Northern Illinois Real Estate Videos & Market Updates

Worried you'll regret buying a home right now? Here's some perspective. Nationally, home prices are up more than 33% over the past five years and over 300% since 1991. Prices don't climb every single year, but homeownership was never about one year. It's about what your home can do for you over time. Every mortgage payment and every bit of appreciation builds equity, and that equity can grow into real wealth for whatever comes next. If the numbers work for you, don't let today's headlines pull your focus from the bigger picture. Thinking about buying in Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, or anywhere in the Fox Valley? The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty would love to help you figure out whether buying now fits where you want to be years from now.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Love your low mortgage rate but wish you could move? You might have more options than you think! Homeowners with mortgages have built substantial equity, and that money could help make your next move possible. A larger down payment could mean borrowing less at today's mortgage rates. Downsizing? You might even have enough equity to purchase your next home with cash. Before you let your current mortgage rate keep you stuck, find out what your home is worth and how much equity you could put toward your next move.

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.

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.