicagoland Q1 2026 Market Update
As we kicked off 2026, many expected inventory to increase across Chicagoland. So far, that shift has not materialized, and we are continuing to see a high-demand, low-inventory environment across many neighborhoods.
Here is what we are seeing on the ground:
Inventory remains limited, despite expectations for more listings this year, which is keeping competition elevated
Buyer demand is strong, even with higher interest rates, showing continued confidence in Chicago real estate
Multiple offers are common, especially for homes that are well priced and updated
Strategic positioning is driving results, with sellers achieving strong terms and buyers still winning in competitive situations
In many cases, we are helping buyers secure homes without being the highest offer, by understanding seller priorities and structuring offers accordingly
What This Means for Sellers
Low inventory means less competition, which can lead to stronger pricing and favorable terms
Well-prepared homes are seeing faster timelines and multiple offers
We are helping sellers structure deals that align with their next move, including flexible timing when needed
What This Means for Buyers
Competition is real, but opportunities still exist with the right strategy
Understanding seller priorities can make a meaningful difference in competitive situations
Access to off-market and private network opportunities can provide additional options beyond what is publicly available
Chicago Market Perspective
Chicago continues to show steady, sustainable growth, rather than the volatility seen in some other major markets. This consistency is part of what continues to drive both local and relocation-based demand.
From a lifestyle perspective, buyers are still prioritizing walkable neighborhoods, access to parks and the lakefront, and proximity to dining and transit, all of which continue to support demand across the city.
Watch the Full Q1 Update
Julie shares more detail and real-time insight in this short market update: https://youtu.be/_vPYoUsQ3Mw
If you are thinking about buying or selling, or simply want to understand what this market means for your specific situation, we are always happy to connect and create a strategy tailored to your goals.
Design Creates Value
Great design is more than aesthetics. It is one of the most powerful ways to unlock a home’s full potential and maximize value.
One of our most trusted partners in this process is Marcie Blanco, founder of Ma’Am Collective. For more than 15 years, Marcie has been an integral part of how Busby Group prepares and positions homes for the market.
Her ability to help buyers see the vision of a space is unmatched. Whether it is reimagining layouts, refining finishes, or bringing a home to life through thoughtful staging, her work consistently elevates how a property is perceived and experienced.
From paint selection and material guidance to furniture placement and procurement, Marcy approaches every project with both creativity and strategy. The result is not just a beautiful home, but one that resonates with buyers and drives stronger outcomes.
Together, we have collaborated on a wide range of properties, including the 1100 Lake Shore Drive penthouse, multiple residences within the building, and homes across Bucktown, Lincoln Park, and beyond. Each project reflects a shared goal: to present every home at its highest level.
Design, when done thoughtfully, creates clarity for buyers and confidence for sellers. It is one of the many ways we help turn potential into results.
Clients First, Always
The greatest measure of our work is the experience our clients have with us.
We are proud to have 5 out of 5-star reviews, and nearly 9 out of 10 of our clients are referred to us by past clients and trusted Realtors.
That means everything to us.
It is what motivates us each day to deliver a level of service that helps our clients reach their real estate goals without added stress.
We are incredibly grateful to those who have introduced us to their friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. Your trust is what allows us to continue doing what we love.
If we had the opportunity to work together, we would love to hear about your experience and who else we may be able to help. Send us your Busby Group experience, and we will share a bottle of bubbles with you!
Our Greatest Strength
One of our favorite moments is not tied to a single transaction, but to where we are today.
We are incredibly grateful to have the team we have in place right now.
Every member of Busby Group brings more than a decade of experience and is truly among the best in the industry. More importantly, many of us have worked together for years, building trust, consistency, and a shared standard of excellence.
That foundation allows us to operate as a well-oiled machine, constantly refining our processes, supporting one another, and showing up at our best for our clients.
It also allows us to deliver what matters most, a seamless, thoughtful experience for every transition.
We feel incredibly fortunate to do this work together.
A Lasting Influence
Before Julie began her career in real estate, she approached Bonnie Adams at church with a simple request, to work for her for free while learning the business and earning her license.
What she didn’t yet realize was that Bonnie was one of the top Realtors in the country.
During that time, Bonnie set a standard that has stayed with us ever since. She led with high expectations, always did what was best for her clients, and believed in being honest and real in every interaction.
She also built a remarkable business that supported her family and reflected both hard work and resilience. Through her example, Julie learned not only how to succeed in real estate, but how to carry herself with grace through both the highs and the challenges.
Bonnie has since passed, but her influence continues to shape how we show up for our clients every day.
We are incredibly grateful for her impact.
The Right Foundation
Belgravia is one of Chicago’s most respected developers, and our connection to their team played a meaningful role in shaping what Busby Group is today.
During Julie’s time leading the resale division at Belgravia, she experienced firsthand how the right team, working together with intention, can create a level of service far greater than any one individual. That philosophy became a cornerstone in building Busby Group.
It was also at Belgravia where the importance of doing the next best right thing was instilled, a standard we continue to carry forward in every client experience.
Working closely with Liz Brooks and the Belgravia team also provided a deeper understanding of construction, craftsmanship, and what truly defines quality. That knowledge continues to guide how we advise our clients today, helping them make confident, well-informed investments.
We are incredibly grateful for that chapter and the lasting impact it has had on our business and our clients.
A Partnership Built to Last
GE Construction has been a trusted partner of Busby Group for nearly a decade, and time and again, they have stepped in when it matters most.
They have personally helped prepare Julie’s home for market, and have supported nearly every member of our team with projects on their own homes, which speaks volumes about the trust we place in their work.
More importantly, they have played a critical role in many of our transactions. From sourcing one-of-a-kind Carolina hardwood no one thought could be matched, to tracking down discontinued materials to avoid costly renovations, to even driving to Wisconsin for lumber during shortages, they consistently find solutions where others cannot.
They are also an invaluable resource for our clients. Whether helping buyers understand renovation potential with thoughtful pricing and availability, or guiding sellers on strategic updates that often return multiples of their investment, their work directly impacts outcomes.
Simply put, they have saved the day more times than we can count, and we are incredibly grateful for this partnership.
A Chicago Gem
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of our favorite places in the city, and a true gift to the community.
It is one of the few zoos in the country that is completely free, and it offers incredible experiences year-round, from ZooLights in the winter to Fall Fest in the autumn.
Over the years, it has also become a meaningful place for us personally. We have hosted behind-the-scenes tours for clients, both in person and even virtually during Covid, and celebrated special milestones, including both of our daughters’ first birthdays.
Beyond the events, it is part of everyday life. A place to go for a walk, get fresh air, meet neighbors, or start a weekend morning before heading to the nearby farmers’ market.
It is more than a destination; it is a place that brings people together, and we are so grateful to have it in our city.
Beyond Chicago
While Chicago is home, our reach extends far beyond.
Julie has built a trusted network of top brokers across the country, including a curated group of leading women in real estate spanning major markets. Since 2020, this group has shared ideas, supported one another, and collaborated on behalf of clients, creating not only strong professional relationships but lasting friendships.
This network has become a true extension of Busby Group, allowing us to seamlessly support clients as they move beyond Chicago, while ensuring they receive the same level of care and expertise they expect from our team.
We are also proud to be Chicago’s exclusive partner for SportStar Relocation, a national network of top brokers specializing in serving athletes and sports professionals. Through this relationship, we collaborate with some of the best in the industry to deliver a high level of service across markets.
These partnerships allow us to continue elevating our concierge and white-glove approach, both locally and nationwide.
Chicago’s Sweet Tradition
Sweet Mandy B’s is a true Chicago staple and one of our favorite ways to celebrate our clients.
With locations in Lincoln Park and Streeterville, they create what we believe are some of the best cupcakes, cookies, and pies in the city. Their desserts have become a small but meaningful part of many Busby Group moments.
We often incorporate Sweet Mandy B’s into our client experience, whether it is birthday celebrations, closing gifts, or simple thank-you surprises along the way. These thoughtful touches help turn milestones into lasting memories.
Over time, their desserts have become part of our own traditions as well, something our clients recognize, enjoy, and look forward to.
It is a simple gesture, but one that reflects how we approach every relationship. Thoughtful, personal, and centered around the people we are fortunate to work with.