Happy Fourth of July! As many of us spend this long weekend gathering with family and friends, I wanted to wish you a safe and happy holiday. Being a Bostonian, the Fourth was always a big deal growing up — the re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party, Old Ironsides turning in the harbor, the Freedom Trail, the Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell. These days I watch the Pops on TV and fire up the grill. Speaking of which — a few favorite recipes below, then a look at the market.
Favorites From the Grill
Holiday Recipes Worth Trying
- Steve Raichlen's Big Bad Beef Ribs — You need a smoker and patience, but they are absolutely worth it.
- Bobby Flay's Turkey Burger with Smoked Gouda — Juicy, crowd-pleasing, always a hit.
- Guy Fieri's Pimento Cheese Stuffed Burger — A fun twist that always gets people talking.
- Funeral Potatoes — A classic. My friend Cindy always brings these and they disappear first.
- Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad by Steve Raichlen — The perfect summer side.
A Note From Laura
Let me know if you try any of these — I'd love to hear which ones made it into your rotation. Happy eating!
Market Snapshot
What's happening in the market
Based on Redfin's June report, the median sale price for a Chicagoland home increased 0.6% month-over-month to 16,000. Homes that went under contract in April and May are closing now, so we'll likely see values tick higher through July. The number of homes sold rose 3% to 10,921 — a healthy sign of continued activity.
That said, the number of newly listed homes decreased 8.4% to 12,962 in the Chicagoland area. My read: May was likely the peak of the market for 2025. As summer sets in, some buyers are stepping back to vacation and see family, easing competition slightly. This can actually work in your favor — there's still demand, but an increased chance of winning a bid without a bidding war. Inventory remains tight, and the seasonal slowdown is very much in line with what we see every year around this time.
What This Means for You
If you've been on the sidelines waiting for competition to ease, summer can be a smart time to move. I'm also happy to pull data for a specific neighborhood if you'd like a closer look. Just reply or give me a call.
Questions About Your Market?
I'm happy to pull data for a specific neighborhood or talk through how this evolving market affects your plans. Reach out anytime.
