Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider.

But, there's one way to avoid getting tripped up – and that’s leaning on a real estate agent for the best possible advice. An expert’s insights will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes homebuyers are making right now.

Putting Off Pre-approval

As part of the homebuying process, a lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you for your mortgage. This gives you a good idea of what you can borrow so you can really wrap your head around the financial side of things before you start looking at homes. While house hunting can be…

227 Views, 0 Comments

Welcome to our real estate blog! We're The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty, a local real estate team in Huntley, IL. Today, we are going to discuss the top 5 reasons why you should consider moving to Huntley, IL.

Reason #1: Excellent Schools

Huntley, IL, is renowned for its outstanding educational system. Families looking to settle down in a welcoming community with top-notch educational opportunities will find Huntley to be the perfect place to raise their children. The schools here are known for their commitment to academic excellence, comprehensive extracurricular programs, and a strong sense of community involvement. Whether you have young children just starting their educational journey or teenagers preparing for college, Huntley's…

1374 Views, 0 Comments

Hey there, welcome back! We're The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty, your local Realtor team here in Geneva, Illinois. Today, we've got some exciting market updates for you all. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Decrease in Inventory Sparks Rapid Market Movement

We currently have a 1.25 Months Supply of Inventory here in Geneva. That's a significant decrease of 42.92% over the last 12 months, indicating that the market is moving fast and properties are selling quicker than ever before. For buyers, this means heightened competition, so you'll need to act swiftly to secure your dream home.

Geneva IL Months Supply of Housing  Inventory May 2024

Sellers Achieving Premium Prices

One standout statistic this month is the List to Sold Price percentage, which is sitting at a whopping 100.6%! This…

916 Views, 0 Comments

Hey there, Elgin! It's your friendly neighborhood Realtors, The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty, here with an exciting market update for May 2024. Whether you're a potential buyer or seller, understanding the current real estate trends in Elgin is crucial to making informed decisions. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Low Inventory Sparks Competitive Market

Currently, Elgin boasts a low 1.19 Months Supply of Inventory. But what does this mean for you? Essentially, a lower inventory indicates a seller's market, where there are more buyers than available homes. If you're looking to buy, this competitive atmosphere means you need to act fast to secure your dream home. Don’t fret; we're here to help you navigate through this brisk market…

963 Views, 0 Comments

You’re ready to sell your house. But what do you need most from your real estate agent? Well, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked that very question to recent sellers and found one of the top things they were looking for is help marketing their house to potential buyers. Maybe that’s what you need the most help with too.

You expect your real estate agent to write a great description of your house for the listing and pair it with some high-quality photos. But that’s not all you’re going to get when you partner with a great agent.

They’ll do a lot more to make sure your house stands out. Here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes according to that same report from NAR (see graph below):

No Caption Received


So,…

205 Views, 0 Comments

Hey there, everyone! It's The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty, your friendly neighborhood Realtor team here in South Elgin, Illinois. Today, we're excited to bring you the latest market update for May 2024. If you're considering buying or selling a home in South Elgin, you'll want to pay close attention to these key insights. Let's dive right in!

Current Market Conditions

The South Elgin real estate market is experiencing some dynamic changes, making it an exciting time for both buyers and sellers. Here’s a detailed look at the current market conditions:

Months Supply of Inventory

  • Current Supply: The market currently has a super low .89 Months Supply of Inventory. This means that if no new homes were listed, the existing inventory…

903 Views, 0 Comments

Today, we're diving deep into a fantastic Chicago suburb: Elk Grove Village, Illinois! If you're considering a move to the Chicago area, here's why Elk Grove Village might be the perfect place for you.

A Safe and Secure Community

Elk Grove Village is renowned for its safety, consistently ranking high in safety surveys. This makes it an ideal environment to raise a family. The area is dotted with beautiful parks and playgrounds, offering plenty of green space for kids and adults to explore and enjoy.

Excellent Education Options

Families will be pleased with the excellent public schools in Elk Grove Village. Both Elementary District 59 and Township High School District 214 consistently receive top marks. For those seeking a…

474 Views, 0 Comments

Welcome to Big Rock, Illinois! This charming village offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures, local history, and small-town charm. Whether you're visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, here are the top 7 things you must do when you visit Big Rock.

1. Big Rock Forest Preserve

Topping our list is the beautiful Big Rock Forest Preserve. This natural area is perfect for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. With its scenic trails and tranquil environment, it's the ideal place to connect with nature and unwind.

2. More Polish Pottery

For a unique shopping experience, visit More Polish Pottery. This delightful shop offers a stunning selection of authentic Polish pottery. Whether you're a collector or just looking for a unique…

467 Views, 0 Comments

Climate change is impacting where people buy homes. As the experts at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explain:

“Sixty-three percent of people who have moved since the pandemic began say they believe climate change is—or will be—an issue in the place they currently live.”

If you’re planning to move, climate change is something you might want to consider, no matter where you are. A recent study from Realtor.com helps put the growing impact climate change is having on real estate into perspective (see below):

No Caption Received


So, how can you be sure your investment is safe from the elements?

For starters, work with a local real estate agent to understand the likelihood of your future home being exposed to hazards like wind, floods, and wildfires.…

243 Views, 0 Comments

For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you know has served in the military, it's important to learn about this program and its benefits.

Here are some key things to know about VA loans before buying a home.

Top Benefits of VA Home Loans

VA home loans make it easier for veterans to buy a home, and they're a great perk for those who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, some benefits include:

  • Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. That’s a huge weight lifted when you’re trying to save for a home. The Associated Press says:
“. . . about 90% of VA loans are used to purchase a…

262 Views, 0 Comments