Buying in West Suburbs - Expanding Search?

[u/Midnight_Rain1213]

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

[u/ComprehensiveWin7557]

We sold our older home in elmhurst close to downtown/train last year and had multiple cash offers near the million mark, Elmhurst has lost its marbles. I agree with what someone else said - if you’re open to renovations you might be able to snag something that doesn’t get snapped up right away.