Mary McIntire Petri with EXIT Strategy Realty: Real Estate Agent

Mary McIntire Petri with EXIT Strategy Realty: Real Estate Agent Mary McIntire Petri has helped buyers, sellers, and investors empower their lives through property f

09/24/2026

Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
Lately, I’ve noticed more buyers and sellers feeling stuck—and I hear it in every conversation. Higher mortgage rates are making buyers second-guess moving forward, as those monthly payments just aren’t easy to swallow. It’s no surprise that pending sales are losing momentum; not as many house-hunters are ready to make offers. On the other hand, many homeowners are hanging onto their current homes because their existing mortgages are so affordable, keeping potential listings off the market. This creates a real stalemate: buyers hoping for better payments, sellers hesitant to give up low rates, and fewer deals happening all around. Navigating this kind of market takes a thoughtful approach and a big-picture perspective—whether you’re hoping to buy on a budget or sell for top dollar. I’ve always believed that listening closely and matching each client’s needs to the right opportunity makes all the difference, especially when the market isn’t making it easy.

09/23/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
It’s an interesting time in real estate: in the four weeks ending August 23, we saw new listings in the US tick up by 0.4% weekly, with total homes for sale rising 0.5%—bringing inventory to its highest point since early Q2. But even with more options on the market, pending home sales slipped by 1.1% weekly, hitting a six-month low. High housing costs are still keeping many buyers on the sidelines, even as inventory improves across the country. The median home-sale price is up 1.9% year-over-year, now above $400K, and average mortgage rates are hovering around 7%, near a 13-month high.

For those actively shopping, rising inventory and softer demand have started to tilt things in your favor. Buyers are finding more opportunities to negotiate—especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. Sellers are having better success when they set realistic prices rather than chasing numbers from previous years.

Listening to my clients’ needs—whether they’re buyers looking for the right fit within budget or sellers hoping to maximize their return—remains my top priority. Navigating a changing market is all about having the right guidance and realistic expectations. Reputation and referrals are everything in this business, and I’m always here to help you see the big picture.

09/22/2026

Housing demand has slowed, but still stable for now
As someone who sees real estate as a matchmaking process, I’ve noticed that while housing demand has cooled a bit, we’re still seeing stability thanks to mortgage rates staying under 7% into 2026. This means buyers and sellers aren’t facing big surprises, but growth is mostly flat or dipping slightly. Inventory has been ticking up and more price cuts are coming through, which is something I watch closely for clients looking to get the best value—whether you’re buying or selling. With yields and risks on the rise, we might see interest rates climb, potentially leading to small drops in sales and mortgage applications. Every market shift is a new puzzle, and my priority is always to help clients navigate these changes with the right information and resources. It’s all about fitting the pieces together so your next move is the right one.

09/21/2026

US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion
Navigating today’s real estate market means looking past headlines and understanding what’s really happening with home values. In Q2 2026, prices kept rising on paper, but when you factor in inflation, the real value of homes actually declined for the 13th month in a row—even as nominal prices stayed resilient, with one federal index showing positive appreciation since early 2012. The national index reported about 1.5% annual growth by late Q2, up from 1% mid-quarter, but still lagging inflation, which hovered around 3.5%. For buyers, especially those entering the market for the first time, affordability remains a real challenge—monthly payments on single-family homes continue to climb, making it more important than ever to look at the full picture before making a move. My approach is all about listening and matching each client’s needs, whether you’re searching for your first home or weighing the best way to maximize your sale. It’s all about finding the right fit—and making sure you have every resource and piece of information you need to make a confident decision.

Chicago Home Prices Rise as Fewer Homes Hit the MarketAs someone who’s always focused on helping clients navigate Chicag...
09/20/2026

Chicago Home Prices Rise as Fewer Homes Hit the Market
As someone who’s always focused on helping clients navigate Chicago’s unique real estate landscape, I’ve noticed some telling shifts this season. Active listings in our city dropped by 6%, and new listings are down 7.5%. With fewer homes available, median list prices have climbed 5.4% to $395,000. Homes are also selling more quickly—averaging just 36 days on the market—and sellers are having to make fewer price cuts than we’re seeing nationally. For both buyers and sellers, these trends underscore how important it is to have a strategy tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. My approach has always been to listen closely and match people to the right opportunities, even when the market is moving fast. Whether you’re looking to maximize value or find the right fit within your budget, understanding these shifts can make all the difference.
http://www.myteam4you.com/agent-news/petri-mary/1969481-Chicago-Home-Prices-Rise-as-Fewer-Homes-Hit-the-Market

Smart Tips to Save Thousands on Metro MortgagesIt’s surprising how much extra many homebuyers end up paying on their mor...
09/19/2026

Smart Tips to Save Thousands on Metro Mortgages
It’s surprising how much extra many homebuyers end up paying on their mortgages—on average, $3,300 a year in added interest and fees, and for those in coastal metros, that number can soar to $8,100 annually. More than 80% of borrowers face these higher costs because they don’t take the time to shop around with different lenders. Simply comparing mortgage quotes can make a big difference and potentially save thousands every year. When I work with buyers, I always encourage a thorough look at every option, making sure your needs and budget are respected so you’re not leaving money on the table. My goal is to make sure you’re matched not just with a home, but with the smartest financial solution for your situation. Listening closely and sharing these kinds of insights is just one way I look out for clients—because reputation is everything in real estate, and referrals mean more than any quick sale.
http://www.myteam4you.com/agent-news/petri-mary/1959549-Smart-Tips-to-Save-Thousands-on-Metro-Mortgages

09/18/2026

Huge price reduction! Wonderful, updated ranch-style townhome with 3 bedrooms,1 bath an in-unit laundry, 1 car garage, patio and more. Great location just minutes from major highways for an easy commute. Spacious room sizes and closets. Great for Live in Owner or Cash Flow Investment.

July Home Sales Remain Strong Despite Market AdjustmentAs someone who keeps a close eye on the real estate landscape for...
09/18/2026

July Home Sales Remain Strong Despite Market Adjustment
As someone who keeps a close eye on the real estate landscape for my clients, I noticed that sales of new single-family homes took a notable dip in July, down 10.5% to a 607,000 annual rate. That's also a 6.3% decrease compared to last year. Inventory actually increased to 488,000 units, while the median price edged down by 2.3% to $393,800. Interestingly, the Northeast bucked the trend with a rise in sales, while other regions saw declines. For both buyers and sellers, these shifts can mean new opportunities—and challenges. My approach is always to listen carefully and guide clients through changes like these, whether it’s matching buyers to the right fit or helping sellers see the big picture. Staying informed is just one of the ways I make sure your needs come first.
http://www.myteam4you.com/agent-news/petri-mary/1949013-July-Home-Sales-Remain-Strong-Despite-Market-Adjustment

09/17/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
Lately, I've noticed a subtle but important shift in our real estate market—one that may open new opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Over the four weeks ending August 23, we saw a 0.4% weekly increase in new US listings and a 0.5% rise in the total number of homes for sale. That’s the highest inventory we've had since early in Q2. At the same time, pending home sales dipped by 1.1% to a six-month low, as high housing costs continue to keep many buyers on the sidelines, even with more homes becoming available across the country.

The median sale price for US homes rose 1.9% year-over-year, now topping $400,000, while average mortgage rates hovered near 7%—the highest in over a year. This combination of rising inventory and softer demand is leading to more buyer-friendly conditions in many markets. For those actively searching, there’s more room to negotiate on price or ask for concessions, especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. Sellers who approach pricing realistically—rather than holding out for last year’s highs—are the ones seeing the best results.

I always focus on listening closely to what my clients need, whether you’re hoping to buy within your budget or position your property for maximum return. Navigating these changes takes experience and a thoughtful approach. As always, I’m here to make sure you receive the attention and resources you deserve, no matter what side of the transaction you’re on.

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Chicago, IL

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+17735906500

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