Is now the right time to buy or sell in Schaumburg? If you are watching prices jump on one listing and sit on another, you are not alone. The key is knowing how inventory, prices, and timing work together in this market. In this guide, you will learn the metrics that matter, where to find current numbers, the seasonal patterns in Schaumburg, and how to use all of it to your advantage. Let’s dive in.
Last updated: November 30, 2025
Key market metrics to watch
Median sale price
Median sale price is the midpoint of closed sales in a given period, so half of the homes sold for more and half for less. It is preferred over the average because a single luxury sale does not skew it as much. Always note whether you are looking at single-family homes or condos and townhomes, since they move differently.
To spot trends, compare the last 3 months with the last 12 months. If the 3-month median is rising faster than the 12-month trend, momentum is building.
Months of supply (inventory)
Months of supply estimates how long it would take to sell the current active listings at the recent sales pace. It is calculated as active listings divided by average monthly closed sales for the same window. As a rule of thumb:
- Under 3 months = seller’s market, low inventory and upward pressure on prices.
- 3 to 6 months = balanced conditions.
- Over 6 months = buyer’s market, more leverage for buyers.
State which window you are using, such as the trailing 3 months or 12 months, for consistent comparisons.
Days on market (DOM)
DOM counts the days from when a listing goes public to when it goes under contract. Use the median DOM to avoid skew from outliers. MLS systems sometimes track both listing DOM and cumulative DOM if a property is re-listed, so clarify which you are viewing.
Short DOM signals strong demand. Longer DOM often points to opportunity for negotiation.
New, pending, and closed sales
These show the flow of the market. New listings measure fresh supply. Pending sales show homes under contract now, which is a near-term demand signal. Closed sales confirm what actually sold and at what pace.
Track these in 30-, 90-, and 365-day views to see seasonality and momentum.
Active inventory
Active inventory is the number of properties for sale at a given moment. Make sure you know whether contingent listings are included. In tight markets, small changes in active inventory can shift leverage quickly.
Price per square foot
This is the sold price divided by finished living area. It helps compare neighborhoods or property types at a glance. Remember that price per square foot can be influenced by the mix of condos versus single-family homes and by unique features not captured in square footage.
List-to-sale price ratio
This measures how close the final sale price is to the last list price. A ratio above 100 percent suggests frequent bidding above list. Note that price reductions before a sale will affect this number.
For definitions and best practices, you can review resources from the National Association of REALTORS and statewide trends published by Illinois REALTORS.
Where to get current Schaumburg numbers
- MLS data: The Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) MLS is the most precise local source. Agents can pull Schaumburg by municipal boundary, filter by property type, and report 30-, 90-, and 365-day windows. Ask for both single-family and condo/townhome breakouts.
- State and national context: Use Illinois REALTORS for statewide updates and National Association of REALTORS for methodology and national context.
- Mortgage rates: Rates shape monthly payments and demand. Watch the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey for weekly trends.
- Local development: Commercial openings, infrastructure work, and zoning updates can affect demand. Check the Village of Schaumburg for local news.
- Property records: Confirmed sale records and parcel details are available with the Cook County Assessor.
- Schools: School-year timing matters for many buyers. For calendars and district updates, visit Schaumburg Township High School District 211 and Schaumburg School District 54. Use this information neutrally to plan timing.
Important note on geography: Public data portals sometimes define “Schaumburg” by ZIP codes, which can cross municipal lines. MLS queries by the village boundary are more precise.
Seasonality in Schaumburg
Schaumburg and the northwest suburbs follow a clear seasonal rhythm.
- Spring, March through June: This is the busiest time for new listings and buyer tours. Many sellers list in late winter to aim for April and May closings. Prices often peak in late spring when inventory is still tight.
- Summer, June through August: Activity continues, though some weeks slow during vacations. Families often push to move before the school year, so late summer can bring motivated buyers.
- Fall, September through November: Fewer new listings hit the market. DOM tends to rise, and price adjustments become more common.
- Winter, December through February: Inventory and showing activity are lowest. Motivated buyers and sellers still transact, with less competition on both sides.
Local drivers support steady demand. Woodfield Mall and nearby corporate offices provide jobs. Access to I‑90 and I‑290, plus Metra connections in neighboring communities, supports commuting. School calendars in District 54 and District 211 influence listing and closing timelines for many household moves.
What the numbers mean for sellers
Your strategy should track months of supply and DOM at the moment you plan to list.
If months of supply is under 3
- Price competitively to attract multiple offers in the first week.
- Use professional staging and photography to maximize exposure.
- Prepare for clean terms and potentially shorter inspection windows where appropriate.
If months of supply is 3 to 6
- Price to the recent 90-day comps and spotlight upgrades.
- Keep showings flexible to capture weekend and evening traffic.
- Expect normal negotiation on price and repairs.
If months of supply is over 6
- Consider strategic price adjustments and small pre-list repairs.
- Offer incentives like closing cost credits if needed.
- If your timeline allows, explore leasing as a bridge option until conditions improve.
Timing tip: If you are seeking the widest buyer pool, aim for late winter to early spring. If active inventory spikes or rates rise sharply, the seasonal advantage can soften, so check live numbers before you launch.
What the numbers mean for buyers
Your approach should align with months of supply, DOM, and rate trends.
In fast markets
- Get fully underwritten pre-approval and proof of funds ready.
- Tour early, write clean offers, and tailor contingencies to your risk tolerance.
- Consider escalation language if the property is likely to draw multiple offers.
In balanced conditions
- Compare recent comps and negotiate on both price and repairs.
- Use inspection, financing, and appraisal contingencies thoughtfully.
In slower markets
- Take time to compare options and negotiate concessions.
- Ask about seller credits for rate buydowns or closing costs.
Timing tip: Late fall and winter can offer less competition and more room to negotiate, especially if months of supply rises above 6.
Condos vs single-family, at a glance
Schaumburg offers a mix of single-family neighborhoods and condo or townhome communities. Condos and townhomes often show higher turnover and shorter DOM compared with single-family homes, which can change your pricing and offer strategy. Price per square foot is useful for quick cross-community checks, but always adjust for amenities, assessments, parking, and renovation quality.
If you are comparing areas close to Woodfield or along major routes to the quieter residential edges, expect different DOM and pricing patterns. Ask for side-by-side stats when you focus your search.
Rates and affordability: what to watch
Mortgage rates affect monthly payments and buyer activity. When rates fall, more buyers can qualify, and demand tends to rise. When rates rise, affordability tightens and the pace can cool. Review the weekly Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey to track direction and pair it with current Schaumburg months of supply.
A rising median price with falling supply is a sign of acceleration. A flat or declining median with rising inventory suggests buyers are gaining leverage.
How we calculate and update this
- Data windows: We recommend three side-by-side views, the last 30 days, the last 90 days, and the last 12 months. This helps you see both short-term shifts and longer trends.
- Property types: Always separate single-family from condos and townhomes for clearer insights.
- Months of supply formula: Active listings divided by the average monthly closed sales for the same period. For example, use active listings as of month end, divided by the average monthly closings for the last 3 months.
- DOM: Use median DOM on closed sales for a 90-day or 12-month window and note whether the figure is MLS DOM or cumulative.
We refresh headline metrics monthly and recommend you do the same for your decision timeline. For public methodology, see the National Association of REALTORS. For statewide context and timely commentary, use Illinois REALTORS. For local development news that can influence demand, check the Village of Schaumburg. For sale verification and parcel details, consult the Cook County Assessor.
Get a custom market read
If you want a clear, neighborhood-level view by price band and property type, request a custom report with live MLS stats and next-step advice. Whether you are listing or buying, you will get staging and marketing strategy, targeted search alerts, and negotiation plans that match your timeline and risk comfort. Ready to make a confident move in Schaumburg? Talk to Bree DiMucci.
FAQs
What is months of supply in real estate, and why does it matter in Schaumburg?
- Months of supply is active listings divided by the average monthly number of homes sold, which shows whether sellers or buyers have more leverage at current speeds.
How do mortgage rates affect Schaumburg home prices and timing?
- Rising rates reduce affordability and can slow demand, while falling rates can boost buyer activity, so watch the weekly trend from the Freddie Mac rate survey.
When is the best time to list a home in Schaumburg?
- Late winter through spring usually brings the largest buyer pool, but check current months of supply and DOM before listing to confirm conditions favor you.
Do condos sell faster than single-family homes in Schaumburg?
- Condos and townhomes often show shorter DOM due to higher turnover, but results vary by community, price band, and condition.
How long does it take to sell a home in Schaumburg?
- In faster markets, well-prepared listings can go under contract within 1 to 2 weeks; in slower seasons or higher supply, expect more time and possible price adjustments.
Where can I find reliable Schaumburg housing data?
- Ask your agent for MLS reports filtered to the village boundary, review statewide updates from Illinois REALTORS, and track mortgage rates through Freddie Mac PMMS.
