As a part-time real estate broker and aspiring real estate investor, I try to keep informed about the real estate market, not only on my home turf, but also across the nation. The last few years have been pretty amazing and crazy, which makes following the market that much more interesting.

Yesterday I received a web release (much like a press release, you see) about the real estate market in Illinois, and was asked to discuss it on my blog. I found it interesting based upon my general interest in real estate, but it also appealed to me on a personal level, as my grandparents grew up in Illinois, and my mom still ownes the family's farm in Illinois.

Apparently, according to this web release, the housing market is still strong in Chicago and the surrounding areas including Alqonquin, Arlington Heights, Barrington, Bloomingdale, Elk Grove, Naperville, Palastine, Roselle, Schaumburg and Skokie. Interestingly, my grandparents at one time or another lived in both Skokie and Palastine and I have been to both towns a few times.

Even though the market is strong in Illinois, it is still very reasonable. March of 2006 was a record month, with home sales up 4.9 percent over last March, and median values up 4.7 percent. And even though March was a record month, the median home price was $199,000, a very reasonable price for a guy from California.

If you are interested in following up on this, you can search Illinois homes or check out New Castle Realty Group for more information.