Foreclosed Homes in Chicago and Distressed Properties for Sale
By the time a Chicago foreclosure shows up on a listing site, dozens of investors are already bidding. Instead, ForeclosuresDaily.com puts you in touch with distressed owners earlier, while the property is still for sale privately and not listed on the MLS.
Chicago, Illinois housing market at a glance
$359,000
Median listing price (up 5.6%)
16,940
Active listings in Cook County
36 days
Average time on market
$2,350
Median rent (up 4.5%)
Market data: Realtor.com Cook County housing market, October 2026. Zillow Home Value Index for Cook County: $341,570 (up 5.8% from a year earlier), August 2026. View homes on Zillow.
What is a distressed property?
A distressed property is a home whose owner is under pressure to sell. Usually, the cause is a life event, such as a missed mortgage payment, a death in the family, a divorce, unpaid property taxes, or repairs the owner cannot afford.
The median listing price in Chicago is near $360,000, so a few points of discount decide whether a flip pays. Generally, those points come from motivated sellers whose property is not publicly advertised for sale and not listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Because there is less competition, you can negotiate wholesale pricing instead of bidding against retail buyers.
Chicago has about 2.7 million residents (2020 census) and sits in Cook County, Illinois. Also, the ZIP codes with the most homes for sale today are 60611, 60621, and 60618.
How to find distressed properties in Chicago
Foreclosure listing sites show homes after the bank or auction is involved. Therefore, to find a deal first, work earlier in the timeline:
- Pick your ZIP codes Initially, start with a few Chicago ZIP codes where you know values and have cash buyers ready.
- Choose lead types Next, pick your leads, because probate, pre-foreclosure, divorce, code violation, and tax delinquency leads each signal a different reason to sell.
- Use fresh data Then use ForeclosuresDaily fresh leads, which are updated daily, so that you reach owners before other investors mail them.
- Target your marketing In addition, data targeting your marketing means mail, calls, and texts go only to owners with a real reason to sell.
- Run the numbers After that, estimate the after-repair value (ARV) from nearby sales, and then apply the 70% Rule.
- Make a fair offer Finally, solve the seller’s problem with a quick, as-is cash close, then wholesale or flip the property.
Motivated sellers who want to liquidate fast
For this reason, ForeclosuresDaily.com’s off-market real estate platform covers every major distress signal in Chicago, cross-referenced with tax rolls and property appraiser records.
Probate leads
Executors who must sell before the estate can close. See probate leads →
Pre-probate leads
Families who may sell before a probate case is filed. See pre-probate leads →
Inheritance leads
Heirs who want to sell because they won’t keep the home. View inheritance leads →
Foreclosure leads
Owners behind on payments who want to sell before auction. Explore foreclosure leads →
Divorce leads
Couples who must sell when they divide shared assets. Find divorce leads →
Eviction leads
Tired landlords who want out because of problem tenants. Browse eviction leads →
Code violation leads
Owners facing fines and repairs they can’t afford. See code violation leads →
Tax-delinquent leads
Owners behind on property taxes who need cash soon. Target tax-delinquent owners →
Absentee owner leads
Out-of-area owners, especially those far from the property. Reach absentee owners →
Life leads and FSBO
Owners selling on their own rather than with an agent. Shop all lead products →
ARV and the 70% Rule for Chicago flips
Real estate flippers and wholesalers use the after-repair value (ARV) to set their maximum offer. For example, the 70% Rule says to pay no more than 70% of ARV, minus repairs. As a result, that margin covers holding costs, closing costs, and profit for property flipping, or your assignment fee when you wholesale.
For instance, here is the math using the Cook County median listing price as the ARV and an 8% repair budget.
70% Rule example
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| ARV | $359,000 |
| 70% of ARV | $251,300 |
| Estimated repairs | − $29,000 |
| Maximum offer |
Chicago ZIP codes to target
Each Chicago ZIP code has its own price point and pace. Next, open a ZIP code below to open its investing data, and then match the area to your strategy.
ZIP 60608 · Lower West Side · $399,000 · Wholesale
60608 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $399,000 ▼ 2.7% |
| Price per sq ft | $321 |
| Days on market | 33 days ▲ 2.9% |
| Median rent | $2,068 ▲ 1% |
| Active listings | 134 ▼ 35.3% |
| Gross rent yield | 6.2% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $363,232 (up 4.6% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Meanwhile, the median price is down 2.7% from a year earlier, and inventory is down 35.3%. As a result, prices sit near the area median, so focus on deep discounts from off-market sellers.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $399,000 × 70% − $32,000 repairs = $247,300 max offer
Also see the full 60608 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60608 homes on Zillow →
ZIP 60611 · Near North Side · $639,000 · Negotiate
60611 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $639,000 ▼ 6.5% |
| Price per sq ft | $464 |
| Days on market | 53 days ▼ 3.7% |
| Median rent | $2,909 ▲ 1.4% |
| Active listings | 562 ▼ 14.8% |
| Gross rent yield | 5.5% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $361,718 (up 3% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Prices per square foot run higher here than anywhere else on this list. Meanwhile, the median price is down 6.5% from a year earlier, and inventory is down 14.8%. Therefore, softer pricing gives you room to negotiate with motivated sellers.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $639,000 × 70% − $51,000 repairs = $396,300 max offer
Also see the full 60611 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60611 homes on Zillow →
ZIP 60613 · Uptown · $364,900 · Buy & hold
60613 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $364,900 ▲ 23.2% |
| Price per sq ft | $313 |
| Days on market | 30 days ▼ 17.7% |
| Median rent | $2,250 ▲ 10.8% |
| Active listings | 177 ▼ 12.1% |
| Gross rent yield | 7.4% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $358,154 (up 8.7% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Meanwhile, the median price is up 23.2% from a year earlier, and inventory is down 12.1%. For this reason, rents cover a larger share of the price here, which helps rental investors.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $364,900 × 70% − $29,000 repairs = $226,430 max offer
Also see the full 60613 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60613 homes on Zillow →
ZIP 60616 · Armour Square · $339,950 · Wholesale
60616 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $339,950 ▼ 2.1% |
| Price per sq ft | $309 |
| Days on market | 33 days ▼ 12.8% |
| Median rent | $1,850 ▲ 8.2% |
| Active listings | 194 ▼ 5.7% |
| Gross rent yield | 6.5% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $335,833 (down 0.8% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Meanwhile, the median price is down 2.1% from a year earlier, and inventory is down 5.7%. Because of this, balanced pricing makes this area a steady source of wholesale deals.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $339,950 × 70% − $27,000 repairs = $210,965 max offer
Also see the full 60616 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60616 homes on Zillow →
ZIP 60618 · Avondale · $635,000 · Negotiate
60618 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $635,000 ▼ 10.3% |
| Price per sq ft | $375 |
| Days on market | 18 days ▼ 14.3% |
| Median rent | $2,300 ▲ 4.5% |
| Active listings | 206 ▼ 23.6% |
| Gross rent yield | 4.3% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $582,203 (up 10.4% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Homes sell faster here than anywhere else on the list. Meanwhile, the median price is down 10.3% from a year earlier, and inventory is down 23.6%. Consequently, sellers here are adjusting to slower demand, so offers below asking get a hearing.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $635,000 × 70% − $51,000 repairs = $393,500 max offer
Also see the full 60618 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60618 homes on Zillow →
ZIP 60621 · Englewood · $154,500 · Buy & hold
60621 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $154,500 ▲ 10.7% |
| Price per sq ft | $121 |
| Days on market | 40 days ▲ 9.5% |
| Median rent | $1,650 ▲ 8.2% |
| Active listings | 313 ▲ 55.8% |
| Gross rent yield | 12.8% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $130,123 (up 3.5% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Meanwhile, the median price is up 10.7% from a year earlier, and inventory is up 55.8%. As a result, a strong rent yield makes this a good place to hold a property after you buy it.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $154,500 × 70% − $12,000 repairs = $96,150 max offer
Also see the full 60621 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60621 homes on Zillow →
ZIP 60624 · West Garfield Park · $240,000 · Negotiate
60624 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $240,000 ▼ 16.4% |
| Price per sq ft | $151 |
| Days on market | 52 days ▼ 3.7% |
| Median rent | $1,800 ▲ 9.1% |
| Active listings | 173 ▲ 10.3% |
| Gross rent yield | 9.0% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $228,926 (up 7.9% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Meanwhile, the median price is down 16.4% from a year earlier, and inventory is up 10.3%. Therefore, use the extra time on market to negotiate repairs into your price.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $240,000 × 70% − $19,000 repairs = $149,000 max offer
Also see the full 60624 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60624 homes on Zillow →
ZIP 60632 · Brighton Park · $349,000 · Wholesale
60632 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $349,000 ▲ 9.8% |
| Price per sq ft | $245 |
| Days on market | 29 days ▼ 25.6% |
| Median rent | $1,550 ▲ 3.3% |
| Active listings | 129 ▲ 24.5% |
| Gross rent yield | 5.3% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $288,051 (up 4.7% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Smallest inventory on the list, so an off-market lead faces little competition. Meanwhile, the median price is up 9.8% from a year earlier, and inventory is up 24.5%. For this reason, work off-market leads here to find the discount that retail listings lack.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $349,000 × 70% − $28,000 repairs = $216,300 max offer
Also see the full 60632 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60632 homes on Zillow →
ZIP 60649 · South Shore · $144,000 · Buy & hold
60649 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $144,000 ▲ 7.4% |
| Price per sq ft | $117 |
| Days on market | 53 days ▼ 24.6% |
| Median rent | $1,686 ▲ 3.8% |
| Active listings | 181 ▼ 4% |
| Gross rent yield | 14.1% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $143,767 (down 3.8% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Entry prices are lower here than in the rest of the group, so it fits wholesaling and first flips. Meanwhile, the median price is up 7.4% from a year earlier, and inventory is down 4%. Because of this, consider keeping deals here as rentals rather than reselling them.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $144,000 × 70% − $12,000 repairs = $88,800 max offer
Also see the full 60649 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60649 homes on Zillow →
ZIP 60657 · Lake View · $599,900 · Flip
60657 market snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median listing price | $599,900 ▲ 14.1% |
| Price per sq ft | $386 |
| Days on market | 25 days ▲ 3.9% |
| Median rent | $2,195 ▲ 10% |
| Active listings | 203 ▲ 2.3% |
| Gross rent yield | 4.4% |
In addition, the Zillow Home Value Index is $542,580 (up 12.4% from a year earlier) as of August 2026.
Meanwhile, the median price is up 14.1% from a year earlier. Consequently, higher resale values here reward a well-planned renovation.
Max offer when the ARV equals the median price: $599,900 × 70% − $48,000 repairs = $371,930 max offer
Also see the full 60657 market report on Realtor.com →
Then view 60657 homes on Zillow →
Open a ZIP code below to see its investing data, then compare markets. Market data: Realtor.com, October 2026, and Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026. Also, gross rent yield is 12 months of median rent divided by the median listing price; the 70% Rule example assumes repairs of 8% of the median price.
ForeclosuresDaily off-market opportunities before your competition
In fact, since 2004, ForeclosuresDaily.com has helped investors, wholesalers, flippers, and agents reach motivated sellers first.
Not on the MLS
Homes for sale privately, before any listing.
Less competition
Fewer buyers know the property exists.
Fresh leads
New records added every day.
Nationwide
Target any county or ZIP code.
Hear From Our Customers
Click a profile to watch their video or read their story.
Chicago foreclosure and distressed property questions
How do I find distressed properties for sale in Chicago?
Initially, start with public-record signals such as pre-foreclosure, probate, divorce, and tax delinquency. ForeclosuresDaily.com gathers these records daily, so that you can contact Chicago owners before the home is listed or sent to auction.
Where can I find foreclosed homes in Chicago?
Bank-owned and auction homes appear on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, and Auction.com. However, off-market pre-foreclosure leads let you reach owners earlier, while they can still sell on their own terms.
Which ZIP codes have the lowest entry prices?
Among the ZIP codes in this guide, the lowest median listing prices are in 60649 (South Shore) at $144,000, 60621 (Englewood) at $154,500, and 60624 (West Garfield Park) at $240,000, based on Realtor.com data from October 2026.
Where do homes sell fastest?
ZIP code 60618 has the shortest average time on market in this guide, at 18 days. As a result, fast markets reward investors who can reach owners before a home is listed.
How do I find distressed properties for wholesale profit?
First of all, focus on owners with equity and a reason to sell quickly. Then run the 70% Rule, and finally line up cash buyers before you sign a contract you plan to assign.
Get Chicago distressed property leads today
Fresh, targeted, off-market data for Lower West Side, Near North Side, Uptown, and beyond.