Martin A Uthe Realtor, atproperties Christie's International Real Estate

Martin A Uthe Realtor, atproperties Christie's International Real Estate Serving the Evanston area since 1998, I’m the REALTOR® you want helping you navigate buying or selling along Chicago’s North Shore.

As a real estate professional with extensive industry knowledge, experience, and local expertise, I can provide you with the guidance and assistance you need to make the best decisions when it comes to buying or selling a property in Evanston. My goal is to help you secure the best deal possible and ensure a smooth and stress-free transaction. If you're in the market for a property in Evanston, I encourage you to explore my website and take advantage of the many features available to you. By creating a free account, you'll unlock a variety of powerful search tools that will help you find the perfect home that meets your unique needs and preferences.

09/28/2026

Cook County Tax Bills Rise for Most Properties
If you’ve been waiting for your Cook County property tax bill, mark September 1st on your calendar—delayed bills are finally set to arrive. This round is bringing increases for most of us: about 1.3 million homeowners across the county, as well as roughly 100,000 business owners, will see higher property taxes this year. As someone who’s spent two decades guiding clients through real estate decisions in Evanston and Chicago, I know how much these changes can weigh on families and local business owners alike. Navigating property taxes is part of understanding your position in the real estate process, whether you’re settling into your first home or managing commercial properties. These shifts are yet another reminder of how vital it is to stay informed and to have a trusted partner when making decisions about your home or investment. I’ve always believed that a strong sense of community—and access to good information—helps us weather changes like these together.

New listings hit a four-year highWe’re seeing a notable shift in the U.S. housing market: new listings have climbed 8%, ...
09/26/2026

New listings hit a four-year high
We’re seeing a notable shift in the U.S. housing market: new listings have climbed 8%, reaching their highest level since August 2022. As someone who’s spent two decades guiding buyers and sellers across Evanston and Chicago, I always pay close attention to these trends. Active listings are moving toward a balanced market, but interestingly, pending sales remain at a low point. Mortgage rates continue to hover at 6.66%, which certainly puts pressure on affordability, even with the median price rising another 2.2%. In moments like this, understanding your position—whether you’re considering a move or weighing your options—can make all the difference. My approach has always been to navigate these changing conditions with fairness, clear analysis, and a steady hand. That’s how I help ensure my clients feel confident as they move forward, whatever the market brings.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/martin-uthe-1/1967133-New-listings-hit-a-four-year-high

Homebuyers Gain Opportunities as Prices Ease in Major US CitiesWe’re seeing a noticeable shift in the national housing m...
09/24/2026

Homebuyers Gain Opportunities as Prices Ease in Major US Cities
We’re seeing a noticeable shift in the national housing market: in August, home prices per square foot fell year-over-year in 36 of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, with the most pronounced drops in cities like Austin, Tampa, and Memphis. Median list prices declined across the Northeast, South, and West, while the Midwest held steady—all influenced by persistently high mortgage rates. As someone who has guided clients through both rising and cooling markets for over two decades here in Evanston and Chicago, these numbers reinforce how essential it is to understand the local context behind national headlines. While broader trends can be instructive, each neighborhood tells its own story. In our community, I continue to see the value of a thoughtful approach—balancing market data with a deep knowledge of Evanston’s unique qualities, from its schools to its sense of community. It’s often in shifting times like these that experience and local insight make all the difference.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/martin-uthe-1/1976703-Homebuyers-Gain-Opportunities-as-Prices-Ease-in-Major-US-Cit

09/23/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
We're seeing a subtle shift in the real estate landscape, and I think it's worth taking a closer look at the numbers. Over the four weeks ending August 23, new listings across the US ticked up 0.4% week over week, with total homes for sale increasing by 0.5%—the highest inventory we've seen since early Q2. Interestingly, pending home sales dropped 1.1% for the week, hitting a six-month low, as elevated housing costs continue to keep many potential buyers waiting on the sidelines, even as more options become available.

The median home-sale price has inched up 1.9% year-over-year, now topping $400,000, while mortgage rates hover near 7%, close to a 13-month high. This combination of rising inventory and tempered demand is putting buyers in a more favorable position to negotiate—price cuts and concessions are more common in many markets. From my experience guiding clients through changing markets, homes that have lingered on the market for several weeks often present the best leverage for buyers, while sellers who price realistically—rather than chasing the highs of prior years—are seeing the best results.

Navigating these shifts takes careful analysis and a clear sense of local trends. I’ve always believed that fairness and collaboration lead to the best possible outcomes, whether you’re buying or selling. If you're weighing your options in Evanston or the greater Chicago area, understanding how these national trends intersect with our local market can make all the difference.

09/22/2026

Stable Mortgage Rates Offer Buyers More Choices in August
August brought a noticeable shift in the housing market, with mortgage rates hovering around 6.7%—a level that put the brakes on the steady growth in pending home sales we’d been seeing for eight months straight. As both a longtime Evanston resident and someone who’s guided buyers and sellers through market ups and downs for over two decades, I know how rates like these can shape local decisions. Median list prices have now declined for the tenth consecutive month, and inventory has edged up a bit. For families weighing their next move or those keeping an eye on their neighborhood’s pulse, it’s clear that a significant drop in rates would be needed to reignite momentum this fall. As always, understanding where you stand in this changing landscape—and what opportunities may be on the horizon—can make all the difference.

09/21/2026

US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion
In my two decades helping folks navigate the Evanston and Chicago real estate markets, I’ve seen how numbers on paper don’t always tell the full story. Recent national data from Q2 2026 highlights this: while US home prices have kept rising in dollar terms, real value is quietly slipping. One federal index didn’t budge month-over-month from mid- to late Q2 after adjusting for the season, and although another national measure showed annual appreciation inching up to about 1.5% by late Q2, that’s still roughly 2 points behind inflation, which hovered near 3.5%. That means, for the 13th month in a row, home values have actually declined when you factor in inflation—though, with inflation easing and prices holding firmer, the erosion has been less severe lately.

It’s worth noting that, since early 2012, at least one federal gauge has recorded positive annual gains every single quarter, underscoring just how resilient nominal prices have been, even as real value faces pressure. As we move into the second half of the year, affordability remains the core concern, especially for first-time buyers. Typical monthly payments on existing single-family homes rose again, making the path to homeownership more challenging for many.

Having spent years guiding buyers and sellers through shifting markets, I know how important it is to look beyond the headlines. Whether you’re considering a move within Evanston or simply want to understand your position, context and careful analysis matter more than ever. As always, I’m here to help you make sense of the numbers—and what they mean for your next step.

09/20/2026

Evanston - Most Affordable Homes of August 2026

Case-Shiller Home Price Index: Home Price Growth Picks Up through JuneAs someone who’s spent decades navigating the ups ...
09/19/2026

Case-Shiller Home Price Index: Home Price Growth Picks Up through June
As someone who’s spent decades navigating the ups and downs of the Chicago and Evanston real estate markets, I always keep a close eye on the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. The most recent numbers show a 1.5% rise in home prices year over year through June, with Chicago outpacing other major cities—a point of local pride for many of us. While these gains are encouraging on the surface, it’s important to recognize that inflation has actually caused real home values to decline, even as nominal prices move upward. With mortgage rates on the rise, future price appreciation may be more subdued. My approach has always been to help clients understand not just where the market stands, but how factors like these shape your options, whether you’re looking to buy or sell. Having built strong relationships across the industry, I’m always here to help you navigate these complex trends and make sure you’re positioned to succeed.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/martin-uthe-1/1947738-Case-Shiller-Home-Price-Index%3A-Home-Price-Growth-Picks-Up-th

09/18/2026

US Mortgage Applications Stall
Lately, I’ve noticed that US mortgage application activity has been holding steady, offering few surprises for buyers or refinancers. Purchase applications have dipped slightly—down 2% on a seasonally adjusted basis, and 3% unadjusted. Refinancing activity has provided only a modest lift, with a 2% uptick and a refinance share sitting at about 42%. It’s interesting to note that those seeking larger loans remain on the sidelines, likely weighing affordability concerns and economic uncertainty.

For many in our Evanston and Chicago communities, this translates into a period where patience is essential. With the 30-year conforming rate hovering close to 7% and no central bank rate cuts expected until at least 2026, buyers are carefully considering their next steps. VA applications are showing a bit of resilience, reaching a 12.6% share, which is a positive note for some.

Having guided clients through changing markets for over two decades, I see how these shifts can influence timing and decision-making. My approach remains the same: ensuring my clients have clarity on their position, and that each side feels the process is fair. As always, I’m here to help you navigate these moments with insight and a steady hand.

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1821 Benson Avenue
Evanston, IL
60201

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