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.

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!

Worried about the cost of buying your first home? You’re not alone—saving for a down payment and handling monthly payments are top concerns for first-time buyers. That’s where FHA loans come in. With lower down payment requirements and typically lower mortgage rates, FHA loans are designed to make homeownership more accessible. Talk to a lender to see if it’s the right fit for you.

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 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.

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!

Pre-qualification is a guess. Pre-approval is a game-changer. If you're serious about buying a home, you need to be pre-approved — not just to win the house, but to avoid nasty surprises down the road. Sellers want solid offers backed by proof, not vibes. Learn why pre-approval can give you the edge in a competitive market and how to get started.

Thinking about buying your first home but worried your credit score isn’t high enough? You’re not alone—and you may be overestimating what it takes. In this video, we break down the median credit scores by loan type and explain why there’s no one magic number. Your credit doesn’t have to be perfect to qualify! The best step? Talk to a lender to explore your options. Let’s get you on the path to homeownership.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If buying a home is still on your 2026 to-do list, circle September 27 through October 3. According to Realtor.com, that’s expected to be the best week of the year to buy a home nationally, with a combination of more inventory, lower seasonal prices, less competition, and more time to make a decision. Even better for local buyers, Realtor.com identifies that same week as the best buying window for the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro. That doesn’t mean you need to rush into a purchase. The right time to buy still depends on your budget, goals, and the local market. But if you’re considering a move in Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Elgin, or elsewhere in the Fox Valley, this fall could be worth watching closely.

Waiting for mortgage rates to come down might seem like the safest move, but it doesn’t always play out that way. A recent survey found that 41% of buyers who waited for lower rates wish they had bought sooner. With inflation, the economy, and global events all influencing mortgage rates, there’s no guarantee a big drop is coming anytime soon. That doesn’t mean you should rush into buying. It means you should know what the numbers look like right now before deciding to wait. A trusted lender can help you understand today’s rates, available loan programs, and what payment actually works for your budget.

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.

Thinking about tapping your 401(k) for a down payment? It can be tempting, especially when saving enough cash feels like the biggest hurdle to buying a home. But accessing retirement savings early can come with taxes, potential penalties, and the bigger long-term cost of missing out on future investment growth. Before touching your retirement account, explore other possibilities. Qualified buyers may be able to use an FHA loan with as little as 3.5% down, and down payment assistance programs may also be available. Talk with a qualified financial advisor about the financial side, and if you're wondering what home-buying options are available in Northern Illinois, contact The Kombrink Team at 630-402-0021.

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.

If you’ve owned your home for several years, you may have built more buying power than you realize. The typical repeat buyer is putting around 23% down on their next home, often using equity from the home they’re selling. That larger down payment can mean a smaller mortgage, lower monthly payments, less interest over time, and potentially no private mortgage insurance. So if today’s mortgage rates have you wondering whether your next move is still possible, don’t assume the answer is no. Your current home equity could change the math quite a bit.

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.

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.

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.

Elburn’s housing supply is rising, but sellers still have an edge. Here’s your September 2026 market snapshot. • Median sold price: $536,000, down 2.55% from August • Median days on market: 10 • Months of inventory: 2.5, up 36.56% year over year • Sold-to-list price ratio: 99.6% • Active listings: 33 • New listings: 34 Higher months of supply and longer market time suggest buyers have a little more breathing room. Still, homes are selling close to asking price, and Elburn remains a seller’s market. Buying? Compare your options and be ready when the right home appears. Selling? Price against your current competition and make your presentation count.

Five median days on market and homes selling above asking price overall. Batavia’s housing market is still moving quickly. Here’s your September 2026 Batavia, Illinois market snapshot: • Median sold price: $425,110 • Median days on market: 5 • Sold-to-list price ratio: 101.6% • Months of inventory: 1.6 • Active listings: 51 • New listings: 47 The median sold price declined 7.58% from August, but that doesn’t mean every home lost value. The mix of homes selling can shift the median, even while buyers compete for well-priced properties. Buying? Have your financing and priorities ready. Selling? Strong presentation and realistic pricing still matter.

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.