Fox Valley Real Estate Blog - The Kombrink Team

A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan

Are you wondering if you’re on track to retire someday?

According to Intuit, 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it tough to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s why many people are exploring new ways to build stability and long-term income.

And that’s where real estate comes in.

Why Real Estate? Here’s What It Can Do for You

If you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a second home can be a powerful tool for your future retirement. It could help you:

• Build wealth over time: As home prices rise through the years, your second home should grow in value and increase your net worth.
• Generate extra income: Renting the home could bring in some extra income you can add to your…

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3 Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home Today

Some Highlights

• Prices, rates, and finding the right home are three of the biggest challenges for buyers today. You may find better luck with all 3 if you look at newly built homes.
• There are more available. Builders are more flexible on prices right now. And people who buy new homes tend to get lower rates in this market thanks to the incentives builders can offer.
• Let’s connect if you want to see the new builds available in and around our area.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)

Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in.

“I’ll never save enough.”

“I need a small fortune just to get started.”

“I guess I’ll just rent forever.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck.

Here’s the thing: a lot of what you’ve heard about down payments just isn’t true. And once you know the facts, you might realize you’re a lot closer to owning a home than you think.

Let’s break it all down and bust some big down payment myths while we’re at it.

Myth 1: “I need to come up with a big down payment.”

This one stops a lot of people in their tracks. A recent poll from Morning Consult and NeighborWorks shows 70% of Americans think they…

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Luxury End-Unit Townhome with Pond Views in Bloomingdale’s Villa Veneto

352 Montabello, Bloomingdale, IL

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Don't miss this stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath end-unit townhome in the sought-after Villa Veneto neighborhood of Bloomingdale! Nestled on a landscaped lot that backs to a tranquil wooded area with a pond, this home offers peaceful views from the deck and balcony-perfect for morning coffee or evening unwinding. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, sleek neutral decor, and upscale finishes throughout. The living room features a cozy gas log fireplace, while the deluxe kitchen impresses with granite countertops,…

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The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High

When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it's a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp.

The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one.

Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do.

Overpricing Comes at a Cost

And more sellers are finding that out the hard way. They list their house based on how things were a year ago – or based on a neighbor’s sale that happened under completely different circumstances. Then, when their house doesn’t sell, they’re left with three tough…

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Discover the Perfect Blend of Charm and Convenience at 0S064 Calvin Ct in Winfield, IL

0S064 Calvin Ct, Winfield, IL

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Don't miss this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath cedar split-level home in the heart of Winfield, Illinois! Located just minutes from the Metra train, parks, Central DuPage Hospital, and more, this home offers both convenience and comfort. Step inside to find wood laminate flooring and neutral decor throughout. The spacious living room flows into a formal dining room featuring a brick accent wall and slider to the backyard. The eat-in kitchen is a standout with a tile backsplash and quartz…

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Step Inside This Updated Farmhouse Gem in Downtown Batavia

115 N Jackson St, Batavia, IL

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Welcome to 115 N Jackson St, where timeless farmhouse character meets modern convenience in the heart of downtown Batavia! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home puts you just steps from parks, shopping, dining, and the scenic Fox River, with easy interstate access for commuters. Enjoy the newer fenced lot with a classic front porch and backyard patio-perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, you'll find hardwood and wood laminate flooring throughout the main level, an inviting living…

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What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?

According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed.

Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you think buying a home is out of reach for you right now, even if that’s not necessarily true. So, let’s look at what the data really says about credit scores and homebuying.

There’s No One Magic Number

There’s no universal credit score you absolutely have to have when buying a home. And that means there’s more flexibility than most people realize. Check out this graph showing the median credit scores recent buyers had among different home loan types:

…

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Home Price Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

Some Highlights

• With all the headlines circulating recently, you may be wondering what’s next for home prices? Here’s what the expert forecasts say.
• Home prices are still forecast to rise nationally this year, just at a much slower pace. But price trends are going to vary by area.
• To have a quick conversation about what’s happening in our local market, let’s connect.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets

Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two markets.

What’s a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?

In a buyer’s market, there are more homes for sale and not as many buyers. That means homes sit longer, buyers have more negotiating power, and prices tend to soften as a result. It’s simple supply and demand.

On the flip side, a seller’s market happens when there aren’t enough homes available for the number of people looking to buy them. Because buyers have to compete with each other to get the house they want, that…

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