Changing Mindsets and Navigating the DuPage Housing Market

I was 16 years old, sitting on a plane flying to Hawaii. Up until that moment, I had never been outside of Washington state. I grew up poor to lower-middle class as a kid.

I had met a girl whose family was Hawaiian, so they traveled to Hawaii every year, and they invited me to come along. I was beyond excited.

I knew the plane ride was long, so I brought a book. My dad had this book sitting on his shelf. I had noticed it walking by almost every single day, so right before leaving, I grabbed it. It was called Rich Dad Poor Dad.

I don’t have many vivid memories as a kid, but I remember that flight crystal clear. I read that book cover to cover before the plane touched down in Hawaii.

It completely changed the trajectory of my life.

Before that flight, I knew I didn’t want to be poor. But after reading it, I realized the world was much bigger than I had ever imagined. The book was about a boy who had two father figures—one rich and one poor. It contrasted not their material possessions, but the way they thought.

Until that point, I didn’t know you could change the way you thought. I didn’t know you could choose to become a different version of yourself by your own will.

I know it sounds elementary now, but sitting on that plane, my eyes were wide and my heart was racing. I realized I didn't have to stay the kid I was—I could choose to build something better.

Building a Reputation on Everyday Choices

Fast forward to today: I run a local real estate business that is 100% dependent on my reputation. If I ever compromised my integrity or did someone wrong, word would spread, and everything I’ve built over 10 years of hard work could be gone overnight.

To be transparent, doing the wrong thing is a genuine fear of mine. I am scared of it.

Because of that, I’ve proven to myself who I am by making one clear decision: choosing to do the right thing over and over again, whether it is convenient or not. I’ve learned that the higher the standard I hold myself to, the more trust and business comes my way.

A reputation built on radical honesty will take you farther than any sales tactic ever could. We must choose which mindset and values we operate from daily—not just once, but every single day.

📊 How Is the DuPage County Real Estate Market Performing?

Transitioning to our local market, let’s look at what is happening across DuPage County right now and what buyers and sellers should prepare for in the coming months.  

DuPage County Market Trends

June was a strong month across the county, and while activity slowed slightly in July, that pause is completely normal for mid-summer.

Historically, as local inventory and transaction graphs reflect, June experiences a brief breath before August, September, and October bring a solid uptick in buyer demand. If you are thinking about selling your home this year, you are about to hit another fantastic window to list. Now is the time to get your property prepped and market-ready.

Home Value Growth

Home value appreciation sat at roughly +0.14% over the past month—essentially holding steady. However, local market metrics suggest value growth will pick up again next month. If you're planning a sale, prepping early allows you to capitalize on that incoming wave of active buyers.

🏠 Mortgage Rate Outlook & Strategy

Mortgage interest rates have remained consistent for most of the year, floating between 6.6% and 6.9%.

While many industry observers assumed rates would fall faster due to broader policy goals, we haven't seen significant drops yet. Holding your breath for lower rates before moving often causes buyers to miss out on steady local equity growth.

• The Takeaway for Buyers: If a move makes sense for your lifestyle and budget, buy the home now. You can always refinance in a couple of years when mortgage rates drop, but you can't go back and buy today's home at today's prices.

💬 Have Questions About Your Local Home Value?

Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or simply want a clear picture of what your local home is worth in today's market, I am always here to serve as your local resource.  

Have a quick real estate question?

Text me directly at 630-487-1896 and I will get you an answer today!

Jake Kilts

JakeKilts.com