Chicago Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions

Buying or selling a home often comes with many questions. Below are some of the most common questions we receive about the Chicago real estate market and how Busby Group helps clients navigate it. If you have a question not listed here, our team is always happy to connect and help.

About Busby Group

Who is Busby Group, and what does your team specialize in?

Busby Group is a Chicagoland real estate team specializing in residential sales, luxury properties, relocation, and new development.

Led by Julie Busby, our team combines local expertise, data-driven strategy, and full-service support to guide buyers, sellers, and developers through every stage of the real estate process. Julie brings nearly 25 years of experience, and as a team, we represent over 100 years of collective real estate experience and more than $1 billion in total career sales.

What areas does Busby Group serve?

Busby Group serves clients throughout Chicagoland, including Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods and surrounding suburban communities.

Our team regularly works in neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, West Town, Gold Coast, River North, Roscoe Village, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and West Loop, along with the North Shore, western suburbs like Hinsdale, and the Southwest suburbs.

We are ranked Top 10 in Chicago by RealTrends and are members of Top Agent Network (TAN), an invitation-only group of top-performing agents that helps us stay connected to off-market opportunities and broker insights.

How experienced is the Busby Group team?

Busby Group combines more than 100 years of collective real estate experience and has surpassed $1 billion in total team career sales.

Led by JulieBusby, who has nearly 25 years of experience in Chicagoland real estate, our team structure includes in-house marketing, transaction coordination, and concierge support. This allows clients to work directly with an experienced advisor while benefiting from a collaborative team behind the scenes.

How is Busby Group structured as a team?

Clients work directly with one experienced Realtor while benefiting from the support of our entire team.

Our structure includes in-house marketing professionals, transaction coordination, and a dedicated concierge service. This approach allows us to stay highly involved while ensuring every detail of the transaction is managed efficiently.

What makes Busby Group different from other real estate teams?

Our difference is preparation, relationships, and process.

We focus on strategy before action, supported by detailed market data, professional marketing, and hands-on coordination. Because much of our business comes through referrals and long-standing relationships within the brokerage community, we are often aware of opportunities and buyer demand before homes are widely marketed.

The Busby Group Difference

• Concierge-level service

• Exclusive and optimized marketing strategies

• Data-driven strategy

• Over 100 years of real estate experience

Chicago Market Questions

Is Chicago real estate a good investment right now?

Chicago real estate has historically delivered steady long-term appreciation while remaining more affordable than many coastal markets.

The city also tends to avoid some of the price volatility seen in certain Sun Belt markets, creating a more stable long-term investment environment. Chicago offers a diverse housing stock, strong employment centers, and desirable neighborhoods across its 77 communities.

Market conditions vary by neighborhood and property type, so we help clients evaluate opportunities using hyper-local data and long-term trends.

What neighborhoods in Chicago are popular with buyers?

Demand remains strong across many Chicago neighborhoods.

Areas such as Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, West Town, West Loop, Gold Coast, River North, and Wicker Park continue to attract buyers due to their location, amenities, and housing styles.

Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods each offer unique characteristics, and our role is to help clients identify the areas that best match their priorities, whether that includes walkability, architectural style, or proximity to work and transportation.

How competitive is the Chicago housing market?

Competition varies depending on the neighborhood, property type, and price point.

Well-prepared and appropriately priced homes often receive strong interest and may attract multiple offers. Our team can help sellers test pricing through off-market exposure when appropriate, and we help buyers identify opportunities before homes are widely marketed.

Buying With Busby Group

What is the first step to buying a home?

The first step is a conversation with our team to understand your goals, timeline, and priorities.

From there we typically recommend connecting with a lender for pre-approval and beginning to explore neighborhoods and properties that align with your criteria.

How much do I need for a down payment when buying a home?

Down payment requirements vary depending on the loan type and financial profile.

Some buyers put down as little as 3–5 percent, while others choose larger down payments depending on their financial strategy. We connect clients with trusted lenders who can explain available financing options.

Should I buy or rent in Chicago?

The decision to buy or rent depends on financial goals, timing, and lifestyle preferences.

Buying can allow for long-term equity and stability, while renting provides flexibility. Our team assists clients with both buying and renting, helping evaluate current market conditions and long-term plans.

How does Busby Group help buyers compete in competitive markets?

Preparation and relationships are key when competing in Chicago’s housing market.

We begin with a contract review meeting so buyers understand the process before making an offer. Our relationships within the brokerage community, including Top Agent Network and Compass, also help us identify opportunities early and structure competitive offers.

Selling With Busby Group

What is your approach to selling a home?

Our selling approach begins with a pricing strategy and thoughtful market positioning.

We review hyper-local data, comparable sales, and current buyer demand before launching a property to market. From preparation and marketing through negotiations and closing, we stay closely involved throughout the process.

How should I choose the right real estate agent to sell my home?

Choosing the right real estate agent starts with experience, local market knowledge, and a clear strategy for pricing and marketing your home.

Sellers should look for an agent who understands their specific neighborhood, provides thoughtful pricing guidance based on data, and has a clear plan for marketing and negotiations. It’s also important to work with someone who communicates clearly and has strong relationships within the brokerage community.

At Busby Group, we begin every listing with a detailed strategy that includes market analysis, preparation recommendations, and a marketing plan tailored to the property. Our team structure also provides access to in-house marketing, transaction coordination, and concierge support to help manage the many details involved in preparing and selling a home.

How does Busby Group price homes differently from other brokers?

Busby Group approaches pricing through a data-driven strategy based on hyper-local market analysis.

Rather than relying only on general comparables, we analyze block-by-block sales data, current inventory, and buyer demand using MLS data through MRED along with broader housing trends.

When is the best time to sell a home in Chicago?

Homes can sell successfully year-round when properly priced and marketed.

Spring and early summer often bring increased buyer activity, but the best timing depends on personal goals. We frequently negotiate long closings or lease-back agreements to allow sellers to secure strong pricing while moving on their preferred timeline.

What improvements help increase home value before selling?

Strategic improvements can help maximize buyer appeal and selling price.

Simple updates like paint, lighting, and minor repairs can often make a meaningful difference. Our Busby Group concierge can coordinate trusted vendors including interior designers, painters, handymen, and staging professionals.

How much does it cost to sell a home in Chicago?

Selling costs typically include brokerage commissions, attorney fees, and closing costs such as transfer taxes.

Some sellers also choose to invest in preparation or staging. We review expected costs during the initial consultation and often recommend speaking with a mortgage professional or financial advisor if another purchase is involved.

Busby Group Concierge

What is the Busby Group concierge service?

Our concierge service helps manage the logistics of buying or selling through trusted vendors and coordinated timelines.

Clients often use concierge services for home preparation, scheduling vendors, moving logistics, and coordinating inspections or photography.

What services does the concierge assist with?

The concierge coordinates home preparation, repairs, staging, moving logistics, and vendor scheduling.

Because these vendors are professionals we work with regularly, clients often benefit from reliable timelines and streamlined coordination.

Luxury Collective

What qualifies as a luxury property in Chicagoland?

Luxury homes are defined by location, design, finishes, and pricing relative to the surrounding market.

In Chicagoland, luxury homes are often found in neighborhoods such as Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, River North, Hyde Park, and Kenwood, as well as North Shore communities like Winnetka, Kenilworth, Wilmette, and Lake Forest, and western suburbs including Hinsdale.

What services are important when selling a luxury home?

Luxury homes require specialized marketing, discretion, and targeted outreach.

Through the Luxury Collective by Busby Group, we focus on storytelling, strategic positioning, broker-to-broker outreach, and private marketing designed to reach interested and qualified buyers.

Do luxury homes sell off-market?

Yes. Approximately 20 percent of our transactions occur through private or off-market networks.

Through broker relationships, Top Agent Network, Compass private listings, and trusted connections, we often introduce properties to qualified buyers before they are widely marketed.

Southwest Suburb Collective

Why are buyers choosing the Southwest suburbs of Chicago?

The Southwest suburbs attract buyers looking for more space, strong communities, and convenient access to Chicago.

Communities such as Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Palos Park, Palos Heights, and Oak Lawn offer a mix of newer homes, established neighborhoods, parks, and commuter access via Metra and major highways.

Through the Southwest Suburb Collective by Busby Group, our team provides local insight into housing trends, schools, lifestyle amenities, and neighborhood dynamics so clients can make informed decisions when buying or selling in the area.

North Shore Collective Question

What makes Chicago’s North Shore a desirable place to live?

Chicago’s North Shore is known for its lakefront communities, strong schools, historic architecture, and proximity to the city.

Communities such as Winnetka, Kenilworth, Wilmette, Glencoe, Lake Forest, and Lake Bluff consistently attract buyers seeking larger homes, walkable downtown areas, and access to Lake Michigan.

For many buyers, the North Shore offers a balance of suburban space and lifestyle while remaining connected to Chicago through commuter rail and major highways.

Relocation and Referrals

Can Busby Group help clients relocating to Chicago?

Yes. We regularly assist clients relocating from other cities or states.

Our team provides neighborhood comparisons, commute considerations, housing style guidance, and pricing insights. Our concierge team can also assist with relocation logistics and vendor coordination.

Do you work with corporate relocations or professional athletes?

Yes. Busby Group is the Chicago representative for SportStar Relocation.

This national network assists professional athletes, coaches, and sports executives with housing transitions. We also maintain relationships with corporations that rely on our team as a trusted real estate resource for relocating employees.

How does Busby Group protect client privacy during a real estate transaction?

Protecting client privacy and personal information is a priority for our entire team.

Luxury and high-profile clients often value discretion. When appropriate, we can market properties privately through trusted broker networks rather than broad public exposure. Our internal processes and team structure also ensure that sensitive information is handled carefully throughout the transaction.

Can Busby Group help with national or international real estate referrals?

Yes. Through our relationships and the Compass network, we connect clients with trusted real estate professionals across the United States and internationally.

Compass includes more than 21,000 agents across major U.S. markets, and we also maintain relationships with global brokerage partners. These connections allow us to introduce clients to experienced agents in other markets while remaining involved as a trusted advisor.

What should buyers and sellers look for when choosing a real estate team?

Experience, market knowledge, communication, and trusted relationships are key factors when choosing a real estate team.

Real estate transactions involve many moving parts, from pricing strategy and negotiations to marketing and timing. Working with an experienced team helps ensure the process is coordinated smoothly, and decisions are made with strong market insight.

What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago to buy a home?

The best neighborhood in Chicago depends on lifestyle, commute, housing style, and long-term goals rather than a single “best” location.

Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods each offer distinct character and housing options. Areas such as Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, West Town, West Loop, Gold Coast, River North, and Wicker Park remain consistently popular because of their walkability, amenities, and housing mix.

Rather than focusing on one neighborhood, our role is to help clients identify areas that align with their priorities — whether that includes access to parks, architecture, proximity to downtown, or investment potential.

Still Have Questions?

Real estate decisions are highly personal, and every situation is different. If you have questions about buying, selling, relocating, or investing in Chicago real estate, our team is always happy to help.

A conversation can often provide clarity and help determine the best next steps.

Contact us today!