Chicago Real Estate Blog, Page 2

Selling your home quickly and for the best possible price requires a combination of professional expertise and homeowner initiative. With 40 years of experience in Chicago’s real estate market, I’ve distilled my approach into proven strategies that truly work. Here’s …

Moving can be one of the most stressful events in life – especially if you’re moving a long distance and need to organize your possessions, pack them up, find movers, unpack in your new location, and get settled in your …

As trends in home design evolve, we are seeing a heartwarming nod to the past with the comeback of the traditional keeping room. This concept, which dates back to 18th-century Colonial America, was the original open-plan living space. The kitchen’s …

Welcome to our 2024 Chicago Events Calendar featuring our favorite, not-to-be-missed events (and to be updated as new events are announced)! As a team of neighborhood experts and long-term Chicago residents, we’ve curated a list of events that are close …

Why Buy a Second Home: Understanding the Motivation Over my 40 years as a real estate broker in Chicago, I have referred hundreds of clients looking to buy a 2nd (or 3rd, 4th, etc) property to use as a family …

Embarking on a home renovation journey? Whether you’re transforming a fixer-upper or updating your current residence, it’s crucial to approach renovations with strategy and insight. This article delves into key considerations for successful home renovations, focusing on achieving a rewarding …

Join Team Dobbs as we venture through the delightful Italian cuisine that Chicago has to offer. From quaint neighborhood gems to bustling culinary hotspots, we’ve explored the city to bring you a selection of our most beloved Italian eateries, each …

What makes a home look ‘luxurious’? As a seasoned Chicago realtor with nearly four decades of experience and having seen thousands of homes, I believe it’s often not about the money spent on furnishings but about small, clever ideas that …

As we close the curtains on 2023 and enter a new year, the Chicago real estate market presents a fascinating tableau of trends and transformations. This blog post delves into the intricacies of these changes, contrasting the data from last …

As the snow blankets the city, turning it into a serene winter wonderland, the prospect of shoveling may seem daunting. Many defer their home buying plans until spring, preferring the warmer climate. However, winter presents a golden opportunity that savvy …

Welcome to the world of ultra luxury real estate in Chicago. We’ve had the extraordinary opportunity to explore some of the most opulent homes in the city, uncovering a range of truly distinctive features meticulously crafted to indulge and pamper …

An interviewer recently asked me about my life beyond real estate and requested a one-sentence reply. How amusing. I could write a book filled with cherished memories, but for now, let’s start with this: I was born in South Deering …

One of Chicago’s most beloved traditions is the beautiful sky spectacle, a dazzling fireworks display at Navy Pier. Throughout the year you can enjoy an extravagant (and free!) fireworks show, up close at Navy Pier or from just about any …

Commonly Asked Questions About Short Sales What Is A Short Sale In Real Estate? A short sale in real estate occurs when a property is sold for less than the amount owed on its mortgage, typically arising when a homeowner …

We’re thrilled to share that Debra Dobbs, a name synonymous with expertise and innovation in Chicago’s real estate realm, has been featured in Chicago Real Producers Magazine. This feature offers a unique glimpse into Debra’s exceptional approach to real estate, …

As a seasoned real estate agent, I’ve witnessed firsthand how effective home staging can significantly impact the sale of a property. Expertly staged homes not only sell faster but often command higher prices. However, common staging missteps can derail these …

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, some milestones not only mark success but also pave the way for future endeavors. As a proud member of Compass Real Estate, I recently had the pleasure of hearing Robert Reffkin share groundbreaking …

First, I want to share my experience with yoga, and then I would like to outline some of the benefits. Not to sell anyone on it but to encourage people to incorporate a hobby or an activity that makes them …

It is a tough job, but Team Dobbs rolled up their collective sleeves and got to work! 44 years of drinking age (and that’s just me!), tirelessly exploring the dynamic bar scene of our vibrant city known for food and …

As a life-long resident of Chicago and a realtor for nearly four decades, I am fortunate to witness first-hand the breathtaking canvas of architectural brilliance that our city paints. Each neighborhood, each street, is rich with structures that span centuries …

In the realm of real estate, our days are often filled with diligent work, yet there’s always room for a hearty laugh, especially when you’re part of a creative ensemble. Debra recently showcased her playful side in a brief skit …