Helping a Retired Professional Athlete Build Long-Term Wealth
A retired Seattle Seahawks player was referred to us while exploring investment opportunities in Chicago. Living out of state, he wanted properties with strong financial returns that required minimal maintenance.
We analyzed cap rates, gross rent multipliers (GRM), projected cash flow, and long-term appreciation before identifying several investment opportunities that aligned with his goals. Over time, we helped him purchase multiple properties and expand his portfolio.
Rather than hiring a property manager, he relied on our trusted network of local contractors and vendors. Today, we continue serving as a local resource, helping simplify out-of-state ownership.
Highlights:
Investment property analysis
Multiple acquisitions
Vendor network for self-management
Long-term investment guidance
Finding the Right Home on a Tight NFL Timeline
When a Chicago Bears player was traded to the team, his agent contacted us with an urgent need for housing near the team's practice facility. Luxury short-term rentals in the area were limited, and the family also needed flexibility should another trade occur.
We located the ideal property and negotiated an early termination clause, giving the family peace of mind if plans changed. To make the transition effortless, we coordinated a fully furnished home complete with furniture, televisions, linens, kitchenware, and household essentials before they arrived.
By handling every detail, we allowed the player to focus on football while his family settled comfortably into their new home.
Highlights:
Luxury rental secured on a tight timeline
Flexible lease negotiated
Fully furnished move-in ready home
Concierge relocation services
Built on Trust and Shared Values
PROVEN PARTNERSHIPS
Jennifer Guimond-Quigley, Attorney At Law
Some professional relationships grow from shared values long before business is ever involved.
Our relationship with Jennifer Guimond-Quigley began more than a decade ago through the Neighborhood Parents Network, where Jennifer served as president. Through our mutual involvement in supporting Chicago families and communities, a trusted professional relationship naturally developed over the years.
Since then, we have collaborated closely on a variety of client matters, particularly those involving estate-related transitions and the sale of homes following the loss of a loved one.
Jennifer has become a valued resource for many of our clients, while she has trusted Busby Group to support families navigating highly emotional transitions that require patience, discretion, and thoughtful communication.
Our shared approach centers around professionalism, responsiveness, organization, and genuine care for the people involved.
“Julie and her team have been amazing to work with. Our initial introduction was through Neighborhood Parents Network, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides resources to parents, which is something Julie and I have both been passionate about. We have successfully collaborated on real estate matters with Julie and her team over the years and notably, I have been comfortable sending clients to The Busby Group who are selling property after the death of a loved one, which is an exceptionally delicate and emotional time and requires special care. They handle all of it with skill and ease. I am thrilled to have them in my corner as a trusted resource and will continue to rely on them when the need arises.”
- Jennifer
Built on Trust and Shared Values
Transitions involving estate planning, probate, or inherited property often require coordination between multiple trusted professionals.
We are grateful for partnerships with attorneys like Jennifer who share our belief that clients deserve not only expertise, but also compassion, communication, and thoughtful guidance during important life moments.
Lock-and-Leave Living in Chicago
Two Luxury Residences Designed for Convenience, Security, and Effortless City Living
For many buyers today, especially those balancing multiple homes, frequent travel, or seasonal living between Chicago and warmer climates like Florida or Arizona, convenience matters just as much as the home itself.
That is why “lock-and-leave” living continues to be one of the most desirable lifestyle trends in Chicago luxury real estate.
The ideal lock-and-leave home offers more than beautiful finishes. Buyers are often looking for:
Full-service buildings with door staff and secure access
Minimal maintenance and simplified ownership
Strong amenity offerings
Walkability to dining, parks, culture, and the lakefront
Easy connectivity for those splitting time between cities
We are also seeing increased demand from seasonal residents and “snowbirds” who want to enjoy Chicago during its best months while maintaining the flexibility to spend winters in destinations like Naples, Scottsdale, Palm Beach, or Arizona.
Two current Busby Group listings embody this lifestyle particularly well.
211 N Harbor Dr #1801
Elevated Living at Cirrus in Lakeshore East
Set within the highly sought-after Cirrus building in Lakeshore East, this residence offers a refined and highly service-oriented living experience.
The home itself features sweeping views of Lake Michigan, Lakeshore East Park, and the skyline, paired with thoughtful upgrades including custom closets, designer lighting, and custom window treatments.
But what truly makes this property ideal for lock-and-leave living is the building itself.
Residents enjoy:
24-hour door staff and secure entry
Professional on-site management
Indoor and outdoor pools
Extensive fitness and wellness amenities
Co-working spaces and entertaining lounges
Golf and sports simulators
Easy access to the lakefront, Riverwalk, dining, and downtown
This type of full-service environment allows owners to enjoy the city when they are here while maintaining peace of mind when away.
View property here:
211 N Harbor Dr #1801
1250 S Michigan Ave #2802
Full-Service South Loop Living with Skyline and Lake Views
Located in the heart of the South Loop, Michigan Avenue Tower I offers another excellent example of lock-and-leave luxury.
This high-floor residence combines expansive views with the convenience of full-service condo living in one of Chicago’s most connected neighborhoods.
Buyers are drawn to this location because of its:
Close proximity to Grant Park and the lakefront
Walkability to museums, restaurants, and downtown offices
Strong building amenities and security
Easy access to city conveniences without the maintenance of a larger home
The building features:
24-hour door staff
Fitness center
Outdoor pool and sundeck
Secure entry and professional management
For buyers spending part of the year elsewhere, this creates an ideal setup that blends flexibility, security, and convenience with an elevated city lifestyle.
View property here:
1250 S Michigan Ave #2802
Why Lock-and-Leave Living Continues to Grow
We continue to see strong demand for homes that support flexibility and ease of ownership.
Many buyers today are:
Splitting time between Chicago and warmer climates
Purchasing second or third residences
Downsizing from larger suburban homes
Looking for a lower-maintenance lifestyle
Wanting full-service amenities and security
Chicago’s luxury condo market offers a unique opportunity to combine:
Full-service living
Prime urban access
Lakefront lifestyle
Relative value compared to coastal cities
For many buyers, it creates the perfect balance between convenience, lifestyle, and long-term flexibility.
Busby Group Perspective
As more buyers prioritize flexibility and lifestyle-driven living, full-service luxury buildings with strong amenities, security, and connectivity continue to stand out.
With over $1B in career sales and extensive experience helping clients navigate second homes, relocations, and seasonal living, we help buyers identify not just the right property, but the right lifestyle fit as well.
Shared Clients and Strategy
PROVEN PARTNERSHIPS
Natalie Hatfield, Estate Planning Attorney
Some of the strongest professional relationships are built through shared clients and shared values.
Our relationship with estate planning attorney Natalie Hatfield began after one of her clients suggested that our teams should work together, recognizing how aligned our approaches were in terms of organization, communication, professionalism, and genuine care for clients navigating important life transitions.
Since then, we have worked together on estate-related transactions requiring thoughtful coordination, strategic preparation, and a high level of responsiveness.
Natalie and her team bring clarity and structure to the legal side of estate planning and administration, while Busby Group helps guide clients through the real estate portion with hands-on coordination and concierge-level support. Together, the goal is to create a more seamless and supportive experience for families during what can often be overwhelming situations.
One estate sale in particular required an accelerated timeline involving home preparation, strategic updates, staging, launch strategy, and closing coordination. Working collaboratively, our teams helped create a smooth process and a strong outcome for the estate.
“I was referred to Julie Busby and her team by my brother and sister-in-law. They had worked with the Busby Group to sell their Chicago home and had a good experience. I needed to quickly sell a home for an Estate I was working on. Julie and her team responded to me on the very same day I reached out to them. Every single step of the way Julie and her team were above and beyond professional, efficient, and pleasant. I was amazed at the work they did in accomplishing a home remodel, listing, and sale within 30 days of my initial call. Their good work resulted in 13 different offers all over asking price and a quick expeditious closing. I cannot say enough good things about the Busby Group.” – Natalie
Why Partnerships Matter
Estate and transition-related sales often involve multiple professionals working together on behalf of a client or family.
We value partnerships with attorneys, financial advisors, insurance professionals, and senior living experts who share our belief that communication, organization, and empathy matter just as much as the transaction itself.
Helping a Professional Athlete's Family Feel at Home
When the wife of a Chicago Cubs player contacted us through our Sports Star Relocation Network, the family needed to relocate quickly following a trade. With young children, they wanted more than just a rental. They wanted a place that felt safe, comfortable, and ready to call home.
Within days, we secured the right property, negotiated favorable lease terms, recommended the best neighborhood for their lifestyle, and ensured the home was properly furnished before they arrived.
We remained their concierge throughout their time in Chicago, helping with vendors, recommendations, and day-to-day needs. When another trade came, we coordinated their transition out of Chicago just as seamlessly as their arrival. Today, we remain in touch and are grateful for the lasting friendship that grew from the experience.
Highlights:
Quick relocation after a trade
Family-focused neighborhood guidance
Concierge service throughout their stay
Lasting client relationship
A Neutral and Steady Approach During a Difficult Divorce
LEGACY & TRANSITIONS SUCCESS STORY
This sale involved a particularly challenging divorce situation where maintaining professionalism, neutrality, and clear communication was essential throughout the process.
Both attorneys appreciated our calm and balanced approach, recognizing the importance of having a real estate team that could remain objective while helping move the transaction forward constructively.
At the time, the property was located in an area facing softer buyer demand, making thoughtful preparation and positioning especially important to achieving a successful outcome.
After evaluating the market and the home’s condition, we implemented strategic, cost-conscious updates designed to improve presentation and maximize appeal without creating unnecessary expense. Through our trusted vendor network, we coordinated improvements and staging that helped buyers better connect with the home and envision its potential.
Throughout the process, our role extended beyond simply marketing the property. We focused on maintaining structure, reducing friction where possible, and helping all parties navigate the transaction with greater clarity and professionalism.
The result was a successful sale that allowed both parties to move forward and close an important chapter.
Creating Structure and Support During a Divorce Transition
LEGACY & TRANSITIONS SUCCESS STORY
This client came to us through a referral, and from the beginning, it was important that the process felt balanced, professional, and respectful for everyone involved.
Attorneys representing both parties reviewed and approved Busby Group to handle the sale, recognizing the importance of having a team that could provide clear communication, thoughtful coordination, and a steady approach throughout the transaction.
Our focus became creating a strategy that would maximize value while minimizing additional stress during an already difficult life transition.
After evaluating the property and the surrounding market, we implemented several cost-effective improvements designed to create a strong return on investment without overextending the sellers. Through our trusted vendor network, we coordinated updates and preparation efficiently so the home could be positioned competitively once it launched.
Communication was a key priority throughout the process. We provided consistent weekly updates to all parties involved so everyone remained informed, aligned, and confident in the next steps.
To further support the launch strategy, we hosted curated events and presentations that helped generate early interest and strong buyer activity.
The result was a successful sale that aligned with both the sellers’ preferred timeline and pricing goals, creating a smoother transition for all parties involved.
A Seamless Cross-Country Transition
A Strategic Sell-to-Buy Success Story
Relocating to another city is challenging on its own. Coordinating the sale of a home at the same time can make the process feel even more overwhelming, especially when timing, job transitions, and uncertainty about the next move all intersect at once.
These clients were preparing for a move to the East Coast for a job relocation, but like many homeowners, they were unsure about the right timing. They wanted to maximize the value of their Chicago home while also avoiding the pressure of having to rush into their next purchase.
Because they were referred to us by a past client through a local moms group, there was already a strong level of trust from the beginning. From there, we built a strategy focused on creating flexibility and reducing stress throughout the process.
Using our in-house concierge team, we coordinated updates and preparation items for both the home and building, ensuring the property was positioned strongly before launch. At the same time, we helped the clients evaluate different timing scenarios for selling and buying simultaneously.
The result was a strategic launch that generated multiple offers over list price along with a complimentary post-close leaseback, allowing the family to remain in their home after closing while searching for their next property on the East Coast.
That flexibility completely changed the experience for them. Instead of feeling pressured to buy quickly, they were able to explore neighborhoods, evaluate options thoughtfully, and ultimately purchase with confidence knowing their Chicago home was already sold.
The Takeaway
For many families, the biggest challenge is not simply selling a home. It is coordinating the timing of both sides of the move in a way that feels manageable and strategic.
With the right plan, it is often possible to maximize your sale price, create flexibility after closing, and avoid the stress of trying to buy and sell at the exact same moment.
At Busby Group, nearly 80% of our clients are currently navigating a sell-to-buy move, and helping create a smoother path forward is one of the things we do best.
Strategic Preparation for a Stronger Estate Sale
LEGACY & TRANSITIONS SUCCESS STORY
This client was referred to us by estate planning attorney Natalie Hatfield as the family prepared to sell a home held within a trust.
The property was located in a competitive market where presentation and finish level would play a significant role in the final outcome. The family wanted to maximize value thoughtfully while also being mindful of costs and the many decisions already involved in managing the estate.
From the beginning, our approach focused on creating a clear strategy and helping simplify the process.
Working closely with the trust and family representatives, we evaluated which improvements would make the most meaningful impact in today’s market. Through our trusted vendor network, we coordinated strategic updates and remodeling work at preferred pricing, allowing the home to better compete with surrounding properties while keeping costs controlled.
Our goal was not to over-improve the property, but rather to thoughtfully align the home with buyer expectations in the neighborhood and position it effectively against competing inventory.
Once the updates were complete, we launched our marketing strategy to create strong early demand. The result was multiple offers and a successful sale $26,000 over list price that maximized value for the trust while creating a far more streamlined experience for the family.