Our favorite things to do at the Chicago Riverwalk!

Can anyone remember a time before the Riverwalk?! It’s only been around for a few years, but the 1.25-mile path has made its mark! There is always something fun happening, and much like the 606 Trail did for Bucktown, the Riverwalk has reinvigorated the whole neighborhood – which for a real estate broker, is always a good site to see. Whether you are visiting or local, you will find something fun and exciting along the Riverwalk any day of the week, and I’ve outlined a few of my favorites!

Live Music and Performances
From jazz ensembles to acoustic soloists, the Riverwalk showcases a diverse array of musical talent that adds a rhythmic soundtrack to your waterfront adventures. One of my favorite spots to watch live music on the Riverwalk is Tiny Tap & Tiny Cafe. Check out their lineup here! 

Art Installations and Public Art
From larger-than-life sculptures to interactive multimedia exhibits and public art, keep an eye out for rotating exhibitions and temporary installations that constantly bring new life and energy to the Riverwalk. And, of course, you can’t miss Art on theMART. Did you know that it is the world’s largest digital art projection covering 2.5 acres of the Mart’s river-facing facade?! Enjoy a free show every night April through December. 

And don’t forget the Chicago Architecture Center, which is perfectly positioned on the river and offers a huge variety of amazing tours. 

Restaurants and Dining
Some of the city’s best restaurants are along the Riverwalk, and not just because of the incredible views – the food happens to be delicious along the whole promenade. My personal favorites include Gibson’s Italia and RPM Seafood. 

Water Activities 
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the Riverwalk offers a variety of water activities and excursions that allow you to explore the city from a unique perspective. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and venture out onto the gentle waters of the Chicago River, taking in panoramic views of the skyline and iconic landmarks along the way. Or enjoy a guided architectural boat tour to learn about the rich history and architectural legacy of the city.

Family-Friendly Fun
The Riverwalk is not just for adults! Treat the littles to an afternoon of fun and adventure at one of the interactive play areas or splash pads! 

Iconic 435 N Michigan Ave
One of our current listings is in the recently retrofitted Tribune Tower, overlooking the scenic views of the Riverwalk. Located directly below the iconic building’s historical signage, this two-bedroom, two-and-one-half bath home is nestled in the preferred tier and offers a coveted split floor plan.

Additional information: 

• Luxurious finishes and updates include high-end construction finishes and architectural details including 6.5-inch white oak quarter sawn hardwood flooring and unique millwork, plus the seller additions including custom window treatments and wall treatments throughout the home, and remodeled powder room with antique vanity and designer lighting and wall treatment  

• Chef’s dream kitchen offers classic Bovelli cabinetry, quartzite countertops and backsplash, Wolf, Sub-Zero and Miele appliances with built-in smart technology, custom range hood and island seating for 4

• Primary bath features marble flooring and mosaic tile inlay, full height marble walls, marble shower with frameless glass door, Waterworks rain shower head, marble Kohler undermount bathtub and Bovelli vanity

• Over 55,000+ square feet of building amenities on 4 levels including a ⅓ acre private courtyard, 75-foot indoor lap pool, which opens to an outdoor terrace and sundeck, fitness center, golf simulator and putting green, steam rooms and sauna, dog park, car wash, bike rooms and numerous social/entertaining and work spaces, plus the 25th “crown” floor with indoor and outdoor kitchens, fire pits and herb garden. Concierge 24-hour front door personal and 24/7 engineering staff. 

• Unparalleled location around the corner from the theater district, museum campus, Chicago River and Riverwalk, lakefront, Millennium Park and more! 

• Parking available for an additional fee
   More information is here.

3 ways to enhance lake views with interior design

It amazes me every time I see how transformative a few simple and smart interior design choices can be for a home. I have seen this occur on countless occasions when I work with my friend and interior designer, Marcie Blanco. Marcie is not only extremely talented, but also strategic when it comes to designing homes. She can create high-end luxury spaces, but she is also so good at coming up with easy to executive and cost effective ideas that make a huge difference. 

I recently chatted with her about several of our listings with lake views, wondering if there are any interior design tricks she knows that can help enhance and highlight incredible views. She had so many ideas! 

Window treatments
A lot of the buildings along the lakeshore in Chicago feature stainless steel window frames, a lot of which are from the 90s. To help soften the overall look and add more texture, Marcie recommends incorporating ripple fold curtain panels in front with a sheer layer behind. Bi-layered curtains are a great way to help make a home feel cozy, add dimension and also provide flexibility with both opaque and sheer options.

In terms of length and mounting, Marcie advocates for a ceiling mount whenever possible because it maximizes the perception of ceiling height. For color, Marcie says to look out the window and highlight your favorite parts of what you see. Maybe it is the winter lake, or sunset, or the steel of neighboring buildings. Drawing colors from the outdoors inside creates a cohesive feel. You can see a great visual example at our listing at 229 E Lake Shore Drive.

Lighting
By default, homes with lake views usually also have incredible natural light, which is something you can’t recreate with any amount of interior design. To help create a feeling of quiet luxury, Marice advocates for layering different types of lighting including sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps. With numerous options, natural light is still the star. Smart home technology makes it easier to manage different sources of lighting with just a few buttons, making layered lighting as convenient as overhead cans. Our listing at 1100 N Lake Shore Drive’s expansive rooms are the perfect blank canvas for several types of lighting. 

Color
When decorating to highlight a lake view, Marcie recommends incorporating elements of contrasting colors such as burnt siena, pumpkin, paprika – all of which will make the lake appear brighter. She also advocates for considering color on the ceiling! It may sound counterintuitive, but painting the ceiling in a neutral or neutral adjacent (think charcoal or a deep brown) really frames a space and creates the effect of a warm and cozy envelope. Go bold on furniture and items you take with you when you ultimately move again! 

A few highlights from all of our listings with lake views: 
229 E Lake Shore 10E: Spacious and prestigious 4-bed, 4-bath, 10th floor East Lake Shore Drive home with soaring unobstructed views of Lake Michigan, large formal living room, elegant dining room, and luxurious primary suite Learn more>>

435 N Michigan 620: Prestigious Chicago Tribune 2-bed, 2.5-bath home in the preferred south tower with a coveted split floor plan and gorgeous river and city views Learn more>>

132 E Delaware 5601: First-time opportunity to own this meticulously maintained, spacious home featuring incredible lake, city and sunset views perched atop the Four Seasons Hotel with access to the hotel’s unparalleled amenities Learn more>>

1100 N Lake Shore 24B: Thoughtfully renovated and gently lived-in south-east corner unit with incredible lake,Lake Shore Drive and city views Learn more>>

600 N LSD 3601: Designer home with the most desirable split bedroom floor plan, plus rare unobstructed lake and city views and private balcony Learn more>>

Q1 2024 Chicagoland real estate market overview

It is early April, which means we are at the very heart of the spring real estate market in Chicago. April also means we get a chance to reflect on the market throughout Q1 of this year. So far, the market this year has been heavily influenced by two factors: interest rates and inventory. Sellers are hesitant to list because they are locked in at a lower rate than today’s, so that when they purchase their next home the higher rates are a mental hurdle. As a result, we see the low inventory we are experiencing today – it’s a domino effect/self-perpetuating cycle! 

What we at Busby Group really want Chicagoland sellers to know is that you can truly get a great price for your home right now due to our lack of inventory and pent up demand – take advantage of this current marketplace scenario! There are many, many ways to sell right now and either not buy immediately, rent, buy down an interest rate – all captured in this blog post. 

The very bright spot of happy news is that properties in Chicago continue to appreciate. Across all neighborhoods prices are up, which is good news for all Chicagoans. 

Inventory

As in the entire country, inventory in Chicago is at historic lows across the market in both the city and suburbs. Inventory in March 2024 is actually even lower than it was this time last year. We do anticipate the spring market to continue later than usual this year due to the early rate volatility, and believe that sellers who need to sell in 2024 will begin entering the market in April and May. 

For buyers, low inventory means making sure that you uncover every stone whether that be on or off-market opportunities. Inventory this low typically indicates a sellers’ market, and generally that is what we see across Chicago, but demand is currently very neighborhood-driven. For example, average market time for condos in Lincoln Park (47 days) is significantly lower than the market at large (67 days). 

Market Time

Lincoln Park single-family home market time is higher than condos at 79 days, primarily driven by the higher price tag – single family home buyers are that much more sensitive to interest rate volatility. In the suburbs though, market time across the board is lower than the city, continuing the trend of the past few years of people moving from the city to the suburbs. 

Average Sales Price

Average sales prices for condos and single-family homes across Chicagoland have been in relative lockstep over the past three years, up approximately 20%. With inventory so low the past several years, coupled with the fluctuations in rates, this amount of appreciation in such a short time is striking – and also promising! Investing in Chicagoland real estate continues to be a strong option. 

The inside scoop on how to shop for homeowners insurance

Can you name one thing that every homeowner must purchase before closing? If you guessed homeowners insurance, you win! Homeowners insurance is part of the deal, and a very important part at that! I recently sat down with Kevin Grady, a representative at Allstate that I have used personally and referred to dozens of clients. He’s knowledgeable, helpful and pragmatic, and he was also the perfect person to ask: what should we look for when we select insurance? 

In this video we cover: 

• Why you should always get a home inspection (even if your contract is not contingent on it!), especially to inspect the roof and basement

• Why it is important to choose a reputable insurance company

• The report you should ask a seller for if you are worried about potential issues (I had never heard of this, and it’s a great tip!)

• The most important aspects of your home to insure (Kevin told me to buy this additional insurance and it was a lifesaver!)

• When to file claims

What could be better than new construction?

One phrase we use with relative frequency in real estate is, “better-than-new-construction,” and I realized recently that consumers may be confused by this turn of phrase. I think it is most confusing because “better” is a totally subjective word, especially when it comes to one’s home. The truth is, if you want new construction, nothing is better than that! 

But, there are some pros and cons to be aware of when it comes to new construction versus a remodeled home. The biggest benefit to new construction is that you will be the first person to ever live in it, plus you receive a builder warranty, which provides protection for approximately one year! Everything will feel, look and smell fresh. On the flip side, this may also be a con for new construction. Because everything is new, you will be the person to discover all the home’s kinks and quirks. That discovery process may be more than you want to take on. 

With new construction, there are also several standard items that are traditionally not included with the home such as washer/dryer, window treatment, closet organizers, light fixtures and ceiling fans. Additionally, most of the finishes will be “builder’s grade,” meaning generic enough to appeal to the masses and typically not the highest quality available. For some this may be a benefit because they are excited to customize their home, while for others these additional items feel like a costly burden. 

Right now we have two “better-than-new-construction” homes on the market with so much to offer, including so many of the features you may miss with new construction including upgrades, size, charm and location. 

Upgrades
Our listing at 180 E Pearson, residence #6006, was recently fully renovated with design-forward modern finishes including slab ceiling detail in the kitchen with integrated lighting, solid-core panel detailed doors, designer lighting, fully customized closets and automated lighting and blinds (rarely found in new construction!). When a homeowner remodels instead of a builder, there is a greater attention to quality and design – you won’t find builder’s grade finishes anywhere in this home. 

Our single-family home listing at 3305 W Belle Plaine is another great example of quality finishes with its upgraded deck with composite decking, custom attached shelving throughout, custom closet organizers (rarely found in new construction!), and Lutron dimmers – all the details that make a house a home. Both of these properties are great examples of investing in smaller details that make a huge difference when it comes to the look, feel and functionality of a home. 

Size 
One fact of living in Chicago is there are only so many wide lots in the city. With our listing on Belle Plaine, you could be the proud owner of one, without having to lift a finger with remodeling. The same goes for our home at 180 E Pearson, which is a high-floor corner unit with endless west, south, city and lake views and just shy of 3,000 square feet of living space. To get the same view and square footage in a new construction building, you would easily wait 18 to 24 months. 

Charm
At our listing on Belle Plaine, you get the best of all worlds with modern updates, mixed with some of the original charming design of the home including an incredible dining room wood built-in with mirror. At 180 E Pearson, sellers added a versatile sliding solid wood door/feature wall which opens into the office/third bedroom – an update you would only think of after having lived in the home. 

Location 
In some parts of the country, big plots of land still remain empty close to a downtown area. That is very much not the case in Chicago! With these remodeled homes, you are able to live in what feels like a new home, but in a prime location close to everything. 

With our Pearson listing, you also get the benefit of resort-like living through access to the Ritz Carlton Hotel amenities including room service and concierge; plus the Carlton Club Spa, fitness center, indoor pool and lounge. With Belle Plaine, you get a prime location close to Horner Park, restaurants/breweries/shopping, and easy 90/94 access.

Don’t get me wrong, new construction is a great option, but for those who want something unique – and fast – remodeled homes are the perfect solution!

The Best 7 Tips and Tricks for Getting Organized in the New Year

By: Ashley Rapp

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to get your life and spaces organized. Whether it’s your home, workspace, or personal life, being organized can bring peace of mind and help you accomplish your goals more effectively. 

Here are my top 7 tips for getting organized… 

1. Set Clear Goals: Before diving into organizing, it’s important to set clear goals for yourself. Determine what areas of your life or spaces you want to organize and what outcomes you hope to achieve. Having specific goals will help you stay motivated and focused throughout the process.

2. Declutter and Simplify: Start by decluttering your spaces. Get rid of items you no longer need or use (I call this “low hanging fruit”) – what is taking up valuable real-estate? (no pun intended 😊).  Set a timer for 30 minutes and take a box for donation and a trash bag for trash around your home.  You will already feel better after this exercise and start to realize where you need to spend more time. 

3. Prioritize and Schedule: Getting organized does not happen overnight.  It takes time and planning.  Make a list of tasks and prioritize them based on importance and urgency. Create a schedule or to-do list and block your calendar to help you stay on track. Set deadlines for tasks and allocate specific time slots for different activities. This will ensure that you make progress and avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

4. Start Small: Please do not start with the entire kitchen.  Start with your junk drawer, pantry or laundry room.  Get the hang of it before you jump into larger projects. 

5. Do not buy product until you know exactly what you need:  Organizing product can be expensive and it is an invest.  I strongly recommend not going to The Container Store or Target until you have taken everything out of your spaces, sorted, edited and measured.  This will help you save money AND prevent extra product in your home that you won’t use. 

6. Regular Maintenance: Organizing is not a one-time task; it requires regular maintenance. Set aside time each week or month to review and declutter your spaces. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up and put things back in their designated homes. Consistency will help you maintain an organized lifestyle. 

7. Delegate and Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or seek help when needed. If you’re overwhelmed or have limited time, consider hiring a professional organizer.  I promise, you won’t regret it! 

Getting organized is a journey that requires effort and consistency. By setting clear goals, decluttering, creating systems, and maintaining regular maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of an organized life.  Embrace these tips and tricks, and start the new year off with a sense of calm and productivity! 

Busby Group Gives Back 2023

At Busby Group, helping to create a better community for all Chicagoans is a foundational piece of our business, and our partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) is just one way we contribute. 

Since November 2020, a portion of the proceeds from every Busby Group deal goes directly to GCFD via our year-long food drive (you can donate anytime!). To date we have raised funds for nearly 90,000 meals, making Busby Group the #12 overall fundraising team for GCFD. We also expanded our partnership this year with our first annual Busby Group Pantry Pickup, during which we collected nearly 1,000 food items! And the team has also been busy with their own charitable efforts too!

Julie
Julie has been on the board of Neighborhood Parents Network for several years. Julie is also actively involved with smaller local food pantries, sorting food and picking up donations on a regular basis. Both of Julie’s daughters are also running their own food drive right now, taking after their mom!

Barb
Served as the Chairman of the Veteran’s Committee for the Rush Women’s Board on this Road Home Project, which addresses the invisible wounds of war. One interesting event they hosted was mask making for vets. Each vet makes one and they are all very telling and therapeutic as it relates to their experiences. 

Susan
Put together a Polar Plunge team that raised $10,405 to benefit Special Olympics. Also asked for donations to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in lieu of birthday gifts.

Jane
Makes donations and write in requests for NARAL and Planned Parenthood. Also a volunteer work for Vote Forward, writing letters to registered voters to encourage them to go and vote.

Pamela
Supports the Anti-Cruelty Society in the name of dog, Rubie, who was rescued from them.

Mara
Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center Board Member, working on the Luminary Award Dinner planning committee and the Night of Heroes planning committee. Also supported the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Walk and the World’s Most Beautiful Ride in Tahoe for blood cancers.

Maggie
Continues to volunteer with Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities.

Amanda
Volunteers with Wicker Park Bucktown Mutual Aid.

Liza
Volunteers at Chicago Canine Rescue walking dogs with her daughter, and donates and fundraises for Balance, Inc., an organization that supports people with disabilities.

Michaela
Participated in Busby Group Pantry Pickup! Volunteered with a group of neighborhood women to revive our Edgebrook farmers market – and hosting a winter holiday market.

Celeste
Participated in Busby Group Pantry Pickup!

First annual Busby Group Pantry Pickup!

Did you know one in five Chicago households are experiencing food insecurity (a set of circumstances that prevent access to food) in 2023? At Busby Group we find that number not only devastating, but also inspiring to take action. 

In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic when everything felt uncertain, Busby Group partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. It felt like a tangible step toward helping in some way, and it was one of the best decisions we have made to date. 

Since then, with a portion of every sale donated to the Food Depository, we have raised nearly $30,000 and over 88,000 meals – in fact, Busby Group is the #12 overall virtual food drive! 

Those funds helped support the nearly 1.5M households served by the Food Depository network of more than 800 community partners in 2021 alone. And since the pandemic, those numbers have only continued to grow: last year the Food Depository provided 77.3M meals, which is a 25% increase compared to pre-pandemic times. 

All of this to say, supporting our local community has always been a foundational aspect of Busby Group, and that commitment continues to grow. Our latest expression of that commitment is a new tradition Busby Group Pantry Pickup!

What is Busby Group Pantry Pickup?
The idea is simple: let us make it as easy as possible to support the Food Depository, plus say hello! The week October 23, the Busby Group team will caravan throughout the city picking up donations. We would love you to participate! Click below to schedule your preferred pickup date and time, and we will see you then! 

Most needed food drive items
Peanut butter 
Canned or dried beans
Canned soup/chili/stew 
Canned fruit 
Canned vegetables 
Canned fish

Please avoid items in glass containers.

Donate directly to our virtual food drive
$1 helps provide 3 meals!
Click here>>

313 S Racine Penthouse B: An Unbeatable Location!

In my line of work, I see just about every nook and cranny of Chicago, and just like with my kids, I could never pick a favorite! Each location has something different to offer. For our incredible penthouse listing at 313 S Racine, location is at the forefront of what I love most about this home (don’t get me wrong, the home is spectacular inside too!). 

In the heart of the city’s best dining
Always first on my mind is food and restaurants, so the first location highlight is its close proximity (walking distance!) to some of Chicago’s best restaurants. Everyone knows and loves Restaurant Row, but there are also many other must-visits close to this home. If you haven’t been to any of the following, I highly recommend making a reservation!

• Monteverde (for pasta!)

• El Che Steakhouse (a go-to favorite)

• Cone Gourmet Ice Cream (the best!)

• Greektown! Many of Chicago’s favorite restaurants are just down the street in Greektown. Athena’s patio in the summer is our favorite.

Museums and theaters
Yes we have museums and theaters throughout the city, but three of my favorites happen to be in this neighborhood including Chicago Children’s Theater (which offers shows and classes throughout the year), the Instagram haven also known as WNDR Museum and the National Hellenic Museum too! 

Life between two parks
I love Chicago’s parks so much, and this home happens to be right between two great ones: Skinner Park to the west and Bartleme Park to the east. Skinner Park is seven acres, and features a field house, basketball court, baseball fields and a playgroup. Bartleme Park is much smaller, but just as great with a play area, sunken dog park and a beautiful viewing hill with city views! It also hosts the West Loop farmers market on Saturdays.

Convenience
This home is literally close to everything! Target is around the corner. Ogivlie Transportation Center and Union Station are down the street. You can easily walk to the Loop. And as far as highways, this home is also perfectly positioned between 290 for those heading west, and 90/94 for those heading north or south. 

Easy access to education and institutions
Living near a school someone in your family attends is a game changer! This home is luckily close to four top institutions including Skinner West Elementary, Whitney Young Magnet High School, Saint Ignatius College Prep, Montessori Academy of Chicago and Rush and University of Illinois Chicago just on the other side of the highway. 

Interior highlights
The interior of this home is as perfect as the location. Highlights include: 

• New construction 4-bed, 3.5-bath duplex penthouse with 2 living areas, 3 outdoor spaces, 10-foot ceilings and high-end finishes just finished by one of the city’s top builders in the perfect West Loop location

• One of the building's largest roof decks featuring a built-in grill, east-facing city views and privacy fence

• Sleek designer eat-in kitchen boasts all luxe appliances, huge 12-foot island with seating for 6, Quartz countertops and pantry

• Private main level primary suite with 2 very generous walk-in closets and access to the second balcony and ensuite primary bath boasts floating double-bowl vanity, free-standing soaker tub, glass-enclosed walk-in rain shower and separate water closet

• 1 tandem parking space (fits 2 cars) with electric vehicle charging station (upgrade) in heated garage available for an additional $70K

Please contact me directly for a private showing of this amazing opportunity! 

Three real estate considerations for growing families

As a real estate broker and mother of two, I know one thing for sure: the nesting aspect of pregnancy is very real – and no one escapes it! It makes sense since it forces parents to really prepare the physical spaces they live in day-to-day for a new baby. 

I’ve seen some clients early in their pregnancy firmly believe they will stay put and make do in their current home once baby arrives. Then, all of the sudden the third trimester begins and BAM! Nesting in full force, and it becomes extremely urgent that they move to a bigger home. I have seen this happen countless times, and I am always happy to fly in with my cape and save the day!

Extra space is your friend
But truthfully, it never hurts to talk with a real estate broker early on in pregnancy because those of us who have been around the block will ask good questions like: where will visiting family/friends and/or additional support people sleep? Where will the stroller go? Will you have both a crib and bassinet and do they both fit where you want them to go? 

As baby grows and continues to amass toys, a larger bedroom with space to play or a separate playroom/area becomes more and more necessary. And remember, storage baskets and/or an armoire are your friends! You can start to see how real estate does come into play with all of the scenarios. 

Childcare/work from home setup
Then there are all the questions around childcare and careers. If you’re working from home, it is important to consider your work area and whether or not crying/playing sounds will carry. The first few months baby will be quiet, but trust me when I say they get very loud! If baby is headed to daycare, consider the daily commute time. 

Floor plan considerations
Structural implications are important to consider too. Some new parents think a duplex up is a great solution, but then realize that means carrying diapers and strollers upstairs. I always call families that live on the top floor of a walkup “Super City Parents” because you have to really be up for that type of cardio everyday! 

With many duplex floor plans, kid bedrooms and the primary suite are often separated, so that is something else to think about – sick days, baby feedings – these things matter. Also stairs! Think about whether or not you want interior stairs in your life. 

Did you just turn your brain to mush? Hopefully at least some of this was helpful in kick starting your thought process. You can find many more helpful resources here – a destination we created specifically for growing families.

Please contact me anytime to discuss further. I have been through all of this firsthand, so I know how it goes!