Northern Illinois Real Estate Videos & Market Updates

Thinking about moving to St. Charles, Illinois in 2027? In this video, Kris Kombrink with The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty breaks down what makes St. Charles one of the most popular communities in the Fox Valley and what you should know before making a move. St. Charles offers something a lot of suburbs struggle to combine: a real downtown, the Fox River, established neighborhoods, newer housing options, parks and trails, restaurants and entertainment, and easy access to the rest of the Fox Valley. But St. Charles is also changing. We’ll look at what’s happening around downtown, new residential development, growth on the east side, housing options throughout the community, commuting considerations, and some of the tradeoffs buyers should understand before deciding whether St. Charles is the right fit. Thinking about buying or selling a home in St. Charles? The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty has been helping buyers and sellers throughout the Fox Valley since 1991.

Are you thinking of buying a home? Avoid these 3 common mistakes that many buyers are making in today’s market: trying to time the market, buying more house than they can afford, and missing out on assistance programs. Let The Kombrink Team help you navigate the process smoothly!

Feel like your first home is years out of reach? With affordability this tight, we get it. But the type of home you buy can change the timeline in a big way. On the typical path, saving up and reaching the break-even point where owning costs about the same as renting takes around 15 years. With a starter home, it's closer to 7. And both of those numbers assume a 20 percent down payment. Most first-time buyers put down far less, and some loans require as little as 3 percent or even zero down. Tired of waiting? Reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty and let's chat about getting you into your first home sooner.

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.

Thinking about skipping the home inspection? Don’t. It’s like a health checkup for your future home. Here’s what inspectors typically check: Roof, plumbing, electrical Heating & cooling systems Structure, exterior, and more A home inspection can: Uncover hidden issues Help you renegotiate or request repairs Give you peace of mind before closing If you could ask a home inspector one question before buying, what would it be? Drop it in the comments—we'll make sure it's at the top of the list! The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty has your back!

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.

Veterans, here’s something you need to know. Only 3 in 10 Veterans realize they may qualify for a VA loan with ZERO down payment. No down payment required No PMI (private mortgage insurance) Limited closing costs A VA loan could help you buy a home sooner than you think, and it’s one of the biggest benefits you’ve earned. Curious if you qualify? Let The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty connect you with trusted VA lenders today.

Think student loans are holding you back from buying a home? Think again. Around one in three first-time buyers in the Fox Valley have student debt — and they’re still becoming homeowners. What matters most is your full financial picture: income, credit, and the right loan options. Talk to a great local lender and see where you really stand. You might be closer to owning in Geneva, Batavia, or St. Charles than you think.

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.

Hey there, food lovers! If you're in Batavia, Illinois, and craving a delicious meal, you're in luck. We've got a list of the top 7 restaurants that you absolutely must try, compiled based on Google user reviews, considering both star ratings and the number of reviews. Brought to you by The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty. From casual eats at Chicken Salad Chick to upscale sushi at Swordfish, discover the best dining spots Batavia has to offer. Let's dive in! Chicken Salad Chick: Casual and friendly, specializing in light, refreshing chicken salads. Don't miss their daily specials. https://chickensaladchick.com/batavia-il WindMill Grille & Pizzeria: Family-friendly and cozy, serving American and Italian dishes. Pizza and pasta night deals are worth it. http://windmillgrillepizzeria.com/ Tusk Thai Cuisine: Modern and vibrant, offering authentic Thai cuisine. Great lunch specials and deals on Thai iced tea. https://www.tuskthaicuisine.com/ Swordfish: Elegant and upscale, serving amazing sushi and Japanese dishes. Check out their sushi happy hour for great deals. http://swordfishsushi.com/ Batavia Diner 2: Classic and nostalgic with traditional American diner fare. Their daily breakfast specials are a must-try. https://www.facebook.com/BataviaDiner2/ Fernando's Street Kitchen: Energetic vibe with street food from around the world. Taco Tuesday deals are unbeatable! https://www.fernandosstreetkitchen.com/ Bocaditos Café: Cozy and inviting, offering café-style dishes. Don't miss their weekend brunch specials. http://www.bocaditos.cafe/ Whether you're a local or just visiting, these top-rated restaurants are sure to satisfy your taste buds. If you have any questions about Batavia or are ready to make a move, reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty.

Thinking of moving near Chicago? Look no further than Elk Grove Village! This fantastic suburb offers top schools, a safe community, abundant green space, a thriving job market, and a rich cultural scene. Plus, it's surprisingly affordable! From exploring Busse Woods to catching a show, Elk Grove Village has something for everyone. Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty to find your dream home today!

Welcome to Warrenville, Illinois! Whether you're new to the area or a long-time resident, there's always something fun and exciting to do in our wonderful town. Join us as we explore the best activities Warrenville has to offer, brought to you by The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty. First up, we visit the stunning Blackwell Forest Preserve, perfect for hiking, fishing, and picnicking by the lake. Don't miss Mount Hoy for winter sledding! Next, we head to Main Event Entertainment for indoor fun with bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and a gravity ropes course. The Warrenville Park District offers fitness classes, sports leagues, and community events. Nearby, Cantigny Park in Wheaton boasts beautiful gardens and historic sites. Downtown Warrenville features local restaurants, shops, and cafes. Finally, the Illinois Prairie Path provides miles of trails for biking, jogging, and strolling.

Calling all St. Charles food enthusiasts! Join Kris from The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty as we dive into the Top 7 Restaurants in St. Charles, Illinois for 2024, all based on your rave reviews! Discover the best spots to satisfy your cravings and find your new favorite dining destination. Check out the full list and let us know your thoughts: #7 Colonial Cafe: Step back in time with American classics. Budget-friendly! (https://colonialcafe.com/) #6 SYRUP: Modern southern breakfast and brunch with a twist. (http://www.eatatsyrup.com/) #5 La Zaza Trattoria: Authentic Italian fare with a cozy atmosphere. (https://lazazas.com/) #4 Alexanders Cafe: Your go-to for hearty breakfasts and lunches. (http://www.alexanderscafe.com/) #3 Mio Modo: Upscale Italian with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. (https://www.miomodo.com/) #2 Just Kabobs: Juicy, marinated kabobs and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. (http://www.justkabobs.com/) #1 Chef Abdul Mediterranean: Top-rated for its authentic Mediterranean dishes. (https://chefabdulmediterranean.com/) Considering a move to St. Charles? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty to find your perfect home near all this delicious food! Call us at (630) 402-0021 or visit us online at https://www.kombrink.com. We want to hear from you! What are YOUR hidden gem restaurants in St. Charles? Did we miss any must-try spots? Share your favorites in the comments below!

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.

More inventory, a little more time to shop, and prices edging higher. Here’s your Aurora, Illinois housing market snapshot for September 2026. • Median sold price: $342,749, up 0.96% from August • Median days on market: 13 • Months of inventory: 1.7, up 23.4% year over year • Sold-to-list price ratio: 99.2% • Active listings: 221 Aurora remains a seller’s market, but rising supply gives buyers more options. Sellers should pay attention to pricing and presentation as competition grows. Thinking about buying or selling? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty. 630-402-0021 Data provided by RPR. Includes single-family homes and condos/townhouses/apartments.

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.

Nearly half of buyers aged 18–26 are getting down payment help from family — and here’s how they’re doing it. The average homeowner has $300K+ in equity Some are using a portion of that equity to help their kids buy a home It’s a smart way to pass down generational wealth Thinking about doing something similar? Talk to your lender & a trusted advisor — then reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty to see what’s possible for your family.

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 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