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As we get into January, the housing market in the western suburbs is doing what healthy markets tend to do: stabilizing, adjusting, and quietly setting the stage for spring.

This isn’t a market driven by hype or headlines. It’s a market driven by real supply constraints, steady demand, and thoughtful decision-making, especially here in DuPage County and the Fox Valley.

Today I want to focus on two trends that matter most right now, and why January is the ideal time to start prepping if a move is on your radar for 2026.

DuPage County: Prices Holding, Homes Still Moving

Using the most recent data from Illinois REALTORS® and MRED, the DuPage County market closed out December 2025 with signs of continued strength, even during what is traditionally the slowest time of year.

• Median sale prices in DuPage County ended 2025 up roughly 3–4% year-over-year, depending on price range and municipality
• Average Days on Market declined year-over-year, with homes selling faster than they did in December 2024
• List-to-sale price ratios remained strong, particularly for well-priced, move-in-ready homes
• Inventory stayed constrained, especially in the entry-level and mid-price segments

That combination matters. December activity tells us a lot about underlying demand and buyers didn’t disappear at year-end. They became more selective.

Across communities like Wheaton, Geneva, St. Charles, Naperville, Warrenville, and surrounding DuPage towns, we continue to see:

• Buyers active in the $350K–$700K range
• Homes that are priced correctly and prepared properly outperforming the rest of the market
• Sellers rewarded for strategy, not speculation

National Context: Inventory Still Below Normal

Zooming out for context, national data from the National Association of REALTORS® reinforces what we’re seeing locally.

As of December 2025:

• Existing-home sales increased month-over-month compared to November
• Total housing supply remained around a 3–4 month supply nationally
• A “balanced” market is typically closer to 5–6 months of supply

That gap is important.

Even with higher interest rates than a few years ago, inventory has not rebuilt enough to put sustained downward pressure on prices, particularly in strong suburban markets like ours.

This doesn’t mean prices rise endlessly. It means values are being supported by fundamentals, not speculation.

Why January Matters (More Than Most People Realize)

Spring success starts in winter.

January is when:

• Sellers decide what they’ll fix, update, or improve
• Buyers organize financing, credit, and priorities
• Smart conversations happen before urgency returns

By the time spring listings hit the market, the best-positioned buyers and sellers are already prepared.

If you’re thinking about:

• Buying before competition ramps up
• Selling in spring or early summer
• Using equity for your next move
• Or simply understanding your options for the year ahead

This is the moment to start the conversation.

???? Let’s Talk Strategy for 2026

You don’t need to make a decision today. But clarity now gives you options later.

If you want to talk through:

• Timing
• Pricing
• Market conditions in your specific town
• Or what preparation would look like for your situation

I’m always happy to help. No pressure, just real insight, local data, and a plan that fits your goals.

Lets Connect! Go ahead and click here, send me a note either by email (apupius@southwestern.com) or by phone/text (773-294-0238). I'd be happy to schedule a time for us to talk and see how I can help.

What’s Coming Up This Week on Social

Here’s what I’ll be sharing throughout the week:

• Reflecting on how your home supports your goals for the year ahead
• Tips for making small spaces feel larger and more functional
• Favorite local coffee shops ☕ What's yours?
• Why now is the time to prep financially and strategically for a move
• How to prepare your home for listing photography
• Using home equity to open new doors
• The importance of recharging and making clear decisions
• What to look for during home tours to avoid surprises later

Until next week, Cheers!

Andy Pupius | apupius@southwestern.com
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