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The reason homes fell like they cost so much

(Published on - 10/27/2025 2:39:53 AM)

The Reason Homes Feel Like They Cost So Much (It’s Not What You Think)




Scroll through your feed and you’ll see plenty of finger-pointing about why homes cost so much. And according to a national survey, a lot of people believe big investors are to blame.

Even though data shows that’s not true, nearly half of Americans surveyed (48%) think investors are the top reason housing feels so expensive (see graph below):

But that theory doesn’t actually hold up once you look at the data.

The Truth About Investors

Investors do play a role in the housing market, especially in certain areas. But they’re not buying up all the homes like so many people on social media say.

Nationwide, Realtor.com found only 2.8% of all home purchases last year were made by big investors (who own more than 50 properties). That means roughly 97% of homes were bought and sold by regular people, not corporate giants. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“Investors do own significant shares of the housing stock in some neighborhoods, but nationwide, the share of investor-owned housing is not a major concern.”

So, if it’s not investors, why are home prices so high?

What’s Really Behind Today’s Home Prices

The real story behind rising prices has less to do with who’s buying and more to do with what’s missing: enough homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), says:

"It's been popular among some to blame investors, but with housing, the economics of that don't make a lot of sense. The fundamental driver of housing costs is the shortage itself—it's driven by the fact that there's a mismatch between the number of households and the actual size of the housing stock."

There simply haven’t been enough homes for sale to meet buyer demand. And that shortage, not investor activity, is what’s pushed prices higher just about everywhere.

Bottom Line

It’s easy to believe investors caused today’s housing challenges. But the truth is, the market just needs more homes, and that’s finally starting to happen.

As more options hit the market, buying may feel a little more realistic again.

Let’s connect and talk about what’s happening in our local market.


Fall 2025 Real Estate Market Update: Downers Grove & Surrounding Subur

(Published on - 10/25/2025 11:44:29 AM)

?? Fall 2025 Real Estate Market Update: Downers Grove & Surrounding Suburbs

The Fall 2025 real estate market across Downers Grove, Westmont, Lisle, Bolingbrook, Darien, Burr Ridge, Lemont, and Woodridge is showing balance and opportunity. While home prices are holding steady, homes are spending more time on the market — creating a great season for both buyers and sellers.

?? Home Prices Stay Strong in the Western Suburbs

Prices continue to reflect solid buyer demand:

  • Downers Grove: Average price around $535,000, up 4.5% year-over-year.

  • Westmont & Lisle: Mid-$400K range with steady growth.

  • Bolingbrook & Woodridge: Affordable options attracting steady buyer traffic.

  • Darien, Burr Ridge & Lemont: Higher-end homes remain stable thanks to limited listings.

Across these communities, prices remain 3–5% higher than last fall, supported by strong local demand and low supply.

?? Market Pace: More Time, More Strategy

The average days on market is now around 50–60 days, up from last year. Buyers are taking more time, while sellers who price right are still seeing solid results.

?? Interest Rates & Buyer Trends

Interest rates remain steady but elevated, making buyers more selective. Still, motivated buyers are acting fast when they find the right property. Price reductions and negotiation flexibility are helping close more deals this fall.

?? For Sellers: Why Now Is Still a Great Time

Even with longer sale times, low inventory keeps the market strong for sellers. Listing before the spring rush lets your home stand out and capture the attention of serious fall buyers.

?? For Buyers: Negotiation Power

This season gives buyers more leverage than in previous years. With fewer bidding wars and more options, it’s an ideal time to make an offer and negotiate terms that work for you.

?? The Bottom Line

The Downers Grove area real estate market remains healthy and full of opportunity. Sellers can still enjoy high equity returns, and buyers have more space to negotiate fair deals.

?? Get Your Free Home Valuation and Fall Home Seller’s Guide
Thinking of selling or just curious about your home’s worth?
Contact Mark Sotir – Realtor® at 630-815-8098 for your free home valuation and seller’s guide to make the most of Fall 2025’s market

 
 

Staged Homes Gets Up To 10% More View Online

(Published on - 10/21/2025 2:59:36 PM)


Is The Housing Market Going To Crash? Here's What Experts Say

(Published on - 10/20/2025 2:03:36 PM)

Is the Housing Market Going To Crash? Here’s What Experts Say




If you’ve seen headlines or social posts calling for a housing crash, it’s easy to wonder if home values are about to take a hit. But here’s the simple truth.

The data doesn’t point to a crash. It points to slow, continued growth.

And sure, it’s going to vary by local area. Some markets will see prices rise more than others. And some may even see small, short-term declines. But the big picture is: home prices are expected to rise nationally, not fall, over the next 5 years.

The Real Story Is in the Expert Forecasts

In the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae, each quarter over 100 leading housing market experts weigh in on where they project home prices will go from here. And in the report that was just released, the experts agree prices are projected to climb nationally through at least 2029 (see graph below):

a graph of green squaresHere’s how to read this visual. Each bar in that graph shows an increase, not a loss. It’s just that the anticipated pace of that appreciation varies year-to-year.

And to further drive this home, let’s look at another view of where prices are and where they’re expected to go. In this version, the expert forecasts are broken into 3 categories: the overall average, the most optimistic projections, and the most pessimistic projections (see chart below):

a graph on a blue backgroundNotice how even the most pessimistic forecasters say we’ll see prices rise by almost 5% over the next few years.

  • Overall, prices are expected to rise about 15% from now through the end of 2029.
  • The optimists say we’ll beat that and see a roughly 26% increase.
  • And even the pessimists anticipate prices will go up by 5% during that period.

What sticks out the most? None of these groups who study the market are forecasting a crash, or even a decline, over the next 5 years.

How This Compares to “Normal” for the Market

Now, focus back on the first graph. The projections call for 2-3.5% price increases in each of the next five years. For context, the average rate of appreciation for the last 25 years was closer to 4-5% annually.

So, while that’s slightly below the historical average, it’s much more sustainable and typical than where the market was in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Back then, prices rose too much, too fast based on record-low supply and record-high demand. Some places even saw prices climb by 15-20%.

So, while it may feel like prices are stalling compared to those pandemic-era surges, what’s really happening is that the market is finally finding balance again.

Why Prices Aren’t Expected To Crash

A lot of the chatter about home prices today is based on that rapid rise and the old saying that what goes up, must come down. But historically, that’s not really true. Home prices almost always rise.

And the main reason we’re not heading for a repeat of 2008 is simple: supply and demand.

Even though affordability challenges have made it harder for some people to buy over the past few years, there still aren’t enough homes for everyone who wants one. And that ongoing shortage is keeping upward pressure on prices nationally. 

That’s why experts across the board can confidently agree: we’re not headed for a price collapse, but for steady, long-term appreciation.

And just in case it’s the economy that’s got you worried, remember this. Over the past 50 years, there have been plenty of economic events that have impacted the market. And one thing that’s consistently been true throughout time is the housing market always recovers. And we’re coming through that turn right now and going into a recovery.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting to buy or sell because you’re worried about a crash, it’s time to look at the data – not the headlines.

The question isn’t if home prices will rise, it’s by how much.

Let’s connect so you know what’s happening in our local market and what these forecasts mean for your next move.


1 in 5 Home Sellers are cutting prices right now

(Published on - 10/18/2025 1:10:28 PM)


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  • Mark Sotir
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  • Realty Executives Midwest (Darien)
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  • Darien, IL 60561

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