The Case-Shiller Chicago Condo Index for December was 147.5, up 1.6% from December 2017. The increase wasn’t as strong as in 2017 when it gained 4.3% for the year.
It was down 0.5% from November. The condo index typically falls from November to December as activity slows.
The Case-Shiller Condo Index for Chicago is based on resales of condos in the Chicago Metro Area. It’s published with a 2 month lag.
The Chicago Case-Shiller Index for December was 142.5, up 3.0% from December 2017. Its increase was better than in 2017 when it rose 2.5% for the year.
The Case-Shiller Index for Chicago is based on resales of single-family homes (houses) in the Chicago Metro Area. It’s also published with a 2 month lag.
The Chicago Condo Index has outperformed Chicago’s house index for over 4 years now. It rose above the house index in December 2014 and has stayed above every month since. It’s currently 3.5% above the index for houses.
The Case-Shiller Chicago Indices reported here are part of the Standard & Poors Corelogic Case-Shiller Chicago Home Price NSA Index. Instead of calculating a median sale price the indices use a repeat sales method. It analyzes sales data for properties with 2 or more recorded sales transactions. Sales between family members, properties with significant physical changes and sales data that appear to be erroneous are eliminated.
One of the benefits of the repeat sales method is that large new condo development closings have no impact as they do for the median sale price statistic. When a large condo development starts closing the sale of their units there might be several in the same month. In the past few years new condo developments in Chicago have also tended to cater to higher price markets. Thus, when these developments start closing the sale of their units it pushes the median sale price higher which might not reflect the overall condo market.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BUYERS
The winter season is a great time to buy as there is less competition. However, you should still be ready to buy when you find a home you want as there could be competing offers. If you will be getting a mortgage, get your mortgage pre-approval before you start seeing homes. If you’re paying cash, get a proof of funds letter from your accountant or banker ready.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SELLERS
If your home is priced competitively when it goes on market, it should sell within a few months. Luxury homes do take longer. Competitive pricing is a must in the slower winter searson. Most buyers have to finance their purchase. Your home will need to appraise for at least sale price for financing to be approved. The appraised value is primarily determined by recent comparable sales for the past 6 months. If you’re considering selling your home, get our free home valuation.
Fran Bailey specializes in downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park and Lake View condos, co-op apartments and houses. She has shared home buying and selling advice since 2006 and written about over 130 Chicago high rises. To schedule showings for any listings, get a 
