Chicago Real Estate Blog

A good floor plan is the foundation of a great home. Over the course of my career, I’ve studied thousands of them – the brilliant, the awkward, and the downright baffling. Two homes with identical square footage can live entirely …

Every market tells its own story, and right now, Chicago has two very different scenarios playing out at the same time. Downtown’s condo market is still feeling the weight of the early 2020s. Just last week, Crain’s Chicago Business reported …

Thinking about selling your home? Staging is one of the most powerful tools to help buyers fall in love with your space—but that doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands. With a few smart, budget-friendly tricks, you can make your …

Huge thanks to Chicago Agent Magazine and Crescent Heights for a delightful afternoon at Tacos, Tequila & Top Producers — they had me at Tacos and Tequila — hosted at the historic 850 Lake Shore Drive! From tequila tastings on …

Client Profile: A well-qualified buyer initially approached us a year ago seeking a condo. At that time, the market was already competitive, with low inventory and frequent bidding wars. After viewing a few properties, personal circumstances and a shift in …

Tried and true tips from Debra Dobbs and her team, honed across thousands of photoshoots, videos, showings, and sales, to make sure your home is a stand-out! In today’s real estate market, first impressions aren’t made at the front door—they’re …

We’ve seen it all in Chicago real estate—from a leaky faucet that turned into a flooded basement, to a bit of peeling caulk that let water damage spread behind the walls. The pattern is clear: most of the red flags …

Chicago is known as “City in a Garden” because of its motto, Urbs in Horto (city in a garden). The motto speaks to the city’s many parks, gardens, and green spaces, which were a prominent feature of Chicago long before …

Property Profile Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL Style: An architecturally unique home blending neoclassical with California Mediterranean. Challenge: For 10 years, the home was on and off the market across multiple brokerage firms. Outcome: We were successful in selling the …

The real estate market—and the broader economy—are in a period of uncertainty, but in Chicago’s most desirable neighborhoods, one trend is clear: inventory remains critically low. Well-priced homes are attracting multiple offers, and motivated buyers are driving competitive bidding in …

Having traversed the streets of Chicago’s most affluent neighborhoods for over 41 years as a realtor, and even longer as a resident, I’ve witnessed their evolution from modest beginnings to pinnacles of grandeur. This city, steeped in heritage and ambition, …

If you’re considering selling your home, you deserve a strategy that doesn’t just list your property—it positions it to sell under the best possible terms. Our 3-Phased Marketing Strategy is designed to do exactly that. This approach is used by …

Lighting has the power to completely transform a home—enhancing its warmth, style, and even the way people feel in a space. In this episode of the Debra Dobbs Podcast, Debra sits down with Jennifer Boyd of The Band of Insiders, …

As a longtime Chicago realtor and homeowner, I’ve seen firsthand how a home’s layout can either enhance daily life or create unnecessary frustration. Many homes—especially older ones—are designed with a surprising amount of square footage dedicated to hallways and walkways …

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right house. Especially in today’s fast-moving market, where inventory is often tight, you don’t always have the …

When buying a home, many of my buyers ask me: Is a home inspection truly necessary when buying a house or condo or investment property? For ease I will use ‘home’ to include a single family home, condo, multi family, …

Ever thought Mocha Muse could look suspiciously like “dead salmon”? In this lively second episode of the Debra Dobbs Podcast, Debra sits down again with her friend and interior design guru, Jennifer Boyd from The Band of Insiders, to chat …

In my four decades as a realtor, I’ve found that financing often feels like the most perplexing part of the homebuying journey. Many buyers come to me with questions that reflect their confusion about how mortgage rates and interest rates …

The holidays are here, and so is the debut episode of the Debra Dobbs Podcast! In this exciting first installment, Debra welcomes Jennifer Boyd, founder of The Band of Insiders and one of Chicago’s top luxury interior designers, renowned for …

As the snow falls softly and the evening chill sets in, I love hosting…cocktails for 2 or 20, dinner parties, stop by just because. Friends drop in to find me fireside and often with chips, dip, and a cocktail or …

When buying a home, a detailed inspection is essential to ensure you’re making a sound investment. The right home inspector will uncover potential issues and help you move forward with confidence. Below, we highlight the best home inspection professionals in …