Evanston Market Snapshot: October 2026

The latest Evanston housing numbers are a good reminder that one citywide median never tells the whole story. Prices look nearly flat year over year, but price per square foot is up, more than half of homes are selling above asking, and buyers are still competing for the best listings. Here’s what the October 2026 market looks like — and what I think buyers and sellers should take from it. Read more here: https://www.willtveit.com/evanston-real-estate-market-update-october-2026

Condo Financing Changes: What Chicago and Evanston Buyers Should Know

When buyers think about qualifying for a mortgage, they usually focus on their own finances: income, credit, down payment, debt, and interest rates. With a condominium, however, the building itself can also affect financing. A financially qualified buyer may still encounter lending issues if the condominium association does not meet a lender's requirements. Reserves, insurance, deferred maintenance, special assessments, litigation, and other association matters can all affect whether conventional financing is available for a particular unit. Read full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/condo-financing-changes-chicago-evanston

Renting vs. Buying in Chicago | What Newcomers Should Know

Moving to Chicago often starts with one big question: Should I rent first, or buy right away? There isn’t one right answer, but there are a few Chicago-specific factors that can make the decision easier. Read full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/renting-vs-buying-in-chicago

What Is Your Home Really Worth? How to Price Your Home for Sale

The honest answer is that no online estimate, neighborhood average, or recent sale can determine your home's value on its own. A realistic price requires looking at the property, recent comparable sales, current competition, and what buyers are willing to pay now. That is true whether you own a single-family home, condominium, townhome, or small multi-unit property in Evanston, Chicago, or the North Shore. Online estimates can be a useful starting point, but they have not walked through your home. They may not know that you renovated the kitchen, replaced the roof, added a bathroom, or have a much better view than another unit in the same building. They may also miss condition issues that a buyer will notice immediately. If you are wondering what your home is worth, the details matter. Read full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/what-is-my-home-worth-evanston-chicago

Moving to Chicago for Work? A New Resident’s Relocation Checklist

Moving to Chicago for a new job can be exciting, but the practical details can pile up quickly. Beyond choosing the right neighborhood and home, new residents need to navigate transportation, vehicle requirements, utilities, parking, moving logistics, housing costs, and the everyday services that make a new city feel like home. Whether you are relocating for Google’s new Chicago office at the Thompson Center, another downtown employer, or a position elsewhere in the Chicago area, this practical checklist can help you get organized. Read full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/moving-to-chicago-relocation-checklist

What Is My Home Worth?

The honest answer is that no online estimate, neighborhood average, or recent sale can determine your home's value by itself. A realistic price requires looking at the property, recent comparable sales, current competition, and what buyers are willing to pay now. That is true whether you own a single-family home, condominium, townhome or small multi-unit property in Evanston, Chicago or the North Shore. Online estimates can be a useful starting point, but they have not walked through your home. They may not know that you renovated the kitchen, replaced the roof, added a bathroom, or that your unit has a much better view than another one in the building. They may also miss condition issues that a buyer will notice immediately. If you are wondering what your home is worth, the details matter. Read the full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/what-is-my-home-worth

Where Should You Live Near Google’s New Chicago Office?

Google’s move into its new Chicago office at the redeveloped Thompson Center is expected to bring roughly 2,000 employees into the heart of downtown Chicago, creating new interest in neighborhoods with convenient access to the Loop. Google is expected to begin moving employees into the Thompson Center in 2027. The building sits at 100 W. Randolph Street and offers exceptional public transportation access, including six CTA ‘L’ lines serving Clark/Lake. Are you relocating to Chicago to work at Google’s new Thompson Center office—or taking a position with another downtown employer? One of your first big decisions may be where to live. But working downtown does not mean you have to live downtown. With the Thompson Center in one of Chicago's most transit-connected locations, employees relocating to the city can realistically consider a wide range of neighborhoods based on budget, lifestyle, commute preferences, and the type of home they want. Read full article here: https://www.willtveit.com/google-chicago-thompson-center-relocation