McKenzie Q3 2025 Fall Newsletter (8.5 × 11 in)

FALL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Illustrated by Wendy Fessler & Courtesy of The Wilmette Hisorical Museum

COMPASS:

568 Lincoln Avenue Winnetka, Illinois 60093.

CONTENTS TABLE OF

Wilmette History Museum

Team Letter

This quarter, we’re shining a spotlight on the Wilmette History Museum and had the pleasure of interviewing its Director, Rachel Ramirez. We’re fortunate to have such a rich local resource preserving the stories of our community, thanks to the dedication of those working behind the scenes.

Overview quarter's newsletter highlighting the market along with other real estate and local news. of this

Smart Home Investmenst

Every year we like to share the most recent cost vs value report published by JLC, Journal of Light Construction.

Wilmette Spotlight

Market Recap 08

Spotlighting some of our favorite local shops—both a longtime staple and exciting new finds we’re loving right now.

Ryan Skaggs of Neighborhood Loans shares expert tips on crafting a winning offer in today’s highly competitive North Shore seller’s market.

Local Stats & Neighborhood Sales Sharing the most recent neighborhood sales for the past quarter, to keep you up to date with the latest activity in our local real estate market.

Local Data Points

The ongoing inventory shortage continues to dominate our local real estate market, but this may shift in the coming months. We'll also delve into the most recent hyperlocal market data.

HELLO FALL!

As the seasons turn and the crispness of fall sets in, we’re reminded why life on the North Shore feels so special. Autumn brings not only vibrant colors and cooler evenings but also an opportunity to reflect on our community and all it has to offer. In this edition of our newsletter, we’re excited to share both local stories and a fresh look at the real estate market shaping Wilmette and the surrounding area. One highlight we’re thrilled to showcase is the Wilmette Historical Museum, a true neighborhood treasure. The museum preserves and celebrates the history of our community, and its current exhibits are especially engaging. The centerpiece explores the story of the Ouilmette family, whose legacy shaped the founding of Wilmette. Alongside it, visitors can enjoy a lively exhibit on women’s and girls’ sports dating back to the turn of the century, as well as regularly rotating displays that keep the museum fresh and relevant. Our interview with Director Rachel Ramirez offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the museum continues to connect us to our shared past while inspiring future generations.

On the real estate front, the fall market is showing some interesting shifts. We’ve seen increased inventory compared to last year, giving buyers more options, while higher interest rates have tempered competition. This dynamic is creating a window of opportunity for those considering a move. At the same time, sellers continue to benefit from strong demand for well-maintained homes in desirable neighborhoods. In this newsletter, you’ll find an overview of recent sales in our area as well as insights into broader market trends that may help inform your next steps. As always, our goal is to keep you informed— not only about market activity but also about the wonderful community we’re fortunate to call home. We hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter and, most importantly, know that we’re here as a trusted local resource for all your real estate needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of help, whether you’re planning a move, weighing options, or simply curious about what’s happening in the market. Lydia & Jane

Wilmette History Museum

L&J: What are some of the current or recent exhibits you’re most excited about? Rachel: In May we opened our exhibit, The Ouilmettes: A Retelling. We’re very excited about this exhibit in our first floor gallery space because it is the first full-scale exhibit about the Ouilmette family in our museum. Wilmette, of course, is named after the Ouilmettes. This exhibit looks more deeply at Archange and Antoine Ouilmette, their eight children, and their descendants. We’ve also just opened Good Sports: Wilmette Women Gear Up in our lower level. This is a costume exhibit, featuring garments worn by Wilmette women athletes. It’s a very fun and colorful show. Rachel: Our museum functions very well with support from the Wilmette Historical Society and the Village of Wilmette. These two entities focus on different aspects (for example, the Village of Wilmette helps us by maintaining our historic building, while the WHS helps to fundraise for our programming and exhibits). We’re able to have an excellent professional staff, which is so important in the museum world.

Rachel: The Wilmette Historical Society was founded in the 1960s to support the Wilmette History Museum, which had been housed in the basement of Village Hall. The Museum moved around a bit for some time, before ending up our current building in the 1990s. The museum is jointly operated by the Wilmette Historical Society and the Village of Wilmette. L&J: What do you see as the core mission of the WHS, and how has that mission evolved over the years? Rachel: Our mission is to explore, preserve, and share the history of Wilmette. How we share the history has evolved recently. Nowadays we are focused on going out into the community more, dedicating more time to an online presence so that people can interact with us from anywhere, and finding new ways to spark an interest in history. We’re especially excited to build more interactive and tactile elements into our exhibits, as well as to explore ecological history, science and technology. L&J: Why do you feel it’s important for Wilmette to have a historical society and museum? L&J: Can you share a brief history of the Wilmette Historical Society—how it came about and what inspired its founding?

(Cont’d) members’ only event (but it’s easy to become a member). Staff will be on hand to guide visitors through the exhibits. On October 26th, we’re hosting “The Story Behind It: Community Show and Tell.” Everyone who attends is invited to bring a special item and talk briefly (1-2 minutes) about that item. We think it will be a fun way for people to gather and share their stories. Finally, on November 9th, we’re debuting a documentary about the Ouilmette family, titled “Ouilmette,” by Susan Kelsey. A Ouilmette descendant, Sharon Hoogstraten, will join Susan for a discussion after the screening. L&J: How can people get involved—whether through membership, volunteering, or other forms of support? Rachel: We’re always looking for volunteer docents to lead tours and to work at special events like our annual housewalk. You can apply to be a volunteer on our website, or reach out to us if you have questions. We also have a membership program, which starts at only $25 a year. Membership comes with a few perks, including special behind the scenes events like I mentioned.

L&J: Can you share an example of an exhibit or program that has had a particularly meaningful impact on the community? Rachel: This spring we hosted a book launch for a book about Jean Cleland, a Wilmette resident who did work on fair housing and social justice. The event was put on by her family, but there were lots of people in attendance who knew Jean or knew of the work she did. Here’s the old event details: https://wilmettehistory.org/event/jean- rolfing-cleland-1923-2013-a-retrospective/ L&J: In what ways does the WHS engage with the local community, including schools, families, or organizations? Rachel: We try to center our programs and material to lots of different audiences. We have events that are better for adults, while others like our summer scavenger hunt, are directed at kids. We do school and scout tours. Also we have a community exhibition policy, meaning that we have a space set aside for community members or organizations to display their artwork, photographs, and other projects. L&J: Are there any upcoming exhibits, events, or initiatives you’d like the community to know about? Rachel: We have fun programming for the fall season! Our Curated Evenings event is on October 23rd from 5:30-7pm. This is a

For The Full Interview:

Smart Home Investments

JLC Cost Vs Value 2025 Report

refinishing hardwoods, cleaning or replacing carpet, or layering rugs to completely transform a space. Whether you’re considering a move this spring or simply want to enjoy the updates yourself, these improvements provide lasting value. For a deeper dive into the numbers, we’ve included a QR code so you can explore the full 2025 Cost vs. Value Report.

We’re often asked which home updates provide the best return on investment. The answer depends on your timeline—whether you’re planning to sell in the next year or further down the road. To help guide these decisions, we look to the annual Cost vs. Value Report, published each year by the Journal of Light Construction, which tracks how remodeling projects perform in different regions of the country. While results vary, we’ve highlighted the updates that resonate most with buyers here on the North Shore. Interestingly, a new garage door ranks in the top three nationally year after year, but because so many of our homes don’t feature front-facing garages, it isn’t typically a focal point in our market. If your outlook is a year or less and you’re looking for improvements that consistently deliver the best “bang for your buck,” three projects stand out: painting in fresh, neutral tones, which instantly modernizes and brightens a home; updating lighting fixtures—especially in kitchens and dining areas—to add both warmth and drama; and refreshing flooring, whether by

Wilmette Spotlight

Around Town...

Plaza del Lago Buzz...there are so many new stores with more to come. The latest openings are Love Shack Fancy, a vintage-inspired & feminine aesthetic, New York-based fashion and lifestyle brand, Hill House Home and luxury womenswear brand, Veronica Beard. Spring 2026 arrivals will include Peter Millar, a signature boutique known for its high-end menswear and luxury designers Oscar de la Renta and Hermes. Lastly, The Henry, an acclaimed Phoenix-based eatery will be opening in Spring 2026.

Hubba Hubba is Celebrating 37 years! We had the pleasure of trying on some new fall clothing and learning all about the trends with Julie Cohen and Jen Santo. Hubba Hubba prides itself on being woman owned and a valuable part of our Wilmette community. Bring in this newsletter and receive 10% off your next purchase through November 15th!

Other Happenings

Talia Boutique, a woman's boutique specializing in European clothing and handmade jewelry is now open at 1111 Central Avenue. Come see the latest addition to the Village Center. The Goddess and the Baker, a fast-casual, fun cafe serving breakfast, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, will be opening soon in Edens Plaza.

Top tips from a local lender: How to Win in a North Shore Seller’s Market

By Ryan Skaggs VP Mortgage Lending

Important note on waivers; waiving inspections and appraisals can win deals—but they increase risk. Alternatives include: Pre-inspection or “walk-and-talk” with a contractor before offering. “As-is” with a right to cancel (rather than repair requests). Limited inspection scope with a short window. Quick checklist: steps you can take this week : Get fully underwritten. Open a HELOC if appropriate; line up liquid funds and set up wire procedures. Define your monthly comfort payment and walk-away price. Ask your Lydia/Jane for a micro-market brief ing for your target towns and price tier. Partial appraisal waivers or a defined appraisal-gap amount, not unlimited exposure. Bottom line , in a tight market, preparation and precision win. By becoming “loan-ready,” lining up your funds, making data-driven offers, and tailoring terms to the seller, you can secure the right home without buyer’s remorse. Download my 7 Secrets to Buying a Home in Chicagoland at www.chicagobestmortgage.com or a setup a call directly: 773-569-8692 and let’s map a personalized plan for your scenario. 5.Consider future value and your exit strategy. Love the house, then underwrite it. Buying on Lake Ave or another busier street isn’t “bad,” but acknowledge it narrows the future buyer pool. The discount you get today should set you up for a smart resale later. 6.Tailor your offer to the seller’s real needs. Not every seller wants the same thing. Some need a quick close; others want extra time to move. Shape your offer around their priorities and you’ll beat higher prices more often than you think.

If you live on the North Shore, you’ve felt it: low inventory, fast-moving listings, and multiple-offer showdowns.

1.Get fully underwritten (not just pre-approved) A generic pre-approval is table stakes. Full underwriting is the advantage. It means an underwriter has already reviewed your income, assets, and credit—so you’re essentially “loan- ready,” pending appraisal and title. Sellers love it because it shortens timelines and reduces uncertainty. 2.Prepare your funds for closing (think: liquidity and speed). In multiple offers, timing and certainty are currency. If you need funds beyond your checking account, plan how you’ll access them quickly. For some, that means opening a HELOC now—before you list your current home—so it’s ready if needed. 3.Stay patient and avoid emotional decisions in bidding wars. Speed matters, but haste can be expensive. Set a maximum monthly payment and walk-away price. Use strategy—like escalation clauses and tighter terms—so you compete on structure, not just price. 4.Understand hyper-local market trends before you offer. The North Shore is a collection of micro-markets. A home east of Green Bay Road with walk-to-Metra can behave differently than one farther west; a Glenview new- construction comp won’t map cleanly to a 1920s Wilmette Tudor. Go in eyes wide open.

How's The Market?

Did you know that fall is one of the best times to be a buyer?According to Realtor.com’s Best Time to Buy report, the week of October 12–18 i s considered a “sweet spot,” with 33% more active listings and 30% less competition than the yearly average. Nationally, we’re seeing this trend play out— more homes hitting the market, both single- family and attached, while buyer demand has eased slightly due to elevated interest rates and affordability concerns. The good news: rates are expected to trend downward through the remainder of the year and into next, though much depends on inflation and broader economic conditions. Should that happen, we may begin to see more homeowners—those “locked in” to historically

low mortgage rates—finally consider selling, especially given the appreciation in home values over the past few years. Locally, inventory still hovers around one month of supply, keeping us firmly in a seller’s market. Homes in move-in-ready condition remain the most attractive, as many buyers lack the budget to take on major updates. If you’re considering selling, now is the time to start preparing for the spring market. We’d be happy to provide a complimentary staging consultation and share strategies to help your home shine—and achieve the best results when you’re ready to list.

McKenzie Q3 Single Family Data Points Median Price

WILMETTE Median Price $1,045,000 (+ 16% YOY) Original List to Close 102% (+0.8%) Median Price Per SQFT $376 (+3%) Months Supply 1.1 (-8%) Median Days on Market 7 (-22%)

$1,150,000 (+ 25% YOY) Original List to Close 103.5% (-0.5%) Median Price Per SQFT $403 (+10%) Months Supply 0.9 (+-10%) Median Days on Market 6 (-14%)

Data Source: MRED As of 9/30/25

Recent Neighborhood Sales

1718 Lake Avenue 4 BD · 2 BA 1,912 SQFT · $912,000 Lot Dim: 50X163 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1872

300 Hollywood Court 4 BD · 2 BA 2,00 SQFT · $673,280 Lot Dim:50X132 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1951

225 16th Street 4 BD · 2 BA $976,000 Lot Dim: 50X136 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1925

1620 Wilmette Avenue 4 BD · 1.1 BA $865,000 Lot Dim:37X165 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1917 2028 Wilmette Avenue 3 BD · 2 BA 2,355 SQFT · $815,000 Lot Dim: 50X301 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1927 411 Prairie Avenue 3 BD · 2.1 BA 2,401 SQFT · $725,000 Lot Dim:50X87 Garage: 3 Year Built: 1923 1609 Lake Avenue 5 BD · 2 BA 1,914 SQFT · $760,000 Lot Dim: 50X150 Garage: 5 Year Built: 1913

100 13 Street th 3 BD · 2.1 BA 2,891 SQFT · $1,000,000 Lot Dim: 50X110 Garage: 1 Year Built: 1932

1726 Walnut Avenue 3 BD · 1.1 BA 1,937 SQFT · $1,050,000 Lot Dim: 38X140 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1939 1525 Spencer Avenue 3 BD · 3 BA 2,565 SQFT · $1,150,000 Lot Dim:49X150 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1928

1506 Wilmette Avenue 5 BD · 3 BA 2,607 SQFT · $882,252 Lot Dim:51X159X50X149 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1922

2037 Highland Avenue 3 BD · 2.1 BA 2,784 SQFT · $1,200,000 Lot Dim:50X132 Garage: 1 Year Built: 1926

Recent Neighborhood Sales

1706 Elmwood Avenue 5 BD · 3.1 BA 3,453 SQFT · $1,800,000 Lot Dim: 75X148 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1887

1514 Walnut Avenue 4 BD · 3.1 BA 3,413 SQFT · $1,451,000 Lot Dim:50X140 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1913 1625 Central Avenue 4 BD · 2 BA 4,466 SQFT · $1,405,000 Lot Dim: 50X150 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1889 2007 Wilmette Avenue 5 BD · 3.2 BA 3,811 SQFT · $1,300,000 Lot Dim:100X180 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1995 1325 Maple Avenue 4 BD · 2.1 BA 2,400 SQFT · $1,275,000 Lot Dim:50X171 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1919 1504 Elmwood Avenue 4 BD · 2.1 BA 2,606 SQFT · $1,401,504 Lot Dim: 50X141 Garage: 2 Year Built: 1922

625 Park Avenue 6 BD · 4.2 BA 4,700 SQFT · $1,850,000 Lot Dim: 50X200 Garage: 2 Year Built: UNK 2019 Washington Avenue 4 BD · 6 BA 4,500 SQFT · $1,905,000 Lot Dim: 49X132 Garage: 2 Year Built: 2018 1535 Lake Avenue 5+1 BD · 6 BA 5,088 SQFT · $2,095,000 Lot Dim: 50X150 Garage: 2 Year Built: 2024 1317 Wilmette Avenue 5+1 BD · 5.1 BA 6,300 SQFT · $2,275,000 Lot Dim:50X250 Garage: 2 Year Built: 2024

1701 Elmwood Avenue 4 BD · 5 BA $1,700,000 Lot Dim:50X140 Garage: 2 Year Built: 2005

1206 Isabella Street 4+1 BD · 5.1 BA 5,900 SQFT · $2,685,000 Lot Dim:50X170 Garage: 2 Year Built: 2025

STD. PRE-SORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID WINNETKA IL PERMIT 133

Lydia DeLeo & Jane O'Malley 568 Lincoln Avenue Winnetka, IL 60093

Thinking of Making Your Move?

Home Staging Consultation.

WE MARKET YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT’S WORTH

DeLeo & O’Malley Group is a Real Estate broker affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage.

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