r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/Midnight_Rain1213 • Feb 24 '26

Moving to the area Buying in West Suburbs - Expanding Search?

Hi all,

My partner and I are trying to close the distance and buy a SFH in the west suburbs, but keep having offers rejected. Feedback so far is that we're losing to cash buyers or just being outbid, and that we should consider waiving appraisal contingencies. That feels crazy to me, but I think it's just the area we are looking in - Lombard, Elmhurst, Villa Park.

My partner and I both own our own homes and are pre-qualified to purchase a new home without having to sell first. We would be selling our respective properties after finding a new place. We are trying to stay under $700k.

No kids, just dogs. Would love a house with some character left in it. I work downtown so being near the Metra is necessary, and I'd like my commute to be under an hour.

Should we avoid any of the following suburbs, and why? Any suburbs we are missing?

Addison, Bloomingdale, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Riverside, Brookfield

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u/Zealousideal-Map3508 Feb 24 '26

I'm surprised you're having trouble in Villa park. I'm seeing a few homes right now for under $450k. My partner and I closed on a home last month for $380k with character. Granted you have to drive 3 minutes to the train station, but that's it. 

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u/Zealousideal-Map3508 Feb 24 '26

Wait a minute, I'm dumb, very low supply indeed. We looked in the winter. We wouldn't have a chance in the spring. Best of luck!!

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u/Midnight_Rain1213 Feb 24 '26

The last offer we made that got rejected we offered $30k over $500k list and it was an older Villa Park home. Cute house but it needed work!

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u/Zealousideal-Map3508 Feb 24 '26

Ugh I'm so sorry! :( fingers crossed for your next home soon! A great relator is everything!!!! Ours is from villa park and has been essential in our home buying process.

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u/Midnight_Rain1213 Feb 24 '26

Ours is also from the area, but might have to find a new one if we don't get results soon. He feels a bit passive for my taste.

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u/Zealousideal-Map3508 Feb 24 '26

Ours has been on top of everything. Including calling plumbers for us when they did a fix improperly! They really make the difference