The Truth About Where Home Prices Are Heading
If you’ve seen headlines warning of a housing market crash, you’re not alone. But before you hit pause on your real estate plans, let’s cut through the noise and talk about what’s really happening, both nationally and right here in Downers Grove and the greater DuPage County area.
Are Home Prices Dropping?
Yes, home prices in some parts of the country have flattened or dipped slightly in 2025 as inventory rises. That’s a typical seasonal shift. And here’s where it gets important: not all markets move at the same pace. Some areas are transitioning faster than others.
In DuPage County, home prices have actually increased by 5.4% over the past year, even as we’ve seen a slight seasonal flattening in the last month. This is in stark contrast to the national narrative and speaks to the strength and desirability of our local market.
What the Experts Say
The latest Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae, which polled over 100 housing experts, shows that home prices are expected to rise steadily over the next five years:
-
Average forecast: 3.3% price growth per year through 2029
-
Optimists: As high as 5% annual growth
-
Even the pessimists: Project 1.3% growth annually
So while there’s variation in the outlook, one thing is consistent: no major national decline is expected. And for many sellers in the western suburbs of Chicago, local market strength outpaces the national average.
What This Means for Sellers in Our Area
If you’ve been considering selling your home in areas like Downers Grove, Woodridge, Naperville, Lisle, Hinsdale, or Glen Ellyn, this is still an opportune time. While the frenzy of the past few years has calmed, the fundamentals remain strong, with buyer demand, limited inventory, and healthy price growth continuing to shape our local market. Homes that are priced right and professionally marketed are still commanding strong offers. Our team has helped sellers take full advantage of this transitional phase by preparing strategically, staging smartly, and listing with intention.
Should You Wait for a Crash?
The reality is that a major drop in prices isn’t likely. With low foreclosure rates, tight lending practices, and record homeowner equity, the market has a strong foundation. If you're holding off for a steep price drop, you might end up missing five years of steady appreciation.
Not all markets are created equal, and some shift faster than others. While national headlines might say one thing, DuPage County tells a very different and more promising story. If you're wondering what all of this means for your home, your timeline, or your goals, The Glover Team is here to provide local insight backed by real data, not clickbait headlines. Let’s schedule a quick conversation or a free home valuation. Because when it comes to real estate, local knowledge is everything, and no one knows Downers Grove and DuPage County better than we do.
