The Big Game: Is It the Unofficial Kickoff to the Spring Real Estate Market?
This weekend may be all about the big game, but in real estate, it often signals something else entirely. For many buyers and sellers, it has become the unofficial kickoff to the spring market.
While spring does not officially arrive for weeks, the shift in market behavior often starts right around now. In Chicagoland, we are already seeing it happen, with multiple clients finding themselves in competitive, multiple-offer situations typically associated with the peak spring market.
Early Signs the Spring Market Is Underway
As we move through February, activity is picking up sooner than many expect. We are seeing:
An uptick in buyer demand
Low inventory across many neighborhoods, with an increase in pre-market listings
Multiple offer situations already occurring
Buyers re-entering the market after waiting through late fall and early winter
There is a sense of pent-up demand that built over the past year. Many buyers paused, hoping for significant rate drops, and are now realizing that pandemic-era lows are unlikely to return. With rates coming down some and expectations resetting, more buyers are choosing to move forward rather than wait.
Why the Big Game Weekend Matters
The big game often acts as a mental reset. Once it passes, the year feels fully underway. Holidays are behind us, routines are back, and conversations about moving become more serious.
For sellers, this is often when preparation turns into action. For buyers, it is when browsing turns into showings and offers.
In Chicago, the spring market continues to start earlier each year. Homes that come to market ahead of the traditional rush often benefit from strong interest before inventory builds further.
What This Means for Sellers
If you are considering selling, this can be a strategic moment. With inventory still tight and demand rising, well-prepared homes are already attracting significant attention.
Getting pricing, presentation, and timing aligned now provides flexibility and leverage as the market gains speed.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, the message is clear. Competition is returning. Being prepared early, from financing to strategy, can make a meaningful difference as more buyers step back into the market.
Waiting for the perfect rate has kept many on the sidelines. More buyers are now recognizing that readiness and timing often matter more than trying to predict the market.
The Bottom Line: An Early Start to Spring
The big game may be about football, but in real estate it often serves as the unofficial kickoff to the spring market. With demand rising, inventory limited, and competition already appearing, February is no longer a quiet month in Chicagoland real estate.
Whether you are buying, selling, or simply watching the market, this is the moment when planning turns into action. Contact us to strategize on your game plan!
Big Game & Spring Market FAQ
Is the big game really the kickoff to the spring real estate market?
For many buyers and sellers, yes. While spring does not officially begin until later, market activity in Chicagoland often starts to accelerate right after the big game, making it an unofficial kickoff to the spring market.
Why does buyer activity increase around this time of year?
After the holidays, routines settle and pent-up demand begins to surface. Many buyers who paused in late fall and early winter re-enter the market in February, especially as mortgage rates come down some and expectations reset.
Are multiple offer situations already happening?
Yes. We are already seeing multiple offer situations in Chicagoland that are more commonly associated with peak spring market conditions.
Is inventory still low in Chicago right now?
Inventory remains low across many neighborhoods, though we are seeing an increase in pre-market listings as sellers prepare for the spring season.
What does this timing mean for sellers?
Sellers who prepare early may benefit from motivated buyers and less competition before inventory increases later in the spring.
What should buyers do if they want to compete this spring?
Buyers should focus on preparation early, including financing, strategy, and understanding neighborhood-specific conditions, as competition tends to increase quickly once the spring market gains momentum.