February 2026 Newsletter

They say the Super Bowl is the unofficial kickoff to spring — and in real estate, it's also the kickoff to the spring market. This year, that timing feels especially fitting. Between Rocket's acquisition of Redfin and the Great American Home Search launching during the Big Game, it's pretty fun to see my "home team" show up in such a big way.

During the Rocket + Redfin Super Bowl commercial, a $1,000,000 home is hidden inside the ad — and the only way to play is through the Redfin app. Here's how it works:

 

• Watch the Big Game
• Use the Redfin app to solve six clues
• Unlock the home before anyone else
• One lucky winner becomes the homeowner

Make sure the Redfin app is downloaded or updated before the game starts. Full details and official rules are available directly in the app. I'd love to hear how far you get!

 

 

The Big Game isn't just a cultural moment — in Chicagoland, it's a real inflection point for real estate. After the holidays settle, pent-up demand starts to surface and multiple-offer situations typically associated with peak spring conditions are already appearing in some neighborhoods.

 

Rates briefly dipped below 6% in late February — a level we haven't seen in some time — which translated to roughly 0,000 more in buying power for the median household compared to a year ago. Chicago home prices rose 6.8% year-over-year to a median of 90,000, and the spring housing market forecast points to a 5–10% increase in available homes as more sellers prepare to list.

 

Buyers who waited for rates to drop significantly are now realizing pandemic-era lows aren't coming back — and the ones moving forward with a clear plan are the ones winning homes. January and February are historically the "secret" months to beat the spring rush before competition peaks.

 

If you're thinking about buying or selling this year — or know someone who is — let's talk now, before the market heats up. And make sure you've got the Redfin app downloaded so you don't miss the contest!