Chicago has always been a popular city. Glamorized in popular films and visited by millions each year, trying to find the best slice of that famous Deep Dish Pizza and sample everything else Chicago has to offer. People are moving to Chicago from all over the world and Chicago Real Estate is booming as a result.

But searching for the ideal home can be a complicated process. Not only do you need to make sure that you choose the best neighborhood with easy access to all your must-have amenities, but you also need to ensure that you have a plan in place to protect yourself from an investment you're going to regret.

Trustworthy home advisory teams can help you find a property that's more likely to suit your needs, but it's still worth taking advantage of your viewings to ensure you haven't overlooked any critical issues. Here are just 5 of the things you'll need to watch for the first time that you view a home in Chicago.

1.     Your Personal Dealbreakers

Before you even start browsing through potential homes for you and your family, it's worth creating a list of items that you absolutely can't afford to compromise on. For instance, property crime can be higher in the south side, so you might decide that you can't afford to live in a space that doesn't have a good neighborhood watch system in place, or in a house without a strong security system.

Choosing your deal breakers early on will keep you focused when you're viewing new homes, and it will also give your real-estate advisors something to go off when they're picking the properties to show you.

2.     A Roof in Repair

Before you walk inside of a house, take a few minutes to check out what's going on overhead. Does the roof look new? Are there are any missing tiles or shingles that you need to be aware of? A reputable real estate agent should make sure that you know about any serious problems that need fixing, but they may not be aware of minor issues with things like guttering or a broken tile.

If you're willing to fix a small problem yourself, simply noticing an issue with the roof could mean that you get away with offering a lower price on your dream home.

3.     Plenty of Insulation

The weather in Chicago can be quite good, (in the summer) however the winters can get pretty hairy. In the early months of the year like January, the temperatures can drop and often times stay well below zero, so it's important your home is ready to protect you against any change in the seasons.

Check the water pipes, heating ducts, and the attic to make sure that they're properly insulated. Even if you don't face many cold months, a well-insulated home can save you money by reducing your heating and cooling costs throughout the year.

4.     Sturdy Flooring

You may not think that it's important to check the floors in your potential home before you move in, but your floorboards can tell you a lot more than you'd think. One of the best ways to tell that there may be an issue with the plumbing is to look for floors in your property that have sagging or dipping around the bathroom or kitchen.

If the biggest problem that you have with the flooring is that you don't like the laminate, then you'll be fine - just avoid any other major issues.

5.     Parking Spaces

If you're new to Chicago, then it's worth noting that the public transport system isn't as reliable as it should be. Unless you're within walking distance of your workplace, the kids' school and anywhere else you need to go, then you might need a car.

Look for a home that has either a garage space or driveway that you can use to keep your vehicle safe when you're not using it.. After all, you're not going to spend all of your time at home - no matter how great your new property is.

When it comes to purchasing the ideal home, houses may have their appeal, but there's one thing that they lack that a truly incredible apartment building can offer: great amenities. According to research from Apartment Guide, most people searching for apartments today will place more focus on finding the individual amenities that are most likely to deliver the greatest convenience and joy in their day-to-day lives.

What's more, recent studies have shown that the demand for fitness and wellness related amenities are on the rise as people begin to place more importance on their health. Here are some of the top facilities you should consider when you're looking for your new home.

1.     Fitness Center

Why bother wasting time and money on driving to the gym every night when you can have a fitness center right on your doorstep? A fitness centre is one of the most popular amenities for apartment owners today for numerous reasons. Not only do these solutions make it easier to stay fit, but the remove some of the excuses that might prevent you from hitting the gym. There's no reason not to take to the treadmill for half an hour when it's just two minutes away.

2.     Pet-Friendly Homes

Everyone wants a home where they can enjoy moments with their favorite four-legged friends. Countless people searching for an apartment will avoid making an offer if the location they love doesn't allow for pets. While a pet-friendly building is excellent, just make sure that you get the help of a professional cleaning service to remove any lingering smells, stains, or fur before you move into your new space.

3.     Spaces for Socialization

Whether it's a swimming pool or a lobby area where you can unwind after a tough day at work, your apartment building can also be a fantastic social spot. In modern apartments, socialization areas are becoming increasingly popular - and why not? Imagine how fun life would be if you were always just a few short steps away from some of your best friends?

4.     Business Centre

As the lines between work and home life become increasingly blurred, it pays to have a place where you can focus and hold crucial meetings without always having to go into the office. Some of the more sophisticated apartment buildings today are beginning to offer business centers and conference rooms perfect for ambitious individuals who want to make it in the professional world.

5.     Secure Parking

Finally, a safe and convenient off-street parking location is a must-have for apartments today. Some buildings even have gated areas to keep your vehicles protected overnight. Just make sure that if your chosen property has a secured parking area, you let the building know in advance when your moving van is coming. It may also help to reserve an elevator so that your professional moving team can transport your belongings into your property faster. This post was kindly written for us by Micheal Brennan over at Bellhops Movers

The many amazing museums are one of the best things about living in Chicago. The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the most famous in the city. There’s so much to see, you should really consider getting a membership so you can come back for several different visits. One of the current exhibits is Brick by Brick, which features amazing structures built entirely from LEGO bricks. Native son Adam Reed Tucker, who is also a LEGO Certified Professional. The exhibit will inspire kids and adults alike with the power of play and imagination. It will be on display through April 1st.

The permanent exhibits are also well worth checking out. Go to Extreme Ice to see the photographic documentation of rapidly melting polar ice, and make a hands-on connection at the 7-foot ice wall. Science Storms is a fascinating exploration of storm phenomena, including lightning, tornadoes, tsunamis and more. The exhibit allows visitors to experience the science behind these events.

Younger visitors from your Chicago house will have a grand time at the Idea Factory. The exhibit is specially built for kids 10 and younger to enjoy. The Water Spectacle is one of the favorite spots, where kids can use the hydrodynamic playset to float, spray, and splash objects. Raincoats are available to borrow.

Get the Kids in Your Chicago House to the Spring Make Festival

MSI also hosts many science-based events. From March 9th to April 8th, everyone is invited to the Spring Make Festival. Visitors will engage their creativity and critical thinking in events that teach engineering, robotics, and more through projects.

Regular museum hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the week. Sometimes these hours change to accommodate events, so be sure to check before visiting. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry to learn more about exhibits, see the schedule of events, and purchase tickets.

For a day out on South Loop real estate, head to Shedd Aquarium. This popular destination houses sea creatures from all over the world, from the Amazon to the Caribbean to the Great Lakes to the Polar seas. If you’ve ever wanted to see a piranha, go to the Amazon rising exhibit. You’ll learn about how to the yearly floods affect both the people and animals that live there. Time a visit to the Caribbean Reef exhibit to coincide with feeding time. A diver will give the animals their meal and be available to answer questions. Kids from residential South Loop properties love the Polar Play Zone. They can dress up as penguins and slide around, then hop in the submarine and go on a deep water exploration. After playtime, check out the polar creatures, like whales and sea otters in the exhibits close by. These are just a few of the exhibits you can explore at Shedd Aquarium.

South Loop Properties are Convenient to the Underwater Experiences

Get more details about the life and habits of some of your favorite creatures at Animal Chats. Held throughout the day, these free events feature a keeper giving a talk on a specific animal. Questions are encouraged. Get a full sensory experience at the 4-D theater. The schedule of films changes regularly. Right now, the theater is screening a film on sharks, coastal predators, and Jim Henson’s fun cartoon Splash and Bubbles. Go to the animal encounters to have a hands-on experience with the sea animals there. Stingray Touch is open mid-May to October, and offers visitors the opportunity to find out how a stingray feels. Several species of starfish make their homes in the touch pool at the Polar Play Zone. Visitors can also learn about a local species of fish, the sturgeon, at the At Home in the Great Lakes exhibit.

Visit Shedd Aquarium to learn more about the exhibits, special events, and ticket options.

People living in West Loop homes can shop local in the European-style Chicago French Market. It’s the ideal spot to find fresh produce, as well as antibiotic-free meats and wild-caught fish. City Market has you covered for all of your grocery needs. If you come to the market hungry, there are tons of options for delicious meals. If you come for breakfast, head to Flip Crepes. Choose from savory and sweet fillings, and enjoy the distinctive burrito-wrapped goodness. Try Firenze Italian Street Food to get the taste of Florence. The sandwiches are made with homemade bread and authentic Italian cured meat. If you have a craving for seafood, go to Da Lobsta. Here you’ll find lobster rolls and sandwiches. You can also find a wonderful meal at Polpette: the Original Meatball Place & More. Of course, there are meatballs, as well as sandwiches and pasta dishes. Or just go in for dessert to try the ricotta cookies, homemade Italian ice cream, or tiramisu.

LIVE in West Loop: Blues, Storytelling, and Classical Guitar

Chicago French Market is also a great place to find entertainment. The Rush Hour Concert Series is held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. There are blues bands, storytellers, classical guitarists, and many more. Each month has a different set of Happy Hour specials, so foodies who live in West Loop can try out different delicious offerings. Vendors also offer their own specials and discounts that change from month to month.

Open year-round, Chicago French Market is indoors, so you can get the best food and produce no matter the weather. It’s located at 131 North Clinton, between Washington and Randolph. The market is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It’s closed on Sundays.

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

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You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Downtown Chicago offers sophisticated condos for sale in award-winning buildings, vintage high-rises and neighborhoods like Lakeshore East. Whether you are looking for a small studio or a lavish 10,000 sq. ft. penthouse you will find it a downtownchicagorealestate.com. Below is just a small sample that we are calling Chicago condos A-Z.

Sales of Downtown Chicago real estate definitely seem to be seeing a strong upward swing over recent months. The summer selling season was a good one, and many sellers found themselves selling their condos quickly. Yet even with these positive trends, it seemed like Chicago condo sales went either one of two directions. Some sellers put their homes on the market and sold them quickly, often with multiple offers, while others sat, watched and waited with no real interest.

If you’re considering selling your piece of Downtown Chicago real estate, you will want to know what you can do to put yourself in the “multiple offers” category. With the right sales strategy, you can position your home to receive multiple offers, so you can sell quickly and for a good price.

1. Price It Low

People are always looking for a bargain. Whether they are shopping for a used car, a gallon of milk or a condo, they want to walk away feeling like they got a steal. Homes that see multiple offers often are sold for more than they were listed for. This means that they are listed for less than what the seller wanted to get. A value-priced property will get more showings, which is the first step towards multiple offers. Work with your agent to study comparable sales data from recent Downtown Chicago real estate sales, and do your best to price your home so that it comes in at a slight discount compared to the others.

2. Dress It Up

Homes that people want to buy are the ones that look aesthetically appealing. When a buyer walks into your condo and sees updated flooring, fresh paint and an overall appealing ambiance, the home is burned into the buyer’s mind. Other homes in worse shape simply will not be appealing. If you want multiple offers, clean your home inside and out, then de-clutter and stage it. Finally, make sure everything is in good working order so that it will shine when buyers come through.

3. Make It Accessible

You aren’t going to sell your home with multiple offers if no one can get a chance to view it. There are simply too many other pieces of Downtown Chicago real estate that likely meet that buyer’s need. Keep your home ready for a showing at all times, so that interested buyers can get into your house today, no matter when they call. Restricting access will limit the number of offers you get, so don’t do it.

4. Give It Exposure

If you take the first offer that walks in your door, you may not be getting the most possible for your home. Yes, selling immediately is appealing, because you have less hassle and stress, yet if your goal is to see multiple offers, you need to let the home have some exposure. Ask your agent if you can list your home with an offer date some time in the future. This will give more interested buyers a chance to see it.

5. Change Is Good

If you haven’t seen any action on your home and it’s been on the market for a while, it’s time to make a change. Sometimes, a new marketing plan and a lower price will instantly grab the attention of buyers that previously overlooked it. Remember this: buyers are attracted by large reductions, rather than slow and steady reductions. Don’t be afraid to drop your condo’s price by $20,000 or more, because you just might get that back through multiple offers.

Yes, it is possible to see multiple offers in the current Downtown Chicago real estate market, and we are ready to show you how to make this possibility a reality for you. View are marketing plan here.

Call today to discuss our marketing plan to sell your Chicago condo.

One of the perks of purchasing downtown Chicago condos is the chance to enjoy the city like an insider. As you acclimate to life in Chicago, be sure to look around your property to find one of the nearby rooftop bars. Here you can mingle and be seen while enjoying a cocktail and a view of your new city. From one of the many Chicago luxury condos for sale, you can literally walk to the rooftop bar of your choice. Here are the top eight to consider.

The Dec

Gaze into The Lens, a sculpture crafted from the same material that makes up the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, as you take in Chicago from a 12th-floor view. While at The Dec, enjoy access to a full bar and ice cream sundae cart. Located at 160 E. Pearson Street, The Dec in the Ritz Carlton makes a comfortable space with roomy couches and booths for its patrons. With one of the many North Side downtown Chicago condos available for sale, you could walk to this luxurious rooftop establishment whenever you wish. If you like the idea of living in Streeterville and walking to the Dec, check out Streeterville Real Estate here.

The J. Parker

For the hip crowd, The J. Parker, which sits on the 13-th floor of Hotel Lincoln, offers very satisfying views and tasty cocktails. Locals consider it one of the best views in Chicago. If you purchase a piece of downtown Chicago real estate near Lincoln Park, The J. Parker will be in your backyard.

ROOF on theWit

Don’t expect an intimate, quiet experience if you visit ROOF on theWit. This 27th-floor lounge in the Loop at 201 N. State St. is known for its parties! Rain won’t stop you, either, because the facility has a retractable roof to keep it out, without hurting the view. Live here and walk to the Wit!

Shanghai Terrace

Head to the fourth floor of The Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior Chicago for a throwback expertise. The Shanghai Terrace on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile recreates the feel of a 1930s Shanghai supper club. After you’ve dined on Cantonese-style food, head out to the rooftop bar for Eastern-style cocktails, including the signature Golden Apple, which is infused with gold flakes. View Condos for sale on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile.

The Terrace at Trump

Trump Towers is an iconic part of Chicago life, so it’s no wonder that The Terrace at Trump on Chicago’s Near North Side tends to be packed. The 16-story high rooftop bar lies just above River North and is popular with the tourist scene. As a local, you may want to consider booking the venue for a private event to enjoy a quieter experience. Check out condos for sale at the Trump Chicago.

Vertigo at Sky Lounge

At 26 stories high, you’d expect the view to be the biggest draw at Vertigo, 2 W. Erie in Chicago. Yet if you visit you’ll find the laid back atmosphere to be one of the biggest draws of this Near North Side lounge. This intimate, fire-lit terrace setting is popular with locals, and especially those in the younger crowd.

Studio Paris

Studio Paris at 59 W. Hubbard on the Near North Side has a glass-roofed deck, so there’s no concern about the weather and the infamous Chicago wind. Keep in mind that the crowd here can get a bit riled up as the night progresses, so you may want to come early when the ambience is more laid back.

Drumbar

Drumbar, also on the Near North Side in the Raffaello Hotel at 201 E. Delaware, has a lovely terrace complete with fire pits, but that’s not what draws most people. As Chicago residents know, Craig Schoettier, who just recently joined the Drumbar team, is the real draw. Using a scientific approach, he mixes both classic and adventurous selections. Live here and walk to the Drumbar.

On October 26, Clark Street will transform into a spook-sational Halloween wonderland with fun activities for adults and kids of all ages during Lincoln Park’s annual Clark Street Spooktacular!

Some of the festivities featured this year are street magicians, jugglers, balloon artists, Halloween inflatables and characters in costume strolling along Clark Street from Armitage to Diversey.

The festivities run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and there will be trick-or-treating at participating establishments throughout. At 3 p.m. the Spooktacular Costume Contest takes over and children can have a ball entering the “best dressed” contest for a chance to win fun prizes!

Also at 3 p.m. the Best of Scarecrow winners will be announced at 2324 N. Clark. Starting on October 12, street merchants began displaying their scarecrow creations in front of their businesses for the annual Scarecrows on Parade. Beginning this Saturday, Oct. 12, dozens of Clark Street merchants will display original creations in front of their business for a chance to enter the contest. Chicago residents are encouraged to vote on their favorite one, and when they do, they automatically enter for a chance to win more than $800 in prizes! To cast you vote, go to VisitClarkStreet.com

On top of all that, there will be live entertainment performed by Nothing Without a Company at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at the corner of Clark and Belden.

Registration to attend, trick-or-treat check in, maps of participating establishments, refreshments, crafts and games will all be available at the Spooktacular Headquarters located on 2320 N. Clark.

Come in costume or come in everyday clothes, bring your family, your kids or your friends—even dogs are welcome—just come out and partake in all the fun festivities this year’s Spooktacular has to offer!