The Purcell Group Real Estate Blog

Eric Purcell is a high-producing real estate agent specializing in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and South Elgin, with a documented history of closing significant volume as both a listing agent and buyer’s agent. My business is built on results, market dominance, and execution in competitive conditions.

Verified Sales Performance:

• 2025: $19,908,770 in closed sales volume
• 2024: $12,623,300 in closed sales volume
• 2023: $17,967,000 in closed sales volume.
• 2022: $25,513,000 in closed sales volume.
• 2021: $30,412,551 in closed sales volume. 

Market Focus & Advantage:

My production reflects deep, hyper-local expertise in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and South Elgin, where pricing precision, negotiation strength, and speed matter. I consistently represent sellers seeking maximum exposure and buyers seeking an edge in multiple-offer situations. I operate in changing market cycles—high inventory, low inventory, rising rates, and aggressive competition—and continue to close at a high level when others stall.

Why Clients Choose Me:

• Proven listing success in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and South Elgin. 
• Strong buyer representation in competitive and off-market situations.
• Millions in verified closed sales volume.
• Data-driven pricing, strategic marketing, and direct negotiation.
• Technology is the driver for our marketing business. 
• Communication and accessibility are the foundation of the Purcell Group. Our business is built around one simple principle: your priorities come first—always.

I am a real estate agent serving St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and South Elgin, specializing in residential listings, buyer representation, and high-value home sales. My career includes multiple years of multi-million-dollar closed real estate volume across these markets.

2025 Year-End Real Estate Market Update: St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia & South Elgin

If you're wondering how the Fox Valley real estate market performed in 2025, you're not alone. Buyers, sellers, and investors are all asking the same questions heading into 2026: Is the market still strong? Which towns outperformed the rest? What should homeowners expect next year? Below is a clear, data-driven breakdown of 2025 home sales, median prices, and a practical 2026 market forecast for St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and South Elgin.

2025 Home Sales by City:

St. Charles Real Estate Market 2025 Homes Sold: 583. Year-over-Year Change of +2.5%. St. Charles remained one of the most stable and desirable markets in the area. Consistent demand and desirable neighborhoods helped sales edge upward despite low inventory.

Geneva Real Estate Market 2025 Homes Sold: 294.  Year-over-Year Change of -3.3%. Geneva saw a slight dip in total sales, largely due to fewer available listings rather than reduced buyer interest. Well-located, updated homes continued to sell very quickly.

Batavia Real Estate Market 2025 Homes Sold: 305.  Year-over-Year Change of +9.7%.   Batavia experienced the strongest growth in sales volume among these towns. Buyers looking for value relative to neighboring markets found opportunity here.

South Elgin Real Estate Market 2025 Homes Sold: 215 2024 Comparison: 265 homes Year-over-Year Change: -18.6% South Elgin’s drop in sales was notable and largely tied to fewer transactions in the Thornwood subdivision, which historically contributes a significant share of activity.

2025 Median Home Prices

St. Charles Median Home Price: $575,000. Change from 2024: +3.6%.  Prices continued to climb modestly, supported by limited inventory and strong demand for move-in-ready homes.

Geneva Median Home Price: $569,500. Change from 2024: +9.5%.  Geneva posted the largest price increase, reflecting intense competition for updated homes in prime locations.

Batavia Median Home Price: $495,000. Change from 2024: +6.5%. Batavia continued its upward pricing trend, offering buyers a balance of affordability and long-term value.

South Elgin Median Home Price 2025 $452,500.  Change from 2024: -9.6%. The decline in median price is directly tied to fewer higher-priced sales, particularly within Thornwood, rather than a broad market correction.

2026 Real Estate Market Prediction

Looking ahead to 2026, we expect market conditions to remain similar to 2025, with inventory continuing to be the primary constraint. Key trends to watch: Low housing supply will keep prices firm. Updated homes in prime locations will continue to receive multiple offers. Sellers who invest in preparation will outperform the market. Interest rates remain the biggest wildcard. If rates were to drop to 5.5% or lower, more homeowners may choose to sell, increasing inventory. However, that scenario remains uncertain.

What this means for buyers and sellers: Well-prepared homes are still commanding top dollar.  Opportunities exist, but strategy and timing matter more than ever.  Equity levels remain strong heading into 2026.  If you’d like a custom market analysis for your specific neighborhood—or want to understand what these trends mean for your plans—now is the time to start the conversation. This market update is based on year-end 2025 sales data for St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and South Elgin and is intended to provide general market insight rather than pricing guarantees.

$799,900

Beautifully updated home on 1.4 private acres with mature trees and outdoor spaces designed for enjoyment. Extensive improvements over the last several years. Exterior updates include board replacement, stain, and trim paint (May 2024). New roof, skylights, and gutters (October 2023). Gorgeous primary bath remodel with new finishes (March 2024), Basement bath remodel with new glass shower door (December 2023). Shared upstairs bath remodel (November 2023). Hardwood floors throughout the main level (May 2022) and new carpet on the second floor (August 2019). Fresh interior paint, light fixtures, and ceiling fans (September 2019). Outdoor features include a stone fire pit and surround (May 2020), an in-ground basketball hoop and painted court (April 2022). Water heater (installed in December 2021) and heated garage (installed in November 2019). Updated hardware on doors and cabinets (August 2022). Move-in ready with space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. A lot of value!!!!

CLOSED

Move-in ready home in highly sought-after Traditions at Harvest Hills. Your new home welcomes you with 2,999 sq. ft of living space. Step into the open two-story living room beaming with natural light. The formal dining room is perfect for all your dinner parties. A gourmet kitchen awaits with beautiful sliders that open to a large deck and well landscaped backyard. The open floor concept perfectly connects you to your family room with a wood burning fireplace for those cozy winter nights. Upstairs you will find the large primary suite and bath, with dual sinks, a soaking tub and separate shower. Three additional bedrooms and a full bath complete the second floor. Downstairs leads you to a partially finished basement that makes a great movie and game room. Many major systems have already been upgraded. The best part is being conveniently located between downtown St. Charles and Geneva. Enjoy all the nearby parks and Otter Cove Water Park within walking distance. This exceptionally maintained home is a terrific value you do not want to miss.

CLOSED

Dreaming of a home with an in-ground pool, space to spread out, and St. Charles Schools? You've found it! Tucked away on 1.28 private wooded acres on a quiet cul-de-sac, this beautiful home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and resort-style living. Enjoy summer fun in your 16x44 saltwater pool (6.5 ft deep) with slide and automatic cover, plus updated circuit board and salt cell (2025). Major updates give you peace of mind: roof 2025, furnaces & A/C 2018, tankless water heater 2021, Anderson windows 2008, and driveway 2022. Inside, you'll love the vaulted two-story family room with a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, kitchen with island, breakfast bar & walk-in pantry, and 3-season sunroom that opens to your pool and backyard retreat. Flexible layout with first-floor office/bedroom and full bath-perfect for guests or in-law setup! Upstairs, the large primary suite has vaulted ceilings, soaking tub, dual sinks, and walk-in closet. The finished basement offers a rec room, game room, 5th bedroom, full bath, and tons of storage. All this plus a 3-car garage with extra storage, friendly neighborhood events, and a peaceful setting that feels worlds away-but just minutes from everything! A rare find where every season feels like a staycation-come see it today!

CLOSED

$824,900

THOUGHT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND? 15 breathtaking wooded acres featuring a 1.4 acre pond---a sanctuary for turtles and edible fish that practically beg to be caught! The property is enrolled within a Conservation Stewardship Program giving you lower taxes, while preserving one of the most idyllic settings imaginable. A nature lover's dream with over 600 trees of various species, abundant wildlife, and winding trails perfect for walking, riding, or kayaking along Kyte Creek all the way to the Rock River! Beautifully built cedar and stone 4-level home is tucked at the end a private cul-de-sac. Features 4 bedrooms on two levels, 2.5 baths, a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, spacious dining area, exercise room, and garage parking. Builder is available for easy expansion if desired. Winter transforms the property into a wonderland--ice skate or play hockey on the pond, cross-country ski through the wooded trails, or cozy up inside while enjoying the breathtaking views. Resort-style outdoor living includes saltwater inground pool with new WI-FI heater, slide and brand new pool furniture. 2 newer massive custom Rainbow playsets are in a play area. 20x30 recreational pond house is perfect for games, outdoor dining, reading or gathering with friends! 45x16 heated barn plus 24x36 workshop for hobbies, storage or business. Your "mini" farm comes with fresh eggs daily from chickens, guineas, and quail, and the vibrant peacocks will be your most colorful neighbors. All this just 1.5 hours to Chicago, near Oregon, Rockford, and DeKalb-with Costco only 30 minutes away. Perfect as a private estate or potential for Airbnb income, wedding venues, corporate retreats, or private family events. This property is only limited by your imagination. Come live your dream, close to town, amenities and great restaurants, yet set in unbelievable oasis of peace and beauty! Make wonderful memories here!

$689,900

You will love living in Geneva in this open, flexible floor plan that meets all your needs! Den with hardwood floor (or office or play room)! Huge family room with "stone" fireplace flows into the ample dining space with views of large deck and landscaped yard. For the chef, hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, island, and granite countertops. Unique flex space to use as a terrific office space, craft area, or fabulous kitchen storage..1st floor laundry and terrific locker/mudroom...Primary suite has ceiling fan, walk-in closet and bath has soaking tub, separate shower, custom window, and double sinks. 3 other bedrooms (some with walk-in closets) share hall bath with tub/shower and dual sinks! Everyone will enjoy the spacious loft area for TV watching, computer/gaming, reading, or just relaxing before going to bed! Recently finished recreation room in basement, exercise or bedroom, and full bath that is drywalled with connections already completed for shower, toilet and vanity---waiting to be finished to your taste! Large deck with outdoor furniture, fire table, and storage bins. that are included! Great swing set, fenced yard, professional landscaping and basketball hoop allow for fabulous everyday "staycation!" Close to Fisher Farm Park, shopping, restaurants, Delnor Fitness Club, and Peck Farm Park with walking trails and tons of incredible sites...

$639,900

Idyllic, wooded setting with circular drive welcomes you to this versatile one-owner home, featuring two primary suites-one on the main level with attached bath/shower, and another on the second floor with private back staircase access and en-suite bath. Updated with roof, siding, and gutters (2021), furnace (2019), and vinyl windows throughout. The spacious layout includes both living and family rooms, each with its own fireplace, plus a main-floor office-ideal for working from home. The kitchen offers a breakfast bar, bay window seat, and open dining area with access to a screened porch and brick patio-perfect for enjoying the tranquil, wooded backyard and seasonal views. 2nd front entrance, main floor laundry, and powder room add convenience. Upstairs features three additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a bonus playroom. There's potential to add an upstairs laundry or expand the existing bath. A full basement is ready to be finished to suit your needs. Enjoy a private, nature-filled backyard-perfect for relaxing, gardening, or creating your ideal outdoor space. Tons of storage throughout. Bring your vision and make this your dream home! Nothing else like it on the market!

$699,900

SOLD

Dreaming of over 1/2 acre wooded lot with AMAZING panoramic vistas in Red Gate that sides to treed, rolling unbuildable lot, water views, and prairie grasses. 2 furnaces & 2 A/C end of 2024.. Water heater 2017...New roof end of 2022...Water softener...Garage door opener box...New refrigerator and dishwasher...Invest in updating and realize immediate equity! Over 5167 sq ft. all BRICK custom one-owner home w/4 baths, 2 fireplaces, close to town and St. Charles North High School---your yard can be fenced with approval...Fabulous OPEN floor plan---Volume ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows in numerous rooms to take advantage of the scenic landscape--In law suite or first floor den---finished basement w/freshly painted walls, needs flooring installed, has full bath, fireplace and sets of doors opening to yard! Enjoy your sun room off of the family room and kitchen---watch all 4 seasons change! Large primary suite, vaulted massive bath w/skylight, GIGANTIC walk-in closet! 

If you are considering moving soon or in the future, certain home improvements can enhance your living experience and increase your return on investment (ROI). The percentage of ROI can vary based on market conditions at the time of selling and when the updates were completed.

1. Garage Door Replacement – 95% ROI

• A new, modern garage door significantly boosts curb appeal and energy efficiency.

2. Curb Appeal Upgrades & Interior Pant – 100% ROI

• First impressions matter! Enhance your home’s exterior with:
  • Updated landscaping (fresh mulch, plants, trees)
  • A new or freshly painted front door
  • Modern exterior lighting
  • Power washing or repainting if needed
  • Interior paint is 100% if done a few months, weeks, or days before selling 
  • Interior Low Cost, High Impact – Painting is inexpensive but dramatically improves a home’s look. Neutral Colors Sell – Light, neutral tones (white, beige, gray) appeal to more buyers and make spaces feel larger and brighter. Covers Wear & Tear – Hides scuffs, stains, and outdated colors, giving a fresh, well-maintained feel.

3. Minor Kitchen Remodel – 85% to 90% ROI

• Small updates make a big impact:
  • Repaint or replace cabinet doors
  • Upgrade to modern hardware
  • Install new quartz, granite, or solid-surface countertops
  • Switch to energy-efficient appliances
  • Paint cabinets 

4. Bathroom Remodel – 70% to 85% ROI

• Improve functionality and aesthetics with:
  • Updated fixtures, mirrors, and vanities
  • New flooring and lighting
  • Better ventilation for comfort and longevity
  • Higher ROI for the Primary Suite 
  • When considering bathroom renovations to maximize return on investment (ROI), it's essential to balance functionality, market appeal, and cost. While high-end bathtubs can enhance a bathroom's luxury, they don't always guarantee a proportional increase in home value.

5. Energy-Efficient Upgrades – 70% to 80% ROI

• Save on energy bills and increase home value with:
  • Energy-efficient windows
  • Attic insulation
  • HVAC upgrades
  • Smart thermostats

6. Basement Finishing – 70% ROI

• Turn unused space into a functional living area by:
  • Installing moisture-resistant flooring
  • Adding proper ventilation and lighting
  • Ensuring insurance coverage for potential water damage (e.g., sump pump failure)

7. Deck or Patio Improvements – 65% to 80% ROI

• Outdoor spaces are highly desirable. Consider:
  • Repairing or refinishing an existing deck
  • Adding a composite (TREX) deck for durability and longevity

Avoid These Lower-ROI Upgrades:

• Luxury upgrades (high-end appliances, custom closets, premium flooring) rarely recoup full value.
• Converting bedrooms into non-bedroom spaces can reduce resale appeal. If done, ensure it can easily be converted back.

If you're considering home improvements, I can help with expert advice and referrals for estimates or project planning. Call me to discuss your options!

630-327-2570