Jake Kilts-Real Estate Broker at HomeSmart

06/03/2026

The spring market was an interesting one. It has been a puzzle to figure out, but I am starting to notice the trends which I talked about in the last email. Now we are transitioning to the summer market. What is different in the summer vs the spring? A LOT... and by a lot, I mean A LOT more houses! Finally, we are starting to see the uptick I have been telling you is coming. June and July are the highest-producing months for inventory and closings.

When I meet buyers to show houses, they are excited to share that they are seeing more houses coming on their searches. I am still noticing houses flying off the market at $50k to $100k over asking. Those houses are 100% done and priced a hair under value, which is clearly getting them a very high ROI. The other houses are sitting for a bit, and you might think of that with a negative connotation, but to me, it is not. They sit for a bit and then they sell. It has never been an issue, and sellers still get the number I tell them they are going to sell for.

It has never bothered me to list at a "higher price" either. I am telling a lot of my clients to try it at a higher number. Why, you ask? Because my job is not to force the seller to list at my price or else. My job is to inform the seller of the most important information, give them my professional opinion on the list price, and then let them make the call. I am in the advisory board seat, and the seller is the owner of the company.

I had a mentor who said it so perfectly: your job is not to sell houses; your job is to find out EXACTLY what the client wants to do and deliver on that. It has been my mantra since I heard it. It aligns my goals with my clients and makes my job much less stressful because I am not here to force anything. If they want to spend $50k on landscaping that doesn't matter to the sale (after I inform them I don't believe this is a great ROI, of course), then GREAT, I will bring the beer and help you! As long as they know the ramifications and have clearly thought out their decision, I am here to support and guide.

All that to say, the market is picking up! Get out there and find your dream home! I am here to help you do whatever your goal is!

Want to stay up to date on the real estate market in Dupage and surrounding ares? Message me.

06/01/2026

I have been doing this for a decade now. I can truly say I have learned to love my career. I am getting better each year and it becomes easier to do more. Very proud of what I have become.

05/27/2026

NEWLY RENOVATED - TRULY MOVE IN READY - Nearly 2,300 sqft of beautiful finishes of living space (plus 1,144 sqft of a finished basement)! Much desired cul-de-sac location in Woodcliffe Estates, featuring highly rated Naperville 204 schools. The large south-facing, fully fenced backyard is a must see, featuring a one-of-a kind 25'x17' pond surrounded by mature trees offering amazing privacy, amongst the sound of soothing waterfalls. Fresh mulch and stone This spacious 3 bed, 2.1 bath home with loft has been freshly painted, white trim throughout with six panel doors and updated hardware, Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors on main level, and new carpeting throughout! Walk into a spacious two story foyer with skylight, featuring the living room and dining room on either side. Newer white kitchen cabinetry with pull out drawers, granite countertops, tumbled marble tile backsplash, stainless appliances and new recessed lighting. Tons of natural light in the breakfast area connecting to the large family room with custom fireplace. The main level also hosts a remodeled and upgraded powder room, first floor laundry and a walk-in pantry with a custom Elfa shelving system. Upstairs is home to an open loft space perfect for whatever flex space you need. The primary bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings, a massive walk-in closet with organizer, and a spacious, newly remodeled primary bath. Two more large bedrooms (featuring new mirrored closet doors), have their own fully remodeled bathroom as well. The finished basement is perfect for a playroom or entertaining space and plumbed for a wet bar. Pella windows throughout, recent air duct cleaning and high efficiency HVAC system. Walk to elementary, high school, Eola branch library/community center, & parks!! Five minutes to Block 59 shopping & restaurants!!

05/18/2026

Newest listing! Further away than usual but its a good one! Ranch with brick front, FULL UNFINISHED BASEMENT, half acre! Very clean house! Message for details.

05/07/2026

🏠 LISLE REAL ESTATE UPDATE: WHAT WE KNOW RIGHT NOW

I’ve been diving into the latest Village Board minutes and the May 2026 market data. If you live in Lisle (especially the Oak Hill area), there are four major things you need to know about your home value this month.

📍 1. The $58.7 Million Strategy
The Village just finalized a $58.7 million expenditure plan. What matters to you isn't the total number, but where it's going: $13.7 million is earmarked for big "Capital Improvements". This means better roads, updated water mains, and smarter stormwater management—all the stuff that keeps neighborhood property values climbing.

💸 2. The Tax Levy is Flat (Again)
Lisle is pulling off a "tax win." For the 8th year in a row, the village is keeping the property tax levy flat. They are using village reserves (basically their savings account) to pay for the $6.9 million in extra projects this year instead of asking you for more money.

📈 3. Luxury Development is Setting a New "Ceiling"
Have you seen the construction at Estates at Rivers Edge? Builders are putting up new homes with average prices of $1.19 million. In real estate, a rising tide lifts all boats. When million-dollar new construction thrives, it pulls up the "comps" for established neighborhoods like Oak Hill.

📉 4. The "0.63" Number
This is the most important stat for May 2026. We currently have only 0.63 months of supply in our market. This means if no new houses were listed, Lisle would be completely sold out of homes in less than 20 days. Sellers are still very much in the driver’s seat.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
Lisle is reinvesting in itself without hiking your taxes, and the inventory is tighter than ever. If you've been wondering what your specific equity looks like after these recent board votes, let's chat.

Check out the full breakdown and the latest township updates here: https://www.jakekilts.com/post/lisle-neighborhood-budget-home-value-update-2026

The Village of Lisle just finalized a plan to spend $58.7 million this fiscal year. While that sounds like a big number, the important part for your property value is how that money is being split up. Instead of just "keeping the lights on," the village is putting a huge chunk of that money into the...

04/28/2026

Real estate can be tough sometimes. It’s complicated, it’s hard to buy a house and sell and close on the same day.

But that’s what we do everyday. Find your house lock it in list your house and sell it. It’s a skill, and a lot of intuition on when to list. Do you list before you find one or after? We do both it just depends on a lot of factors.

This Job is fun because when I get the initial call that someone wants to move, the conversation is more about figuring out what the problems are and how to solve them. It’s fun, I really enjoy it.

Congratulations Megan & Brandon on your new home!!

03/09/2026

Nice little condo we just listed in Aurora, great price!

03/05/2026

Listed, Under Contract in 6 days. Also found the seller a home. Yes you can easily buy and sell at the same time.

02/17/2026

Single family home under 250k? Listed Friday, under contract Monday. Easy.

02/17/2026

I did 2 open houses this weekend heres what I noticed:

A lot more people are out looking. Over 30 people showed up between the two open houses.

People are bidding over asking on a lot of properties.

Get ready for an aggressive spring market.