What's happening in Elgin, the next two weeks
Hi neighbor,
Welcome to the very first Elgin Insider. Every other Friday I'll send you what sold in Elgin, what it means for your home, and good things to do with your family around town. No fluff, no recipes. It should take you about three minutes.
This week my house is all about costumes and the ofrenda. If you have never seen the community ofrenda at Gail Borden Library, this is your sign. It's below, with more family ideas for the next two weeks.
September 2026 in numbers
My take
Don't let the drop from August scare you. Fewer big 60124 homes sold in September, so the median went down. That's the mix of homes, not values falling. Compared with September 2025, Elgin's median is up 4.4%.
Homes are still selling in about 10 days, at full asking price. With 152 homes for sale and 103 sold in a month, Elgin has about a month and a half of homes for sale. That's still a seller's market.
If you're buying, be ready before you tour: pre-approval in hand and a plan for the first weekend. If you're selling, pricing right matters more than ever, because buyers compare everything.
By ZIP code · September 2026
| Area | Sold | Median price | vs. August | vs. Sept 2025 | Median days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Elgin | 103 | $355,000 | −9.8% | +4.4% | 10 |
| 60120 | 31 | $315,000 | −4.5% | +5.0% | 9 |
| 60123 | 35 | $312,000 | −4.0% | −3.5% | 8 |
| 60124 | 37 | $499,900 | −14.5% | −3.9% | 15 |
Neighborhoods with the most sales · July 1 to October 28, 2026
| Neighborhood | Homes sold | Median price | Median days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edgewater by Del Webb | 17 | $450,000 | 5 |
| Providence | 14 | $459,250 | 9 |
| Waterford | 13 | $544,990 | 39 |
| Ponds of Stony Creek | 12 | $756,430 | 26 |
| Cobblers Crossing | 12 | $280,500 | 10 |
Based on information from Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (MRED) for residential sales (houses, townhomes and condos) in Elgin, IL. September 2026 closed sales; neighborhood table July 1 to October 28, 2026. Maria's own analysis of her MLS export dated October 28, 2026. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Curious what your home is worth today?
Text me your address and I'll send you a free price estimate based on real Elgin sales. No pressure, no calls unless you want one.
Two homes worth a look
Active830 Hiawatha Dr
Elgin, IL 60120
3 bd · 2 ba · Lords Park Manor
Open space behind you. Room to grow inside.
Active · New construction284 Snowdrop Ln
Elgin, IL 60124
3 bd · 2 ba · West Point Gardens
Brand new. All on one level. Trees out back.
Listing courtesy of eXp Realty (listing agent Jose Herrera) (830 Hiawatha Dr). Listing courtesy of D.R. Horton (listing agent Daynae Gaudio) (284 Snowdrop Ln).
This week's rate, in context
The average 30-year rate was 7.32% (Freddie Mac PMMS, week of October 22, 2026). The average since 1971 is 7.68%. The 3% rates of 2020 and 2021 were the exception, not the normal.
My advice: buy the home you can afford at today's rate, and refinance later if rates come down. Waiting for 3% may mean waiting a long time while prices keep going up.
National average from Freddie Mac, not a rate quote. Your rate depends on your credit, down payment and loan type. See the chart since 1971
3 things to do before you look at homes
- Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. In a market where homes sell in about 10 days, sellers want to see a lender's letter with your offer.
- Ask your lender about down payment assistance. Illinois has programs for first-time buyers, and many lenders in Elgin work with them. I can connect you with lenders who do.
- Save for more than the down payment: closing costs, the home inspection and the first months of moving in. Knowing your total keeps the process calm.
October 30 to November 12 in Elgin
Most of these are free. Programs marked "registration" fill up, so sign up early on the library's website. Always check the organizer's page before you go, because times can change.
- Fri Oct 30 to Tue Nov 3, library hoursMaria's pickCommunity Día de Muertos ofrenda and art showGail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. · Free
Walk through the community altar and the art show, plus the Nuestras Historias Hispanic heritage display. Bring a photo of someone you love and tell your kids their story.
- Fri Oct 30, 10 to 11 AMGail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. · Free · registration
Costumes welcome.
- Sat Oct 31, 9:30 AMFox River Trail group bike rideJudson Bike Shop, 1151 N. State St. · Free
A relaxed Saturday morning ride along the river. Also on Sat Nov 7. Check with the shop before you go.
- Sat Oct 31, 10:30 AMGail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. · Free · registration
- Sat Oct 31, 2 PMMaria's pickBallet 5:8 presents "La Llorona"Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way · Tickets through the Hemmens
The legend told through dance. Costumes are encouraged and there's trick-or-treating for families. The company says it isn't a horror story, but it does deal with a mother's postpartum depression, so preview it for little ones.
- Wed Nov 4, 6 to 7 PMGail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. · Free · registration
Stories in English and Spanish, then a craft to take home.
- Fri Nov 6, 10 AMGail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. · Free
- Sat Nov 7, 1 PMGail Borden Library, South Elgin Branch · Free
Kids practice reading out loud to a calm therapy dog.
- Mon Nov 9, 10 to 11 AMGail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. · Free
- Tue Nov 10, 6 PMGail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. · Free · registration
- Wed Nov 11, 4 PMGail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. · Free · registration
November 11 is also Veterans Day. A good day to thank a veteran in your family.
- Thu Nov 12, 10:30 AMGail Borden Library, South Elgin Branch · Free
Trick-or-treating: check the City of Elgin's website or Facebook for this year's official hours before Saturday.
The family behind Elgin's first Mexican restaurant
Since this issue lands on Día de Muertos weekend, here's someone worth remembering. Rita Camacho's family arrived in Elgin in December 1926, one of the first six Mexican families in town. The Illinois Senate later honored her, noting that her family owned Elgin's first Mexican restaurant and first Mexican grocery store.
She lived to 98 and spent years volunteering at Saint Joseph Hospital and the Community Crisis Center. Every taquería and panadería on our streets today stands on what families like hers started almost 100 years ago.
Source: Illinois Senate Resolution honoring Rita Camacho (100th General Assembly).
Got a question about your home or the market?
Text me. I'll answer one question in each issue, without your name. Taxes, timing, "should I fix this before I sell", anything.
Text my question
See you in two weeks,
Next issue: Friday, November 13. Thanksgiving week ideas and October's numbers. All Insider Letters
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