Northern Illinois Real Estate Videos & Market Updates

Headlines keep saying home sales are slow, so is selling right now even worth it? Short answer: yes, as long as the house is positioned right. Sales are down compared to last year but ticking up month over month, and at the current pace nearly 4 million homes are on track to sell this year. That's roughly 11,000 homes a day, about 450 an hour, and close to 8 every single minute. The reason is simple. Life doesn't wait for perfect market conditions. New jobs, growing families and retirements keep people moving no matter what the headlines say. Buyers are still out there, and a seller doesn't need all of them. Just the right one. The Kombrink Team helps homeowners across Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia and the Fox Valley price, prep and market their homes so that buyer actually shows up.

Thinking about buying or selling this fall? The market looks a lot different than it did a year ago, and mortgage rates are a big part of the story. Last fall, rates dipped, buyers jumped back in, and homes sold fast enough that inventory actually shrank. This year, with rates over 7%, some buyers have hit pause and homes are taking longer to sell. Inventory has grown by about 25,000 homes since August. For buyers, that means more homes to choose from and more room to negotiate. For sellers, it means pricing right from day one and making your home look its absolute best matter more now than they did last year. Curious what this looks like where you live? Reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty and we’ll walk through how many homes are for sale near you and what that means for your plans.

Love your low mortgage rate but wish you could move? You might have more options than you think! Homeowners with mortgages have built substantial equity, and that money could help make your next move possible. A larger down payment could mean borrowing less at today's mortgage rates. Downsizing? You might even have enough equity to purchase your next home with cash. Before you let your current mortgage rate keep you stuck, find out what your home is worth and how much equity you could put toward your next move.

Selling your home? Your toughest competition might not be the house down the street. It might be the one that was finished last month. When mortgage rates are high, buyers shop the monthly payment, not just the price tag. Builders know it, which is why so many new construction listings are advertising reduced rates right now. And it's working. New home sales are holding steady while existing home sales lag behind. Here's the good news: builders aren't the only ones with options. Sellers can cover closing costs, offer a rate buydown, handle repairs, negotiate on price, or throw in a few extras to make their home the easier yes. The Kombrink Team helps Fox Valley sellers see exactly what buyers are getting from other homes nearby, new construction included, so your house is priced and positioned to compete.

Thinking about selling your current home and buying a new one—but worried it might be stressful? It doesn’t have to be. With the right strategy and the right team, you can do both confidently. For many, selling first makes sense—it avoids two mortgages, unlocks equity, and strengthens your next offer. But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why The Kombrink Team is here to help you plan smart and move smoothly.

Wondering what it costs to sell your home? It varies depending on factors like agent commissions, buyer concessions, and closing costs (around 2-4%). Don’t forget about repairs and staging to make your home shine! Want to cut down on costs? The Kombrink Team knows what updates are worth it and what you can skip. Reach out, and let’s chat about how we can help you maximize your sale!

Overpricing is not just about getting fewer offers. It can stall the move you actually need to make. Many sellers set sights too high, pull the listing, and put life plans on hold. Price for today’s market, not the frenzy of a few years ago. Home values are still up significantly over the past five years, so a realistic price can still put you ahead. Want a clear pricing plan for your house? Reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty at 630-402-0021.

More than 4 in 10 homes for sale have had at least one price cut, and the average reduction is around $17,000. For sellers, that’s a reminder that pricing correctly from the beginning matters. Start too high, and you may end up chasing the market down. For buyers, a price reduction can signal an opportunity. A seller who has already adjusted their price may be more willing to negotiate on price, closing costs, or other terms. Thinking about buying or selling in Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, or the surrounding Fox Valley? Reach out to The Kombrink Team and let’s talk strategy.

Why does the housing market feel so confusing right now? Because not every buyer or seller is playing by the same rules. There are really four different groups shaping today’s market: cash buyers, financed buyers, homeowners holding onto low mortgage rates, and builders looking to move inventory. Which group you fall into can completely change your leverage, your options, and the best strategy for your next move. Thinking about buying or selling in Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, or elsewhere in the Fox Valley? Reach out to The Kombrink Team and let’s figure out the strategy that makes sense for you.

Buyers start judging a home before they ever walk through the front door. If you’re planning to sell this fall, a few simple curb appeal updates can make a big difference. Clean up the landscaping, add seasonal flowers, sweep the walkways, clear the gutters, and make sure the path to your front door is well lit. You don’t need a huge renovation. You just need to know which improvements buyers actually notice. Thinking about selling in Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, or anywhere around the Fox Valley? Reach out to The Kombrink Team and we’ll help you figure out what’s worth doing before your home hits the market.

Will home prices drop in Illinois in 2026, or are buyers waiting for a housing crash that may not happen? Current forecasts point toward continued home price growth in Illinois, not a major decline. In this video, Kris Kombrink breaks down what’s keeping prices supported, including low housing inventory, homeowners holding onto low mortgage rates, limited new construction, and continued demand across the Fox Valley. We’ll also look at what this means for buyers and sellers in communities like Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, and throughout Kane and DuPage Counties.

Thinking about selling your home this fall? With fewer buyers and more homes competing for attention, your strategy matters. Here are four things sellers need to get right: - Price it correctly from the start - Make a strong first impression - Stay open to negotiating - Pay attention to buyer feedback If selling your home is on your radar this fall, reach out to The Kombrink Team. We’ll help you build a strategy designed to get your home noticed and sold.

Think the best time to sell your house is already behind you? Not so fast. About one-third of annual home sales happen during the final four months of the year, and buyers are still actively making moves before the new year. The key is getting the price, presentation, and marketing right.

Data centers are expanding fast, and more homeowners are wondering what that could mean for nearby property values. So far, research suggests home values in communities with large data centers have generally performed similarly to comparable areas without them. But location still matters. Noise, proximity, development patterns, and possible utility impacts can all play a role. If a data center is proposed near your home in Kane or DuPage County, The Kombrink Team is keeping an eye on what it could mean for the local housing market.

The housing market is telling two very different stories depending on price point. Homes under $250,000 are seeing fewer sales than last year, while sales of homes over $750,000 have climbed by double digits. Why the gap? Entry-level buyers are feeling the impact of mortgage rates much more heavily, while higher-end buyers often have more financial flexibility. For sellers, that means your pricing strategy matters. Lower-priced homes may need sharper pricing and stronger presentation, while higher-end homes could still see strong demand and even multiple offers. Want to know where your home fits in today’s Fox Valley market? Contact The Kombrink Team at 630-402-0021 or visit https://www.kombrink.com.

Feel like everything has been a little unpredictable lately? The housing market may actually be one of the more stable things out there. Home prices have been relatively steady, housing inventory is close to where it was last year, and mortgage rates have stayed in roughly the same 6% to 7% range since late 2022. If you’ve been waiting for the market to “settle down” before buying or selling, it may already be there. That stability can make it easier to plan your next move with a little more confidence.

Your Zestimate might be missing the upgrades, location advantages and unique features that could add thousands of dollars to your home’s value. Online estimates can be a helpful starting point, but they can’t walk through your remodeled kitchen, evaluate your finished basement or understand how much buyers value a quiet cul-de-sac, downtown location or nearby Metra station. For an accurate home valuation in Kane or DuPage County, reach out to The Kombrink Team. We’ll combine current market data with real local experience to determine what your home could actually sell for.

Worried your home sale could fall apart at the last minute? Inspection and repair issues are one of the biggest reasons deals fall through, but sellers can often get ahead of those surprises. A pre-listing inspection may help uncover issues before buyers do, giving you more control over repairs, disclosures, and negotiations. It isn’t the right move for every home or every market, though. Thinking about selling in the Fox Valley or western suburbs of Chicago? Reach out to The Kombrink Team and we’ll help you build the right strategy before your home hits the market.

Moving soon but not sure whether to sell your current house or buy your next home first? Selling first can help you avoid carrying two mortgages, give you a clear picture of the money available for your next purchase, and make your offer more attractive to sellers because it isn’t dependent on another home selling. The best order depends on your finances, timeline, and the local housing market. Reach out to The Kombrink Team, and let’s create a moving plan that keeps the stress and surprises to a minimum.

Does your home have an in-law suite, finished basement, bonus room, or separate living space? Those flexible features may be more valuable than you think. Multi-generational homes are getting 13.5% more online views and typically list for 22% more per square foot than standard homes. Buyers are actively looking for homes that can accommodate parents, adult children, guests, or extended family. Thinking about selling? The Kombrink Team can help you understand what your home is worth and how to market its most valuable features.

Home price growth slowed significantly over the past couple of years, but early data suggests it may be starting to pick up again. A few months don’t make a trend, and real estate is always local. Reach out to The Kombrink Team for a closer look at home prices across Kane and DuPage Counties and what the latest shift could mean for your move.

The housing market may be cooling in some price ranges, but luxury real estate is telling a different story. Luxury home prices are rising much faster than the rest of the market, supported by high-end buyers who are still ready and able to make a move. Thinking about selling a luxury home in the Chicagoland area? The Kombrink Team can help you position it for maximum exposure and the strongest possible return.