Northern Illinois Real Estate Videos & Market Updates

Mortgage rates get most of the attention, but fall can bring some important changes for home buyers too. Historically, buyers may see more homes to choose from, lower asking prices, and sellers who are more willing to negotiate as the end of the year approaches. If affordability has kept you on the sidelines, the seasonal shift could create opportunities that weren’t there a few months ago.

Think a brand-new home automatically costs more than an existing one? Not necessarily. Nationally, the typical new construction home is around $394,000, compared with roughly $434,000 for an existing home. That’s about a $40,000 difference. Builders with inventory to sell may also be offering incentives, rate buydowns, closing cost help, or other opportunities that can make new construction even more attractive. Just remember: the agent sitting in the builder’s sales office represents the builder. Having your own real estate agent means having someone looking out for your interests during the purchase.

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.

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.

Your first home was never meant to be your forever home. If you’re ready for more space, today’s market may offer a unique advantage. Starter homes remain in high demand, which could help you get a strong price when you sell. Meanwhile, more move-up homes are hitting the market, giving you additional choices and potentially more negotiating power. Add in the equity you’ve built, and your next move may be closer than you think. Ready to explore your options? Contact The Kombrink Team today.

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.

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.

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.

Thinking about moving to Pingree Grove, Illinois? This video breaks down the pros and cons of living in one of America's youngest villages. Learn about: - The rapid growth and development of Pingree Grove - High-performing schools and median household income - Outdoor attractions and housing options - Challenges like ongoing construction and commute times As local real estate experts, we'll help you make an informed decision about whether Pingree Grove is the right fit for your first home purchase.

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 walkthrough of this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath split-level home at 4N849 White Pine Ln in the desirable Wideview neighborhood of St. Charles, Illinois. Set on a beautifully landscaped lot of nearly an acre, this home features an open, updated floor plan, hardwood flooring, a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, and a lower-level family room with a dramatic floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The expansive backyard includes a patio and separate paver patio, offering plenty of space to relax and entertain.

Welcome to 2222 Foxmoor Ln in Aurora’s Cambridge Countryside neighborhood. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick and vinyl townhome features a dramatic two-story entry and living room with a gas log fireplace, an eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a private primary suite, second-floor laundry and a full unfinished basement. Enjoy a landscaped setting with mature trees, a front porch, backyard deck and 2-car attached garage. The HOA handles exterior maintenance, lawn care and snow removal. Located within Indian Prairie School District 204 and close to parks, ponds, Chicago Premium Outlets, shopping, dining and interstate access.

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.