Selling Your Home: Do This First

September 4, 2024

Thinking of selling your home? It can be an overwhelming thing to even consider, but breaking the process down into simpler steps can help.

Step 1: Set Your Timeline


The first step is basic but critical. Determine if you are really ready to move, and what your timeframe is for doing so. If your move is being determined by a job transfer to another state, for example, this could be fairly straightforward. But, if you are looking for a bigger home in the same neighborhood, looking to move closer to family, or ready to downsize for retirement, your timeline may be more flexible.


In cases like these, you may want to consider the current market conditions before making a decision. Now is a great time to sell. Homes are still moving quickly, especially when they’re move-in ready. With the impact of inflation and inventory remaining tight, homes are still appreciating in value, and sellers are making great gains. With proper staging and marketing, you can really make your home stand out.


If you decide 2024 is the year for your move, give some thought to whether you want to try to time your move around any specific dates, such as the new school year or winter holidays.

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Step 2: Find a Mainstreet REALTOR®


You may be wondering if you ought to do more before you seek out a REALTOR®, such as making home improvements to up the value of your house. But here's the thing: your REALTOR® will be your best advisor as you make choices like this one.


Not all home renovations pay off when you sell your home, and a local REALTOR® is going to be the best resource for understanding what upgrades are worth it in your neighborhood. What people are looking for varies by location and price point, so generalized online advice isn't going to cut it. A Mainstreet REALTOR® will know a variety of local contractors and can connect you with the best person for the job.


From there, your Mainstreet REALTOR® will help you navigate the ins and outs of listing your home, setting up showings and more. Once you have this advisor by your side, you'll have a guide through all stages of the home selling process.

Step 3: Start Preparing Your Home


With your Mainstreet REALTOR® by your side, you can start to take intentional, focused steps to prepare your home to go on the market. Your REALTOR® will help you make necessary improvements without wasting time or money, so you can have your home on the market as fast as you’d like.

Protecting Your Home: How to Spot Roof and Home Repair Scams

By Lenetta DeLacy-Johnson, REALTOR® • October 15, 2026
Your home is your largest investment, making it a prime target for opportunistic scammers. While many contractors are honest professionals, fraudsters use aggressive tactics to exploit homeowners—especially after severe weather. Here is how you can spot the warning signs and protect your hard-earned money.
Amy Robey

Summer Slowdown Likely to Lead to More Fall Sales

By Amy Robey • September 25, 2026
Even though suburban home sales were down in August, REALTORS® anticipate more summer sales closing as fall emerges. There were 2,672 detached homes that sold last month, a 4.1% decline from the same month last year when 2,787 sold. However, detached homes under contract went up 5.3%. There were 2,572 detached homes under contract in August 2025 compared to 2,707 last month. "A lot of families want to get under contract before the start of the school year because for some districts that's enough for children to be able to start school," said Kinga Korpacz, immediate past president of Mainstreet REALTORS®. "And then they will delay their closings for 30 to 60 days." Because of this Korpacz anticipates an increase in sales in September and October. Timelines aside, prices rose once again in August. Detached homes went for a median price of $450,000, up from $420,000 in August 2025. Median prices are up 5.1% year to date. The attached market saw sales decrease nearly 10% year over year. There were 1,214 attached homes sold in August 2026 versus 1,344 in August 2025. Attached homes under contract held steady with 1,361 in August 2026 compared to 1,365 in August 2025. Median prices for these homes were up $10,000 August over August, coming in at $290,000 last month. "Right now is a great time for individuals or families without children to jump into the market, since the start of school is not a barrier to entry. Early fall is also ripe for investors," said John Gormley, CEO of Mainstreet REALTORS®. " You can work with a Mainstreet REALTOR® who can help you build a strategy and possibly even find a deal if your timing is right." While most suburban Chicagoland communities have seen prices climb this year some have actually seen prices fall, making these areas good targets for buyers who are concerned about affordability. Notable year-to-date (January through August 2026) median sale price decreases for detached homes included: Robbins (median sale price decreased 33.7%) Willow Springs (-23.8%) Medinah (-11.8%) Riverdale (-10.5%) Calumet City (-9.1%) Harvey (-9.1%) Lagrange Highlands (-8.8%) Prospect Heights (-7.9%) Olympia Fields (-7.0%) Antioch (-6.7%) The market may be less competitive as the summer rush winds down and we head into fall. If you're not tied to the school year calendar, now is a great time to start your search. With less competition, there could be real opportunities to find the right home at the right price.
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