Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
❓Summer 2025 Real Estate Q&A: What Buyers and Sellers Are Asking Right Now in Central IL
The Central Illinois real estate market is buzzing this summer—and with that comes a flood of questions from both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re just dipping a toe in or actively preparing for a move, there’s a good chance you’ve asked yourself at least one of the following:
“Is now a good time to buy?”
“Should I wait to list until fall?”
“What if interest rates change again?”
“How competitive is the market in my town?”
You’re not alone. I hear these questions every day from clients across Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties, and after helping more than 1,000 buyers and sellers in this area, I can confidently say this:
There are no one-size-fits-all answers—but there are smart strategies for every situation.
Here are the most common questions I’m getting this summer—and my no-nonsense answers to each.
🏡 “Is it still a seller’s market in Central IL?”
Yes, but it’s shifting slightly. We’re still seeing strong buyer activity, especially in the $175K–$350K range, but the frenzy of 2022 and early 2023 has cooled. Homes that are priced correctly and presented well are still selling quickly—sometimes with multiple offers.
But homes that are overpriced, outdated, or poorly marketed? They’re sitting.
If you want to win as a seller this summer, your listing needs:
-
Strategic pricing
-
Professional photos
-
Smart marketing
-
A strong agent who knows how to negotiate (👋)
💰 “Should I wait for home prices to go up more before I sell?”
Short answer: probably not.
Prices in many areas like Dunlap, Washington, Metamora, and Germantown Hills have already climbed significantly in the last few years. We’re now seeing a plateau in pricing—which means waiting could mean missing the top of the market.
Plus, with more homes expected to hit the market this fall, your home might face more competition later in the year.
🧠 “Is it crazy to buy with interest rates in the 6s?”
Not at all. In fact, this mindset is holding back a lot of buyers who could be building equity right now.
While rates are higher than they were in 2021, they’re still historically reasonable. If you’re financially ready and planning to stay in your home for at least 5 years, buying now could actually work in your favor—especially since you can always refinance later if rates drop.
And let’s not forget: The cost of waiting is often higher than the cost of today’s rate.
🔁 “How do I buy and sell at the same time without going crazy?”
This one’s personal for a lot of folks—and I get it. Juggling two major transactions is no joke.
But I’ve helped dozens of clients in Central IL successfully sell their current home and buy their next—sometimes even closing both on the same day.
It’s all about:
-
Prepping your home before you start touring others
-
Getting pre-approved early
-
Understanding contingencies and post-close possession options
-
Working with an agent (yours truly) who knows how to align both timelines without dropping the ball
🧭 “What’s the smartest move I can make right now?”
For sellers: Start prepping your home—even if you’re not planning to list until August or September. We can discuss timing, value, and what updates (if any) will give you the most return.
For buyers: Get pre-approved, get clear on your budget, and start watching neighborhoods. The more prepared you are, the faster you can move when the right property hits.
And for anyone unsure where they stand: Let’s have a 15-minute strategy call. I’ll give you real answers based on the market today—not a generic headline from six months ago.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re actively buying, casually browsing, or thinking about selling in the next few months, I’m here to help you cut through the noise and make confident decisions.
📞 309-200-5480
🌐 CallDuvall.com
#CallDuvall #JimMaloofRealtor #PeoriaRealEstate #CentralILHomes #RealEstateAdvice #SummerRealEstate2025 #BuySellInvest #TazewellCounty #WoodfordCountyRealEstate #AskJack
