When Is the Best Time to Buy or Sell in the Southwest Chicago Suburbs?
Real estate tends to move in cycles, and in the Southwest Chicago suburbs, those cycles are very consistent year after year. While homes sell throughout the year, there are definitely times when the market is busier, more competitive, or simply more favorable depending on whether you’re buying or selling.
Real estate tends to move in cycles, and in the Southwest Chicago suburbs, those cycles are very consistent year after year. While homes sell throughout the year, there are definitely times when the market is busier, more competitive, or simply more favorable depending on whether you’re buying or selling.
The Spring Market: The Busiest Season of the Year
When most people think of the “Spring Market,” they imagine birds chirping and flowers blooming. But in reality, the spring market begins much earlier, often while there’s still snow on the ground. Activity can pick up as early as late February, with March and April historically being the busiest months for home sales.
This is when we see the highest level of buyer demand and the largest amount of new listings hitting the market. Buyers have the most options to choose from, but they’ll also face more competition. Sellers, on the other hand, benefit from increased traffic and multiple interested buyers. Historically, sellers can achieve as much as 5% higher sale prices during the spring compared to other times of the year.
The Summer Market: Slower but more balanced
By summer, some of the spring momentum starts to fade. Many listings in early summer are leftover inventory from the spring - homes that either entered the market late or were overlooked during the initial rush. Buyer fatigue also starts to set in as people shift focus to vacations, weddings, and other summer activities.
While demand softens, so does inventory, creating a more balanced environment. For buyers, early summer can offer opportunities as there is still inventory but there is much less buyer demand as other buyers either have buyer fatigue or are busy with summer plans. For sellers, pricing and presentation become even more critical to attract the remaining active buyers during this time.
The Fall Market: A Second Chance
After Labor Day, there’s typically a brief resurgence in activity, a “mini market” that runs through Halloween. As families return from summer vacations and routines settle back in, both buyers and sellers re-engage.
For buyers, fall offers a chance to find quality homes with slightly less competition than spring. For sellers, while there may be fewer buyers overall, but if you are priced right and show well, active buyers will move quickly.
The Winter Market: Motivation Meets Opportunity
Winter is, unsurprisingly, the quietest time of year in real estate. The holidays slow things down, and many people prefer to wait until the new year to make big moves. However, the buyers and sellers who are active during this time are typically highly motivated, often relocating for work or facing other time-sensitive situations.
For both parties, this can create win-win situations where negotiations move quickly, and deals are made efficiently.
So, When’s the Best Time for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The spring market offers the most activity and strongest pricing potential for sellers and the widest selection for buyers, though with more competition. The early summer and fall markets provide great opportunities for those looking for less competition or more favorable terms.
At the end of the day, the best time to buy or sell is when it’s the right time for you, and with the right strategy, success is possible in any season.
At The Busby Group, we have the expertise, tools, and concierge-style services to help you navigate the market and make your move as favorable as possible - no matter the time of year.
Southwest Suburb Market Insight
In the Southwest Suburbs, seasonal patterns tend to repeat year after year. Neighborhoods like Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Oak Lawn, and Tinley Park often experience strong spring activity, followed by steady early summer movement and a reliable fall uptick. These predictable cycles help buyers and sellers plan ahead with confidence. Our team tracks neighborhood-level inventory, pricing shifts, and buyer demand so clients understand exactly what is happening in their local market.
Explore Local Resources
If you are considering a move in the Southwest Suburbs, these tools can help you get started.
• Neighborhood snapshots for Orland Park, Palos Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, and surrounding areas including schools and transportation
• Market data updated throughout the year
• Concierge support to prepare your home with trusted local vendors
How We Can Help
If you want guidance on timing your next move, our Southwest Suburb Collective offers complimentary pricing analysis, neighborhood comparisons, and buying or selling strategy sessions. Our team is here to help you plan with confidence and take your next step at the right time for you.
Tips on Timing the Market
After 25 years in real estate, one piece of advice I always give clients is simple: when you try to time the market, you usually miss the market. That’s because the minute you feel confident that “now is the time,” the market has already shifted. Real estate moves in cycles, and by the time trends become obvious, the opportunity you were waiting for has likely passed.
After 25 years in real estate, one piece of advice I always give clients is simple: when you try to time the market, you usually miss the market. That’s because the minute you feel confident that “now is the time,” the market has already shifted. Real estate moves in cycles, and by the time trends become obvious, the opportunity you were waiting for has likely passed.
Instead of trying to outsmart the market, focus on timing the move that’s right for you, whether that’s buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or selling an investment property. The key is working with a knowledgeable real estate professional who can help you make smart decisions within the market that exists today.
For Buyers
If you’re waiting for mortgage rates to drop before buying, you’re not alone - but that strategy often backfires. When rates fall, competition surges. Suddenly, you’re not just competing with interest rates, you’re competing with more buyers, multiple offers, and higher prices.
The lenders we work with offer creative rate solutions, such as temporary buydowns or refinance guarantees that make it easier to buy now and refinance later when rates improve. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Marry the home, date the rate.” This rings true, the right home in the right location won’t wait for the perfect rate.
For Sellers
Timing the market works both ways. Sellers often wait for “the peak,” only to find that inventory has jumped or buyer demand has cooled by the time they list. Busby Group has proven strategies to create urgency and attract the right buyers, even in quieter periods.
From targeted marketing and pricing strategies to pre-market exposure through Compass programs, we help position your property to stand out no matter what the market is doing.
Bottom Line
The best timing is your timing. Real estate markets will always fluctuate, but your goals, whether buying your dream home or selling for the next chapter, should always guide your decision. With the right plan and the right team behind you, you can succeed in any market.
Southwest Suburb Market Insight
In the Southwest Suburbs, timing your move often looks different than in other parts of Chicagoland. Communities like Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Oak Lawn, and Tinley Park tend to follow steady seasonal patterns rather than dramatic swings. This creates real opportunities throughout the year for buyers and sellers to make informed moves without relying on perfect market timing. Our team tracks local inventory trends, neighborhood demand, and pricing shifts so clients can plan with clarity.
Explore Local Resources
If you are considering a move in the Southwest Suburbs, these tools can help you get started.
• Neighborhood snapshots for Orland Park, Palos Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, and surrounding areas including schools and transportation
• Market data updated throughout the year
• Concierge support to prepare your home with trusted local vendors
How We Can Help
If you want guidance on timing your next move, our Southwest Suburb Collective offers complimentary pricing analysis, neighborhood comparisons, and buying or selling strategy sessions. Our team is here to help you plan with confidence and take your next step at the right time for you.