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.
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.