Chicago Real Estate Blog

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 …

My introduction to Alison was anything but ordinary. A trusted friend and long-time client called me with: “D, sending you a referral. The husband is joining my firm as a Partner. His wife is some superstar negotiating expert. Make them …

Decluttering your home can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be boring or tedious. With a little creativity, you can make decluttering a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some creative tips to help you declutter your …

Dogs have been my constant companions since I was born. I rode my Dusty, my first dog – a gentle German Shepard – like a pony. Today, Winston, Tapper, and Stella rule the household and bring me great joy. The …

The active market is going strong in Chicago! And with more competition, it’s important for prospective homebuyers to get their priorities in order before they start touring homes and neighborhoods. If you’re in this group of buyers on a mission, …

Objective: Achieve a successful sale in a crowded market without breaking the bank. The Background Our client faced an uphill battle. Their condo was in a building recently rezoned to a flood zone, raising red flags for potential buyers. To …

As I celebrate my 40-year anniversary as a real estate agent in Chicago and have called Lincoln Park my home for 21 years, I find myself reflecting on what makes Lincoln Park such a special place to live, work, and …