Homebuyers gain upper hand in 3 major cities as inventories grow

Three of the nation's largest housing markets are seeing a sharp rise in the number of homes for sale, giving buyers more choices even as the overall U.S. housing market shows signs of cooling.

Homeowners in these states may soon stop paying property taxes

Rising property tax bills and strong state revenues are prompting lawmakers in several states to consider cutting or eliminating property taxes.

Neighbors push back on redevelopment plans for former Mars Candy factory in Galewood
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Residents say the proposed 500-unit housing development could strain the neighborhood and are calling instead for community investment like libraries, youth programs, and local resources.

New report shows suburban office vacancy rates top 32% | ChicagoNOW
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Office spaces in suburban areas are seeing unprecedented vacancies post-pandemic. Chris Cummins breaks down the findings and the potential impact.

Most buyer-friendly housing markets in 2026, according to Zillow

Zillow found certain cities in the Midwest and the Sun Belt will be most buyer-friendly in 2026, because of their prices and less competition. Here’s a look at the list.

Trump distances himself from 401(k) down payment plan for homebuyers

President Donald Trump says he's "not a huge fan" of a proposal that would allow prospective homebuyers to withdraw from their 401(k) retirement accounts for a down payment.

Escrow payments rising nationwide with homeownership less attainable

Rising escrow payments are eating into Americans' budgets. Insurance premiums are driving costs up in several states, with 8% nationwide increase projected for 2026.

These are the best cities for first-time homebuyers in 2026

A new study is listing the best markets for first-time homebuyers based on factors including affordability, availability, amenities and economic health.

Chicago faith leaders protest property tax hikes outside Trump Tower
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Community and religious leaders say soaring property taxes in West and South Side neighborhoods amount to a modern-day land grab, demanding an immediate rollback and freeze as scrutiny grows on Cook County officials.

Map: These are the hottest real estate markets in 2026

Buyers may see a slight upper hand in 2026 as analysts predict a more balanced housing market, but they warn “it’s not off to the races” yet.

Saving for a down payment still a barrier for people looking to buy a home, Realtor.com says

An analysis by Realtor.com is forecasting homeownership in 2026 to be more affordable as mortgage rates decline.  But saving for a down payment is still a barrier for many people looking to buy a home.

White House teases housing affordability plan
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As interest rates stay high, the White House weighs ideas like 50-year and portable mortgages, raising questions about whether fixes for housing affordability could bring unintended consequences.

List: People in these cities moved the most over the last year, data shows

New data reveals which U.S. cities see homeowners on the move the most – and why affordability and inventory are fueling the turnover.

What to expect from the 2026 housing market | ChicagoNOW
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Real estate expert Matt Laricy breaks down 2025 trends and explains how mortgage rates, home prices, and buyer demand could shift in the year ahead.

New UChicago AI tool helps renters spot red glags in their leases — for free | ChicagoLIVE
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LeaseChat is here — a free AI tool built by University of Chicago law students to help renters understand what’s really in their lease. Kimball Dean Parker joined ChicagoLIVE to show how it works: upload your lease, ask questions, learn your local housing laws, and even generate letters to your landlord. And yes, it’s available in English and Spanish.