CHAMPAIGN AND VERMILION COUNTIES, IL (Chambana Today) — The Central Illinois real estate market continues to surge as the summer season approaches. With high demand and limited inventory across Champaign, Vermilion, Springfield, and Chatham, both buyers and sellers are facing a fast-paced housing environment.

Sellers Reap the Benefits in a Competitive Market

“It’s crazy busy,” said Hayley Siefert, head of The Siefert Team at Keller Williams Realty. “We’re up about 24%. The market is bananas right now.” Siefert explained that sellers are seeing multiple offers, appraisal gap waivers, and favorable contract terms. “If you’re contemplating whether to sell now or later, you really should call us,” she added. “This is a market where sellers are getting the best terms possible.”

Buyers Shouldn’t Wait, Despite Interest Rates

While interest rates have recently hovered around 6.8%, Siefert urges buyers to take a long-term view. “There’s a famous saying: Date the rate, marry the house,” she said. “You can always refinance later. What you can’t do is go back in time and buy that dream home that someone else grabbed.” The Siefert Team provides free buyer consultations and market analyses for sellers to help clients navigate the challenges of today’s housing market.

New Construction Offers Custom Options

On the construction side, Wes Taylor of Taylor Construction and Design says more buyers are turning to new builds to avoid the chaos of bidding wars.  “The thing to keep in mind with new construction is we’re not just building a quality home—we’re building your home,” Taylor said. “The price gap between new builds and existing homes isn’t as wide as it used to be, and people are willing to bridge that gap to get exactly what they want.”

Hands-On Design Support Makes It Easy

Taylor Construction provides a personalized design process led by Taylor’s wife, who helps clients make selections and manage details.  “She walks alongside them to pick out everything—from color schemes to finishes—so that it feels easy, not stressful,” Taylor said. “We’ve built a process that takes the weight off the homeowner’s shoulders.”

Available Homes and Custom Projects Across the Region

Taylor Construction is active in subdivisions like Stone Creek, South Ridge, and Boulder Ridge, and also builds custom homes on client-owned lots across Central Illinois—including Tuscola. Taylor Construction also handles remodels, additions, and foundation work, in addition to operating JR Barrett Excavation, which works with other builders across the state. The company is currently building several homes, including one at 1901 S. Stone Creek Blvd, expected to be completed by June. Depending on the stage of construction, buyers may still be able to make finishing choices.

A South Ridge Success Story

When asked about his favorite project, Taylor pointed to the complete transformation of South Ridge Subdivision. “We partnered with a developer, added two new streets – Melissa Lane and Hillshire Drive – and built close to 50 homes on those two streets in just 12 months,” he said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to drive through that neighborhood and know we played a part in helping make that happen.”

The Time to Act Is Now

Both Siefert and Taylor emphasize that the opportunity is now. “This market isn’t slowing down,” Siefert said. “Whether you’re buying or selling—or thinking about building—talk to a professional now. Planning ahead is key.”

To reach The Siefert Team at Keller Williams Realty: Contact | Keller Williams Real Estate Danville. For Taylor Contruction and Design: Contact Us – Taylor Construction & Design.