The smell of grated lemon evokes a swirl of memories for me (right up there with garlic, basil and rosemary) .  A most recent memory is of coming home to find my creative, fabulous and very talented sister in law (also incredibly …

Choosing where you want to live is one of the greatest benefits of retirement, and for retirees, city life can be particularly appealing. You don’t have to think about things like the quality of schools, having a large backyard and …

Using the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database search tool, making sure interstate brokers have their DOT and MC licenses, asking for an in-home survey before getting a quote and learning about the 110% Rule are just a few of …

First impressions matter…a great deal as it turns out, in this age of just about everyone under the age of, well, a certain age, photoshopping and filtering every picture they post on Instagram.  The average attention span of a human …

Lead generation, great marketing and customer service — these are the basics for any REALTOR®’s business. Having a successful business involves being proactive, just as much as it is being reactive. It’s not just implementing the basics, either; you can …

With 2019 half in the books,  explore what’s happening on Chicago’s housing front.  How is the market doing right now and what is to come? In this video, @properties co-founders Thad Wong and Mike Golden share fresh insights on the challenges …

About once or twice a week, my boyfriend and I love to take evening strolls around West Loop – always making pit stops at the various dog parks along the way. We love to see which pups are making their …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your home.

Selling your home means putting a lot of thought into how it looks. You’ll want to clear the clutter, give it a fresh coat of paint, or maybe even hire someone to stage it with curated furniture and artwork. Yet …

One of my favorite childhood memories is of tending the garden with my Grandpa Florie.  He had the most gentle hand, with his beloved granddaughter and with his beloved fruits and vegetables; 3 varieties of grapes, towering apple tree and …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your home.

Summer in Chicago…so much to do and so little time. From the Old Town Art Fair to Ribfest to Gay Pride Parade to concerts on Northerly Island and more; the list goes on. Here is our snapshot of a few …

Recent headlines would have us believing Chicago is not the place to live, or at least not the place to buy a house. But dig beyond doom and gloom headlines and you find some good indicators that long term Chicago …

Your home is your castle and you should live comfortably and in your style. Then it all goes out the window when you decide to sell. If your goal is to optimize price and reduce market time, in any market …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your home.

Several times a week I hear from many of you looking for the best place to get a party dress altered, or for the contact info of my emergency heating contractor, or for the plumber who will make a house …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your home. <center></center>

Though he drives me absolutely bonkers, my brother Michael is a wizard in the kitchen, thus makes up for the bonkers. There is nothing better to snack on in the middle of dreary, frigid winter than his Spressata! One day …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your home.

Debra Dobbs speaks with Elissa Scrafano, a leading lady of Architecture in Chicago and across the county.  Debra and Elissa passionately discuss what is on trend,  which past trends are about to pass, design details that are timeless, and how interior …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your home.

Crazy Uncle Mike left warm, sunny East Bohemia, Czech Republic, for a 6-week visit in warm, balmy Chicago. In addition to business planning for 2019 and lively discussions about SEO and beta testing a microphone for our Podcast program, he …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

A home should be a destination to recharge after a chaotic day of work, commuting, running errands or transporting kids around. It should serve as a retreat to help you feel nurtured and relaxed — not stressed from unfinished chores …

Taxes may be the last thing on your mind as you advance through the homebuying process. Yet, there are important tax considerations that need to be worked out before you get to the closing table. One of those considerations is …

“Lately, the economy hasn’t been all that fun to watch. Wild stock market fluctuations in the final weeks of 2018, uncertainty over the impact of economic tariffs and a predicted drop in the gross domestic product are all a bit …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Originated in late 19th century England, this homemade lemon curd is traditionally served with bread or scones at afternoon tea as an alternative to jam, and as a filling for cakes, small pastries and tarts. Crazy Michael’s Lemon Curd RECIPE …

Ah, the age-old seller question: do I really need to put effort into staging my home? The answer: YES. Expecting to sell your home at your asking price without staging is similar to your Freshman year of college when you …

When you reach a certain age, your family home may become too much to manage. It’s at that point many seniors begin thinking about moving. However, moving in your later years isn’t as simple as it was in the days …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

When it comes time to pick up and move your whole entire life to a new place, there are often a lot of different emotions involved. On one hand it’s exciting that you’re starting fresh in a new home; perhaps …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Announcing the selection of Debra Dobbs among America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents® for 2018. Selection to America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents® is reserved to identify the nation’s most esteemed and skilled Real Estate Agents and Brokers with a …

10 Things a Transplant to the Windy City Should Know History The town of Chicago was organized in 1833 on August 12 (my birthday!) with 200 people. The city of Chicago was founded in 1837 , and has grown to …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Congratulations to Debra Dobbs on making the esteemed 2018 America’s Best Real Estate Professionals. You are recognized as one of the top sales associates in your state. It is an honor to acknowledge your excellent achievement and recognize your professionalism, hard work and …

With its strong lemony zing, a small amount of this marmalade goes a long way. Spread it over your favorite bread and butter, toast or a croissant, use it on pastry or mix a spoonful into your hot tea. My Marmellata …

Besides working in real estate, the Debra Dobbs Team supports several charitable organizations in the Chicago area. In an interview with Debra she says “There are few things we are more passionate about than matching people with homes in one …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Especially now that the weather is turning, Chicago is a beautiful place to be! From theatres to museums to restaurants, there’s always something fun going on in the Windy City. Now that spring is here, take some time to check …

I can remember in vivid detail sitting in the living room of my grandparent’s house in South Deering on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of August, thighs stuck to the plastic covering of the ‘fancy’ sofa.   My beloved …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Each day I walk the few blocks from my Lincoln Park home to the office at @Properties, stopping first – of course – at my favorite coffee shop, City Grounds, for an espresso! Some days are more pleasant than others …

The ‘House Whisperer’ discusses her professional journey and Chicago’s fascinating real estate market. – Read an interview with Debra on EstateEnvy. Debra speaks about her passion for real estate, journey to become one of the top Chicago brokers, and gives …

Ah, Spring. The lilac bushes are in full bloom, the Sox and Cubbies are in full swing, and your home gets a fresh makeover! (Hallelujah!) There are few things more satisfying than the results of a deep clean. Can’t you …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Most out-of-towners associate Chicago with its bone-chilling winter season. Despite the few months of frosty weather, Chicago is celebrated for its open-air entertainment. Chicago’s many amenities, Michelin-rated restaurants, and historical roots entice renters and homebuyers seeking urban comforts. Coupled with …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

To provide the best service to my clients, I regularly consult and collaborate with top high-end builders. What’s in, what’s out, what lasts forever? One of my favorite high-end builders is Andrew Bowyer of Middlefork Development, who creates dazzling homes …

Pollo con marmellata di limoni (Chicken with Lemon Marmellata) 1 whole chicken 3 lemons (cut into 8 wedges each) 6 spring onions – chopped 4 toes garlic – chopped 1/2 stick butter (cut into 2 equal pieces and softened) 1/2 …

Owls in Chicago! Can you imagine?  Fellow realtor and all around awesome guy, Josh Feeney, is a world class photographer with an eye that finds the most exquisite animals and birds to photograph.  A daily glance at his photo gallery …

My sister-in-law, Eva, makes a wonderful Bone Broth and Veggie Soup from the beef bones that are always included in our Starry Nights Beef Box. Starry Nights Farms produce 100% grass fed beef in a sustainable, humane way. Support a …

Luxe Magazine is hosting their first Annual Luxe RED Residential Excellence in Design Awards. The judging panel consists of nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the Design/Build Industry, including Holly Hunt and Paul Wiseman. Luxe is giving the Readers – …

Flip through this data packed report for insights, trends and the general outlook on your local real estate market. If you want to dig a bit deeper give me a call to discuss how the trends impact the value of your …

Nothing better than Crazy Uncle Mike whipping up something fabulous with whatever few ingredients we have on hand. Jar of Giardiniera, last of the wedge of parmesan, and a spaghetti squash that arrived from new favorite food resource, Imperfect Produce. …