Northern Illinois Real Estate Videos & Market Updates

The Fed raised the Federal Funds Rate again, but does that automatically mean mortgage rates are going higher? Not exactly. The Federal Funds Rate and mortgage rates are two different things. Fed policy can influence the overall interest-rate environment, but mortgage rates also react to inflation, the bond market, economic data, and investor expectations. For homebuyers, the better strategy usually isn’t trying to perfectly time mortgage rates. Build a plan that works with today’s numbers and know what your options are if rates change later. Thinking about buying a home in Chicagoland? Reach out to The Kombrink Team and let’s talk through the numbers.

You may have more negotiating power than you think. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. That means your chances of getting a home for less than the seller originally wanted are better than a coin flip. But how much can you negotiate? That depends on the home, the neighborhood, how long it’s been on the market, and what buyers are doing locally. The Kombrink Team keeps a close eye on the Chicagoland market so you can make a strong offer without unnecessarily overpaying. Thinking about buying? Let’s figure out what kind of offer makes sense.

Half of buyers are worried home prices are about to crash. The other half are hoping they do. But the latest home price forecasts tell a different story. Fannie Mae surveyed more than 100 housing experts, and the average forecast calls for home prices to rise 14.7% through 2030. Even the most pessimistic forecast still projects a 6.6% increase. That doesn’t mean every city or neighborhood will move the same way. Some markets could see short-term declines, but nationally, experts are still forecasting higher home prices over the next several years. Wondering what home prices are doing here in the Fox Valley and Chicagoland market? Reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty.

Think closing costs are the same everywhere? Nope. They can vary from $1,500 to over $10,000 depending on your location, price point, and even attorney fees. Know what to expect before you start house hunting—especially here in the Fox Valley. Reach out to The Kombrink Team for local guidance!

Buying a home soon? The market is giving buyers something they haven’t had much of lately: options. There are now more homes on the market than at any point since 2019, bringing inventory closer to normal levels. That means buyers have a better chance to find a home that fits their needs and budget, while also having more room to negotiate on price and terms. If you’re thinking about buying in Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, or anywhere in the Fox Valley, The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty can help you sort through the options and focus on the homes that are actually worth your time.

Renting might feel cheaper now, but rent always goes up. Meanwhile, home values rise too, but as a homeowner, that works in your favor. When you buy: Lock in your monthly payment Build wealth through home equity Ditch rising rents for good! If you're ready to explore starter homes, The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty can help.

Mortgage rates may be making headlines again, but the rate you see quoted online isn’t necessarily the rate you’ll actually get. Your mortgage rate depends on your individual financial picture, including your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, loan type, loan term, and other factors. That means your actual rate could look different from the number making headlines. If higher rates have you putting your home search on hold, talk with a trusted local lender or loan officer and find out what you could actually qualify for. A quick conversation may give you a much clearer picture of what’s possible.

Thinking about moving to Geneva, Illinois in 2027? In this video, we break down why Geneva keeps showing up on buyers’ lists and what makes this Fox Valley community so appealing. From its charming downtown and Metra access to parks, trails, established neighborhoods, and strong overall lifestyle, Geneva offers a lot for buyers who want more than just a house. We also talk about what you should know before making a move here, including housing availability, pricing, and what makes Geneva different from nearby communities. If you're considering a move, this video will help you decide whether Geneva is the right fit for you. Learn more about Geneva here: https://www.kombrink.com/geneva/ If you're thinking about buying or selling in Geneva or anywhere in the Fox Valley, reach out to The Kombrink Team.

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.

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.

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.

Home buyers may have more negotiating power right now than they realize. With more sellers competing for buyers, some homeowners are becoming more flexible on price, closing costs, repairs, and other terms. That doesn’t mean every seller will negotiate, but it can create opportunities for buyers who know where to look. Want to know where buyers have the most leverage in the Fox Valley and Northern Illinois market? Contact The Kombrink Team.

Think every home seller is firm on their asking price? Not anymore. Recently, 41% of homes for sale had a price reduction, which means more sellers are showing a willingness to negotiate rather than let their home sit on the market. That doesn’t mean every house is suddenly affordable, but buyers may have more negotiating power, flexibility, and opportunity than they realize. If you’ve put your home search on hold, let’s take another look at what’s happening locally.

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.

Still waiting for mortgage rates to fall? The 10-year Treasury yield and the mortgage “spread” help explain why a major drop may not be coming anytime soon. The spread is the gap between the 10-year Treasury yield and mortgage rates. That gap has narrowed significantly since 2023, which is actually helping keep today’s mortgage rates from being even higher. Before putting your home search on hold hoping for dramatically lower rates, let’s run the numbers and see what makes sense for you.

A lot of buyers are putting their plans on hold until mortgage rates come down. But historically, today’s rates are closer to normal than many people realize. The ultra-low rates during the pandemic were the exception, not the rule. Waiting for those record-low rates to return could mean missing opportunities that are available right now. If buying a home is important to you, The Kombrink Team can help you explore strategies that make today’s market work for your budget.

Buying a home involves more than just the mortgage payment. Homeowner’s insurance premiums have risen significantly since 2019, and that cost can affect how much home you can comfortably afford. The good news is that the pace of those increases appears to be slowing. Still, buyers should request insurance quotes early and compare several providers before making an offer. A little preparation now can help you avoid an expensive surprise later.

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.

Feel like your home search has been showing you the same options over and over? There’s a reason. Housing inventory is still higher than last year, but the pace of growth has slowed dramatically. Last spring, the number of homes for sale was up about 31% year-over-year. Today, that increase is closer to 2%. But recent trends suggest inventory growth may be starting to stabilize. And if homes continue taking longer to sell, more listings could begin piling up again. If your home search has felt a little stale, don’t give up. New opportunities are hitting the market every day.

Worried that big investors are buying up all the homes? The latest data shows the largest institutional investors are now selling more properties than they’re purchasing, adding more homes back to the market. Many of these homes fall within price ranges where first-time buyers are shopping. That could mean less competition and more options for buyers who have been waiting for an opportunity.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Sugar Grove, Illinois real estate market is giving buyers a lot more breathing room than it did a year ago. Here’s the September 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $505,000 Up 7.46% month over month Median days on market: 13 days Months of inventory: 3.1 months Inventory up 131.85% year over year Sold-to-list price: 98.8% Median price per square foot: $207 Sugar Grove still has relatively limited supply, but conditions are becoming more balanced. Buyers have significantly more inventory to choose from, while homes are now selling slightly below their final asking price overall. Thinking about buying or selling in Sugar Grove? Reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty.

What’s happening in the South Elgin, Illinois real estate market? Here’s the September 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $422,990 Up 6.82% month over month Median days on market: 16 days Months of inventory: 1.4 months Sold-to-list price: 100.3% Median price per square foot: $217 South Elgin remains a competitive seller’s market. Inventory is still tight, and homes are selling for slightly more than their final asking price overall. Buyers have more inventory than they did a year ago, but desirable homes can still move quickly.

The St. Charles, Illinois real estate market is giving buyers something they haven’t had much of lately: more options and more negotiating power. Here’s the September 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $406,490 Median days on market: 64 days Months of inventory: 7.0 months Sold-to-list price: 99.8% Median price per square foot: $236 Active listings: 28 With inventory at seven months and homes taking longer to sell, buyers may have more room to negotiate depending on the property. Sellers need to pay especially close attention to pricing and competition.

What’s happening in the Naperville, Illinois real estate market? September 2026 brought a few noticeable changes: Median sold price: $655,000 Down 4.38% month over month Median days on market: 10 days Months of inventory: 2.2 months Sold-to-list price: 99.3% Median price per square foot: $266 Inventory is also up more than 32% year over year, which means Naperville buyers are seeing more choices than they had a year ago. The market still favors sellers overall, but homes are taking longer to sell and the typical property is now closing slightly below asking price.

What’s happening in the Geneva, Illinois real estate market? The September 2026 numbers still point to a competitive seller’s market: Median sold price: $619,000 Median days on market: 5 days Months of inventory: 1.9 months Sold-to-list price: about 100% Median price per square foot: $269 Inventory has increased, but Geneva remains well below what would typically be considered a balanced market. Buyers need to be ready when the right home hits, while sellers still have a strong market if their home is priced and marketed correctly.

The Elgin, Illinois housing market is still moving quickly. In September 2026, the median sold price was about $359,950, homes sold in a median of just 8 days, and inventory remained tight at only 1.8 months of supply. Homes also sold for roughly 100.2% of list price. Even with prices down from the previous month, Elgin continues to favor sellers while giving buyers more inventory to choose from. Thinking about buying or selling in Elgin? The Kombrink Team can help you understand what these numbers mean for your specific neighborhood and price range.

What’s happening in the Wheaton, Illinois real estate market right now? Here’s the August 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $550,000 Median days on market: 8 days Months of inventory: 1.7 Sold-to-list ratio: 99.8% Inventory: up 46% year over year Active listings: 86 New listings: 84 New pending listings: 44 Median price per square foot: $277 Wheaton buyers have considerably more inventory than they did a year ago, but 1.7 months of supply is still firmly in seller’s-market territory. Homes are moving quickly and selling for nearly full asking price on average.

What’s happening in the St. Charles, Illinois real estate market right now? Here’s the August 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $575,750 Median days on market: 8 days Months of inventory: 2.5 Sold-to-list ratio: 101.5% Inventory: up 87% year over year Active listings: 135 New listings: 104 New pending listings: 60 Median price per square foot: $242 Buyers have significantly more choices than they did a year ago, but St. Charles is still competitive. Homes are moving quickly and selling above asking price on average.

What’s happening in the North Aurora, Illinois real estate market right now? Here’s the August 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $515,000 Median days on market: 11 days Months of inventory: 2.1 Sold-to-list ratio: 99.8% Active listings: 51 New listings: 57 New pending listings: 16 Median price per square foot: $207 Inventory: up 7% year over year and sharply higher from July With 2.1 months of supply, North Aurora is still a competitive seller’s market. But homes selling at roughly 99.8% of asking price suggests buyers may have a little more negotiating room than they did earlier in the year.

What’s happening in the Naperville, Illinois real estate market right now? Here’s the August 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $685,000 Median days on market: 7 days Months of inventory: 2.1 Sold-to-list ratio: 100.5% Inventory: up 30% year over year Active listings: 340 New listings: 297 New pending listings: 154 Median price per square foot: $264 Naperville buyers have more homes to choose from than they did a year ago, but the market is still competitive. Homes are selling quickly and for slightly more than asking price on average. Thinking about buying or selling a home in Naperville? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty at 630-402-0021.

What’s happening in the Elgin, Illinois real estate market right now? Here’s the August 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $400,000 Median days on market: 10 days Months of inventory: 1.9 Sold-to-list ratio: 100.3% Inventory: up 16% year over year Active listings: 194 New listings: 181 Median price per square foot: $211 Inventory is improving, which gives Elgin buyers more choices, but 1.9 months of supply is still firmly in seller’s-market territory. Homes are also selling for slightly more than asking price on average. Thinking about buying or selling a home in Elgin? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty at 630-402-0021.

What’s happening in the Batavia, Illinois real estate market right now? In August 2026: Median sold price: $460,000 Median days on market: 8 days Months of inventory: 1.4 Sold-to-list ratio: 100.3% Inventory: up 37% year over year Active listings: 45 Median price per square foot: $234 Even with more homes available, Batavia remains a competitive seller’s market. Properties are still moving quickly and selling slightly above asking price on average. Thinking about buying or selling a home in Batavia? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty at 630-402-0021.

The Aurora, Illinois real estate market is giving buyers more options, but sellers still have the advantage. In August 2026: Median sold price: $338,000 Median days on market: 8 days Months of inventory: 2.0 Sold-to-list ratio: 100.2% Inventory: up 47% year over year Active listings: 248 So while Aurora has considerably more inventory than a year ago, homes are still selling quickly and essentially at full asking price. Thinking about buying or selling a home in Aurora? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty at 630-402-0021.

What’s happening in the Geneva, Illinois real estate market right now? In August 2026, Geneva homes had a median sold price of $610,000, with properties selling in a median of just 4 days. Inventory climbed to 1.8 months of supply, but homes still sold for an average of 101.5% of list price. That means Geneva remains a competitive seller’s market, even as buyers get a few more choices. Thinking about buying or selling a home in Geneva? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty at 630-402-0021.

What’s happening in the Geneva, Illinois real estate market right now? Here’s a quick look at the July 2026 numbers: With just 1.6 months of inventory and homes still selling above asking price on average, Geneva remains a competitive seller’s market. Buyers have more inventory than they did a month ago, but well-priced homes are still moving quickly. Thinking about buying or selling in Geneva? Let’s talk about what these numbers mean for your specific situation.

Do you know what your house could realistically sell for today? The typical homeowner with a mortgage has about $311,000 in equity, and that kind of equity can create some serious options when it’s time to move. You could put more money down on your next home, borrow less at today’s rates, or potentially make an all-cash purchase. The Kombrink Team is currently offering no-cost Equity Assessment Reports for local homeowners. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a professional look at your home’s value, reach out and let’s find out what your numbers look like.

Take a look inside 761 Blooming Dr, a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath two-story in DeKalb's Heartland Fields neighborhood, just steps from the high school. The main level is open and easy to live in, with hardwood flooring throughout, modern neutral decor, a large living room, a formal dining room, and a spacious family room right off the eat-in kitchen. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and a slider out to the fenced backyard and paver patio. Upstairs, new carpet runs through all three bedrooms. The vaulted primary suite has a lighted ceiling fan, walk-in closet, and private bath, bedroom 2 has a walk-in closet of its own, and the laundry room is on the second floor where the laundry actually lives. A full finished basement and a 2-car attached garage round things out. The big-ticket updates are already handled: stove and refrigerator in 2025, commercial water heater and dishwasher in 2023, and HVAC in 2022 with a 10-year warranty. The sale also includes 2-3 visits from Orkin pest control. NIU, Sycamore Road shopping and dining, and I-88 are all a short drive away. Want to see it in person? Reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty and we will set up a showing.

Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick and cedar two-story home in Elburn, Illinois, offering more than 3,300 square feet of living space on a beautifully landscaped 1.15-acre lot with mature trees. Inside, you'll find a dramatic sunken living room with a vaulted and beamed ceiling and fireplace, a formal dining room with hardwood flooring, and a remodeled eat-in kitchen featuring granite countertops, recessed lighting, an island with breakfast bar, and a bayed breakfast nook. The spacious family room is highlighted by a floor-to-ceiling masonry fireplace, while the sunroom offers tile flooring and beautiful views of the property. A first-floor bedroom with hardwood flooring can also serve as a home office. Upstairs are three additional bedrooms with hardwood floors, including an impressive primary suite with its own fireplace, adjacent sitting room, walk-in closet, deluxe private bath with skylight, and access to a huge private balcony. Outdoor features include a large front patio, paver walkway, backyard deck, mature landscaping, and plenty of room to enjoy the 1.15-acre setting. Additional features include: • 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths • 3,300+ sq ft of living space • 1.15-acre landscaped lot • Four fireplaces with gas logs • Heated 2-car attached garage • Basement access from the garage • Whole-house generator • Backup sump pump • Reverse osmosis system • Security system • Custom closet organizers • Two newer water heaters • Roof replaced in 2019 with 30-year shingles • St. Charles schools • Convenient access to the Elburn Metra station Thinking about buying or selling a home in Elburn, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, or the surrounding Fox Valley area? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty.

Take a look inside this 3-bedroom home for sale in DeKalb, Illinois, tucked away on a landscaped cul-de-sac lot with mature trees and a peaceful backyard setting that backs to a park. The main level features luxury vinyl plank flooring in the living room, dining room and primary bedroom. The living room includes a gas log fireplace flanked by built-ins, while the dining room opens to the backyard deck through a sliding glass door. The kitchen includes a convenient pantry, and two bedrooms, including the primary bedroom, are located on the main level. Downstairs, you'll find a spacious family room and third bedroom, offering additional flexibility for guests, a home office or extra living space. Outside, enjoy the deck, backyard patio, mature trees and an attached 1-car garage. Additional updates include a newer roof, HVAC system approximately 2–3 years old and a water softener installed in 2024.

Take a photo tour of this 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home in Plainfield’s Lakewood Falls neighborhood. Set on a landscaped lot with mature trees and backing to open space, this home offers a peaceful setting just steps from the neighborhood pond and elementary school. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living room, dining area, adjacent kitchen, and a versatile family room with a sliding glass door to the backyard deck. The family room could also serve as a 3rd bedroom, home office, or flex space. The primary bedroom offers convenient access to the shared full bath, while the full unfinished basement provides plenty of storage and future possibilities. Outside, enjoy a fenced backyard with a deck, patio, and storage shed, plus a 2-car attached garage and welcoming front porch. The low HOA includes access to the Lakewood Falls clubhouse. Home is being sold AS-IS. Thinking about buying or selling a home in Plainfield or the surrounding Chicagoland suburbs? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty. Phone: (630) 402-0021

Tour this 3-bedroom, 2 full and 2 half bath home for sale at 1460 Prairie Crossing Dr in West Chicago, Illinois. Located in West Chicago’s Prairie Meadows neighborhood, this inviting two-story home sits on a beautifully landscaped lot with a 2-car attached garage, backyard patio, storage shed, and direct access to the Illinois Prairie Path just beyond the backyard. Inside, you’ll find a dramatic two-story foyer, a bright living and dining room combination with crown molding, and an updated kitchen featuring granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash, and a bayed eating area with a sliding glass door to the patio. The spacious family room features a gas log fireplace, while the second floor offers three generously sized bedrooms, including a primary suite with an updated private bath. The partially finished basement provides additional space for recreation, a home office, or everyday living. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, entertainment, and miles of scenic trails.

Take a tour of this updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home for sale at 141 Kathryn Ln in Triangle Mobile Home Park in Sandwich, Illinois. This well-maintained home features a vaulted living room, eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a vaulted and beamed sunroom. The primary bedroom includes a private bath with a soaking tub and separate shower, while the renovated hall bath adds another fresh update. Recent improvements include a new roof, gutters with leaf guards and skylight in 2024, new kitchen counters and sink, newer kitchen appliances, a renovated hall bath in 2025, and new central air, furnace, and water heater. The washer and dryer were replaced in 2023. Outside, you’ll find a landscaped lot, concrete driveway, paver patio, included patio set, and a wooden storage shed owned by the park. HOA fees include water and refuse service.

Take a photo tour of this spacious 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch home for sale at 1530 Sunrise Dr in DeKalb, Illinois. Set on a mature tree-lined lot, this inviting home features a front porch, 2.5-car garage, large backyard deck, modern neutral decor and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Inside, you’ll find a bright living room with a bay window, an adjacent dining room and an eat-in kitchen with solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances, a tile backsplash and pantry. The large family room offers a beamed ceiling, gas log fireplace and built-in shelving. Four generous bedrooms and a partially finished basement provide plenty of space for everyday living, recreation and storage.