The Main Event: Cook County Market Update, The Road to WrestleMania & My January Playlist

Look, I could hit you with another boring market report full of charts and industry jargon that’ll put you to sleep faster than a lecture on escrow accounts. But that’s not how I do things.

I’m Christian Cruz with Coldwell Banker, and I run Cruz Dwellings—so you’re getting real talk, real numbers, and the kind of local insight that helps you move with confidence.

Real estate is just one piece of life, right? You’re not sitting around all day refreshing Zillow, you’ve got shows to binge, music bumping in the car, and if you’re like me, you’re counting down the days until WrestleMania 42. So why should a market update feel like homework?

This is the hybrid report: Cook County real estate numbers, what I’ve been watching, the soundtrack to my January, and why the Road to WrestleMania is hitting different this year. And just to set the stage: the Royal Rumble just happened, and that’s the kickoff that starts the Road to WrestleMania every year—now it’s all about the road ahead. Let’s go.

The Soundtrack: What’s Been on Repeat (January = My Road to WrestleMania)

Before we dive into interest rates and inventory levels, let me tell you what’s been playing while I’m out showing homes and writing offers across the Chicago north suburbs. Think of this as your January warm-up—the Road to WrestleMania energy, but in playlist form.

Bruno Mars dropped “I Just Might” and it’s been on repeat. That smooth, confident energy? That’s the vibe you need when you’re making moves in this market.

Jill Scott’s “Pressha” has been keeping me centered, because trust me, navigating multiple offers and tight inventory will test your patience. Ari Lennox with “Twin Flame” and Ella Mai’s “100” are bringing that classic R&B smoothness that makes traffic on the Edens a little more tolerable.

Larry June’s “Who Coppin'” might as well be the official anthem for anyone serious about buying property. If you know, you know. J. Cole’s “DISC 2 TRACK 2” gives you those bars that make you think, and Plaqueboymax & Bryson Tiller’s “WYD” has been the late-night cruise soundtrack.

Then there’s T.I.’s “Let Em Know”, because sometimes you’ve got to remind the market who you are, and Erick Sermon’s “Sidewalk Executives” featuring M.O.P. Old-school energy that never gets old.

Heavy on the smooth R&B with some serious bars mixed in. That’s the balance you need, just like finding the right home in the best suburbs north of Chicago to live.

The Binge List: What I’m Watching

When I’m not touring properties or crunching numbers, I’ve been locked into two completely different shows that somehow both feel relevant to real estate.

UnREAL Season 2 on Netflix is giving me all the behind-the-scenes drama. If you’ve never seen it, it opens the curtains about the wrestling business of WWE and how the show is ran, and this season covers the period from WrestleMania to SummerSlam. The manipulation, the strategy, the careful editing of perception versus reality, it’s wild. And honestly? It reminds me a lot of how some listings are staged and marketed. Everything looks perfect on camera, but you’ve got to know what questions to ask and what to look for when the cameras stop rolling.

Then there’s Wonder Man on Disney+. High-stakes Marvel action with Simon Williams trying to figure out his powers and his place in the world. It’s entertaining, it’s got heart, and the action sequences are top-tier. Sometimes you need that escapism after a long day of negotiations.

Both shows, different vibes, but they’re keeping me entertained through this Chicago winter.

The Road to WrestleMania 42: Peak Wrestling

Okay, let’s talk about what’s really got me hyped right now: WrestleMania season.

Gunther’s heel run has been absolutely chef’s kiss. Watching him retire top stars one by one with that brutal, methodical style? That’s storytelling. He’s not just winning matches, he’s ending legacies. The man is a problem, and I’m here for every second of it.

Roman Reigns winning the Royal Rumble and heading back to the top of the card? You love to see it. The Tribal Chief’s journey back to the main event is exactly the kind of redemption arc that makes WrestleMania special.

But here’s what’s really got me hooked: the beef between Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu, and Cody Rhodes. This is some of the best work I’ve ever seen Drew do. He’s showing range, intensity, and that edge that makes you believe every word he’s saying. The man is operating on another level right now.

And Jacob Fatu? My guy is finally getting the push he deserves. If you’ve been sleeping on Fatu, wake up. The athleticism, the presence, the way he moves for a man his size, he’s special. Seeing him get this spotlight on the Road to WrestleMania is long overdue, and I’m betting he’s going to steal the show.

WrestleMania 42 is shaping up to be an absolute banger, and I’ll be watching every build, every promo, and every match on the way there.

Cook County Market Snapshot: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Alright, let’s get into what you’re really here for: what’s happening across all of Cook County right now (not just the northern suburbs).

Here’s the big picture before we hit the stats: a shift is happening. The decline is slowing down, and the market is starting to stabilize.

Interest rates just dropped under 6% for the first time in 3 years, and the National Association of Realtors is predicting a 14% increase. That doesn’t mean everything is rising today, but you’re looking at a path where momentum should build and activity should be rising by springtime—this is the Road to WrestleMania version of the Cook County spring market rally.

Think of it like the hype before a major title match. The crowd isn’t erupting yet, but you can feel the energy changing—and when the bell rings, things move fast.

Here’s the data from January 1 through February 4, 2026:

Average Sales Price: $453K (down 2%)

Prices dipped slightly, but don’t let that fool you. We’re still in a competitive market, and that average is being pulled by different property types across the county. Single-family homes in desirable areas? Those are still commanding premium prices.

Median List Price: $320K

The median tells a different story than the average: there’s a solid range of inventory at different price points. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, there are options. But you’ve got to move fast.

Sales Price to List Price Ratio: 98.5%

This is the number that matters. Buyers are still paying close to asking price. That means sellers still have some leverage. If you find a home you love, it helps to submit a clean, well-supported offer and stay flexible on terms when you can. If you want a second set of eyes on strategy in the Chicago North suburbs, working with a local agent who structures offers thoughtfully can bring a lot of peace of mind.

Properties Sold: 2,727 (down 20%)

Sales volume is down, but that’s typical for this time of year. Winter is always slower in the Midwest: nobody wants to move in February when there’s snow on the ground. The real action picks up in spring, and smart buyers are using this slower period to get ahead of the competition.

Months Supply of Inventory: 2.75 (down 8%)

Inventory is still tight. We’re sitting at 2.75 months of supply, which usually leans seller-friendly. Think of it like WrestleMania season—things can heat up quickly when the right match gets announced.

Low inventory also means the homes that are priced well and show well can draw multiple offers. If you’re looking around the Chicago North suburbs, it’s worth having your budget clear and your financing lined up so you can move comfortably if the right place pops up—without feeling rushed.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re buying or selling in Cook County, the market is still fairly competitive. Inventory is down, prices are holding steady, and many homes are selling close to asking.

If you’re selling, good prep still pays off. Smart pricing, strong presentation, and simple next steps can make the process feel a lot smoother.

If you’re buying, a little planning goes a long way. Winter can be a nice time to look around with fewer crowds, get comfortable with monthly numbers, and be ready when something you actually love hits the market.

The Cruz Dwellings Edge

Navigating the Cook County market takes more than just access to listings. You want someone who knows the neighborhoods, keeps the process organized, and helps you make decisions you’ll feel good about.

At Cruz Dwellings, I help you sort through the details—whether you’re buying your first place, upgrading, downsizing, or selling and moving into your next chapter—especially across the Chicago North suburbs where the feel of each town can change block by block.

If you’re curious what your home could sell for, you can always take a look at my optional tool here: What’s your home worth?

And if you just want to talk it out—music, WrestleMania season, or what you’re seeing in the market—reach out anytime. No pressure. Here’s the easiest place to find me: Contact me.

Christian Cruz, Coldwell Banker
Website: www.cruzdwellings.com
Email: christian.cruz@cbrealty.com
Phone: (773)914-4299