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Your Trusted Real Estate Partner
Realtor
Naperville IL Realtor
Jake Kilts | Award winning Realtor in Naperville and the Western Suburbs
Naperville Downers Grove Wheaton Plainfield Aurora Lisle Oswego
Jake Kilts
Jake Kilts is a Naperville IL Realtor and top-producing agent at HomeSmart Naperville, serving buyers and sellers throughout Naperville and the Western Suburbs. Recognized among the Top 1% of Realtors in Illinois, he delivers strategic guidance backed by consistent performance and deep local market expertise.
For Jake, buying or selling a home represents an important financial and personal milestone. His approach is centered on trusted relationships, clear communication, and well-executed strategy, ensuring clients feel informed, prepared, and confident at every stage of the process.
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Buy
Buying a home in Naperville or the surrounding Western Suburbs should feel exciting, not overwhelming. From identifying the right neighborhoods to crafting strong offers in competitive situations, I guide you step by step. Whether you're purchasing your first home or moving up, you’ll have clear advice, local insight, and steady support from the first showing to closing day.
Sell
Selling your home in Naperville or the surrounding Western Suburbs is an important step, and you deserve a thoughtful, well-executed approach. From preparing your home for the market to professional marketing and strategic pricing, every detail is handled with care. You’ll receive clear communication, strong representation, and dedicated guidance through every stage of the process.
Hundreds of homes sold
Hundreds of happy families
Sunny P.
Jake is highly professional and extremely knowledgeable in his field.
Sara F.
We had an outstanding experience selling our first home with Jake.
John S.
the experience could not have been better.
Expert Real Estate Guidance
Navigating the real estate market doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, we offer expert guidance and local insights to help you make smart, confident decisions.
Personalized Strategies to Buy or Sell Homes in Lisle
Every buyer and seller has unique goals, so we tailor our approach to fit your needs. Whether you're buying the right home at the right price or selling for top dollar, our strategies and data-driven insights help you make smart, informed decisions.
Local Market Expertise & Negotiation Advantage
Understanding market trends is key to success in today’s competitive real estate landscape. With a strong track record of successful negotiations, we work to secure the best terms and ensure every transaction is smooth and profitable. Let’s make your next move a success!
Check out our blog for more info on Naperville and western suburbs news and communities
Navigating DuPage County Real Estate: A Guide to the Western Suburbs Micro-Markets
The macro headlines for the 2026 DuPage County housing market only tell half the story. While regional data highlights historic equity gains and tight market conditions, real estate is fundamentally hyper-local. For buyers and sellers trying to time the market, success depends entirely on tracking the specific inventory velocity of individual neighborhoods. If you want to understand how broader county-wide shifts intersect with local neighborhood demand, our comprehensive Wes
13 hours ago2 min read
The Best Neighborhoods in Naperville IL: A 2026 Strategic Guide
Searching for the "best" place to call home is rarely about finding the most expensive zip code; it is about finding the neighborhood where your personal priorities—commute, school district, and lifestyle—align with market reality. Whether you are hunting for luxury real estate or a quiet family enclave, Naperville offers distinct, high-performing pockets for every buyer profile. Defining Your Naperville Neighborhood Strategy Finding the right fit requires balancing school di
Jun 12 min read
Q&A: What Is Happening to My Home Search on Zillow?
If you are currently looking for a home in the Chicagoland area, you have likely noticed that Zillow isn't showing the same fresh inventory it used to. As of May 20, 2026, the data feed from MRED (our regional Multiple Listing Service) to Zillow has been suspended. I’ve received many questions about this, so I’ve compiled the facts to help you navigate this change. Frequently Asked Questions Why did Zillow stop showing new listings? MRED suspended the data feed because Zill
May 202 min read
Lisle Neighborhood Update: The $58M Budget and Your Home Value
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 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Specifically, they are spending about $13.7 million on big construction projects that keep our neighborhoods looking great. "While commercial inv
May 73 min read
Living Your Best Life in Steeple Run Naperville
Finding the perfect home is about more than just four walls and a roof. It’s about the community, the commute, and the local events that make a neighborhood feel like home. If you are looking for a vibrant suburban lifestyle, Steeple Run Naperville offers an unmatched blend of amenities and convenience. Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, navigating this market requires local expertise. You can start your journey by visiting jakekilts.com to connect w
May 42 min read
A Factual Update on Lisle’s Family Square Redevelopment
A Factual Update on Lisle’s Family Square Redevelopment
Apr 293 min read
Why Lisle is the Best Town to Raise Kids in the Next 10 Years
When families look at the Western Suburbs, the "Naperville vs. Lisle" debate is a classic. But as a local Realtor who coaches U8 soccer and spends my weekends in these parks, I’m seeing the momentum shift. If you are planning where your kids will grow up over the next decade, Lisle is no longer just the "quiet neighbor"—it is the smartest move for families. Here is why the next 10 years belong to Lisle. 1. A Top-Tier Education Powerhouse Lisle’s schools offer something rare:
Apr 282 min read
The Steeple Run Swim Club Naperville Residents Enjoy
The Steeple Run Swim Club Naperville residents enjoy each summer is one of the defining amenities in the Steeple Run neighborhood. Located within the community, the swim club and clubhouse create a gathering place where neighbors spend time together throughout the summer months. Many subdivisions built in the late 1970s and early 1980s were designed with shared community spaces that encouraged interaction between residents. The Steeple Run Swim Club Naperville families use
Mar 53 min read
Knoch Knolls Elementary School Naperville IL
Knoch Knolls Elementary School in Naperville IL is part of District 203 and serves the Knoch Knolls subdivision. Learn how school boundaries impact home values and buyer demand in south Naperville.
Feb 252 min read
Knoch Knolls Naperville IL Real Estate Market Update 2026
If you are searching for Knoch Knolls Naperville IL, you are likely looking for current home values, recent sales, and whether this subdivision remains a strong place to buy or sell.
Feb 233 min read
Oak Hill Subdivision in Lisle, IL: Homes, Market Trends & Neighborhood Overview (2026)
If you're researching Oak Hill subdivision in Lisle, IL , you're likely looking for a well-established neighborhood with strong commuter access, mature trees, and practical long-term value. Here’s what you need to know before buying or selling in Oak Hill. Where Is Oak Hill Located in Lisle, IL ? Oak Hill is located on the north side of Lisle, just east of Route 53 and north of Maple Avenue. The neighborhood offers convenient access to: I-88 (East-West Tollway) I-355 Downtown
Feb 203 min read
Large Yard Health Benefits for Kids: Evidence, Safe Play, and Backyard Design
Families often assume that buying a home with land automatically means healthier kids. That’s not how it works. The real advantage of a large yard (including one‑acre lots) is simpler: it expands what’s *feasible* on an average weekday—more outdoor time, more movement, and more nature-based play—if the space is designed and used on purpose. Why outdoor space can be a real health asset Kids and teens need consistent opportunities to move. The **baseline target** is not negotia
Feb 173 min read
Super Bowl Is Over — The Real Estate Market in DuPage County Just Kicked Off
Every year it follows the same pattern. Homeowners say they are going to list in January. Then life happens. Holiday décor lingers. Small projects remain unfinished. The weather discourages action. And suddenly, the listing date moves. For most sellers in DuPage County, that date becomes the week after the Super Bowl. This is not random. It’s behavioral. January is preparation. Post–Super Bowl is activation. Why This Week Matters There are three categories of sellers entering
Feb 101 min read
I did some digging on the Dupage Market
Hey, it’s Jake. This is not an AI-written email. This is me sitting at my desk typing this to you. I feel like in this day and age, that goes a long way—knowing that it’s a real person writing something. When Amber and I started in real estate 10 years ago (yes, it’s our 10-year anniversary in real estate and marriage), I didn’t know up from down in the real estate market. I just listened to my mentors and did my best with the information I had available to me. I am going to
Feb 42 min read
Clow Creek Farm, Naperville: A Rare New Construction Opportunity Built on Legacy Land
New construction in Naperville is limited. New construction on historically valuable land, next to an established luxury subdivision, is almost nonexistent. That’s what makes Clow Creek Farm different. The Original Clow Creek The original Clow Creek subdivision was developed in the 1990s on land tied to the Clow family’s agricultural roots. It quickly became known for: Larger homes and lots Quiet streets and long-term ownership Strong resale performance Naperville School Dis
Jan 272 min read
The Normal Seasonal Cycle of Home Sales in DuPage county
Thinking about the real estate market? Thinking about what your house is worth? Did you know its worth more in different times of the year? Over a decade ago I had my first kid and got my real estate license. I knew I didnt want to go into construction like the rest of my family and I took a big jump into an unknown industry. Now 5 kids later and a few hundred homes sales under my belt I understand one thing really well. Real estate has a cycle, each year its all the same. Sp
Jan 212 min read
Why 2026 Is Positioned to Be One of the Strongest Real Estate Years DuPage County Has Seen in a Long Time
The DuPage County housing market doesn’t move on emotion or media narratives. It moves on fundamentals—supply, demand, affordability, and timing. When you evaluate those factors objectively, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most productive real estate years the county has experienced in decades. Not because of a boom. Because of alignment. DuPage’s Market Was Slowed by Uncertainty, Not Weakness From late 2022 through 2025, home sales across DuPage County dropped to unusual
Jan 52 min read
2026 Real Estate Market Surge in Lisle IL: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know in Chicago’s Western Suburbs
The last few years have been strange for the Lisle IL real estate market and for Chicago’s western suburbs in general. Rates jumped fast, social media kept screaming “crash,” and a lot of people in Lisle, Naperville, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Warrenville, Winfield, and Glen Ellyn simply hit pause. Now the environment is shifting. Rates are off their highs, the shock has worn off, and buyers and sellers who have been sitting on the sidelines since 2022 are finally getting ready
Dec 8, 20254 min read
Who Is the “Best Realtor” in Lisle, Naperville, or Downers Grove? Here’s the Truth No One Tells Sellers
Who Is the “Best Realtor” in Lisle, Naperville, or Downers Grove? If you live in Lisle, Naperville, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Warrenville, Winfield, or Glen Ellyn and you’ve ever typed “best realtor near me” into an AI tool or search bar, you already know the problem: Everyone claims to be the best.Very few can prove it. This blog cuts through the noise. No hype. No sugar-coating. Just a clear framework you can use to decide who should handle the biggest financial transaction
Dec 6, 20254 min read
Why Move-Up Buyers in Lisle Should Start Planning Their 2026 Move Now
DT Lisle Move-up buyers—families who need more space, better schools, or a long-term home—are facing a marketplace that has fundamentally changed over the past five years. The pre-COVID playbook no longer works. The post-COVID frenzy has cooled, but the structural changes it created are still shaping how families should think about moving. If you live in Lisle, Naperville, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, or Aurora, and you’re planning a 2026 move, the smartest thing you c
Nov 17, 20253 min read
Western Suburbs Housing Market Outlook: Why Spring 2026 Could Be the Turning Point
As 2026 approaches, optimism is returning to the housing market — and the western suburbs of Chicago may be among the first to feel it. After two years of sluggish activity caused by high mortgage rates and limited affordability, local conditions are showing early signs of improvement. Here’s what that means for homeowners, buyers, and sellers across DuPage, Kane, and western Cook Counties. Downtown Hinsdale 📊 Current Market Snapshot Prices: Home prices in Illinois have ris
Oct 20, 20253 min read
🏫 Top-Rated Schools in DuPage County: What They Mean for Home Values
When families decide where to buy a home, school quality often rises to the top of the list — even for those without school-aged children. In DuPage County, where the school districts consistently rank among the best in Illinois, this factor plays a powerful role not only in daily life but also in long-term property value. 🎓 Why Schools Drive Demand It’s no secret that buyers are drawn to strong school systems. A home located in a top-rated district often sees greater buyer
Oct 15, 20253 min read
5 Things Homeowners Waste Money On Every Year
Owning a home in the Midwest comes with plenty of costs – from heating bills in winter to property taxes year-round. Some of these...
Oct 9, 20253 min read
Building Your Homestead: What to Know Before Buying Acre+ Property
Intro: Owning an acre-plus property is more than just buying a piece of land—it’s buying freedom. Space to stretch out, build the home...
Sep 8, 20252 min read
Quick Facts about Steeple Run Neighborhood (Naperville)
1. Location and Boundaries Map of Steeple Run Municipality: Naperville, IL (partially unincorporated DuPage County) Primary Access...
Aug 2, 20252 min read
Why Acre+ Homes Are Better for Kids (and Smarter for Parents)
In the post-COVID world, priorities have shifted. Remote work is normalized, outdoor space has become a premium, and families are...
Jul 23, 20253 min read
How Top Real Estate Negotiators Think: 7 Habits That Separate Amateurs from Pros
In real estate, negotiation isn't just a skill—it’s a mindset. The top dealmakers in the business don’t stumble into great outcomes. They...
Jul 14, 20253 min read
Is Steeple Run in Naperville a Good Place to Raise a Family?
If you’re unfamiliar with Naperville or the Steeple Run neighborhood , this guide will provide a thorough look at what makes this area...
Jul 9, 20254 min read
7 Core Principles to Revitalize a Town: Lessons from America's Success Stories
After studying 50 towns and cities across America that successfully revitalize themselves, there are 7 universal principles that every...
Apr 29, 20252 min read
Oakview’s Water Issue: A Developer’s Legacy and Its Lasting Impact
Introduction In Lisle, Illinois, most residents take for granted that their tap water comes from the village’s municipal system. But in...
Apr 9, 202524 min read
What to Expect from Mayor Mary Jo Mullen in Lisle, Illinois
Published April 2025 Lisle, Illinois , is entering a pivotal chapter under newly elected Mayor Mary Jo Mullen . A former village trustee...
Apr 3, 20254 min read
The Rise, Fall, of Lisle’s Family Square Plaza
Introduction At the southeast corner of Ogden Avenue and Main Street in Lisle, Illinois, the former Family Square Plaza , a once-bustling...
Mar 24, 202521 min read
Is Lisle, IL a good place to live?
Morton Arboretum Garden Lisle, Illinois, located just 26 miles west of Chicago, is increasingly recognized as one of the most desirable...
Mar 19, 20252 min read
Discovering Marq on Main: The Premier Apartment Lifestyle in Lisle, IL
Introduction Located in the heart of downtown Lisle, Illinois , Marq on Main offers an exceptional blend of upscale living, convenience,...
Mar 12, 20254 min read
Benet Academy: Lisle’s Premier College Prep School
A Pillar of Excellence in Lisle, IL Nestled in the heart of Lisle, Illinois , Benet Academy Lisle’s Premier College Prep School a...
Mar 11, 20253 min read
Top 9 Things to Do in Lisle, IL in 2025
Lisle, Illinois, a charming suburb of Chicago, offers a variety of attractions that cater to both residents and visitors. Whether you're...
Mar 10, 20252 min read
Lisle’s 2025 Local Elections: Candidates, Issues, and Voting Information
Lisle’s 2025 Local Elections: Candidates, Issues, and Voting Information
Mar 7, 202513 min read
Arbor View in Lisle, IL: A Neighborhood Spotlight
A Prime Location with Convenient Access Nestled in the heart of Lisle, Illinois , Arbor View offers residents the perfect blend of...
Mar 6, 20253 min read
Current Mortgage Rates and the Political Landscape: How 2025 Policies Are Shaping Home Financing
Introduction The housing market in 2025 continues to be influenced by shifting mortgage rates, economic policies, and political...
Mar 5, 20253 min read
New Homes in Lisle, IL: River’s Edge by Pulte Homes
Digital Map of Rivers Edge. Lisle, Illinois, continues to grow as a sought-after location for homebuyers, and one of the newest...
Mar 4, 20253 min read
Bridge Street Properties Development in Downtown Lisle: An In-Depth Analysis
Downtown Lisle, Illinois could soon see a significant boost from a new mixed-use residential project at School Street and Spencer Avenue....
Mar 3, 202522 min read
An Inside Look at Lisle IL Budgets (2021–2025) 📊
The Village of Lisle – known as “The Arboretum Village” – is a community of about 23,400 residents in suburban DuPage County. Lisle’s...
Mar 2, 202520 min read
Understanding the Government of Lisle, Illinois: A Comprehensive Overview
The Village of Lisle, located in DuPage County, operates under a council-manager form of government , which is designed to provide...
Feb 28, 20255 min read
Lisle High School: A Comprehensive Overview
Lisle High School Lisle High School in Lisle, Illinois, is a public four-year high school known for its rigorous academics, vibrant...
Feb 27, 202512 min read
The Meadows: Lisle's Hidden Gem Offering Spacious Homes and Vibrant Community Life
Nestled in the heart of Lisle, Illinois, The Meadows is a charming neighborhood that seamlessly blends mid-century architecture with...
Feb 26, 20252 min read
Navigating the Permit Process in Lisle, IL: A Step-by-Step Guide
Home in Lisle IL "Understanding municipal building and remodeling codes is critical whether you are updating an older property or calculating the true utility of premium local lots. For instance, navigating these structural regulations is a major factor when analyzing custom build potential and home updates within the Oak Hill subdivision in Lisle IL, where land values dictate local market strength." 1. Determine Your Permit Needs Before you begin, identify the type of permit
Feb 25, 20253 min read
Neighborhood Spotlight: North Lisle – Historic Charm & Modern Living
Family-friendly schools, parks, and hidden gems in this comprehensive neighborhood guide to north Lisle IL
Feb 24, 20252 min read
Family Square Plaza Redevelopment: A Journey of Challenges and Renewed Hope in Downtown Lisle
The Family Square Plaza, prominently located at the southeast corner of Ogden Avenue and Main Street in downtown Lisle, has long been a...
Feb 21, 20252 min read
2025 Guide to Lisle, IL: Housing Market Updates and Community Highlights
Spring in Downtown Lisle Nestled in the heart of DuPage County, Lisle, Illinois, seamlessly blends small-town charm with modern...
Feb 21, 20253 min read
Upcoming Lisle IL Events in 2025: What to Look Forward To
Introduction Lisle, Illinois, is renowned for its vibrant community spirit, showcased through a diverse array of events and festivals. As...
Feb 20, 20252 min read
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