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Chicago Home Prices Are Taking Off: What Today's Market Means for Buyers and Sellers
The Chicagoland housing market continues to gain altitude. Recent data shows Chicago-area home prices have increased approximately 7.7% year-over-year, ranking among the strongest price gains in the nation. Despite higher mortgage rates than buyers saw a few years ago, demand remains strong throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, while inventory continues to lag behind historical norms. From Lakeview and Lincoln Park to Naperville, Orland Park, Frankfort, Arlington He
trevordhughes
Jun 253 min read


Why Home Staging Isn't Decorating: The Paper Plane Realty Approach to Selling for More
When most homeowners hear the term "home staging," they picture expensive furniture rentals, professional designers, and spending thousands of dollars to make their house look like something out of a magazine. The truth is, staging isn't about decorating. At Paper Plane Realty, we view staging as one of the most important marketing tools available to a seller. The goal isn't to create a perfect home—it's to create a home that buyers can easily picture themselves living in. To
trevordhughes
Jun 13 min read


✈️ The 5 Chicago Neighborhoods Where Buyers Are Winning Right Now - By Trevor Hughes | Paper Plane Realty | May 2026
✈️ The 5 Chicago Neighborhoods Where Buyers Are Winning Right Now By Trevor Hughes | Paper Plane Realty | May 2026 Let's be honest — the Chicagoland market right now can feel like a turbulent flight. In some neighborhoods, buyers are getting tossed around in bidding war after bidding war, overpaying just to land somewhere. In others? The runway is clear, conditions are favorable, and smart buyers are closing with room to breathe. At Paper Plane Realty, we track this market ev
trevordhughes
May 64 min read


The Market Is Taking Flight—Here’s What to Know
The Chicagoland real estate market is officially waking up—and it’s bringing some energy with it. If you’ve been thinking about making a move, this is the time to start paying attention. 📊 What’s Happening Right Now Inventory is still tight, but demand is picking up fast. In many neighborhoods, we’re seeing 20–30% fewer homes available than what’s typical for this time of year. That imbalance is keeping prices strong and creating competition—especially for updated, move-in
trevordhughes
Mar 311 min read


How to Win a Multiple Offer Situation as a Buyer in the Chicagoland Real Estate Market
A Guide from Paper Plane Realty The Chicagoland real estate market continues to be highly competitive for buyers. In many neighborhoods throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, well-priced homes often receive multiple offers within days of hitting the market . For buyers, this can feel stressful and discouraging. You finally find the right home, submit an offer, and then learn that several other buyers are competing for the same property. At Paper Plane Realty , we he
trevordhughes
Mar 94 min read
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