Mark Lojo - Real Estate Broker

06/03/2026

The Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Why Forecasts Changed in 2026

The housing market hasn’t rebounded as quickly as experts originally hoped. But that doesn’t mean it’s stalled.

Higher inflation and lingering economic uncertainty caused economists to revise their forecasts for this year. But importantly, when those two things settle down, many experts believe the market will regain its momentum.

So don’t see this revision in forecasts as a sign of trouble. See it as a temporary reaction to overall conditions and uncertainty.

If you want to know what’s happening in our local market, and what it could mean for your plans for the rest of this year, let’s connect.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone.

06/01/2026

Smaller homes are having a moment.

That’s because affordability is tight and, for many buyers, smaller is what fits the budget. And builders are listening.

Newly built homes have been trending smaller since 2014 – and that’s on purpose.

They're more affordable than larger homes. And many come with built-in community amenities like walking trails, fitness centers, and even co-working spaces, so less space still delivers.

If you've been feeling priced out of bigger homes, a smaller one could fit your budget and your lifestyle. And with brand-new everything, it may not feel like as much of a compromise as you think.

DM me to walk through what's available in our area.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

05/30/2026

Price Cuts Get Bigger the Longer a House Sits Without Offers

Pricing your house high just to “see what happens” can cost you. Buyers today are quick to ignore overpriced homes. And the longer a house sits without any offers, the less it usually sells for. Want to know the right list price for your house to avoid this headache? Let’s chat.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

05/29/2026

A lot of people have been waiting for rates to drop or prices to come down before making a move. But the reality is, sometimes life changes before the market does.
A growing family.
An empty nest.
A new job.
Retirement.
Needing to be closer to loved ones.

Those are the real reasons 1 in 5 buyers last year said they felt like they had to move, no matter the market. Because life doesn't wait for the timing to be perfect.

And if that’s where you are right now, you can still move. You may even have more options than you think. You just need someone who can help you find them.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

05/27/2026

The Truth About Affordability Today

Yes, rates have been volatile, and global instability is keeping them from settling down anytime soon. There’s no sugar coating that. But the full picture of affordability is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

Want to run the real numbers for your situation? Let's talk. Reach out and let's set up a quick, no-pressure conversation.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability.

05/25/2026

You’ve probably heard of the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan. But do you know what it offers?

In a recent survey, 68% of Veterans didn’t know they may be able to buy a home with zero money down. 77% didn’t know PMI isn’t always required.

Many also have no idea they may be able to count their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) as income.

Any of those VA loan benefits could make homeownership more achievable than you realize.

If you’ve served (or know someone who has), get in touch with a trusted lender for more information on VA home loan options and what you may qualify for.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

05/23/2026

Now might be a smart time to look at newly built homes.

Builders are motivated to keep their inventory moving, so they’re offering incentives like mortgage rate buydowns and closing cost help to draw in buyers.

It also means they may be more flexible on price. In fact, the median price for newly built homes just hit a five-year low for this exact reason.

Builder perks and lower prices? That’s a combo worth paying attention to.

DM me to talk through what’s available in our area and which builders are offering the best incentives today.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

05/22/2026

Newly Built Home Prices Hit a 5-Year Low

Builder incentives and lower new home prices are working to your advantage in a way they haven't in years. Want to see what's available in your area and what kind of deal a builder may be willing to make? Let's connect.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

If you’ve always assumed a newly built home is just not in your budget, you should know the math just got a little friendlier.

05/20/2026

More Sellers Are Open to Negotiating Right Now

Wondering if buyers ever catch a break in this market? Look at this. 39% of sellers say they expect to make concessions this year. That’s up from 30% in 2025. So, you may have more room to negotiate than you think. Want to know what you can ask for as a buyer? Let’s chat.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

05/18/2026

The Pricing Mistake That Could Cost You Your Sale

A lot of homeowners think they can list high now and negotiate later, but that’s a mistake that costs them. And it’s the reason only 4 out of every 10 sellers are getting their asking price or more.

If you want to be in that group, it starts with getting the price right from day one.

Let’s connect so we can make sure you are.



Let's chat! 🏠
Mark Lojo REALTOR®,
Accredited Buyer's Representative LLC
773.675.3789
[email protected]

Most sellers come into the market with one number in mind. And it’s often the one that costs them the most.