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.

Will mortgage rates really climb to 9%? We've seen the headlines too, so here's the straight answer: today's market conditions just don't support it. Getting to 9% would take a rare mix of things all lasting for the next year: an economy growing much faster than normal, no slowdown in jobs, the conflict in Iran continuing to keep oil prices high, and the Fed raising its rate more than expected. That's a lot of dominoes that all have to fall the same way. If you're thinking about moving soon in the Fox Valley or Chicago suburbs, there's no need to let a headline change your plans. Have questions about where rates are headed? Reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty and we'll help you make sense of the forecasts.

You may have more negotiating power than you think. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. That means your chances of getting a home for less than the seller originally wanted are better than a coin flip. But how much can you negotiate? That depends on the home, the neighborhood, how long it’s been on the market, and what buyers are doing locally. The Kombrink Team keeps a close eye on the Chicagoland market so you can make a strong offer without unnecessarily overpaying. Thinking about buying? Let’s figure out what kind of offer makes sense.

Looking to move to Elburn, IL? Watch this video to learn all about this charming town just west of Chicago. From housing options to local amenities, we've got you covered. Contact The Kombrink Team to start your journey to finding your dream home in Elburn, IL today!

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.

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.

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.

Thinking about moving to Geneva, Illinois in 2027? In this video, we break down why Geneva keeps showing up on buyers’ lists and what makes this Fox Valley community so appealing. From its charming downtown and Metra access to parks, trails, established neighborhoods, and strong overall lifestyle, Geneva offers a lot for buyers who want more than just a house. We also talk about what you should know before making a move here, including housing availability, pricing, and what makes Geneva different from nearby communities. If you're considering a move, this video will help you decide whether Geneva is the right fit for you. Learn more about Geneva here: https://www.kombrink.com/geneva/ If you're thinking about buying or selling in Geneva or anywhere in the Fox Valley, reach out to The Kombrink Team.

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.

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.

Data centers are expanding fast, and more homeowners are wondering what that could mean for nearby property values. So far, research suggests home values in communities with large data centers have generally performed similarly to comparable areas without them. But location still matters. Noise, proximity, development patterns, and possible utility impacts can all play a role. If a data center is proposed near your home in Kane or DuPage County, The Kombrink Team is keeping an eye on what it could mean for the local housing market.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What’s happening in the South Elgin, Illinois real estate market? Here’s the September 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $422,990 Up 6.82% month over month Median days on market: 16 days Months of inventory: 1.4 months Sold-to-list price: 100.3% Median price per square foot: $217 South Elgin remains a competitive seller’s market. Inventory is still tight, and homes are selling for slightly more than their final asking price overall. Buyers have more inventory than they did a year ago, but desirable homes can still move quickly.

The St. Charles, Illinois real estate market is giving buyers something they haven’t had much of lately: more options and more negotiating power. Here’s the September 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $406,490 Median days on market: 64 days Months of inventory: 7.0 months Sold-to-list price: 99.8% Median price per square foot: $236 Active listings: 28 With inventory at seven months and homes taking longer to sell, buyers may have more room to negotiate depending on the property. Sellers need to pay especially close attention to pricing and competition.

What’s happening in the Naperville, Illinois real estate market? September 2026 brought a few noticeable changes: Median sold price: $655,000 Down 4.38% month over month Median days on market: 10 days Months of inventory: 2.2 months Sold-to-list price: 99.3% Median price per square foot: $266 Inventory is also up more than 32% year over year, which means Naperville buyers are seeing more choices than they had a year ago. The market still favors sellers overall, but homes are taking longer to sell and the typical property is now closing slightly below asking price.

What’s happening in the Geneva, Illinois real estate market? The September 2026 numbers still point to a competitive seller’s market: Median sold price: $619,000 Median days on market: 5 days Months of inventory: 1.9 months Sold-to-list price: about 100% Median price per square foot: $269 Inventory has increased, but Geneva remains well below what would typically be considered a balanced market. Buyers need to be ready when the right home hits, while sellers still have a strong market if their home is priced and marketed correctly.

The Elgin, Illinois housing market is still moving quickly. In September 2026, the median sold price was about $359,950, homes sold in a median of just 8 days, and inventory remained tight at only 1.8 months of supply. Homes also sold for roughly 100.2% of list price. Even with prices down from the previous month, Elgin continues to favor sellers while giving buyers more inventory to choose from. Thinking about buying or selling in Elgin? The Kombrink Team can help you understand what these numbers mean for your specific neighborhood and price range.

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.

What’s happening in the Wheaton, Illinois real estate market right now? Here’s the August 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $550,000 Median days on market: 8 days Months of inventory: 1.7 Sold-to-list ratio: 99.8% Inventory: up 46% year over year Active listings: 86 New listings: 84 New pending listings: 44 Median price per square foot: $277 Wheaton buyers have considerably more inventory than they did a year ago, but 1.7 months of supply is still firmly in seller’s-market territory. Homes are moving quickly and selling for nearly full asking price on average.

What’s happening in the St. Charles, Illinois real estate market right now? Here’s the August 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $575,750 Median days on market: 8 days Months of inventory: 2.5 Sold-to-list ratio: 101.5% Inventory: up 87% year over year Active listings: 135 New listings: 104 New pending listings: 60 Median price per square foot: $242 Buyers have significantly more choices than they did a year ago, but St. Charles is still competitive. Homes are moving quickly and selling above asking price on average.

What’s happening in the North Aurora, Illinois real estate market right now? Here’s the August 2026 snapshot: Median sold price: $515,000 Median days on market: 11 days Months of inventory: 2.1 Sold-to-list ratio: 99.8% Active listings: 51 New listings: 57 New pending listings: 16 Median price per square foot: $207 Inventory: up 7% year over year and sharply higher from July With 2.1 months of supply, North Aurora is still a competitive seller’s market. But homes selling at roughly 99.8% of asking price suggests buyers may have a little more negotiating room than they did earlier in the year.

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.