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Buyers Out in Full Force To Start Year

Buyers Out in Full Force To Start Year

  • Sabrina Glover
  • 01/7/26

The Market Just Shifted and Buyers Came Out in Full Force This Week

If you’ve been watching the local real estate market and wondering when more homes are going to come to the market and things would really start moving again, this week delivered a clear answer. Across Downers Grove, Lisle, Naperville, and Westmont, we saw a noticeable and immediate surge in buyer activity, not just online clicks or casual showings, but real demand translating into offers, competition, and decisive action. This wasn’t theoretical. It played out in real time, on real homes, with real buyers.

Clear Signs the Market Took Off Locally

Here’s what we experienced firsthand just this week:

Private Listings Suddenly Exploded with Offers

  • Two homes that had been quietly listed by The Glover Team in private networks for months, one in Downers Grove and one in Lisle, both:

    • Received multiple offers

    • Sold over asking price

    • Had no prior offer activity before this surge

That kind of shift doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when buyer confidence snaps back.

Showings & Waiting Lists Are Back

  • Four additional private listings we’re preparing to bring to market have:

    • Generated heavy showing requests

    • Created agent waitlists before showings even officially began

This is a classic early signal of tightening inventory and rising competition.

Even Luxury Buyers Are Moving

  • Our $2.5M, 5-acre luxury listing in Naperville is seeing:

    • Strong interest

    • Buyers lining up for private tours

High-end activity picking up is often a leading indicator that the broader market is regaining momentum.

71 Offers. One Winner.

  • One of our buyers successfully beat out 70 other offers (yes - 71 total) on a home in Westmont

  • Another buyer secured a home in Downers Grove before it escalated into a multiple-offer situation

This is the return of strategy, timing, and preparation making the difference between winning and missing out. Working with Sabrina and The Glover Team provides you with the best opportunity to win in these type of situations.

Why Buyer Demand Is Rising Right Now

What we’re seeing locally aligns with broader national trends. According to recent data from NerdWallet, more Americans are planning to buy again:

  • Last year: 15% planned to buy within 12 months

  • This year: 17% plan to buy

That 2% increase may sound small, but after years of cooled demand, it’s a meaningful shift. Buyers are no longer sitting on the sidelines — they’re planning, preparing, and re-entering the market.

What Smart Buyers Are Doing Differently Right Now

The buyers having success in today’s market aren’t rushing blindly. They’re preparing early and moving decisively.

Getting Pre-Approved (at the Right Time)

Pre-approval clarifies:

  • Buying power

  • Monthly payment comfort

  • Offer strength in competitive situations

Pro tip: Pre-approvals typically last 30–90 days, so timing matters.

Running the Numbers Honestly

Today’s buyers are:

  • Reviewing current expenses

  • Stress-testing budgets

  • Avoiding overextension

Confidence comes from clarity.

Defining Non-Negotiables Early

Knowing your:

  • Location priorities

  • School districts

  • Commute needs

  • Layout requirements

…makes fast decisions possible when competition heats up.

Choosing the Right Realtor Before the Rush

The right agent does far more than unlock doors:

  • Sets pricing expectations

  • Anticipates competition

  • Builds offer strategies

  • Positions buyers to win without overpaying

In a fast-moving market, experience matters.

Thinking About Buying Later in 2026? Start Now.

Even if your timeline is months away, the buyers who feel the most confident later are the ones quietly preparing now. Low-stress steps that pay off:

  • Improving credit scores

  • Automating savings

  • Boosting income with side work

  • Putting bonuses or tax refunds toward future housing goals

Preparation creates options and leverage.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re:

  • A buyer wondering if you missed your window

  • A homeowner thinking about selling

  • Or someone planning a move later this year or into 2026

One thing is clear:

Momentum has returned and it’s happening locally, right now. The best results aren’t coming from rushing. They’re coming from having a plan, the right guidance, and being ready when opportunity appears. If you want to talk through what this shift means for your goals, buying, selling, or both, now is the time to start that conversation. Reach out to The Glover Team today!

Work With Us

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned buyer/seller, we will guide you through the process explaining the facts of the current market.

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