UPDATED 2019
I check the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) several times a day for real estate updates in Winnetka, 
Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Northfield, and Glenview. Every time I do, there are several homes that are being listed or have gone under contract. Today is October 9 and Halloween is looming but real estate chugs along.
Why should you list your house now?
Maybe beause you have to - you've been relocated or you have decided another Chicago winter is not in your future. People must and do move almost every day of the year.
The good news is that fewer new homes are being listed right now - everyone else is waiting for the magical "Spring" market. True, there are more buyers looking in spring, but there is also more competiton to your home. Listing your home off-season may mean fewer buyers - but those buyers are very much more motivated and ready to move.
If the holidays are very special to you, you do have the option of removing the house from the market for several weeks. But do keep in mind that many others also love the holidays and are still in need of a house.
Why should you buy a house now?
Essentially, for the same reasons. There is less to choose from but there is also less competition. That means the chances of getting into a multipe-offer situation is considerably lowered. You are the STAR of the show and sellers are anxious to hear from you. No doubt, better deals are to be found in the fall or winter unless it's a strong seller's market, which we don't currently have in Winnetka and the North Shore.
Conclusion
If you have flexibility, you can list and sell your home anytime. Choosing to wait until spring when the market is the hottest is certainly a good strategy. However, if your circumstances are such that you must, or would prefer, to move now, don't let the time of year deter you. Buyers and sellers are consummating deals every day of the year (I negotiated once on New Year's Eve - stuff happens!)
Autumn and winter have their own ambience - embrace it and make it work for you.
While you're here, please see ALL NORTH SHORE HOMES FOR SALE
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Margaret Goss is a full-time real estate broker since 1998 working in the North Shore communities of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Northfield, Glenview, and Evanston.
She can be reached at:
Phone: 847-977-6024
Email: margaret.goss@bairdwarner.com
See her full BIOGRAPHY
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