Chicago Real Estate Insider with Amanda McMillan

What's the secret to successful entrepreneurs?In Episode 2 of the SheCago Podcast, Amanda McMillan sits down with Amelia Forczak, a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, entrepreneur, mom, and founder of Pithy Wordsmithery.Amelia built a thriving business in an industry many people don’t even know exists. What started as a side project writing a book for her CEO eventually turned into a 14-year career helping entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders turn their ideas into bestselling books.But this conversation goes far beyond writing.Amanda and Amelia dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a business without a roadmap, and the constant balancing act of being a driven professional while raising a family. From scaling a company to learning to let go of control, the lessons in this episode apply to anyone building something meaningful.They also explore how authorship can become a powerful tool for personal branding, leadership, and influence — and why writing a book may be more achievable than most people think.You’ll also hear about Amelia’s vision for the future of publishing, including how AI is reshaping the writing process and her new initiatives to help more entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.Whether you're a business owner, creative thinker, or simply someone with a story to tell, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insight.Key Takeaways from Episode 2:• Why hiring people smarter than you is one of the most important lessons in entrepreneurship• The truth about “balance” and why it rarely looks the way we expect• How becoming a parent can reshape ambition, success, and priorities• What ghostwriters actually do — and how books are created behind the scenes• How AI may change the future of writing and publishing• Why your story may already be halfway writtenAbout SheCagoSheCago is a podcast spotlighting the stories of inspiring Chicago women who are building businesses, breaking ceilings, and redefining success — all while navigating the realities of family, ambition, and modern life.Hosted by Chicago real estate advisor Amanda McMillan, each episode dives into honest conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the journeys that shape extraordinary women.Connect with Amanda McMillan📍 Chicago Home Partner – @properties Christie’s International Real Estate🌐 https://www.ChicagoHomePartner.com📧 [email protected]👉 Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode:https://bit.ly/3RVAjSy

Chicago women in business face challenges few people talk about. In this episode, I sit down with Kim Blackburn, owner of Red June Cafe, to talk about grit, survival, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and why failure was never an option.From growing up on a farm and learning hard work early, to becoming a single mom, building a successful small business, surviving cancer, and navigating over 15 years as a woman business owner in the city—this is an honest conversation about what it really takes.In this first episode of SheCago Stories, we discuss:The realities of running a small business in Chicago* Why “work-life balance” often feels impossible for working women* How adversity can either break you—or force you to level up* The pressure women feel to succeed without showing struggle* The power of community, resilience, and self-trust* What Kim wishes she knew earlier about money, confidence, and riskThis episode is for the Chicago working woman who is building a career, raising a family, running a business, or simply trying to hold it all together—while wondering if she’s doing enough.If you’ve ever felt like quitting wasn’t an option—but exhaustion was real—this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone.🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode for a raw, meaningful discussion about women in business, entrepreneurship, motherhood, failure, and survival in Chicago.

What’s actually happening with Chicago mortgages right now — and how should Chicago buyers think about financing in 2026?Today I sit down with my trusted lending partner, Dan Gjeldum, to break down what’s really happening in the Chicago real estate market this spring — from mortgage rates under 6% to appraisal waivers, ARM products, refinancing strategy, and how to compete in multiple-offer situations.If you’re a Chicago homebuyer, especially a first-time homebuyer, this conversation is essential. We’re cutting through the noise and giving you real-world strategy for navigating Chicago real estate in a competitive, low-inventory environment.What We Cover in This Chicago Mortgage & Market Update✔️ Where Mortgage Rates Stand in 2026✔️ Should Chicago Buyers Keep Waiting?✔️ Cash Offers Subject to Financing✔️ Appraisal Gaps & Appraisal Waivers✔️ Are ARM Loans Making a Comeback?✔️ Refinancing Strategy for Chicago Homeowners✔️ New Fed Chair & Market ImpactMeet Amanda McMillan – Your Chicago Real Estate StrategistAmanda is the #1 producing agent in the @properties Christie’s International Real Estate Bucktown office and a data-driven advocate for Chicago buyers and sellers. She combines hyper-local market expertise with strategic lending partnerships to help clients compete confidently in one of the most nuanced urban markets in the country.CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES:✔ Top 1% of Chicago REALTORS® for closed volume & transactions (2006–2025)✔ $50M+ in annual Chicago home sales✔ 200+ 5-star reviews across Zillow, Google, Yelp & moreLooking beyond Chicago? As part of the Christie’s International Real Estate network, Amanda helps clients buy, sell, and invest nationally and globally.🔔 Subscribe for straight-talk advice on Chicago real estate, Chicago mortgages, and smart homebuying strategy.

What really happened in the Chicago real estate market in 2025 — and what does it mean for buyers, sellers, and homeowners heading into 2026?In this annual Chicago Home Partner Market Report, we break down the data, revisit last year’s predictions, and give you a clear, honest look at where the Chicago housing market stands today. From rising home prices and shrinking inventory to interest rates, buyer demand, and consumer confidence, this is the most comprehensive Chicago real estate update of the year. 📊 What We Cover in This 2025 Chicago Real Estate Report✔️ Chicago Home Prices– Overall median home prices rose ~6.5% in 2025– Single-family home prices jumped nearly 13%– Why location, property type, and scarcity continue to drive appreciation✔️ Housing Inventory in Chicago– Total inventory declined 13% year-over-year– Single-family home inventory dropped more than 20%– Condo inventory also tightened, adding pressure across all price points✔️ Interest Rates & Mortgage Trends– Average mortgage rates fell from 6.72% (2024) to ~6.3% (2025)– Why rates didn’t drop further — and why waiting can actually cost buyers more– What to expect for rates in 2026✔️ Home Sales & Buyer Demand– Home sales increased slightly despite fewer homes available– What strong buyer demand signals about market strength– Why Chicago continues to outperform many national markets✔️ Days on Market & Competition– Homes are selling faster, with average days on market declining– Why competitive markets don’t always mean “instant” sales– How pricing strategy matters more than ever✔️ Consumer Confidence & the Bigger Picture– Why consumer confidence declined sharply in 2025– How inflation, cost of living, and uncertainty affect housing decisions– What buyers and sellers should focus on despite the noise🧭 Looking Ahead: Chicago Real Estate Forecast for 2026We also share forward-looking insights on:Where Chicago home prices are headedWhether inventory is likely to improve (or not)How interest rates could move throughout 2026What today’s buyers and sellers should be preparing for now📍 About This ReportThis data focuses on Chicago’s North Side neighborhoods, from the river north to Rogers Park and west to areas like the West Loop, Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Jefferson Park, and beyond. It includes all residential property types — single-family homes, condos, and townhomes — with important distinctions explained throughout.

Rate top lender Dan Gjeldum and I break down why the lender you choose matters more than ever in Chicago—especially with condos, competitive situations, and today’s rate environment. If you want to avoid financing disasters, strengthen your offer, and actually win the home you love, this is the episode you need to watch.Mortgage and Lending Information:• The truth about “online lenders” and why impressive websites and teaser rates don’t always translate into smooth closings• Why using an out-of-state or online-only lender can be risky when you’re buying a Chicago condo (HOAs, budgets, reviews, and local underwriting quirks are a different world here)• How a well-known, locally active lender can help your offer stand out—even against higher or all-cash offers• The difference between pre-qualification, pre-approval, and fully underwritten approvals (and why listing agents treat them very differently)• Smart strategies for competitive offers: stronger down payments, “cash subject to financing,” and how your lender can actively sell you to the listing agentLending Programs Today:• Newer and lesser-known loan options for today’s buyers:– Bank statement loans for self-employed buyers– Asset-based and retirement-income strategies– ARM products (7- and 10-year ARMs) and when they actually make sense Buyer and Seller Challenges:• What today’s first-time buyers are asking about most—affordability, rates, grants (and what’s disappeared), and how to think about refinancing in the next few years• How non-citizens, visa holders, and minority buyers are being impacted by lending changes and fear in the marketplace• The classic question: “Should I rent or buy right now?”—and how to weigh lifestyle, flexibility, and long-term wealth-building• The biggest mistakes Chicago buyers make: going it alone without a team, choosing the wrong attorney, overspending and becoming house poor, and not thinking about how their needs will change in 3–7 yearsAt the end of the day, Chicago is the “smallest big city” in the country—relationships and reputation matter. The lender you choose, the agent you work with, and the attorney on your team can literally be the difference between winning a great home… or watching it go to someone else.Whether you’re buying your first condo in Lakeview, moving up to a single-family home in Logan Square, or debating if now is the right time to jump from renting to owning, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how financing really works in Chicago—and how to avoid costly mistakes.CONNECT WITH AMANDA:📧 [email protected]☎️ 773.537.1300🟦 Thinking about buying or selling a home in Chicago?Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a move-up seller, or an investor trying to navigate today’s lending landscape, subscribe for real-world insight on:• Chicago real estate market trends• Condo vs single-family financing in the city• How to make your offer stand out (even without being all cash)• Structuring your loan so it fits both your lifestyle and long-term wealth plan🏡 Meet Amanda McMillan – Your Chicago Real Estate StrategistAmanda is the #1 producing agent in the @properties Christie's Bucktown office and a data-driven advocate for Chicago buyers and sellers. She pairs deep market knowledge with trusted lender and attorney partners to help clients compete with confidence in one of the most nuanced urban markets in the country.CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES:✔ Top 1% of Chicago REALTORS® for closed volume & transactions (2006–2023)✔ $50M+ in Chicago home sales annually✔ 200+ 5-star reviews on Zillow, Google, Yelp & moreLooking beyond Chicago? As part of the Christie's International Real Estate network, Amanda helps clients buy, sell, and invest across the country and around the globe—whether it’s a luxury home in the city, a starter condo on the North Side, or a second home in another market.

Chicago home prices are up nearly 7% so far this year, YET, national headlines paint a picture of housing chaos. Chicago continues to stand out as one of the most stable, resilient real estate markets in the U.S. Forget the doom sayers and CRASH predictions of other pundits - they’ve been saying that for years and don’t tell the hyperlocal story about our great city Chicago.From inventory challenges to interest rates, pricing trends to buyer and seller behavior—my mortgage expert Dan Gjeldum and I break down exactly what’s happening in Chicago real estate right now, and why our city has been insulated from much of the turbulence seen in other metro areas.If you’re a Chicago homeowner or future homebuyer, this episode will give you clarity, data, and strategies you won’t hear on the nightly news.📊 Here’s what we cover in this episode:* Why Chicago home prices are up ~7% YTD despite national uncertainty* How limited inventory continues to drive competition (yes, multiple offers are still happening!)* The impact of interest rates on Chicago home buyers and why waiting may cost you more* Why Chicago avoided the extreme housing swings seen in markets like Florida, Texas, and Arizona* Buyer behavior shifts: the surge in demand for turnkey homes and avoidance of costly renovations* Seller strategies: timing, staging, and small improvements that maximize your Chicago home value* The critical role of new construction—and why slow development is clogging our market* Seasonality in the Chicago housing market and why the second half of the year often looks different than the spring rushWhether you’re considering buying your first Chicago condo, moving up to a single-family home, or selling in today’s market, this episode is packed with insights that will help you make smarter decisions.CONNECT WITH AMANDA: [email protected] ☎️ 773.537.1300 🟦 Thinking about buying or selling a home in Chicago? Whether you're a first-time homebuyer in Chicago, a seasoned homeowner, or a real estate investor looking for the next opportunity, subscribe to our channel for expert insights on Chicago real estate market trends, home values, financing strategies, and tips to navigate the Chicago homebuying and homeselling process like a pro.🏡 Meet Amanda McMillan – the #1 producing Chicago real estate agent at @properties Bucktown. A true market strategist, Amanda leverages deep data analysis on Chicago real estate trends, local buyer demand, and national financial shifts to help clients make smarter home-buying and selling decisions.CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES:✔ $50M+ in Chicago home sales annually✔ Ranked in the Top 1% of Chicago Realtors for closed volume & transactions✔ 200+ 5-star reviews on Zillow, Google, and YelpLooking beyond Chicago? As a global real estate expert affiliated with Christie's International Real Estate, Amanda helps clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate worldwide. Whether you're seeking luxury homes in Chicago, a starter condo in Lincoln Park, or an investment property in Bucktown, Amanda's expertise ensures a seamless experience.🔔 Subscribe now for the best Chicago home buying and selling advice from a top-producing Chicago real estate expert!

Thinking about leaving the city for more space, top-tier schools, or a simpler lifestyle? In this episode of Chicago Home Partner, I sit down with one of my favorite collaborators—and Western Suburbs expert—Brian Bomba, to break down everything you need to know if you’re considering a move west of the city.We dig into:📉 Inventory trends—what’s actually happening in the Western Suburbs this year🏡 Where to find the best bang for your buck (Hint: North Downers Grove and Elmhurst are on our radar!)🚆 Commuting perks, school districts, and lifestyle wins that make suburbs like Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, and Western Springs so desirable🧱 Why new construction is almost nonexistent—and how that affects every buyer💡 The real reason so many buyers are still writing aggressive offers despite higher interest rates🍷 Plus: our personal picks for local eats, outdoor activities, and why summer in the ‘burbs might just rival Chicago city living.Whether you're eyeing the suburbs for more space, better schools, or just a change of pace, this episode is full of actionable insight. And if you're trying to choose between the city and the suburbs, we’ve got stories, strategy, and some solid laughs to help guide your decision.CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner [email protected] ☎️ 773.537.1300 🟦 About Are you a first-time Chicago homebuyer, homeowner, or real estate investor? Subscribe to our channel for a front-row seat to current Chicago market trends, local influences on home values, financing tips, and strategies for making SMART real estate moves. As the #1 producing agent in the @properties Bucktown, Amanda is a true Chicago real estate maestro. A data enthusiast, Amanda dives deep into local, national, and financial markets to serve as both an educator and ally to Chicago's home buyers and sellers. CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES: - $50M+ in closed volume annually - Consistently ranked among the Top 1% of Chicago Realtors for volume & transactions - 200+ 5 star reviews on Zillow, Google, and Yelp Beyond Chicagoland, Amanda's connection with Christie's International Real Estate enables her to assist clients worldwide. Whether you're seeking luxury services, buying or selling for the first time, or investing, Amanda's expertise and support are unparalleled.#ChicagoRealEstate #chicagorealestate #SuburbanLiving #HinsdaleRealEstate #HinsdaleHomes #amandamcmillan

Thinking about leaving the city for the Chicago suburbs? Wondering what suburban life really looks like compared to your current neighborhood in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, or Logan Square? In this episode of Chicago Home Partner, I sit down with my longtime friend and North Shore expert Connie Dornan to break it all down in a point/counterpoint conversation between two seasoned real estate advisors—me (city-focused) and Connie (suburbs-focused).We compare what Chicago residents are experiencing right now with what’s happening in the suburbs—from inventory trends to home prices, buyer behavior, and lifestyle differences. Hear how mortgage rates are impacting buyer psychology, to what types of properties are in highest demand in areas like Wilmette, Winnetka, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, and more. Whether you've made up your mind to move or are just weighing your options - this conversation is packed with insider insight you won't find on Zillow.As two experienced brokers who started in real estate during times of crisis, Connie and I share the data-driven strategies and real-life stories that are helping our clients succeed in today’s competitive housing market.✨ Whether you're dreaming of a bigger backyard, looking for top-rated schools, or just trying to understand what life in the suburbs is really like, this episode is a must-watch.🔔 Subscribe for more expert real estate advice, neighborhood deep-dives, and honest takes on Chicago’s evolving market.📍 Serving buyers and sellers in Chicago, Wilmette, Glenview, Winnetka, Northbrook, Lake Forest, and beyond.CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner [email protected] ☎️ 773.537.1300

Why can’t we just build more homes in Chicago and how has the city made it nearly impossible for developers to build here?In this episode, I sit down with Zev Salomon, one of the city’s top new construction developers, and Kevin Van Eck of @properties to unpack why Chicago’s zoning laws, city ordinances, and political red tape are some of the biggest roadblocks to solving our housing crisis.🏗️ Zev pulls back the curtain on just how difficult it is to get a shovel in the ground in Chicago. From density restrictions and affordable housing mandates to months-long aldermanic approval processes and NIMBY opposition, we break down why building more homes is no simple task—and how these barriers are driving developers away from Chicago altogether.🏡 We also discuss which types of new construction are actually succeeding, why affordability remains out of reach for many, and how the housing shortage is impacting every level of the market—from luxury buyers to first-time home seekers.🚛 In the second half, Kevin shares how @properties’ relocation network and Christie's International affiliation are empowering buyers and sellers to move smarter—whether across town or across the globe.📌 Key Topics Covered:* How Chicago’s zoning and ordinances are stalling new development* The high cost of affordable housing requirements* Why developers are leaving Chicago for less restrictive markets* What relocation services offer buyers and sellers moving to/from Chicago* Real estate predictions for 2025If you’ve ever wondered why inventory is so tight in Chicago—or what it takes to actually build new homes here—this episode is for you.🟦 About Are you a first-time Chicago homebuyer, homeowner, or real estate investor? Subscribe to our channel for a front-row seat to current Chicago market trends, local influences on home values, financing tips, and strategies for making SMART real estate moves. As the #1 producing agent in the @properties Bucktown, Amanda is a true Chicago real estate maestro. A data enthusiast, Amanda dives deep into local, national, and financial markets to serve as both an educator and ally to Chicago's home buyers and sellers. CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES: - $50M+ in closed volume annually - Consistently ranked among the Top 1% of Chicago Realtors for volume & transactions - 200+ 5 star reviews on Zillow, Google, and Yelp Beyond Chicagoland, Amanda's connection with Christie's International Real Estate enables her to assist clients worldwide. Whether you're seeking luxury services, buying or selling for the first time, or investing, Amanda's expertise and support are unparalleled.

The landscape of Chicago real estate is shifting fast, and the changes in Chicago commercial real estate are playing a major role. Since COVID, office vacancy rates have soared, small businesses have struggled to survive, and skyrocketing commercial property taxes are putting pressure on both business owners and homeowners. Chicago’s beloved neighborhoods—built around vibrant local shops, restaurants, and walkable amenities—are at risk as we see more empty storefronts and stalled developments. But is there hope for a turnaround?Some vacant office spaces are being repurposed, innovative redevelopment plans are in the works, and forward-thinking retailers are slowly making a comeback—placing bets on Chicago’s resurgence. If you want to understand how these shifts could impact your home value, your buying power, and your future in Chicago’s real estate market, this episode is a must-watch.0:55 - Jump to the Commercial Discussion24:35 - Jump to the Residential / Mortgage DiscussionKey Questions Answered* What is the current state of the Chicago real estate market?* Why should Chicago home buyers and sellers care about commercial real estate?* What plans are being used to repurpose vacant spaces throughout the city?* What strategies should buyers use to stay competitive in a fast-moving Chicago real estate market?Expert Guests & TopicsDeena Zimmerman (Baum Realty): Discusses the state of Chicago commercial real estate and how new restaurants, shops, and other commercial projects are shaping the unique character of Chicago neighborhoods. Learn how these commercial properties influence nearby home values and what they mean for Chicago’s residential real estate scene.Dan Gjeldum (RATE Mortgage): Covers how current economic policies – including insights on Trump’s policies – might impact the Chicago real estate market. Hear about expected interest rate trends and discover new loan products available to Chicago home buyers today. Find out how these tools can help you seize opportunities and stay competitive in your Chicago home buying journey.Tune in to hear in-depth answers to all these questions and more from our expert guests. Our discussion will help you understand what's really happening in Chicago's real estate landscape right now – and why it matters if you're buying or selling a home in Chicago.

What is going to happen to the Chicago housing market over the next 12 months? Tune in to find out from a 20 year top producing agent and find out if 2025 if YOUR year to buy or sell in Chicago. Join top producing veteran Realtor® Amanda McMillan and mortgage analyst Dan Gjeldum as they unveil crucial insights from this year's 2025 Chicago Home Partner Market Report. From sizzling price forecasts to inventory hurdles, interest rates, and consumer confidence, we have all the essential info to empower buyers and sellers in making savvy choices. What We'll Cover: 📈 Pricing: Will home prices keep soaring? 🏘️ Inventory: Are more homes finally flooding the market? 💸 Interest Rates: Will rates hold steady or take a dip? 📆 Days on Market: How quickly will homes sell? 🤝 Consumer Confidence: What's fueling optimism in 2025? Whether you're stepping into homeownership for the first time, moving up, or gearing up to sell, this episode is packed with actionable insights to navigate Chicago's vibrant market. Don't miss out on expert advice and bold predictions! 👉 Subscribe for more real estate wisdom and expert chats: https://bit.ly/3RVAjSy CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner [email protected] ☎️ 773.537.1300 🟦 About Are you a first-time Chicago homebuyer, homeowner, or real estate investor? Subscribe to our channel for a front-row seat to current Chicago market trends, local influences on home values, financing tips, and strategies for making SMART real estate moves. As the #1 producing agent in the @properties Bucktown, Amanda is a true Chicago real estate maestro. A data enthusiast, Amanda dives deep into local, national, and financial markets to serve as both an educator and ally to Chicago's home buyers and sellers. CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES: - $50M+ in closed volume annually - Consistently ranked among the Top 1% of Chicago Realtors for volume & transactions - 200+ 5 star reviews on Zillow, Google, and Yelp Beyond Chicagoland, Amanda's connection with Christie's International Real Estate enables her to assist clients worldwide. Whether you're seeking luxury services, buying or selling for the first time, or investing, Amanda's expertise and support are unparalleled.

The 2024 Presidential election is finally behind us, but how will that impact the real estate market going forward? This month we feature two incredible guests and together, we dive deep into our thoughts on real estate under Trump 2.0, Chicago's market outlook for 2025, and the challenges buyers and sellers will face in the coming year. Topics Covered: George Schultz, managing broker at @properties: *The impact of elections on the Chicago housing market and consumer confidence. *Differentiating the stock market from the real estate market. *The impact of The NAR settlement changes. *Preparing buyers and sellers for Chicago’s competitive Spring market. *Insights on the importance of early consultations for real estate success. Tommy Choi, top Chicago REALTOR® and coach: *How gratitude and the American Dream shape his real estate journey. *Overcoming humble beginnings to achieve success in real estate. *The importance of collaboration in a competitive industry. *Tackling challenges like low inventory and compensation changes in 2025. *Empowering agents through coaching with actionable strategies. *Building generational wealth through homeownership. Key Takeaways: *For Buyers: Don’t wait! High-interest rates today may offer better long-term opportunities than waiting for market shifts. *For Sellers: Start conversations early to ensure you're positioned for success in the Spring market. *For Agents: Adapt to the evolving market by embracing transparency and creative solutions. 📢 Why Watch? This episode offers invaluable insights for homebuyers, sellers, and those fascinated by the Chicago real estate market. Whether you’re navigating today’s challenges or preparing for the future, Amanda, George, and Tommy provide the strategies and inspiration you need to succeed. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner, a first-time buyer, or simply interested in the inner workings of Chicago's real estate market, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice.

If you’re trying to understand Chicago Public Schools, their lottery system or what school to go to - this episode is for you! Amanda welcomes real estate expert Matt Dollinger and CPS Parent Coordinator Michelle Sherman as they discuss everything you need to know about Chicago Public Schools and the current state of the real estate media in Chicago.  Together we’ll tackle some of the most commonly asked questions about CPS including: How parents can understand options like neighborhood, magnet, and selective enrollment schools. The CPS lottery system and how to manage anxiety while waiting for school placements. What to look for when selecting your school Key tips to help you get into the school you want (even if it’s not in your neighborhood!) Matt brings his unique perspective to the podcast as a real estate expert AND a Chicago parent, diving into some key topics: Why many agents fail and what makes others succeed. The traits needed to be a top-performing agent: Real estate headlines and why fact-checking is crucial. Raising kids in Chicago: City life,  Why the Chicago Park District is a parent’s best friend! Don't miss this episode packed with valuable insights for home owners, real estate professionals, parents, and anyone navigating the challenges of life in Chicago. Subscribe for more!

In this episode of the Chicago Home Partner Podcast, Amanda McMillan dives deep into the evolving world of real estate, exploring the biggest industry shifts, the game-changing technology that has transformed the way we buy and sell homes, and why consumers should be wary of home search portals like Zillow and Homes.com. Next, Amanda sits down with Brian Tomko from Inspectrum Home Inspection Team, a trusted name in Chicago's real estate circles. Brian shares his insights on what makes a thorough home inspection and why it's essential for both buyers and sellers. From common issues found in Chicago properties to the biggest red flags to watch out for, this segment is packed with valuable information to help you make informed decisions in your real estate transactions. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: The innovation of real estate tech, marketing, and team development. The impact of COVID-19 on real estate marketing and technology. How search portal sites like Zillow capitalize on consumers. The evolution and future of home inspections with Brian Tomko. Common inspection issues in Chicago properties and how to handle them. The importance of transparency and informed decision-making in real estate. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner, a first-time buyer, or simply interested in the inner workings of Chicago's real estate market, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. 👉 Don't miss this episode filled with expert advice and insider stories that you won't find anywhere else!

Summer is here, and this month we're discussing the benefits of a GREAT agent, the current state of mortgages, how to win in multiple bids, and what to look for when buying a home with dogs! Brooke and I are back with this episode, discussing why buyer representation matters, what good agents bring to the table, and some great info for anyone looking to buy in this roller-coaster market: Why good agent representation matters What you should expect a GOOD agent to do How to win in multiple bids Pricing properties in today's Chicago market Pet amenities for today's home buyer Additionally, Dan Gjeldum from Guaranteed Rate joins Amanda to discuss the state of the mortgage world. It's been a tough year so far regarding lending, and Dan is here to shed a little light on what's happening, why we haven't seen rates drop much, and what the NAR lawsuit means to the lending world: 2024 Lending Review (so far) Rates: Expectations vs. Reality Tricks for lowering your rate in 2024 NAR lawsuit and impacts on the lending world Tune in to hear answers to these questions and more from these experts in the market. _________________________________________________ Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in the Chicago market, it is important to stay up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out what's happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today's Chicago home buyer, seller, or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. _________________________________________________ CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner Email: [email protected] Phone: 773.537.1300 _________________________________________________ ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine, and CNBC for her insight into the Chicago city market. For the last 20 years, Chicago Home Partner has been recognized as a leader in Chicago real estate, with hundreds of five-star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google, and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provide personalized advice to home buyers, sellers, and investors, founded on data—not headlines. Whether it's luxury services, first-time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance are unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and to see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. Visit https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

It's May, and this month we're discussing the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) commission settlement lawsuit, exploring what the settlement means for future homebuyers and sellers, and demystifying the truth behind the headlines. This class-action settlement has been the subject of every clickbait headline across the internet. In this episode, Amanda sits down with former NAR strategist Todd Carpenter to sift through the speculation and help consumers better understand the implications. They'll cover: What was the lawsuit, and why is it so important? Who is NAR, and what do they do for homebuyers and homeowners? What does the proposed settlement look like? How will this impact future home buyers and sellers? What does this mean for Realtors® practicing today? Additionally, Amanda is joined by Brooke Vanderbok, a top-producing Chicago real estate agent and recent team member of Chicago Home Partner. Together, they discuss the lawsuit, the importance of experienced real estate guidance today, and provide insights into the Chicagoland market through Q1 2024, including: Why the Spring market was slow to arrive in Chicago. How the inventory numbers have looked for 2024. Which markets have been most successful so far. Advice for homebuyers in the market today. Tune in to hear answers to these questions and more from these experts in the market. _________________________________________________ Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in the Chicago market, it is important to stay up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out what's happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today's Chicago home buyer, seller, or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. _________________________________________________ CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner Email: [email protected] Phone: 773.537.1300 _________________________________________________ ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine, and CNBC for her insight into the Chicago city market. For the last 20 years, Chicago Home Partner has been recognized as a leader in Chicago real estate, with hundreds of five-star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google, and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provide personalized advice to home buyers, sellers, and investors, founded on data—not headlines. Whether it's luxury services, first-time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance are unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and to see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. Visit https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

April is here in Chicago and with it we're diving in with THREE amazing experts discussing home design, rehab challenges and financial planning tips to help you afford that next home. Jeff Eichorn, Principal and architect at DeBaker Designs shares insights into current home rehab trends, pitfalls to avoid and why consulting with an architect early on is your best first step when considering a home project. Paul Kepner, owner of Kepner Staging and Interior Design talks about the psychology behind home staging, home design trends for 2024 and how to achieve this in your home on a budget. Finally, Dan Tresemer, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of OnPath Financial, stops in to discuss the importance of budgeting for your next home purchase, some great tips for downpayment planning and how to build wealth in your portfolio through real estate and financial planning. Home Rehab Questions Addressed: * Current trends in Chicago home rehabs? * What projects are most popular in Chicago? * Biggest mistakes you see folks making in rehabs today? * What is the true value of engaging an architect? * What projects should an architect be engaged in? Staging and Interior Design Questions Addressed: * What is the psychology of staging and why does it help? * Why aren't there more entry level condos on the market? * What homes should you stage when selling? * What are the top interior design trends of 2024? Financial Planning Questions Addressed: * Tips to budget for your next home purchase. * Pitfalls to avoid when buying a home. * Gifting strategies for downpayment assistance. * The value of long term financial planning. Tune in to hear answers to these questions and more from these experts in the market. Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in the Chicago market, it is important to stay up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out what's happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today's Chicago home buyer, seller, or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner Email: [email protected] Phone: 773.537.1300 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine, and CNBC for her insight into the Chicago city market. For the last 20 years, Chicago Home Partner has been recognized as a leader in Chicago real estate, with hundreds of five-star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google, and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provide personalized advice to home buyers, sellers, and investors, founded on data—not headlines. Whether it's luxury services, first-time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance are unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and to see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. Visit https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

March brings exciting discussions to our Chicago real estate podcast with two exceptional guests. We delve into pressing issues confronting homebuyers and sellers in today's market. Connie Dornan, top North Shore agent by volume in 2023, shares invaluable insights for those considering a move to Chicago's northern suburbs. We cover the market's current state and the most popular suburbs for city residents relocating to the suburbs. Zev Salomon, the visionary behind some of Chicago's most innovative developments, sheds light on the challenges builders face today, the scarcity of entry-level condos, and his predictions for Chicago's immediate future. North Suburban Questions Addressed: * What will the Northern Suburban market look like in 2024? * What should movers to the North Shore consider? * Where are city folks moving to on the North Shore? * What are some of the hottest communities in the N. Suburbs? New Construction Questions Addressed: * What challenges are builders facing in 2024? * Why aren't there more entry level condos on the market? * What areas are builders looking at in the city of Chicago? * What are some of your passion projects? Tune in to hear answers to these questions and more from these experts in the market. Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in the Chicago market, it is important to stay up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out what's happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today's Chicago home buyer, seller, or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner Email: [email protected] Phone: 773.537.1300 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine, and CNBC for her insight into the Chicago city market. For the last 20 years, Chicago Home Partner has been recognized as a leader in Chicago real estate, with hundreds of five-star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google, and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provide personalized advice to home buyers, sellers, and investors, founded on data—not headlines. Whether it's luxury services, first-time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance are unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and to see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. Visit https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

We're changing things up in 2024 by welcoming the first of many amazing guests to the program, each bringing their professional expertise in all things related to real estate and finance directly to you. In this episode, we're delving into the evolving world of mortgages in 2024 as well as the current happenings in Chicago's Western Suburbs with one of the top-producing agents in Hinsdale. Brian Bomba of the Bomba Group and Dan Gjeldum of Guaranteed Rate join me to answer your questions about the state of the market and what 2024 has in store, including the following topics: * What will rates do in 2024? * All about mortgage refinancing. * How the election will impact rates. * What current programs can help home buyers. * Western suburban market outlook for 2024. * How to choose the right suburb. * What suburbs are city folks moving to? * Value entry suburban markets for city movers. Tune in to hear answers to these questions and more from these experts in the market. Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in the Chicago market, it is important to stay up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out what's happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today's Chicago home buyer, seller, or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner Email: [email protected] Phone: 773.537.1300 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine, and CNBC for her insight into the Chicago city market. For the last 20 years, Chicago Home Partner has been recognized as a leader in Chicago real estate, with hundreds of five-star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google, and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provide personalized advice to home buyers, sellers, and investors, founded on data—not headlines. Whether it's luxury services, first-time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance are unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and to see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. Visit https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

Each year I take immense pride in releasing our annual “⁠Chicago Real Estate Report”⁠. With soaring interest rates and a continued lack of inventory, coupled with multiple world events, national uncertainty, and misinformation in the media, 2023 was quite the year. Here's some of the stats we saw and data we discuss in this year's report: Home Prices: 0.2% increase city wide, but what does 2024 have in store for appreciation? Inventory: -25% decrease in homes for sale over 2023. Will we see more homes in 2024? Total Homes Sold: -25% decrease in homes SOLD in 2023. If inventory picks up in 2024 will this number increase? Interest rates: 27% increase in rates over 2023. How will the election year and the FED deal with rates in 2024? Consumer confidence: 10% increase in confidence, BUT what's going to happen in 2024? Join me as I dive into the data, what we saw here in Chicago and what my projections are for 2024. Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in your Chicago market, it is important to be up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out what's happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor.  Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

Q4 is coming to a close, and before we dive into our 2023/2024 Market Report, we wanted to address some important topics for anyone interested in the Chicago real estate market. My Personal Real Estate Investment Strategy Neighborhood Spotlight: River North Rent or Buy? Which is right for you? How World Events are Shaping Chicago Real Estate Creative Downpayment Saving Strategies Just a reminder that the next installment of my podcast will be our 2023/2024 Chicago Market Report, where we dive deep into the market data of 2023 and make our predictions for what's to come in 2024! Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, interested in your Chicago market or just looking for new insight on how to enjoy our city, tune in and find out happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor.  Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300   ABOUT AMANDA MCMILLAN Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan.  Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office.   Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market.     Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn.  Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines.   Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched.  Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you.  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

Get ready to unwrap the latest on the Chicago real estate scene – because even though the holidays are approaching, the market is not taking a break! After a rollercoaster Q3 filled with soaring rates and scarce inventory, the burning question remains: What's in store for the rest of the year? Join Amanda McMillan and Samuel Ciochon as they dive into the hottest topics, from fluctuating rates to the buzz around the proposed mansion tax. Tune in this month for an inside look at the discussions that are shaping the Chicago real estate landscape! Chicago Mansion Tax (Explained and Insight) The Value of a Buyers Agent (and what they do) Interest Rate Updates Amazon Home Hacks we LOVE! Neighborhood Spotlight: Logan Square Chicago Neighborhood Winners and Losers (Q3 2023) Purchase Prep: Buying or Selling in 2024 Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, interested in your Chicago market or just looking for new insight on how to enjoy our city, tune in and find out happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor.  Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300   ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan.  Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office.  Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market.     Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn.  Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines.  Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched.  Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you.  ⁠⁠https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

Having just wrapped up Q3 it's time to reflect on what we've seen in the market and dive into the impacts increasing rates are having on the Chicago real estate market.   There's been a LOT going on and we're here to discuss not only the state of the market and how you can improve your credit, but also some living local tips on how to enjoy the last few weeks of Fall. Amanda McMillan and Samuel Ciochon cut through the spin and chat what they're seeing first-hand as top producers in the Chicago Real Estate market as well as the following topics:   What are we seeing in the market right now? Best ways to enjoy the Midwest autumn season. What podcasts are we listening to right now? Our most adventurous meals. Steps to better your credit score in 2023. Favorite dog-friendly spots in Chicago Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, interested in your Chicago market or just looking for new insight on how to enjoy our city, tune in and find out happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor.  Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300   ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan.  Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office.  Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market.     Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn.  Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines.  Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched.  Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you.  ⁠https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

Welcome back to the Chicago Real Estate Podcast with Amanda McMillan and Samuel Ciochon. As we head into Q3 it's time to take look back at our summer Chicago Real Estate Market and set some predictions on what we'll see for the rest of the year. Shot on location at our gorgeous listing at 1232 West Oakdale in Chicago, we dive into some great topics this episode including: Summer 2023 Real Estate in Review What to expect in the fall real estate market? How to navigate CPS (Chicago Public Schools) Chicago's Hottest Neighborhoods (Update!) Our Favorite Spots for Live Music New Bike Lanes in Chicago So sit back, grab your favorite beverage and listen in as we give you a fun and energetic look into the Chicago Real Estate Market. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: ⁠Amanda McMillan⁠ Chicago Home Partner ⁠[email protected]⁠ 773.537.1300 ⁠Samuel Ciochon⁠ Chicago Home Partner ⁠[email protected]⁠ 312.513.5337 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by ⁠Amanda McMillan⁠. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is providing unparalleled personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you.

With Summer in Chicago coming to an end, we're taking an in-depth look at some important topics facing Chicago's real estate world. Find out what we're seeing with home prices, how seasonality effects both buyers and sellers and how your local markets fared this summer. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage and listen in as we give you a fun and energetic look into the Chicago Real Estate Market. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: ⁠Amanda McMillan⁠ Chicago Home Partner ⁠[email protected]⁠ 773.537.1300 ⁠Samuel Ciochon⁠ Chicago Home Partner ⁠[email protected]⁠ 312.513.5337 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by ⁠Amanda McMillan⁠. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is providing unparalleled personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you.

How will Chicago's Casino impact real estate in River North and What are Special Assessments? In this episode Amanda and Samuel discuss two of the hottest topics our listeners are asking and how these impact current homeowners, buyer and potential sellers in Chicago. Other topics submitted by our listeners include: Summer Market Update The current state of interest rates Our favorite summer dishes Current house luxuries we love Special Assessments and how they impact buying/selling How Chicago's casino will impact real estate So sit back, grab your favorite beverage and listen in as we give you a fun and energetic look into the Chicago Real Estate Market. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: ⁠⁠⁠Amanda McMillan⁠⁠⁠ Chicago Home Partner ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ 773.537.1300 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by ⁠⁠⁠Amanda McMillan⁠⁠⁠. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is providing unparalleled personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠Chicago Home Partner

In this episode of the Chicago Real Estate Podcast, we welcome Connie Dornan, top producing agent from Chicago’s North Shore to share some insight with those of you considering a suburban move.  Connie has been our go-to referral source for any of our clients moving out of the city and she shares differences and insight for those looking to make the move North! Together we will address the following questions submitted by our viewers: What’s happening in the market today? Older versus newer homes - what to look for? Your summer home maintenance checklist. Landscaping tips. City vs. Suburban Buyer Wish list items. Our biggest real estate regrets. What’s on our Spotify playlist this summer. Expectations for the rest of 2023. Buying investment properties for short term rentals. Chicago's city and suburban real estate market continue to be hot, however annual seasonality are starting to allow a slight “catch up” with inventory - if only for the moment.  Don’t miss out on this episode as we’re able to give you truly unique insight into both Chciagoland markets, their similarities and their differences. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage and listen in as we give you a fun and energetic look into the Chicago Real Estate Market. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: ⁠⁠Amanda McMillan⁠⁠ Chicago Home Partner ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 773.537.1300 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by ⁠⁠Amanda McMillan⁠⁠. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is providing unparalleled personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. Find out more at ⁠⁠Chicago Home Partner

Episode 8 / June 2023 - In this episode of the Chicago Real Estate Podcast, we will address the following questions submitted by our viewers: __________________________________________________ 00:23 - On Location Listing - 2001 W. Wabansia Unit 203 02:15 - Intro: Spring Season, Al Fresco Dining, Ironman Training, Waterparks 05:45 - Chicago Real Estate Update 09:50 - Will we ever see 2-3% Interest Rates again? 10:57 - What are buyers looking for in a home today? 13:10 - What NOT to do (and TO DO) in a multiple bid? 17:03 - Coolest things you've seen in outdoor spaces? 20:31 - Popular 2nd home destinations for Chicago? 23:23 - Our favorite summer activities in Chicago. 29:17 - Should you keep your home as an investment property? 32:06 - Our favorite new restaurants in Chicago. 37:30 - The best way to stay informed on neighborhood real estate activity? ____________________________________________________ Chicago's real estate market has been experiencing significant activity in recent months, with new listings finally hitting the market. In fact, the number of new listings in May was the highest since August 2022. Better late than never, I guess! However, buyers were prepared, and we observed a surge in the number of contracts written, along with the lowest market time since June 2022. It's worth noting that June 2022 was one of the last months when mortgage rates were in the low 5 percents. Multiple bids are once again dominating the real estate landscape. However, this doesn't mean that sellers can ask whatever they want for their homes. In fact, even overpricing a home by $10K can make a significant difference between receiving multiple offers and having the property sit on the market. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage and listen in as we give you a fun and energetic look into the Chicago Real Estate Market. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: ⁠⁠Amanda McMillan⁠⁠ Chicago Home Partner ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 773.537.1300 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by ⁠⁠Amanda McMillan⁠⁠. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is providing unparalleled personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. Find out more at ⁠⁠Chicago Home Partner

Episode 7: The Chicago Real Estate Podcast I April 2023 Market Update ______________________________ Topics this month include: Realtor® Life - Scuba, Spring Break and Roller Derby. New Construction - Questions and How To Vet Builders. Investing - Investment opportunities/pitfalls in Chicago. Relocation - How we can help with relocation. Backstory - Our most embarrassing real estate stories. Living Local - How to navigate CPS (Chicago Public Schools). Living Local - Tips for avoiding Chicago road construction. ______________________________ As we close things out and take a look back at Q1 numbers, it’s obvious the doom sayers in the media got it WRONG!   Back in December, Samuel and I gave our predictions for the 2023 Chicago real estate market and after deciphering the data, almost all of these hold true.   Inventory was down nearly 35% - yet SLOWLY filtering back into the market. Competition for homes well-priced homes in desirable locations is borderline cut-throat. Multiple bids are back and buyers should expect to be in them. Pricing continues to stay steady - even increasing in some neighborhoods (depending on product type). Buyers (and seller) are coming to terms with a more sustainable interest rate. Back on location at Belgravia Group’s Triangle Square, an outstanding residential new construction project in the Bucktown neighborhood, we’re ready to give you the inside scoop on Chicago’s real estate market and MORE! So sit back, grab your favorite beverage and listen in as we give you a fun and energetic look into the Chicago Real Estate Market. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300 Samuel Ciochon Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 312.513.5337 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is providing unparalleled personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. Find out more at Chicago Home Partner

Episode 6: The Chicago Real Estate Podcast I March 2023 Market Update The Spring Market is in full swing here in Chicago and everyone's here, except for the guest of honor... INVENTORY! Late to the party again, inventory continues to be the buzz word everyone's talking about in Chicago real estate.  February numbers actually reported that inventory in the downtown, North and Northwest sides of Chicago are down -35% from February 2022.  To put this in perspective, the 4,800 homes FOR SALE in February is actually HALF of what was listed for sale in 2021 (9,500 homes).   This has translated directly to a continued uptick in multiple bids across the city with Spring Market buyers competing in earnest for well-priced properties in desirable locations.  Homes are still selling, (and selling in under 30 days if priced effectively!), and buyers are seemingly adjusting to the "new normal" of mortgage rates.   But that’s not all the news from the market. This month's episode was shot on location at one of the most unique and elegant listings we've marketed in a long time.  451 W. Aldine is an absolute unicorn, (super rare and unique), and you'll get a special walkthrough with Amanda and Samuel. Other topics discussed and questions submitted this month include: Pocket List - What, Why and How to Access Short Term Rental investing in Chicago Mortgage Pre-Qualifications vs. Pre-Approvals Work / Life Balance Finding a home remotely Realtor® Stories:  Using the bathroom on showings! So sit back, grab your favorite beverage and listen in as we give you a fun and energetic look into the Chicago Real Estate Market. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300 Samuel Ciochon Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 312.513.5337 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

Episode 5: The Chicago Real Estate Podcast I 2023 Spring Market Update 2023 is underway and that means it’s time for Chicago’s Spring Real Estate Market! As predicted, we’ve seen a tremendous amount of early movement in the marketplace starting only weeks into the New Year. With pent-up demand from buyers sidelined in 2022, mortgage rates steadily decreasing and a continued lack of inventory… multiple bids ARE BACK! This month we take a deep dive into what’s causing multiple bids, why they aren’t always a bad thing and discuss some of the strategies we use to WIN THEM! But that’s not all the news from the market. This month Amanda and Samuel discuss the following topics and questions submitted by our listeners: Homeowners exemptions: What they are, how to file and when Spring Market: What is it, when is it and what we’re seeing in Chicago Multiple Bids: Why we’re seeing them now and strategies to win a multiple bid Winter in Chicago: How to FIGHT the Winter Blues Local Chicago: Hottest Neighborhoods in 2023 (Predictions) So sit back, grab your favorite beverage and listen in as we give you a fun and energetic look into the Chicago Real Estate Market. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300 Samuel Ciochon Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 312.513.5337 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

As your Chicago real estate market experts, Chicago Home Partner takes immense pride in releasing our annual “Chicago Real Estate Report”.  2022 was quite the year with a rollercoaster ride of interest rates, soaring inflation, the war in Ukraine causing global impacts, and a litany of conflicting real estate headlines in the media. It’s time to see if our predictions would hold correct, or maybe not! For longtime readers of the report, you’ll notice that our 2022 report is slightly different.  Since the launch of our podcast, we're leaned into video as it allows us better contextualization of such complex topics.  We've also worked to dive deeper into the numbers, separating and discussing not only the North and Northwest neighborhoods - but the downtown market as well. I believe it’s our greatest collaborative effort to date. Some of the topics in this month's episode include: * What happened to home prices in 2022 and what do we predict for next year? * Did 2022 finally bring an influx of inventory and what about 2023? * How many homes sold in 2022 and what do we expect for next year? * Interest rates… What happened, why and what do we predict for 2023? * Consumer confidence - How did we end 2022 and what’s in store next year? Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in your Chicago market, it is important to be up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out what's happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor.  Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

Before we wrap up 2022, it’s time to take a look at what happened in the December Chicago real estate market with Amanda McMillan and Samuel Ciochon of Chicago Home Partner. TAXES have been the topic of choice this holiday season for property owners, but Amanda and Samuel make sense of some major headlines and try to explain why we’ve seen this recent increase. They also go through some great suggestions for home owners to make sure they’re taking advantage of cost savings. From the COVID reassessment to what buyers and seller should be doing in preparation for 2023, the team has you covered. Some of the topics in this month's episode include: * Why did my tax bill go up so much? * What is the COVID reassessment and why does it matter? * What should buyers and sellers be doing to prep for 2023? * How should I go about interviewing an agent? * What is a homeowner’s exemption and how do I get it? Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in your Chicago market, it is important to be up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300 ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office. Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market. Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched. Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you. https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

We just wrapped up November 2022 and it’s time to dive in and take a look at the Chicago real estate market.  There's been a LOT going on and some incredibly toxic headlines that have made their way across your inbox.  Amanda McMillan and Samuel Ciochon cut through the spin and chat about home prices, interest rates, new mortgage products to deal with rising rates, the growth of off-market inventory and what to look for heading into the spring market.  Some of the topics in this month's episode include: What advice do you have for sellers right now? Why a RECESSION isn't bad (overall) for the country. What new mortgage products are available to deal with rising interest rates? Pocket listings / Off Market Inventory and how to see these homes. Media headlines and how they spin the data to sell ad space. (Advice) So you wanna buy a home in 2023?  Do this NOW! Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in your Chicago market, it is important to be up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor.  Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes. CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300   ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan.  Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office.  Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market.     Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn.  Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines.  Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched.  Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you.  https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/

It's October 2022 and it’s time to cut through the headlines and REALLY see what's happening in the Chicago real estate market. Amanda McMillan and Samuel Ciochon talk about home prices, interest rates, inventory and how to know if now is the right time for you to buy or sell. Some of the topics in this month's episode include: Is Chicago in a housing crisis? The differences between a housing CRISIS and a housing RECESSION. What's happening to interest rates, why, and what to expect for 2022? Where's the inventory??? How the media influences the market with headlines. What buyers and sellers should expect to see through the end of 2022. Whether you are a home buyer, home seller, or just interested in your Chicago market, it is important to be up-to-date on local market conditions. Tune in and find out happening in Chicago right now. Chicago Home Partner is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor.  Make sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes.   CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER  Amanda McMillan Chicago Home Partner [email protected] 773.537.1300   ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER Chicago Home Partner, a division of @properties real estate, was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan.  Amanda and her small team of associates continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) of sales for Chicago, as well as the top agent team in the @properties Bucktown office.  Amanda has been featured by Crain’s Chicago, Forbes Magazine and CNBC for her insight on the Chicago city market.     Chicago Home Partner has been recognized for the last 20 years as a leader in Chicago real estate with hundreds of five star client reviews across Yelp!, Zillow, Google and LinkedIn.  Our goal is to provided personalized advice to home buyers, sellers and investors founded on data - not headlines.  Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, our experience and guidance is unmatched.  Connect with us for a free consultation to better understand your real estate goals and see if buying or selling in Chicago is the right decision for you.  https://www.chicagohomepartner.com/