Thinking about leaving the city for the Chicago suburbs? Wondering what suburban life really looks like compared to your current neighborhood in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, or Logan Square? In this episode of Chicago Home Partner, I sit down with my longtime friend and North Shore expert Connie Dornan to break it all down in a point/counterpoint conversation between two seasoned real estate advisors—me (city-focused) and Connie (suburbs-focused).

We compare what Chicago residents are experiencing right now with what’s happening in the suburbs—from inventory trends to home prices, buyer behavior, and lifestyle differences. Hear how mortgage rates are impacting buyer psychology, to what types of properties are in highest demand in areas like Wilmette, Winnetka, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, and more. Whether you've made up your mind to move or are just weighing your options - this conversation is packed with insider insight you won't find on Zillow.

As two experienced brokers who started in real estate during times of crisis, Connie and I share the data-driven strategies and real-life stories that are helping our clients succeed in today’s competitive housing market.✨ Whether you're dreaming of a bigger backyard, looking for top-rated schools, or just trying to understand what life in the suburbs is really like, this episode is a must-watch.🔔 Subscribe for more expert real estate advice, neighborhood deep-dives, and honest takes on Chicago’s evolving market.📍 Serving buyers and sellers in Chicago, Wilmette, Glenview, Winnetka, Northbrook, Lake Forest, and beyond.CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner Amanda@ChicagoHomePartner.com ☎️ 773.537.1300

Why can’t we just build more homes in Chicago and how has the city made it nearly impossible for developers to build here?In this episode, I sit down with Zev Salomon, one of the city’s top new construction developers, and Kevin Van Eck of @properties to unpack why Chicago’s zoning laws, city ordinances, and political red tape are some of the biggest roadblocks to solving our housing crisis.🏗️ Zev pulls back the curtain on just how difficult it is to get a shovel in the ground in Chicago. From density restrictions and affordable housing mandates to months-long aldermanic approval processes and NIMBY opposition, we break down why building more homes is no simple task—and how these barriers are driving developers away from Chicago altogether.🏡 We also discuss which types of new construction are actually succeeding, why affordability remains out of reach for many, and how the housing shortage is impacting every level of the market—from luxury buyers to first-time home seekers.🚛 In the second half, Kevin shares how @properties’ relocation network and Christie's International affiliation are empowering buyers and sellers to move smarter—whether across town or across the globe.📌 Key Topics Covered:* How Chicago’s zoning and ordinances are stalling new development* The high cost of affordable housing requirements* Why developers are leaving Chicago for less restrictive markets* What relocation services offer buyers and sellers moving to/from Chicago* Real estate predictions for 2025If you’ve ever wondered why inventory is so tight in Chicago—or what it takes to actually build new homes here—this episode is for you.

🟦 About

Are you a first-time Chicago homebuyer, homeowner, or real estate investor? Subscribe to our channel for a front-row seat to current Chicago market trends, local influences on home values, financing tips, and strategies for making SMART real estate moves. As the #1 producing agent in the @properties Bucktown, Amanda is a true Chicago real estate maestro. A data enthusiast, Amanda dives deep into local, national, and financial markets to serve as both an educator and ally to Chicago's home buyers and sellers. CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES: - $50M+ in closed volume annually - Consistently ranked among the Top 1% of Chicago Realtors for volume & transactions - 200+ 5 star reviews on Zillow, Google, and Yelp Beyond Chicagoland, Amanda's connection with Christie's International Real Estate enables her to assist clients worldwide. Whether you're seeking luxury services, buying or selling for the first time, or investing, Amanda's expertise and support are unparalleled.

The landscape of Chicago real estate is shifting fast, and the changes in Chicago commercial real estate are playing a major role. Since COVID, office vacancy rates have soared, small businesses have struggled to survive, and skyrocketing commercial property taxes are putting pressure on both business owners and homeowners. Chicago’s beloved neighborhoods—built around vibrant local shops, restaurants, and walkable amenities—are at risk as we see more empty storefronts and stalled developments. But is there hope for a turnaround?Some vacant office spaces are being repurposed, innovative redevelopment plans are in the works, and forward-thinking retailers are slowly making a comeback—placing bets on Chicago’s resurgence. If you want to understand how these shifts could impact your home value, your buying power, and your future in Chicago’s real estate market, this episode is a must-watch.0:55 - Jump to the Commercial Discussion24:35 - Jump to the Residential / Mortgage DiscussionKey Questions Answered* What is the current state of the Chicago real estate market?* Why should Chicago home buyers and sellers care about commercial real estate?* What plans are being used to repurpose vacant spaces throughout the city?* What strategies should buyers use to stay competitive in a fast-moving Chicago real estate market?Expert Guests & TopicsDeena Zimmerman (Baum Realty): Discusses the state of Chicago commercial real estate and how new restaurants, shops, and other commercial projects are shaping the unique character of Chicago neighborhoods. Learn how these commercial properties influence nearby home values and what they mean for Chicago’s residential real estate scene.Dan Gjeldum (RATE Mortgage): Covers how current economic policies – including insights on Trump’s policies – might impact the Chicago real estate market. Hear about expected interest rate trends and discover new loan products available to Chicago home buyers today. Find out how these tools can help you seize opportunities and stay competitive in your Chicago home buying journey.Tune in to hear in-depth answers to all these questions and more from our expert guests. Our discussion will help you understand what's really happening in Chicago's real estate landscape right now – and why it matters if you're buying or selling a home in Chicago.