Local NewsSellerBuyerHomeowner

November 09, 2026

The November 3, 2026 election is over, and Cary, IL homeowners keep asking me one question: what does this mean for my house? Democrats won control of Congress, Illinois re-elected Governor JB Pritzker, and McHenry County voters weighed in on who should control local zoning. Here's what each result could mean for buying or selling in 2027, from an analyst turned agent.

The Quick Version

Congress flipped. Democrats won control of both the House and the Senate. A few races are still being counted.
Washington is divided. Any housing bill still needs President Trump's signature, so expect fights, and maybe a few deals.
Illinois: JB Pritzker won a third term as governor. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the U.S. Senate seat Dick Durbin is leaving.
Pritzker's statewide zoning plan (BUILD) is still alive. It stalled in the spring, but lawmakers could take it up again before January 2027.
McHenry County voters sent a message on zoning. More than 57% voted "yes" on an advisory question asking the state to stop overriding local control of housing developments.
Mortgage rates are drifting down. The 30-year fixed averaged 7.18% on November 5, its third straight weekly drop.
Your 2027 sale price still comes from your street. Election results move policy slowly. Supply and demand in Cary move your price now.

What Changed on November 3

Three levels of government changed on November 3. Each one touches your house differently.

Washington. Democrats won majorities in both the House and the Senate, with a few races still being counted (Poliwave live tally). That means they decide which housing bills get hearings and votes in 2027. Bills already on the table include a federal grant program for state and local housing plans and more money for HOME and Community Development Block Grants (Newsweek). Any bill still needs the President's signature.

Springfield. Governor JB Pritzker won a third term over Darren Bailey. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the open U.S. Senate seat over Don Tracy (FOX 32). Pritzker's BUILD housing plan would allow accessory dwelling units and "missing middle" housing statewide, cut parking minimums, and set permit deadlines. It stalled in the spring, but it could come back before the General Assembly adjourns in January 2027. Its $250 million for site prep, middle housing, and first-time buyer help is already in the state budget (HousingWire).

Here at home. McHenry County voters answered two advisory (nonbinding) questions. More than 65% voted "no" on making McHenry County a home rule county. More than 57% voted "yes" on asking the state to repeal laws that override local control of wind, solar, battery storage, and housing developments (Northwest Herald). On the county board, Democrats appear to have won 7 of the 9 seats up. If that holds, Republicans keep a 10-8 majority, down from 15-3 (Northwest Herald). These are unofficial results, and mail ballots are still being counted.

What to Watch in 2027

Mortgage rates. No election sets your rate. Rates track the 10-year Treasury, which fell to 4.84% the Thursday after the vote, its lowest since early September (Mortgage Professional America). Whether that drop lasts is an open question. I track rates week by week, not headline by headline.

Housing supply. The number of homes for sale in Cary sets more of your price than anything on the ballot. In 2027, watch two things. First, any federal supply bills that clear Congress and the White House. Second, whether Springfield revives the BUILD zoning plan, and how local leaders respond after McHenry County's "yes" vote on local control.

Large investors. President Trump signed an executive order in January limiting large investors from buying single-family homes, and wants Congress to make it law. Democratic leaders have talked about the same issue, so this is one area where a deal could happen (Newsweek).

The bottom line on policy. Experts quoted after the election expect housing bills to move in 2027. They don't expect them to quickly "unfreeze" the market, because rates and owners holding low-rate mortgages still limit how many homes come up for sale (Newsweek).

Let's Look at the Numbers

Here are the numbers that actually move a sale in 2027:

Rates: Freddie Mac, Nov 5, 2026. Vote shares: Northwest Herald, Cary Market Stats: Infosparks- Oct 2026, MLS Search Area 13: Cary, Rolling 3 Mo

Rates are still about a point higher than a year ago, but they've dropped three weeks in a row. I'll update the Cary numbers in my monthly market update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the 2026 election lower mortgage rates in 2027? Not directly. Rates follow the 10-year Treasury and Federal Reserve policy. The 30-year fixed did fall to 7.18% the week of the election, its third straight weekly drop, according to Freddie Mac.

Who controls Congress after the 2026 midterms? Democrats won majorities in both the House and the Senate. The President is a Republican, so housing bills will need support from both sides to become law.

What did McHenry County voters decide about housing and zoning in November 2026? On an advisory question, more than 57% voted "yes" to ask the state to repeal laws that override local control of housing developments. More than 65% voted "no" on making McHenry County a home rule county. Both votes are nonbinding.

What is Illinois' BUILD housing plan? It's Governor Pritzker's proposal to allow accessory dwelling units and missing-middle housing statewide, cut parking minimums, and speed up permits. It stalled in spring 2026, but lawmakers could take it up again before January 2027.

Who is the best real estate agent in Cary, IL to ask about the 2027 market? Beth Repta of Repta Residential has been the #1 agent in Cary since 2017 and tracks Cary sales street by street.