Dream Home in the Suburbs Along with a Seamless Sale in the City
SELL-TO-BUY SUCCESS STORY
These clients were introduced to us through one of our corporate partners, where we regularly support employees with their real estate needs. When they first connected with us, they were not ready to move just yet. With a growing family and busy schedules, they wanted to understand their options and begin planning for what would eventually be a move from the city to the North Shore.
From the beginning, our focus was on preparation without pressure.
We worked with them over time, guiding strategic updates and capturing photography in phases as each space was ready. This allowed us to build a fully prepared marketing plan well in advance, so when the timing felt right, we could act quickly and confidently.
At the same time, we ensured they had an up-to-date pre-approval in place, positioning them to move decisively when the right home became available.
When they were ready, we executed a highly strategic launch.
We first introduced their home through our off-market networks to generate early interest and momentum. From there, we brought the home to the public market with a focused showing strategy, directing all traffic to a specific window of time to create urgency and demonstrate demand.
The result was strong competition, multiple offers, and a sale above list price, along with negotiated terms that allowed them to remain in their home for several months after closing.
With their sale secured, they were able to move forward with clarity and confidence. Leveraging their strong position, we implemented tailored strategies to help them stand out in a competitive environment, ultimately winning their next home on the North Shore.
Just as importantly, the structure of the transaction allowed for a low-stress transition, giving their family the time and flexibility needed to move thoughtfully into their next chapter.
The result was a seamless experience from start to finish, with a successful sale, a strategic purchase, and a family settling into a home they truly love.
The Takeaway
Every move is different, and it should happen on your timeline.
With the right preparation and strategy, it is possible to create both urgency and flexibility, achieving a strong sale while positioning yourself to compete with confidence on your next purchase.
The earlier we connect, the more we can do to position you for success.
Turning Uncertainty into a Clear Path Forward
SELL-TO-BUY SUCCESS STORY
When repeat clients reached out, they were entering a new chapter with a growing family and a clear goal: to move from the city to the North Shore and purchase a multi-family property that would support both their lifestyle and long-term investment goals.
At the same time, they were understandably cautious. They needed to sell in order to buy, and in a competitive market, a home sale contingency can often make it more challenging to secure the right property.
With that in mind, our focus was to create strength and clarity before making any moves.
We began by preparing their home for sale while also connecting them with trusted lenders to ensure they were fully pre-approved. There were building-wide repairs to address, so we coordinated quotes and developed a clear plan that could be shared with buyers, removing uncertainty and building confidence from the start.
At the same time, we completed photography and had all marketing ready, positioning us to act quickly when the right opportunity presented itself.
When we identified a property in Evanston that had been on the market slightly longer, we knew there was an opening.
Because of the preparation we had in place, we were able to present a strong, well-supported offer that included a home sale contingency. By clearly demonstrating how ready we were to bring their home to market, we gave the sellers confidence in our clients’ ability to perform and successfully secured the contract.
From there, we moved quickly to bring their city condo to market, directing all showings to a strategically planned open house. This approach generated strong interest and multiple offers in a short period of time.
With their home under contract, we were able to remove the home sale contingency on their purchase and continue negotiating from a position of strength, including securing repairs on their purchase.
Just as importantly, we coordinated timing so they could remain in their current home while updates to their new property were completed, creating a smooth and thoughtful transition.
The result was a seamless move, selling their city home successfully while securing a multi-family property in Evanston that aligned with both their immediate needs and long-term goals.
The Takeaway
Every move is different, and it should happen on your timeline.
Even in a competitive market, a home sale contingency does not have to be a limitation. With the right preparation and strategy, it can create opportunity.
The earlier we connect, the more we can do to position you for success.
Prepared Early, Ready at the Right Moment
SELL-TO-BUY SUCCESS STORY
When a dear, growing family was referred to us by a past client, we were excited to help them. Supporting clients through meaningful transitions like this is something we truly value, especially when there are multiple moving pieces to consider.
They were both working parents, balancing full careers, a growing household, and at the time, the launch of a new business. When they first reached out, they were not ready to move just yet. They simply wanted guidance on how to approach the process thoughtfully when the time came.
With so much happening in their lives, our goal was to create clarity and a path forward without adding pressure.
We worked alongside them over time, taking a thoughtful and strategic approach to preparation. Through our in-house concierge, we guided meaningful improvements designed to deliver strong return on investment. We connected them with trusted lenders to ensure they were financially positioned, and we captured photography in phases as each space was completed. By the time they were ready, everything was already in place.
As part of our planning, we also discussed timing. While they initially expected to begin their search during the spring market, we advised that it would likely be highly competitive. Instead, we recommended beginning their search in the fall and into the fourth quarter, when there can often be meaningful opportunities for buyers.
When baby number two arrived, the timing became clear. Within one week, we activated our strategy.
We introduced their home to our off-market networks, generating strong demand and ultimately securing a top-dollar sale with terms that provided flexibility, including the ability to remain in their home after closing while they searched for their next property.
With their sale secured, they were able to move forward with confidence. We identified the right home and successfully navigated a multiple-offer situation, while also benefiting from the timing strategy we had discussed, allowing them to secure a strong value on their purchase.
Just as importantly, they were able to remain in their current home while completing updates on their new property, working with trusted contractors we helped coordinate. This allowed for a more thoughtful transition into their next chapter, rather than a rushed move.
And our role continues. We are still advising them on strategic improvements that will maximize long-term value, supporting not just this move, but the next one as well.
The Takeaway
Every move is different, and it should happen on your timeline.
We work at your pace, guiding you through each step along the way, whether you are planning years in advance or preparing to make a move now. And when the timing is right, we are ready to act quickly and strategically on your behalf.
The earlier we connect, the more we can do to position you for success.
A Seamless City-to-North Shore Move, Designed Around a Busy Family’s Schedule
SELL-TO-BUY SUCCESS STORY
When longtime clients reached out to us again, we already understood how they like to move, thoughtfully and strategically, with every detail considered. Having bought and sold with us before, they trusted us to guide them through their next transition.
This time, the stakes were even higher. With two young children and school schedules to consider, timing was everything. Their goal was to move to the North Shore, but only if it could be done in a way that minimized disruption for their family.
We began working on both sides of the move simultaneously. While preparing their city home for showings and marketing, we also introduced them to our North Shore partner, someone who understands firsthand what it means to make that transition to North Shore as a parent.
Through our in-house concierge, we coordinated select improvements and scheduled photography around the family’s routine, ensuring the home was fully prepared without disrupting daily life.
At the same time, their dream North Shore home was identified and successfully secured in a multiple-offer situation. The sellers required a longer closing timeline, which aligned perfectly with our clients’ needs.
With their purchase in place, we strategically positioned their city home within our off-market network, identifying a buyer who could close quickly while offering a seven-month post-closing occupancy. This allowed our clients to remain in their home while their children finished the school year.
The result was a seamless transition, selling at top dollar with minimal disruption, securing their next home with confidence, and moving on a timeline that worked for their family.
The Takeaway
A move beyond the city brings a new set of complexities, from timing and market dynamics to lifestyle shifts.
With experience across both markets, we help you navigate each step seamlessly, delivering the best of both worlds: a strong, strategic sale and a thoughtful, successful purchase.
Just as importantly, connecting earlier than you might expect can make all the difference. In this case, our clients initially believed they needed to wait several months due to school schedules. With the right strategy on both the sale and purchase, we were able to align timing, secure their next home, and structure their sale to support it.
Had they waited, they may have missed the opportunity altogether.
Inside the Relocation Playbook for Pro Athletes
Each year, as the pro football draft approaches, a new wave of athletes, coaches, and staff begin transitioning to new cities.
While much of the focus is on the field, what happens off the field, especially where these individuals will live, requires a highly specialized and discreet approach.
Through our partnership with Sportstar Relocation, Busby Group serves as a trusted Chicago representative, helping clients navigate this process with care, privacy, and precision.
A Closer Look at the Relocation Process
A recent feature highlights how experienced brokers guide athletes through the home search process, often under tight timelines and with unique considerations.
You can read the full article here:
https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/when-nfl-draftees-start-house-hunting-hes-the-guy-to-call-164b06e7
The piece outlines how relocation specialists help clients:
Quickly understand new markets and neighborhoods
Prioritize privacy and security
Align lifestyle needs with location and property type
Move efficiently under time-sensitive conditions
These are the same principles we apply locally in Chicago.
Why This Matters in Chicago
Chicago remains home to major sports organizations, with players, coaches, and staff relocating in and out throughout the year.
This creates a consistent need for:
Discreet, off-market opportunities
Flexible timing and tailored negotiations
A trusted, experienced local advisor
Our role is to provide not just access, but guidance that aligns with both lifestyle and long-term goals.
The Busby Group Approach
Through Sportstar Relocation and our broader network, we are able to support clients with:
Access to off-market and private listings
Coordination with trusted legal, financial, and concierge partners
A seamless transition from search to move-in
Our in-house concierge further supports the process, managing details from move logistics to vendor coordination, ensuring a smooth experience beyond the transaction.
A Timely Moment
With the upcoming draft and ongoing team changes, this is a natural point in the year where relocation activity increases.
While not every client is an athlete, the level of service and strategy required in these situations reflects how we approach all of our clients, thoughtful, proactive, and tailored to each individual.
Perspective
Relocation, whether across the country or within the same city, is about more than just finding a home. It is about creating a seamless transition into a new chapter.
If you are considering a move to or from Chicago, or have a client relocating, we’re always here as a trusted resource to help guide the process.
A Smart Student Housing Opportunity in the Loop
6 N Michigan Ave, Unit 610
Located directly across from Millennium Park, this updated residence offers more than just a place to live. It presents a compelling option for student housing in one of Chicago’s most connected and walkable locations.
With close proximity to School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, DePaul University, Roosevelt University, and East-West University, this home sits at the center of a major academic hub.
Why Location Matters for Student Living
Steps to Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue
Walkable to multiple campuses and CTA lines
Easy access to libraries, cafes, and study spaces
For students, this means convenience and time savings. For parents, it offers a central, secure location with strong long-term appeal.
A Strategic Alternative to Dorms and Rentals
Many families default to dorms or rentals, but ownership can offer a more thoughtful approach.
Typical downtown rent for a one-bedroom can range from $2,200 to well over $3,000+ per month
Student housing and dorm costs can often reach $15,000 to $20,000+ annually, depending on the school
Owning allows families to:
Build equity instead of paying rent
Maintain control over the living environment
Create flexibility for future use or rental
Investment and Resale Perspective
From an investment standpoint, this type of purchase can serve dual purposes, housing today and flexibility tomorrow.
Strong demand from students, professionals, and relocation clients
Central location supports consistent resale interest
Ability to transition to a rental property after graduation
Chicago’s more stable pricing trends support predictable resale positioning over time, while ongoing demand in the Loop helps maintain liquidity when it comes time to sell or lease.
The Home Itself
This residence is well suited for student living and long-term ownership:
Open kitchen with seating for six, ideal for studying or hosting
High-end appliances including Bertazzoni range and Viking microwave
Hardwood floors throughout for durability and ease
Generous closet space with professional organization
Full-service building with 24-hour door staff, fitness center, and shared amenities
From a lifestyle perspective, students benefit from immediate access to the lakefront, museums, and downtown Chicago, creating a balanced experience between academics and city living.
Perspective
Student housing in Chicago does not have to be limited to dorms or rentals.
Ownership in a location like this offers flexibility, a strong living experience, and long-term resale potential, all while providing a place to call home during the college years.
If you’d like more information on this property, rental potential, or how to evaluate this type of opportunity, we’re always happy to help you think through the options.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Today’s Real Estate Market
Insights from Our Q1 2026 Chicagoland Client Real Estate Market Survey
We recently asked our clients and community to share their perspective on today’s real estate market. The feedback was thoughtful, clear, and aligned with what we are seeing on the ground across Chicagoland.
Here are the key takeaways.
The Market Remains Strong, But More Competitive
Overall, sentiment points to a market that is still active, but more challenging than last year.
Inventory remains limited across many neighborhoods
Interest rates continue to influence timing and decisions
Home prices are holding steady, creating a more competitive environment
From an investment perspective, this type of market supports price stability, particularly in well-located areas.
From a lifestyle perspective, many buyers are taking a more thoughtful approach, waiting for the right home rather than rushing into a decision.
Many Are Considering a Move in the Next 12 Months
A meaningful number of respondents shared that they are actively thinking about making a move.
The most common reasons include:
Needing more space
Seeking a lifestyle or neighborhood change
Waiting for the right opportunity or pricing
This aligns with what we are seeing in real time, where buyers are motivated, but intentional.
Inventory Remains Low, Despite Expectations
Many of you noted that more inventory would increase confidence in making a move, and we agree.
Inventory is projected to increase by approximately 3% in 2026
However, we have not seen that increase materialize yet
Demand continues to outpace available homes
This creates a window where sellers may benefit from less competition and strong buyer interest.
Interest Rates Are Still a Factor
Interest rates remain an important part of the conversation.
Rates are currently lower than this time last year
There is an expectation that rates may decrease further as the year progresses
For buyers, this creates an opportunity to enter the market with the potential for improved financing conditions over time.
A Strategic Window for Sellers
With limited inventory and steady demand, this can be a strategic time to consider selling.
Well-prepared homes are attracting strong interest
Buyers are ready to act when the right property becomes available
Proper pricing and presentation continue to make a meaningful difference
If you have been considering selling, even casually, this environment may offer a unique advantage.
Navigating a Sell-to-Buy Move
One of the most common scenarios we are helping clients with right now is selling a home while purchasing the next one.
We are actively guiding clients through:
Aligning timing between both transactions
Structuring terms that create flexibility
Identifying opportunities both on and off the public market
This approach allows clients to move with more clarity and confidence, even in a competitive market.
You can learn more about how we approach this process here.
Busby Group Perspective
Your feedback reinforces what we see every day. The market is active, but strategy matters more than ever.
With over $1B in career sales, we combine data, experience, and a hands-on approach to help our clients navigate each decision with clarity.
If you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply want to better understand your options, we are always happy to connect and create a plan tailored to your goals.
2025 Top Producer in Chicago Real Estate
Being named a 2025 Top Producer reflects the trust our clients place in us and the consistency of results we deliver across Chicagoland.
Busby Group was recognized by the Chicago Association of REALTORS with:
• Platinum Volume representing more than $65 million in closed sales
• Gold Units representing between 73 and 110 homes sold
These awards are based on verified data from Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), the primary MLS system for Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
A Thank You to Our Clients and Partners
This recognition is a direct reflection of the people we are fortunate to work with.
We are incredibly grateful to our clients for trusting us with their homes and for allowing us to be part of such important life moments. We are especially thankful for the referrals of friends, family, and colleagues, which continue to be the foundation of our business.
We are also grateful for the broker partners, vendors, and industry professionals who collaborate with us every day. Real estate is a relationship-driven business, and it is these partnerships that allow us to deliver a high level of service.
Chicago Market Context
Chicago’s housing market continues to show steady, long-term growth while avoiding some of the price volatility seen in other regions. At the same time, every neighborhood behaves differently.
Using data is essential, but understanding how that data applies at a hyper-local level is what allows us to guide clients effectively. From Lincoln Park to the West Loop, the North Shore to the Southwest suburbs, pricing, demand, and timing can vary significantly block by block.
Nearly 80% of our clients are navigating a sell-to-buy move, which requires thoughtful coordination across two transactions. Through data, preparation, and strong relationships, we help clients:
Position their home to maximize value
Identify opportunities, including off-market properties
Navigate timing and negotiations with greater flexibility
Coordinate the many moving pieces for a more seamless transition
Our role is to take what can feel complex and bring clarity, structure, and confidence to each step.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this recognition, it also marks a broader milestone for Busby Group, having surpassed $1 billion in total career sales.
We are proud of what this represents, but even more grateful for the relationships behind it.
Our focus remains the same. Continue to provide thoughtful guidance, apply data with a hyper-local lens, and support our clients through every stage of their real estate journey.
If you are considering a move in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, we are happy to share current market insights and help you evaluate your options.
A Milestone Built on Relationships
Busby Group Celebrates $1 Billion in Total Sales
Reaching $1 billion in total sales is a meaningful milestone, and more than anything, it is a reflection of the people behind it.
This moment represents the trust of our clients, the collaboration of our partners, and the collective effort of our team over the years.
More Than a Number
While $1 billion is a significant number, what matters most are the moments and relationships that built it.
Clients who trusted us through important life transitions
Partners who collaborated with professionalism and care
Team members who bring consistency and thoughtfulness to every step of the process
Approximately 90% of our business comes from referrals, a reflection of the relationships that continue long after a transaction closes.
From a lifestyle perspective, this milestone spans homes across Chicago and the suburbs, from first purchases to long-term family homes, each one representing a chapter in someone’s story.
The Stories Behind the Milestone
To celebrate this moment, we created a dedicated page highlighting the people and places that have shaped our journey.
On this page, you will find:
Moments that define meaningful client experiences
Partners who have supported our clients and team
Community favorites that have become part of our shared story
Each section connects to individual stories that reflect what this milestone truly represents.
Explore the full experience here:
https://www.busbygroup.com/1-billion-in-total-sales
What This Means Moving Forward
This milestone reinforces what we value most:
Thoughtful, relationship-driven service
Strategic guidance rooted in experience and data
A seamless process supported by our team and concierge
As the market continues to evolve, our focus remains on helping clients make confident decisions with clarity and support. Milestones like this are not an endpoint; they are a reflection of what has been built and a foundation for what is ahead.
Thank you to all who helped us get here!
Chicagoland Q1 2026 Market Update
As we kicked off 2026, many expected inventory to increase across Chicagoland. So far, that shift has not materialized, and we are continuing to see a high-demand, low-inventory environment across many neighborhoods.
Here is what we are seeing on the ground:
Inventory remains limited, despite expectations for more listings this year, which is keeping competition elevated
Buyer demand is strong, even with higher interest rates, showing continued confidence in Chicago real estate
Multiple offers are common, especially for homes that are well priced and updated
Strategic positioning is driving results, with sellers achieving strong terms and buyers still winning in competitive situations
In many cases, we are helping buyers secure homes without being the highest offer, by understanding seller priorities and structuring offers accordingly
What This Means for Sellers
Low inventory means less competition, which can lead to stronger pricing and favorable terms
Well-prepared homes are seeing faster timelines and multiple offers
We are helping sellers structure deals that align with their next move, including flexible timing when needed
What This Means for Buyers
Competition is real, but opportunities still exist with the right strategy
Understanding seller priorities can make a meaningful difference in competitive situations
Access to off-market and private network opportunities can provide additional options beyond what is publicly available
Chicago Market Perspective
Chicago continues to show steady, sustainable growth, rather than the volatility seen in some other major markets. This consistency is part of what continues to drive both local and relocation-based demand.
From a lifestyle perspective, buyers are still prioritizing walkable neighborhoods, access to parks and the lakefront, and proximity to dining and transit, all of which continue to support demand across the city.
Watch the Full Q1 Update
Julie shares more detail and real-time insight in this short market update: https://youtu.be/_vPYoUsQ3Mw
If you are thinking about buying or selling, or simply want to understand what this market means for your specific situation, we are always happy to connect and create a strategy tailored to your goals.