Buying a home in Illinois can look very different depending on where you are searching. In some cities, homes stay on the market for weeks. In others, buyers may have to move quickly because there are fewer homes available and properties can receive offers soon after they are listed. Housing market data compiled by Redfin […]
Author: Larry Johnson
Chicago Moves Forward With New Plan to Protect Renters
Chicago leaders are considering new rules that could give renters more protection and make it easier for the city to deal with landlords who do not properly maintain their properties. A revised proposal supported by Mayor Brandon Johnson passed its first major test when the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate voted […]
New Short-Term Rental Rules Could Make Renting Homes Easier in Skokie, IL
Skokie, Illinois, is making major changes to its rules for short-term rentals, including properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. The changes come only a few months after the village started an 18-month pilot program designed to regulate short-term rental properties. Village officials found that very few property owners were completing the registration […]
More Than 40,000 Eviction Cases Filed Across Cook County Since 2022
Landlords have filed more than 40,000 eviction cases across Cook County since 2022, highlighting the continued housing challenges renters face throughout the area. An eviction filing does not always mean a tenant left their home, but the large number of cases shows how often rental disputes reach the courts. Court records also offer a closer […]
Harnessing the Wind: The Impact of Wind Farms on Illinois Real Estate
Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, is renowned for its fertile soils, sprawling prairies, and bustling cities. Recently, it has made a name for itself as a leading player in the renewable energy sector, particularly in wind energy. With hundreds of wind turbines dotting the landscapes across the state, Illinois has positioned itself at the forefront […]
Entire Migrant Families Facing Eviction in Chicago’s Latest Shelter Overload
Brandon Johnson’s team started evicting many migrant families out of Chicago city shelters this week, right after the school year ended at Chicago Public Schools. This includes families with children who were in school. This is part of a larger effort to reduce the strain on city and state shelters, which began with moving mostly […]
The Ins and Outs of Commercial Real Estate Fees in Illinois
The landscape of commercial real estate (CRE) lending in Illinois is as dynamic as it is challenging. Amidst an ever-evolving economic climate, understanding the intricacies of loans, banking, and financing is crucial for developers, investors, and business owners. This article delves into the core aspects of CRE lending in the state, highlighting key cities and […]
Chicago Metro Housing Market: Resilience Amid Economic Fluctuations
A recent report released on Monday by Redfin, a prominent digital real estate brokerage, provides a detailed examination of the housing market within the greater Chicago metro area. Despite the challenges posed by high mortgage rates and various economic uncertainties, these areas have demonstrated notable resilience. The report presents an insightful analysis, ranking the 100 […]
Chicago Residents Search for Affordable Housing as Rent Prices Surge
Rent prices across Chicago continue climbing in 2026, creating stress for many renters trying to keep up with higher monthly housing costs. Apartment prices have been increasing in many parts of the city, especially in neighborhoods close to downtown, train lines, restaurants, entertainment areas, and office centers. Many renters say they are shocked when lease […]
Economic Transformation in Cook County: A Decade of Growth and Challenges
Over the last ten years, Cook County has witnessed significant economic improvements, marking a period of substantial growth and prosperity for many of its residents. From rising salaries to a decrease in poverty and unemployment rates, the region has seen positive changes that signal a healthier economy. However, despite these advancements, certain areas within the […]
How the Bring Chicago Home Referendum Shapes the Future of Affordable Housing in Chicago
An appellate court has recently overturned a prior judgment from a lower court regarding the Bring Chicago Home referendum, marking a significant shift in the trajectory of this highly debated issue. This pivotal decision enables the counting of the votes on the referendum, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of democracy in action within […]
Springfield Listed Among Top Cities for Real Estate Taxes Nationwide
In a comprehensive study conducted in 2024, researchers aimed to illuminate the complex landscape of real estate taxation across the United States, with a keen focus on comparing tax rates and burdens across various regions. This extensive research revealed unexpected findings, particularly for residents of Central Illinois, including Springfield, thus highlighting the diverse nature of […]