If you’ve been thinking about selling your home in Wilmette, Winnetka, or anywhere along Chicago’s North Shore, you’ve probably wondered: how long does it actually take for homes to sell here? The answer might surprise you — because in many North Shore communities, homes are moving faster than ever… and some never even make it to the public market.
The Average Days on Market in the North Shore
Across Chicago’s North Shore, the average home spends about 40 to 50 days on the market before going under contract. But that’s just the average. In highly sought-after suburbs like Wilmette and Winnetka, demand has been outpacing supply all year.
According to Redfin data, homes in Wilmette sell in roughly 41 days on average, with many going under contract in a week or less when priced competitively. In Winnetka, the median “days on market” has hovered around 30–35 days, though beautifully renovated homes in prime locations often attract multiple offers within days of listing.
In short: well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods are flying off the market — sometimes before weekend open houses even begin.
Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others
There are a few key factors that influence how long your home stays on the market:
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Pricing strategy: Overpricing is one of the biggest reasons homes linger. A strategic, data-driven price point will draw in more serious buyers quickly.
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Condition and presentation: Staging, professional photography, and small updates can make a major impact on first impressions.
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Seasonality: Spring and early summer remain the most active selling seasons, but the North Shore continues to see strong buyer activity well into fall.
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Neighborhood and school district: Highly ranked schools like New Trier, Wilmette Public Schools (District 39), and Winnetka District 36 create year-round demand.
The “Secret” Market: Off-Market and Private Listings
Here’s something many buyers don’t realize — not every home for sale in the North Shore is publicly listed.
A growing number of properties are sold off-market or through private listing networks such as @properties’ Private Listing Network or Zenlist. These platforms allow local agents to quietly market homes before they go live on the MLS — or, in some cases, to sell them entirely behind the scenes.
For sellers, this approach offers:
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Privacy: Fewer showings and less public exposure.
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Exclusivity: Attracting serious, pre-qualified buyers through agent networks.
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Strategic timing: The ability to “test the market” before launching publicly.
For buyers, it means that some of the best homes never appear on Zillow or Redfin — especially in tight-inventory areas like Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, and Kenilworth.
Working with a local agent who is deeply connected in the North Shore market is often the only way to gain access to these hidden listings.
What This Means for Sellers
If you’re planning to sell, the takeaway is clear:
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Be prepared for a swift market — the right home, at the right price, can go under contract within days.
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Work with an agent who understands both the public and private listing ecosystems to maximize exposure and leverage your options.
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Even in a competitive market, presentation matters — the homes that sell fastest (and for top dollar) are thoughtfully prepared and professionally marketed.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, staying competitive means:
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Getting pre-approved before you start touring.
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Partnering with a North Shore agent who can alert you to off-market listings before they hit the MLS.
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Being ready to act fast — homes in Wilmette, Winnetka, and Lake Forest can move within days, and delays often mean losing out.
The Bottom Line
In today’s North Shore market, homes don’t just sell — they sell fast. While the average home may spend 40–50 days on the market, many in Wilmette and Winnetka are spoken for within a week. And with the rise of private networks and off-market deals, some never go public at all.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Wilmette, Winnetka, or the surrounding North Shore communities, having the right strategy (and the right agent) makes all the difference.
Thinking of selling your home?
Reach out to Sarah Jividen, Realtor® with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, for a custom market analysis and insights into both public and off-market opportunities across Chicago’s North Shore.
