Northern Illinois Real Estate Videos & Market Updates

Thinking about staying in your home for good? Before you decide, here's what to weigh. Fewer than 4% of homes have the basics for aging in place, like single-floor living, no-step entries, and wide hallways. For most homeowners, staying put means remodeling, and living through the noise and dust while it happens. There's another path. The equity you've built over the years could go toward a home in a 55+ community, where those features are already built in and fitness classes and social events are a short walk away. Not sure which way to go? We'd love to sit down with you and compare both paths so you can make the choice that fits your life. We help homeowners across Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Naperville, and the rest of the Fox Valley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What does a $500,000 home budget actually get you in Geneva, Batavia, or Elgin, Illinois? These three Fox Valley communities are close together, but your buying power can look very different. Geneva may mean trading some square footage for downtown charm and Metra access. Batavia can offer a balance of location, space, and amenities. In Elgin, $500K may stretch further with larger homes, newer construction, finished basements, and three-car garages. Of course, available homes change every week, and property taxes, HOA fees, updates, and maintenance all factor into the real cost of owning. Which would you choose for $500K: Geneva, Batavia, or Elgin?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 spacious 4-bedroom, 2 full and 2 half bath home in the Harvest Hills neighborhood of St. Charles, Illinois. Offering more than 3,200 square feet of finished living space, this brick and vinyl two-story features 10-foot ceilings, an updated kitchen with granite countertops, four spacious bedrooms, custom bathroom cabinetry, a finished walkout basement with kitchenette, and a fenced backyard with deck, patio and above-ground pool. Recent improvements include all new windows and sliding glass doors in 2024, plus a new roof, gutters and garage door in 2020. The location puts you close to parks, ponds, walking and biking paths, Otter Cove Aquatic Park, the Great Western Trail, Geneva Commons, the Randall Road corridor and both the Geneva and Elburn Metra stations.