Chicago Real Estate Blog

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 …

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 …

Living in our wonderful city, with its rich architectural history and charming neighborhoods, comes with its unique quirks—one of them being the infamous party wall windows. You may be wondering what exactly I mean by this—let me clarify. What Are …

The streets of Chicago buzz with life as the crisp October air wraps itself around the city like a familiar embrace. Chicago at her finest…our glorious Fall! Enjoy al fresco dinner along the Chicago River or in the many restaurants …

Refinancing your mortgage can be a strategic financial move, but it’s essential to understand the process and determine if it’s right for you. In this comprehensive Q&A, we delve into the intricacies of mortgage refinancing with expert insights from Debra …

Did you know that Chicago played a pivotal role in bringing glass bricks and prism lights into architectural prominence? These elements transformed the way natural light was introduced into buildings, illuminating urban spaces while maintaining privacy and structural integrity. As …

Meghan and Mark, newly minted parents of a darling baby boy and an energetic doggie, outgrew their condo and were excited to find a single-family home for their growing family. After interviewing a few agents, they gave me the best …

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, …

 The smell of grated lemon evokes a swirl of memories for me (right up there with garlic, basil, and rosemary). One such fond memory is of coming home to find my fabulous and creative sister-in-law (also incredibly patient evidently, …

Jessica, a freelance practitioner whose business had transitioned to Zoom sessions post-COVID, faced significant stress during her relocation to Chicago. With her child starting a new school in September, she needed to find and close on a home quickly. Despite …