If you’ve seen headlines about home prices dropping, it’s easy to wonder what that means for the value of your home too. Here’s what you really need to know.

Even with small price declines in some markets, data shows you’re likely still way ahead. And that’s thanks to your home equity.

The Relationship Between Home Prices and Equity

Home equity moves in sync with home prices. When prices rise, equity builds. When prices cool (even just slightly), equity growth does too. Here's how that’s played out lately.

After the record-setting home price surge of 2020 and 2021, a little cooling was inevitable.

Back then, the number of homes for sale hit a record low. That caused home values (and your equity) to shoot up significantly as buyers fought…

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226 Risch Ct, West Chicago, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 3 BATHROOMS 0.36 acres Lot

Set on a beautifully landscaped lot with mature trees in a quiet cul-de-sac, this 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath Airhart-built ranch in West Chicago pairs timeless design with modern upgrades. Built in 2017, it offers 2,446 square feet of open-concept living with volume ceilings, hardwood flooring throughout, and a welcoming front porch. The family room centers around a cozy fireplace, while the bayed dining room features a slider leading to a brand-new Trex Transcend composite deck (2022), perfect…

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If there was one simple step that could help make your home sale a seamless process, wouldn't you want to know about it?

There’s a lot that happens from the time your house goes under contract to closing day. And a few things still have to go right for the deal to go through. But here’s what a lot of sellers may not know.

There's one part of the process where some homeowners are hitting a road bump that’s causing buyers to back out these days. But don’t worry. The majority of these snags are completely avoidable, especially when you understand what’s causing them and how to be proactive.

That’s where a great agent (and a little prep) can make all the difference.

What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back Out

The latest data from Redfin says 15% of…

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187 Brompton Ln, Sugar Grove, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 2 BEDROOMS 3 BATHROOMS

Set on a landscaped lot in Sugar Grove's sought-after Windsor Pointe neighborhood, this beautifully maintained end-unit townhome offers comfort and convenience in a modern, light-filled design. The 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath layout includes an inviting front porch, a private backyard patio, and a 2-car attached garage. Inside, vaulted and two-story ceilings create an airy feel throughout the open-concept living areas. The living room features a corner gas-log fireplace and abundant natural light, while the eat-in kitchen…

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When it comes to determining a home’s true market value in Geneva, The Kombrink Team sets the standard. Their process goes far beyond online estimates and surface-level comps. Here’s why homeowners consistently trust their expertise:

  1. Local Knowledge – Decades of experience in Geneva and the surrounding Fox Valley markets mean they understand neighborhood nuances and buyer demand trends better than anyone.

  2. Accurate Data – They use real-time MLS data and track pricing shifts daily to ensure every valuation reflects current conditions.

  3. Customized Analysis – Every home gets a tailored comparative market analysis, not a one-size-fits-all number.

  4. Proven Results – Homes priced with The Kombrink Team sell faster and closer to…

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5N661 Leola Ln, St Charles, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 5 BEDROOMS 4 BATHROOMS 1.13 acres Lot

Set on a picturesque over one-acre lot in the established Baker Acres neighborhood of St. Charles, this brick and cedar two-story offers over 4,600 square feet of beautifully updated living space. Private backyard enclosed by arborvitae trees and lush landscaping. Mature trees, a spacious patio with pergola, and a three-car side-load garage enhance its curb appeal, while inside, hardwood flooring and detailed trim flow throughout the main level. The layout includes a bayed living room,…

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If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone – and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now might be the ideal time to take another look. With more homes to choose from, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is offering something you haven’t had in a while: options.

Experts agree, buyers are in a better spot right now than they’ve been in quite a long time. Here’s what they have to say.

Affordability Is Finally Improving 

Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says affordability is finally starting to turn the corner:

“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to…

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For many first-time buyers in Batavia, Illinois, this is the question right now. Rates feel higher than a few years ago, and waiting for them to fall can sound smart. But here’s the truth—timing the market rarely beats finding the right home when you’re financially ready.

Prices and inventory matter just as much as rates. Batavia’s starter-home inventory is still tight, and demand remains steady. If prices climb while you wait, the “better rate” might not save you anything in the long run.

The savings may be smaller than you think. On a typical $400,000 loan, a slight dip in rates—say from 6.25% to 6%—changes your payment by only about fifty dollars a month. Meanwhile, home values continue to rise, and you’re missing months of potential equity…

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Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for a while. Every time they tick up, people flinch and say, “Maybe I’ll wait.” But here’s the twist. Waiting for that perfect 5-point-something rate could end up haunting your wallet later.

The Magic Number

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“. . . a 30-year fixed rate mortgage of 6% would make the median-priced home affordable for about 5.5 million more households—including 1.6 million renters. If rates were to hit that magic number, it’s likely that about 10%—or 550,000—of those additional households would buy a home over the next 12 or 18 months.

When the market hits that mortgage rate sweet spot, as expert forecasters are starting to say is more likely in 2026, the…

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9111 Marks Ct, Huntley, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 2 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 0.12 acres Lot

Set on a landscaped cul-de-sac lot in Huntley's sought-after Andare at Talamore 55+ community, this Bennett II ranch offers comfort, style, and convenience. Inside, you'll find 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The open layout includes a family room, dining area, home office, and a vaulted sunroom with a slider leading to the backyard patio. The eat-in kitchen features white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, an island with breakfast bar, recessed lighting,…

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