What 26 Home Sales Taught Me About This Year's Market

What 26 Home Sales Taught Me About This Year's Market

I closed 26 transactions in the first half of 2026. I'm grateful for every buyer and seller who trusted me with a decision that big, but the number itself isn't really the point. What mattered more was what those 26 deals had in common, and what they taught me about where this market actually stands right now.

Buyers Are Gaining Negotiating Power, But Only If They Use It

One thing I've seen over and over this year is that the highest offer doesn't always win. Strong terms, good communication, and the right strategy can make just as much difference as price. Buyers who understand that are in a better position than buyers who assume the biggest number automatically wins.

Pricing Matters More Than Ever

The first couple of weeks on the market are a seller's biggest opportunity. Once a home sits too long because it's overpriced, it becomes much harder to regain momentum, even after a price reduction. Buyers notice how long a home has been sitting, and it changes how they approach an offer.

Home Inspections Are Still One of the Most Important Parts of the Process

This year alone, I've seen hidden plumbing issues, attic mold, and water intrusion turn up during inspections. Knowing what to negotiate, what to let go of, and when to walk away can save buyers thousands of dollars. An inspection isn't a formality. It's often where the real decisions get made.

Good Communication Closes Deals

Some of the smoothest transactions I had this year weren't smooth because everything went perfectly. They went smoothly because everyone stayed in communication, solved problems quickly, and stayed ahead of deadlines. The deals that got difficult were usually the ones where communication broke down somewhere along the way.

Every Home Has a Story

I've shown beautiful homes that weren't the right investment, and homes that needed work but turned out to be incredible opportunities. The goal was never finding a perfect house. It's understanding what can be fixed, what can't, and whether a home actually makes sense for a buyer's goals.

What This Means If You're Buying or Selling

The best outcomes rarely happen by accident. They happen because of good strategy, good communication, and good preparation, and that held true across all 26 of these transactions this year. That's why I spend so much time educating my clients, building a strategy around their specific goals, and helping them make confident decisions instead of guessing.

Whether you're buying your first home, selling your current one, or just trying to understand what's happening in the Morris, Minooka, Shorewood, and surrounding areas real estate market, I hope these insights help you make more informed decisions going forward.

If buying or selling has been on your mind, or you're wondering what today's market means for your specific situation, I'd love to help you think it through.

Let's connect or send me a message anytime or or call/text me at 815-693-5757.

I work with buyers and sellers across Morris, Plainfield, Minooka, Channahon, Coal City, and all of Grundy County and surrounding areas.

– Christy Schmaedeke 🐾